a publication of The Church of St John the Divine

the Vine
June/july 2011
Volume 39, issue 3
a publication of The Church of St John the Divine
I was glad when they said unto me we will go in to the
house of the Lord.
Psalm 122:1
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
The Newsletter is printed every two months and is comprised
of articles written by staff, members, and friends of St. John the Divine. If you have a “Spotlight” story, “Family &
Friends” announcement (baptism, birth, death, wedding, new member, memorial), or photos that you’d like to submit,
please e-mail Rebecca Llenos at [email protected].
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Contents
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14
15
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24
26
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Family & Friends
Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, New Members, and Memorials
lend a hand
Find out where and how you can help serve the Lord through service.
spotlight
Meet Maegan Morrow and read how God has made her a missionary.
spotlight
Cursillo de Cristiandad by Lana Short
spotlight
Rally Day ... A St. John the Divine Tradition by the Rev. Douglas W. Richnow, sr. associate rector.
Deeper
Reflections on Psalm 23 by the Rev. Laurens A. Hall, rector
More
Heading into the 16th Year by Suzanne Gusemano, director of First Steps Montessori School
Life-changing moments
Parishioners share their stories about Life-Changing Moments.
CafÉ Divine
Check out the new, delicious menus for Sunday lunch.
Coming up
Check out everything SJD has to offer. Don’t miss out!
around the parish
See who the SJD paparazzi caught around the Parish!
bookstore
Check out reviews of new books now available in The Bookstore.
family & friends
Baptisms
Holy Baptism is the initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s
Body – the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is
permanent and represents the outward and visible sign of Christ’s grace
at work in our lives now and forever. We baptize those who come to
God in faith in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In the Episcopal Church, Baptism is the entry rite into the Christian
life. Baptism is the only requirement for joining in the Holy Eucharist
and all other ministries of the Church.
For more information, please contact our Special Events Coordinator, Debbie Lazarine, 713.354.2220, [email protected].
March
John Joseph Klitsch
Wesley Matthew Perkins
Frederick Charles "Charlie" Llenos
Carlo Grant Caflisch
Maxim Sterling Ezanidis
APRIL
Graham Hill Stillwell
Eloise Ann Carey
Madeline Wheless
Kendall Caroline Potter
George Chapoton Young
Caroline Belle Maykopet
Julia Rose Maykopet
Membership
To learn more about becoming a member of The Church of St. John
the Divine, please contact Kim Anderson, director of membership
development, 713.297.8703, [email protected].
Transferred In:
James Armstrong
Jeannette Armstrong
Michael G. Conway
Robert William Thompson
Laura Ardoin Thompson
Maxwell Harrison Thompson
Chloe Ann Thompson
Thomas Duke Bowman
John Christopher Soper
William Robinson Stukenberg
weddings
Alafair Arendale & Bruce Hotze
Kristin Hendee & Corbin Blackford
Callie Arnold & Patrick Dinolso
Sheridan Smith & Robert Plumb
Ally Butler & Scott Hilsher
Kressia Guzman & Randy Rodriguez
Amy Kugali & Francis McWilliams
Necrology
First Steps Montessori School,
a ministry of
St. John the Divine, is now
accepting applications.
Contact
Suzanne Gusemano, director,
713.354.2267 for information.
March
Virginia Lee Thompson Elverson
Linda Able Choice
Virginia Ann Berkeley
Archibald Henderson
William Jackson Bowen, Sr.
Margaret Elizabeth Shouse Becker
April
Edwards House Andrews, Jr.
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memorials
Given to the glory of God in memory of:
W J “Jack” Bowen
Bette Tucker Hawn
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. James Keith Short, Mr. & Mrs. George
Francisco III, Mrs Mildred D. Ganchan, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen A.
Wakefield
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. Holt, Meb & Cathy Todd
Pam W. Yale
Given by: Kormeier & Walters, Michael Sonsino, Mrs Mary Lou
Fehr, Mr. & Mrs. John L. Carter, Environmental Development
Partners LLC, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Donnelly Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Tracy
Joyce, Dr. & Dr. Gary S. Hirsch, James B. Flodine and Lynne
Liberato, The Klaes/Thomas Family, Mr. & Mrs. Joe B. Allen, Allen
Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Lee, Mr.
& Mrs. Kenneth R. Kana, Mr. & Mrs. David Shuford, Mr Paul D.
Clote, Ms. Cynthia Rice and Mr. Nathaniel Jones, LJA Engineering,
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy N. Thomas, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Szalkowski,
North Mission Glen MUD, Smith, Murdaugh, Little & Bonham
LP, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Baber, Mr. & Mrs. Newton W. Wilson III, Dr.
Alexander N. Stadnyk, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Villagomez, Mr. & Mrs.
Arthur Springer, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Henry
Dr. John S. Meyer
Given by: Ms. Paula M. Daly, Mr. Glenn E Abbitt Jr., Mr. & Mrs.
Gerald E. O’Donnell, Ms. Dianne G. Foutch, Linda King & Julie
Greenwood, Mr. & Mrs. Walter L. Williams, Mr Fred J. Heyne III,
Mr. Frederick R. McCord, Mrs. Frances B. Sampson, Mr. & Mrs.
Timothy Stephens, Mrs. Mildred Ganchan, Mr. & Mrs. George
White, Dr. and Mrs. Barry Wood, Ms. Elizabeth Eikenburg, Mr. &
Mrs. David Dewhurst, Peregrine Midstream Partners LLC, River
Oaks Blossom Club, Mr. & Mrs. Mark White, Mr. & Mrs. Ted
Reynolds, the Ruths, Mr. & Mrs. James M Parsons III
Paul Richnow
Given by: Mrs. Alice P. Craig, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Knudson,
Mrs. Mimi M. McDugald
Mal & Ann McArdle
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. David H. McArdle
Jack Heemer
Given by: Ms. Nancy Hendrix
Ada Allen Hall
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. J. Palmer Hutcheson, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Booker,
Mr. Charles T McCord III, Mr. & Mrs. George V. Kane Jr., John &
Binky Stephenson Strom, Mr. & Mrs. Newton W. Wilson III
Ethelyn H. Rather
Given by: Isabel B. & Wallace S. Wilson
Ann Fisher
Given by: Mrs. Louise C. Cody
Daniel R. Japhet
Given by: Ms. Barbara Braley Riddell, Mr. & Mrs. David J. Agerton,
Mr. George N. Allen Jr., Mrs. Mary Ann Carrico, Mr. & Mrs. Denny
Barre
Archibald Henderson
Given by: Ms. Ann Lingan Dissen
Virginia F. Berkeley
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. J. Palmer Hutcheson, Mr L. G. Whittington,
Mr. & Mrs. James Keith Short, Mr. & Mrs. William Kinney, Mrs.
Frances B. Sampson, Mr. & Mrs. William F Whitfield, Mr. & Mrs.
Preston Moore Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Barry P. Wood, Mrs. Binky Peters
Stephenson Strom, Mr. Robert J. Cruikshank, Mr. & Mrs. Wallace
S. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Sydney S. Bailey Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Robert W.
