Book Review: "The Fruits of the Spirit (A Contemplative Journey) by Jon Burnham

Growing Spiritual Fruit: A Contemplative Journey for Houston Christians


I've been a pastor long enough to recognize a particular pattern. Someone approaches me after worship, usually looking slightly embarrassed, and says something like: "Pastor Jon, I've been a Christian for twenty years. I know I'm supposed to have love, joy, peace, all those fruits of the Spirit. But honestly? I'm still impatient with my kids, anxious about money, and struggling to be kind to my difficult neighbor. What am I doing wrong?"


Here's what I usually tell them: You're not doing anything wrong. You're just trying to grow fruit through willpower instead of letting the Gardener do the growing.


That realization led me to write The Fruits of the Spirit: A Contemplative Journey, the sixth book in my Christian Spirituality series. Not because Houston needs another book telling Christians to try harder, but because we need to understand how spiritual transformation actually happens.


At St. John's Presbyterian Church, we've discovered something powerful about spiritual growth. It doesn't happen through gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to be more patient. It happens through contemplative practices that create space for God's Spirit to do what only God can do: make things grow.


The Problem with Trying Harder


Walk into most Houston churches and you'll hear sermons about the fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These nine characteristics from Galatians 5:22-23 represent what mature Christian life looks like.

But here's what typically happens. The pastor preaches an inspiring message about patience. You leave worship determined to be more patient. Monday morning, your teenager ignores your instructions for the fourth time, traffic on I-610 makes you late for work, and your coworker undermines you in a meeting. By Tuesday, you've concluded you're a terrible Christian because you snapped at everyone.


The cycle repeats with each fruit. Try harder to be joyful. Try harder to have peace. Try harder to control yourself. And when you inevitably fail, you either give up or redouble your efforts, which leads to burnout or self-righteousness.


After years of pastoral ministry at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, I've watched too many sincere Christians exhaust themselves trying to manufacture fruit through sheer determination. That's not how gardens work.


What Contemplative Christianity Teaches About Spiritual Growth


The book I wrote draws heavily from contemplative Christian tradition. Not the trendy spirituality-without-commitment that's popular in Houston right now, but the deep wells of Christian mysticism that have sustained believers for centuries.


The Desert Fathers and Mothers who fled to Egyptian wilderness in the third and fourth centuries. Teresa of Avila navigating her inner castle. John of the Cross walking the dark night of the soul. Thomas Merton finding God in silence. These contemplatives understood something we've largely forgotten: spiritual transformation happens in stillness and surrender, not through religious striving.


At St. John's Presbyterian Church, we've been rediscovering these contemplative practices. Our Bible study groups explore not just what Scripture says, but how to actually live it through practices like centering prayer, lectio divina, and contemplative silence. We're learning what the mystics knew: you can't force spiritual fruit any more than you can force tomatoes to grow in your garden.


What you can do is create conditions for growth. Till the soil. Water regularly. Remove weeds. Provide sunlight. Then trust the seed to do what seeds do when given proper environment.


How the Book Works


The Fruits of the Spirit: A Contemplative Journey takes each of the nine fruits and explores it through five movements:


  1. The Seed explores where this particular fruit begins in God's own nature. Love isn't something God commands from a distance. Love is who God is. When love grows in you, it's God's own life taking root.
  2. The Resistance honestly addresses what opposes this fruit's growth. Not just external obstacles, but the internal resistance we rarely acknowledge. Why does gentleness terrify us? Why does true peace feel threatening? What makes us fight against the very things we claim to want?
  3. The Work of Grace reveals how God breaks through our resistance. Not through force, but through the patient, relentless, tender work that only grace can accomplish. This is where contemplative practices create space for God to work.
  4. The Fruit Matured shows what transformation actually looks like. Not perfection, but authentic change. Real love that sustains through difficulty. Actual peace that holds during chaos. Genuine self-control that becomes freedom rather than restriction.
  5. Living It Forward offers practical contemplative practices you can incorporate into your Houston life. These aren't complicated spiritual techniques requiring hours of free time you don't have. They're simple practices that create regular space for God's transforming presence.


