Lafabah Recognizes St. John's

I accepted an award on behalf of our church family on July 26, 2008. The award reads: "La Famille Bamileke de Houston (Lafabah) proudly recognizes Saint John's Presbyterian Church for promoting human growth and development through spiritual enrichment and philanthropic contributions to the people in your community." This award is on display on the coffee table by Vivian's office. Lafabah is the expatriate community of Cameroonians and other Africans from various tribes who celebrated their 20th anniversary in Houston this year. Our own Léonie Tchoconté is a key leader in this group and we other African church members active in the group. It was a great celebration in the ballroom of the Courtyard Mariotte West. There were elaborate fashion shows by the children and youth and traditional tribal dances as well as general information and displays of food and cultural items. The hotel served a good meal as well. Our church has provided spiritual and material support to Lafabah over the years. Most recently we let them use McPhail Hall for a key planning event that led to the organization of a Medical School back in Cameroon. We certainly cherish our special relationship with Lafabah and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in our midst.
Peace,
Pastor Jon B.

Lafabah Recognizes St. John's

Inquirer's Class in September

Pastor Jon will teach an Inquirer's Class for 3 Sunday mornings in his office from 9:00 - 9:45 AM on September 14, 21 and 28. Those who take the class may join the church on September 28.

Inquirer's Class in September

Sandwich Makers Needed - Wednesday, August 13

St. John's Wonder Team will meet in McPhail Hall to make sandwiches for 300 local area children. Volunteers are needed! Training is provided and we promise you will be home within an hour! Come make a difference in a childs life.

Sandwich Makers Needed - Wednesday, August 13

St. John's Book Group - August 12

Meet in Room 203 at 7:30 pm. The short story "The Family Markowitz" from Listening For God will be reviewed. Books are available in the church office. Don't miss this spirited exchange of ideas and different viewpoints.

St. John's Book Group - August 12

Don't Miss this Special Event: Aug 8 & 9

St. John’s Christian Formation Retreat with Mary Marcotte
Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 9

Friday , August 8

5:30 Arrival Activities (graffiti boards, resources to browse, etc.)
6:00 Dinner
6:30 Discussion:
- What is the role of Christian Formation at St. John’s?
- How is the priority of Christian Formation shared with the congregation?
- What are our assets for nurturing Christian Formation?
- What are our challenges? Can these challenges become opportunities?
- How are we educating along the age continuum and faith journey continuum?
- What does it mean to provide “safe passage” at St. John’s
8:45 Evening Prayer and good night


Saturday, August 9

9:00 Children’s ministry issues: Nursery/childcare, Preschool and worship rotation
- Question: How do we transition from children to youth?

10:30 Morning Prayer and Child Protection Issues (Youth Team Arrives)

11:00 Children’s Team breaks out for continuing planning and conversation
Youth Ministry Conversation
- What are the tasks of adolescence?
- What are the components of our Youth Ministry?
- When will Confirmation occur? What are the key elements?

12:30 Dismiss

All are welcome!
Please call the church office to reserve your space

Don't Miss this Special Event: Aug 8 & 9

Focus 2008: October 4

Save the Date: Saturday, October 4

The annual Presbytery Leadership Event will be hosted at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960, in Houston. Nationally known preacher and author, Dr. Tom Long, will be the keynote speaker and will address themes raised in his book Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Chandler Seminary teaches us how to bring faith to speech in the everyday occurrences of life – especially when we are not in church. In his words, “Unless you say it, you don’t really believe it.” (Link to read, see and hear our Keynoter, visit www.30goodminutes.org)

Dr. Long will be joined by a distinguished faculty of workshop leaders, including Jack Haberer, editor of Presbyterian Outlook and Joan Gray, past moderator of the PC(USA). Workshops are on topics that will nurture your spirit, enliven your faith and motivate you to recommit to ministry.

On-line registration, brochures and interesting resources can be found at www.focushouston.org.

Focus 2008: October 4

July Session Highlights

* The church is now in a better financial position. Thanks to all who have given generously to make this possible. Please continue to keep your pledges up to date so we may continue this positive trend.

* Tina Montgomery has been hired as our Child Care Supervisor. She will replace Simin Mirzaei, who is moving out of town.

* Established a computer task force.

* The restrooms in McPhail Hall are now in use. The floor will be completed in the near future but in the meantime the facilities are usable.