Pullen, Mabrito Dental Partners. LLP, Mr. & Mrs. DeWitt Waltmon,
Mr. & Mrs. George V. Kane Jr., Mrs. Mildred D. Ganchan, Mrs.
Carol S. Kobb
Thomas W. Sumners
Society
The Thomas Sumners Society is an honorary society for
those who remember The Church of St. John the Divine in
their estate plan.
You may continue Thomas Sumners’s great legacy while
leaving your own and ensure continued growth of St. John
the Divine as a Holy Place to Be. Membership into the
Society will include anyone who has named the church in
their estate plans either through a will, a trust, retirement
plan, and/or any life-income vehicle. For more information,
contact Jackie Skeffington, director of Financial Stewardship, 713.297.8707 or [email protected].
To submit an announcement, e-mail [email protected]
What Volunteering Means to me
By Laura Goehrs
Webster’s dictionary states: “To volunteer is to give of
oneself to service willingly and without pay.”
What I feel this definition fails to encompass is that the
personal gift received by volunteering equals payment
for the time spent. My heart grows larger filled with joy.
The joy I receive is from those I am serving.
When I am cashiering during food service and one of
the children comes and provides me a tooth-missing
smile; my heart is warmed. If I am working with care
partners at the Gathering, and they start to laugh
because I did a silly dance, that brings tears to my eyes.
While greeting before a church service, and someone
says, “it is the only smile I receive all day,” I know
providing 30 minutes of my day to others is making a
difference. One handshake to a person coming to our
church for the first time, whether I am serving as an
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usher or a greeter, can bring the family who is looking
for a church to return to our Christ’s dwelling place and
call it home.
For me it is simple: smile, and you warm someone else’s
heart; in return you are blessed. Providing food for a
family in need is giving back ten-fold to their children
who will have a meal to sustain them. Our time is
precious and limited with the schedules of our children
or ourselves, but if each of us found 30 minutes of our
day, or even five minutes of our day to give of ourselves,
we would all be overflowing with joy, and the children
of our church will follow our lead by growing servants'
hearts.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved
us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in
every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17
The Church of St. John the Divine offers many opportunities to volunteer. Many are listed on the following page.
If you would like to serve, please call the church office, 713.622.3600.
lend a hand
SJD needs you!
Paparazzi wanted!
The Communications department is looking for photographers to
snap photos at our many SJD events. If you have a digital camera
and like to make people smile, please contact Rebecca Llenos,
[email protected], 713.354.2219.
Reception Volunteers Needed!
We need a volunteer to help cover the desk for our receptionist
for lunch, meetings, or sick days. If you are interested, please
contact Megan Hoskins, 713.622.3600.
The Bookstore Wants You!
If you love to shop and serve, we have an opportunity
for you! The Bookstore needs smiling faces to serve during the
week and on weekends. Days and times are flexible, so you can
choose your schedule! If you would like to be
a part of this ministry, contact Susan Treat, [email protected],
713.354.2250.
The Guild Shop
Got Talent?
Do you have interior design talent? The Guild Shop is reorganizing
their clothing layout and fixtures and would love someone with
expertise in that area to volunteer a few hours to help us out. Call
Louise Symmes at 713.528.5095 to offer your assistance.
www.theguildshop.org
CCSC Back To School
Sponsor a student.
CCSC’s greatest need for the Back To School program is
financial backing.
It costs only $45.00 to provide each child with a comprehensive
packet of academic supplies and new clothing and shoes in
line with each campus’s uniform requirements. Please consider
giving or organizing an effort to bring in funding for this muchneeded service – at your place of business, worship, recreation
center, or anywhere you have community relationships that
care about children.
Donations of any amount can be contributed in one of two ways:
Donate online.
Our secure website is a convenient way to give, and your gift can
be designated to Back To School: www.ccschouston.org.
Donate by mail.
Send a check (payable to CCSC with “Back To School” in the
note section) to CCSC, P. O. Box 27924, Houston, Texas, 77227.
Agape Development Ministries
Volunteers needed!
Agape Development Ministries is looking for Volunteer Summer
Program Counselors. Counselors will provide the children of
the neighborhood surrounding Agape Development Ministries’
Gateway house with appropriate, nurturing, consistent adult
attention. Counselors will engage and attend to groups
of children while guiding them through all elements and
activities of Agape Development Ministries’ Summer Program.
Counselors will attend a training session the Monday before
their first service week.
Programming dates from 1:00-4:30 pm:
• June 14 - 17
Volunteer Training Monday afternoon
• June 21 - 24
Volunteer Training Monday afternoon
• June 28 - July 1
Volunteer Training Monday afternoon
• July 5 - 8
Volunteer Training Monday afternoon
• July 12 - 15
Volunteer Training Monday afternoon
Volunteers are welcome to serve as many or as few weeks as
they may according to their availability. Volunteers will receive
specific activity training at volunteer training sessions.
Other Volunteer Needs
Short-Course Leaders:
To lead several children in short-course sessions teaching them
a skill from 3 - 4:30 Tuesday through Thursday.
Outing Chaperones:
To help transport counselors and children to outing destinations
on Fridays starting at 1:00 pm.
Contact [email protected] or call 832.884.8558 for
more information. Agape staff will e-mail an itinerary for the
week’s training session and a Volunteer Agreement form.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary
Volunteers wanted!
The St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers
to assist patients and family members at the hospital’s family
waiting areas and hospital information desk. Assignments
are available seven days a week from 7:00 am - 8:30 pm.
The minimum commitment is only three hours per week.
Complimentary valet parking is provided. For more information
about volunteer activities at St. Luke’s, call the hospital’s
Auxiliary office at 832.355.2102 or visit St. Luke’s Web site at
www.stlukeshouston.com/giving.
For additional information contact Jeni Howell, 713.961.3993,
[email protected].
Visit www.sjd.org to view the full Volunteer Listing.
spotlight
Meet Maegan Morrow
by Rebecca Llenos, director of communication
At eighteen years old, Maegan Morrow wanted to be
a missionary. She grew up in church. Her parents were
worship leaders, and she began singing in the worship
band at fourteen. Her family friend, Kemper Crabb, was
always a "cool rocker guy" in her eyes and had played in
some of the first Christian rock bands out at the time. Her
uncle was a part of that scene as well, and he started a
worship band that she joined at fourteen. The fact that
both these guys led worship and gave her the opportunity
to be in the band really influenced her to go to church
and eventually be a leader in her youth group.
When Maegan went to her dad to tell him about her
plans of becoming a missionary, though encouraging, he
insisted that she attend college. While on a mission trip
with her father, Maegan worked in an orphanage where
there were children with autism and brain injuries. She
watched her father sing to these children, and she saw
them respond. She played her guitar and saw something
light up in these children as they were able to move to
the music and react to the music when they would not
respond to anything else. Maegan felt music was her
calling and that after college she could travel the world,
sharing the gospel through song.
and became certified in Neurological Music Therapy.
