The Epistle
for February 18, 2026
Dear St. John’s Friends & Family,
There's something we don't talk about much in polite company.
You are going to die.
I know. Not exactly the opening line you expected from your church newsletter today. But stay with me, because this is actually good news.
Today is Ash Wednesday. And in churches all over the world, pastors are pressing their thumbs into ash and tracing a cross on people's foreheads while saying these ancient words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
It sounds grim. But here's what I've learned after years of doing this: the people who cry hardest when they receive those ashes aren't crying from despair. They're crying from relief. Because finally, somebody is telling the truth.
We spend so much energy pretending we're going to live forever. Chasing the next thing, filling the calendar, staying busy enough that we don't have to sit with the fact that our time here is limited and precious and running.
Ash Wednesday says: stop. Just for a moment. Stop and feel the weight of it.
Because here's the thing. The ashes aren't the end of the sentence. They're the beginning.
The full gospel goes like this: you are dust, yes. You are mortal, yes. You are finite and broken and in need of something bigger than yourself, yes. AND. And God loves you anyway. And Jesus walked into the wilderness so you wouldn't have to walk it alone. And grace is real. And there is life on the other side of every death you've ever faced.
Lent is forty days of letting that sink in.
It's forty days of putting down the performance and getting honest. Honest about where you've fallen short. Honest about what you're holding onto too tight. Honest about your need for God.
That kind of honesty is not weakness. It's the bravest thing a person can do.
So wherever you are right now, whether you're sitting in your car, or your kitchen, or watching this on your phone while the world rushes past, I want to invite you to take just one breath. A slow one. And let yourself be human for a second. Dust. Beloved dust. Known by name. Claimed by grace.
The season of Lent begins today.
And it is, in the best possible way, an invitation to come home to yourself, and to the God who has never stopped looking for you.
We'd love to have you worship with us at St. John's Presbyterian Church here in Houston. You belong here.
Join us for our Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary at 7 PM today.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Ash Wednesday Service,
7 pm, Today, February 18
Join us for a service with "burning of our sins"
and imposition of ashes in the courtyard
Our Ash Wednesday service offers a unique opportunity to step out of the noise of daily life and into a space of profound honesty. We will gather in the courtyard for a powerful symbolic "burning of our sins," followed by the imposition of ashes. This physical act of letting go serves as a reminder that before we can be rebuilt, we must first be willing to let the illusions we carry about ourselves burn away.
The service draws inspiration from the story of King Josiah, who, when confronted with the blunt truth of his failings, did not offer excuses or repair plans. Instead, he simply allowed himself to be "undone" by the truth. As we hear in the sermon "The Mercy Hidden in Ashes," Ash Wednesday is not about spiritual resumes or proving we are "miserable enough." It is about responsiveness—the simple, holy act of showing up with a heart that is cracked open and ready to be heard.
When you receive the ashes tonight, you are not receiving a mark of shame, but a sign of relationship. As we move from the courtyard into the solemnity of the service, we remember that while ashes represent what has burned, the cross represents what remains: a love that cannot be consumed. Come as you are—with your fatigue, your regrets, and your longings—and join us as we begin the journey of Lent by returning not to judgment, but to love.
New Sermon Series for Lent
Dear St. John's Family,
The First Sunday of Lent is February 22, and this year we're going into the wilderness together. Not the kind with mosquitoes and humidity (we get enough of that in Houston summers), but the kind where God strips away our pretense and meets us in the emptiness. We're calling this series "Wilderness Sabbath: Six Weeks of Desert Wisdom," and I believe it's exactly what we need.
Here's the thing about wilderness in the Bible: nobody volunteers for it. Hagar didn't choose to be cast out into the desert with her son. The Israelites didn't ask to wander for forty years. Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit. But in every single case, the wilderness became the place where God showed up most powerfully. The desert stripped away everything false and revealed who people really were. And more importantly, it revealed who God really is.
Over these six weeks ...
- We'll encounter Hagar discovering that God sees the abandoned.
- We'll taste manna that teaches us to trust rather than hoard.
- We'll watch water gush from rocks when we thought we'd die of thirst.
- We'll strain to hear God's whisper after the earthquake and fire have passed.
- We'll stand in a valley of dry bones and watch the Spirit breathe life back into death itself.
- And on Palm Sunday, we'll walk the road from parade to passion, following Jesus all the way to the cross.
I won't pretend this will be easy. Wilderness never is. But I can promise you this: if you lean into this season, if you let Lent do its work in you, you'll come out the other side different. You'll see God in places you missed before. You'll discover you're stronger than you thought. And you'll find that the empty places in your life are exactly where grace has been waiting all along.
