You are invited to attend a brand new Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning February 7. The class will meet upstairs at 9:15 a.m. in Room 219. This class will be a diverse group of seekers/searchers on a faith journey. The first few sessions will take a look at John Wesley, a zealous, British clergyman who addressed the contemporary issues in his own time, and compare these to some of those same issues today.

Wesley's ministry grew out of his desire to live a holy life and to invite others to walk in discipleship. His message of grace and salvation can lead us to our own faith solutions. Some of the key issues discussed can be our attitudes of holiness, perfection, diversity, scripture, God, sin, church, worship, theology, mercy, justice and polity. Please consider joining us on a journey together.  The class will be facilitated by Rev. Daniel Echols and Donna Echols.

EASTER FROM THE BACKSIDE: Study by J. Ellsworth Kalas.  Facilitated by David Cameron.  Sunday morning alternative during Lent, February 21 - March 28, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. in Room 215.  Look beyond the traditional gospel Scriptures to connect the story of Christ's resurrection with other stories and Scriptures throughout the Bible.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES:  General Meeting and Luncheon, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m. in the Garden Room.  Program: Legislative Report, led by Tess Jackson.  Dora Harris Circle, Wednesday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. in the Garden Room.  Program: Geographic Study "The Beauty and Courage of Sunday."  Led by Evelyn Davis and Mildred Wylie.

St. John's Hygiene Pantry needs hygiene products to replenish our supply!   Please fill a sack with these items: (small sizes best)  Toilet Paper, Laundry Soap, Deodorant, Tooth Paste and Brushes, Shampoo, Bar Soap, Men's Shaving Items and Women's Hygiene Items. Please bring the sacks of products on Sundays in February. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., the University Group will have a Shrove Tuesday meal with pancakes, sausage links, juice, milk, and coffee. Donations will be accepted for UMCOR Haiti fund. And there will be activities for all ages in the Garden Room!

The word shrove is a past tense of the English verb "shrive," which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by confessing and doing penance.  Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the shriving (confessing) that English Christians were expected to do prior to receiving absolution immediately before Lent began.  Shrove Tuesday is the last day of "Shrovetide", the English equivalent to the Carnival tradition that developed separately in countries of Latin Europe.

Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.  The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food: in many cultures this meant no meat, and in some, no food prepared with dairy or eggs.  Therefore, rich ingredients were cooked to use them immediately prior to the commencement of the fast.  Pancakes and doughnuts also provided a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself.

HEART GALLERY OF THE SOUTH PLAINS:  For those who need their hearts refilled with hope, who need to once again believe in the beauty of the human spirit, look no further than the magic of the Heart Gallery.  The Heart Gallery of the South Plains will be hosted by our church from February 1 through March 1. 

The Heart Gallery is a unique photography exhibit designed to raise awareness of children who are waiting to be adopted.  Professional photographers volunteer to capture the spirit of these children through the art of photography, with intimate and compelling portraits.  Since our Gallery debuted in September 2007, the exhibit has traveled to various locations throughout the Lubbock community, featuring children who desire nothing more than to find a loving family and a "forever home." 

The children featured are Lubbock children and panhandle area children.  There are nearly 300 children in our area who need permanent homes.  Our exhibit is designed to enlighten, inspire and generate awareness of precious children who share the same dream.  Join us in viewing this unique photographic journey!

If you are a Texas Tech University student and wish to park in the church parking lot, buy your pass online now.

Read about the path that SJUMC took to try to change church law and policy of the United Methodist Church. This booklet will provide you a detailed account of the process and outcomes.

You may know that St. John's is a Reconciling Congregation, but do you know how we came to make that decision? This booklet will give you the history and the background on the now 10 year old decision to become Reconciling.