Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Heritage Church Update

The Presbytery office sent this update from Heritage Presbyterian Church along with an invitation to anyone in the presbytery who would like to worship with them. As you may know, a majority of Heritage members plus their former pastors and staff have left our presbytery to form another church. At a recent meeting our presbytery voted to support the minority at Heritage who wish to remain with our presbytery, to grant them continued use of the Heritage facilities, and provide physical, emotional and financial support to this congregation as they seek to reorganize themselves and move forward in mission and ministry. See the letter below for an update.
Peace,
Jon B.

+===================+

May 5, 2008

In the past few weeks, some very wonderful things have been happening at Heritage Presbyterian Church. For example:

Attendance last Sunday was 110. That's 30-40 additional people who worshipped with us.
We have already received five new members.
Sunday School classes are operating for ages K and older.
Two Adult Sunday School classes are operating.
We have reinstituted the position of Lay Liturgist during the worship service.
We continue to be blessed with powerful, practical, Bible-based preaching.
Our first new "Session meeting" was held last Saturday. In the spirit of transparency, it was open to the congregation and approximately 25 people attended to see how Presbyterians conduct the business of the church.
We now have a functioning 10+ person choir.
We have instituted an after-church social time, where members can chat over refreshments.
A number of other churches in the presbytery have stepped forward to pledge financial support and programming support during our time of transition. In fact, there is talk about Heritage serving as an informal "laboratory" for sharing best programming practices around the presbytery.
Various church committees have been reinstituted. The Worship Committee and the Christian Education Committees each have 5-10 lay members overseeing those areas. Other committees are in the formation stage.
The congregation is embarking on a 30-day "Visioning" exercise to help us discern what God wants Heritage to be doing and when.

Obviously, there is much more going on than can quickly be reported here. The bottom line, though, is that great things are happening at Heritage. And YOU are an important part of the Heritage family. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Commissioning Service on May 25

During worship on May 25, the congregation will commission the following people who will be sent out from our congregation for service and discipleship training:

MoRanch (July 6-10):

Sean Coughlen

Mitch Sawyer

Austin Gorby

Zack Sponberg

Patrick Harrel

Christiana Johnson

Jon Yingst

Alice Rubio

Mission Trip (July 20-26):

Will Harrel

Kyle Coughlen

Michael Leach

Travis Vanderworth

Ben Steckel

Erin Steckel

Jamie Crawford

Erin Crawford

Mina Gaber

Nate Herbert

Mary Gaber

David Rainwater

David Nelson

Christine Nelson

Jon Yingst

Becky Crawford

Aaron Jacobsen

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Multicultural Worship Extravanganza

Sunday, May 4th, 2008
3:00 PM
ChristChurch
5001 Bellaire
Bellaire, TX 77401

For more details please contact Nancy Diaz @ diaz_nancy74@yahoo.com

Friday, April 18, 2008

DCF Search Committee

The Session has elected the following people to serve on a Search
Committee for a Director of Christian Formation: Pastor Jon
Burnham, Ann Hardy, Jeanne Leach, Diane Ragan, Mindi Stanley and Brad
Urquhart. The Session also approved a job description developed by the
Christian Formation Ministry Team and authorized the search committee
to use it to begin the search.

Spirituality and Medicine - Sunday, April 27

Spirituality and Medicine:Frontiers of Care

Sunday, April 27, 2008,

2:00-5:00 p.m.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church

This forum is free and open to the public.

For more information, call Rev. Dr. James S. Currie, 713-965-0766.

PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL HOUSTON EXTENSION PROGRAM

Forum panelists include:Dr. Phil Johnson, Memorial HermannDr. Susan Lange, Interface Samaritan Counseling CentersRev. Cheryl Smith, First United Methodist Church, PasadenaRev. Dr. Steven Spidell, Presbyterian Outreach to PatientsRev. Dr. Pamela Taylor, Texas Children’s Hospital

Teacher Appreciation Sunday - April 20

Please join us in McPhail Hall on Sunday, April 20, following Worship, as we honor our teachers for their dedication and hard work.

Interfaith Dialog Series - April 20th

ST. JOHN'S INTERFAITH DIALOG SERIES
SUNDAY, APRIL 20 @ 6 PM

HINDUISM

SPEAKER: RANJANA NARASIMAN

FROM THE SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE

FOLLOWED BY AN INDIAN SUPPER

Looking ahead:

Visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple, Saturday, May 17 - 10 am

Monday, April 14, 2008

Vacation Bible School - July 13 -17

Plans are underway for Vacation Bible School 2008!
Mark your calendars for July 13 - 17 from 6 to 8 pm.

There will be fellowship and fun for all ages — preschool to adult.
Plan on dinner, bible study, crafts, singing and prayer to lift your spirits in the middle of the hot summer to come.

Don’t miss this special event!

Presbyterian Women's Bake Sale - May 4

Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on delicious Mother’s Day sweets one week early. Visit Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 4 between 9 am and 12 noon (or as long as the goodies last!).

Mayan Hands Craft Sale - May 18

Support a clean water system for the village of Yacheku, Mexico, and treat yourself to Mayan Crafts and Alternate Gift Cards.
Get a head-start on your Christmas shopping!

On May 18 St. John’s will host a Mayan Hands craft sale put on by ChristChurch. There will be a wide variety of interesting gifts: jewelry, woven baby blankets and bibs, purses and scarves, placemats, vases made from recycled glass, teak cutting boards, etc. These are fair-traded products made by Mayan women in Guatemala who have been weaving with the backstrap loom for more that 3000 years. 50% of the proceeds will fund the water purification installation in the Mayan village of Yacheku later this summer.

You will also have an opportunity to purchase parts for the water purification system itself such as PVC fittings for a dollar or so up to major parts such as the ozonator for $675 and even shares in the reverse osmosis unit for $24.

You can — buy a part and be a part —
of the pure water system for Yacheku, Mexico!

Come to the Mayan Hands Craft Sale, May 18 in the
walk-way before and after worship.

Living Waters for the World

Clean Water for All God’s Children

A child dies every eight seconds from a water-related illness. This is the leading cause of death among children throughout the world. A lack of clean water is the number-one health crisis in our world. St. John’s is doing something about it and you can help!

St. John’s has partnered with ChristChurch Presbyterian in Bellaire to install water purification systems and bring clean water use education to villages in Mexico. As you read this, Becki and Remi Van Campernolle from ChristChurch are in the Yucatan Peninsula working on a covenant agreement with a church in the Mayan village of Yacheku for an installation and education trip later this summer.

St. John’s can help by providing prayers, money and people. Space on the trip will be limited but there will be work to be done in Houston and a translator may be needed for the trip. Approximately $13,000 will have to be raised to pay for the equipment, a building to house the purification system and trip expenses. ChristChurch has been holding fundraisers and St. John’s will host a Mayan Hands craft sale on May 18 along with an opportunity to purchase parts for the purification system (see sidebar). St. John’s has budgeted $500 in the Outreach budget for this and funds collected at last year’s living gift market will also go for this project, but this is only a beginning.

