Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Mustard Seed Project

The Mustard Seed Project is simple, yet it has the power to change the world by planting seeds of hope and compassion for people in Houston. For this project, a person will be asked to use $100 to help a person or a group of people in his/her community through a simple act of kindness.

St. John's Faith In Action Committee hopes the “seed” money will plant feelings of inspiration in the lives of people living without hope, cultivate benevolence among humans, and, ultimately, grow God’s Kingdom.
As stated in Matthew 13:31-32, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”

The Faith In Action Committee invites members of the congregation to pray about where God is calling them to serve people in need. If members feel impassioned to engage in such an act of compassion and service, they will be given $100 to invest through the Mustard Seed Project.

The hope of this ministry is to empower its members to meet people’s needs and provide a lasting impact on the community, whether that impact is large and far reaching, or small and heartfelt.  If interested in receiving funding for a Mustard Seed Project, please contact Pastor Jon, or Tom and Claire MacAdam.
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PW Sunday Circle Bible Study — Sunday June 2

The Sunday Circle will meet June 2, 12 noon. Lesson 9: Brothers and Sisters in Harmony (1 John 2-4; Jude 17-25) will be discussed. Contact Kathleen Captain, Sunday Chair, if you have any questions. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Neighbor to Neighbor Program

Braes Interfaith Ministries received $593.00 through the 2011-2012 Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Program!

Every year groups must enroll to be an active participant, including those who have participated previously. St. John's is in the process of verifing our account. When our bar code number has been confirmed, St. John's will distribute the forms needed to register and/or re-register.


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Sunday May 26 Insert Highlights

Church Offices Closed Monday, May 27: The offices will be closed for Memorial Day.
St. John’s staff wishes everyone a safe and restful holiday.

Beacon Assemblers, Tuesday, May 28: Come to Room 205, Tuesday, May 28 to help assemble the June/July newsletter. No experience necessary!

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, June 1: Don’t miss the last Saturday Breakfast until fall. Everyone is welcome to Fellowship Hall at 8 am for breakfast and the speaker, Rosie from Seavents World Travel, will present her program. Come learn about fun trips by rail, air or sea.

Scholarship Application, Deadline June 2: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides an educational grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the office.

Sunday Circle, June 2: All women of St. John’s are invited to the Bible Study, after worship in Building 2. Lesson 9: Brothers and Sisters in Harmony (1 John 2-4; Jude 17-25) will be discussed.

Summer Brunches: Our summer tradition returns – lunch served in Fellowship Hall after Worship. Our first Brunch will be June 9, with Christian Education Committee working in the kitchen. Their brunch will be dedicated to St. John’s teachers. Come and enjoy lunch and add your thanks to all of our wonderful teachers.


Ushers: Ushering opportunities are now available for the months of June, July, August and September. Scheduling is flexible and substitutes are encouraged to also join in. Please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex and join this dynamic ministry. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for any additional information.

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Weekly Schedule: May 26 - June 2

Sunday, May 26 – Beacon deadline
  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
12:00 pm  Beacon deadline

Monday, May 27 Memorial Day
Church Offices Closed
10:00 am  Bob’s Crew

Tuesday, May 28
  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Association Board Meeting
  9:30 am  Beacon assemblers
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, May 29
12:00 pm  Centering Prayer
  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop, Scout Room

Thursday, May 30
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong” Room 209

Friday, May 31
  6:00 – 9:00 pm  Pack 8, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, June 1 
 
8:00 am  St. John’s Breakfast
  9:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, June 2
  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Nominating Committee
11:45 am  Sunday Circle




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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Braes Interfaith Ministries Update

In April Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) food pantry served 989 clients (377 children and 611 adults) and 23 of the clients served were homeless.




When was the last time you visited Braes Resale and Consignment shop 
(10319 S. Post Oak Rd @ West Bellfort)?

Every dollar earned at the store buys $27 worth of food at the Houston food Bank.

Contact BIM (713-723-2671) or the Braes Resale Store (713-728-0024) 
to learn about volunteer opportunities. 



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St. John's Breakfast, June 1


Do not miss St. John’s last spring breakfast!

Come to Fellowship Hall at 8 am for breakfast, and at 8:30 am our speaker, Rosie from
Seavents World Travel will present her program. Come learn about the fun trips which are available by rail, air or sea.

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Sunday, May 19, 2013


Graduating Seniors Reception May 19
Graduation Celebration
Please join our graduating high school seniors, and their families, for a reception in Fellowship Hall today, after Worship.
 