Because of this certification, she was hired at TIRR (The
Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) Memorial
Hermann as one of only two music therapists on staff.
“TIRR is my mission field,” says Maegan. “Music therapy
is my ministry to the world, but I don't have to leave
Houston.” She works with patients from all over the
world, including Pakistan, Africa, and Asia. This wasn't an
instant realization for Maegan. It took a while, along with
some pretty tough experiences, to see that her world was
becoming something so much more than she could ever
have imagined—that God had planned this path all along.
In the early days of her job at TIRR, Maegan was subject
to the scientific explanations of how people are healed.
“I worked with so many people of different religions and
doctors who honestly believed that science is what heals.
I always knew that God was the answer, but it took awhile
for me to be confident in that and be able to share that
with others.”
She began to study music at Sam Houston State University
in Huntsville. A friend in her theory class was majoring in
music therapy and shared her knowledge with Maegan.
Maegan was hooked, and decided to change her major
from vocal performance to music therapy.
After her father passed away suddenly, Maegan's Christian
life took a downward spiral. She began questioning Jesus
and what He is all about. A relationship with an atheist
fueled this curiosity, and she says she was really not sure
what to believe any more. “I felt I had nothing to hold on
to,” says Maegan. “Sitting in the car with this guy, I could
hear Jesus calling me back. I actually thought ‘How sad
that I can hear Jesus and he can't.’”
Her love for church music continued—she led worship
and sang in a church choir. Though she still wanted to
be in ministry, she continued her degree plan until she
graduated with a degree in music therapy. The question
now was where to go from here? She continued to study
A friend invited her to visit a church where her long-time
friend Kemper Crabb was leading worship. “I went to see
Kemper, not to go to church. I wasn't myself. I wasn't
anything, really. I felt so bad that I had turned away from
God. I tried to push God away, and he would not let me.
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Seeing Kemper was what I needed, and he invited me
to come to a class he led at The Church of St. John the
Divine. I wasn't sure I wanted to be there, but I needed
something.”
“I came to the class and hung in the back. Everyone
was so nice, and I couldn't understand why they were
being so nice to me. They didn't know me.” Maegan
attributes her coming back to the church to what she
learned in Kemper's class. “I learned solid answers about
my Christian life that I thought I already knew. I continue
to do so every week. I have found Jesus in a way that is
new and exciting to me. I died in Christ and came back
to life, once I really knew the mercy of Jesus and that
hard as I try, I can’t deny it. I thought I knew God from
growing up in church and everything I had done and
learned. St. John the Divine has opened my eyes and my
heart to who Jesus really is, and that has brought me to
where I am today.”
Today, Maegan is much more confident on her mission
field. She has taken her ministry in music therapy to
another level. "I pray with patients, I pray with their
families. People are struggling in crisis, and sometimes
I just have to go there and talk about Jesus to them. I
now have the real answers in healing and I share them
every day.”
Maegan works with brain-injury patients through
rhythm and song. Music is in both the right brain and
the left brain. “By using familiar songs or rhythms, we
are creating new pathways in the brain to the language
functions and the movement functions, and people are
responding in amazing ways. Plus, I get to sing church
songs, like ‘Amazing Grace' or ‘When the Saints Go
Marching In’ to help these people regain some of the
simplest tasks.”
Recently, Maegan has been in the media for her work
with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “She has
responded so well to music therapy because music has
always been a part of her life. We have begun to find the
new pathways to heal her brain. She will most likely get
to watch her husband when the shuttle launches. She is
a miracle every day.”
Music therapy is slowly moving forward in the medical
world. “We are just now finding out how much music
can heal. God created music not only for fun, but to
help us, and I get to use it to help the development and
healing process.”
Maegan continues her missionary work every day.
People come to her and ask for prayer, not knowing
that she’s a Christian. She and a group of nurses pray
over the beds before patients come in, over equipment,
and for each other.
Maegan and her 17-month old daughter, Gia, love the
contemporary service. “St. John the Divine has given
me a church home that I can worship in, learn in, and
be a part of.
What I love the most is that when faced with the science
of healing questions, I have really good answers in Jesus,
and I have the proof in the Bible to back it up.”
If you are a musician and would like to be a part of
the music medical field as a volunteer, you can join the
"Friends of Music Therapy" at TIRR/Memorial Hermann,
contact Maegan, MT-BC, NMT Fellow, CBIS, Neurologic
Music Therapy, [email protected].
spotlight
Cursillo de Cristiandad
(a little course in Christianity)
by Lana Short, Cursillo #139 “Water from the Rock” (1993)
There are many resources one can use to grow in faith and
learn about being a disciple of Christ—books, prayer, Bible
study, worship services, conversations with friends about
God, or mission trips, to list only a few. One special way that
had a profound impact on my life and that of many around
the world is Cursillo, a method which added form to my faith
and incorporates all of the above disciplines.
My husband Keith and I went to our Cursillo weekend 18
years ago. Although we attended together, many people
attend without spouses; It is an individual experience
between you and God with no bearing on marital status.
I have been a Christian most of my life (or at least since I
was baptized at the age of 12), and an Episcopalian for the
past 37 years. I would have described myself as a “churched”
person, but not necessarily one with a relationship with Jesus
Christ. I lived with one foot in the “real” world and one in
the “church” world, where I could talk about my relationship
with God, and maybe sometimes about Jesus. I liked it this
way and didn’t know that it was possible to combine the
two! A couple of years before I went to Cursillo, I had joined a
women's Bible study. Upon reflection I can see that God was
drawing me to Him. I was seeking deeper meaning in my
life, searching for truth and moral backbone while trying to
decide if I really did believe in what my “churched” self kept
doing, perhaps out of habit.
The Cursillo weekend woke me from spiritual drowsiness. It
was like exchanging a simple point-and-shoot camera for one
with a powerful zoom lens where the picture of my purpose in
life took shape, developed meaning, and was focused at last
on Jesus. The pieces of the church/religion/spiritual puzzle
fell into place, one by one. I began to understand why I had
been “doing church” all those years. Just as I was committed
to my family relationships and friends, I now realized I needed
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to become more intentional in my relationship with God.
Perhaps the best thing I can say about Cursillo is that our kids
noticed a difference in both of us after we went.
Cursillo de Cristiandad (a little course in living Christianity)
dates back to the early 1940s. It was conceived by a group
of Roman Catholics in Spain who were trying to renew their
church. Cursillo came into the Episcopal Church in the early
1970s and into the Presbyterian church about 14 years ago.
Other denominations have similar programs, such as Emmaus
(Methodist) and Vía de Cristo (Lutheran). It is commonly
referred to as a Fourth Day movement. During the past 30
years, more than 350 parishioners from SJD have attended a
Cursillo weekend. You might have seen parishioners wearing
the bright colored lanyards with a cross displaying the risen
Christ and wondered what it was. This special cross is given
to those who complete the weekend or the “little course,”
(or Cursillo). It is Cursillo’s diploma.
You may wonder what happens during the Cursillo weekend.