* Vacation Bible School was a big success this year. There were 27 children and 7 youth in the closing ceremony last night, plus 50 or so adults in attendance. There were many visitors.

July Session Highlights

Diabetics Awareness Fair, Wednesday, Aug 6

Don't miss this Diabetics Awareness Fair, Wednesday, August 6, 10 am – 2 pm, sponsored by Braes Interfaith Ministries, 4300 West Bellfort. Everyone is invited to this important event whose goal is reducing Diabetes in America, One Patient at a Time. A speaker from the American Diabetics Association, screening and nutritional information will be available. Childrens activities will be available.

Diabetics Awareness Fair, Wednesday, Aug 6

Grand Opening Celebration, Sunday July 27

Everyone is invited to tour the newly constructed bathrooms and Recycling area in McPhail Hall. (Please note: The floors will be finished next month.) And be sure to have a drink of water from our new water foundation.

Grand Opening Celebration, Sunday July 27

Focus 2008: October 4, 2008

The annual Presbytery Leadership Event will be hosted at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960, in Houston. Nationally known preacher and author, Dr. Tom Long, will be our keynote speaker and will address themes raised in his book Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian. Dr. Long will be joined by a distinguished faculty of workshop leaders, including Jack Haberer, editor of Presbyterian Outlook and Joan Gray, past moderator of the PC(USA). Workshops are on topics that will nurture your spirit, enliven your faith and motivate you to recommit to ministry. Brochures with full details will be available in last summer. Additional information can be found at focushouston.org.

Focus 2008: October 4, 2008

IT'S A POTLUCK!

Bring your favorite dish to share.
Sunday, July 27

Focus, October 4, Northwoods Presbyterian

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this yearly-sponsored Presbytery Event (formerly called Christian Connections). The theme this year is to Nurture your Spirit, Enliven your Faith and Recommit to Ministry. The Keynote speaker is Dr. Tom Long who will challenge us to “Find Our Voice.” A brochure is available in the church office.

Focus, October 4, Northwoods Presbyterian

July Session Meeting, Thursday, July 24

Attention Ministry Chairs: Please remember that the Session meeting this month was rescheduled to this coming Thursday. All committee minutes are due in the office by Tuesday morning, July 22.

July Session Meeting, Thursday, July 24

Wonder Team Sandwich Making, Wednesday, July 23:

Please meet in McPhail Hall at 6 pm to help make 300 sandwiches for local area children. Experience not required and you will be at home by 6:45 at the very latest. Please come join us!

Wonder Team Sandwich Making, Wednesday, July 23:

Sunday Brunch

St. Johner's welcome all members and visitors to McPhail Hall after worship every Sunday during the summer for a brunch. This week the St. John's Breakfast Ministry will be cooking in the kitchen. Don't miss this opportunity for great food and wonderful fellowship.

Sunday Brunch

Mission Trip News

WE LEAVE SUNDAY (July 20)!!! Be at the church at 7:00 AM

Things to remember:
PASSPORT
Work gloves
sturdy shoes
sunscreen
hat
water bottle
work clothes
play clothes
swimming suit

There will be a group first aid kit, group water coolers and group toilet paper. Remember your housewarming gift for the family, spend about $20.00 and remember that they have no electricity.

I've been in communication with Faith Ministry this week. They are very excited that we're coming and are ready to direct us in building a house. They are ready to help us with any special needs.

"For all we need is faith working through love." This is your opportunity to serve God and make a difference in the lives of others in the Reynosa community.

- Jeanne L., Mission Director

Mission Trip News

Vacation Bible School Continues

It’s not to late to join us for the last two nights of St. John’s VBS, Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17. Please gather in McPhail Hall at 6 pm for wonderful food and fellowship and then continue on to lessons and crafts.

Vacation Bible School Continues

Newsletter (Beacon) Articles Needed

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

Newsletter (Beacon) Articles Needed

Sunday, July 6 Brunch

All our invited to McPhail Hall after worship this Sunday. The Congregational Life Caring Committee will be cooking in the kitchen. In celebration of the Fourth of July, they will be serving hot dogs, baked beans and chips. Don't miss the wonderful food and the great fellowship.

Sunday, July 6 Brunch

It's a Potluck

Bring your favorite
dish to share!

Sunday, July 27

McPhail Hall