Last year St. John’s contributed money, prayers and one team member for the water purification trip to Xmaben, Mexico. This installation paid unexpected dividends last fall when hurricane Dean swept across the Yucatan and our water system in Xmaben provided clean water for many people in the area left without water. This is a marvelous example of the global reach of St. John’s outreach and compassion, but the work is far from done. More support and prayers will be needed for this year’s trip. To help contact John Freeman.

Holly Hall Book Review Season

Season tickets are available now for the coming Holly Hall 2008-2009 Book Review Series. Season tickets are $25 for four book reviews. The first review will be presented on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Reviewer Rose-Mary Rumbley will present Einstein, His Life and His Universe.

Proceeds raised from the sale of Book Review Series tickets are used to cover the "cost of care" for those residents of Holly Hall who over time may no longer afford to do so.

Contact Barbara Wade if you would like to purchase season tickets.

What is an "Accompanier" Program? - Sunday, May 4

All are invited to hear Dr. Phil Gates tell about his experiences as an "accompanier" with the Presbyterian Church of Columbia (IPC).

The situation in Colombia is grim. The country has lived through forty years of war. Today there are "armed actors" everywhere one looks: guerilla forces, paramilitary troops, police and soldiers and a government committed to "controlling the violence" through overwhelming military response. According to the U.S. Dept. of State, serious violations of human rights are commonplace. The IPC has courageously spoken out against the violence that is endemic in Colombia today. For this stand its members have endured arbitrary arrest and death threats.

The Presbyterian Church of Columbia has asked PC(USA) to serve as international "accompaniers" providing a measure of safety — international eyes for their work.
As a direct result of his exposure to wide- spread human rights abuse in Columbia, Bill Gates felt called to join with 15 others to engage in an act of civil disobedience by trespassing onto the Ft. Benning, Columbus, GA military base November 2006. This was in protest of the existence of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Economic Security (WHINSEC), better known by its former name, The School of the Americas (SOA), where the military personnel of Central America are trained. The General Assembly of the PC(USA) has called for the closure of this school. We will have the opportunity to view the 20 minute film,"Prisoners of Conscience."

Mark your calendars! Sunday, May 4, 5:30 pm

"The accompanier program provides an umbrella of safety which extends far beyond the Presbyterian Church...It helps all of us who seek to improve the lives of the poor and oppressed."

"Wonder Team" Sandwich Makers

Come to McPhail Hall at 6 pm, April 23, May 14 and 28, and help make 300 sandwiches which are combined with fruit, juice and chips and then distributed to preschool children for lunch. Volunteer and help feed local Houston children.

Spirituality and Medicine - Sunday, April 27

St. John’s will be hosting the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Houston Extension Program "Spirituality and Medicine" in McPhail Hall 2 - 5 pm. The forum is free and open to the public.

St. John's Hosts Austin Seminary's Spring Forum

Spirituality and Medicine:
Frontiers of Care

Sunday, April 27, 2008, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church,
5020 W. Belfort Ave., Houston, TX
(just off Loop 610)

This forum is free and open to the public.
For more information, call Rev. Dr. James S. Currie, associate dean of the Houston Extension Program at 713-965-0766.

PRESBYTERIAN
THEOLOGICAL
HOUSTON EXTENSION PROGRAM
www.austinseminary.edu
(click on Academics, Houston Extension)

Forum panelists include:
Dr. Phil Johnson, Memorial Hermann
Dr. Susan Lange, Interface Samaritan Counseling Centers
Rev. Cheryl Smith, First United Methodist Church, Pasadena
Rev. Dr. Steven Spidell, Presbyterian Outreach to Patients
Rev. Dr. Pamela Taylor, Texas Children’s Hospital

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Pentecost Offering Received May 11

The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost (May 11, 2008). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities.

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. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God's family.

For more information about this offering point your web browser to pcusa.org/pentecost.

Session Highlights

At the Session meeting on March 27, the Session

received into membership Synthia Abiyah and approved her request for the baptism of her son, Shawn Kwende. Synthia comes by transfer of letter from the Presbyterian Church of Bamenda, Cameroon.
received a letter from Wayne Eberly of the Presbytery of New Covenant reporting that, after eight months of the fiscal year, the Operating Fund is at a break-even point.
approved a request from the Property Ministry Team to publish a wish list for individuals who would like to make a special gift either anonymously or publicly.
approved the re-formation of a Protection Policy/Response Team task force as is required in the Child Protection Policy
voted to write a letter from the Session to the congregation explaining why Lynn Hargrove concluded her service to St. John's as Interim Director of Children and Family Ministries on Easter Sunday, March 28, 2008.
approved recruiting a search committee for a Director of Christian Formation to include the pastor and one of the elders from the Support Ministry Team and Christian Formation Ministry Team as determined by the Session.

At their meeting on April 6, the Session received Sean Coughlen, Patrick Harrel, Mitch Sawyer, and Zach Sponberg as confirmed members of the church and approved the baptism of Zach Sponberg.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Confirmation Sunday - April 6

2008 Confirmands are Sean Coughlen, Patrick Harrel, Mitch Sawyer and Zach Sponberg. The confirmation class was examined by the Session and will be received as confirmed members of St. John's on Sunday, April 6. We are proud of these young men and welcome them as confirmed members of St. John's. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall.

Interfaith Dialog: Focus on Eastern Religions - Sunday, April 6

Interfaith Dialog April 6th Program

Speaker:
Rev. Hui Yong Shih - Jade Buddha Temple
McPhail Hall, 6 pm

Followed by a light supper for all

Tour the Jade Buddha Temple on Saturday, April 12, 10 am.
Please gather in St. John's Parking lot at 9:15 am for carpooling

"Wonder Team" Sandwich Makers - April 9

On Wednesday, April 9 please gather in McPhail Hall to help make 300 sandwiches for local children. On-site training is provided.

Astros Volunteers Needed - April 12

Everyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in a mission trip 2008 fund-raising event sponsored by the Astros. Volunteers will be handing out Oswalt Bobble Heads. All volunteers will receive a standing room only ticket and a bobble head, which is delivered later. Meet at St. John's parking lot at 12:15 pm, and transportation will be arranged for workers choosing not to stay for the game. A sign-up sheet is in the office.

Church of the Millennium

George Dobbin and Wright Williams will be leading a new Sunday School class which began march 30 and will end May 25. The class will meet during the Sunday School hour in Room 210. The class will focus on the interface between faith and the future.

Newsletter Articles Due

Please deliver all Beacon articles for the April/May 2008 newsletter issue to stjohns@stjohnspresby.org or deliver to Room 208 or the church office. The last chance to be part of this issue is Sunday, April 13, at 12 noon.

