The Epistle January 21, 2026

St. John's Presbyterian Church

Houston, Texas

Dear St. John’s Family,

This Sunday, January 25, our sermon series "Wisdom's Holy Fools: Unexpected Teachers in Scripture" continues with a message titled "The Reluctant Messenger." 

This week, we will dive into the stories of two vastly different people who, despite their profound unwillingness or initial hostility, became instruments of God's most powerful messages.

We'll explore the Old Testament passage of Jonah, who literally ran in the opposite direction from God’s call to preach to Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10), and the New Testament account of Saul, who was actively persecuting Christians before his dramatic and "inconvenient calling" on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

The core of our message is about the profound, sometimes uncomfortable, ways God works through imperfect people.

Jonah's story reminds us that God's plan often prioritizes surprising grace over the predictable justice we might prefer—a grace that extends even to our enemies.

When Jonah finally preaches his reluctant message of doom, the entire city repents, and God shows mercy, much to Jonah's chagrin!

It’s a powerful lesson that our role is simply to deliver the message, not to decide who is worthy of hearing it, and that God's compassion constantly breaks through our human expectations.

In contrast, Paul's conversion highlights a different kind of reluctance: active opposition.

The man who intended to silence the message of Christ suddenly becomes its most zealous and eloquent advocate.

Both Jonah and Paul show us that God’s messengers are often the least likely candidates, and that a divine calling can radically interrupt the comfortable, set paths of our lives.

We invite you to join us as we reflect on what it means to answer God’s call, even when we feel reluctant, unprepared, or completely miscast for the job.

Peace,

Pastor Jon

Welcome New Member: Carolyn McEathron

Carolyn was introduced to St. John’s by her friend Gerry Jump.

Carolyn has already become a familiar face, worshipping with us for months and experiencing the care of this community at recent weddings and memorial services.

She joins by Transfer of Letter from Christchurch Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas.

She said St. John's is worth the drive because we are a mission focused church, outward facing, instead of being inward focused and offering program after program after program to church members like some other churches.

Welcome to St. John's, Carolyn.

May the Lord meet you here.

We are thrilled to welcome you, Carolyn, and we look forward to serving alongside you as we continue to turn our hearts outward to the world.

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.

Escape to Mo-Ranch:

Young Adult Retreat

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.]

Souper Bowl of Caring:

Tackling Hunger Together

Join us in the fight against hunger on Sunday, February 8, for our annual Souper Bowl of Caring.

We will collect a special offering in the narthex immediately following worship, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to support the local food pantry at BIM.

You can contribute by check made payable to St. John's (please note "Souper Bowl" in the memo line) or via Zelle to accounts@stjohnspresby.org.

Let’s team up to make a real difference for our neighbors in need!

Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation

Mark your calendars for our next Quarterly Bible Study on Saturday, March 21, 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!

Church Calendar

Wednesday, January 21

6:30 pm Men of the Church, Session Room

Thursday, January 22

5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2

Saturday, January 24

10:00 am Girl Scout Brownie Troop Meeting, McPhail Hall

Sunday, January 25, Third Sunday after Epiphany

9:30 am Adult Sunday School, Systematic Theology, Session Room

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

12:00 pm Fellowship and Caring Committee Meeting, Room 203

4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail Hall

Income Tax and tax changes

By Dan Herron

If you need to file the estimated tax payment, 1040

ES, it is due January 15. So, do it now.

Reminders for 2025 into 2026. Some new rules are

very specific. This is a partial topic list. Look up any and

all ideas and changes that affect you. Get help if you need

it.

Age 73 and 73+ Senior with a retirement

account, RMD. According to the IRS, April 1 is a key

RMD deadline for some older adults receiving

their first required distribution from an IRA, 401(k), or

similar retirement plan. And, if you donated to charities

via your RMD with the QCD technique, remember to get

this filed correctly on your 1040 tax return, Form 1099 R

lines 4A and 4B. Look up “QCD filing” to be sure. This is a

good way to “deduct” charitable contributions without

itemizing your tax return.

Income tax forms for 2025 include the $6000

deduction per senior person. This line must appear on

your tax form in a specific place to get this deduction. Look

up “senior deduction.”

Taxes on Employee Tips are revised.

Taxes on new car purchase loan interest are revised

and very specific.

Taxes on overtime pay are revised.

Revisions on State and Local Taxes (SALT tax) exist.

Taxes for 2026 include a new ”Non itemizer

Charitable Deduction” of $1000 per taxpayer. Up to

$1,000 in cash donations may be claimed as a tax

deduction ($2,000 for joint filers). This may be

complicated. Do your research to be sure you qualify, and

be sure to make this donation in 2026.

If you itemize, there is a limit of how much in itemized

charitable deductions you can enter. Look this up under

“0.5% AGI floor.” This significant change effectively

eliminates the tax benefit of smaller, routine donations.

This might cause you to donate another way.

Be sure to know about any of these ideas that you can use.

Plan ahead. Look up any and all of these items. This

month. Be sure to get help if you need it.

Dan Herron