We are still close enough to Christmas to remember the words of the angel who said to Mary, "Fear not!" Remember the words of the angel to the shepherds when the angel announced the birth of Jesus: "Fear not." What are you afraid of? What keeps you awake at night? Fear of financial failure? Fear of embarrassment? Fear of losing your job? Fear of losing your house? Fear of losing your spouse? We are driven by our fears. If we are going to be driven by our fears then let us be driven to the feet of Jesus and pour out our fears at the feet of Jesus. For when we empty out of fears at Jesus' feet then we can truly love. Then we can reach out to others and bring them to Jesus. Then we have a reason to celebrate what Jesus has done for us. Some people have an attitude that "Jesus never did anything for me" but the thing is they never asked Jesus to do anything for them. Pour out your fears at the feet of Jesus and he will honor your gift and fill your emptiness with love.
The sermon scripture this week is John 1:43-51. This is the story of Jesus calling the disciples Nathaniel and Philip to lay down their fishing nets and come follow him. While this text has often been interpreted as a call to mission, it may more appropriately be seen as an epiphany story. More precisely, here Jesus invites you to an epiphany, a revelation of God, in the person of Jesus.
Our Christian sympathy with the family of Rev. Hudson McNair, former Associate Pastor at St. John's, upon the death of his wife, Dottie.
Our Christian sympathy is also with the family of Keith Hill, a former member, who passed away yesterday.
All Committee Day is this Saturday, January 14, in Fellowship Hall. Continental breakfast will be available at 8:45 am. The program begins at 9 am and will conclude before noon. This is the first meeting of the various committees. Come and see what God is doing to bless the world through this congregation.
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
