St. John’s Messenger Volume I5, Issue 9

August 25, 2015

Pastors Point...Pastors Point...Pastors Point...Pastors Point...

Hey Gang,

As I sit down to write this, I am amazed that Kim and I have only been a part of this church for a little

over a month. In some ways, it feels like we have been a part of the St. John’s community for much longer than

that. Your willingness to include us in your lives and the welcoming spirit has made us feel right at home.

We have done a lot of stuff together already! This summer has been chock-ful of opportunities to

experience God’s presence. Together we have splashed water on each other at a pool party, handed out

umpteen backpacks, celebrated the lives of lost friends, and broken bread around God’s table, in Wendt Hall,

and in local restaurants. We have also experienced what it means to worship on a Sunday without A/C, and how

this church is really good at working together to make sure there is joy in worship….all this, and more, in just a

small amount of time.

But, it has been the various cottage meetings that have sealed the deal for me. In these meetings, we

celebrated the strengths of our church and shared some of the dreams and hopes that we have for our future

together. We also took an honest look at some of the hurdles that we might be willing to wrestle with as we

follow God’s lead. These meetings have been enlightening and exciting for me; and I truly appreciate your

willingness to come together in this way.

For the next few months, we will be looking at some of what was said in those cottage meetings, and then

discerning what God might be saying to us. Some of what was discussed will take time and much more prayerful

discernment to respond to. And some of the dreams we shared are already being addressed in our various

ministries of the church. Very soon, I look forward to sharing with the church some of the common themes that

I heard in all the meetings, as well as some ways that we might achieve those dreams together.

For now, I just want to say thank you for your trust and friendliness. I feel blessed to be your pastor.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Jeff

Deep Blue Deep Blue Deep Blue Deep Blue ---- Dive in the Bible with us! Dive in the Bible with us! Dive in the Bible with us! Dive in the Bible with us!

St. John’s is excited to announce that we will be launching a new award-winning Sunday School curriculum for children ages 3-12 starting this Fall! This weekly adventure through the Bible uses compelling stories, science experiments, arts and crafts and active games to create a living-faith experience that will help kids discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus

Christ today. There’s even an all-new class for 5th and 6th graders to prepare them for the next step in their spiritual development.

Register your children today in the Church Office or on-line at www.stjohnsumc-richmond.org! Forms and curriculum samples are in Room 105 and the Church Office.

WOMEN’S BOOK STUDYWOMEN’S BOOK STUDYWOMEN’S BOOK STUDYWOMEN’S BOOK STUDY

Our September book will be The The The The PromisePromisePromisePromise by Ann Weisgarberby Ann Weisgarberby Ann Weisgarberby Ann Weisgarber. In 1900, young pianist Catherine

Wainwright flees the fashionable town of

Dayton, Ohio in the wake of a terrible

s canda l . Heartbroken and fac ing

destitution, she finds herself striking up

correspondence with a childhood admirer,

the recently widowed Oscar Williams. In

desperation she agrees to marry him. But

when Catherine travels to Oscar's farm on

Galveston Island, Texas--a thousand miles

from home--she finds she is little prepared

for the life that awaits her. Discussion of this

novel will be Saturday, September 19, Saturday, September 19, Saturday, September 19, Saturday, September 19, at 9:30

am in Room 105.

CHURCH NEWSLETTER IS GETTING A FACE LIFTCHURCH NEWSLETTER IS GETTING A FACE LIFTCHURCH NEWSLETTER IS GETTING A FACE LIFTCHURCH NEWSLETTER IS GETTING A FACE LIFT

Did you know that our current paper newsletter (what you are holding in your hand) costs the church around 330.00 dollars per month to print and mail? In other words, we spend close to 4,000 dollars per year to mail out a paper newsletter!?!? Not only is

it expensive, but a bulk mail out is also very difficult to ensure that it is received on a timely bases. Along with this, the cottage meetings that Pastor Jeff attended also expressed a willingness to find more effective ways to communicate the church’s life and activity.

In an effort to be better stewards of our church’s resources, and to make sure that you receive the latest news about St. Johns U.M.C in a timely fashion, we will be moving our newsletter to a brand new email format. However, we also want to give everyone the option to continue to receive a paper version, if you desire. The E-newsletter will contain all the usual information, but will give us the ability to communicate with the church in a much more effective way.

So, what do you need to do?

First, decide if you want to receive your news by “snail mail” or by a monthly email.

Second, simply let the church know which way suits you best. You can sign up on Sunday or call the church office with your email address. Deadline for sign up is October 1st.

If you currently receive your newsletter via email, you don’t need to do anything but enjoy the new look of the upcoming newsletter!