St. John's Book Group - April 8 @ 7:30 pm

Meet in Room 203 at 7:30 pm. The short story "While I was Gone" by Sue Miller from Volume 4 of Listening for God will be reviewed. All are welcome. Books are available in the church office.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Spirituality and Medicine -- Frontiers of Care

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's Houston Extension Program Forum will hold its program, "Spirituality & Medicine: Frontiers of Care," Sunday, April 27, from 2-5 P.M., in McPhail Hall at St. John's Presbyterian Church. The class will touch on Biblical and theological principles for healing and wholeness; the relevance of physician and patient spirituality in the treatment of illness; psychological resources for dealing with stress; congregational practices for healing and wholeness; and spiritual means and healing "walking the labyrinth." The program is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Don't Forget St. John's Breakfast - This Saturday

Breakfast is served this Saturday, April 5, at 8 am.
The scheduled program begins at 8:30 am.

Our speaker is Mary Kate Flanagan of Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Program SIRE (Self Improvement through Riding Education.) The mission of SIRE is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. These disabilities include cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, intellectual disabilities, developmental delay, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

We hope to see you there.

Interfaith Dialog: Focus on Eastern Religions - Sunday, April 6

Interfaith Dialog Begins Again
Sunday, April 6

Speaker:

Rev. Hui Yong Shih - Jade Buddha Temple

McPhail Hall, 6 pm

Followed by a light supper for all

Tour the Jade Buddha Temple on Saturday, April 12, 10 am.

Please gather in St. John's Parking lot at 9:15 am for carpooling.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Knit for Kids

"The sweaters are more than just a source of warmth…they carry the message of your caring and the grace of God to the children. Each stitch is a prayer for the cold and needy." ―B.W., Sweater Distributor

Knit for Kids is a volunteer effort that connects knitters and crocheters from all over the world with the thousands of children in need who receive their gifts. Since this unique ministry was launched in 1996, more than 500,000 beautiful, warm sweaters have been distributed to kids of all ages and all sizes, who might otherwise go without warm clothing to survive bitter winters, devastating hurricanes, earthquakes and whose families would not be able to afford them. The sweaters have been shipped throughout North America and as far away as Australia, Nepal, China, Honduras, India, Romania, Haiti, Kosovo and other locations.

St. Johners have shipped over 800 sweaters to Knit for Kids since 1998.

Ways to Help:
1. Knit/Crochet patterns (beginner and advanced) are available at www.guideposts.org/knitforkids or can be picked up in Room 208.

2. Don’t know how to knit? The solution is simple: Talk to Betty Nelson and schedule knitting lessons! Yarn and needles will be supplied.

3. Donate yarn and needles anytime.

Confirmation Sunday - April 6

Our 2008 confirmands are Sean Coughlen, Patrick Harrel, Mitch Sawyer, and Zach Sponberg. Parents provided lunch, and the class met each Sunday after worship from February 3 until March 2.

The confirmation class will be examined by the Session, received into membership, and recognized during worship on the morning of April 6. Lynn Hargrove and Jon Burnham team-taught the confirmation class around these questions: Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? What is a Christian? What is the Presbyterian Church and how do we worship? What are my spiritual gifts? Following are some quotes from their papers that will give you some idea of the thoughtful and committed young confirmands here at St. John’s:

"I have experienced several different worship types but I think that the Presbyterian Church is going to help me and will help me more than any other religion." — Sean Coughlen

"Christians are people that put themselves last and others first." — Patrick Harrel

"The church should not be limited to just Sunday morning from 9-12 am. It should be a religious state of mind that stays with you all week."— Mitch Sawyer

"To me worship is the ability to sacrifice your time to come together with another person and not to be selfish and skip out on worship and the church service." — Zachary Sponberg

Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM)

BIM (Braes Interfaith Ministries) served 928 clients in February 2008. Of this number 508 were adults and 420 were children.

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, April 5

Breakfast is served at 8 am with the scheduled program beginning at 8:30 am.

Our speaker is Mary Kate Flanagan of Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Program SIRE (Self Improvement through Riding Education.) The mission of SIRE is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. These disabilities include cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, intellectual disabilities, developmental delay, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

We hope to see you there.

Circles - Tuesday, April 1

St. John's Presbyterian Women Circles will meet on Tuesday, April 1:

Circle One, Connie Brown chair, will meet at Connie's house at 9:30 am.

Circle Two, Marjie Knight chair, will meet at St. John's at 9:30 am

Night Circle, Vivian Ivy chair, will meet at Pansy Meyer's at 7:30 pm.

Call the church office (713-723-6262) for directions.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Good News from Presbytery

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Minister-members and Clerks of Session

The Presbytery of New Covenant

Synod of the Sun

Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the General Council of the Presbytery of New Covenant, I want to share with you some news that represents a victory for all of us. We are 8 months into our fiscal year, and our Operating Fund is at a break-even point.

This means two things are happening, both of which are extremely important. First, the expenses are being held at or below budget, which demonstrates fiscal responsibility. Second, our local churches are faithfully making their contributions in a timely manner.

As a colleague in ministry, I extend my heartfelt thanks, and that of the General Council. Who you are and what you are doing is making a difference for the kingdom of God.

I hope that this good news and our gratitude will be shared broadly among the congregations of New Covenant. Thank you for your partnership in the ministry of God's kingdom here in southeast Texas.

Sincerely,

Wayne Eberly

Reverend Wayne C. Eberly

Chair, General Council

The Presbytery of New Covenant

Friday, March 14, 2008

Volunteers Needed, Astros Game - Saturday, April 12

Everyone is invited to participate in a fund-raising event sponsored by the Houston Astros. We will be handing out Oswalt Bobble Heads to Astros Fans. All volunteers will be issued a free SRO ticket for the main concourse. Funds will be targeted for St. John’s 2008 mission trip.

The Necessity of Interfaith Dialog - April 6, 13 and 20

The Necessity for Interfaith Dialog Series Returns in April
with Focus on Eastern Religions

Interfaith Dialog Sundays @ 6 pm

Sunday April 6
Buddhism
Rev. Hui Yong Shih
from the Jade Buddha Temple

Sunday April 13
Baha’i
Ajit Giani
from the Houston Baha’i Center

Sunday April 20
Hinduism
Ranjana Narasiman
from the Sri Meemakshi Temple

Special Invitations

Saturday April 12
Guided tour of the Jade Buddha Temple

Saturday April 19

Guided tour of the Houston Bana'i Center

(Carpooling from St. John’s parking lot at 9:15 am)

Lord's Supper - March 30

Due to the confirmands joining the church on April 6, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the last Sunday in March rather than the first Sunday in April.

Recipe Cookbook Deadline - March 30

Would you like to share your favorite original recipes with other St. John’s cooks? Then don’t miss this opportunity! St. John’s is collecting recipes for a mini-cookbook. Please submit your favorites to Dave Nelson at dave@christophergraphics.com. If e-mail is not possible, put your recipe in Dave Nelson’s box in the mail room.

Sunrise Service - March 23, 7 am

Come celebrate the joy of Easter at our annual youth-led Sunrise Service at 7 am in the courtyard (weather permitting). There will be a continental breakfast following the service.

