pastor, head of staff let your light shine!
TRANSCRIPT
T H E N E W S L E T T E R o f S t . P h i l i p P r e s b y t e r i
a n C h u r c h U. S . A . October 6, 2015Volume 59, Number 19
Houston, Texas
St. Philip’s
Rev. Keatan King Associate Pastor
Omar Rouchon Ministry Associate
Dr. Matthew Dirst Organist
Lorrie Castle Office Manager Denise Ferrell Bookkeeper Micah Meyers Communications Assistant Wilbert Parada Facilities Supervisor Dimas Parada Custodian
Lorrie Castle Newsletter Editor [email protected]
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to you father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16.
We are the light of the world! God has blessed us with the greatest gift of all - Jesus our Savior and our Light. It is our privilege and joy to share our Light with others.
As members of St. Philip we enjoy a fellowship of many lights that together shine at 4807 San Felipe and far beyond this physical location. There are lights of inspiring music, lights of magical laughter, lights of sacred worship, lights of challenging studies, lights of sacrificial service to others, lights of selfless giving and, yes, even lights that turn on because we paid the light bill.
The theme of our stewardship campaign this fall is LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! We invite everyone to participate in the creation of a mural illustrating the many ways our light is displayed. Notes will be available for you to add your contribution of words or pictures to the board in the sanctuary.
An introduction to our Stewardship campaign will presented on October 18 by our stewardship chairs for 2016, Randy and Cathy Steward. Stewardship speakers will make presentations in worship on the following three Sundays, and stewardship packets will be mailed the week of October 25. A stewardship lunch will be served after church on November 8, and Commitment Sunday will be November 15.
Please join us in thoughtful and prayerful preparation for making our commitments as we begin the campaign for 2016.
CONCERT SERIES The 8th Annual Concert for Peace will be presented on Saturday, October 10, 7:00 p.m. This annual event combines music, poetry readings and moments of contemplative silence. Music will be performed by Melissa Givens, soprano, singing songs by Franz Schubert, Francis Poulenc, Ben Moore, and Moses Hogan. The St. Philip Choir, conducted by Thomas Goetz, will present A Little Jazz Mass, by Bob Chilcott, and Festival Sanctus, byJohn Leavitt. Jeffrey Cooper will accompany on piano. Poetry readings will be by Kevin Prufer, Professor in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston, and by Sandi Stromberg, poet and award-winning professional editor and magazine feature writer. Prufer will read three of his poems, Ars Poetica, Could Someone Please Check on My Mother, and The Rise of Rome. Stromberg will also read three of her poems, 300 Minute Elegy, Rough Ridges, Valleys, and Swinging. Soprano Melissa Givens is well known to the St. Philip congregation for her rich, powerful tone, crystalline clarity, and intelligent musical interpretations as she has sung many times as soloist with the St. Philip Choir. She has also often sung with Ars Lyrica Houston as well as with the Grammy winning Conspirare Company of Voices. Admission is free, an offering will be received to be shared equally between Music at St. Philip and Peace Beyond Understanding a mission in Jasper, TX, committed to peace and justice for all people. For more information about this mission: www.peacebeyondunderstanding.org
In Our Prayers
Ellen MacDonald - recuperating from a bracked tibia Joe Anne Berwick - residing at Belmont Melba Cazes - Pam Taylor’s mother in the hospital Steve Carmichael - lyme disease Larry Dean - Seven Acres Pat Fortney - hospice care Jamie Reed - cancer treatments at MD Anderson Linda Joullian, Wayne Truxillo’s sister - hospice Tom “Mike” Tomforde, Jr. - Hallmark HC Virginia McFarland - recuperating from a fall Pat Clark - treatment at MD Anderson Recuperating at home: Malcom Host Rusty Howard Chuck Johnson Jo Jones Penny Vieau Dick Weber
Page 2
Kids Against Hunger
The next KAH packing session will be Saturday, October 17th, from 10:00 am until noon. Anne Wilson has organized a group of Wooster alums to package food for their yearly service project. We should easily meet Sandra’s goal of packing 150,000 meals during this session. -Th Mie ssio Con mmittee
HOUSTON EARLY MUSIC On Sunday, October 18, Minnesota-based Rose Ensemble, joined by The Concert Chorale of Bellaire High School, will perform Music from the Land of Three Faiths: Voices of Ancient Mediterranean Jews, Christians and Muslims, a exploration of language, spirituality and cultural exchange. Performed by voices and instruments, the entertaining and enlightening program is steeped in the rich history of the Abrahamic faiths. The performance begins at 5:00 pm in the St. Philip Sanctuary. Ticket information at 281-846-4222 or www.houstonearlymusic.org.