It is comprised of 15 talks about the life in Christ, with each
talk building on the previous one. Interspersed between
the talks are meditations on the scriptures by the Spiritual
Directors (priests), Holy Eucharist, Stations of the Cross,
and many wonderful surprises. There are no secrets about
Cursillo, as some have said in the past; but there are wonderful
surprises you don't want to reveal, so that each candidate
can experience God’s grace and love firsthand. The weekend
is led by a lay person (Rector/a) from our diocese, along with
a team of lay persons and two priests (Spiritual Directors).
Relying on guidance by the Holy Spirit, the team prepares
and prays for several months preceding the weekend for
those who will be attending. An atmosphere of love and joy
prevails during the three days.
The real thrust of the Cursillo weekend is your willingness to
change your environment for Christ when you return home.
Thus, the fourth day (which symbolizes the rest of your life)
begins as the weekend concludes. You are asked to consider
forming or joining a reunion group (usually four to five
people) which meets once a week for one hour so that weekly
you can share your life in Christ (piety, study) for the past
week and a plan of action for the week to come. The reunion
group members share their growth and challenges in living
the Christian life, week in and week out, and encourage
each other to persevere in their journey with Christ. Several
reunion groups of SJD members meet weekly and faithfully.
Some of the groups even have names such as the Big Boys
(height/weight is not a requirement!) and Dash
Girls, to name a couple. These names add a
sense of community, identity, and fun. Most
reunion groups meet at restaurants over lunch
or breakfast; others meet in homes or at the
church. New Cursillistas are encouraged by their
sponsor to get plugged into the Fourth Day as
soon as possible after the weekend.
And now I want to share some of the things Cursillo is not:
It does not promote either a liberal or conservative position;
it is not an organization or club; the Cursillo Weekend is
not designed to solve people's problems (marital, addictive,
etc.); it is not a new form of Christianity, a secret club, or
society or separate from the general life of the Church. The
Cursillo movement is separate from the charismatic renewal
movement and does not promote any one particular brand of
spirituality; only a method for one to grow in the knowledge
and love of Christ after you return home. ("Our Fourth Day,"
ed. Gerry Hughes)
Each Cursillo is numbered and has a theme based on the
Lectionary readings for the Sunday that the Cursillo takes
place. Some of the recent themes have been “The Watchful
Servants,” “The Joy of Our Lord,” “The Voice of the Lord,”
and “The Salt of the Earth.” To date, 231 Cursillos have
been held in the Diocese of Texas, with 9,253 attending.
The Cursillo method is very sound and follows the official
teaching of the Church in aiding the mission of the Church—
to build the Kingdom of God on earth and to form men and
women as leaders for the Church.
Cursillo is a means to an end— a greater end. It gave me a
new appreciation for my church and the long history and
tradition of Christianity as expressed through the Anglican/
Episcopal form. I learned that God renews his church,
beginning with me, person by person. It gave me just a
glimpse of the never-ending love and glory of God and his
great gift to us—Jesus Christ.
What are the requirements for attending a weekend? You
must be a baptized member in good standing of your parish
and be sponsored by someone who has been to Cursillo as
well as by a priest from your parish. Currently, four Cursillos
per year are held in the Diocese of Texas at Camp Allen.
If you would like to know more about attending
a Cursillo weekend, call Jerry McClain, SJD parish
coordinator, 713.592.8744, or the Rev. Doug
Richnow, parish spiritual director, 713.354.2221,
to find out how to identify a sponsor and talk to
someone who has attended from our parish. The
remaining Cursillo Weekend dates for 2011 are
June 16-19, August 25-28, and November 3-6.
Pray about attending Cursillo. See if God is calling you into a
deeper relationship with Him!
Just a few of the
SJD Cursillo Reunion Groups
Spotlight
spotlight
Rally Day...A St. John the Divine Tradition
by the Rev. Dougas W. Richnow, senior associate rector
For years, one of the most exciting events at St. John the Divine
has been Rally Day. For many Episcopal churches, Rally Day
originally marked the time of year when students returned
to school from summer vacation and church fall programs
were launched following the Labor Day holiday. Over the
years, however, as the opening of the school year began to
creep earlier into August, Rally Day has lost the symbolism of
marking the beginning of school; but at St. John the Divine
we still celebrate it to mark the beginning of our fall Sunday
School programming and other parish ministries.
Much of the cost of Rally Day comes from money raised
at our Silent Auction and from donations that are given to
underwrite the cost of the food. Money raised above and
beyond these expenses (we usually raise $40,000 - $50,000)
is used for special needs projects at St. John the Divine. For
example, over the past couple of years we have provided
funding for Children’s Ministry projects, Youth Ministry
scholarships, and have funded the multimedia re-working of
the Scout Room to make it a more usable meeting/youth
room.
All the events of Rally Day are coordinated by the Associate
Vestry at St. John the Divine, and this year’s celebration, as
in years past, is going to be an exciting “coming together”
of our parish family for celebration, great food, games and
events for children, activities for youth, and our annual Silent
Auction. But there is something new about this year’s Rally
Day—we are moving the date forward to the Sunday before
Labor Day, August 28th. That’s right! It’s two weeks earlier
than usual, so you need to mark your calendar now to make
sure you don’t miss all the festivities.
What do we need you to do? We need you to support Rally
Day in three ways: 1) Come to Rally Day and have a great
time; 2) Volunteer to assist the AV on the day of the event;
and 3) Donate auction items (offer the use of vacation homes,
sporting event tickets, hosting special dinners, artwork, etc.)
and be part of the bidding on these items, realizing that the
funds go to support the event itself as well as special needs
at St. John the Divine. Click here to download a donation form:
http://www.sjd.org/church-life/rally-day/
Why are we changing the date? We are changing this year’s
date because the Sunday after Labor Day weekend (our normal
time to schedule Rally Day) falls on the tenth anniversary of
the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Recognizing the
importance of this anniversary, we felt it was proper, respectful,
and prudent to move our celebration to the earlier date of
August 28th. Although the date will be earlier, the events and
celebration will be just as exciting as ever.
The Associate Vestry works to insure a fun day for everyone,
young and old alike, and we try to make it as family-friendly
as possible. We provide lots of games and events for children
and have added an arcade for our teenagers. Additionally,
the BBQ lunch is provided free to insure that it’s a day of fun,
and not a day of parents shelling out money to pay for food,
rides, and other things. Our bottom line is to make it a FUN
DAY for everyone!
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Our Associate Vestry Senior Warden this year is John Berry, our
Junior Warden is Bill Rucker, and our Rally Day Coordinator is
David Bowden. They will be working tirelessly with members
of the AV and with Wanda Amos, who is heading up the
Silent Auction to make this one of the best Rally Days we have
ever had. Please join us for this grand event—and help us by
offering items for our auction and your time as a volunteer.
... this year’s celebration, as in years
past, is going to be an exciting “coming
together” of our parish family for
celebration, great food, games and events
for children, activities for youth, and our
annual Silent Auction.
