This week at Saint John's

January 22, 2015

This Sunday in worship

Tom Stanton, Senior Area Consultant of the Texas Methodist Foundation, will deliver the message "Tell the Next Generation, This is God," based on Mark 12:28-34a. The Gospel Birds will offer music in both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

Possible delays this Sunday

Making its way through the Allandale neighborhood again this year, the 3M Half Marathon and Relay is set for Sunday, January 19, beginning at 6:45 a.m. The race will cross 183 at Shoal Creek and then continue down Foster, Great Northern, Bullard, White Rock, Shoal Creek and 45th Street to downtown.

Most of the affected streets will be closing before 6 a.m. Sunday. The streets north of 45th should be open before 11 a.m.

Although Allandale Road and Anderson Lane will be open, expect delays on the way to church.

Check the route to see if your trip to church will be affected.

Save the date: Please note that VBS at Saint John's will be June 22-26, 2015. Check upcoming newsletters and stjohnsaustin.org for more details about the week.

"Putting Your House In Order" seminar set for Monday

Saint John's Endowment Committee is offering two opportunities on Monday, January 26 to attend a "Putting Your House in Order" seminar. Tom Stanton, Senior Area Consultant of the Texas Methodist Foundation, will present this informative seminar that can be a caring gift of preparedness for those you love.

A 32-page workbook with helpful information about needed paperwork, samples of legal documents and guides in decision making will be available for $10.

The presentation will be offered twice on Monday, January 26: 10-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.

Sign up in the Gallery this Sunday and indicate which session you plan to attend. Questions? Contact Martha Renfroe at [email protected].

Souper Sunday set for February 1

Pull out your favorite recipes and bring your best homemade soups to our Souper Sunday lunch on Sunday, February 1. Lunch will be served in the Great Hall 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.

If you would like to bring soup, dessert or bread, please sign up in the Gallery or email Sheri Jones ([email protected]). Bring your prepared soup in a crock pot to the kitchen by 9 a.m. on February 1.

Hope Food Pantry for February

sugar Canned fruit, brownie or cookie mixes, sugar, flour, spice and other baking necessities are needed for the Hope Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off in the Gallery. Monetary funds are also accepted throughout the year. Make checks payable to Saint John's UMC with "Hope Food Pantry" written in the memo line.

'Created by God' workshop offered February 20 and 21

Fifth and sixth graders are invited to attend Created by God, a two-day workshop at Saint John's that will address many of the questions these children have about their physical development and growing awareness of sexuality. Its biblical foundation affirms sexuality as a gift of the God in whose image we have been created - a gift we are to express responsibly. The workshop is set for Friday, February 20 5:45-9 p.m. p.m. (including supper) and9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 21 (lunch included).

If interested, send an email to Amy Villwock, Director of Children's Ministry, at [email protected].

'From the Well' podcast series available for download

The Mount Zion Criminal Justice Ministry presents its Annual Praise Celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, January 24 at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

The celebration is organized by the ministry's churches, which seek to raise awareness about the prison system and explore ways to help men re-enter society after incarceration. Several speakers and choirs from all over the country are on the schedule for the evening.

Mount Zion Baptist Church is located at 2938 E. 13th St. For more information, please contact Jan Dawes at [email protected].

Join the Saint John's Pedalers for 16th Hill Country Ride for AIDS

Join your friends on April 25 as we ride to help our central Texas neighbors. This fully supported ride raises money for 10 local charities that support central Texans as they deal with HIV/AIDS. With routes from 13, 43, 65 to 100 miles, there is a ride for everyone. Families with small children can do this (just ask me), your senior pastor can do this (we have photos) ), it is fun. Early registration ends January 22. Click here to register.

The group's first training ride is the Cocoa Social Ride, a 15-mile trek starting from Saint John's at 9:30 a.m. on January 31.

Questions? Email [email protected].

- Chris Sparks-

Register now for spring classes

Spring classes on Bible study, spiritual growth and relationships are available for sign-up.

Classes and events are:

Lenten pancake supper - Shrove Tuesday,
February 17

Day Apart retreat with Rev. Georjean Blanton - Choose one of two days, January 31 or February 21.

Saint John's 101 - Come learn more about our faith community

Confirmation class for youth - Begins in February

Companions in Christ: Way of Forgiveness - Thursdays from January 29 to March 26

12-week Enneagram study led by Rev. Georjean Blanton, Cathy Kyle and Molly McFarland.

For full descriptions of each offering, click here.

Prayerfully consider which of these classes may be next for your spiritual growth. Contact Associate Pastor Hilary Marchbanks with questions at 512-452-5737 or [email protected].