The Epistle
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston
Walking the Road of Holy Week Together
Dear friends,
Holy Week has a way of slowing us down whether we planned for it or not. It pulls us out of our usual pace and sets us gently inside the story again. We have already gathered for the Quarterly Bible Study, watched children laugh and run at the Easter Egg Hunt, lifted our voices on Palm Sunday, and sat together in the beauty of the Lenten Arts concert. Those moments were not separate events. They were steps along the same road, leading us here.
Now we turn toward Maundy Thursday. On Thursday at 7 PM in the sanctuary, we will come to the table together, remembering the night Jesus chose love in the face of betrayal. It is a quiet service, the kind that stays with you, because it invites you not just to remember but to enter the story.
And then comes Easter Sunday. At 11 AM in the sanctuary, we will gather again, this time in the light of resurrection, where grief does not get the final word. Come ready to sing, to breathe a little deeper, and to hear again the good news that life rises, even here, even now.
Peace,
Pastor Jon B.
Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 PM this Thursday
Maundy Thursday is April 2 at 7 PM. This service is quieter than the others. Smaller. We gather around the table where Jesus gathered with his friends on his last night, and we share communion together.
If you've never come to a Maundy Thursday service, I'd really encourage you to try it. Something about sitting in that particular darkness makes Easter Sunday morning feel completely different.
And then Easter, April 5 at 11 AM. The whole thing. Every bell, every hallelujah, every reason we've been walking through this season together. You are welcome here. Bring someone with you if you can.
Easter Lilies
For $12 take one home
Sign up sheet in narthex
Help bring a visual feast to our sanctuary this Easter by
purchasing an Easter Lily to adorn our worship center. It is a beautiful reminder of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provides to each of us – fragrant and splendid grace.
Offered by the Brookwood Community, these lilies will have 4 or
more blooms on each stem and reach a height of 18-20 inches. As
many of you know, Brookwood provides an educational
environment that creates meaningful work, builds a sense of
belonging, and awakens genuine purpose in the lives of adults
with disabilities. This is a wonderful mission outreach for us.
At $12 per plant, we ask that you place your check made payable
to St. John’s Presbyterian Church in our collection basket with
‘lily purchase’ marked in its memo section. They will also be
available for purchase on Easter Sunday if not all of them are
claimed. First come, first served since only 36 have been ordered.
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.
Thanks for Your Support
The Caring and Fellowship Committee sincerely thanks everyone who provided meals to support a family in our congregation this past month. Your kindness showed up in the most practical and loving ways, and it made a real difference during a hard stretch of days. This is exactly the kind of church we want to be, and you made it happen.
Thank you from Scenasia and Family
Thank you St. John's family. As Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur placed a stone for him to sit on and held his hands steady-- I didn't know how tired I was until you all were there!! The thoughtfulness gave me something I didnt know I needed-help!! But sometimes you don't know where you need the help-- as you guys just said let us - I surrendered.
Thank you simply does not express the gratitude of the thoughtfulness of everything. I didn't have to worry about what to cook/when to cook/when to eat- it was just there!! Y'all thought of us-- including Nyjel's special dietary needs, "extras", salad w dressing, cornbread, crackers, cookies and meals enough for a couple days! More importantly I appreciate the hugs and prayers. We are honored to be loved by y'all.
Much love,
Scenacia, Nnaji & Nyjel
A Night to Celebrate Nyjel
Last Thursday evening, something beautiful happened out in our wider community, and a few of our own were there to witness it.
Shirley and Libby attended the “Home Run Hitters: Dancing with the Stars” event at T.H. Rogers, and they had the joy of seeing Nyjel crowned King of the Royal Court. It was one of those moments where the room fills with pride, joy, and a kind of shared celebration that lingers long after the music stops.
Nyjel shined. Not just in title, but in spirit.
After the event, his mother, Scenacia, shared how much it meant to their family to see familiar faces from St. John’s there. When church shows up outside the walls, it speaks louder than any sermon. It says, “You are not alone. We are with you.”
She wrote with gratitude and a little humor from a long, full evening, mentioning warm food, tired hearts, and a certain enthusiasm for cookies that clearly found a happy home.
That’s church, too.
Not just what happens on Sunday morning, but the way we show up in one another’s lives. The way we celebrate each other’s milestones. The way we become part of each other’s stories.
Moments like this remind us of something we hold close at St. John’s: people are meant to be known, encouraged, and celebrated.
Nyjel, we are proud of you.
And to Shirley and Libby, thank you for being there on behalf of all of us.
Faith in Action: A Few Important Updates
I want to share a few quick updates and invitations as we continue our work alongside our neighbors through Braes Interfaith Ministries.
BIM Gala Tickets Coming Soon
You should be receiving tickets soon from Eloy for BIM’s annual gala. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 30, though we are still waiting on final confirmation. As soon as the date is set, we will pass that along.