WANTED: WELCOMING LUNCH HOSTS FOR NEW MEMBERS! We have had a wonderful growth spurt at St. Philip: 25 new members this year so far! The Welcoming and Membership Committee tries to take every new member family out to lunch, in groups of 3-4 new member families with 2-3 “old” member hosts. This means about 1 lunch per month. It is hard for our small committee to do this alone, and we would like to encourage any of you who would like to join us in this effort to let us know. You may participate once, twice, or frequently, as you like. We go to local restaurants after Worship on an agreed-upon Sunday. We pay for all attendees, including you! The benefit to you, besides Free Lunch, is that you will get to know our new members in a more casual and intimate setting than the church foyer.
If you are interested in joining us, please let Carolyn Vestal ([email protected], 832-516-9942), or Peg Palisin ([email protected], or 281-208-0765)
NECESSITIES DRIVE FOR INTERFAITH MINISTRIES’ REFUGEE SERVICES Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM) is an organization based on the premise that people of diverse faith traditions can come together for dialogue, collaboration and service, while maintaining their personal beliefs and keeping their cultures intact. Part of IM’s ministry in Houston is resettlement of legal refugees fleeing their homeland in fear of political, social or religious persecution. IM responds to the needs of refugees from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America through airport greeting, short term housing, English classes, cultural orientation, document application and job placement. As a way to reach out to our city’s refugee community, your Peacemaking and Social Justice Committee has decided to undertake a “necessities drive” to benefit these refugees as they begin their new lives in an unfamiliar country. Continuing through October 18, there will be boxes in the Gathering Area for the collection of: Bed Sheets (full or twin only) Cookware (pots and pans) Blankets (full or twin only) Dinnerware (plates) Pillows Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) Bath towels and washcloths Drinking glasses Items can be either new or used, but if used, should be clean and sanitary. Plastic ware only…no breakables, please. Your gift of any of the above items will help a refugee family start a new life in America, so please donate what you can.
Philip-Eye
SEAFARER CHRISTMAS BOXES St. Philip will be participating in the 2015 Christmas Shoebox Program. Please join us for fellowship, food and filling the boxes on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at 5:30pm. A light supper will be served. Packing and wrapping the boxes will begin at 6pm. Many hands make light work. Please RSVP for dinner to Caryn.Bahruth@energytransfer. com.
We are continuing to collect the following items to fill the Christmas boxes:
Razors, small tissue packs, washcloths, socks, large deodorant soaps, pencils, pens & combs.
The boxes will be distributed to visiting seafarers by volunteers and Chaplains working with the Houston International Seafarer’s Center.
Please place donations in the wishing well in the Gathering Area.
Your participation in this program is VERY much appreciated!
Dear Knitters,
We welcome all to knit a SeaFarer Cap for our Mission Project of Christmas Boxes for the SeaFarers. We have packed these boxes yearly for over twenty-five years so please feel free to knit a cap. A simple pattern is available in the church office or by emailing [email protected]. We will be packing these boxes in December if you want a deadline or perhaps December 2016. Please enjoy doing good with an easy multitasking chore.
DINNERS FOR EIGHT (SOMETIMES MORE) Dinners for eight is a fun and tasty fellowship opportunity.
Dine with your Sunday friends in your home, their home, or the park. You will be placed with 6-7 other individuals. Your groupwill meet four times between November and June. All you have to do is take one part of the meal - appetizers, salad, entree, dessert, side dish, or beverages to these gatherings and host one of them at your home/ alternate location and provide the entree at that time. Your group decides on time and day of week.
