Dear church members and friends of St. John's,
We have now received 74 pledges for $334,912. Thank you to all who have made your pledge for 2012! Some people give but not pledge. However, what you give is between you and God and the church is grateful for whatever you may give. Here is one way to think about pledging for those who don't do it. If everyone who does not pledge would pledge just $1 per week or $52 per year that would equal another $3000 or so in pledges in combined income. Perhaps this is the challenge you have been waiting for. Pray about it and see how the Lord may lead you. If you have not yet pledged and you feel the Holy Spirit's nudge in that direction, call the church office if you want a pledge card. Session members are invited to join the Stewardship Committee for a discussion of the 2012 budget at 7:30 pm this Tuesday.
This Saturday, December 3, you are invited to St. John's Breakfast at 8 am for a fun and festive time to get together to begin the holiday season. Bring a small covered dish of your favorite breakfast food for all to share. At 8:30 am the music program will begin.
This Sunday, December 4, is a day of significant events in the life of our congregation.
- Give the gift of life in our Blood Drive in Building II, Room 209, from 8 am – 12 noon. All donors will be eligible to win a rolling cart.
- Church school classes for all ages will meet at 9 am in Building I and II.
- We will worship God and celebrate the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am in the sanctuary.
- After worship warm soup will be served and Holiday Gift Market booths will be open in Fellowship Hall.
- At 5 pm in the sanctuary Tom Jaber and his chamber orchestra will present a free concert.
Everyone is invited to each activity but don't feel obligated to attend every event. As I said in the sermon last Sunday, the way to judge the success of a church program or event is not by how many attend but by the quality of the experience of those who participate. Did this event help us accomplish our mission by: 1) Glorifying God; 2) Making disciples; or 3) Meeting human needs?
The Holiday Gift Market this Sunday featuring alternative gifts will be open from 11:45 am - 3 pm in Fellowship Hall. We are hopeful that Santa will be on hand for pictures although given his schedule this time of year we may never be sure whether he will make it or not. There will be a Craft Sale & Silent Auction. The ministries who will have a booth include Anchor House (St. John's Apartment Ministry); Coalition of Appalachian Ministries; Delicious Peace Coffee; Heifer Project Living Waters for the World; Lulwanda Children's Home; Matthew's Market; Pennies for Peace; Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services; St. John's Presbyterian Youth Mission Trips; Ten Thousand Villages; and UNICEF. Here is a poster to display.
This Sunday you may also bring children's socks, only newborn to kindergarten size in any color or style, to help decorate our two Christmas trees. One tree will stand in the Narthex and one in the church office entrance. St. John's Presbyterian Women will deliver the socks to the House of Tiny Treasures and Small Steps Nurturing Center.
Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon
--
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
--
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