Great things are happening around St. John’s U.M.C and we don’t want anyone to miss an opportunity to be a part of them! Our hope, as we continue to reshape our communications, is that you will have a way to stay more connected with your church family!

Wrapped in Love Wrapped in Love Wrapped in Love Wrapped in Love St. Johns Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Johns Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Johns Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Johns Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Wrapped in Love group con�nues to

crochet, knit and sew Prayer Shawls. If you

have an interest in joining this group, we meet every

Friday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Room 402 at

the church. Enter through the Wendt Hall entrance via

Li-le School. For further informa�on or ques�ons,

please contact Susan Je- via the church office or by

email - je-_susan@hotmail.com.

The Prayer Shawls are distributed to those individuals

who may be experiencing difficult �mes in their lives.

The church congrega�on can par�cipate by le6ng the

church office know if you have a family member or

friend who could benefit receiving a shawl. It’s as

simple as calling or emailing the church office.

Children’s Choirs Kick Off!

Join us on Wednesday, September 2nd, for our Children’s Choir Kick-Off at

4:00pm in Wendt Hall. Kids 4 years old and up are invited to join us as we

enjoy music, food, games, and prizes.

Worship:

8/2 8/9 8/16

Total 180 187 229

Sunday School:

Children 20 11 11

Youth 7 7 7

Adults 86 93 93

Total 113 111 111

Stewardship CornerStewardship CornerStewardship CornerStewardship Corner

Through August 17Through August 17Through August 17Through August 17

Monthly Operating Expense: $66,856

Monthly income (to date): $62,949

We have reached 60% of our annual budget!

Thank you for supporting St. John’s UMC! For more information, contact the Finance Office.

Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Support Group—

Meetings are held the first Thursday

of each month from 7:00-8:00pm at St. John’s in

Room 105.

Grieg Support Group—Healing Hearts meets

twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of

each month at 10:00am at St. John’s in Room

402.

Children’s Choirs Carpools

Carpools are available for Wednesday afternoon children’s choirs from several LCISD/Fort Bend ISD schools. Past carpools have included pickup from Austin, Williams, Long, Smith, Frost, Campbell, and Dickinson Elementaries as well as Pecan Grove and Walker Station Elementaries. Contact Tim Benson at 281-342-6631 for more info.

Women’s Bible Study

Set Apart is a dynamic six-week study of 1 and 2 Kings that examines the holy habits of the prophets and kings who were set apart by their close walk with God. Each week we will explore the central story of one of these intriguing men of God and the specific practice each observed, as well as what the Bible teaches this practice.

Each of these characters was trying to follow God while carrying out his calling on earth. As we consider their example, we will discover that even prophets and kings struggled and grew in their faith through spiritual practices, and we will learn how to follow God’s unique purposes for us in His Kingdom.

The Participant Book contains five daily readings per week, including Scripture, reflective teaching material with questions and space for recording responses, prayer suggestions and ideas for practical application. Sign up in the church office.

Bible Study for Busy Lives

Our church is participating in the second round of beta testing for Disciple Fast Track. We’re forming our group now to go through the study together. For nearly thirty years, the original Disciple Bible Study has helped millions of people read through the Bible

and grow their faith through a 34-week class. The new Fast Track study leads groups through the Bible in a shortened, 24-week format while maintaining the integrity and principles of the original study. New, easy-to-use print and video materials and an online community give participants the tools to absorb and retain what they learn in this shortened format.

There will be daily assigned scriptures to read, as well as an expectation to be present at the 24 sessions. The Study will be taught in a large group format in Wendt Hall. We will meet on Tuesday nights and the study will last a little over an hour in length. The study will be team taught by the “ever so popular and sought after triad” Pastor Jeff, Pastor Jenny, and Ret. Pastor Eddie!!!

Books will be $40. Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm. Sign-up TODAY in the Church Office!

Youth Breakfast Taco SaleYouth Breakfast Taco SaleYouth Breakfast Taco SaleYouth Breakfast Taco Sale

Sunday, September 20th

Sunday, October 18th

9:45-10:15 a.m.

All proceeds benefit the Alive Youth Program!

Come join us for Breakfast!

Flower Calendar

Dates available are October 11, and several dates in November and December. If you would like to sign up, please come by or call the church office at 281-342-6631.

Children's Children's Children's Children's ChurchChurchChurchChurch

Children's Church takes places during the 11am service. All kids ages 3 - 5th grade are welcome to join us as we prepare to kick off the school year through praise and prayer! Children's Church will be offered each Sunday during the school year except the first Sunday of each month, to allow

communion to be taken as a family.

Volunteers needed! If you are interested in helping lead Children's Church on a rotation basis, contact Courtney Raska at courtneyraska@yahoo.com

We offer our sympathy to the following family on the loss of their loved one.

The Knipling Family on the death of their friend, Morgan Jones.