Congratulations to Brendan Ehrenstrom, Austin Gorby, Benjamin Muanza, Isabelle Mulder and Josh Barnhill (friend of St. John's).

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Ground-Blessing, May 12


The children's choir sang at the Ground-Blessing last Sunday. One year ago on Mother's Day the congregation approved the concept of partnering with Presbyterian Children's Home and Services for a Single Parent Family Ministry. The ground blessing for this new ministry was held after worship last Sunday. The official Grounbreaking Ceremony with all the ministry partners participating will be this Thursday at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. 
 
More pictures of the May 12 Ground-Blessing for the Single Parent Family Ministry may be viewed here, photo album.
 

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Pentecost Offering

The Pentecost Offering is received on the day of Pentecost (May 19, 2013). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations keep 40 percent of the offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. St. John's will use the 40 percent to fund the Mustard Seed Projects.

The General Assembly’s portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million since 1998 for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family.

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Sunday May 19 Reminders


Sunday Circle, Today: The Sunday Circle will meet today at 12 noon studying Lesson 8, The Bad Seeds (1 John 2; 2 Peter 2-3; Jude 1-16). Contact Kathleen Captain, Sunday Chair, if you have any questions. Walk-ins are welcome.

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF): All youth, grades 6 – 12, are welcome to join the end of school celebration today at 5 pm. We will celebrate the beginning of summer with fellowship, food and games. This is the last regular PYF of the school year.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, June 1: Don’t miss the last Saturday Breakfast until fall. Everyone is welcome to Fellowship Hall at 8 am for breakfast and the speaker, Rosie from Seavents World Travel, will present her program. Come learn about fun trips by rail, air or sea.

Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers, Wednesday, May 22: People are needed to sandwich meat between two slices of bread and place in a baggie! That’s all you need to do to help feed our city’s hungry children. Come to Fellowship Hall at 6 pm Wednesday and truly make a difference in a child’s life.

Scholarship Application, Deadline June 1: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides an educational grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the office.

Church Offices Closed Monday, May 27: The offices will be closed for Memorial Day.
St. John’s staff wishes everyone a safe and restful holiday.

Summer Brunches: Our summer tradition returns – lunch served in Fellowship Hall after Worship. Our first Brunch will be June 9, with Christian Education Committee working in the kitchen. Their brunch will be dedicated to St. John’s teachers. Come and enjoy lunch and add your thanks to all of our wonderful teachers.

Ushers: Ushering opportunities are now available for the months of June, July, August and September. Scheduling is flexible and substitutes are encouraged to also join in. Please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex and join this dynamic ministry. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for any additional information. 




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May 19 - 26: Weekly Calendar


                                      This Week at St. John’s


Sunday, May 19 – Day of Pentecost – Graduating Seniors
  9:00 am  Church School
  9:00 am  Men’s Study
  9:45 am  Children’s Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Graduating Seniors’ Reception, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm  Sunday Circle
  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Monday, May 20
  9:00 am  Staff Meeting
10:00 am  Bob’s Crew
  6:00 pm  Walking Together
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 21
  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Association, Installation of Officers
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, May 22
12:00 pm  Centering Prayer
  6:00 pm  Sandwich Makers, McPhail Hall
  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop, Scout Room
  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, May 23
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong” Room 209

Saturday, May 25 
 
9:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 26  - Beacon Deadline
  9:00 am  Church School
  9:00 am  Men’s Study
1
0:30 am  Worship Service
12:00 pm  Beacon deadline


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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Welcoming our New Ministry

St. John's Congregation
Pastor Jon

 Ground-Blessing
Single Family Parent Ministry
May 12



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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sunday Circle Bible Circle — Sunday May 19


The Sunday Circle will meet May 19 12 noon. Lesson 8, The Bad Seeds (1 John 2; 2 Peter 2-3; Jude 1-16) will be studied.

Even in God's household, God's children cannot escape the disruption caused by family dysfunction. In order to overcome potentially destructive outside influences, God's children are instructed to dig more deeply with themselves to connect to sources of truth, hope and faith.

Contact Kathleen Captain, Sunday Chair, if you have any questions. Walk-ins are welcome.

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Pentecost Offering — May 19


The Pentecost Offering is received on the day of Pentecost (May 19, 2013). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations keep 40 percent of the offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. St. John's will use the 40 percent to fund the Mustard Seed Projects.

The General Assembly’s portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million since 1998 for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family.

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Your Input Needed - New Elders Needed


SUGGESTIONS FOR ELDER

The Nominating Committee invites you to suggest candidates whom you believe would make good elders.