Rally Day 2010
Deeper
Reflections on Psalm 23
by the Rev. Laurens A. Hall, rector
When Jesus says of himself in the New Testament, “I am the good
Finally, the sheep acknowledges with praise and thanksgiving the
Shepherd,” he surely has in mind the shepherd of first-century
authority of the Good Shepherd over all the foes he may encounter
Palestine, verbally pictured in Psalm 23. Probably the best-loved
on The Way. The sheep rests safely and invincibly at a table,
and most widely known psalm of all the 150 Biblical Psalms, the
anointed in victory with the prize of life eternal with the Lord. At
23rd Psalm’s six verses summarize precisely the message of God in
the house of the Good Shepherd, a special room is reserved for
Christ: God’s enduring love for His people (sheep) and what they
each of His sheep.
can anticipate from their relationship with Him.
Years ago, a great actor recited the 23rd Psalm to a large assembly.
God in Christ is the good shepherd, as opposed to the irresponsible
The actor gave a magnificent presentation, speaking each word
and corrupted one. He desires and works for only the best for his
with a precise, resonating voice and diction. The audience was quite
sheep. Indeed, the entire description of this Good Shepherd is
impressed with the actor’s delivery, and stood at its conclusion,
that He keeps the sheep alive. It is not so much that He will make
applauding and cheering. But suddenly, one gentleman, noticeably
life easy—with sheep lying down in green pastures and alongside
younger than the invited actor and obviously on his own initiative,
the waters of peace and comfort—although, there are such times
took the podium and began his rendition of the 23rd Psalm. At first
provided. For sheep to be able to lie down in green pastures means
the audience was surprised at hearing another voice uttering the
to have food and to be led beside still waters is to have something to
same words it had just heard. But there was something about this
drink. To be led in right paths, especially of a spiritual nature, means
second voice—its warmth, its grace, its disarming manner—that
that danger is avoided and proper shelter is available. All and all,
arrested the listeners as they quietly sat in their chairs until the final
it is that God in Christ restores my soul, that is, He keeps His sheep
verse was spoken. At that moment, no one moved. There was no
alive. And so, His sheep will witness to lacking nothing.
applause. No words were said. Everyone remained still. It was as if
a trance had fallen upon all those in the room.
Even in the most life-threatening situations—as a sheep finds itself
overshadowed by the heavy darkness that is death—God’s provision
After what seemed a long time, the great actor slowly returned to
in Christ is sufficient. God’s promised presence of His goodness and
the lectern and, with tears in his eyes, announced, “The difference
mercy is one of assurance. Thus, the sheep moves with confidence
between these two presentations of the 23rd Psalm is that I know
through the valley of difficulty and strain, with an eye on The Light
only the words of the psalm; this young man who followed me
that banishes the shadow from the mountain peak, above which
knows not only the words of the psalm, but he knows the one of
is its ultimate destination. The dangers of the journey are real, but
whom the psalm speaks—The Good Shepherd.”
the sheep does not fear them; the power of God in Christ found
in “the rod and staff” is ever-present for guidance and protection.
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May it be so for us as well these summer months!
more
Heading into the 16th Year
by Suzanne Gusemano, director of First Steps Montessori School
As Maria Montessori once stated, “The child is both a
hope and a promise for mankind.” Today, Montessori
classrooms are seen as rich environments filled with great
activity, learning, and excitement. Heading into its 16th
year, First Steps Montessori School opened its doors as a
mission of St. John the Divine. The school first began in
1996, incorporating the Good Shepherd program. First
Steps at the time consisted of about 70 children, a total of
five classes ranging from infant to primary (6 months to 6
years old). In May 1999, I became the director. The school
classrooms slowly evolved and became more child-friendly
with low sinks, new furniture, shelves, and even materials.
First Steps grew to accommodate 125 children with a total
of seven classrooms—four primary classes (3–6 year olds)
and three toddler classes (18 months to 3 year olds).
Although First Steps is one of many Montessori schools
in Houston, it is unique, with an outstanding reputation
for “true” Montessori philosophy. The faculty at First
Steps Montessori School consists of American Montessori
Credentialed Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood
Instructors. Our certified teachers are leading educators
in the Houston community, having experience levels
ranging from 15-30 years. First Steps Montessori School
is an Associate Member of American Montessori Society,
which reaches every country in the world. When children
graduate from our program, they are truly prepared for
the next step.
cannot help but benefit from this holy space as we are
aware of God and his presence within our hearts and our
classrooms.
When we asked what it’s like to attend First Steps Montessori
and be a member at St. John the Divine, we heard:
“Two of our most cherished needs in one magnificent
location.”
—Will Wojciechowski, father of Bo,
who attends the primary program
“We have met new friends and found our place of worship,
thanks to First Steps and St. John the Divine.”
—Beth Rivera, mother of Baz and Zeke–Zeke,
who attend the primary program
“It is such a blessing to have our daughter at First Steps.
In addition to attending a fabulous program with amazing
teachers and staff, our daughter feels the warmth and love
that we get on Sundays. It is truly a blessing.”
—Kate Swail, mother of Tennyson,
who attends the toddler program
One of the many benefits of being a mission of St. John the
Divine is the daily opportunity to engage with the clergy.
The church takes on a new role of support, offering endless
opportunities to engage. The faculty, staff, and children
embrace daily prayer, weekly chapel, and opportunities
within the classroom catechesis materials. This community
First Steps Montessori School, a ministry of St. John the Divine, is now accepting applications.
Contact Suzanne Gusemano, Director, 713.354.2267 for information.
more
Life-Changing Moments
The following testimonies are from parishioners who experienced a “life-changing moment” during the Family Retreat, March 2011,
at Camp Allen. If you would like to share your life-changing moment, please submit it to Jackie Skeffington, director of Financial
Stewardship, [email protected], or call 713.297.8707.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my
teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
For the past two years the SJD Family Retreat has set our family
free. God’s word is alive and sharp during our time at Camp Allen.
It is preached through the mouths of Reagan and Voddie. We
worship God through Kemper’s musical leadership. We praise
the blessing of our children as they run in the vast green space
outside the dining hall.
The Holy Spirit touches so many families on the retreat. It is visibly
apparent in the faces of parents and children, husbands and wives,
friends and loved ones. This is a communion of parishioners unlike
any other I have experienced: a coming together to worship a
God we know all too well in our anxiety-ridden big-city lives. The
retreat gives families the opportunity to peel off layers, which
opens all of us up to the Lord’s healing message.
Recalling one of Voddie’s messages from my notes on Genesis
leads me to his focus on Joseph’s sons: Ephraim and Manasseh.
Manasseh—born to Joseph by Asenath, daughter of Potiphera.
“Manasseh” is etymologically derived from the root “me'na'sheh,”
which means “to forget,” and it refers to Joseph’s forgetting his
troubles and his father’s household, because of the actions of God.
Voddie emphasized that we all need a Manasseh. Some of us
define ourselves because of what happened in our father’s house.
We must let that stuff go. Joseph let it go before it was even
reconciled. He knew that that in order to be fruitful, he needed
to let it go and let God. By naming his first-born son a Hebrew
name, Joseph refused to be defined by what others had afflicted
him with. He believes in the providence of God to know he will
use his afflictions to his glory.