Easter Egg Hunt - Sunday, March 16

St. John's youth sponsored Easter Egg Hunt will follow our Palm Sunday service. There will be
designated age areas and refreshments will be served. Following the egg hunt there will be supervised games. Friends and family are welcome. BYOB: Bring your own basket

Blood Drive - March 16

Please help save lives.

Come to Building I

8 am - 12 Noon

Sunday, March 16

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Maundy Thursday

Come celebrate communion and a tenebrae service on Maundy Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 P.M. in the sanctuary. Tenebrae (Latin for shadows) is a religious service celebrated by high church elements of Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, The Episcopal Church, Anglican Churches, Lutheran Churches, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and United Church of Christ.

The Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service will include a celebration of the Lord's Supper and the stripping of the altar. The stripping of the altar involves the removal of any decorative elements, such as any cloths on the altar, candles, or removable devotional objects. The stark appearance of the church mirrors the silence maintained at the end of Tenebrae. Come experience this powerful service this Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 P.M. in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Session Ministry Teams for 2008

Shirley (2008) & Barbara (2009) / Christian Formation Ministry Team (Formerly called Christian Education Committee)

Marie (2009) & Dave (2010) / Congregational Life Ministry Team (Formerly called Caring Committee and Fellowship Committee)

Wright (2008) & Suzette (2009) & Lauren (2008) / Mission Ministry Team (Formerly called Evangelism & Outreach)

Bob (2008) & George (2010) / Property Ministry Team (Formerly called Building & Grounds Committee)

Jo Ann (2008) & Brad (2010) / Support Ministry Team (Formerly called Administration Committee, Budget Committee, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee)

Katie (2009) & Charlene (2010) / Worship Ministry Team (Formerly called Worship Committee)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Presbyterian Night at the Astros

This year's Presbyterian Night with the Astros will be Saturday, May 24, at 6:05 p.m. with the Astros vs Phillies. See the attached flyer for more details and log on to www.astros.com/presbyterian (password: church) to purchase discounted tickets. For group tickets (20 or more), contact Cody Arnold 713-259-8315. $2 from each ticket sold will benefit the Presbytery of New Covenant. See below for more information.

Log on to www.astros.com/presbyterian
Password: church

Presbyterian Night
Special Fundraiser Pricing! Minute Maid Park
Saturday, May 24th
Field Boxes - $21.50
vs
Bullpen Boxes - $15.00 Game Time 6:05p

$2 from each ticket sold will benefit
The Presbytery of New Covenant

Mezzanine - $12.00
View Deck I - $9.50
Oswalt Bobblehead
presented by
Bank of America
(1st 10,000 Fans)
View Deck II - $8.00

Log on to www.astros.com/presbyterian-Password: church
Internet order deadline is 2 hours prior to game time.
Offer not valid at MMP Box Office and this offer can not be
combined with any other ticket offer. Tickets are subject to
availability. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.
For group ticket purchases of 20 or more, contact:
Cody Arnold at 713.259.8315 or carnold@astros.com

Monday, March 10, 2008

PYF Workday - Saturday, March 15

St. John's youth are invited to the Easter Egg Hunt Workday this Saturday, 10 am. Pizza will be served.

One Great Hour of Sharing - March 16, 23 & 30

One Great Hour of Sharing offers an opportunity for each of us to share with people in need around the world. The offering is divided between the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self Development of People and the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).

Bible Study for Everyone

“For Everyone” Bible Study Class:
2 Timothy & Titus Schedule

2 Timothy

March 23: Easter - No Class – Enjoy time with your family
March 30: 1:1-7; 1:8-14 (Suzette)
April 6: 1:15-18, 2:1-7 (Evan)
April 13: 2:8-13; 2:14-19 (Mary)
April 20: 2:20-26; 3:1-9 (Charlene)
April 27: 3:10-17; 4:1-5 (Leonie)
May 4: 4:6-8; 4:9-22 (Bill)

Titus

May 11: 1:1-4; 1:5-9 (Suzette)
May 18: 1:10-16; 2:1-10 (Evan)
May 25:* 2:11-15; 3:1-8a (Mary)
June 1: 38b-15; wrap-up (Kathie)

*Memorial Day weekend

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Tre Ore (Three-Hour) Service on Good Friday, March 21, at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church

You are invited to a Tre Ore (Three-Hour) Service on Good Friday, March 21, from noon to 3:00 p.m., at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church (4930 W. Bellfort Ave. at South Post Oak).

The service, an ancient and moving liturgy of the Church, conducted during the traditional hours before Christ's death, is in seven parts. It focuses on Jesus' words from the cross. Worshipers may come and go between the parts.

Area clergy offer meditations on each word.

The schedule:

NOON -- Introduction and "Father, forgive them..." -- The Rev. Todd Ferguson (Associate Pastor, Willow Meadows Baptist Church)

12:30 -- "Today you will be with me..." -- The Rev. Galen Knutson (Interim Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church)

12:55 -- "Woman, here is your son..." -- The Rev. Romonica Malone (Associate Pastor, Westbury United Methodist Church)

1:20 -- "My God, My God..." -- The Rev. James L. Berggren (Pastor, Holy Cross Lutheran Church)

1:50 -- "I am thirsty." -- The Rev. Jon Burnham (Pastor, St. John's Presbyterian Church)

2:15 -- "It is finished." -- The Rev. Herbert Palmer (Interim Synod Staff, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod)

2:35 -- "Father into your hands..." -- The Rev. Carole Blaine (Rector, St. George's and St. Patrick's Episcopal Church)

Salem is located less than a minute from the southwest bend of Loop 610, on West Bellfort just west of South Post Oak.

Purchase Lilies

Purchase an Easter lily for $9.00 to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, then enjoy it at home after the service. To purchase your lily sign up on the poster in the Narthex, placing your check in the envelopes on the bottom of the poster. Make out your checks to St. John’s with “lilies” written on the memo line. Our lilies are from Brookwood Communty.

Don't Forget to Set Your Clocks!

Spring Forward. . . Fall Back
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 am.

St. John's Book Group - March 11 @ 7:30 pm

St. John’s Book Group offers an opportunity to socialize with other book lovers and join in the discussions the stories inspire. You will be amazed at the differing viewpoints which emerge! The short story, “Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin, from Volume 4 of Listening for God will be reviewed. The book can be purchased in the church office.

St. John's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt
March 16
Following Service

Designated Age Areas
Refreshments, Games, Prizes
BYOB: Bring your own basket

Friends and Family Welcome

Blood Drive - March 16

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be in Building One
8 am – 12 noon.

