THE EPISTLE
St. John's Presbyterian Church
August 26, 2026
A Letter from Pastor Jon
Dear friends,
Thank you to Rev. Linda Herron for preaching so faithfully in my absence this past Sunday, opening "The Mind of Christ in a Roman Cell" from Philippians. Linda has walked with this congregation a long time, and it showed.
I am back from Madison, Mississippi, where our family gathered to celebrate my mother's 90th birthday. Ninety years is a long road, and it was a gift to sit in the pew of the church that raised her and give thanks alongside her.
This Sunday we continue Letters from Prison with "Secrets of Joy," from Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Philippians 4:4-13. Paul writes from that same cell that he has learned to be content in any circumstance. That is not resignation. It is something closer to defiance, the stubborn insistence that joy does not depend on our surroundings.
We will also hold a Healing Service during worship this Sunday. After the sermon, you are invited to come forward for anointing with oil and prayer, for whatever needs healing in your life: body, heart, relationship, or finances. Come with whatever you are carrying.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
This Sunday, August 30
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Sermon: "Secrets of Joy," the third Sunday of our series Letters from Prison: Paul's Radical Freedom Behind Bars.
Old Testament: Habakkuk 3:17-19 - though the fig tree does not blossom, yet I will rejoice.
New Testament: Philippians 4:4-13 - I have learned to be content in any circumstance.
We will also hold a Healing Service during worship. After the sermon you may come forward for anointing with oil and prayers for healing in all its many forms: physical, emotional, relational, financial, and more.
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:30 a.m. in the Session Room, continuing our study of Systematic Theology. The Book Study meets at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.
How to Worship With Us From Home
If you cannot be with us in the sanctuary, you can still join the service. Worship is carried live on the internet each Sunday at 11:00 a.m., and it stays available afterward so you may watch at any hour that suits you.
To watch, type this address into your web browser:
www.stjohnspresby.org/watch
The Sunday afternoon Book Study meets on Zoom at 1:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join by computer or by telephone.
If any of this feels unfamiliar, please do not let it stop you. Call the church office and we will walk you through it, step by step, for as long as it takes.
Our Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
- Urquhart family as they mourn Brad’s passing
- Lisa, health concerns
- Sandy, health concerns
- Patti, health concerns
- Alice's grandson, Marc, health concerns
- Cathy, Cindy Bergman's sister, health
- Gayle Morales, friend of Alice Rubio, recovering from hip surgery
- Jessica Ivete Robles, friend of Alice Rubio, awaiting a kidney transplant
- Phyllis Freeman, receiving hospice care in the Dallas area
- Tom Edmondson and Kristi, his caregiver
- Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
- Scott Moore
- Alice Rubio
- St. John's college students
- Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes
- One Hope Preschool families and staff
- Randi Finfrock, former member and friend of David Rainwater, health
To add a name to the prayer list, or to keep a name on it, please call the church office.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy Birthday
Dan Herron (September 1)
Lea Sanford (September 2)
San Juan Flores (September 3)
Michael Rodgers, Lynne Parsons Austin's son (September 6)
Yor Ator (September 7)
Arwin Jump (September 11)
Kerry Gaber (September 12)
Allison Hardy (September 17)
Mel Liljedahl (September 20)
Sandy Kattner (September 21)
Somer Assad (September 22)
Bryan Boyd, Laurie Henderson's son (September 27)
Lindsey Sen-Roy (September 28)
Happy Anniversary
Dave and Rose Muanza (September 18)
Tom and Kristi Edmonsond (September 22)
If you would like to send a card and need an address, call the church office and we will gladly give it to you.
Looking Ahead
Sunday, September 6 - "Mystery Unveiled," from Isaiah 49:6 and Ephesians 3:1-13.
Sunday, September 13 - "The Household Upended," from Exodus 21:2-11 and Philemon 8-21.
Sunday, September 20 - "Rooted and Built Up," from Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Colossians 2:6-15.
The Church Office
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is usually there Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays.
Pastor Jon would be glad to arrange a visit. Please call and let us know a time that suits you.
Church office: 713-723-6262
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Ave., Houston, Texas 77035
