The Epistle
December 10, 2025
St. John’s
Presbyterian Church
in Houston
Produced by Pastor Jon Burnham
Message from Pastor Jon
Dear St. John's Family,
There is a moment in Advent when the sanctuary feels like it is holding its breath. The candles flicker, small but steady, as if they know more than they are willing to say. The season is full of promise, yet the fulfillment has not arrived. Everything in us leans forward. We want the moment to be here already so we can move on to the next thing on our list. We want the satisfaction without the stillness. We want the baby in the manger without the long night of waiting.
That hurry lives deep in us. It shows up in lines at the grocery store, in conversations where our minds race ahead, in our longing for the next milestone so we can feel settled again. Advent is the one season that gently puts its hand on our shoulder and says slow your step. Notice what God is doing before it becomes obvious. Let the light grow at its own pace. Let hope stretch out inside you without demanding a conclusion.
The hard truth is that waiting exposes the very places God is trying to heal. The places where our hurry keeps us from paying attention. The places where our need for control pushes past the quiet work of the Spirit. Advent invites us to sit with the uncomfortable space between promise and fulfillment. It asks us to stay awake to the holy patience of God who never rushes us and never rushes redemption.
So as the candles grow brighter each week, let that slow light be your teacher. Let it remind you that God does not skip steps. Christ comes in God’s time, not ours. And in that time there is room for peace to rise, one small flame at a time.
In Christ,
Pastor Jon
What is the Gospel?
If someone asked you to explain the Gospel, what would you say? As Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15, are you always prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in you? The CE Committee is offering an in-depth study of the Gospel on 13 Dec that will address the following topics: the reality of sin and the certainty of judgment; the incredible gift of forgiveness and mercy found in Christ; how we should respond to the gospel personally; and how we can be equipped to share this good news with others. It is a time to grow in understanding, deepen faith, and be strengthened for evangelism, so that the message of God’s grace may reach hearts in need. The class will start at 8:30 am and end at 2 pm. Lunch will be provided. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the narthex so we know how much food and study materials to prepare. Hope to see you there!
A Morning of Service with St. John’s Men’s Group
On December 6th, the St. John’s Men’s Group helped Cub Pack 8 put together 83 gift boxes for the Seamen’s Center. The men arrived early to set up McPhail Hall and then did a good bit of the wrapping. Gift boxes were delivered to the Seamen’s Center later that day. The following men participated: Allen Barnhill, Michael Bisase, Franklin Caspa, Bill Ehrenstrom, Dan Herron, Ken Kreuger, Tad Mulder, Glen Risley and Robert Sanford. Thanks to all who participated. Fun was had by all!
Christmas Joy Offering
Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we lift up past, present, and future leaders of the church. God has blessed the church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders often need to be supported by their communities as well. This Offering provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in their time of need and leadership development and education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Envelopes are at the back of the Sanctuary.
Honoring Our Elders Completing Their Service
Barm Alsbrook has resigned from the Session due to his family's impending move away from Houston. During his two year tenure, Barm taught the Session how to do annual self audits of our church finances and reorganized our annual Stewardship Season and church budget planning by months. He also brought some needed clarity to several areas of our church budget that made it easier for the elders to understand and use.
Shirley Boyd, who has served as Co-Moderator of the Christian Education Committee alongside Jan Herbert, has offered outstanding leadership over the past three years. Under her guidance, our education ministry has flourished with programs for all ages, the launch of new quarterly Adult Bible Study events, and many quiet improvements that have strengthened our life together. We are deeply thankful for Shirley’s dedication and faithful service.
Virginia Krueger and
Léonie Tchoconté
have been a remarkable team in leading our Fellowship and Caring Committee. Their energy and compassion helped launch the Men’s Group, host special gatherings such as the Knitting Group, and organize monthly home communion for our shut-in members, along with many other quiet acts of care. We are grateful for their faithful service. Thank you, Virginia and Léonie.
Advent Poinsettias
Starting this Sunday, you can order poinsettias for $12 each. These plants serve three purposes at once.
First, they support Brookwood, a facility in Brookshire that provides education, housing, and jobs for adults with disabilities. We've partnered with them for years, and buying these plants directly helps their mission.
Second, they'll decorate our sanctuary through Advent and Christmas, adding color and life to our worship space during the season when we prepare for Christ's coming.
Third, after the Christmas Eve service, you take them home. Simple as that.
A sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Write your name, how many plants you want, and whether you're dedicating them in memory or honor of someone. We'll print those dedications in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
The poinsettias will arrive in time to decorate the sanctuary for the first Sunday of Advent. You can pick them up after the Christmas Eve service ends, or we'll save them for you to collect later if you need to leave early.
Twelve dollars. Good cause. Beautiful sanctuary. Flowers for your home.
That's the deal.
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
Nijel Bennet-LaGrone, health- Summer Pavani, Deena Ghattas and Chris Hanneken, Health concerns (friends of Lisa Sparaco)
- Mike Swint in the loss of his sister, Chris Borton
- Family and friends of Christine Perci (friend of Pete and Grace Sparaco)
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
- Mary Hughes, recovering from shoulder surgery
- Holly Darr, health concerns
- Karen Alsbrook, health
- Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
- Glen Risley, health concerns
- 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
Want to Go Deeper?
If you're drawn to exploring Presbyterian faith more deeply, I've written several books that might help:
The Open Church: Faith that Welcomes Questions from my Thoughtful Faith series addresses how Presbyterian churches can be communities where honest questions strengthen rather than threaten faith.
Rooted in Christ: A Journey Through Colossians from my Bible Studies series explores how mature Presbyterian faith stays grounded in Christ's sufficiency rather than chasing spiritual trends.
Stewardship: Faithful, Fruitful, and Flourishing from my Christian Spirituality series unpacks what it means to live as faithful stewards of God's gifts, a core Presbyterian conviction.
These books aren't substitutes for church community. They're companions for the journey, meant to deepen the faith you're living out with actual people in actual congregations. Because Presbyterian faith isn't just about believing the right things. It's about becoming certain kinds of people together, shaped by worship that honors God, teaching that challenges us, relationships that sustain us, and mission that transforms our city.
That's what Presbyterian really means. Not a political affiliation or demographic category, but a lived faith that makes real difference in Houston and beyond.
Peace,
Pastor Jon Burnham
713-632-6262
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston
5020 West Bellfort Avenue
Houston, TX 77035