Whether you’re single, engaged, married, wise beyond your years, a professional chef or just a backyard BBQ master, you’ll get to know more church friends and how many fun things they do beyond Sundays.
Sign up forms will be in the Gathering Area Sunday, October 11 through November 1.
YOUTH NEWS The youth choir will meet to practice on Sunday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. The youth will meet following practice, at 5:30 p.m. This week’s teaching from Jesus: How does Jesus teach us to enter worship?“first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
Don’t forget to RSVP to Keatan King at keatan@saintphilip. net
MONDAY EVENING STUDY GROUP The next gathering of the Monday evening study group is October 12, in the dining room (in the administration building, at the south end of campus). We will continue our reading of Amy-Jill Levine’s Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi with chapter 4, the pearl of great price. Join us from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and conversations that feed the mind and nourish faith. And if you would like to participate with us and have an idea for our next book, let us know! We meet each second and fourth Monday, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., in the dining room (in the administration building, at the south end of campus).
THEOLOGY ON TAP
Join a community of folks in their 20s and 30s for compas- sionate conversation! Bring your questions, your friends, and your thirst for knowledge. October 13th 7pm at Star Pizza - 2111 Norfolk St., 77098.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY RESUMES A new season of Wednesday Bible study with John Wurster continues with a focus on the Gospel of John. While containing some of the most familiar passages in the whole Bible, John also offers a distinctive, often complex, presentation of Jesus. The class will explore John in detail, noting its unique features and contrasting its claims with those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The class meets weekly in the dining room at 10:30.
PRESBYTERIAN MEN’S WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Weekly Fellowship will meet every Friday in the Conference Room at 12:00 pm. They have selected: “Words Made Flesh” by J. Pittman McGeehee. Robert Estill will have copies of the book available for $15. Those men who wish to participate should bring bag lunch and refreshments will be provided. All men welcome, the group wraps up promptly at 1:00 pm.
SERVICE OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS A service of healing and wholeness will be held next Sunday, October 25, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. In this service, we claim God’s promise of well-being and seek God’s healing touch in body, mind, and spirit. The service includes individual prayers with the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, along with scripture readings and hymns. Those seeking healing in their own lives or in the lives of others are encouraged to attend, as well as those who feel called to pray with those who suffer. In gathering for this service, we acknowledge that all healing is from God; and we affirm that in the midst of illness, pain, and suffering our relationship with God in Christ sustains us.
Page 3
Philip-Eye
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL Nursery and Preschool Infants and children through 3 years old 8:30 am to 12:30 pm - Room 106 Staffed by professional childcare providers
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN AT 9:30 Age 3 - Kindergarten Godly Play Class - Room 104
Elementary Grades 1, 2, & 3 meet in Room 105 Grades 4 and 5 meet in Room 103
Middle School Grades 6-8 meet in Room 206
High School Grades 9-12 meet in Room 205
Jubilate with Children’s Music Associate 1st through 5th grades 9:30- 10:00 am in Room 105 with Alicia Chew
Adult Classes CHURCH & SOCIETY - Room 201 Church and Society will focus on the historical roots of our denomination in the Protestant Reformation with a three-week series -
Oct. 11 - The Reformation in England - Henry, Edward, Jane-Dynastic Politics and the Reformation presented by Deb Burks. The class will focus on Jane Grey, exploring her dynastic position, her Protestant education, her political significance, and her afterlife in martyrology and myth.” Oct. 18 - The Reformation in Switzerland - The Second Helvetic Confession presented by Stew Coffman Oct. 25 The Reformation in Scotland - A Visit to Iona Through the Eyes of Reformed Theology presented by Keatan King
SPa CLASS - Room 200 The SPa (Saint Philip Adults) class is a fellowship of adults from all walks of life who gather for learning and community. Our discussion-based class meets each Sunday morning; this fall, we will be using material from the well-regarded “Thoughtful Christian” series. Topics will be timely and relevant. This Sunday we’ll have our second class on immigration. In this class we will delve into stories of immigration in the Bible. Please visit www.thethoughtfulchristian.com for more details. Please email [email protected] for more information about the class!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY - Room 204 Currently the class is engaged in a study of Judges. The Bible study class utilizes the insights of a variety of scholars and texts to expand our understanding of God’s message of faithfulness to His people. Nancy Cook and Al Waldrop lead the discussions. All are welcome.
