This week at Saint John's

November 27, 2014

First Sunday of Advent

Rev. Paul Escamilla delivers the message "A World Awaits: Awakening" based on Mark 13:24-37. The Chancel Choir offers music in both services.

Thanksgiving offering

You are invited to share in offering a special financial gift to Saint John's for its ongoing work in mission and ministry. You can share your Thanksgiving offering securely online or place it in a specially marked envelope found in the sanctuary and drop it in the offering plate this Sunday.

Read why one member is thankful for Saint John's.

Poinsettia sales end Sunday

Sunday is the last day to purchase poinsettias at Saint John's. Orders will be taken before and after each service in the Gallery. Poinsettias may be purchased for personal use or in honor or memory of a loved one for use in decorating the church. The cost is $10 each. For more information, please call or email Kathleen Johnson at [email protected] or call 512-459-7518.

Gift cards make great presents

Gifts of Hope, Saint John's Alternative Gift Market will once again include the opportunity to purchase gift cards that support worthwhile missiona and projects.

Gift cards are a wonderful way to remember a special person on your holiday list. Gift cards will be available to support these organizations.

In its fifth year, the Alternative Gift Market showcases products from around the world and
opportunities to contribute to worthwhile causes. Admission is free. Wonderful holiday goodies and handicrafts offer a special treat and lunch will also be available.

Drop off items

Please deliver baked and handmade items for the Saint John's missions booth to the Great Hall by 5 p.m. Friday, December 5.

The market is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Saturday, December 6 and noon-3 p.m. Sunday, December 7 in the Great Hall.

African Children's Choir concert
- 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7

The African Children's Choir returns to Saint John's at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7 for a free concert celebrating the release of the group's new CD collaboration with Austin musician Sara Hickman. The CD, Love Is a Journey, will be released in December.

Sara, who is a member of Saint John's, performs with the current touring choir, Choir 42, on the CD, which is executive produced by another Saint John's member, Lynne Dobson. The two visited Uganda this past summer to volunteer and collaborate with the choir on the songs.

A CD release party/benefit is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, at the Container Bar. Click here for more information.

Saint John's children invited to sing with the African Children's Choir

All children are invited to sing with African Children's Choir on Sunday, December 7 at Saint John's. If interested, please let Rebecca Witte, Saint John's, children's music director, know by emailing her at [email protected].

Advent Workshop - December 6

Families with children ages 3-12 are invited to create their own Advent wreaths and other items at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 6 in the Fellowship Hall . Children can make a gift for someone special. Sign up in the Gallery on Sunday or email Amy Villwock at [email protected]. Childcare is available in Room 101 during the workshop for little ones, and it will be extended until 1 p.m. so that families might enjoy a little shopping at the Alternative Gift Market afterwards.

Financial class

Are you interested in a class on finances? What kind of class? Let Saint John's know by calling or emailing Associate Pastor Hilary Marchbanks. 512-452-5737 or [email protected].

Reading together at Saint John's

Sunday, Advent is here! The Intentional Faith Development (IFD) Committee again recommends Watch for the Light; Readings for Advent and Christmas (2001). This small volume explores the meanings inherent in our journey through Advent and Christmas. Brief essays, formatted for daily devotional reading through these seasons, have been collected from a remarkable range of voices-from Sylvia Plath to Henri Nouwen, and from Leonardo Boff to Annie Dillard. These writers address themes of love and justice, wonder and mystery, waiting and watching, hope and joy. This book is recommended by Senior Pastor Paul Escamilla.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2015 is for sale in the church office for $12. Rev. Escamilla contributed to this book of devotion, which also will be available for $15 at the Alternative Gift Market December 6 and 7.

Each week, the IFD Committee recommends a theological or spiritual book. To submit an idea, contact Hilary Marchbanks, Associate Pastor, at 512-452-5737 or [email protected].

Family camp coming January 16

Need to relax and unwind after the busy Christmas holidays? What better place to do it than in the Hill Country on the beautiful Frio River at HEB Foundation camps. Join us January 16-19, 2015 at the annual Saint John's Winter Family Camp.

Saint John's camp coordinator Jeff Strawmyer will be sending an email soon to give details about the registration process. If he doesn't have your email, and you want more information about this fun retreat, please email him at [email protected]. Cost is $30 for ages 13 and over, $15 for ages 4-12 (no charge for 3 and under). While planning your 2015 calendar, reserve July 12-16, 2015 for Saint John's summer fun at the new Headwaters camp.