Dear church members and friends of St. John's,
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. World War II was also brought to mind this week in the largest evacuation of a German city since WWII. Koblenz, Germany was evacuated last Sunday after unexploded bombs from World War II were found in a nearby river. The dramatic story of the defusing of these weapons inspires reflection on the "unexploded bombs" that lurk beneath the surface of so many of our relationships with family members and friends.
As the holidays approach, what bombs will we encounter as we gather around tables for meals and conversation? Alcohol abuse, infidelity, drug abuse, mental illness, sexual addiction?
What bombs will we bring with us? Anger, resentment, jealousy, bitterness? And perhaps the most important question of all: How can we defuse these bombs?
During the Christmas season, we are bombarded by cards, gifts, music, ads and parties. All promise happiness. But many people enter the season feeling hurts, losses, disappointments and grief. How can this pain be acknowledged? These are serious questions for Advent.
I hope your Advent season is going well and you are in good health. Know that you are in my prayers. Give me a call at the church office whenever you wish to talk. Let me know if you want a pastoral visit. I want you to feel like you are a vital part of this congregation because you are.
There is a congregational meeting on 11 Dec to approve the new by-laws and to hear and act on a report from the nominating committee. The Current By-Laws are here. The Proposed By-Laws are here. Three ruling elders (Mike Alexander, Bill Ehrenstrom, and Mary Herlitz) worked on updating the Bylaws which the Session then modified a bit and now recommend to the congregation. If you have questions about the Bylaws before the meeting call one of the elders listed above. Otherwise, there will be opportunity for discussion during the congregation meeting this Sunday.
The Nominating Committee nominates these church members for a three-year term on the Session: Jim Austin, Ann Hardy, Tom MadAdam, and Fran Urquhart; and Isabelle Mulder as youth elder. The Nominating Committee nominates the following members to serve on the Nominating Committee: George Dobbin, John Freeman, and Christine Nelson. The Nominating Committee nominates David Rainwater to serve on the Scholarship Committee.
Here are links to the beautiful music from the Community Thanksgiving Service, courtesy of Bob: Prelude - Introit - Anthem - Si Vis Amari - Offertory - Benediction.
Here is an article by John Freeman that describes the recent mission trip to Cuba.
The total for the Holiday Gift Market is more than $11,000. Thank you to all who contributed in various ways.
Pledge cards are available in the pew racks and will remain there each Sunday from now until the end of the year. Pledges help the Session plan the church's budget. Please consider making a pledge to the church in 2012 if you have not yet done so. As of now we have received 82 pledges for $353,250. In comparison, this time last year we had received 83 pledges totaling $337,076. Those who have pledged have been generous in their giving! Some people give but do not pledge and we value their gifts as well. The Apostle Paul offers guidelines for giving to Christ's church in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
There is a called presbytery meeting this Saturday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in our sanctuary.
The early disciples interaction with Jesus was experiential. Jesus invited them to "come and see" and they came and saw. They gained insight found only at the level of profound trust. John the Baptist challenges us to explore the secret places within us where the bombs lay buried under the surface. Superseding John the Baptist, Jesus invites us to explore the Christ within us. There we find the God of "peace that passes all understanding."
This Advent may the lyrics of that beautiful anthem become our inner battle cry: "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
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
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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