Why Story Matters


One distinctive feature of this book is that each chapter includes a narrative. Not because I wanted to entertain readers, but because story does something that explanation alone cannot.


You'll meet characters like The Surrendered One learning peace, The Gentle Guardian discovering kindness, and The Steadfast Pilgrim walking faithfulness. These aren't allegories where every detail represents something else. They're fully realized stories that embody the spiritual journey each fruit requires.


Why does this matter? Because we don't just need information about patience. We need to see what patience looks like when it's actually lived. We need to recognize our own struggles in characters who face similar challenges. We need imaginative examples that make abstract virtues concrete.


At St. John's Presbyterian Church, we've found that people remember stories long after they forget sermon points. The stories in this book stick with you, surfacing when you face situations that call for particular fruits.


For Houston Christians Who Want Depth


Houston offers countless church options. Megachurches with elaborate productions. Contemporary churches focused on feeling good. Traditional churches maintaining familiar rituals. Each serves different needs and reaches different people.


But what if you're hungry for something deeper? What if you've attended church for years, know all the right answers, but sense there's more to Christian life than what you're experiencing? What if you're exhausted by religious performance but don't want to abandon faith altogether?


That's exactly who this book serves. The spiritually curious who want contemplative depth without drowning in academic theology. The honestly struggling who are tired of pretending they have it all together. The seekers who know that transformation doesn't happen through information alone.


At St. John's Presbyterian, we've built our ministry around this kind of substantive faith. We're not the biggest church in Houston, and we're fine with that. We'd rather offer depth than spectacle. Our Bible studies go beneath surface-level devotionals. Our worship engages both mind and heart. Our mission work puts faith into action in Houston's neighborhoods.


This book extends that same approach to personal spiritual formation. It's like having a spiritual director guide you through the contemplative tradition while keeping both feet planted in real life.


What Makes This Different from Other Books on the Fruits


Walk into any Houston Christian bookstore and you'll find dozens of books about the fruits of the Spirit. What makes this one different?


  1. It's grounded in contemplative tradition. Most books on spiritual fruit pull from contemporary Christian culture or self-help psychology. This book draws from two thousand years of Christian mysticism, bringing ancient wisdom into conversation with modern life.
  2. It integrates story and reflection. Rather than just explaining what each fruit means, the book lets you experience the journey through narrative before unpacking the spiritual principles.
  3. It's psychologically honest. We don't just talk about what fruits we should have. We explore why we resist them, what fears block their growth, and how God works with our actual psychology rather than demanding we become someone we're not.
  4. It offers genuine practices, not just principles. Each chapter includes contemplative exercises you can actually do. Not busy work to check off a list, but invitations to stillness where transformation happens.
  5. It assumes you're intelligent and curious. This isn't a dumbed-down devotional. It trusts readers to engage complex ideas while keeping the language accessible. Grandma could read it, but theologians won't find it shallow.


How This Book Connects to St. John's Ministry


When I wrote The Fruits of the Spirit, I was writing from my experience as pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston. The contemplative practices I describe aren't theoretical. They're what our community has been exploring together.


We have had some study groups at our church sometimes incorporate centering prayer before diving into Scripture. Our small groups have at times practiced contemplative listening where we actually hear each other rather than just waiting for our turn to talk. Our worship includes moments of silence that create space for God to speak.


We've discovered that slowing down doesn't make us less effective. It makes us more attentive to how God is actually working in our lives and our neighborhood. The fruits of the Spirit grow better in soil that's been prepared through contemplative practice.


The book also reflects our approach to mission. At St. John's, we don't separate spirituality from service. When you grow in love, you naturally serve at our food pantry. When you develop patience, you're better equipped to work with difficult situations in our single-parent family ministry. When you mature in gentleness, you bring that spirit to our community garden where we serve neighbors.


Spiritual fruit isn't just personal transformation. It's the character needed to sustain long-term mission in Houston's diverse, challenging urban environment.


