Dear church members and friends of St. John's,
Envy is quite a darling in the beginning. Envy may make you feel closer to someone when you both share a secret grudge or resentment against someone else. But envy is a cruel mate over time. Similar in effect to drug addiction or alcoholism, envy won't murder you on the street in cold blood. Envy kills more slowly over time. First, it compromises your immune system so your body becomes less able to resist germs and diseases. Then it feeds those germs and diseases so they grow strong within, fueled by bitterness and anger. Finally, it kills you, the real you, the Christ in you. You may still be breathing. You may still be walking around. But the Christ in you has been smothered. Envy will rob you blind. Then it will kill you. The sermon title this sermon is A Cure for Envy and is based on Jesus' parable on that topic in Matthew 20:1-16.
Our prayers continue to be with those who lost homes and more in the wildfires including some of the folks in the neighborhood of Mary Sterner's parents. Her parents are back in their house now. Mary will be ordained and installed as an elder this Sunday during worship.
Fall Children's Choir rehearsals will begin Sunday, October 2. All children of elementary school age are encouraged to join Kyra Noons and Shirley Boyd in Room 209, 11:45-12:15, which is immediately after the Sunday morning worship service.
We are feeding the hungry. In August, Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) food pantry served 1376 clients (662 children and 714 adults), 20 of whom were homeless.
On Sunday, September 25 we will welcome to our pulpit the Rev.Carlton (Cobbie) Palm. He is a missionary on furlough and is speaking to churches in our presbytery. After worship he will speak in Fellowship Hall after a light lunch provided. He has served with Presbyterian World Mission in the Philippines since 1989 and is the Director of Spiritual Formation at the Divinity School at Silliman University.
You are invited to a Stewardship Kick-off Congregational Potluck on Sunday, October 9, after worship. Think about what food you may bring.
We had 30 donors at our Blood Drive on September 11! That was 30% more than usual. Thanks to all who participated.
Your help is needed to make our wishes come true at St. John's. Speak to David or someone in the church office for details. Think generous. We have a short list that includes the following items:
— Phone in choir room; — Television and converter box for library; — New outdoor furniture; — Refurbish sign on West Bellfort ; — New office furniture;
— Choir Room: Dimmer switch for choir area; — Carpet cleaner machine & supplies
You have a great weekend and we'll see you this Sunday as we come together to worship God.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
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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