Donate Blood – It Saves Lives

Sunrise Service - Easter Morning

Come celebrate the joy of Easter at our annual youth-led Sunrise Service at 7 am in the courtyard (weather permitting). There will be a continental breakfast following the service.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Become a Buddy at Small Steps Nurturing Center

You are invited to become a "buddy" at Small Steps Nurturing Center (www.ssnc.org). Small Steps is a privately funded, Christian early childhood program for economically at-risk children and their families in inner city Houston. Small Steps operates two campuses (First Ward and Fifth Ward), and serves over 100 children (ages two-six) living in poverty. Buddies play with a Small Steps student once a week for 20-30 minutes, and quickly develop relationships

Here are some of the children who need buddies:

"Dianna," age 4, is playful and imaginative, and always ready to learn. She is in her second year at Small Steps.
"Angie," age 3, is one of a set of twins at SS who also has a younger set of twins at home! She would benefit from having that special buddy coming once a week to share time with her.
"Rayna," age 3, started at Small Steps in December. This her first experience in the big, wide world. Her first language is Spanish.

For more information on becoming a buddy, or on other ways to help, please contact Kathie Hartzog, Small Steps Program Director, at 713-236-0330 or Suzette Harrel, Small Steps board member and volunteer, at 713-666-6218.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, March 1

Come visit us on March 1 for a delicious breakfast at 8 am in McPhail Hall. This will be followed at 8:30 am with our program. Our own Benjamin Carrettin will be our speaker, discussing his career in mental health issues.

Chili Cook-Off -Sunday, March 2 @ 11:45 am

Bring your homemade chili (and your recipe if you are willing to share it) to McPhail Hall for the great St. John’s Chili Cook-Off contest. Come and enjoy the amazing variety of chili’s and vote for your favorite. Prizes will be awarded.

Friday Night at the Movie - March 6 @ 7:30 pm

Showing on the BIG screen in McPhail Hall will be Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). This Oscar-nominated film adaptation of the rock opera is about the last seven days in the earthly life of Christ as reenacted by young tourists in Israel. Pizza, popcorn and drinks will be served.

DayLight Saving Time - Sunday, March 9

Daylight Saving Time begins on the 2nd Sunday in March when clocks are set ahead one hour at 2 am. Don’t forget.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Upcoming Events

*Confirmation Class: February 3 - March 2, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM / Confirmed during worship on April 6

*Centering Prayer Lenten Study: February 10 - March 16, 4 - 5 PM

*Maundy Thursday Service: March 20, 7 PM

*Easter: March 23

*New Adult Class: Lynn Hargrove will teach a class on the Apocrypha from March 30 - May 18

*Caring Dinner: Sienna PLantation Club House in Missouri City, Thursday, April 10

*Session's Next Meeting is March 27, 2008

St. John's to host Scouts Twilight Camp

The Session has approved a request for use of our church facilities to host the Scouts Twilight Camp for the Golden Arrow District during weekday evenings from June 2-6 and from June 9-13 this summer.

The Golden Arrow District covers the majority of the SW side of Houston. Based on prior years attendance, we should have between 350 - 500 cub scouts attend this event over the two weeks. As part of the Districts outreach program, they provide camperships for approximately 15-30 Cub Scouts from the Gulfton Project. These Scouts are part of their non-traditional unit, their families are primarily Hispanic, at our below the poverty line, and transient in nature (live in apartments and move every 6-12 months). There are over 2,000 Scouts (Cub and Boy Scouts) in their Gulfton Project. Scouting is provided to them as part of an outreach program in HISD. Twilight Camp is run by approximately 50 volunteer staff members and 100 adult volunteers. We anticipate over the duration of Camp that approximately 1,200 - 1,300 people will be at St John's.

Twilight Camp is run in two sessions: June 2-6 and June 9-13. Staff will need access to the site the weekend before and after camp for setup/breakdown. Twilight Camp runs from 5:30pm - 9:00pm. Since this is such a large event, this will mean that St John's will be offline for any large night time events during camp. This is a Cub Scout event (1st -5th grade boys). Twilight Camp also uses Boy Scouts (11-18 years old) as volunteer Den Chiefs. This allows the Boy Scouts to get service hours towards rank.

Here are some bullet points about Twilight Camp (TC) provided by James Ragan, who serves on the camp staff:

1.      Twilight Camp is run in two sessions: June 2-6 and June 9-13. Staff will need access to the site the weekend before and after camp for setup/breakdown. TC runs from 5:30pm - 9:00pm. Since this is such a large event, this will mean that St John's will be offline for any large night time events during camp. This is a Cub Scout event (1st -5th grade boys). TC also uses Boy Scouts (11-18 years old) as volunteer Den Chiefs. This allows the Boy Scouts to get service hours towards rank.
2.      TC should have no impact to events held prior to 5:30pm during the week. TC will have no access the site on Sundays between 6:00am and 1:00pm. Any event that normally falls on a weekday night (hand bells, choir, Troop and Crew Meetings, Sub-committee meetings etc...) will have the small parking lot located next to the sanctuary reserved for church use only.
3.      TC will have no access to Building I or II. They will need access to McPhail Hall every night for two reasons. One, McPhail Hall will be TC emergency evacuation site should their be inclement weather, and they are planning on teaching the Showman pin for the Webelos, which they would like to use the stage for a puppet show. McPhail Hall access will be limited only to the large common room. TC will have no access to the kitchen or library. TC is an outdoor event and will utilize all of the green space that St John's currently has, as well as the green space at Westbury Methodist.
4.      TC will remove their trash offsite every night.
5.      Approximately ten (10) port-o-lets will be provided by TC.
6.      Storage of all camp materials will be stored and secured in a 10'X20' roll off container every night. During the day, the only TC related materials visible from the street besides the port-o-let and storage container will be 3 flag poles, canopies, and center stage (which is planned to be a pirate ship).
7.       The Boy Scouts of America will provide St John's with a liability insurance policy naming the church as an additional insured during the duration of the event.
8.       TC will make an appropriate donation to the church to cover the electricity used in McPhail Hall.
9.      All adult volunteers participating in TC are required by BSA to attend a mandatory four (4) hour training session specifically related to the TC operations and safety procedures, be a registered member of BSA, pass a background check, and complete youth protection training.
10.     TC will be inspected by BSA during the camp to verify that it is being run under the current National Camp Guideline and possible by the State of Texas. For the last six (6), TC has been certified as a National Accredited Camp, based on each year's inspection. TC has side letter agreements with HPD, HFD, and the closest Hospital advising them of the times, location, and type of event that is being held. All attendees, children and adults, are covered under BSA medical insurance for this event.