Who Should Read This Book


I wrote The Fruits of the Spirit: A Contemplative Journey for several overlapping groups:


  1. Long-time Christians who are spiritually hungry. You've been attending church for years, maybe decades. You know the Bible, serve faithfully, and genuinely love God. But something feels missing. You sense there's depth you haven't accessed, a intimacy with God that eludes you. This book invites you into contemplative practices that can break through spiritual plateau.
  2. Seekers exploring Christian faith. You're curious about Christianity but turned off by superficial spirituality or rigid fundamentalism. You want something intellectually honest and experientially real. This book presents Christian transformation as it's been practiced by mystics and contemplatives for centuries, offering depth without demanding you check your brain at the door.
  3. Christians exhausted by religious performance. You're tired of pretending you have it all together. Tired of trying harder to be a better Christian. Tired of guilt when you fail to live up to impossible standards. This book offers grace instead of guilt, surrender instead of striving, God's work instead of your effort.
  4. Those who've tried meditation or mindfulness. You've experimented with secular mindfulness or even Eastern meditation practices. You've discovered the value of silence, stillness, and present-moment awareness. But you're wondering how these practices connect to Christian faith. This book shows how contemplative Christianity offers deep practices rooted in relationship with the living God revealed in Jesus Christ.
  5. Presbyterians and Reformed Christians wanting contemplative depth. Sometimes people assume contemplative spirituality is only for Catholics or mystics. This book brings contemplative wisdom into conversation with Reformed theology, showing how Presbyterian Christians can embrace contemplative practices while remaining faithful to our theological tradition.
  6. Houston residents dealing with urban stress. Houston's pace, traffic, diversity, and challenges create particular pressures. This book addresses how to grow spiritual fruit in the concrete circumstances of life in a major metropolitan area. The practices are realistic for people with jobs, families, and responsibilities, not just for monks in monasteries.


Contemplative Practices for Real Life


One concern I often hear: "Pastor Jon, I don't have time for lengthy contemplative practices. I work full-time, have kids, deal with Houston traffic. How am I supposed to sit in silence for hours?"


The contemplative practices in this book are designed for real people with real lives. Not monastic ideals that require withdrawing from the world, but practices you can integrate into your actual Houston existence.


  • Brief centering prayer. Even five minutes of silence can create space for God. You don't need a hour-long meditation retreat. You need regular, brief moments of stopping and opening yourself to God's presence.
  • Contemplative Scripture reading. Instead of racing through chapters to check off your Bible reading plan, spend time with a single verse. Read it slowly multiple times. Let it speak to your heart, not just your head.
  • Practicing presence. Bring contemplative awareness to ordinary activities. Washing dishes can become prayer. Driving can become meditation on God's presence. Walking your dog can become communion with the Creator.
  • Examen at day's end. Spend five minutes before bed reviewing your day with God. Where did you notice God's presence? Where did you resist the Spirit's invitation? This simple practice develops spiritual attentiveness over time.
  • Breath prayer. Choose a short phrase (like "Jesus, have mercy" or "God, I trust you") and pray it in rhythm with your breathing. This ancient practice calms anxiety while keeping you connected to God throughout your day.
  • Holy leisure. In a culture of constant productivity, simply being present without agenda becomes a spiritual practice. Sit on your porch without your phone. Watch the sunset. Let yourself just be rather than constantly doing.


These practices don't require special equipment, retreats to monasteries, or hours of free time. They require only willingness to create small, regular spaces where God can work.


The Theological Foundation


Let me be clear about the theological framework underlying this book, because it matters for those exploring what St. John's Presbyterian Church believes and teaches.


  • We're thoroughly Reformed and Presbyterian. This book doesn't abandon Presbyterian theology for mystical vagueness. It brings contemplative practices into conversation with Reformed understanding of grace, sovereignty, and transformation through the Holy Spirit.
  • We take Scripture seriously. Every fruit explored in the book is rooted in biblical teaching. We're not inventing new spirituality or importing practices that contradict Scripture. We're rediscovering how Christians have historically understood and practiced biblical truth.
  • We emphasize God's initiative. This is crucial. Contemplative practices don't make God show up. They help us notice God's presence that's already there. The book consistently emphasizes that transformation is God's work, not ours. We create space; God does the growing.
  • We're Trinitarian. The Father plants the seed, the Son reveals what maturity looks like, the Spirit does the actual transforming work. This isn't generic spirituality. It's specifically Christian contemplation rooted in relationship with the triune God.
  • We connect inner life and outer service. Contemplation never becomes escape from the world. It equips us for more faithful engagement with Houston's needs. The fruits of the Spirit prepare us for mission, not just private piety.
  • If you're Presbyterian or from another Reformed tradition, this book will feel theologically at home. If you're from a different background, you'll encounter Reformed theology presented through the lens of contemplative practice in ways that may surprise you.


