St. John's Epistle for April 29, 2009

The Lord be with you! Click on
http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/epistle-for-april-29-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

Peace to you, Pastor Jon
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St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
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St. John's Epistle for April 29, 2009

"Justice for All Children" slide show

Evan Harrel presented this slide show

in McPhail Hall on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

"Justice for All Children" slide show

Justice for Children Dinners, Part 3

May 3: Panel on Juvenile Justice and Child Advocacy

· The Cradle to Prison Pipeline: Brandi Brown (and guests), Director, Texas Youth Leadership Program/Freedom Schools, Children's Defense Fund

· A Prosecutor's View of the System: Lynne Parsons, Prosecutor, Harris County District Attorney’s office

· A Music Ministry Serving Incarcerated Youth: Bill Ward, Crosswalk MinistriesChild Advocacy: Claire Sabatier, Recruitment, Training/Retention Manager, Child advocates, Houston


McPhail Hall, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Justice for Children Dinners, Part 3

Scholarship Applications

The intent of the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund is to provide a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The intent is for the scholarship grant to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient to be used at his/her discretion.

To be eligible the applicants must submit a formal written request in which they outline their plans and goals. Please get an application from Vivian Ivy and submit your application before June 15, 2008. — Curtis Brisch

Scholarship Applications

St. John's Weekly Calendar

Sunday, April 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer, Pastor's study
5:00 pm PYF Bowling
5:30 – 7:30 pm Justice for Children Dinner, Part Two

Monday, April 27
5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, April 28
9:30 am Presbyterian Women's Activity Day
10:00 am Bible Leaders Study, meet in Jon’s office
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688
7:30 pm Outreach Team Meeting

Wednesday, April 29
6:00 – 9:00 pm Trafton Academy, McPhail Hall
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, April 30
9:30 am Community Bible Study, McPhail Hall
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”

Friday, May 1
2:30 – 8:50 pm Pictorial Directory Pictures

Saturday, May 2
7:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
8:00 am Daisy Troop, 21174
8:00 am St. John’s Breakfast
8:00 am Shearn Work Day
10:00 am – 4:40 pm Pictorial Directory Pictures

Sunday, May 3
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer, Pastor's study
5:00 pm PYF, TBA
5:30 – 7:30 pm Justice for Children Dinner (Part 3)

St. John's Weekly Calendar

Sunday Announcements

The Congregational Life Ministry Team is pleased to announce that the Honoree of the Year is Bob Hughes, who has given outstanding and exemplary caring service to St. John’s for many years.

Pictorial Directory Sign-Up: “Full” for now but more to come in August.

Shearn Elementary School Work Day, Saturday, May 2: An all day workday is planned at Shearn, 9802 Stella Link, to work on its campus. Contact John or Phyllis Freeman, 713-776-3548, for more details. Needed are workers with all abilities.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, May 2: Please join us for breakfast at 8 am and stay to listen to our guest speaker, Mike Cole, at 8:30 am. No reservations required.

Introduction to Special Education Advocacy, May 6: Come find out more about this important new St. John’s ministry. An information session about becoming a volunteer advocate will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 10-11:30 am. See Ann Hardy or Suzette Harrel for more information.

Life-Scan, Saturday, May 9: St. John’s will host Life Line Screening, the nation’s largest provider of community-based preventive screenings. If you would like to make an appointment for one of its scans, please call 1-888-653-6441.

Scholarship Application Deadline, June 15: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the church office.

Sunday Announcements

Graduates Sunday

On Sunday, May 10, we will honor our graduating high school seniors
during the morning worship service. Parents and graduates please mark
your calendar.

Graduates Sunday

Bob Hughes Named "Caring Person of the Year at St. John's"

Pictured here with his family, Bob Hughes was recognized as the "Outstanding Caring Person of the Year at St. John’s" at the Annual Caring Dinner on April 23 at Braeburn Country Club. Click here to view a slideshow of photographs of the Annual Caring Dinner. Bob has contributed hundreds of hours of service to maintaining and upgrading the church's physical plant and led us through the difficult process of bringing our facilities up to code with the City of Houston.