11. TC also has a MD on call and has a first aid station that is manned by an RN onsite during the event every day.

We look forward to hosting the Twilight Camp and appreciate the great exposure it will give our church!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Politics and Religion

A new blog on religion and the 2008 election campaign (www.Spiritual-Plitics.org) has been launched by the Leonard E. Greenberg Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Spiritual Politics will "provide daily tracking of the way religion seems to be enhancing, disturbing, and otherwise interacting with the 2008 election cycle," says Mark Silk, director of the Greenberg Center. "We are trying to do this in a reasonably nonpartisan way, though not without attitude," he adds. (Christian Century, February 12, 2008)

The faithful around the world

2,231,421,000 Christians

1,412,301,000 Muslims

887,991,000 Hindus

391,122,000 Buddhists

14,044,000 Jews

Source: International Bulletin of Missionary Research/Sightings cited in Christian Century, Feubrary 12, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Solo Viola Performance

On Living and Dying

Randy Pausch reprising his inspirational and moving "Last Lecture" on living and dying (Oct 22, 2007). See the full-length Carnegie Mellon University version. Randy is a virtual reality pioneer, human-computer interaction researcher, co-founder of CMU's Entertainment Technology Center, and creator of the Alice software project. High-resolution downloadable versions of Randy's videos, including a longer version of this TV appearance, can be found here. Click the "Play" button in the image above to view this video.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Participating with Divine Love

The Father of Centering Prayer, Thomas Keating, contributes a bit of wisdom to our interfaith dialogue and speaks about the need for a contemplative experience that draws us toward participating with Divine Love in the betterment of humanity.

Click the "play button" in the video box below to watch this presentation.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Scout Sunday | Feb 17, 2008

This Sunday is Scout Sunday at St. John's. All Scouts are invited to wear their uniform and they will be recognized during the 10:30 A.M. worship service. Special awards will also be presented to a few adults. See you on Scout Sunday, February 17, 2007.

Living Gift Market – We Need You!

This year's Living Gift Market (November 16) will be made possible by a team of leaders. Please come be part of the leadership team and join us on Sunday, March 2, after church (and after you've had your chili) at 12 noon in the High School room for a brief organizational team meeting. Bring your ideas and your passion. Let's make this Living Gift Market the best ever!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Conference on Meditation

On the weekend of February 22-24, Father Laurence Freeman, OSB, spiritual director of The World Community for Christian Meditation, will present a conference entitled Transparency: Meditation and Learning to See at the Dominican Sisters Meeting Room, 6501 Almeda, Houston, Texas 77021. This conference will explore Meditation as the daily practice that purifies our seeing and so transforms our whole way of living, and will include lecture, discussion, meditation, and liturgical celebration. For registration, fees and other information, please contact Claudia Morgan at 713.668.1209, Email: claudiamorgan@comcast.net or see : www.wccmtexas.org.

Welcome New Members

We welcome these new members who joined St. John's on February 10, 2008. Both Souad and George are neighbors of Mindi and Bill Ehrenstrom and have been attending worship with them for some time. We give thanks to God that both George and Saud have now decided to become members of St. John's and we welcome them into our Christian fellowship.

Mrs. Souad Khabbaz Asmar (You may call her "Sue Sue") joins by reaffirmation of faith. Saud and her husband live with their daugher's family near the church. She is originally from Lebanon.

Mr. George McDowell joins by transfer of letter from ChristChurch in Bellaire. George is retired from the military and has a family real estate business in Houston.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Christian Sympathy

Our deepest sympathy is with Tony and Sue Benn upon the death of their daughter, Patricia (Trish) Plant, who passed away on February 5, 2008, at 7 am, after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services are planned for Houston and Jamaica. Tony and Sue appreciate your prayers.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Souper Bowl of Caring

Happy Thursday to all of our Braes Interfaith Ministries congregations. By
this time your plans for Sunday's Souper Bowl of Caring activities are
probably well underway. We join you in hoping that it will be as successful
as preceeding years thanks to your generosity.

There is an article on page A3 in Wednesday's Houston Chronicle that is
particularly poignant in light of this generosity. The title of the article
is "Starving Haitians Eating Dirt Cookies". The article goes on to describe
how Haiti's poorest depend on dirt cookies, made from yellow dirt, salt and
shortening, for food. Dirt to make 100 cookies costs $5.00! Further, the
article states that "about 80 percent of people in Haiti live on less than
$2 a day.

God bless all of you.

Carolyne Fisher, Volunteer
Eloy Montez, Director, Braes Interfaith Ministries

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Congrats to Kyle Coughlen

Congratulations to Kyle Coughlen who received his Eagle Scout award at a beautiful ceremony in McPhail Hall on January 19, 2008. Several church members were among the large crowd who witnessed this milestone on Kyle's life.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Ash Wednesday Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m.

Our Lenten journey toward Easter begins with our Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary at 7:00 P.M. on February 6, which includes the traditional Ash Wednesday liturgy with the imposition of ashes.

Ashes are a rich symbol rooted in ancient customs and practices of biblical people. The Bible speaks of using ashes as a sign of penitence. Ashes suggest judgement and humiliation; they also suggest cleansing and purification.

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop

You are invited to a
Centering Prayer Workshop
at St. John's Presbyterian Church
on Saturday, February 2, at 9:30 A.M.

This workshop will introduce you to a method which will prepare you to receive the gift of opening your mind and heart – your whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery. The Workshop will deal with consenting to God’s presence and action within; preparing you to cooperate with the gift of contemplative prayer; practicing the method; and dealing with distractions. Centering Prayer is drawn from the ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, especially the English spiritual classic, The Cloud of Unknowing, and taught by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. The leader of the workshop, Mrs. Shirley Berger, is a certified presenter by Contemplative Outreach Ltd.

Centering Prayer is a
“wordless awareness
of our oneness with God.”

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Hanging Out at St. John's Presbyterian Church

Rabbi Amy Weiss posted the followed column in her Houston Cronicle blog after her visit at St. John's last Sunday evening ...

Some Views From a Jew

A local woman rabbi offers unique perspectives on all things Jewish

Hanging Out at St. John's Presbyterian Church

Posted 1/24/2008 8:31 PM CST

"Can you explain the Reform movement's outreach program asking people to convert and also how do Jews feel about Christians proselytizing to Jews?"

Well. I hadn't been in a Q&A like this for some time! The folks at St. John's Presbyterian Church on West Bellfort invited me to speak about Judaism as a part of their Outreach series to teach church members about other religions. Each and every one of the church members were welcoming, kind and respectful in asking questions, furthering our conversation and comparing our traditions and beliefs.

Dr. Jill Carroll from Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance opened the series two weeks ago and if you have never had a chance to hear her, I suggest you check the calendar to see where and when she is speaking next. Next week St. John's series continues, give it a try--they even give you dinner!

By the way, the Reform movement's outreach program to non-Jews is designed to provide education about Judaism to whoever wants to participate. Colleagues have told me they have hosted Girl Scout troop leaders who have Jewish girls in their troop and want to learn more about their faith, or grandmothers whose grandchildren are Jewish! But no one ever asks anyone to convert. When a Reform Jew asks someone to convert (a rare occurence) it is because their mate or loved one has lived a Jewish life for many years but had never converted. Often, when these people are asked why they never converted they will say "No one ever asked me."

We don't really ask people to convert, respecting their beliefs and faith.

And in turn, my response to the nice lady at St. John's was this: "Thank you so much for your concern, but we are fine. I understand that your faith asks you to do this, but we respect your faith and would never ask you to change your beliefs. We ask you to do the same".

Nice people, nice evening. Check it out.