Beyond Individual Transformation


One limitation of most books on spiritual fruit: they focus exclusively on individual transformation. How do you become more patient? How does your life demonstrate peace?


While personal transformation matters, this book also explores how spiritual fruit shapes community. At St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, we've discovered that contemplative practices don't just change individuals. They transform how we relate to each other.


A church where people practice patience becomes a church that works through conflict without splitting. A church that cultivates gentleness becomes a place where the vulnerable feel safe. A church that grows in faithfulness sustains long-term mission commitments instead of chasing whatever program is currently trendy.


The book includes reflection on how each fruit builds community. Love doesn't just change your heart; it changes how the church loves its neighborhood. Joy doesn't just lift your spirits; it creates a congregation that celebrates rather than criticizes. Self-control doesn't just help you resist temptation; it builds a church that exercises discipline with grace rather than judgment.


For those involved in church leadership at St. John's or elsewhere in Houston, this book offers wisdom for cultivating congregational culture where spiritual fruit can grow.


Getting Started with the Book


The Fruits of the Spirit: A Contemplative Journey is available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. Search for "Jon Burnham Fruits of the Spirit" and you'll find it easily.


The book is designed to be read slowly. Don't rush through it. Spend a week or more with each chapter, giving yourself time to engage the story, reflect on the movements, and practice the contemplative exercises.


You could read it alone as personal spiritual formation. Many people journal as they work through each fruit, noting how the chapter speaks to their current struggles and growth edges.


You could also read it with a small group. At St. John's Presbyterian Church, several of our Bible study groups have worked through the book together, discussing the stories and practicing the contemplative exercises as a community. That shared experience deepens both the learning and the relationships.


If you're part of our St. John's community, you're welcome to contact me to discuss the book, ask questions about contemplative practices, or talk about how to integrate these approaches into your spiritual life. I'm always glad to meet with people who are genuinely seeking deeper relationship with God.


For those not part of St. John's, the book stands on its own as a guide to contemplative Christian spirituality. But if you find it speaks to you, I'd invite you to visit us on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. You might discover a community that's exploring the same contemplative depths that drew you to the book.


Where This Fits in the Christian Spirituality Series


The Fruits of the Spirit is the sixth book in my Christian Spirituality series. Each book explores a different dimension of what it means to live in Christ.


If you've read the earlier books in the series, this one will feel like a natural progression. If this is your first exposure to my writing, it works perfectly as a standalone volume. You don't need to read the others first, though you might find them valuable companions.


The series as a whole reflects what we practice at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston: faith that engages both mind and heart, tradition that speaks to contemporary life, spirituality that's rooted in Scripture and Christian history rather than contemporary self-help trends.


All six books in the Christian Spirituality series are available on Amazon. You can find them by searching my name, Jon Burnham, along with the series title.


An Invitation to the Garden


The image that runs through this book is simple: God is the Gardener, and your life is a garden where God is growing fruit.

You can't force fruit to grow. But you can create conditions where growth becomes possible. You can clear away weeds. You can provide water. You can ensure adequate sunlight. Then you trust the seed to do what seeds do.


Contemplative Christianity offers practices that till the soil of your soul. Silence that clears away noise so you can hear God's voice. Solitude that creates space for God's presence. Scripture reading that plants God's word deeply. Prayer that opens you to God's work.


At St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, we're learning together what it means to be God's garden. Not perfectly. Not without struggle or setback. But with increasing trust that the Gardener knows what God is doing.


This book invites you into that same journey. Not because Houston needs more religious information, but because we all need transformation we can't accomplish on our own.


The fruits of the Spirit aren't achievements to cross off your spiritual to-do list. They're life that grows when you make space for the Gardener to work.


Welcome to the garden. The Gardener has been expecting you.