Joseph named his second son, Ephraim, meaning “doubly
fruitful.” Joseph praises God for making him fruitful in the land
of his present affliction. He sees the land of Egypt as his land of
affliction, not as his father’s house. He lives for the future in the
Promised Land, not in the present, afflicted land. Joseph knows
that this life is not as good as it gets, and that Egpyt is not his final
resting place. By naming his sons Hebrew names, Ephraim and
Manasseh, he makes it known that he will not identify himself by
the culture that he is living in. Through the afflicted land, God
uses Joseph.
Are we living in the afflicted land? I can easily speak for myself
in saying, Yes, I am. Do I identify myself by the culture that I live
in? I am ashamed to say that, yes, I too often identify myself by
world that I live in. In reading notes from my bible study, the
commentator speaks on her own reality in this world. She states
passionately: “I don’t want more of God in my world any longer.
I want to let go of that world completely … to die in the old
country, so I can become fully alive and free in the new.”
Don’t we all desire to live as Joseph chose to live? Trusting in
God’s providence for his life, no matter what comes his way, in his
past and present realities of trials and tribulations?
The SJD Family Retreat allows individuals and families as a whole
to be set free. The Holy Spirit lovingly wraps His arms of truth
around each participant, young and old. The truth and conviction
of God’s word allows us freedom, freedom from our afflictions,
no matter what perception we may have of the land we live in.
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,
hope. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has
been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has
been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
— Kate Swail
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WANTED: SITTER FOR FAMILY DOG
Like any weekend commitment that involves packing bags for
the kids, loading up the car, and finding a place for the family
dog, the week that leads up to the St. John’s family retreat is
full of second thoughts and questions about whether all the
effort will really be worth it. While sometimes the answer to
that question can be a solid “no,” this year’s family retreat,
like last year’s, left no doubt that putting the retreat on the
calendar as a priority will be a ritual the Neuhaus family.
It is very easy to sit back and think of ways you might rather
spend any given weekend or think of excuses why you should
not attend the family retreat, but after this year’s event it was
crystal clear to us that the family retreat gives something to
our family that cannot be found while in the midst of business
and agendas dictated to us in the city or any other venue.
Like many others, we suspect, our family is overbooked
with birthday parties, sporting events, and social functions.
Although we make it to the PLC most Sundays, we often allow
the outside world to dictate how we spend our valuable family
weekend time. Not so on the family retreat weekend.
For us, the family retreat allows us to spend time learning and
digesting God’s word together without the distractions found
in everyday life or by the direct messages of the outside world.
The time we spend together at the retreat is not diluted by
Nintendo Wiis, televisions, errands, or appointments. Rather,
it is filled with the goodness of knowing that the time we
spend there is truly bonding our family (and church) in the
guidance and purity that God has promised to all those who
are willing to seek and accept it. As parents, we can think of
no better gift we can bestow on our children than to show
them the importance of spending the type of quality, Godly
time that is found together at Camp Allen. As our speaker, the
Rev. Voddie Baucham, has touched upon the past two years,
we have a tremendous responsibility to raise our children as
the scriptures depict; that it is God’s charge to prioritize our
lives—to teach our children how to be children of God, so
they might teach their children to do the same. We believe
just by being at the retreat sends a message to our children
that God is our priority, and the knowledge we gain allows us
as parents to recharge, refocus, and reflect on what kind of
example we are giving our children at home.
The family retreat is an amazing opportunity to spend time
with our family and our church, and one that we hope will be
part of the Neuhaus family for generations to come. We hope
to see the whole parish of St. John’s there next year, but if you
cannot make it, consider that we will be looking for a sitter for
our family dog.
— Charlie Neuhaus
2011 Family Retreat at Camp Allen
CafÉ divine
Join us for Wednesday night dinners including
fresh summer salads, delicious soups and
sandwiches, and light desserts.
Because the Pearson family loves SJD and Café Divine, they graciously underwrote the Palm Sunday brunch to encourage the members
of our parish to stay, enjoy a great lunch, and share fellowship with their church family. Like all ministries at SJD, Café Divine is just one
of the many ways to connect with connect with people, and share a meal and the Good News!
Sunday at CafÉ Divine
• Breakfast 7:30 - 10:00 am; Lunch 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
• Adults $5, 3 - 12 year olds $3, Under 3 is Free
• All meals include tea, water, and coffee
Breakfast includes: an omelet station and rotating exhibition stations with either pancakes, waffles, or French toast; bacon,
sausage, hash browns, biscuits, hot and cold cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, milk, and coffee.
June 5
Under the Tuscan Sun
Caprese salad, chicken piccata, orzo with zucchini, and Italian ices for dessert.
June 12
Lemonade on the Lawn & Luau
Hawaiian pork kabobs, steamed rice, spinach salad, ambrosia, and macadamia white chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
June 19
Father's Day BBQ
Brisket, sausage, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and Dad's brand root beer floats for dessert.
June 26
Garden Party
Cucumber sandwiches, ham & cheese sandwiches, chunky chicken salad, watermelon & feta salad, and assorted homemade
cookies for dessert.
July 3
Red White and Blue
Hamburger and hot dog bar with all the fixin’s. Homemade potato chips and sweet potato chips, and berry, berry good fruit
salad, not to mention Marble Slab for dessert.
July 10
Fiesta!
Build your own taco bowl, your choice of beef or chicken fajita meat, lettuce, beans, cheese, avocado, and pralines for dessert.
July 17
Crawfish Boil
Steaming crawfish with potatoes, corn, and cornbread, field green salad, and Popsicles for dessert.
July 24
Taste of Texas
Texas pecan-crusted chicken breast stuffed with herbed goat cheese, grilled onions, and roasted pecans, served over lemon
butter with sautéed fresh green beans, wild rice medley, and Texas pecan pie a la mode for dessert.
July 31
Baja Fish Tacos
Fried or baked fish tacos, plantains, black beans and rice, Key lime pie for dessert and sans-gria to drink.
18
COMING UP
Church Family Events
Summer Service Schedule
Through Labor Day
7:45 am Holy Eucharist, Rite One Chapel
9:15 am Awesome Worship PLC
10:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite One Church
10:00 am Contemporary Eucharist PLC
4:45 pm Service of Healing Prayer Chapel
5:00 pm Holy Eucharist, Rite One Chapel
6:00 pm Celebration Eucharist Church
blood drive
THE REV. MIKE ENDICOTT RETURNS TO SJD
June 26 (Sun) 10:00 am
The Rev. Mike Endicott will preach in the PLC Service.
June 29 (Wed) 6:00 pm
The Rev. Endicott will be with us in the PLC for dinner.
We will have a time of worship, followed by a presentation,
then close with Communion. Reservations are required;
please call 713.354.2268 x442, or
click here: http://www.sjd.org/event/2011-06-26-the-rev-mikeendicott-returns/. The cost for this event is $10 per person.
The Rev. Endicott will also be at First Presbyterian
Church on June 24 (Fri), and June 25 (Sat). Please call
First Presbyterian for more information. Everyone is
welcome!