Candidate:

*Comment on the Candidate(s)

























*Consider these areas when making comments on the candidate(s):

Discipleship - attendance at public worship, participation in church activities, desire to grow in faith, stewardship

Daily Christian Life - within the family, in the community

Personal Characteristics and Skills - cooperativeness, openness to new ideas, ability to follow through on a
assignments, willingness to learn, maturity of judgment

We also need members to serve on the McPhail Scholarship Committee and the Nominating Committee for 2014. Return this form via offering plate or church office on or before Sunday, May 26.

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Sunday May 12 Bulletin Reminders


Ground Blessing for Single Parent Family Ministry, Today: Together we will celebrate and dedicate the ground for this new ministry after worship. Please gather at the future site of the Single Parent Family Ministry for this brief service.

Sunday Circle, May 19: The Sunday Circle will meet today at 12 noon studying Lesson 8, The Bad Seeds (1 John 2; 2 Peter 2-3; Jude 1-16). Contact Kathleen Captain, Sunday Chair, if you have any questions. Walk-ins are welcome.

Scholarship Application: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides an educational grant to an active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The grant can be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the office.

Men of St John’s: Peter advised us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have” (1 Pet 3:15). To that end, we are planning to start a men’s study in Christian apologetics to strengthen your faith and give you the tools to argue for the veracity of the Gospel. We will use the book I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist as our guide. The class will start on 19 May and meet at 9am on Sunday morning. If you are interested, please let the church office know so we can order the books.

Ushers: Ushering opportunities are now available for the months of June, July, August and September. Scheduling is flexible and substitutes are encouraged to also join in. Please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex and join this dynamic ministry. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for any additional information. 

Flowers: Please sign up for one of the two dates to provide flowers for the Sanctuary, May 26 and December 1. Please contact the church office, 713-723-6262, if interested.

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Week Schedule: May 12 - 19


                                    This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day
  9:00 am  Church School
  9:45 am  Children’s Choir Rehearsal, McPhail Hall
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Ground Blessing, future site of Single Parent Family Ministry

Monday, May 13
  9:00 am  Staff Meeting
10:00 am  Bob’s Crew
  6:00 pm  Walking Together
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir

Tuesday, May 14
  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Activity Day
  5:00 – 9:00 pm  Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, May 15
12:00 pm  Centering Prayer
  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop, Scout Room
  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, May 16 Groundbreaking
10:00 am  Groundbreaking, Fellowship Hall
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong” Room 209

Saturday, May 18 
 
9:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group
10:00 – 3:00  Private Party, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 19  - Day of Pentecost - Graduating Seniors
  9:00 am  Church School
  9:00 am  Men’s Study (New Class)
  9
:45 am  Children’s Choir, Rehearsal, Sanctuary
1
0:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Graduating Seniors’ Reception, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm  Sunday Circle
  5:00 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship


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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Celebrating Mothers!



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Sunday, May 5, 2013

Presbyterian Youth News


Presbyterian Youth News
 
Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) meetings are coming to a close - with only two meetings left before summer break, May 5 and May 19 (5 - 6:30 pm). 

May 5: Ten Plague Relay
May 19: Summer Games 

Summer events are being planned. Coming in June: Splash Day at Small Steps Nurturing Center 

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Ground-blessing on Mother's Day


On Mother's Day last year the congregation approved the concept of a Single Parent Family Ministry on our campus in partnership with Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. On this Mother's Day, May 12, we will have a brief Groundblessing Ceremony at the future site of the Single Parent Family Ministry on our campus. All are welcome to join in this celebration

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Unbinding Retreat, May 11


We're ready for our 'Year of Invitation!' The Spirit plus a lot of great, hard work by Lynne, Kathie, Ann and other group leaders has led us through the Lenten study. [Yea!!!] We've seen amazing things and heard stories of God changing lives. The Spirit has created momentum, opened a 'door' in our church where we can see all those people outside. Right now we are more ready to invite people into a life with Christ and into our church than any of us can remember in years. 
 
We've already started inviting people as evidenced by the new members we welcomed last Sunday: Evie Neilsen, Sandy Spencer, Kay and Mike Swint. Evie and Sandy came because one of us invited them to "come and see." They came and saw and liked what they experienced in this faith community. Kay and Mike were drawn to us via the yard signs in the neighborhood touting our forthcoming Single Parent Ministry and their desire to join a faith community that is active in missions. We give thanks to God for each of these members!
 
We had a powerful Unbinding Brunch after worship last Sunday. It was inspring to hear stories of how God is moving in our midst and moving us out in mission to the world. It was a great way to kick off our Year of Invitation.

