St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston
The Epistle
July 8, 2026
Dear friend,
Summer in Houston has a way of making us understand the Book of Revelation a little better. By July, the air itself feels baptized in sweat, and even the trees look like they’re praying for October. Still, there is something holy about these long, slow, sun-drenched days if we have the sense to notice it.
This Sunday we’ll sit with two stubborn saints: Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 and the widow in Luke 18. Both refuse to let grief, delay, or silence have the final word. They keep showing up before God with empty hands and fierce hearts. Their witness is plain and strong: prayer is not polished speech for religious professionals. It is the stubborn refusal to quit bringing our lives to God.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Celebrate with Holly Darr
Holly Darr’s celebration lunch has been scheduled. Holly is celebrating one year of renewed health after her double lung transplant. She is planning a celebration lunch at Fadi's Meyerland Mediterranean Grill, Saturday, July 11. 1 pm. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex so the restaurant will have tables ready.
"Parables" ~ Summer Quarterly Bible Study
Join us for our
Summer Quarterly Bible Study, hosted by the
Christian Education Committee, on
Saturday, July 18, 2026, from
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at
St. John’s Presbyterian Church.
People
ages 3 and up are warmly invited to register and participate in a day of learning, fellowship, creativity, and spiritual growth centered on the inspiring theme:
“Parables.”
Throughout the day, participants will explore the stories Jesus told and discover how these timeless teachings continue to shape our faith, challenge our assumptions, and reveal the surprising nature of God’s kingdom.
Children, youth, and adults will enjoy age-appropriate activities, Bible study, discussion, hands-on learning opportunities, and shared fellowship. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Whether you are a lifelong student of Scripture or simply curious about the teachings of Jesus, this special day offers an opportunity to grow in faith alongside friends old and new.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: St. John’s Presbyterian Church
Ages: 3 and up
Theme:
Parables
Come spend a summer day exploring the stories that continue to transform lives.
Registration is now open for our Summer Quarterly Bible Study on Saturday, July 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John’s.
Please register by Sunday, July 12, at 1:00 p.m.
You may sign up in the Narthex or register online at:
https://pp.events/bPn5gYQL
Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided.
If you have questions, please contact Mary Gaber.
Happy birthday to Vivian Ivy
Vivian celebrated her birthday last Monday! Here she is in her room at Holly Hall enjoying the occasion with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Several church members and staff also visited her on her birthday.
Remembering Harriet Harper
We were saddened to learn that Harriet Harper died last August. Harriet and her husband, Del, joined St. John’s on January 10, 1965, and for many years were a faithful and beloved part of this church family. They served St. John’s in many quiet and meaningful ways, and their long presence among us helped shape the life of this congregation.
Del died in 2011, and Harriet was last able to attend worship in 2018. We remember Harriet with gratitude and affection, giving thanks to God for her life, her steadfast faith, and the many years she and Del shared with this congregation in love and service.
As the Apostle Paul writes, “Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). In that confidence, we commend Harriet to the mercy and keeping of God, and we give thanks for the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Healing Hearts
Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the
Prayer Room.
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, July 8, 7 pm
- Monday, July 27th, 11 am
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
- Family of Harriet Harper
- Gayle Morales, friend of Alice Rubio, recovering from hip surgery
- Jessica Ivete Robles, friend of Alice Rubio, awaiting a kidney transplant
- Shirley Boyd, on the death of her nephew
- Family of Connie Brown
- Phyllis Freeman, receiving hospice care in the Dallas area
- Family of Michelle Byron, on the unexpected death of her brother
- Family of Carolyn McEathron, on the death of her father-in-law
- Randy Finfrock, former member and friend of David Rainwater, health concerns
- Jessica Spain Nash, friend of David Rainwater, surgery
- Adriana Rodriguez, friend of David Rainwater, on the death of her father
- David Wintersgill, recovering from hip surgery
- Becky Crawford, recovering from hip surgery
- Glen Risley, recovering from surgery
- Scenacia Jones and family
- Family of Sue Benn
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
- Holly Darr, health concerns
- Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
- Madalyn Rodgers, sister of Kathleen Captain
- Joe Sanford
- Scott Moore
- Alice Rubio
- St. John’s college students
- Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes
- One Hope Preschool families and staff
How Can We Pray for You?
If you would like to add a name to the prayer list or keep a current name listed, please reply to this email and let us know. Thank you for helping us care for one another through prayer.
Happy Birthday
Lois Sanford (July 2)
Doug Darr (July 5)
Vivian Ivy (July 6)
Gerry Jump and Vinnie Muanza (July 9)
Alvina Hamilton (July 11)
Victoria Gorby and Drake Ragan (July 15)
Jennifer Burnham (July 16)
Rose Muanza and Donna Fraser (July 17)
Kathleen Captain and Mike Swint (July 20)
Rebecca Amador (July 23)
Lawrence Johnson (July 24)
Flo Logan and Linda Herron (July 25)
Scenacia Jones (July 26)
Eliora Lehna Caspa (July 28)
Happy Anniversary
James and Libby Adams (July 1)
Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27)
Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29)
Wednesday, July 8
Thursday, July 9
- 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2
Sunday, July 12, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
- 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 and Fellowship and Caring Committee Meetings
- 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom
Coming Events
- Sat, July 18, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages)
- Sun, Aug 9, Blessing of the Backpacks
- Thurs, Oct 1, BIM Gala
Church Calendar Online
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