Last Sunday night St. John's Presbyterian Church on West Bellfort

6:00p Interfaith Dialogue - Guest Speaker, Dr. Alp Aslandogan, and Supper

Comments (1) | Permanent Link

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Friday Night at the Movie - Feb 1

Showing on the BIG screen in McPhail Hall will Shakespeare in Love (1998). Don't miss this opportunity to see this 7 Oscar winning movie! Pizza, popcorn and drinks will be served.

St. John's Breakfast - Saturday, Feb 2

On Saturday, February 2, we will hold our monthly St. John's Breakfast. Please come at 8 am for a delicious breakfast, and then at 8:30 am we will welcome our speaker, Mr. Al Bennett from Fire Station #48.

Souper Bowl of Caring - February 3

St. John's youth invite everyone to participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. This will be the 14th year that St. John's had participated. In addition to taking the collection as the congregation leaves the Sanctuary, the youth will be serving soup in McPhail Hall. One of the soups will be a "stone soup" created from donated items from the congregation. Bring your favorite fresh or canned ingredient to the kitchen before church to be added to our vegetable stock.

All proceeds from the collection and the soup donations will be directed to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Mardi Gras Party - Tuesday, February 5

Join us at 7 pm for a Mardi Gras celebration featuring the Johnny Dyson Band (A band for listening and dancing) in McPhail Hall. Music for all generations will be played with party refreshments being served. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of music and fellowship.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

2008 St. John’s Session Ministries Goals

Christian Formation

To have a youth and children's teacher training event beginning August 2008, and provide follow up check in every 6 weeks through the school year
The Youth subcommittee will write a job description and develop funding by July 1^st to hire a youth staff person – planned for part time 12 to 15 hours per week.
To have plans for Vacation Bible School completed by May 1^st including topics and dates.

Congregational Life: Caring

To have a new pictorial directory in 2008.
To take ownership of the sponsorship of new members.

Congregational Life – Fellowship

To increase the committee by one healthy male who can lift.
To develop and implement a new fellowship program for year 2008. (i.e. Fellowship X Four)
To continue "Trunk or Treat" to make it an annual tradition.

Mission – Evangelism

Membership of St. John's Presbyterian Church will grow to 300 by December 31, 2008. Current numbers are 287.
Increase the rate of growth of new member by 20%. In 2007, we had 15 people join. In 2008, our goal is 18.
Conduct one Natural Church Development survey in 2008.
Begin a Sunday School class studying books on evangelism which will meet at least four months of the year.
Host two community outreach events in 2008.

Mission – Outreach

To continue and build on the strength of the current outreach efforts by highlighting ministries in the Beacon, on the website, having a clear leader with a high level of permission to run the ministry.
To integrate youth and young adults more fully into outreach ministry by meeting with the youth team quarterly and resulting in at least one outreach ministry where youth and young adults are the key leaders.
To present educational series to reach out to the community intentionally.
To develop new ministry in 2008 that is a regular hands on ministry for St. John's members.
To grow together in fellowship and faith by meeting for fellowship each month and including Bible study and prayer in each meeting.

Property

To reseal the parking lot.
To install restroom(s) in McPhail Hall.

Support

Budget and Finance – to operate within the budget in 2008.
Stewardship – to develop a reasonable list of the needs of the church for pre-stewardship season communication to assist in decision making.
Administration/Personnel – to conduct an annual performance review for each staff member and provide contact information to them to voice concerns

Worship

To double participation in the worship oversight committee by 2008. Five are participating now, the goal is at least 10.
To increase worship attendance by 10%. Average attendance in 2008 has been 140, which would be an increase of 14 to 154.
To increase participation of elementary aged children in worship. The goal is 6 children.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Pastor's Faith Statement

Statement of Faith

Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham

June 3, 2007

God's love enjoys expression within the metaphysical reality of the Holy Trinity, as the Father pours divine love into the Son; the Son pours divine love into the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit pours divine love back into the Father, in what may be envisioned as a divine dance that creates the energy that sustains each quark in the universe. Without this divine dance all life would cease and desist, there would be no more love, and there would be no more laughter.

God's love continually works through an evolutionary process to create the diversity of life in the world as we experience it today. Every species of life expresses the abundant fullness of God's creative love. We can know God in a general way through science and nature. Our Presbyterian tradition encourages education as a means of exploring the richness of God's general revelation through creation. We celebrate diversity among and within species as a sign of the wildly creative nature of the Holy Trinity.

God's love is most clearly revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. From his birth in a barnyard to his death on a cross, Christ exemplifies elegant humility. The church relives the life of Christ from his birth, life, death, resurrection, to his ascension into heaven, by means of the liturgical calendar. Each cycle of the liturgical year invites us into a deeper and fresher experience of the risen Christ.

God's love moves today through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit spreads the love of God into our hearts through the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. God's love challenges each person to respond to God's loving invitation and each human being will be judged by Christ according to their personal response to God's loving invitation. The good news is that our judge is our redeemer. This does not guarantee us anything but it does give us a solid basis for hope. Our relationship with God is based not upon fear of retribution but upon our own response to God's compassionate love for us and for all creation.

God's love is revealed in the Bible. The Biblical narrative tells the story of God's love for humankind. Over and over again, God acts in history to redeem God's covenant people: Israel and the church. Time after time, God's covenant people are lured away from God by our programs for self glorification. Our craving for security and survival, power and control, affection and esteem, work against us and deny us the freedom of resting in God's love.

God's love reaches out to the world through the church which is the body of Christ. God's love reaches out to all humanity and all creation. God works through the church today to fulfill Christ's mission of preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives. God's love invites us to work with God for justice in human affairs and in all creation.

God's love breaks down barriers that separate human beings from God and from one another. Christ dwells within all baptized believers, bringing salvation to all whom God chooses. God's love wills that all people should be redeemed. We, the people of God, are called by God to share this good news with all people everywhere. We are not responsible for how people react to the good news. We are responsible for whether we share the good news. The good news is that God is love. This loving God, expressed as Holy Trinity, disclosed in the Bible, revealed most clearly in the person of Jesus Christ, invites us into a relationship.

Upcoming Events

Annual Congregational Meeting: January 20 during worship

Interfaith Dialogue: January 20 & 27, Sunday evenings at 6:00 P.M., McPhail Hall

Inquirer's Class: January 27, Sunday after worship

Confirmation Class: February 3 - March 2, Sundays after worship

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop: February 2, 9 AM - Noon

Centering Prayer Lenten Study: February 10 - March 16, 4 - 5 PM

Word - Share - Prayer style sheet

READ: (Copy & paste here today's lectionary text. or another Bible passage of your choice.)

Here is how to use word - share- prayer to begin and end a meeting:

Begin the meeting in silence.
Have participants choose a word or phrase from the text and reflect on it as they write their response to the questions below. Have a few people share what they wrote if they wish.
Conclude the meeting with prayer using the prayer request from below. After a prayer request is read, all respond to a concern saying: "Lord hear our prayer." All respond to a celebration saying: "Thanks be to God."