ARTS & CRAFT STUDIO - Room 9 (old classroom wing) This class is a time for creativity and learning ways to express your joy of the Lord through the visual arts. You don’t have to be crafty to join. Learn something new, teach something new and share in the gifts and talents given to us. Please contact Lori Murphy at 713.447.5320 if you would like to lead a class or if you have an idea for a project.
MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE John Wurster leads this adult Sunday School class bewhich continues until October 18. The class will look at the major themes of Scripture with the goal of developing a better un- derstanding of how the whole Bible fits together. It’s a class for “Bible beginners,” as well as more seasoned readers who would like to gain an appreciation of the deep connections at work in the entire book. The class meets in the dining room at 9:30.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN RETREAT PW Retreat at Cenacle January 22-24, 2016 - Presbyterian Women will begin registration for our annual retreat on October 11 before and after the 11:00 am service. Registration will close on November 8. Payment is due at time of registration: $185 for full weekend with overnight stays; $140 for weekend without overnight stays. For information on financial aid please contact our treasurer, Mary Ann Thomas (281-277-3844).
Keatan King will be leading our retreat this year. This is a great opportunity to get to know other women in our church and have a lot of fun. If you’ve never tried it, this may be your year for a new adventure!
INTERFAITH MINISTRIES
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (IM) is excited to announce a new program starting this Fall, The Journey of Religions. This is a four-week lecture series on world religions led by IM’s own Rev. Gregory Han, Director of Interfaith Relations. People are welcome to attend to one or all of the lectures. For more information and to register please go to www.imgh.org/journey. There are still three left.
3303 Main Street - 7 to 8:30 PM
October 13 - Abrahamic Religions: An Introduction
October 20 - Faiths from the East: An Introduction
October 27 - The Future of Religion: Spiritual but not Religious?
Page 4
PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE 2015 ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET The annual Alternative Christmas Market is such an awaited event at Saint Philip, mark Sunday, November 15th on your calendar now. We like to involve everyone in supporting wonderful mission organizations as well as inviting individual Saint Philip Crafters to the market. So yet again, we are looking for anyone who likes to sew, craft, build or arrange works of crafted art. Sell your items to benefit the mission partner of your choice. We encourage crafts of all scales, small to large, and would love sales of a few or many items. For the first year we are offering the St. Philip Crafters tables, as it maybe daunting for some to host an entire table. Are you interested? For more information, contact Lori Murphy at [email protected] or 713-447-5320.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET – SILENT AUCTION The Market will be having a Silent Auction for unique items. As in previous years, we like to feature outstanding items, this year we would also like to include Experiences. Can you cook and would host a dinner? Are you a amateur sommelier and would host a wine tasting? Or do you have great concert tickets? Donate these to the silent auction. The proceeds for these items will benefit any of our many mission partners of your choice.
For more information, contact Lori Murphy at [email protected] or 713-447-5320.
Thank you Notes
Thank you from Amazing Place:
Amazing Place is grateful for the ongoing support, prayers and blessings that St. Philip Presbyterian Church has bestowed upon our organization. Amazing Place is grateful for all that you have done and continue to do to support our mission. Thank you for your gift of $4,000, made on 9/16/15.
We are blessed by the leadership of our two St. Philip’s member’s our Board President, Carla Burns and Deb Burks: we value their representation on our Board of Directors. Thank you for your faithful support to serve this growing population of those affected by memory loss and their caregiving families.
ST. PHILIP NOTE CARDS St. Philip has note cards using Micah’s original art work for sale. 1 package of 10 cards with envelopes is $12. You can purchase them in the church office.
Page 5
Philip-Eye THE NEWSLETTER of St. Philip Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
PHILIP-EYE info: Articles should be sent to Lorrie Castle [email protected]
Also, contact Lorrie if you would like to receive the Philip-Eye online. You get the news faster, the church saves postage, and the impact on the environment is lightened just a bit. [email protected]
Please take note: The deadline for submitting articles for the next Philip-EYE is Thursday, October 15.
