Sunday Morning Worship
9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School
9:55 a.m.
(some classes start earlier)

A Future with Hope

by Paul Youngdale

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This verse is one I am familiar with. My parents have this verse printed and framed in their home, and they gave the same framed print to my sister and to Stacy and me. I don’t know if this means we are especially hopeful people – or if maybe it means we are people who especially need to be reminded to be hopeful.

My main involvement recently with the church has been on the finance committee. This is an area where hope is important. Each year we plan the budget for the next year and get to see the great hopes of our church for the future. Our pastors and staff share with the finance committee their hopes for new ways to spread the good news of Jesus, to increase our capacity to serve the world and create the Kingdom of God right here, right now. New worship services, classes, new mission outreach are all embodied in this plan for the year.

We also rely on hope as we make plans for each year, based on a lot of things that are unknown, chiefly the level of financial support our congregation will provide. We watch our expenses every month. We hope for a mild summer.

We are working now on a budget for 2008 that is filled with hopeful expectation for what God will do in our lives this year. Every bit of it is dependent on the generosity of the families that worship and learn here. Please consider how your generous gifts can play a part in our hopeful future here at Saint John’s.

February Communion Rail Offering

Jeanne Safely and her granddaughter, Briana Medina, went to Vologda, Russia on a mission trip this month. Along with others on the mission team, they participated in giving parties to orphans and disadvantaged children in Vologda and other cities nearby. They attended worship and discussion groups at the Good News United Methodist Church (where Vera Agapova is the minister). The February 3 Communion Rail will go to this church. Please give generously.

Souper Fund

Don’t forget that we are starting off our contribution for our 2008 Five Star Mission by having our annual Souper Sunday lunch this Sunday, Feb. 3. We will serve from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. We will be asking for a free-will donation at the door. Join the fun to raise the funds while you eat great soup and wonderful desserts, have a great time with your friends and hopefully some make new ones.

Beginning the Journey of Lent

How can it be Lent? My ‘kitchen Christmas tree’ is still shining – I like it too much to take it down. Lent is upon us and Ash Wednesday begins that journey, not ‘taking down’ the birth of the infant Christ but rather drawing us into the life of the man Jesus. We will offer two services of worship that day, with the wonderful Dr. Arun Jones preaching at both. Is Ash Wednesday a part of your faith practice? If not, I urge you to come and see. Come and see if anchoring yourself deeply in the strength and the mercy of God does not add immeasurably to your life. Sanctuary at noon and 7:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is the start of the Lenten journey of 40 weekdays (Monday through Saturday) that takes the church to the eve of Easter. Did you know that Sundays are not included in the count of 40 days, as they are “little Easter” celebrations. Lent is not primarily about the suffering of Jesus on the cross. Lent is primarily about making the journey – focusing this year on how the inner journey of prayer is really the same as the outer journeys make up our days.

I look forward to sharing these days of prayer and action with you.

Bobbi Kaye

Wednesday Services, February 6 at Noon and 7:00 p.m.

Join us for mid-week worship in the Chapel as we share music, scripture, a message and the holy meal of Communion. We celebrate weekly communion at 12:10 p.m. every Wednesday. This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday - please join us in the Sanctuary. Worship is at noon and 7:00 p.m.

The Top 40 Scriptures of 2008

Beginning February 7, Saint John’s will offer a new weekly worship service every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. An informal service of eclectic music, prayer and Holy Communion including, A Top 40 Scriptures Every Christian Ought to Know. Working on Sundays? Out of town on the weekend or under the weather? New to Saint John’s and looking for a less “Sunday morning” kind of thing? Here’s a new worship alternative. You are invited. Mark your calendar. And, please, pray for God’s guidance and blessings for this new service.

Senior Adults Games Day -Thursday, Feb. 7

The first Thursday of every month, senior adults meet in room 208 at 9:30 a.m. for Games Day. Join us for dominos, cards and board games.

Mercy Trip to Uganda is Underway

Saint John’s members Lynne Dobson and Gary Newsome were surrounded by church members during worship January 20. They flew to Uganda on the 27th. Check out what has been going on via their trip blog.

A Future with Hope Campaign Makes Strong Start

The commitment campaign to support Saint John’s general fund in 2008 began on January 24 with 61 commitments received for a total of $302,266. Our goal is $900,000 in commitments, which will underwrite about 70% of the 2008 Ministry Action Plan (budget).

In 2007 our commitment campaign reached 99% of the goal from 240 participants. The annual commitments last year averaged $3,451 and we hope for further growth in 2008.

If you haven’t seen our Narrative Ministry Plan, which was mailed to all households recently, please ask for one at the church office—your heart will be warmed by the stories and pictures of ministry at Saint John’s! Additional commitment cards are also available in the church office and we hope that all family members will consider participating, for we indeed have “A Future with Hope.”

Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) Members and Friends

• Next Chapter Meeting Date: Tuesday,, February 12, 2008
• Fellowship time: 6:30 p.m. Meeting begins: 7:00 p.m. at Saint John’s in the Fellowship Hall

We have an exciting program planned for Feb.! Guest speaker Josephina Castillo, Program Coordinator for American Friends Service Committee, will discuss:

• Connecting issues of immigration & economic justice
• Proposed immigration policy changes and the debate on policy
• Myths and stereotypes about immigrants
• What is happening in the Austin area

We will also be joined by the Central Texas MFSA Chapter to discuss General Conference MFSA volunteer opportunities and other logistics. We’ll see you at 6:30 p.m. to greet our MFSA neighbors and develop new friendships!

Attention All Interested in the Walk to Emmaus

All in the Saint John’s congregation and beyond who are either interested in attending a Walk to Emmaus or have already attended, please contact Liz Stewart at 794-8322 if you did not indicate this last year on our Every Member in Ministry form. We are hoping to make the opportunity available to all who want to go, and encourage all who have been to participate in making it possible for “pilgrims” to attend!

On May 1-4 there is a women’s walk scheduled at Baptist Highland Lakes about 45 minutes from Saint John’s. Both Rev. Pat Thomas and Liz Stewart will be there as team members for the weekend. We think it will be a great opportunity for the women of Saint John’s who have been waiting to go to take this step in your spiritual journeys!

On Sunday, Feb. 17 following our 11:00 a.m. service we will have a lunch for all interested. Those who have been on a “walk” are asked to bring a dish to share. Those who are interested in going (men and women) please come enjoy lunch and find out more about the Walk to Emmaus for addtional information. If you are planning to attend our luncheon, please let Liz know by calling the number above or by emailing Liz. De colores!

Attention Families

Are you already planning your summer vacation? Make sure to plan it around Vacation Bible School. Mark your calendars and plan to attend V.B.S. the week of July 14-18. The week will be filled with fun Bible adventures, games, music, crafts and more! Kids ages 4 (by May 1) through entering 4th graders are invited to join us from 9:00 – 12:00 each day. More details to come.

Vacation Bible School Director Needed

As with any ministry of Saint John’s, Vacation Bible School depends on the commitment from many volunteers to make this event happen. We are currently looking for a V.B.S. Director to help coordinate and organize this event. The director will help in recruiting a team of volunteers and work with last year’s director in planning for supplies, set-up etc. We would like to have a V.B.S. Director in place by the end of February. Please contact Kim Graley at 452-5737 for details.

Additional VBS Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are also needed to to teach in the various VBS learning stations. This event takes at least 15-20 adult volunteers not including the ten youth that help out each year. Please prayerfully consider volunteering to help with Vacation Bible School so that we can provide a wonderful week of mission/outreach, learning, and fun for children within Saint John’s and our community!

Bring Your Basket

Children's Easter Egg Hunt
Palm Sunday, March 16, Noon
(immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service)

Bring your basket to the Children's Easter Egg Hunt! All children 5th grade or younger are invited to participate in this annual event. Each child will need to bring 1 dozen “stuffed” plastic eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Please make sure all eggs are numbered 1-12.

Easter eggs should be placed in the labeled containers provided in the Gallery prior to the 11:00 a.m. worship service. After the service all children and parents should gather in the Fellowship Hall for information and hunt locations. Hope you will be able to attend and don’t forget your basket!

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Coordinator Needed

Children’s Ministry needs an Easter Egg Hunt Coordinator to help plan, and yes—coordinate the Easter Egg Hunt activities on Palm Sunday, March 16. This event requires a minimal time commitment. The primary tasks are to create signage for the event, gather needed supplies and help recruit a small team of volunteers to help hide eggs during the 11:00 service and a couple of folks to help count eggs for each age group. Need more information?? Contact Kim Graley at 452-5737. THANKS!

The Children’s Ministry Needs You
New Opportunities

We need teachers to teach the 1st-4th graders in Sunday School. The commitment is minimal and the reward is great. We provide the curriculum and basic supplies; you plan and teach! Please prayerfully consider supporting this important education ministry! Please prayerfully consider this gift of ministry! If you have any questions, please contact Kim Graley (507-3141).

Current teaching opportunities:

• February 10, 17, and 24: Games Teacher & Assistant, Storytelling Teacher & Assistant
• March 2 and 9: Art Sunday: Two Assistants
• March 16: Video Sunday: Video Teacher and Assistant
• March 24 and 30: Video Sunday: Games Teacher and Assistant, Cooking Teacher and Assistant

Men’s Breakfast, February 16

The February Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8:00 a.m. To be eco-friendly (and cost effective) we will be eating in Room 208 (food will be served outside the kitchen). Our own Jack Worthy will be the speaker, so come out for a great speaker, food, and fellowship.

Also, as of 2008, we are combining the United Methodist Men (UMM) and the Men’s Ministry into one organization with Paul Mollenhauer as President and TBD persons as Vice President, Secretary, etc. Please be sure to thank Elmer Hixson for his years of service as President of the UMM. He did a great job!