What stands out for you in this passage? What “speaks” to you?

Do you notice any connection to your own life, to our ministry together, or to the St. John’s congregation?

Jot down any prayer requests you may have. These may be related to the passage or they may not be. We will pray together at the end of our meeting.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Ministry Teams vs. Committees

Jon gives a brief explanation of the difference between a "Committee" and a "Ministry Team." Click the "play button" in the video to watch it.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Inquirer's Class - Sunday, January 27

Pastor Jon Burnham will teach an Inquirers Class on Sunday, January 27, at 11:45 AM in the Session Room. The class will address what it means to be a Christian, a Presbyterian and a member of St. John's. Those who take the class may become members of the church.

Ministry Day - Saturday, January 19

Have you marked your calendar for the first committee meetings of 2008? A Continental breakfast will begin at 9 am. See you there!

Interfaith Dialog - Part Two

January 20 - Rabbi Amy Weiss

"The Jewish Perspective on Interfaith Dialog"

Join us in McPhail Hall at 6 pm as our series on "The Necessity for Interfaith Dialog" continues. Rabbi Amy Weiss writes a blog for the Houston Chronicle on Judaism. She is the executive director and founder of "The Initiative for Jewish Women". Dedicated to making liberal Judaism accessible and exciting to Houstonians, Rabbi Weiss is an ardent teacher and lover of middot, Jewish virtues and values.

2008 Confirmation Class

Sundays 11:45 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

St. John's Presbyterian Church

Instructions for Students

1. Attend every session. If you are sick and cannot attend a session, notify Jon or Lynn in advance and make an appointment to make up the session.

2. Attend Church School each Sunday.

3. Attend worship each Sunday.

4. Write a paper each week based on the previous week's class discussion.

Class Schedule

Session 1: Who is God? / February 3--No paper due. Lunch with congregation in McPhail Hall.

Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ? / February 10--Paper due: "My Idea of God" (about 150 words = about one full page) Sean Coughlin's parents provide lunch for 6.

Session 3: What is a Christian? / February 17--Paper due: "How I Think of Jesus" (about 150 words) Patrick Harrel's parents provide lunch for 6.

Session 4: What is the Presbyterian Church and how do we worship? (about 150 words) / February 24--Paper due: "My Idea of a Christian" Mitch Sawyer's parents provide lunch for 6.

Session 5: What are my spiritual gifts? (about 150 words) / March 2--Paper due: "What the Presbyterian Church and worship mean to me" Zach Sponberg's parents provide lunch for 6.

Session 6: Review & Examination by Session
Review (9:00 A.M.); Examination by Session (10:00 A.M.); Confirmed (10:30 A.M.) / March 30 : Paper due: "What I feel is required of me as a church member" (about 150 words)

Members of the confirmation class who choose to confirm their faith may be confirmed during worship on March 30, 2008.

Invitation to Dance

My beloved, will you dance with me?

Be the gentle melody I hum to sooth broken and fearful hearts.

Be the flowing steps I choreograph into acts of justice and peace.

Be the responsive rhythm I create, sometimes swirling, sometimes standing still, to meet the needs of my children.

Oh, my beloved, will you dance with me?

--Anonymous

Congrats to Will Harrel

Will Harrel was selected as the 2008 Bill Archer Student Intern! Will will represent St. John's School this March as part of Congressman Culberson's 7th District delegation, spending a week in Washington D.C. studying the workings of the federal government. Congrats to Will and all the Archer Intern finalists!

If you know of other church folks we may congratulate, please email the news to the church office.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Adult Class Schedule, Jan. 13 - March 16

“For Everyone” Bible Study Class Schedule: 1 Timothy

Jan 13, 1:1-7; 1:8-11, with facilitator Mary

Jan 20, 1:12-17; 1:18-20, with facilitator Bill

Jan 27, 2:1-7; 2:8-15, with facilitator Evan

Feb 3, 3:1-7; 3:8-13, with facilitator Mary

Feb 10, 3:14-16; 4:1-5, with facilitator Ann

Feb 17, 4:6-10; 4:11-16, with facilitator Kathie

Feb 24, 5:1-8; 5:9-16, with facilitator Hilda

Mar 2, 5:17-25; 6:1-5, with facilitator Evan

Mar 9 ,6:6-10; 6:11-16, with facilitator Suzette

Mar 16, 6:17-21; wrap-up

The book, Paul for Everyone: The Pastoral Letters, by Tom Wright is available in the church office. Everyone is invited to join the class (room 203, 9 am) as your schedule allows. See you in class!

Suzette Harrel

Sunday, January 6, 2008

The Necessity of Interfaith Dialog - January 13, 20 & 27

Interfaith dialog is a process of coming together with people committed to their respective religions and spiritual paths for the purpose of mutual understanding, appreciation, enrichment and cooperation.

January 13 Speaker: Dr. Jill Carroll

"Creating and Environment of Dialog and Tolerance"

January 20 Speaker: Rabbi Amy Weiss
"The Jewish Perspective on Interfaith Dialog"

January 27 Speaker: Dr. Alp Aslandogan
"Noah's Pudding: A Muslim Outreach to Others"

A light supper will follow each presentation

Meet at 6 pm in McPhail Hall
(5020 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035)

Experience an Interfaith Service - Friday, January 11

Experience Interfaith worship by attending a service at Temple Beth Israel, 5600 N. Breaswood, on Friday, January 11, for a regular service. We will meet at the entrance at 6:15 pm, or come to our parking lot at 5:45 pm to carpool. The service starts at 6:30 pm, and a rabbi or cantor will meet with us afterward. Call Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348 if you are interested.

Special Invitation - January 19

Kyle Coughlen will be receiving his Eagle Scout award as part of a Troop 740 Court of Honor on January 19 at 3:30 pm in McPhail Hall. All interested members are invited for the ceremony and brief reception following.

PYF Parents Meeting- Sunday, January 13

All parents of St. John's Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) are invited to discuss upcoming PYF activities for the year. Don't miss this chance to be involved in planning and programming. Meet in Room 203 after church.

New Wind Reunion - Saturday January 12

"We're getting excited about the upcoming New Wind Reunion. We'd love to see you! We're not limiting this to just New Winders - it's also for your parents, and other supporters over the years, etc. A special invitation to everyone to join us for the Potluck at 5 pm in McPhail Hall.

Call up old friends and invite them." -Julia Alejandre (Dobbin)

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Friday, April 18, 2008

Monday, April 14, 2008

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Friday, April 4, 2008

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Friday, March 14, 2008

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Monday, March 10, 2008

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Monday, February 25, 2008

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Monday, February 11, 2008

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Monday, January 28, 2008

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Congregational Life: Caring

Congregational Life – Fellowship

Mission – Evangelism

Mission – Outreach

Property

Support

Worship

Friday, January 18, 2008

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Sundays 11:45 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

St. John's Presbyterian Church

Instructions for Students

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Sunday, January 6, 2008

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