Bob Hughes Named "Caring Person of the Year at St. John's"

Justice for Children Dinners, Part 2

April 26: Panel on Education and Health Care

• Children's Health Insurance & the Healthy Children Program: Barbara Best, Chairman, Texas Chapter, Children’s Defense Fund

• The Whole and Healthy Child: Michael Aceves-Lewis, Development Director, Mission Houston

• Why Pre-School Matters: Evan Harrel, Executive Director,Small Steps Nurturing Center

• Special Education: Robin Rettie, special education advocate & consultant

Please gather in McPhail Hall, 5:30 -7:30 pm.
A light supper follows the presentation.

Justice for Children Dinners, Part 2

This Saturday: Special Education Advocacy

An informational session about becoming a volunteer advocate.
No previous experience is necessary.

When: Saturday, April 25th, 10:00-11:30 am

Where: McPhail Hall, April 25

What: Information about the special education process and the needs of low-income families for advocate services; the role and expectations for our volunteer advocates; information on future training opportunities.

Why: Because without volunteer advocates, more children will not receive the individualized special education and services they need to prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

More: For more information about becoming a volunteer advocate or about other opportunities to help, contact Suzette Harrel at 713-501-4703; suzharrel@comcast.net, or Ann Hardy at 713-723-6266; hardy-johnandann@hotmail.com.

This Saturday: Special Education Advocacy

 

The Presbyterian Disaster Relief Team from New Covenant Presbytery addressed the Presbyterian Women's group in McPhail Hall on April 21, 2009.

St. John's "The Epistle for April 21, 2009"

The Lord be with you.

To view "The Epistle for April 21, 2009" ...
Click on http://groups.google.com/group/st-johns-presbyterian-church/web/the-epistle-for-april-21-2009
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

Peace,
Pastor Jon
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
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St. John's "The Epistle for April 21, 2009"

Justice for Children

Dr. Robert Sanborn, President, Children at Risk was the guest speaker at our first Justice For Children dinner on April 19, 2009.

Here are some facts about children in Houston that he shared with us.

There are over a million children in the Houston area.

47% of the children are at or near the poverty rate of $20,0000 per year for a family of 4.

There are 26 school districts in Harris County.

Houston has the 7th largest school district in the USA.

Only 2 school districts in the Houston area serve the universal free school breakfast.

50% of Houston children in the 9th grade won't graduate high school.

58% of Houston children are Latino children and that number is increasing.

24% of Harris County children live in poverty and a total of 47% live in low income families.

Texas is #1 in the USA in uninsured children.

The USA ranks 29th in the world on infant mortality - tied with Poland and Slovakia, and behind Cuba.

50% of children in the Harris County Juvenile Justice System have a mental health disorder. Texas ranks 49fh nationall in funding for outpatient mental health services.

Houston sends twice as many children to the Texas Youth Commission as does Dallas.

Houston is the American hub of human trafficing in the US. 14,000 to 17,000 persons are tracficked into the US each year - Houston is the hub. 70% are female and 50% are children.

Mentoring children is one way churches may be part of the solution.

Here is another way to get involved: Visit www.childrenatrisk.org and sign up for the e-advocacy email newsleter.

Justice for Children

Special Education Advocacy— April 25 or May 6

An informational session about becoming a volunteer advocate.
No previous experience is necessary.

When: Saturday, April 25th, 10:00-11:30 am, OR
Wednesday, May 6, 10:00-11:30 am.

Where: McPhail Hall, April 25; Scout Room, May 6.

What: Information about the special education process and the needs of low-income families for advocate services; the role and expectations for our volunteer advocates; information on future training opportunities.

Why: Because without volunteer advocates, more children will not receive the individualized special education and services they need to prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

More: For more information about becoming a volunteer advocate or about other opportunities to help, contact Suzette Harrel at 713-501-4703; suzharrel@comcast.net, or Ann Hardy at 713-723-6266; hardy-johnandann@hotmail.com.

Special Education Advocacy— April 25 or May 6

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders

Presbytery Women’s Program, April 21: Please come hear our special guest speaker Barbara Wilson, acting volunteer coordinator for New Covenant Presbytery Recovery Disaster Team.

St. John’s Wonder Team, Wednesday, April 22: Sandwich makers are needed! Please meet in McPhail Hall at 6 pm to make 300 sandwiches for local children.

Astro Promotion, Saturday, April 25: Save this date! Details will be announced.

Shearn Elementary School Work Day, Saturday, May 2: An all day workday is planed at Shearn, 9802 Stella Link, to work on its campus. Contact John or Phyllis Freeman, 713-776-3548, for more details. Needed are workers with all abilities.