Pastor Jon Burnham serves St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, where the congregation explores contemplative Christian practices alongside missions and community engagement. For more information about St. John's ministry, visit us at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue or call 713-723-6262. Sunday worship begins at 11:00 AM, and all are welcome.


About the Author

pastor houston, st johns presbyterian, bellaire texas church, serving since 1956, presbyterian pastor, west bellfort church

Pastor Jon has served St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston for over a decade and is the author of 34+ books on Christian spirit available on Amazon. 


He is an innovator in both the community and at the church, bringing in major initiatives like the Single Parent Family Ministry housing with PCHAS, the One Hope Preschool program, and expanding the community garden that brings together church members and neighbors. 


Under his leadership, St. John's has become known for practical service that makes a real difference in the community. 


His approach is simple: "We're real people who worship and serve Jesus Christ with no frills."

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The Epistle from St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston October 29, 2025 Where Your Treasure Is Dear friends, Last Sunday we talked about this Bible verse where Jesus said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19–20) Now, when Jesus talks about treasures in heaven , he's not selling celestial real estate. He's not running a spiritual pyramid scheme where you give now and cash in after you die. He's talking about something far more practical and immediate. He's talking about investment strategy. See, every one of us is an investor . You might not have a portfolio or know what a mutual fund is, but you're investing every single day. You invest your time. Your energy. Your money. Your attention. And Jesus is simply asking: What's your return on investment? Because here's what I've noticed after thirty years of ministry: The people who pour everything into earthly treasures rarely seem satisfied. They get the promotion, but it's not enough. They buy the bigger house, but the neighbors have a pool. They accumulate and accumulate, but somehow the hole inside never quite gets filled . Meanwhile, I've sat with people who've given away fortunes, who've spent their Saturdays teaching kids to read, who've opened their homes to strangers, and they have this strange glow about them. This peculiar joy . Like they've discovered something the rest of us are missing. Ponder this as you prayerfully consider your pledge to St. John's for 2026. Your stewardship letter should be at your house or in the mail. If you haven't received yours by Friday, please call the church office and let us know. Or, look for a stewardship letter on the table in the narthex. Grace and peace, Pastor Jon Set your clocks back one hour this Sunday Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night! Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2 , so you’ll get an extra hour of sleep before worship. We’ll see you bright and rested at 11:00 AM as we gather for All Saints Day. All Saints Day this Sunday We will honor the saints who have entered God’s rest since last year’s observance. If you have a name to include, please email the church office by 10 AM Thursday, October 30 . During worship, candles will be set on the altar for you to light in memory of your loved one. We are glad to welcome David Dietz, cello , who will enrich our hymns and anthem and play during the candle remembrance. Faith in Action meets Sunday after worship The Faith in Action Committee will meet on Sunday, November 2 , immediately following worship. We’ll be preparing for the Holiday Living Gift Market , so all members are encouraged to attend and help plan this meaningful outreach event. A Welcoming Space for Our Littlest Worshipers As the holidays approach, many families will be welcoming new little ones, and at St. John’s, we’re ready to welcome them too. Our Kids Corner , located in the back of the sanctuary, is a cozy spot designed with young families in mind. You’ll find books and quiet activities for toddlers and preschoolers, and even a rocking chair for Mom or Dad to sit comfortably with a baby during worship. Church is for the whole family: every age, every stage, every precious sound of life. Come check it out and see how grace grows, one small heartbeat at a time. St. John's Presbyterian Church in Meyerland Website Performance: In the past 28 days, 5,880 people saw our church appear in Google searches, and 139 clicked to learn more about St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston . Every review you share helps more people find us online. Our Digital Front Door: How Our Website Is Reaching People for Christ The image above shows the performance of our church website over the past 28 days. During that time, 113 people clicked on our website and 3,900 people saw it appear in their Google search results . That means thousands of people in Houston are coming across St. John’s Presbyterian Church as they look for a place to grow in faith. Please leave us a Google Review If you haven’t yet, please leave a Google review today . It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways you can steward your influence for the Kingdom. Thank you to those who left a Google Review in the past week including David, Julia, Lynne, Dan, Jacob, Linda, Mary, Glen, Ben, Marie. Your words are helping others find their way to faith and fellowship here at St. John’s. Show Your St. John’s Spirit at the Holiday Gift Market! Have you been waiting for the perfect time to show off your new St. John’s T-shirt? The Holiday Gift Market is your chance! This is one of our favorite events of the year, so let’s make it even more festive by wearing our St. John’s shirts—new or old. If you don’t have one yet, we’ll have extras available that day. The Market will be held on Sunday, November 16 , so come enjoy lunch, bring a friend, and do a little early holiday shopping. And as Leonié reminded us, these shirts are great conversation starters—wear them proudly around town, not just to church! Healing Hearts: A New Ministry of Care and Encouragement Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Healing Hearts , a grief and bereavement support group. Led by Lisa Sparaco , a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and member of our church, this group will provide a safe and faith-filled space for sharing stories, receiving encouragement, and walking together through seasons of loss. This is not a therapy group, but a ministry of care and prayer for all who grieve. Healing Hearts is open both to members of St. John’s and to the wider community. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors who may need such support. Meetings will take place in the Prayer Room , on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM and the last Monday of each month from 11:00 AM–12:00 Noon . This schedule provides both an evening option for those who work during the day and a daytime option for those who prefer not to drive at night. Men of the Church The Men of the Church meets tonight, Wednesday, October 29, at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. All men are welcome to attend. One Hope Preschool - Fall Festival Invitation We’re excited to announce our One Hope Schools Fall Harvest Festival 2025! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8th from 3:00–5:00 PM at: One Hope Preschool (5020 West Bellfort Ave, Bldg 2, Houston, TX 77035). Get ready for an afternoon full of fun, laughter, and community spirit! Bounce House & Petting Zoo Face Painting & Balloon Animals Games & Activities Snow Cones & Snacks Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the season with us. Presbyterian Beliefs Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian Church in Westbury Most people don't choose churches based on theology. They choose based on feelings, convenience, or whether their kids like the youth group. That's fine as far as it goes. But here's the thing: what a church believes shapes everything else. The music you sing, the sermons you hear, how you treat each other, whether you actually serve your community or just talk about it. So if you're looking at St. John's Presbyterian in Houston, or if you're just curious about what Presbyterians actually believe, let me walk you through it. Not in complicated theological language, but in plain English that explains why these beliefs matter. Read the full article by Pastor Jon here: Presbyterian Beliefs: Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian. Holiday Gift Market Nov 16, 2025 Noon-2PM McPhail Hall *Soup Needed *Bring a Friend Please bring one guest who isn’t already part of our congregation. We’re also looking for volunteers to bring soup, potluck style. You can sign up in the Narthex—thank you for helping make this a warm and welcoming event. Come, participate, and let’s make this year’s Holiday Gift Market a true witness to God’s abundance. The Way of Discernment Sunday afternoon Zoom Class from St. John's Presbyterian Church in Willow Meadows Have you ever wondered if you are following God’s will for your life? That you got it right? And just exactly how do you know? In the book The Way of Discernment by Steve Doughty, he draws from classic authors like Augustine and contemporary ones like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to reveal powerful ways in which to understand the practice of discernment. This is a study seeking clarity in discovering God’s guidance for both your personal and congregational life. Come and join in from the comfort of your own home. This intriguing study will definitely deepen your faith and bless your spiritual journey. Books are available at Amazon.com (choose the green cover edition). Contact Lynne Parsons for the Zoom link at lynnep@sbcglobal.net . Everyone is invited. Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2 by Dan Herron Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2, a Sunday. So, set your clocks with this rule… “Spring Forward and Fall Back”. This means set your clocks back one hour on Saturday evening, Nov. 1. Sleep comfortably knowing you’ll probably have the correct time next Sunday morning. Some clocks are easy to set. Some are not. What we need, first, is a wrist watch. This is the first clock to set back one hour. List your clocks that need setting. Just underline the ones listed here. Your alarm clock is very important. Automobile clocks might be tricky. Computers usually set themselves. Cell phones set themselves. Wristwatches vary in this skillset. TV sets depend on which source and which brand. Dish Network adjusts itself. Direct TV adjusts itself. Pendulum clocks need to be set by stopping the pendulum for about 65 minutes (by the kitchen timer), wait about an hour, and then move the clock forward those 5 or so missing minutes, to match the time on your watch face. Business offices may or may not have the correct time. St Johns has some tall clocks that need setting, so we hope our basketball players with a very tall reach come on Sunday, November 2. If you do this DST setting with your watch and alarm clock as guides, on Saturday evening, you will wake up at the correct time on Sunday morning. It is easy to tease some of the guys who come into church at the wrong hour, but take it easy on us. And, if you set a clock back and then it also self adjusts one hour during the evening of November 2, further action will be needed to match it with your smart watch. Finally, have someone call you on Sunday morning to verify your time. Check your work from the list above, on Sunday morning, on your computer and some appliances that have set themselves to DST. Likely your TV or computer and your watch will be the correct time as a reference for the other clocks. Grandkids are just great for this kind of thing. Start now gathering the watch, kitchen timer, product manuals and cake or cookie mix. Invite a kid to share a cookie and clock settings. Have him or her double check all the clock faces. Many suggest that this is a great time to refresh the batteries in smoke alarms. Do not get on a ladder do this. Save your notes for about six months so you can take advantage on next year’s DST adjustment which will be Spring Forward time. Good luck! Dan Herron Healing Service, November 9, 11 AM, Sanctuary Join us for a Healing Service on Sunday, November 9, 2015 , as we gather in prayer, music, and quiet reflection. This special time of worship offers space to bring our burdens, griefs, and hopes before God—trusting in the Spirit’s power to renew body, mind, and soul. Whether you seek comfort, strength, or simply a moment of peace, you are welcome. Come, rest in God’s healing presence. Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Mike Swint in the loss of his sister, Chris Borton Family and friends of Christine Perci (friend of Pete and Grace Sparaco) Harriet Harper, in hospice care Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery Mary Hughes, recovering from shoulder surgery and flu Family of Evie Nielson Holly Darr, health concerns Family of Gerry Jump Karen Alsbrook, health Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio Those looking for a job St. Johns College Students Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes One Hope Preschool families and staff Caring for One Another in Prayer Our prayer list is a vital way we support one another, lifting up joys and concerns before God. From time to time, we update the list to ensure it reflects current needs. If a name has been removed and you would like it added back, please reply to this email and let us know who they are and why you would like them included. Your input helps us pray more intentionally and stay connected to those in need of ongoing support. Thank you for being part of this ministry of care and intercession. Prayer List Update – How Can We Pray for You? As part of our commitment to intentional and meaningful prayer, we periodically refresh our prayer list to ensure we are staying connected with those who need support. If you or someone you previously requested would like to remain on the prayer list, or if you have a new name to add, please reply to this email and let us know. We are grateful for the opportunity to pray with and for you. Happy Birthday Andra Mulder (Nov 1) Mary Hughes (Nov 3) Fifi Diabate (Nov 3) Marie Dzeukou (Leonie’s cousin) (Nov 9) Becky Crawford (Nov 10) Virginia Krueger (Nov 12) Mary Herlitz (Nov 14) Libby Adams (Nov 15) Ann Hardy (Nov 16) Janice, Ike and Udi Johnson (Nov 17) Jackson Burnham (Nov 20) Naomi Hughes (Nov 20) Mary Plail Risley (Nov 22) Jim Austin (Nov 29) Scott Moore (Nov 29) Happy Anniversary Peter and Grace Sparaco (Nov 28) Church Calendar Wednesday, October 29 6:30 pm Men’s group, Session Room Thursday, October 30 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building Friday, October 31, Halloween! Saturday, November 1 3:00 pm Girl Scout Birthday, Party, McPhail Sunday, November 2, 21 st Sunday after Pentecost and All Saint’s Service 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 12:00 pm Caring and Fellowship Meeting, Room 203 1:30 pm Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom 4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail Sun, Oct 26, Christian Education Committee meeting in Session Room after worship Mon, Oct 27, Healing Hearts, Room 202, 11AM-Noon, Sun, Nov 2, All Saints Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary. Come prepared to remember our beloved saints who have passed into the Church Triumphant, especially those who died this last year. Sun, Nov 2, Caring and Fellowship Committee meeting next door to Session Room in Church Office after worship Sun, Nov 2, Faith in Action Committee meets in Session Room after worship to discuss Holiday Gift