Why do Presbyterians Believe in Predestination and What Does That Even Mean?

Presbyterian Predestination Explained: What It Means and Why It Matters


The question usually comes up during coffee hour after worship, or in a Bible study when we're reading Romans 9, or late at night when someone's wrestling with whether their prayers actually matter.


"Pastor Jon, if God already knows what's going to happen, do my choices even count?"


"If everything's predestined, why pray?"


"Does predestination mean God picks some people for heaven and some for hell before they're even born?"


I've been a Presbyterian pastor long enough to know these aren't just theological puzzles people enjoy debating. These are real questions about whether their lives have meaning, whether God is fair, and whether faith makes any practical difference in a world that often feels like it's running on autopilot.


Let me try to untangle this ancient doctrine in a way that actually makes sense for regular people trying to follow Jesus in Houston in the 2020s and beyond. Because here's the thing: predestination isn't about fatalism or cold determinism. When you understand what Presbyterians actually believe about God's sovereignty and human choice, it becomes a source of deep comfort rather than confusion.



What Predestination Actually Means (In Plain English)


Let's start with what the word means. Predestination simply refers to God's plan and purpose for creation and for individual lives.


Presbyterians believe that God, being outside of time and all-knowing, has a sovereign plan for history and for each person.


But here's where people get confused. Predestination doesn't mean you're a robot following a script. It doesn't mean your choices don't matter. And it definitely doesn't mean God created some people just to damn them.


Think about it this way. When my kids were little, I knew certain things about their future before they did. I knew my daughter would eventually learn to ride a bike, even when she was falling off every five seconds. I knew my son would struggle with math in middle school because I understood his learning style. Did my knowledge of these future events mean they didn't really happen? Did it mean my kids weren't really choosing and growing and learning?


Of course not. My limited foreknowledge didn't negate their experience or choices. God's perfect foreknowledge works the same way, just infinitely more so.


The Reformed tradition (that's the theological family Presbyterians belong to) teaches that God's sovereignty and human responsibility exist together. We can't fully explain how they fit because we're finite creatures trying to understand an infinite God. But Scripture teaches both truths clearly: God is in complete control, and humans make real choices for which they're genuinely responsible.


This might sound like a contradiction, but only because we're used to thinking in either-or categories. God's ways are higher than our ways. Some mysteries we simply have to hold in tension.


What Predestination Is NOT


Before we go further, let's clear up some common misunderstandings. Predestination is not the same as fate. In Greek mythology or ancient philosophy, fate was an impersonal force that even the gods couldn't escape. It was cold, mechanical, uncaring.


Presbyterian predestination is the exact opposite. It's the loving plan of a personal God who knows you by name, who numbers the hairs on your head, who sent his Son to die for you. God's plan isn't impersonal fate. It's intimate purpose.


Predestination also isn't fatalism. Fatalism says, "Whatever will be will be, so why bother trying?" That's not biblical Christianity. Scripture constantly calls us to choose, to act, to pray, to repent. The Westminster Confession (one of our key Presbyterian documents) is crystal clear: God's sovereignty doesn't destroy human will or take away the reality of our choices.


And here's a big one: predestination doesn't mean God creates people just to send them to hell. That's a horrible distortion of what we actually believe. God desires all people to be saved. He sent Jesus to die for the whole world. When people reject God's grace, that's their choice, not God's predetermined plan for them.


Some folks want to turn predestination into a cosmic sorting machine where God arbitrarily picks favorites before anyone's even born. That's not what Scripture teaches. What the Bible shows us is a God who pursues people, who invites everyone into relationship, and who in his perfect knowledge sees who will respond to his grace and who will resist it.


How This Differs From Eastern Ideas About Karma


I've had interesting conversations over the years with folks exploring Buddhism or Hindu philosophy alongside Christianity. Houston's a diverse city, and people are genuinely curious about different wisdom traditions. Naval Ravikant, that Silicon Valley entrepreneur, captured one version of Eastern thinking when he wrote: "Karma is just you, repeating your patterns, virtues, and flaws until you finally get what you deserve."


There's something appealing about that idea. It suggests a kind of cosmic justice where your actions eventually catch up with you. Do good, good comes back. Do bad, bad returns. It's tidy. It makes sense to our human desire for fairness.