So come into the wild with us. Bring your doubts, your fears, your secret desperation for something real. God meets us there. And on Easter morning, after we've walked through the wilderness together, we'll understand resurrection in a way we never could from the comfortable pews alone.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Jon
Session Members Retreat: Systems vs. Goals
We're Looking Forward to Sharing the Results
This shift from "goals" to "systems" is more than just a change in management style; it’s a spiritual realignment. While goals often focus on a destination—a specific number or a one-time achievement—systems focus on our daily walk.
By moving our focus toward sustainable systems, we are leaning into the biblical principle of faithfulness over fruitfulness. We recognize that while we can plant and water, it is ultimately God who gives the growth. This retreat was about building the "trellis" that allows the "vine" of our ministry to flourish for years to come, rather than just chasing a temporary harvest.
What This Means for St. John’s
Rather than simply asking, "How do we get more people in the pews?" our Session will be asking, "What kind of welcoming system ensures every person who walks through our doors feels the love of Christ every single time?" It’s about creating rhythms of grace—processes for giving, service, and fellowship that are so deeply woven into the fabric of our church life that they become second nature.
Looking Ahead
This retreat is just the beginning of a longer journey. As we redesign these systems, we aren’t just looking for quick fixes; we are looking for long-term health.
You can expect to hear much more about the fruits of this retreat in the weeks and months to come. As these new systems begin to take root, we will share how they are shaping our common life and how you can play a part in this sustainable, faithful future.
Welcome New Member:
David Cardenas
Last Sunday we welcomed David as a new member of St. John's.
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.
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.
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.
St. John's Friend's United
Pizza was the lunch for the day as Rose, AARP representative, showed St. John’s Friends United members how to use their iPhone. Comment heard, “I didn’t know it could do all this!” Who knew a phone had a flashlight? Now we know!
Next month, our very own Master Gardener, Mary Gaber, will be presenting “Gardening 101” and giving us a tour of St. Johns gardens on March 12 at 11:00 a.m. Please come out to hear Mary’s informative presentation.
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.
Lenten Arts Series
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.
Men of the Church
The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 4 March at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church.
Confirmation Class
The Christian Education Committee is prepared to offer a Confirmation class for interested teens between the ages of 13 and 18.
The purpose of this class is to equip students for Confirmation and full membership in the church. Instruction will cover topics such as Christian theology, the Bible, and the Presbyterian tradition.
The course consists of approximately twelve two-hour sessions, which will be scheduled based on the availability of both teachers and participants.
The class will be led by Bill Ehrenstrom and Mary Gaber.
Those interested are encouraged to contact Mary Gaber at 713-204-1613 via phone or text for more information.
Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation
Mark your calendars for our next Quarterly Bible Study on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as Bill Ehrenstrom leads us in a deep dive into the topic of "Salvation."
This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your faith and connect with others in the church family.
Sign-ups will be available soon in the Narthex and online.
We hope to see you there!
Escape to Mo-Ranch:
Young Adult Retreat
March 20 – 22, 2026
Join Mo-Ranch for a refreshing weekend of connection and spiritual renewal!
The agenda blends faith and fun, featuring engaging small groups, worship, and a keynote speaker alongside a pickleball tournament, ropes course, riverfront activities, and yoga.
All-Inclusive Rates (Tuition, Meals, & Housing):
- Hotel: $450 (Single) | $350 (Double)
- Group Housing: $300
Commuter: $200
MoRanch will contact you after registration to confirm roommates and dietary needs.
Scholarships are available! [Click here to register.]
2025 income tax ideas
by Dan Herron
All tax forms for now should have tax year “2025” on them. (The “tax season” is 2026 as noted on the internet.)
There are many changes to filing taxes for 2025.
We will likely file using a 1040-SR form, for seniors, or the 1040 form.
This will lead us into the several additional tax considerations for preparing our return.
There are new rules and forms to consider in your plan:
I got an IRS form, 1040-SR for seniors by internet, by
typing “print 1040-SR.” You might use 1040 instead.
Form 1040-SR led me to the most important new form,
Schedule 1-A which is for “Additional Deductions.”
This led me to “Schedule 2 Additional Taxes.”
This led me to “Schedule 3 Additional Credits and
Payments.”
Get Pub 554, Tax Guide for Seniors, for Tax Topic 551.
This online article lists the several deductions for seniors.
With what you find online in IRS.Gov Pub 554 , begin
reading through to see what you might need to do to get
the several Senior Deductions for 2025. Highlight the
documents for where you will have an amount to enter.
Some of these are 1, the Standard Deduction or Itemized
Deduction, 2, the Additional Standard Deduction for 65+,
and 3, the new $6000 for 65+ Senior Bonus Deduction.