Faith in Action Committee Meeting
We will gather for a Faith in Action Committee meeting following worship on Sunday, April 12. If you have a heart for mission or simply want to learn more about how we serve our community, you are welcome to join us.
Supporting BIM in a Critical Season
Many of BIM’s programs are facing funding challenges right now, which makes this moment especially important. We invite you to consider a cash donation to support their work in advance of the gala or shortly after.
Checks can be made payable to Braes Interfaith Ministries, with “BIM Gala Fundraiser” noted in the memo line.
This is one of those quiet ways the church makes a real difference. No spotlight. Just steady care for people who need it.
Thank you for being part of that work.
PCHAS Luncheon - Register Now - Details Below
"Hope Outlives Hardship" is the theme for the annual luncheon for PCHAS at the Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Dr., 77042). The April 16th one-hour noon-time program provides an update on the many services PCHAS provides in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri through heartwarming examples of how lives are changed. St. John’s ties to PCHAS go back many years, but especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program beginning in 2012. Do you feel a sense of pride when someone in the community comments or asks about these duplexes?
We hope to fill (at least) two tables (of 10-11 guests) for this annual major fundraising event here in Houston for PCHAS. Special diets are available on request. Yes, you will have an opportunity to donate toward this amazing ministry should you so choose, but it is not required! Many who have attended in the past have already received email or snail-mail notifications.
More information will be in the Epistles and announcements during worship services through mid-April. Those interested in attending are asked to register either directly to Marla Endieveri at the PCHS Office here in N.W. Houston(832-241-5921), or on-line (marla.endieveri@pchas.org); by calling or texting Shirley at 713-598-0818; by calling or texting Ann Hardy at 713-240-2690; or by leaving a message at the church office (713-723-6262) no later than April 11. Please consider attending this special time of fellowship and hope!
One Great Hour of Sharing special offering
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.
The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) — disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees — serves individuals and communities in need. This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. This Offering helps to improve the lives
of people in these challenging situations. Envelopes are at the back of the sanctuary.
The Stars Resonate: A Lenten Finale to Remember
This past Sunday afternoon, our sanctuary became something a little different.
At 3:00 PM, as the light settled gently through the windows, the final concert of our Lenten Arts Series began. The Stars Resonate was the title, and for a full hour, you could feel why.
Trio Oriens gave us a gift.
They began with Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and right away you could sense the room leaning in. The music had movement in it, almost like breath. At times playful, at times aching, always alive. It felt less like a performance and more like being carried somewhere.
Then came Jenny Xiong’s And the Remnants of a Temple. The sanctuary grew quiet in a different way. Not just silence, but attention. The kind of quiet where people are listening with more than their ears. There was a sacredness to it, as if the music was uncovering something rather than presenting it.
And then Holst.
Selections from The Planets filled the room, and you could feel the space expand. There are moments when music doesn’t just stay in front of you but moves through you. This was one of those times. You could sense it in the stillness of the crowd, in the way no one rushed to move when a piece ended.
One of the most meaningful touches of the afternoon was the video projection that accompanied the program. As the music unfolded, images of the cosmos moved across the screen. Stars, planets, vast stretches of space. It gave the whole experience a visual depth that matched what we were hearing. You weren’t just listening. You were being drawn into something larger.
And at the center of it all were the musicians.
I-Ling Chen at the piano, steady and expressive. Olive Chen on cello, rich and grounded. Guest violinist Aija Izaks, bringing a soaring clarity that seemed to lift the whole room. They listened to one another closely. You could see it. Music like that only happens when people are paying attention to each other as much as to the notes.
What struck me most was how fitting this was for Lent.
Lent asks us to slow down. To listen. To notice what is usually drowned out by noise. This concert did exactly that. It gave us space to feel, to reflect, to remember that beauty still speaks in a world that often moves too fast to hear it.
Thank you to everyone who came, and to those who helped make this series possible.
And thanks be to God, who still meets us in places like this. In sound. In silence. In light. Even in the quiet turning of the stars.
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.
Men of the Church
The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 1 April at 6:30 PM in the Session Room.
Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church.