But it's fundamentally different from Christian predestination. Karma is about getting what you deserve based on your actions, either in this life or through reincarnation. It's a moral accounting system where the universe keeps score and eventually balances the books.


Presbyterian predestination is about grace, not karma. We don't believe you get what you deserve. Thank God! If we got what we deserved based on our flaws and repeated patterns, we'd all be in serious trouble. Instead, we believe God extends undeserved favor through Jesus Christ. That's what grace means.


The difference matters. Karma puts the weight on you. Your fate depends on your accumulated actions over multiple lifetimes. You're responsible for earning your way to enlightenment or a better rebirth through right living and right thinking.


Christianity says you can't earn your way anywhere. Your best efforts fall short. Your patterns and flaws don't just need adjustment, they need redemption. And God provides that redemption as a gift through Jesus. Not because you've finally accumulated enough good karma, but because God loves you and chooses to rescue you.


Under karma, you repeat patterns until you deserve better. Under grace, God breaks the patterns you can't break yourself and gives you what you don't deserve: forgiveness, new life, adoption into God's family.


That's the scandal of Christian faith. God doesn't wait for you to finally get your act together. He meets you in your mess, your repeated failures, your persistent flaws, and says, "I'm choosing you anyway." That's predestination: God's choice to love and redeem people who couldn't earn it and don't deserve it.


Buddhist Suffering vs. Presbyterian Sovereignty


The comparison with Buddhism gets even more interesting when you look at the concept of suffering. Buddha taught that suffering (dukkha) is essentially an illusion created by our attachments and desires. We suffer because we cling to impermanent things and fail to recognize the true nature of reality. Enlightenment comes through letting go of attachments and realizing that the separate self is an illusion.


From this perspective, what we think of as real suffering is actually a misperception. If you could see reality clearly, you'd realize that neither suffering nor the self experiencing it is ultimately real. It's all part of the illusion (maya) we need to see through.


Presbyterian theology takes suffering with absolute seriousness as a real feature of a fallen world. We don't believe suffering is an illusion you overcome through proper understanding. We believe it's a genuine result of sin's entry into God's good creation. Pain is real. Death is real. Injustice is real. These aren't misperceptions to be dissolved through meditation.


But here's where predestination becomes profoundly comforting rather than disturbing. If suffering is real, and if the world often feels chaotic and random, how do we find hope? Presbyterian faith says that even in a world scarred by sin, God remains sovereign. Nothing happens outside his awareness or ultimate plan.


This doesn't mean God causes every bad thing. We live in a fallen world with real consequences for human sin and rebellion. But it does mean that God is big enough to work within and through even the worst circumstances to accomplish his purposes. Romans 8:28 captures this: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."


The Buddhist solution to suffering is to realize it's not ultimately real. The Presbyterian response is to trust that the God who is real will redeem real suffering and bring real good from it. We don't escape suffering by seeing through it. We endure suffering by trusting the One who suffered on a cross for us.


Joseph said it perfectly to his brothers who'd sold him into slavery: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." That's predestination in action. Not God causing evil, but God sovereignly working even through evil human choices to accomplish redemptive purposes.


When Karma Meets Grace: Understanding the Difference


Let's come back to that Naval quote: "Karma is just you, repeating your patterns, virtues, and flaws until you finally get what you deserve."


There's real insight there about human nature. We do repeat patterns. We do have persistent virtues and flaws. Anyone who's tried to break a bad habit or overcome a character flaw knows how hard change is. We cycle through the same mistakes, the same temptations, the same failures.


But the promise of the gospel is that you don't have to keep repeating patterns until you deserve better. Christ breaks the cycle. He doesn't wait for you to finally get your karma balanced. He steps into your repeated failures and says, "I've already paid for this. You're free."

This is where Presbyterian predestination becomes intensely personal and practical. God's choice to save you isn't contingent on you finally getting your patterns right. His choice precedes your patterns. Before you were born, before you developed virtues or flaws, before you started repeating destructive cycles, God knew you and loved you.


Ephesians 1:4-5 says it clearly: "He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ." That's not karma. That's grace operating on an entirely different principle.