Several of the forms named above are NEW this year!
Reading through the 1040 will point you to some other
forms to print. Do this step right now for any and all forms
and publications you might find referenced in this article
and other sources you check out.
Make a list of the names and amounts of the several
deductions you may claim. Save more paper documents
this year, starting right now. Study these tax forms to
figure out what you can and cannot do. Ask for help. Be
sure to let someone see what deductions you are taking.
Plan. Execute your Plan. Get your 2025 taxes prepared,
submitted and all the monies exchanged.
Note that there are new plans and rules for the 2026 tax
year. Have a 2025 folder and a 2026 folder so you can
store your tax documentation easily.
What’s listed here is not a complete list. This is a starting
place to know that there are changes and to help you get
started with your documentation and deductions. If you
need help, get it from someone who knows all the new
rules for the many deductions and forms you may use.
Good luck.
Dan Herron
2026 Session Members and Roles
Class of 2026
Ann Hardy: Stewardship and Finance
Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds
Jan Herbert: Christian Education
Class of 2027
Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship
Omar Ayah: Faith in Action
Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration
Class of 2028
Mary Gaber: Christian Education/Christian Formation
Tina Jump: Fellowship and Caring
Ann Hardy: Finance and Stewardship
Peter Sparaco: Faith and Action
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
Healing Hearts: A Grief 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 Few Meetings for Healing Hearts
- Monday, February 23rd, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Wednesday, March 11th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday, March 30th, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
Gerry Jump, moved to Brazos Towers- We pray for the family of Sue Benn
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal 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
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
Simone Westmoreland (Feb 3)
Grace Sparaco (Feb 4)
Robert Boyd (Feb 6)
Harriet Harper (Feb 8)
Teresa Darr (Feb 11)
Kristi Edmonsond (Feb 13)
Joe Sanford (Feb 14)
Ken Krueger (Feb 15)
Brad Urquhart (Feb 17)
Omar Ayah (Feb 20)
Benjamin Jump (Feb 23)
Asher Caspa (Feb 25)
Alina Klimaszewska (Feb 26)
Shirley Boyd (Feb 27)
Diane Ragan (Feb 28)
Shadai Noon-Adams (Feb 28)
Church Calendar
Wednesday, February 18
7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary
Thursday, February 19
5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2
Sunday, February 22, First Sunday in Lent
9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room
11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
12:00 pm CE Committee Meeting, Room 203
1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom
4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting
Sunday, February 22, Faith in Action Committee meets in the Session Room after Sunday service
Sunday, March 1, 4:00 pm First Lenten Arts Series, Alina and Dominika, Sanctuary
Saturday, March 21, Quarterly Bible Study 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Session Room with lunch in McPhail Hall
Sunday, May 31, CE Brunch (Senior Sunday/Teacher Appreciation) in McPhail Hall after worship
Saturday, June 29, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages) – 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Bldg. 2 and McPhail Hall
Church Calendar Online
For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/
2026 Session Members and Roles
Elders on the Session: Class of 2026
Ann Hardy: Finance and Stewardship
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
Elders on the Session: Class of 2028
Mary Gaber: Christian Education
Peter Sparaco: Faith and Action
Tina Liljedahl Jump: Fellowship and Caring
Other Session Leaders and Support Staff
Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session
Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session
Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer
LENTEN SERMON SERIES
Wilderness Sabbath:
Six Weeks of Desert Wisdom
February 22 – First Sunday in Lent
"Into the Wild"
- OT: Genesis 21:8-21 (Hagar and Ishmael in the desert)
- NT: Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus driven into wilderness by the Spirit)
March 1 – Second Sunday in Lent
"Bread in Empty Places"
- OT: Exodus 16:1-18 (Manna: daily bread, no hoarding)
- NT: John 3:1-17 (Nicodemus comes by night, born from above)
March 8 – Third Sunday in Lent
"Water from the Rock"
- OT: Exodus 17:1-7 (Striking the rock at Massah and Meribah)
- NT: John 4:5-42 (Living water that never runs dry)
March 15 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
"Fire and Whisper"
- OT: 1 Kings 19:1-18 (Elijah at Horeb: not in earthquake, but in whisper)
- NT: John 9:1-41 (Man born blind receives sight)
March 22 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
"Breath in Dry Bones"
- OT: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Valley of dry bones)
- NT: John 11:1-45 (Lazarus raised from death)
March 29 – Palm/Passion Sunday
"The Road to the City"
- OT: Isaiah 50:4-9a (The servant's suffering)
- NT: Matthew 21:1-11 (Triumphal entry) and Matthew 26-27 (Passion narrative)