YOUTH RALLY
St. Philip’s
Rev. Keatan King Associate Pastor
Omar Rouchon Ministry Associate
Dr. Matthew Dirst Organist
Lorrie Castle Office Manager Denise Ferrell Bookkeeper Micah Meyers Communications Assistant Wilbert Parada Facilities Supervisor Dimas Parada Custodian
Lorrie Castle Newsletter Editor [email protected]
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to you father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16.
We are the light of the world! God has blessed us with the greatest gift of all - Jesus our Savior and our Light. It is our privilege and joy to share our Light with others.
As members of St. Philip we enjoy a fellowship of many lights that together shine at 4807 San Felipe and far beyond this physical location. There are lights of inspiring music, lights of magical laughter, lights of sacred worship, lights of challenging studies, lights of sacrificial service to others, lights of selfless giving and, yes, even lights that turn on because we paid the light bill.
The theme of our stewardship campaign this fall is LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! We invite everyone to participate in the creation of a mural illustrating the many ways our light is displayed. Notes will be available for you to add your contribution of words or pictures to the board in the sanctuary.
An introduction to our Stewardship campaign will presented on October 18 by our stewardship chairs for 2016, Randy and Cathy Steward. Stewardship speakers will make presentations in worship on the following three Sundays, and stewardship packets will be mailed the week of October 25. A stewardship lunch will be served after church on November 8, and Commitment Sunday will be November 15.
Please join us in thoughtful and prayerful preparation for making our commitments as we begin the campaign for 2016.
CONCERT SERIES The 8th Annual Concert for Peace will be presented on Saturday, October 10, 7:00 p.m. This annual event combines music, poetry readings and moments of contemplative silence. Music will be performed by Melissa Givens, soprano, singing songs by Franz Schubert, Francis Poulenc, Ben Moore, and Moses Hogan. The St. Philip Choir, conducted by Thomas Goetz, will present A Little Jazz Mass, by Bob Chilcott, and Festival Sanctus, byJohn Leavitt. Jeffrey Cooper will accompany on piano. Poetry readings will be by Kevin Prufer, Professor in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston, and by Sandi Stromberg, poet and award-winning professional editor and magazine feature writer. Prufer will read three of his poems, Ars Poetica, Could Someone Please Check on My Mother, and The Rise of Rome. Stromberg will also read three of her poems, 300 Minute Elegy, Rough Ridges, Valleys, and Swinging. Soprano Melissa Givens is well known to the St. Philip congregation for her rich, powerful tone, crystalline clarity, and intelligent musical interpretations as she has sung many times as soloist with the St. Philip Choir. She has also often sung with Ars Lyrica Houston as well as with the Grammy winning Conspirare Company of Voices. Admission is free, an offering will be received to be shared equally between Music at St. Philip and Peace Beyond Understanding a mission in Jasper, TX, committed to peace and justice for all people. For more information about this mission: www.peacebeyondunderstanding.org
In Our Prayers
Ellen MacDonald - recuperating from a bracked tibia Joe Anne Berwick - residing at Belmont Melba Cazes - Pam Taylor’s mother in the hospital Steve Carmichael - lyme disease Larry Dean - Seven Acres Pat Fortney - hospice care Jamie Reed - cancer treatments at MD Anderson Linda Joullian, Wayne Truxillo’s sister - hospice Tom “Mike” Tomforde, Jr. - Hallmark HC Virginia McFarland - recuperating from a fall Pat Clark - treatment at MD Anderson Recuperating at home: Malcom Host Rusty Howard Chuck Johnson Jo Jones Penny Vieau Dick Weber
Page 2
Kids Against Hunger
The next KAH packing session will be Saturday, October 17th, from 10:00 am until noon. Anne Wilson has organized a group of Wooster alums to package food for their yearly service project. We should easily meet Sandra’s goal of packing 150,000 meals during this session. -Th Mie ssio Con mmittee
HOUSTON EARLY MUSIC On Sunday, October 18, Minnesota-based Rose Ensemble, joined by The Concert Chorale of Bellaire High School, will perform Music from the Land of Three Faiths: Voices of Ancient Mediterranean Jews, Christians and Muslims, a exploration of language, spirituality and cultural exchange. Performed by voices and instruments, the entertaining and enlightening program is steeped in the rich history of the Abrahamic faiths. The performance begins at 5:00 pm in the St. Philip Sanctuary. Ticket information at 281-846-4222 or www.houstonearlymusic.org.