Fourth of July Celebration
June 5 (Sun) 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sign up at the Get Connected Center in Sumners Hall.
Giving blood is painless (pretty much); you can’t catch
anything from doing it; the hospital staff is friendly and
skilled; and each blood donation helps THREE patients.
July 3 (Sun)
We will celebrate with one service in the Church at
10:00 am with Eucharist and patriotic music. Afterward,
enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers and all the fixin's in
Café Divine. Make sure to save room for Marble Slab ice
cream for dessert!
2nd tuesday Prayer & Worship
Rally day 2011 new date!
June 14 & July 12 (Tues) 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Chapel
A time of worship, healing prayer ministry, and witness.
Aug 28 (Sun); Note the new date before Labor Day!
It is that time again! The Associate Vestry is seeking
out great items for our silent auction. Please consider
donating time at a vacation home, airline miles, gift
cards, or anything else others would like to bid on at
a silent auction. Proceeds raised go to fund special
projects beyond the church budget. Donation forms are
available online and available at the front desk. Click here
to download a form: http://www.sjd.org/church-life/rallyday/. Contact Jackie Skeffington, [email protected].
Wednesday nights at SJD
Dinner 5:45 - 6:45 pm; Teaching 6:45-7:45 pm
Join us for Wednesday night dinners including fresh summer salads, delicious soups and sandwiches, along with
light desserts.
This summer Family Life and the School of Theology
will join together in the Parlor each Wednesday
evening to discuss the questions on John’s Gospel
from the Lenten Devotional.
Click here to see a listing of Wednesday night opportunities:
http://www.sjd.org/main-site/wednesdays-at-sjd/
father's day picnic
June 19 (Sun), in Café Divine
Treat Dad to a great meal of bbq brisket, sausage, and
chicken, and all the fixin's. Watch the finals of the US
Open on the big screen and share this special day with
family and friends.
SJD ON-THE-Go
Our Sermon Podcasts are now up on iTunes! Whether
you’re walking, waiting at the doctor’s office, in an
airport, or on the beach, you can download sermons,
Lenten speakers, Men’s Life – Bethel, and more for free
to your iPhone, iPod, or computer. Sign up for to the
iTunes subscription and to the RSS Feed. All of the
offerings are automatically downloaded to your Outlook,
and you receive notifications when they are available, all
at no charge. You can subscribe to the podcast on the
sermon page: http://www.sjd.org/main-site/resources/
media-list/. See the sidebar on the left-hand side. It will
automatically subscribe you in iTunes.
Visit www.sjd.org to learn more.
CHildren’s MINISTRY
YOUTH MINISTRY
Children & Youth Summer Sunday School
Midweek
JUMP! Sunday
June 8, 22, 29 & July 13, (Wed) 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Join us in the youth room for a relaxed atmosphere full
of good food and fellowship; followed by games, group
discussions, and worship.
June 5 (Sun) 9:45 - 11:15 am
Kick off our summer Sunday school program, Jump!,
following Awesome Worship in the St. John's School
Quad. We will have a Jump! Sunday with inflatables,
refreshments, music, and fellowship. Dress comfortably
and for outdoor activity.
Children & Youth Summer Sunday School
JUMP! Put Faith in Motion
Begins June 12 (Sun) 9:50 - 10:45 am
Jump! into the middle of Paul’s journeys and watch the
story of his radical faith unfold. From the moment his
faith was sparked by the light on the road to Damascus,
to his experiences with shipwrecks, jailbreaks, and courtroom drama, you’ll have a front-row seat to Paul's story
of faith—a rousing tale of adventure. The stories we will
learn are the Road to Damascus, Ananias and Barnabus,
Paul and Silas, Mars Hill, King Agrippa, the Shipwreck at
Malta, Paul and Timothy, and a wrap-up of Paul’s journey.
Preschool-aged children will meet in room 113. Elementary
students will meet in the Scout Basement with middle
school and high school youth leaders. Class will begin at
9:50 am following Awesome Worship and end at 10:45
am. Kids not picked up will join their parents in one of the
services at the Peace for Communion.
The Wonder-fully Made classroom will be open from
8:45 am - 11:45 am.
Holiday Programming
July 3 (Sun) One service at 10:00 am in the Church
Our regularly scheduled Sunday school classes will not
meet. We will offer the following programming:
Nursery for infants-two years
3 years-Kindergarten
Rm 104
Rm 113
vacation bible school
Rock Camp SJD, VBS 2011! August 8-11
You don't want to miss this fun week of fellowship, worship, outreach, and music with The Lads! Catch the Preshow on Aug 7 (Sun) in Awesome Worship. Dress as your
favorite Lad and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Details to come
about the family dinner and concert on Aug 11 (Thurs).
Click here to register: http://www.sjd.org/ministries/children/
vacation-bible-school/
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Camp BigStuf
June 13-17 (Wed-Sun)
The youth will spend five days in Panama City, FL, at
a beachside resort, playing in the sun, and growing in
their relationship with Christ through worship, speakers,
and small group discussions.
Serve 'n' Sun
June 27, July 14 (Mon)
Save the date for our “Serve ‘n’ Sun” Opportunity! We
will spend the mornings serving our neighbors in Houston
and will spend the afternoons having fun in the sun.
youth MISSION TRIP: bolivia
July 1-8 & July 8-15
Please pray for our students, parents, and staff who will
serve alongside Amistad Mission in the mountains of
Bolivia. If you are interested in helping to support the
26-member team financially, please contact Jane Grizzle
at [email protected].
SchlitterbaHn trip
July 27-28
We will go to New Braunfels for a two-day excursion of
excitement at Schlitterbahn Water Park! We’ll leave from
the church. E-mail [email protected] to sign up by July 13.
young adult ministry
Young adult bible study
(Sun) 10:00 am in the Chapel
The Young Adults group and Fusion singles group
will continue to meet for study and discussion during
the Sunday school hour with Michael Forth. For more
information, contact [email protected].
small groupS
(Sun) 10:30 am
The Rev. Mathew Fenlon will lead a small group for ages
18-30 during the Adult Ed study.
Continuum
(Sun) 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Our time together includes worship, lead by Zach Meeks,
study, Compline Prayer, and dinner. Childcare is provided.
Contact the Rev. Mathew Fenlon, [email protected].
Single Men’s Group
(Mon) 7:00 pm
All single men are invited to join us at The Red Lion
for fellowship and discussion. Contact Heath Behmer,
[email protected].
ADULT MINISTRY
Adult Sunday School
Begins June 5 (Sun)
Exploring the “Small Books” of the New Testament
Talks by the clergy: 9:15 am in the Church. Small Group
discussion: in the Church Family Room, Bride’s Room &
Lounge.
Women’s Life Bible Study
(Wed) 7:00 - 8:00 am in the Parlor
We continue our study “Jesus, Through the Eyes of
Matthew.” We will begin a new study, "Revelation, the
Unveiling of the Lord Jesus Christ," on July 6 and will run
through Dec 7. Please contact Carol Cantrell at ccantrell@
bvccpa.com for more information.