The family of Vicki Ward on the death of her friend, Norma Swan.

The family of George Brigman.

They have joined the Church Triumphant.

Join Us!Join Us!Join Us!Join Us!

New fellowship group for adults during

the Sunday School hour.

When you read the Acts of the

Apostles in the Bible, you’ll come

across a fellow by the name of

Barnabus. Barnabus, filled with the Holy Spirit,

traveled with Paul and generously gave of his

presence, his �me, and his resources to help the

early church flourish. Many think of Barnabus as a

quiet, “behind-the-scenes” figure, and want to

emulate that same kind of steady faithfulness and

willingness to help in their own lives.

We are excited to announce the start of the

Barnabus Group that will meet on Sundays at 9:45

a.m. in the Educa�on Building. This group will

gather around coffee, snacks, and simple mission

projects. Drop your kids off in their new Sunday

School classes and join us!

Fitness ClassFitness ClassFitness ClassFitness Class

Every Monday

Starts September 14 at 9am

Childcare provided.

Contact Deidre Doggett at

doggett.deidre@gmail.com for more

information.

Ladies Retreat

When life give you lemons make

lemonade!

Saturday, September 12 9 am-2:15 pm

Rosenberg Civic Center, Rosenberg, TX

$25.00 per person

For more information or to register contact Rev. Pauline Harvey Storey at 832-451-6964 or pick up a

registration form from the Church Office. Bible SundayBible SundayBible SundayBible Sunday

Sunday, September 20th

Third Grade Bibles

Please call or email the church office

to make sure we have your third-grader

on our roster for a new Bible of their

own.

Stay tuned for details about a

subsequent Bible Discovery class for

all of our 3rd- 5

th graders!

Saint John’s United Methodist Church

400 Jackson Street

Richmond, TX 77469-3111

Non-Profit Organization

Permit No. 15

Richmond, TX 77469-3111

Rev. Jeff Gantz, Senior Pastor

Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost, Associate Pastor

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Prayer ConcernPrayer ConcernPrayer ConcernPrayer Concern

For our church, our pastors, and our staff… Support for those in times of difficulty… Family of George Brigman Family of Morgan Jones Sharon Lucas Vicki Ward & Family Sarah Young For healing… Joe Adams Lizzie Adams Tammy Addington Gordon Bond Wanda Burton Julia Case Nancy Case Ted Case Randy Cline Wade Danhaus Claire David Minta Denison Jacquelyn Ditsler Tracy Doody Rico Doss Evelyn Duke Diane Duncan Sheila Duncan Claudia Dyle Brandi Edens Irving & Helen Ernst Barbara Farrar Beverly Fry Maria Garcia Patricia Gilbert Keith Gillispie Gene Goldston John Goldston Nancy Goldston Wayne Grider Holt Griffith Charlie Hall Bernice Hillhouse Shirley Hyatt Glena Jennison Lynnlea Johnson Don Jones Wayne Lambert Rita Langston Jane Leightenheimer Pat Liles Nick Lillibridge Catherine McGee Linda McLean Becky McNeese Stan Messinger Lynn Mitchell Ashleigh Miodowski Bunnie Moore Trevor Morris Dwight Myers Alyssa Noonan John Ostergren John Overall Trish Piazza Seth Pollard Blake Reid Pablo Reyes Jim Simmons Beckie Roberts Bonnie Robertson Georgia Schmidt Randy Schulze Mike Scott Bob & Barbara Sharpe Susan Sims Dorothy Snyder Colby Spencer Glenn Stafford Harold Stowell Sandra Stuart Steve Thompson Nancy Volding Ginger Walker Doug Wamsher Billie Wendt Mary Wix Debbie Womack Lynda Zenner Long-term prayers for…

Leola Alley Linda Armstrong Roy & Susi Box Michael Crim Mary Ann Goodwine Brittney Gray Marguerite Gupton Jack & Karen Hayes Charlene Holt Carmen Landers Pat McClellan John McConnell Katherine Meyers Chris & Mark Moore Jimena Pais Jennifer Pali Ryan Pavlu Ryburn Family Imogene Schaper Dessie Schmid Colby Spencer Donnie Spencer Justin & Tiffany Seale Margaret Jo VanSlyke Cathy Williams

Military personnel… Christopher Bailey Greg Brickman Evan Carr Jacob Clay Corey Crosser Bob Davis Ryan Heald Max Edward Johnson Tim Klesel Aaron Murray David Murray Manuel Murray Michael Piazza Ryan Pollard Mark Sojourner David Tomas Mark Vidotto William Watson Recent Deaths….Norma Swan (Vicki Ward’s Friend); Morgan Jones (Friend of the Kniplings); George Brigman **New Additions to our prayer list are in bold.