WANTED: WELCOMING LUNCH HOSTS FOR NEW MEMBERS! We have had a wonderful growth spurt at St. Philip: 25 new members this year so far! The Welcoming and Membership Committee tries to take every new member family out to lunch, in groups of 3-4 new member families with 2-3 “old” member hosts. This means about 1 lunch per month. It is hard for our small committee to do this alone, and we would like to encourage any of you who would like to join us in this effort to let us know. You may participate once, twice, or frequently, as you like. We go to local restaurants after Worship on an agreed-upon Sunday. We pay for all attendees, including you! The benefit to you, besides Free Lunch, is that you will get to know our new members in a more casual and intimate setting than the church foyer.
If you are interested in joining us, please let Carolyn Vestal ([email protected], 832-516-9942), or Peg Palisin ([email protected], or 281-208-0765)
NECESSITIES DRIVE FOR INTERFAITH MINISTRIES’ REFUGEE SERVICES Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM) is an organization based on the premise that people of diverse faith traditions can come together for dialogue, collaboration and service, while maintaining their personal beliefs and keeping their cultures intact. Part of IM’s ministry in Houston is resettlement of legal refugees fleeing their homeland in fear of political, social or religious persecution. IM responds to the needs of refugees from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America through airport greeting, short term housing, English classes, cultural orientation, document application and job placement. As a way to reach out to our city’s refugee community, your Peacemaking and Social Justice Committee has decided to undertake a “necessities drive” to benefit these refugees as they begin their new lives in an unfamiliar country. Continuing through October 18, there will be boxes in the Gathering Area for the collection of: Bed Sheets (full or twin only) Cookware (pots and pans) Blankets (full or twin only) Dinnerware (plates) Pillows Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) Bath towels and washcloths Drinking glasses Items can be either new or used, but if used, should be clean and sanitary. Plastic ware only…no breakables, please. Your gift of any of the above items will help a refugee family start a new life in America, so please donate what you can.
Philip-Eye
SEAFARER CHRISTMAS BOXES St. Philip will be participating in the 2015 Christmas Shoebox Program. Please join us for fellowship, food and filling the boxes on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at 5:30pm. A light supper will be served. Packing and wrapping the boxes will begin at 6pm. Many hands make light work. Please RSVP for dinner to Caryn.Bahruth@energytransfer. com.
We are continuing to collect the following items to fill the Christmas boxes:
Razors, small tissue packs, washcloths, socks, large deodorant soaps, pencils, pens & combs.
The boxes will be distributed to visiting seafarers by volunteers and Chaplains working with the Houston International Seafarer’s Center.
Please place donations in the wishing well in the Gathering Area.
Your participation in this program is VERY much appreciated!
Dear Knitters,
We welcome all to knit a SeaFarer Cap for our Mission Project of Christmas Boxes for the SeaFarers. We have packed these boxes yearly for over twenty-five years so please feel free to knit a cap. A simple pattern is available in the church office or by emailing [email protected]. We will be packing these boxes in December if you want a deadline or perhaps December 2016. Please enjoy doing good with an easy multitasking chore.
DINNERS FOR EIGHT (SOMETIMES MORE) Dinners for eight is a fun and tasty fellowship opportunity.
Dine with your Sunday friends in your home, their home, or the park. You will be placed with 6-7 other individuals. Your groupwill meet four times between November and June. All you have to do is take one part of the meal - appetizers, salad, entree, dessert, side dish, or beverages to these gatherings and host one of them at your home/ alternate location and provide the entree at that time. Your group decides on time and day of week.
Whether you’re single, engaged, married, wise beyond your years, a professional chef or just a backyard BBQ master, you’ll get to know more church friends and how many fun things they do beyond Sundays.