Rusty Rutherford Bible Study
(Mon) 7:00 - 8:30 pm in L25
Rusty Rutherford will study the "Vision of Isaiah."
MEN’S LIFE: SUMMER
(Tues) 7:00 - 7:45 am in Sumners Hall
This summer, Men’s Life Summer Discipleship will focus
on being a spiritual leader and studying the pastoral
epistles, Timothy and Titus. For more informaiton,
contact the Rev. Doug Richnow, [email protected].
prayer and pastoral care
Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina
(Thurs) 8:30 - 9:30 am in Rm L25
Join the Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina group. For
information, call Shirley Burgher, 713.520.6515.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are dedicated Christians and trained
lay members commissioned by our congregation to
administer confidential in-depth caring and prayer.
To contact a Stephen Minister, call the church,
713.622.3600 ext. 265. Leave word that you’d like to
talk, and tell us how to get in touch with you. We’ll
take it from there. You can also e-mail your request to
[email protected].
Service of Healing and Intercession
(Wed), 6:00 pm in the Sid Smith Prayer Chapel (L25).
Please join for a short time of praise, worship, teaching,
and sharing. Open to all.
seniors ministry
The Gathering
June 20 & July 18 (Mon) 9:30 am - 1:30 pm in Sumners Hall
A free program for persons with early dementia. For
information, call Laura Goehrs, 713.789.7195.
Monday Bridge
June 6, 20 18 & July 4, 18 (Mon) 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Computer Classes
Classes meet Mondays and Tuesdays for three weeks.
Eight people per class—$75 for six sessions over the
course of three weeks. For class information and reservations, call Martha Wetzel 713.522.7331.
Tender Transitions
June 21 (Tues), 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Susan Gaze returns to give us tips on planning a move,
closing a home, choosing what to take, and how to do
it. Great information for now or later! A light lunch will
be served. RSVP to Dodie Harrington, 713.354.2264.
AARP Driving Safely 55+
July 26 (Tues), 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
For insurance reduction only. Cost: $10 with AARP card;
otherwise, $14 payable at the door. Advance reservations required by calling 713.354.2264. Seating is
limited to 20 persons.
Visit www.sjd.org to view the full Calendar.
outreach
Summer Outreach Sunday
July 10 (Sun) 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Join us in Sumners Hall and participate in our summer
outreach activities. There will be something for
everyone. Details to come!
CCSC Back To School
July 30 (Sat) 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sort and Set Up
Help prepare supplies and clothing for distribution.
Aug 6 (Sat) 7:30 am - 12:30 pm or 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Distribution
Come to one of two shifts; help distribute items to clients.
Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd.
(just inside Loop 610 at Avenue B). For additional
information contact Jeni Howell at 713.961.3993,
[email protected].
Sponsor a student.
CCSC’s greatest need for the Back To School program
is financial backing.
It costs only $45.00 to provide each child with a
comprehensive packet of academic supplies and new
clothing and shoes in line with each campus’s uniform
requirements. Please consider giving or organizing an
effort to bring in funding for this much-needed service
– at your place of business, worship, recreation center,
or anywhere you have community relationships that
care about children.
Donations of any amount can be contributed in one of
two ways:
Donate online.
Our secure web site is a convenient way to give, and
your gift can be designated to Back To School: www.
ccschouston.org.
Donate by mail.
Simply send a check (payable to CCSC with “Back To
School” in the note section) to CCSC, P. O. Box 27924,
Houston, Texas, 77227.
Since 1986 the Christian Community Service Center
(CCSC) has helped deserving and under-resourced
students through its Back To School program. This
year, 6,000 children will receive grade-appropriate
school supplies as well as a $30 voucher for new
uniforms and shoes.
22
music ministry
Sing with the Summer Choir!
(Sun) 9:15 am, Memorial Day to Labor Day
The Summer Choir will rehearse each Sunday prior to
the 10:00 am service. Participate as your schedule permits. We welcome all interested adults and youth grades
6 and above. Contact Steve Newberry or John Meier for
details, 713.354.2241, [email protected].
Music for children and youth
Three trees in four weeks
June 5, 12, 19, 26 (Sun) 9:55-10:45 am
Join us in June as we learn the parts of The Tale of
the Three Trees. Contact Lois Trego, 713.354.2245,
[email protected].
MUSIC FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Registration available online!
Come find a place in one of our four choirs, K - grade
12. Contact Lois Trego, Director of Music for Children
and Youth, 713.354.2245, [email protected].
August 8-11, 2011
Register online today!
around the parish
The Guild
Easter
Easter
Easter
Wycliff Hall Conference
24
d Shop Style Show
Easter
Confirmation
Easter
Lemonade Day
Celebration Sunday
Easter
Easter
Celebration Sunday
Visit www.sjd.org to view all the Galleries
Confirmation
the bookstore
OPEN
Mon-Fri 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Phone
713.354.2250
Max on Life:
Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions
Max Lucado
We have questions. Child-like inquiries, and deep, heavy ones. In more than 25 years
of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such
questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins.
In "Max on Life" he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing
questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter. Including
topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight,
"Max on Life" will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as
well as new and mature believers. now shares them with the world.
The Gospel Commission
Michael Horton
A well-regarded Reformed
thinker and author directs
readers to a renewed biblical
understanding and practice of
the Great Commission.
Please note The Bookstore will be closed
June 27-July 2 for inventory,
and on Monday, July 4.
Please visit our WEB PAGE at
for this month’s specials.
Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God
Francis Frangipane
Frangipane describes the path
toward true holiness with these
words: It is a path full of both life
and death, perils and blessings. It
is a path upon which you will be
challenged, empowered, provoked,
and crucified. But you will not be
disappointed. If it is God you seek,
it is God you will find.
26
Thank you for your continued support of
The Bookstore!
Remember, we offer free gift wrap
on all non-clearance items.
Visit the Bookstore to check out these books and more...
Visit www.sjd.org to view this newsletter online.
Periodicals
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PAID
Houston, Texas
Vine (USPS 513-640)
Published bi-monthly by
The Church of
St. John the Divine
2450 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77019-5826
713.622.3600
Periodicals Postage
PAID
at Houston, Texas
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
The Church of
St. John the Divine
2450 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77019-5826
2 4 5 0 R i v e r Oak s B l vd .
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Sunday Summer Services
7:45am
Holy Eucharist Rite I, Chapel
9:15 am
Awesome Worship, Parish Life Center
10:00 am
Traditional Eucharist, Church
10:00am
Contemporary Eucharist, PLC
4:45pmService for Christian Healing, Chapel
5:00pm
Holy Eucharist Rite I, Chapel
6:00pm
Celebration Eucharist, Church
Weekday Services in the chapel
7:00amMorning Prayer, M, T, Th, F
5:30 p
mEvening Prayer, M, T, Th
7:00am
10:00am
Healing Eucharist, W
5:30pm
Holy Eucharist Rite II, W
Holy Eucharist Rite I, W