January 14, 2026
Dear St. John’s Family,
At our first Session meeting of the year, we gathered to center our hearts before turning to the business of the church.
The message we shared felt too important to keep within that room.
As my offering to you this week, I am sharing that same devotional here, inviting the entire congregation to join our leaders in reflecting on God as our steady refuge and stronghold.
My devotional is based on this song I produced that you can listen to and download from LimeWire at this link.
Here are the song lyrics.
O Stronghold Sure, Our Living God
By Jon Burnham
O Stronghold sure,
our living God,
A refuge firm and near,
When shadows press
and fears grow loud,
Your steady voice we hear.
The earth may quake,
the tides may roar,
The night may bare its teeth,
Yet hope stands guard
before our door
And laughs
at threat and grief.
No sword we swing,
no boast we claim,
No clever charm or plea.
Your truth moves like
a patient flame
That sets the captives free.
The lies that strut
in borrowed crowns
Grow thin before Your light.
They trip on mercy,
lose their sound,
And fade into the night.
The world may huff
and strut and scheme,
Its promises wear thin.
Your Word arrives,
a waking dream,
And breathes us whole again.
One whispered prayer,
one honest cry,
One name that steadies breath,
And walls that bragged
they touched the sky
Fall soft as dust beneath.
So let them take
our ease and gold,
Our maps, our careful plans.
Your kingdom grows
where hearts grow bold
And trust learns how to stand.
The Spirit sings
within our bones,
The Christ goes on before.
The future rests
in wounded hands,
And fear comes knocking
no more.
Session Devotional:
O Stronghold Sure, Our Living God
Scripture:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.” Psalm 46:1–2a, NRSV
This Psalm leans into a truth we forget when meetings run long and worries crowd the room. God is not impressed by our cleverness. God is not waiting for the perfect plan. God is already present, already steady, already holding the ground beneath our feet.
The song speaks of storms that huff and threaten, of walls that boast and then quietly crumble. That feels familiar. Sessions deal with budgets, buildings, expectations, histories, and the unspoken fears that sit politely in the corner. We sometimes act as if faith depends on how well we manage uncertainty. The hymn gently laughs at that idea. Our strength does not come from the sword, the spreadsheet, or the strategy. It comes from truth that moves like a patient flame.
Psalm 46 was written for people who knew political upheaval, real danger, and communal anxiety. The psalmist does not deny the chaos. The earth may change. Waters may roar. Mountains may shake. Yet the center holds because God is there. Refuge is not escape. Refuge is presence.
For leaders, this matters. We are called to stand, not to panic. To listen before we fix. To trust that God’s kingdom grows in places we cannot measure yet. The hymn reminds us that Christ goes on before us, wounded hands and all, and the Spirit sings quietly within our bones.
As we gather tonight, may we rest our weight on that stronghold. May fear knock and find no answer. And may our work be shaped less by control and more by trust in the Living God who is already at work among us.
Let us pray:
Holy and Living God,
You are our stronghold when the ground feels unsteady and our confidence wavers.
You meet us in the middle of responsibility and uncertainty, not after we have everything figured out, but right now, as we are.
Still the noise within us that confuses urgency with faithfulness.
Loosen our grip on the things we think must be protected at all costs.
Teach us to trust the patient flame of Your truth, the quiet strength that does not need to shout to endure.
As we lead, remind us that refuge is not escape but presence.
Root our decisions in prayer, our conversations in grace, and our disagreements in love.
When fear knocks, give us the wisdom not to answer it.
Send Your Spirit among us tonight.
Let Christ go before us in every word spoken and every silence kept.
Shape our work not by anxiety about outcomes, but by confidence in Your abiding care.
We place this Session, this church, and ourselves into Your faithful hands.
Hold us steady, guide us gently, and use us for Your purposes beyond what we can see.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our refuge and our peace.
Amen.
Welcome New Elders
We welcome our new elders onto the Session. They have been elected, trained, installed and ordained. Last night, at our first Session meeting, they went to work.
From left to right, top to bottom, we welcome onto the Session:
Mary Gaber: Co-Moderator of Christian Education
Ann Hardy: Moderator of Stewardship and Finance
Peter Sparaco: Co-Moderator of Faith in Action
Tina Liljedahl: Moderator of Caring and Fellowship
Session Members Retreat: Systems vs. Goals
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Session Room ~~> Lunch Included
When Luke describes the early church in Acts 2, he doesn't tell us about their goals. He tells us about their practices. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Notice the language. They devoted themselves. This wasn't occasional enthusiasm or seasonal campaigns. This was consistent, faithful commitment to specific practices. And what happened? "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). Growth wasn't their goal. Growth was the fruit of their faithfulness to a way of life.
Most churches today set goals. We want more members. We want increased giving. We want better youth attendance. And then we work hard for a season, sometimes hit those targets, sometimes don't, and either way find ourselves exhausted and wondering what comes next.
The early church shows us a better way.
Systems thinking asks a different question. Instead of "What do we want to achieve?" it asks "What are we willing to do consistently, week after week, month after month, regardless of immediate results?" The difference matters more than you might think. Goals create pressure and often disappointment. Systems create habits that produce results over time without the emotional rollercoaster of constantly measuring whether we hit our numbers.
Here's a simple example. If you wanted a clean house, you could set a goal to have everything spotless by Saturday. Or you could build a system where you tidy for fifteen minutes every morning before coffee. The goal creates a frantic Saturday. The system creates a consistently clean house without the stress. Churches work the same way. The believers in Acts didn't set a goal for 3,000 converts. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. The Lord handled the growth.