Sign up forms will be in the Gathering Area Sunday, October 11 through November 1.
YOUTH NEWS The youth choir will meet to practice on Sunday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. The youth will meet following practice, at 5:30 p.m. This week’s teaching from Jesus: How does Jesus teach us to enter worship?“first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
Don’t forget to RSVP to Keatan King at keatan@saintphilip. net
MONDAY EVENING STUDY GROUP The next gathering of the Monday evening study group is October 12, in the dining room (in the administration building, at the south end of campus). We will continue our reading of Amy-Jill Levine’s Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi with chapter 4, the pearl of great price. Join us from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and conversations that feed the mind and nourish faith. And if you would like to participate with us and have an idea for our next book, let us know! We meet each second and fourth Monday, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., in the dining room (in the administration building, at the south end of campus).
THEOLOGY ON TAP
Join a community of folks in their 20s and 30s for compas- sionate conversation! Bring your questions, your friends, and your thirst for knowledge. October 13th 7pm at Star Pizza - 2111 Norfolk St., 77098.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY RESUMES A new season of Wednesday Bible study with John Wurster continues with a focus on the Gospel of John. While containing some of the most familiar passages in the whole Bible, John also offers a distinctive, often complex, presentation of Jesus. The class will explore John in detail, noting its unique features and contrasting its claims with those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The class meets weekly in the dining room at 10:30.
PRESBYTERIAN MEN’S WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Weekly Fellowship will meet every Friday in the Conference Room at 12:00 pm. They have selected: “Words Made Flesh” by J. Pittman McGeehee. Robert Estill will have copies of the book available for $15. Those men who wish to participate should bring bag lunch and refreshments will be provided. All men welcome, the group wraps up promptly at 1:00 pm.
SERVICE OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS A service of healing and wholeness will be held next Sunday, October 25, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. In this service, we claim God’s promise of well-being and seek God’s healing touch in body, mind, and spirit. The service includes individual prayers with the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, along with scripture readings and hymns. Those seeking healing in their own lives or in the lives of others are encouraged to attend, as well as those who feel called to pray with those who suffer. In gathering for this service, we acknowledge that all healing is from God; and we affirm that in the midst of illness, pain, and suffering our relationship with God in Christ sustains us.
Page 3
Philip-Eye
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL Nursery and Preschool Infants and children through 3 years old 8:30 am to 12:30 pm - Room 106 Staffed by professional childcare providers
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN AT 9:30 Age 3 - Kindergarten Godly Play Class - Room 104
Elementary Grades 1, 2, & 3 meet in Room 105 Grades 4 and 5 meet in Room 103
Middle School Grades 6-8 meet in Room 206
High School Grades 9-12 meet in Room 205
Jubilate with Children’s Music Associate 1st through 5th grades 9:30- 10:00 am in Room 105 with Alicia Chew
Adult Classes CHURCH & SOCIETY - Room 201 Church and Society will focus on the historical roots of our denomination in the Protestant Reformation with a three-week series -
Oct. 11 - The Reformation in England - Henry, Edward, Jane-Dynastic Politics and the Reformation presented by Deb Burks. The class will focus on Jane Grey, exploring her dynastic position, her Protestant education, her political significance, and her afterlife in martyrology and myth.” Oct. 18 - The Reformation in Switzerland - The Second Helvetic Confession presented by Stew Coffman Oct. 25 The Reformation in Scotland - A Visit to Iona Through the Eyes of Reformed Theology presented by Keatan King
SPa CLASS - Room 200 The SPa (Saint Philip Adults) class is a fellowship of adults from all walks of life who gather for learning and community. Our discussion-based class meets each Sunday morning; this fall, we will be using material from the well-regarded “Thoughtful Christian” series. Topics will be timely and relevant. This Sunday we’ll have our second class on immigration. In this class we will delve into stories of immigration in the Bible. Please visit www.thethoughtfulchristian.com for more details. Please email [email protected] for more information about the class!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY - Room 204 Currently the class is engaged in a study of Judges. The Bible study class utilizes the insights of a variety of scholars and texts to expand our understanding of God’s message of faithfulness to His people. Nancy Cook and Al Waldrop lead the discussions. All are welcome.