Under karma, you're on your own, working off your debt to the universe through countless cycles until you finally achieve what you deserve. Under predestination, God reaches into your cycles of repeated failure and lifts you out, not because you deserve it but because he decided to love you.


The freedom this brings is hard to overstate. You're not trapped in endless cycles hoping to eventually tip the cosmic scales toward enlightenment. You're already chosen, already loved, already secured by a God who knows every flaw and failure and says, "You're mine."


This doesn't mean Christians stop trying to grow or change. Of course we work on our patterns and flaws. But we do it from a place of security, not anxiety. We change not to earn God's love but because we already have it. Not to achieve our predestined purpose but to live out the new identity God has given us.


Living With Predestination: Why Your Choices Still Matter


Here's where rubber meets road. If God's already determined everything, why bother praying? Why evangelize? Why work for justice or serve your neighbor?


These questions feel compelling, but they miss how predestination actually works. God's sovereign plan includes the means as well as the ends. He doesn't just determine that someone will come to faith. He also ordains the sermon they'll hear, the conversation with a friend, the Bible passage that speaks to them. Your witness becomes part of God's sovereign plan.


Think of it like a symphony. God is the composer who's written every note. But he's written your part for you to play. The fact that the composition is complete doesn't mean your violin doesn't matter. You're essential to how the music actually sounds.


Prayer works the same way. God already knows what will happen, yes. But he's ordained that certain things happen through prayer. James 4:2 says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." Prayer isn't about changing God's mind. It's about aligning ourselves with his purposes and becoming the instruments through which he works.


I've counseled people through tragedies who found immense comfort in predestination. When a young mother dies of cancer, leaving three kids behind, karma offers no consolation. The universe doesn't care. Your patterns and virtues didn't protect you. But sovereignty says: even this horror, even this senseless pain, is not outside God's awareness or his ability to redeem. He can bring good from even the worst evil. He's done it before at the cross.


That doesn't make the pain less real or less terrible. But it means you're not alone in random chaos. You're held by a God who sees, who cares, who has a plan that includes redemption and restoration.


Where AI Meets Ancient Theology

I

 wrote a whole book about this called Because You Had To: AI, Predestination, and the Sovereignty of God. The connection might not be obvious at first, but stay with me.


We live in an age where artificial intelligence can predict human behavior with startling accuracy. Netflix knows what you'll want to watch next. Amazon knows what you'll buy before you do. AI algorithms can forecast your choices based on your patterns with remarkable precision.

This raises profound questions. If a machine can predict your behavior, how free are you really? If your choices follow predictable patterns, are you actually choosing or just following your programming?


These same questions haunted theologians centuries ago when they wrestled with predestination. How can God know your future choices and they still be real choices? How can divine sovereignty and human freedom coexist?


The answer, I think, comes from understanding that knowledge doesn't equal causation. When Netflix predicts what you'll watch, it's not making you watch it. It's recognizing patterns in your preferences and behavior. Similarly, God's perfect foreknowledge doesn't eliminate your real choices. It just means God, being outside time, sees all your choices at once.


But here's where it gets interesting. AI can only predict based on patterns. It can't account for genuine transformation, for moments of grace that break the patterns entirely. Algorithms assume you'll keep being who you've always been.


God predestines not your failure but your restoration.


God's predestination is different. It includes your transformation. God doesn't just see you stuck in your patterns. He sees the new creation he's making you into. God predestines not your failure but your restoration. Not your slavery to patterns but your freedom in Christ.


If you want to go deeper into these questions about how AI, free will, and divine sovereignty intersect, I'd encourage you to check out Because You Had To: AI, Predestination, and the Sovereignty of God. It's written for regular people wrestling with big questions, not just theology nerds. And in our AI-saturated age, these questions matter more than ever.