The next step in the Unbinding process is a morning Retreat on May 11 from 9 am until noon in Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendar and plan to come!
 
We're half-way there. We want to invite. But it won't happen just by wishing. We can't stop this wonderful process of prayer and study just with ourselves. We're now ready for our Year of Invitation. We've already done some amazing inviting. We had two new members join the church last Sunday because one of you invited them. Now, how can we do more of that? Prayer will get help us be responsive to the Spirit in the moment, and we can help with prayerful specific ideas and action plans: individually, in our teams, and as the whole church. That's what we're going to do at the Unbinding Morning Retreat on May 11 from 9am until noon in Fellowship Hall − pray and ask for God's guidance with some of these plans. 
 
 

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St. John’s May 7 Bible Circles


Circles 1 and 2 will meet Tuesday, May 7 at 9:30 am in Building 1. Lesson 9: Brothers and Sisters in Harmony (1 John 2-4; Jude 17-25) will be discussed. Led by Rev. Linda Herron

In God's household, sisters and brothers in Christ must embrace one another in truth and live in order to overcome the pressures of living in a hostile world.

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Pentecost Offering, May 19



The Pentecost Offering is received on the day of Pentecost (May 19, 2013). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations keep 40 percent of the offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. St. John's will use the 40 percent to fund the Mustard Seed Projects.

The General Assembly’s portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million since 1998 for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family.

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Groundbreaking for Single Parent Family Ministry


A ground breaking ceremony will be held for the Single Parent Family Ministry in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, May 16, at 10 am. 

Each of our religious and corporate partners will be present to celebrate this happy occasion, including Presbyterian Children's Home and Services, HomeAid Houston, New Covenant Presbytery, Ryland Homes, Greater Houston Area Homebuilders Association, Masa STUDIO and other vendors.

You are cordially invited, and if you plan to attend please RSVP to Vivian in the church office (713-723-6262) by May 8 because space will be limited.

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May 5 Sunday Morning Reminders


Presbyterian Youth Fellowship: Today we will take a closer look at Moses’ life and the 10 Egyptian plagues. All youth, grades 6 – 12 are invited to join PYF for fellowship, food and fun at 5 pm in McPhail Hall. For more information, please contact Mary Sterner at mary2d@yahoo.com or 713-723-6262.

Men of St John’s: Peter advised us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have” (1 Pet 3:15). To that end, we are planning to start a men’s study in Christian apologetics to strengthen your faith and give you the tools to argue for the veracity of the Gospel. We will use the book I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist as our guide. The class will start on 19 May and meet at 9am on Sunday morning. If you are interested, please let the church office know so we can order the books.

Ushers: Ushering opportunities are now available for the months of June, July, August and September. Scheduling is flexible and substitutes are encouraged to also join in. Please sign up on the sheet provided in the Narthex and join this dynamic ministry. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for any additional information. 

Flowers: Please sign up for one of the two dates to provide flowers for the Sanctuary, May 26 and December 1. Please contact the church office, 713-723-6262,
if interested.

Ground-Blessing for Single Parent Family Ministry, May 12: Together we will celebrate and dedicate the ground for this new ministry after Worship. Please gather at the future site of the Single Parent Family Ministry for this brief service.


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St. John's Weekly Schedule: May 5 - May 12


Sunday, May 5
  9:00 am  Church School
10:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Children’s Choir, Sanctuary
  5:00 – 6:30 pm  Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF)

Monday, May 6
  9:00 am  Staff Meeting
10:00 am  Bob’s crew
  6:00 pm  Walking Together
  7:00 pm  Bell Choir
  7:30 pm  Worship Committee

Tuesday, May 7
  9:30 am  Presbyterian Women’s Circles 1 & 2
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong”
  7:00 pm  Scout Troop 688
  7:30 pm  Faith in Action Committee

Wednesday, May 8
12:00 pm  Centering Prayer
  6:00 pm  Girl Scout Troop, Scout Room
  6:00 pm  “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
  6:30 pm  Caring/Fellowship Committee
  7:30 pm  Chancel Choir

Thursday, May 9
  6:30 pm  “Stay Young, Stay Strong” Room 209
  7:30 pm  Christian Education Committee

Saturday, May 11 
 
9:00 – 12 Noon  Unbinding the Heart Retreat
  9:00 am  Women’s Bible Small Group

Sunday, May 12 Mother’s Day
  9:00 am  Church School
1
0:30 am  Worship Service
11:45 am  Children’s Choir, Sanctuary
11:45 am  Ground-Blessing, future site of Single Parent Family Ministry



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