ARTS & CRAFT STUDIO - Room 9 (old classroom wing) This class is a time for creativity and learning ways to express your joy of the Lord through the visual arts. You don’t have to be crafty to join. Learn something new, teach something new and share in the gifts and talents given to us. Please contact Lori Murphy at 713.447.5320 if you would like to lead a class or if you have an idea for a project.
MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE John Wurster leads this adult Sunday School class bewhich continues until October 18. The class will look at the major themes of Scripture with the goal of developing a better un- derstanding of how the whole Bible fits together. It’s a class for “Bible beginners,” as well as more seasoned readers who would like to gain an appreciation of the deep connections at work in the entire book. The class meets in the dining room at 9:30.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN RETREAT PW Retreat at Cenacle January 22-24, 2016 - Presbyterian Women will begin registration for our annual retreat on October 11 before and after the 11:00 am service. Registration will close on November 8. Payment is due at time of registration: $185 for full weekend with overnight stays; $140 for weekend without overnight stays. For information on financial aid please contact our treasurer, Mary Ann Thomas (281-277-3844).
Keatan King will be leading our retreat this year. This is a great opportunity to get to know other women in our church and have a lot of fun. If you’ve never tried it, this may be your year for a new adventure!
INTERFAITH MINISTRIES
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (IM) is excited to announce a new program starting this Fall, The Journey of Religions. This is a four-week lecture series on world religions led by IM’s own Rev. Gregory Han, Director of Interfaith Relations. People are welcome to attend to one or all of the lectures. For more information and to register please go to www.imgh.org/journey. There are still three left.
3303 Main Street - 7 to 8:30 PM
October 13 - Abrahamic Religions: An Introduction
October 20 - Faiths from the East: An Introduction
October 27 - The Future of Religion: Spiritual but not Religious?
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PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE 2015 ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET The annual Alternative Christmas Market is such an awaited event at Saint Philip, mark Sunday, November 15th on your calendar now. We like to involve everyone in supporting wonderful mission organizations as well as inviting individual Saint Philip Crafters to the market. So yet again, we are looking for anyone who likes to sew, craft, build or arrange works of crafted art. Sell your items to benefit the mission partner of your choice. We encourage crafts of all scales, small to large, and would love sales of a few or many items. For the first year we are offering the St. Philip Crafters tables, as it maybe daunting for some to host an entire table. Are you interested? For more information, contact Lori Murphy at [email protected] or 713-447-5320.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET – SILENT AUCTION The Market will be having a Silent Auction for unique items. As in previous years, we like to feature outstanding items, this year we would also like to include Experiences. Can you cook and would host a dinner? Are you a amateur sommelier and would host a wine tasting? Or do you have great concert tickets? Donate these to the silent auction. The proceeds for these items will benefit any of our many mission partners of your choice.
For more information, contact Lori Murphy at [email protected] or 713-447-5320.
Thank you Notes
Thank you from Amazing Place:
Amazing Place is grateful for the ongoing support, prayers and blessings that St. Philip Presbyterian Church has bestowed upon our organization. Amazing Place is grateful for all that you have done and continue to do to support our mission. Thank you for your gift of $4,000, made on 9/16/15.
We are blessed by the leadership of our two St. Philip’s member’s our Board President, Carla Burns and Deb Burks: we value their representation on our Board of Directors. Thank you for your faithful support to serve this growing population of those affected by memory loss and their caregiving families.
ST. PHILIP NOTE CARDS St. Philip has note cards using Micah’s original art work for sale. 1 package of 10 cards with envelopes is $12. You can purchase them in the church office.
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Philip-Eye THE NEWSLETTER of St. Philip Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
PHILIP-EYE info: Articles should be sent to Lorrie Castle [email protected]
Also, contact Lorrie if you would like to receive the Philip-Eye online. You get the news faster, the church saves postage, and the impact on the environment is lightened just a bit. [email protected]
Please take note: The deadline for submitting articles for the next Philip-EYE is Thursday, October 15.
YOUTH RALLY