What This Means for You Today


Let me bring this home with some practical takeaways. If Presbyterian predestination is true, here's how it should affect your actual life:


  1. First, it gives you deep security. Your relationship with God doesn't depend on maintaining perfect faith or never doubting. If God chose you before the foundation of the world, your salvation rests on his choice, not your consistency. You can rest in his grip rather than constantly checking your spiritual pulse.
  2. Second, it fuels genuine humility. If salvation is entirely grace and God's choice, you have nothing to boast about. You didn't earn this. You didn't achieve it through superior wisdom or spiritual discipline. God chose you. That should make you grateful, not proud.
  3. Third, it motivates mission and service. Because you know God's plan will accomplish his purposes, you can work with confidence. You're not trying to force outcomes or save the world through your efforts alone. You're participating in what God is already doing. That removes anxiety and adds purpose.
  4. Fourth, it provides comfort in suffering. When life falls apart and nothing makes sense, predestination says God hasn't lost control. He's still sovereign. He's still working. What feels like chaos to you fits into a plan you can't see yet but can trust.
  5. Fifth, it takes pressure off. You don't have to be God. You don't have to control outcomes or manipulate circumstances or make everything work out. You can do your part faithfully and leave results to God.


An Invitation to Trust, Not Decode


I'll be honest. I can't fully explain how God's sovereignty and human responsibility fit together. I can't completely untangle predestination and free will. Smarter theologians than me have tried for 2,000 years and we're still having the conversation.


But here's what I've learned through years of pastoral ministry: the people who find the most peace aren't the ones who've got all the theology figured out. They're the ones who've learned to trust a God bigger than their understanding.


Predestination ultimately isn't a puzzle to solve. It's an invitation to rest in a God who has a plan, who knows what he's doing, and who loves you enough to choose you before you ever chose him.


At St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, we wrestle with these questions together. We don't pretend to have perfect answers. We don't shame people for doubting or questioning. We create space for honest wrestling with hard theological truths in a community where you're known and supported.


We study Scripture seriously. We think about faith thoughtfully. We hold tension honestly. And we rest in grace constantly. That's what Presbyterian community at its best looks like. Not a place where everything's tied up neatly with a bow, but a place where real people grapple with real questions while trusting a real God who's bigger than our confusion.


If you're in Houston and these questions resonate with you, come visit us on Sunday morning at 11 AM. We won't have all your answers. But we'll have good coffee, genuine conversation, and a community of people who've learned that the deepest questions often lead to the deepest faith.


Because here's the paradox: the more you understand that God's ways are higher than your ways, the more you find peace. The more you accept that some mysteries can't be fully solved, the more you grow in trust. The more you realize salvation depends on God's choice rather than yours, the more secure you become.


That's not karma. That's not fate. That's not illusion. That's grace operating through a sovereign God who knows your repeated patterns, your persistent flaws, your deepest failures, and says, "I chose you anyway. Not because you deserve it, but because I love you. That's been decided. That's been predestined. That's settled. Now rest in that and see how it changes everything."


Going Deeper


If these ideas have sparked your curiosity or challenged your thinking, here are some ways to explore further:


Read my book: Because You Had To: AI, Predestination, and the Sovereignty of God goes much deeper into how ancient theology meets modern technology and what it all means for living faithfully today.


Join our Bible study: We regularly dig into passages that wrestle with God's sovereignty, including Romans 8-9, Ephesians 1, and Jesus' teachings on election. There's no substitute for reading Scripture together with people who care about getting it right and living it out.


Visit St. John's: Experience Presbyterian worship that takes these doctrines seriously without being stuffy about them. We believe theology matters, but we also believe it should lead to practical faith that transforms how you live Monday through Saturday.


Keep questioning: Good theology raises new questions as it answers old ones. That's healthy. God is big enough to handle your doubts. The goal isn't perfect understanding but growing trust in a God who understands everything perfectly.


The doctrine of predestination has brought comfort to millions of Christians over centuries. Not because it makes everything clear, but because it reminds us that we're held by a God whose plans can't be thwarted, whose love can't be lost, and whose purposes will ultimately prevail.


In a world that often feels chaotic and random, where algorithms predict your behavior and patterns repeat endlessly, Presbyterian theology offers something different: a sovereign God who breaks patterns, extends undeserved grace, and has chosen to love you since before time began.


That's not fatalism. That's not karma. That's the scandalous good news of the gospel. God chose you. God loves you. God has a plan for you. And nothing in all creation can separate you from that love.


Rest in that. Trust in that. Live from that. And watch how it changes everything.


St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Avenue
Houston, Texas 77035
(713) 723-6262
stjohns@stjohnspresby.org

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM


Everyone welcome.


Honest questions encouraged.


Peace,

Pastor Jon Burnham


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.