Market plans and organization Fri, Nov 7, 2 PM, Funeral Service for Evie Nielson, Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 Sun, Nov 9, Healing Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary Healing Hearts to Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 pm and Monday, November 24, 11 am. Sun, Nov 16, Holiday Gift Market, McPhail Hall, Noon-2PM Sun, Nov 23, Stewardship Brunch Thur, Nov 27, Thanksgiving Holiday, Church Office Closed Sat, Nov 29, Advent Decoration Festival, Sanctuary, 10AM-Noo Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent, Sanctuary, 11AM Worship Sat, Dec 13, “What is the Gospel” Class, Session Room, Session Room, 9 AM Wed, Dec 24, Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary 7 pm Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ 2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount Coming next month, as we move into Stewardship Season, we will move into a new sermon series. Throughout "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount," we explore how Jesus' teachings guide us in stewarding all aspects of our lives—our blessings, influence, resources, relationships, and faith. By aligning ourselves with kingdom principles, we become effective stewards who advance God's purposes on earth. This series challenges us to examine where our treasures lie, to seek God's kingdom above all else, and to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ the King. This series thoughtfully incorporates significant dates such as All Saints' Day and Christ the King Sunday, aligning their themes with the overarching focus on stewardship. By pairing teachings from the Sermon on the Mount with complementary Old Testament passages, we gain a deeper understanding of God's call to live as faithful stewards in every area of our lives. Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle , kindly email Pastor Jon directly . Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle. St. John's Presbyterian Church Bellaire Bible Study & Faith Formation Groups 1. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Time: Sundays at 9:30 AM Location: In-person at church Description: Adult class that studies the sermon passage before worship. Helps participants understand Scripture and shapes how they hear the sermon. Open to visitors without needing to fill out forms or commit immediately. 2. Sunday Afternoon Zoom Study Time: Sundays at 1:30 PM Location: Zoom (virtual) Description: Tackles books and topics requiring sustained attention. Recently studied "The Way of Discernment" by Steve Doughty. Focuses on deep questions about following God's will, spiritual discernment, and making faithful life decisions. Small group format where everyone participates. 3. Tuesday Afternoon Women's Study Time: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM Location: Zoom (virtual) Description: Long-standing women's group studying Christian books, praying together, and supporting each other through life's challenges. Not a stereotypical "ladies' Bible study" but rather women asking tough questions and wanting faith that matters in real life. Mothers, professionals, retirees, and caregivers dealing with aging parents, marriages, careers, and health issues. 4. Men's Group (Wednesday Evening) Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM (one hour or so) Location: In-person at church Description: Men dig into Scripture with focus and energy. They also hold each other accountable and pray for each other's struggles. They work on practical service projects such as upgrading lights are also on the agenda. Designed to respect men's time and intelligence. 5. Children's Bible Study Time: Sundays at 11:00 AM (during worship service) Location: Church office building Description: Age-appropriate Bible study for children that helps them engage with Scripture at their level. Not childcare but actual faith development that takes children seriously while allowing parents to focus on worship. Exercise & Wellness Groups 6. Stay Young, Stay Strong Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 PM Location: Room 209, Building 2 Description: Strength training class based on Miriam E. Nelson's book "Strong Women Stay Slim." Weights provided. Fellowship Groups 7. St John's Friends United (Older Adults Group) Time: Monthly luncheons (contact office for schedule) Location: Various Description: Group for older adults featuring trips and monthly luncheons with programs and meals. To join any of these groups, contact: Phone: 713-723-6262 Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com The church is located at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035 Connect More Perhaps this sermon will speak to you: " When God Feels Silent: Ask, Seek, Knock. " Or, what makes our worship unique ? Here's another sermon that may speak to you, " The Silence of Heaven: Seeking God When God Feels Distant ." 

Presbyterian Beliefs: Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian

October 27, 2025
Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian 
A poster of stars in black sky says

Trusting God’s Silence

By Jon Burnham • October 27, 2025
Reflection on trusting God's silence as an invitation to deeper faith. From St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Houston: Biblical insights, prayer practice, and book rec.