We need a name for our new group! Please e-mail Paul Mollenhauer with your suggestion. The two or three most common will be selected as finalists and we will vote on the name at the breakfast.

Register to Vote!

The Travis County Tax Office invites congregations to register voters throughout the month of January 2008. The deadline date to register to vote is February 4 for the upcoming March 4 Primary Election. If you are already registered to vote but are not sure where you can go to vote, please go to the Travis County web site. The web site provides the latest precinct and polling place information, including permanent and mobile early voting locations, complete with directions.

AT&T Marathon

The AT&T Austin Marathon is scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. Sunday February 17, on Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Blvd. and 2nd St. It will loop through Austin north to Northcross Drive via Bull Creek, Shoal Creek and Great Northern Blvd., and back south again via Woodrow, North Loop, Guadalupe and Red River, before finishing downtown on Congress Avenue at 4th St.

There may be traffic delays around Saint John’s due to temporary lane closures. Maps of the marathon route are available on the “Information” table in the gallery by the front door of the church.

Confirmation News ... Calling All Youth!

This is the time of the year we start our annual confirmation class, a chance for all 6th graders to join the church! Starting January 27 all 6th graders are encouraged to attend Sunday school in a special way at the youth house. Parents, please talk to John if you have not yet received a confirmation packet for your 6th grader.

Parents of 7th-12th graders: For those that have missed it somewhere along the way, does your youth need to attend an older confirmation class? We are in the process of planning a class for March. Please contact John (431-1551) if you or your youth have questions.

CROP Hunger Walk 2008

Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2, 2008
The CROP Walk for Hunger is an annual nationwide event sponsored locally by AAIM. In 2007, walkers representing some 110 faith communities and other organizations raised almost $122,000. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised stay in Austin to support food needs in local agencies. The rest go to more than 80 countries to alleviate hunger worldwide.

Saint John's has a longhistory of recruiting many walkers. Be a CROP walker for our church in 2008.

Contact Pat Stewart (506-8367).

Lost and Found

• Black frame sunglasses, Eyeglasses
• Black REI gloves
• Child’s red knit gloves
• Black velvet headband
• Long sleeve blue t-shirt (ConocoPhillips logo)
• Black small cotton-spandex hoodie w/zipper
• Child’s pink, black and white purse with green “L”
• Fisher-Price Doodle-Pro toy
• Various Christmas plates
• Red and black insulated mug w/lid and handle
• Clear Pyrex bowl
• Various plastic containers (Ziploc, take-a-long, etc.)
• Book:The Powers that Be by Walter Wink
• Icicle light clips

If you recognize any of the following jewelry, please see Audrey in the church office.

• Large silver hoop earring
• Large gold hoop earring
• Silver James Avery ichthus earring
• Pearl & gold earring
• Long dangling silver and bead earring
• Silver heart charm
• Gold butterfly charm
• Silver James Avery wedding band
• Silver ring with mood stone
• Silver and turquoise ring

All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join their crew on Sunday mornings at the Youth House
for a very cool hour of donuts
and fun in Christ!
9:45-10:45 a.m.

Saint John’s staff and prayer group members pray for these people each week. To have your prayers of joys and concerns added to the list, please submit them in writing to the office. Please include your name and phone number.

Nathaniel (Nate) Dean Cravens and Drew Thomas Cravens were born January 23, to parents John and Carrie Cravens. Drew was born at 1:43 p.m. at 5 lbs., 6 oz., 18 inches and Nate was born at 1:44 p.m. at 4 lbs., 10 oz., 17 1/4 inches.

• Vic Blomquist passed away January 26, Memorial Service, 2:00 p.m. February 2, at Saint John’s UMC.

• Marine Riley Callahan (Jane Wilson's grandson)
• Luc Dauvin (Hilary Marchbank's cousin)
• Wesley Ebbers (Susan Harrelson’s nephew)
• Matthew Huff (Diane and Tom King’s nephew)
• Wesley Iley (Cecil Allert's grandson)
• Brandon Kloppe (Elissa Kloppe’s husband)
• Cpl. Justin Kloppe (Elissa Kloppe’s brother-in-law)
• Damon McCullough (Virgil McCullough's cousin)
• Alexandria Ogg (Montgomery's cousin)
• Sean Pavelka (Kim Graley’s cousin)
• SSGT Hans Pugh (Tim Pugh's son)
• Brian Rabel (Mollie and John McColpin’s grandson)
• Cpl. Peyton Sackett (Randi Wardian’s friend)
• Jeff Smith (Audra Morgenroth's husband)
• Mark Tilma (Megan Montgomery's fiance)
• Col. Kenneth Tovo (Kathie’s brother)
• Thomas Walker (Johanna’s husband)
• Chester Wall (Karen Young's nephew)
• Scott Zaleski (Judy & Cy Zaleski’s son)