The Epistle for April 22, 2026
Dear friends,
Easter is still with us.
We are in the season the church calendar calls Eastertide. Fifty days of sitting with the resurrection before we rush on to the next thing. I think that deserves more than a passing nod.
The disciples did not go from the empty tomb to a packed ministry calendar in forty-eight hours. They sat with it. They walked seven miles with a stranger on the road to Emmaus without even recognizing who he was. They ate fish on the beach. Grilled fish. That detail always gets me. God shows up after the resurrection and somebody builds a charcoal fire.
Resurrection takes time to absorb. Probably more time than we give it. We tend to move pretty fast past the things that should stop us cold.
So this week, whatever your schedule looks like, I hope you find a moment or two to just sit with it. No agenda. No next step. Just sit.
I am taking some of that advice myself. Rev. Linda Herron will preach this Sunday while I step back to rest and reflect a little. I am grateful she is willing to do that, and I think you will be glad she is there.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Welcome Delafosse family
We welcome the Delafosse family: Zach, Jessica, and their two little ones, Mark and Eric. They did not stumble upon us by accident. They came looking specifically for a congregation that takes the gospel seriously enough to live it out even when it costs something. Some of you will remember the opposition that arose when PCHAS brought its Single Parent Family Ministry to our campus. The Laymans heard about that, and it told them something about who we are. They will be scheduling baptisms for their boys here soon, and we look forward to that celebration.
Welcome Rev. Valerie Bell
We welcome to Rev. Valerie Bell into our fellowship. Valerie is an honorably retired PC(USA) pastor who now makes her home in Meyerland. She has served congregations in Florida and Arkansas, and she brings with her real gifts for teaching and pastoral care among others. As a minister, Valerie will be joining our presbytery rather than our membership roll, but in every way that matters she is one of us, sharing her time and her talents alongside the rest of the congregation. We are glad she is here
Celebrating Loic: A Special College Ministry Update
We received a wonderful note this week from Loic, grandson of our own Leonie. He wanted the St. John's family to know that he is graduating this May 15th with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate's Degree of Science in Chemistry. After that, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering at a four-year school in Canada. He wrote to say thank you, and his words were simple and sincere: "Y'all really made it easier for me."
Pastor Jon replied: "A 4.0 in Chemistry does not just happen. That takes discipline, long nights, and a steady kind of determination. And now you are stepping into Energy and Environmental Engineering, which tells me you are not only thinking about your future, but about the future of the world God has given us to care for. We are proud of you, Loic. Truly."
Please keep Loic in your prayers as he heads into this exciting next chapter. He carries St. John's love with him all the way to Canada.
PCHAS Luncheon Report from Lakeside Country Club
The PCHAS Luncheon theme this year was "Hope Outlives Hardship." The one-hour program shared updates on the many services PCHAS provides across Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri, with real stories of lives changed. It was a heartwarming event and always worth the time.
We are glad to say that 20 people from St. John's attended. St. John's has had deep ties to PCHAS for many years, and especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program right here on our campus beginning in 2012. Thank you to Shirley and Ann for serving as Table Hosts and to Lynne who was a featured speaker.
Men of the Church
The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 29 April at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church.
Myrtis McPhail Scholarship
Attention all high school seniors, undergraduate college, and/or technical/trade school students!
St. John’s is once again ready to accept applications to the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund. These funds are available to any church member or relative of a church member who will be enrolled full time in undergraduate college or a technical/trade school in the Fall of 2026. You must reapply for the scholarship each year, and you may apply for a maximum of 5 years. Applications are available by email request to Kathy Barnhill (jabarnhill@comcast.net) or Mindi Stanley (mstanley@bcm.edu) or click on this link:
Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026 and we hope to distribute funds to recipients in June.
The Scholarship Fund also is open for donations! If anyone would like to donate, please indicate the McPhail Scholarship Fund on a check or via Zelle.
Healing Hearts: A Ministry of Care and Encouragement
Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Room of the church office building.
Healing Hearts is 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.
Next Meeting for Healing Hearts
- Monday, April 27, 11:00 AM to Noon in the Prayer Room
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
Becky Crawford, hip surgery- Glen Risley, recovering from surgery
- Scenacia Jones family
- Jessica Ivete Robles, a friend of Alice Rubio, awaits a kidney transplant
- Family of Sue Benn
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
- Holly Darr, health concerns
- Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
- Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister
- Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio
- St. Johns College Students
- Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes
- One Hope Preschool families and staff