St. John's Snapshots
Photos by Ken Krueger
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
- Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Prayer Room
- Monday, April 27, 11:00 AM to Noon
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
- Glen Risley, recovering from surgery
- Scenacia Jones family
- Gerry Jump, Brazos Towers
- Family of Sue Benn
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
- Holly Darr, health concerns
- 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
Michael Bisase (April 1)
Linda Dobbin (April 1)
Stephen Marshall (April 1)
Tatiana Harris (April 3)
Brendan Ehrenstrom (April 4)
Jo Ann Golden (April 8)
Winnie Georgiev (April 9)
Samuel Okwudiri (April 9)
Emmanuel Okwudiri (April 9)
Pat Ragan (April 12)
Tom Edmonsond (April 13)
Allen Barnhill (April 14)
Austin Gorby (April 14)
Jenny Pennycuff (April 17)
Kennedy Muanza (April 24)
Jon Burnham (April 26)
Thursday, April 2, Maundy Thursday
7:00 PM - Maundy Thursday Service in Santuary
Sunday, March 29, Easter Sunday
9:30 am Adults Sunday School, Session Room
11:00 am Easter Worship Service, live and on website
1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom
Wednesday, April 1, Men’s Group, 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 2, Maundy Thursday Service, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Sunday, April 5, Easter Sunday Worship, 11 AM, Sanctuary
Sunday, May 31, CE Brunch: Senior Sunday and Teacher
Appreciation
Saturday, June 20, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages)
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
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Resurrection Disruptions
New Sermon Series
Starts Easter Sunday
Most Easter sermons make a promise the people in the pews already know is hard to keep. Death is defeated. Christ has risen. Hallelujah.
And then Monday arrives. And the diagnosis is still real. The grief hasn't lifted. The loss is still just... there.
This Easter season at St. John's, we're going to be honest about that tension. The sermon series is called "Resurrection Disruption: When Death Gets Interrupted," and the central claim is this: Easter Sunday announces something more specific than "death lost." What it announces is that death got interrupted. Mid-sentence. A clause inserted into the story that changes everything after it, without pretending the story was never started.
That might sound like a small distinction. I promise it isn't.
We're going to spend eight Sundays together, from Easter all the way through Pentecost in mid-May, tracing this pattern across both the Old and New Testaments.
- Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones.
- Thomas with his hand near a wound.
- Three men walking out of a furnace not smelling of smoke.
- Disciples huddled in a locked room while the risen Jesus stands in the middle of them.
Each week is a disruption story. Each week God shows up for someone who wasn't ready, wasn't expecting it, and probably wasn't facing the right direction when it happened.
That pattern matters. Because most of us, if we're honest, aren't facing the right direction most of the time either.
The series runs Easter Sunday through the Day of Pentecost, and the eight messages follow the shape of grief in a way that surprised even me when I saw it. We start with the disorientation of early Easter morning and end, eight weeks later, with the disciples finally breathing out what God breathed into them. The arc moves from receiving to sending, from silence to fire, from a sealed tomb to a wide open street. If you've ever wondered whether faith has anything real to say to people who are actually suffering, these eight weeks are going to give you a lot to hold onto.
Bring a friend. Bring whoever in your life is carrying something heavy this spring. We'll start where we always start, at an empty tomb, and see where the risen Christ takes us from there.
Church Office Hours and Contact Info
Our church office is normally open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle.
Church Website and Calendar Online
St. John's Bible Study & Faith Formation Groups
1. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
- Time: Sundays at 9:30 AM
- Location: In-person at church
- Description: Adult class that focuses on systematic theology. Open to visitors without needing to fill out forms or commit immediately.
2. Sunday Afternoon Zoom Study
- Time: Sundays at 1:30 PM
- Location: Zoom (virtual)
- Description: Tackles books and topics requiring sustained attention. Recently studied "The Way of Discernment" by Steve Doughty. Focuses on deep questions about following God's will, spiritual discernment, and making faithful life decisions. Small group format where everyone participates.
3. Tuesday Afternoon Women's Study
- Time: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM
- Location: Zoom (virtual)
- Description: Long-standing women's group studying Christian books, praying together, and supporting each other through life's challenges. Not a stereotypical "ladies' Bible study" but rather women asking tough questions and wanting faith that matters in real life. Mothers, professionals, retirees, and caregivers dealing with aging parents, marriages, careers, and health issues.
4. Men's Group (Wednesday Evening)
- Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM (one hour or so)
- Location: In-person at church
- Description: Men dig into Scripture with focus and energy. They also hold each other accountable and pray for each other's struggles. They work on practical service projects such as upgrading lights are also on the agenda. Designed to respect men's time and intelligence.
5. Children's Bible Study
- Time: Sundays at 11:00 AM (during worship service)
- Location: Church office building
- Description: Age-appropriate Bible study for children that helps them engage with Scripture at their level. Not childcare but actual faith development that takes children seriously while allowing parents to focus on worship.
Exercise & Wellness Groups
6. Stay Young, Stay Strong
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 PM
- Location: Room 209, Building 2
- Description: Strength training class based on Miriam E. Nelson's book "Strong Women Stay Slim." Weights provided.
Fellowship Groups
7. St John's Friends United (Older Adults Group)
- Time: Monthly luncheons (contact office for schedule)
- Location: Various
- Description: Group for older adults featuring trips and monthly luncheons with programs and meals.
To join any of these groups, contact:
The church is located at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035
