Dear church members and friends of St. John's,

A few of you have asked me in the past week about my vision for the church. I envision a church that supports one another and where God's loving spirit flows freely. This is a congregation where communication is deep and we've got each other's backs. A group of people where trust is thick and bickering has no roots. I envision a church where each member is a missionary in and to the culture. Members are meeting new people intentionally to reach them for Christ. A group of Christians where passion for Christ and love for one another is tangible. That is my vision for this congregation. What is yours? Share it with me sometime however you wish, face to face or via email or a phone call.

The text this Sunday uses apocalyptic language to reveal Jesus' vision for the world. Jesus envisions a new heaven and new earth where everything and everyone is brought under the loving law of God. Everyone will be taken care of and loved in a way that is right. Everything wrong will be made right. All loose ends will be tied together. No more tears. No more sorrow. No more pain. No more death. This is the new heaven and the new earth. The sermon text this Sunday is Mark 13:1-8 and the sermon title is A Peak Behind the Veil. I wonder if we can name the different veils that keep us from realizing Christ's vision for the world?

The Clayton Thomas Memorial Service is this Saturday, November 14: The memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow in McPhail Hall. All are invited to join with Clayton’s relatives from Ohio and California to celebrate his life.

The Congregation is invited to celebrate Harvest Sunday by sharing non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Your gift of $1.00 buys $27.00 worth of food at the Houston Food Bank. Please bring your contributions on November 15 and November 22. Items may be deposited in the Narthex. Monetary contributions should be noted as “Harvest Sunday.” All donations will be given to Braes Interfaith Ministries.

Remember these folks in prayer: Evelyn Weinburger is now at Holly Hall; Wilbert Harris had knee replacement surgery and is now home; Julia McKisic is at Brighton Gardens recovering from a fall; Frances Stanley is back home from a hospital stay; Betty Smith is at home receiving treatment for cancer. If you know of others, please notify the church office. Let me know of anyone who needs or desires a pastoral visit as that is part of my weekly schedule.

Stewardship Dedication Sunday was a great celebration and the brunch that followed was delicious and full of rejoicing. The initial report is of $286,000 from 70 pledges and that does not include about 25 people who usually pledge but haven't yet pledged. We will update you as we continue with the process. Thanks to all who have pledged! Those who haven't are encouraged to prayerfully fill out a pledge card and turn it in to the church office as soon as possible.

The November blood drive has been re-scheduled for Sunday, December 20, in Building I, 8 am – 12:30 pm.

Bible Study for Everyone Class: The class will shift gears for Advent and will explore the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah through the Kerygma series while listening to the musical composition. Everyone is welcome to join this 4-week study in Room 203 beginning November 29.

Pennies for Peace gives lasting hope to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools. Bring your pennies to the Living Gift Market, November 22.

Today, 11/11, is Veteran's Day, when we honor the hundreds of thousands of men that have selflessly served, and often bled and died, in the defense of our country. If you have a relative that served, please send them a thank you note or e-mail, or give them a call, to thank them for their service.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Jon