The Epistle for February 11, 2026

The Newsletter of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston

Published by Pastor Jon Burnham

A Word from Pastor Jon

This Sunday we conclude our Wisdom’s Holy Fools series on Transfiguration Sunday with a message titled The Glory No One Expected. We will stand with Moses on the mountain in Exodus 24:12–18 as the cloud of God’s presence settles in, and then climb with Peter, James, and John in Matthew 17:1–9 to see Jesus shining with a glory that both dazzles and unsettles. The strange thing about glory in Scripture is that it rarely looks the way we imagine. It comes wrapped in cloud, in mystery, in a voice that tells us to listen. As we prepare to step into Lent, we are reminded that the brightness of Christ does not remove us from the valley. It sends us back down with courage and clarity.

After worship, we will remain in that holy light as we celebrate the life of Sue Benn. Her Memorial Service will be held in the sanctuary, with a reception to follow on the breezeway. Sue’s life bore quiet witness to steady faith and deep love for her family and church. Grief has a way of slowing us down, and that is a gift. It reminds us that we belong to one another. I hope you will stay, share a story, offer a hug, and honor the promise we make at every baptism and every funeral that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

In the meantime, I ask you to pray for your Session as we gather this Saturday for a visioning retreat around the theme of Systems versus Goals. In our Presbyterian way of seeking the will of Christ together, we are asking not only where we hope to go, but what habits and structures will carry us there faithfully. Our Book of Order reminds us that Christ is Head of the Church and that our life is a joyful participation in his ongoing work  . We want to shape simple, sustainable systems that help us glorify God by making disciples and meeting human needs. Please pray for wisdom, unity, and courage as we listen for where God is leading St. John’s next.

Peace,
Jon B.

Welcome New Member: David Cardenas

The Session was happy to receive David as a new member at our meeting last night.

David has been worshipping with us for months and participating in the Men's Group and Sunday morning Sunday School Class.

His background is in the Pentecostal Church. He joins St. John's by Reaffirmation of Faith and will be welcomed this Sunday during worship.

David, a college student at Houston Christian University, has developed a significant understanding of Reformed theology through his studies. Following a path of prayerful discernment, he has felt led by the Holy Spirit to make St. John’s his church home.

We welcome David as he joins us on our journey to glorify God by making disciples and meeting human needs.

Sue Benn Memorial Service, this Sunday, Feb 15, 2:00 PM in the sanctuary. 

Please join us as we gather to celebrate Sue’s life and her resurrection to life eternal. Grab a quick lunch after Sunday worship and return to surround Sue’s family with love and the hope of the gospel during this time of transition.

"I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die,

yet shall he live."

— John 11:25

We celebrate that Sue is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, reunited with her beloved Tony. A true pillar of St. John’s for many years, Sue’s vivacious spirit and steadfast faith left an indelible mark on our church family. While we will miss her deeply, we rejoice in the certain hope of the resurrection and the beautiful legacy of love she leaves behind.

Ash Wednesday Service,

7 pm, Next Wednesday, February 18

Join us for a unique worship service as we kick off the Lenten season 

with "burning of our sins" and imposition of ashes in the courtyard.

New Lenten Book Study on Forgiveness

Jesus commanded us to forgive. Yet many times this process is a difficult one to commence: whether it is forgiveness of another, forgiveness of self, or seeking forgiveness from someone. We stumble and find ways to circumvent Jesus’ desire for us. Beginning February 22, 2026 at 1:30pm, the Sunday Book Study group will step into our lenten journey by studying Adam Hamilton’s book entitled: Forgiveness; Finding Peace Through Letting Go. Renowned author and theologian, Hamilton has tackled this topic with grace and compassion offering direct and biblically based wisdom and advice in his book. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join this gathering for lively discussion and meaningful connection - all from the comfort of your home via Zoom. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin at lynnep@sbcglobal.net for the link to join. Books are available at Amazon.com, christianbook.com or local bookstores. 

The Polish Duo Presents 

“The Lark Ascending: Earth’s Song of Resilience”

St. John’s Presbyterian Church is honored to host The Polish Duo for a special afternoon of music on Sunday, March 1 at 4:00 PM. Violinist Dominika Dancewicz and pianist Alina Klimaszewska will present “The Lark Ascending: Earth’s Song of Resilience,” a beautiful and moving program featuring music by Josef Suk, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Roger Quilter, and Edvard Grieg. They will be joined by tenor Mark Swindler for this inspiring performance.

Join us at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 W. Bellfort Ave., for an afternoon of artistry, reflection, and music that lifts the spirit.

Important Notice: McPhail Hall Temporarily Closed

This past Sunday, we discovered that several ceiling tiles had fallen in McPhail Hall.

Unfortunately, additional tiles fell later in the week.

While we have cleaned the area and secured the immediate surroundings, our top priority is the safety of our congregation and guests.

Therefore, all events scheduled in McPhail Hall are canceled until further notice while we investigate the cause and ensure the space is fully safe for use.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates as soon as we know more.

Calendar

Wednesday, February 11

7:00 pm Healing Hearts, Room 202

Thursday, February 12

11:00 am Friends United, McPhail

5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2

Saturday, February 14

9:00 am Session Retreat

Sunday, February 15, Transfiguration Sunday

9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room

11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook

2:00 pm Memorial Service for Sue Benn, Sanctuary

3:30pm Girl Scouts in Session Room and Room 203

Master Your iPhone with Friends United!

Thursday, February 12

The group formerly known as Keenagers has a new name—Friends United—and they are kicking things off with a fantastic event!

Join us on Thursday, February 12, for a helpful session titled "How to Use Your iPhone."

Whether you're struggling to find your apps or just want to learn some new tricks, this is the perfect opportunity to learn in a relaxed, supportive setting.

After we master our technology, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and wonderful fellowship. For more information or to sign up, please see Virginia Krueger or Marie Kutz.

Don’t miss this chance to get connected—both with your phone and your church family!

Further Exploring St. John’s

If you’d like to get a deeper sense of who we are beyond Sunday mornings, several articles open that door. “Bible Study in Houston: Where to Find Scripture Study That Goes Deeper” describes how we gather around Scripture in small groups where honesty matters more than easy answers.

For a look at the practices and convictions that shape our worship, “Presbyterian Church Houston: What Makes Our Worship Unique” explains why we worship the way we do and how Presbyterian tradition forms our rhythm of praise and prayer.

To see the heart of our mission, “Why St. John’s Presbyterian Stands Out” tells our story—how we’ve chosen compassion over comfort and stood with vulnerable families even when it wasn’t the popular thing to do.

Each piece gives another glimpse into life at St. John’s, helping you see what unfolds here between Sundays. Or, you may want to learn more about our beliefs and theology.

Check us out and get involved today!

Peace,

Jon B.