St. John’s Breakfast, Saturday, May 2: Please join us for breakfast at 8 am and stay to listen to our guest speaker, Mike Cole, at 8:30 am. No reservations required.

Attention St. Johners: Please reserve the parking lot by the Sanctuary for those who have difficulty walking. We want to encourage everyone to attend the worship service and have noticed that our members with mobility problems are unable to park close to the Sanctuary. Thank you for your consideration.

Life-Scan, Saturday, May 9: St. John’s will host Life Line Screening, the nation’s largest provider of community-based preventive screenings. If you would like to make an appointment for one of its scans, please call 1-888-653-6441.

Vacation Bible School, June 14-18, 6-8 pm: All ages are invited to St. John’s 2009 Vacation Bible School, which will be held evenings during the third week of June.

Scholarship Application Deadline, June 15: The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school. Applications can be picked up in the Church office.

St. John's Sunday Weekly Reminders

St. John's Weekly Calendar

Sunday, April 19
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
11:45 am Town Hall Meeting to discuss the Ghanaians
4:00 pm Final Lenten study
5:00 pm Centering Prayer, Pastor's study
5:15 pm PYF – Prepare and serve dinner for Justice for Children Dinner
5:30 – 7:30 pm Justice for Children Dinner

Monday, April 20
5:00-6:00 pm Hour of Prayer, Rm. 207
6:30 pm “Walking Together”
7:00 - 8:30 pm Venture Scout Crew 688
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Tuesday, April 21
9:30 am Presbyterian Women's program and luncheon
6:30 pm “Stay Strong, Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
7:30 pm Scout Troop 688

Wednesday, April 22
6:00 “Wonder Team” Sandwich Makers
6:30 pm Walking Together
7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, April 23
9:30 am Community Bible Study, McPhail Hall
6:30 pm “Stay Strong Stay Young” followed by “Walking Together”
6:30 Caring Dinner, Braeburn Country Club

Saturday, April 25
7:00 am Women’s Bible Small Group
9:00 am Girl Scout Troop, 4130
10:00 -11:30 am Introduction to Special Education Advocacy

Sunday, April 26
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Worship Service
5:00 pm Centering Prayer, Pastor's study
5:00 pm PYF: Bowling
5:30 – 7:30 pm Justice for Children Dinner

St. John's Weekly Calendar

Scholarship Applications

The Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship grant to any active St. John’s member who wishes to further an academic endeavor. The scholarship grant is to be used for undergraduate study and/or a technical or trade school and shall be given to the recipient for his/her discretion. To be eligible, the applicant must submit a formal written request which outlines his plans and goals. Please get an application from Vivian Ivy and submit it before June 15, 2009.

— Curtis Brisch

Scholarship Applications

Vacation Bible School June 14-18

St. John’s Vacation Bible School for all ages will be held evenings during the third week of June. Become part of this fantastic week by calling Mary Sterner or David Nelson to volunteer.

Vacation Bible School June 14-18

Work Day at Shearn Elementary School, May 2

St. John’s provides support for Shearn Elementary School by providing mentors (six St. John’s members are mentors) and help on Work Days. You can help with the next Work Day!

An all day workday is planned for Saturday, May 2, 8am - 5pm. Several large projects are planned including painting outside and inside the building, paving a walk between the buildings, putting in a French drain and a water supply for the art room, and building a flat deck area for outdoor school plays and presentations. We are looking for skilled workers to lead projects and lots of other folks who just want to show up and help. Shearn is located at 9802 Stella Link near the 610 South Loop.

If you are interested, please contact Phyllis or John Freeman, 713-776-3548 or ppfreeman@comcast.net or freeman@rice.edu OR JUST SHOW UP!

Work Day at Shearn Elementary School, May 2

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, May 2

Hey folks, it’s time for our St. John’s Breakfast again, Saturday, May 2. Breakfast at 8 am (we haven’t figured that out yet but more information will be coming in the Sunday bulletin) and at 8:30 our own General Presbyter, Mike Cole, will be with us — we hope for a good turnout! Invite a friend, it should be a good meeting and Mike will have time for questions.
If you need a ride, contact Linda Dobbin at 281-778-5348 or Thalia Bunnell at 713-723-5215.

St. John’s Breakfast— Saturday, May 2