Tomorrow my family and I will move to 5042 Wigton, 77096, which is a 4 minute walk from the church. This will put us 10 minutes closer to our children's schools at Pin Oak Middle School and Challenge Early High School which in on the campus of Southwest Houston Community College just off the 610 Loop. After moving on Friday, I will be preaching on Sunday, then on vacation next week as we unpack so I will not be sending out an Epistle next week.
Thank you to those who have been praying for this to work out for us. Things have happened along the way that let us know that God was working in this situation. For example, we were going to have to move out earlier to accommodate the buyer's schedule but due to an unforeseen development (there God was working) we got to renegotiate our move out date to the one that fit our schedule. If we hadn't been able to do this, our move would have required moving twice. We appreciate everyone who was there for us during this transition. We also appreciate Carli Jacobsen who was our realtor. We are really going to miss Carli and her family in our church and in this community.
In the process of moving from one house to another, I am forced to take inventory of my material possessions and this has spilled over into an evaluation of where we are as a congregation at this point four years into my ministry here. My vision for St. John's consists of making disciples through praying together and sharing our lives in a deep and meaningful manner. This is happening now but it is going to increase exponentially in the next few years. God is doing something new in our midst. We are in the early stages of God's new work here. My best reading of our current situation in this congregation is that we will continue to grow in our relationships with Christ and one another. Our spiritual lives will be filled with Holy Spirit and our overflowing cup will spill over into the community and draw people to the Christ in us. I sense the early stages of such growth happening now. There has been a positive shift in this congregation in the past several months. There is a slightly more upbeat energy level. Expectations are increasing. New ideas are flowing. Relationships are renewing.
This is what is happening right now at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston. We are now in the beginning stages of living into God's future for this congregation. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in Christ's kingdom work here and anticipate nurturing us into further growth in the months and years to come. Christ is moving in our midst and we are witnesses of these things that are happening in and through us. Such is the mystical nature of life in the body of Christ, the church. As an angel said to a group of distraught women when they didn't find Jesus in the tomb, so I say to you in regard to Christ's body called St. John's Presbyterian Church: "Don't be afraid ... Come and see ... Now I have told you." (Matthew 28:5-7)
Our church website is experiencing some technical difficulties which are being addressed. In the meantime, you may use our church blog site for the latest update on all things St. John's at http://sjpresby.blogspot.com.
The Session has called a congregational meeting on Sunday, June 26 to elect an elder to finish Aaron Jacobsen's term on Session. The Nominating Committee will nominate Mary Sterner to complete Aaron's final months as an Elder in the class of 2011. Nominations from the floor may also be accepted provided the person being nominated has agreed to serve if elected.
Our Youth Mission Group is in Guatemala this week. They left Monday and will return Saturday. We have heard from them and they are doing well. Keep these participants in prayer as they engage in mission projects from painting a church to leading children's activities to adult Bible studies with a little time thrown in for sight seeing as well. Here are the adults: Mary Sterner, Aaron Jacobsen, Mary Gaber, and Deborah Ganelin; and here are the youth participants: Brendan Ehrenstrom, Jacob Ehrenstrom, Patrick Harrel, Christianna Johnson, Gabriel McGuire, Isabel Mulder, and Gabrielle Williams. They are there for only a week but our church has a continuous presence there through our denomination's partners in mission in Guatemala.
Our mission efforts this summer extend from Guatemala to Uganda. These items are needed for the Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda: Individual white glue bottles; glue sticks; and children's scissors (eg: Fiskars). Please deliver them to the church office before June 19. Kathie Hartzog will hand deliver the items to Uganda. She will be flying out on July 1.
We look forward to two forthcoming concerts in our sanctuary. On Thursday, June 23, Allan Barnhill will lead a Brass Concert at 7:30 pm. Then on Sunday, June 26, the Chaplewood United Methodist Choir will present a choral concert at 3 pm in the sanctuary. Mark your calendar and bring a friend.
Sunday, June 19, Rev. Linda Herron will be preaching as I take a week off to unpack and move in our new house. I appreciate Linda's willingness and her leadership and preaching skills that she brings to the pulpit in my absence.
May the Lord be with you this weekend as we anticipate all the energy and wonder of Pentecost Sunday. I hope to see you in worship this Sunday as we welcome new members and then at the brunch after worship. Kristi Edmondsond will prepare the brunch so I know you will want to stay for the fellowship and fine dining in the Fellowship Hall after worship this Sunday.
Peace of Christ be with you,
P Pastor Jon B.
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The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Burnham
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035
Phone 713-723-6262 | sjpresby.blogspot.com
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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