At our February retreat, our Session will explore seven systems that healthy churches run on: Worship, Hospitality, Discipleship, Care, Mission, Communication, and Leadership Development. We'll honestly assess how St. John's is doing in each area. And we'll design at least one system to strengthen over the coming months. This isn't about adding more to your plate. It's about being more intentional with what we're already doing, following the pattern of those first believers who understood that faithfulness to practice matters more than fixation on outcomes.
Session members, please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this important conversation about how we can serve our congregation and community more faithfully.
St. John’s Raises Record-Breaking $21,540 for Mission
It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate a historic milestone for St. John’s. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, this year’s Holiday Gift Market raised a record-breaking $21,540, marking the largest amount of mission support ever generated by this event. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest thanks to Moderator Omar Ayah and the entire Faith in Action Committee for their tireless leadership and vision in orchestrating this resounding success. This achievement is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to service, and we are profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to making a difference in the lives of others this season.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Communication is key to any organization, and that includes St.
John’s! Has anything changed in your life? Have you moved, gotten rid of your home phone, changed your cell number or gotten a cell phone?
Please let Virginia Krueger, Marie Kutz, or the St. John’s office (713 723-6262) know so we can correct your contact information and Directory.
Remember, you can put the Church Directory on your cell phone! No more scratching out info on a paper Directory!
We try very hard to keep the on-line Directory up-to-date. See Virginia or Marie to put it on your phone. Happy New Year and Thank You!
Score a Victory Against Hunger: Souper Bowl of Caring
Sunday, February 8
While many will be filling their bowls with snacks during the big game this Super Bowl Sunday, far too many neighbors in our community are struggling just to fill their bowls with a meal. This year, the need is greater than ever. Join our youth on February 8 as we turn the excitement of the Super Bowl into a powerful movement to feed the hungry. We are collecting cash and food donations, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local hunger relief efforts through our Braes Interfaith Ministry food pantry. Let’s come together to make sure everyone wins on Sunday, February 8.
Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting
Sunday, January 18 |
Session Room (Following Service)
The Caring and Fellowship Committee is dedicated to extending Christ’s love in practical ways such as caring for our members who are sick or shut-in, and providing fellowship opportunities that foster our Christian growth as disciples of Jesus Christ. We will meet in the Session Room immediately following the service on Sunday, January 18. We invite everyone interested in putting their faith to work to join us!
St. John's Snapshots
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 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
- Wednesday, January 14th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday, January 26th, 11:00AM to 12:00 Noon
Men of the Church
The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 21 January at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church.
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!
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
Rodney Dodson, friend of Donna Fraser, health- Shirley Boyd's family in the death of her sister
- Nijel Bennet-LaGrone, health
- Jennifer and Gareld (friends of a church member)
- 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
- 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
Kathy Barnhill (Jan 17)
James Ragan and David Rainwater (Jan 19)
Lynne Fisher (Jan 20)
Jana Burnham (Jan 22)
Margaret Glover and Jade Noons Adams (Jan 23)
Katie Hartzog (Jan 26)
Addie Carrettin, Nicolas Dzeukou and Nnaji BennettLaGrone (Jan 28)
Nyjel BennetLaGrone (Jan 29)
Doris Beetem and Ronan Carrettin (Jan 30)
Happy Anniversary
Bob and Shirley Boyd (Jan 26)
Church Calendar
Wednesday, January 14
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Healing Hearts group meeting in Prayer Room of Building 2, Church Office Building
Thursday, January 15
5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2
Sunday, January 18
9:30 am Adults Sunday School, Christian Theology, Session Room
11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
11:00 am Third Sunday Food Pantry collection
1:30 pm Zoom Class - Book study on Psalm 23
3:30 pm Girl Scouts meeting in Session Room
Monday, January 12
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Church Office Closed
Coming Events
Wed, Jan 14, 7 pm, Healing Hearts, Room 202
Wed, Jan 21, 6:30 pm, Men’s Group, Session Room
Mon, Jan 26, 11 am, Healing Hearts, Room 202
Fri, Feb 6, Pinewood Derby Set-Up, McPhail
Sat, Feb 7, Pack 8 Pinewood Derby
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
EPIPHANY SERMON SERIES
"Wisdom's Holy Fools:
Unexpected Teachers in Scripture"
January 18 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
"The Lying Prophet"
- OT: 1 Kings 13:1-32 (The old prophet who lies but speaks truth)
- NT: John 11:49-52 (Caiaphas prophesies unknowingly)
January 25 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
"The Reluctant Messenger"
- OT: Jonah 3:1-10 (Jonah preaches doom, gets grace instead)
- NT: Acts 9:1-19 (Paul's inconvenient calling)
February 1 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
"The Boundary-Breaker"
- OT: Ruth 3:1-18 (Ruth's bold midnight encounter)
- NT: John 4:1-26 (The woman at the well teaches Jesus' followers)
February 8 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
"The Truth-Teller in Disguise"
- OT: 2 Samuel 12:1-15 (Nathan's parable trap for David)
- NT: Matthew 21:28-32 (Tax collectors and prostitutes entering the kingdom first)
February 15 – Transfiguration Sunday
"The Glory No One Expected"
- OT: Exodus 24:12-18 (Moses on the mountain, glory cloud)
- NT: Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration of Jesus)
Church Office will be
Closed for MLK Jr. Day
Please note that the Church Office will be closed on Monday, January 12, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
We encourage our staff and congregation to use this day for reflection and service.
Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 13.
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 studies the sermon passage before worship. Helps participants understand Scripture and shapes how they hear the sermon. 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
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