You are among the most generous people I have ever known. Remember the church with an end of the year gift if you are able. Rest assured whatever you give to this congregation will be multiplied many times over in vital ministry. If you spent as much time as I do in the church office building, you too would be astounded at all the ministry and outreach that goes on here. The loving energy that passes through this building and out into the world is palpable. And this is but one hub for the ministries that each of you carries out in the fullness of your life at home - listening to a child, caring for a parent, praying for a friend; and at work - dealing with difficult situations, meeting deadlines, being a peaceful presence for your colleagues.
Your life is a gift to God that is expressed in many ways, one of which is in and through a faith community called St. John's. Let me take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your generosity to me, the church staff, this community, this city and the world. You are inspiring people. You are gifted for ministry. You are committed and you are generous. Do not hesitate to express your generosity with an additional gift to St. John's at this time of year. You may think of it as your Christmas gift to Jesus. No doubt you will give a Christmas gift to every other important person in your life. Consider also giving a special gift to St. John's above and beyond your pledge.
Speaking of pledges, if you have not pledged for 2012, cards are in the pew racks and the church office will be happy to mail you one. Call the church office at 713-723-6262 and we will mail you a pledge card. If you've never pledged, perhaps you may want to start small. For those who are new to this spiritual discipline, your attitude of commitment to Christ and the desire to be a part of this successful enterprise matters more than the amount of money pledged.
Christ's birth may not be acknowledged in the secular world but it will most certainly be acknowledged in our hearts, in our lives, and in the worship and ongoing ministry of St. John's Presbyterian Church. If God has blessed you in such a way that you are able to do so, write an additional check to St. John's today in honor of the baby who was born in a manger long ago and who is reborn in our hearts during this holy season. Think of this additional check as a way of acknowledging the true reason for the season, the birth of Christ our Lord.
You are a walking miracle and you don't even know it. You are blessing people right here in this church and all over the world by being who you are and doing what you do. The difference between a life filled with wonder and a so-called "boring" life comes down to one word: Perception. Let us see what we find as we look and listen for God's word to us this Sunday from Luke 1:26-38. The sermon title is God's Christmas Wish for You: How to Experience Miracles Like Mother Mary.
Peace,
Jon B.
P.S. Links of Interest:
- December 2011 / January 2012 Beacon
- Living Waters for the World Cuba Mission Trip
- Stewardship Update
- Welcome St. John's Newest Members
- New Beginnings - January Session Transition
- Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Benefiting Braes Interfaith Ministries
- St. John's Calendar: December 11 - 18
- Weekly Reminders: December 11, 2011
- Children's Socks Needed for Christmas Trees
- Presbytery of New Covenant - 2011 Auditors Financial Report
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
