The Epistle
St. John’s Presybterian Church
in Houston, Texas
June 10, 2026
Dear Friend,
There is a moment in Sunday’s Gospel that gets me every time.
A man has a guest arrive at midnight and his cupboards are bare. So he does what most of us would rather not do. He knocks on a neighbor’s door in the dark and asks for help.
Most of us would rather be Abraham. In Genesis 18, he runs to welcome strangers, sets a full table under the oaks at Mamre, and nobody has to ask him twice. That kind of generosity comes easy.
What’s harder is admitting when we have nothing left. Many faithful people carry exhaustion, grief, and loneliness for years before they’ll knock on any door and say, “I need bread.” Jesus calls that kind of asking holy shamelessness. This Sunday in Midnight Bread, we’ll sit with his teaching on prayer and need.
The bread is already there. The light is on. All we have to do is knock.
I look forward to worshiping with you as we continue Parables of the Kingdom: Stories Jesus Told That We’re Still Figuring Out.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
MEN OF THE CHURCH
The Men’s Group meets Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Session Room.
Thank you to these faithful volunteers for their recent work restoring McPhail Hall.
CARING & FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
Join us this Sunday immediately after worship.
We will discuss ways to strengthen relationships, care for one another, and build fellowship within our church family.
Everyone is welcome.
“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 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.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 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 NOW OPEN
Please register for the Summer Quarterly Bible Study by Sunday, July 12, at 1:00 p.m.
Register online:
https://pp.events/bPn5gYQL
Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided.
Questions? Contact Mary Gaber.
SUMMER MUSTARD SEED PROJECT
This summer, our Mustard Seed Project will support eight children living in the PCHAS Single Parent Family Ministry housing on our church campus. Each child needs approximately $100 for back-to-school supplies, giving us a congregation-wide goal of raising $800.
Donations may be placed in the offering plate during worship on June 14, June 21, and June 28. If giving by cash or check, please write “School Supplies” on the lower left corner of your check. You may also contribute by Zelle to accounts@stjohnspresby.org and include “School Supplies” in the memo line.
Kay Swint and Omar Abiyah will use the funds to purchase gift cards for the PCHAS families, allowing parents to purchase the specific school supplies their children need.
Thank you for helping these children begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to learn and thrive.
A BRIEF SAFETY UPDATE
For the safety and security of our congregation, the Session has instructed the ushers to lock the exterior doors to both the Education Building and the Sanctuary once worship begins.
Late arrivals need not worry. Ushers will remain near the sanctuary entrance in the narthex and will be available to open the doors and welcome those arriving after the service has begun.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who gathers for worship at St. John’s.
ST. JOHN’S FRIENDS UNITED
Friends United will be taking a summer break, so no meetings are scheduled for June, July, or August.
We will resume our gatherings in September. Plans for an exciting fall schedule are already underway, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.
Enjoy the summer, stay cool, and stay connected. We look forward to seeing everyone again this fall.
SOCIAL SECURITY HAPPENINGS
This article is for educational purposes only.
If you do not already have an online Social Security account, consider creating one. Your account allows you to review your earnings record, estimate future benefits, and access important updates from Social Security.
Social Security no longer routinely mails statements, so an online account is the easiest way to stay informed.
Likewise, an online IRS account can help you manage tax information and receive refunds more efficiently.
If you use a public computer, always remember to sign out completely before leaving.
Dan Herron
HEALING HEARTS
A Ministry of Care and Encouragement
Healing Hearts meets 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 ministry provides 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:
Monday, June 29
11:00 a.m. to Noon
PRAYER CONCERNS
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God:
Phyllis Freeman, hospice care in Dallas area
Family of Michelle Byron, unexpected death of her brother
Family of Carolyn McEathron, death of her father-in-law
Jessica Spain Nash, surgery
Adriana Rodriguez, death of her father, friend of David Rainwater
David Wintersgill, hip surgery
Becky Crawford, hip surgery
Glen Risley, recovering from surgery
Scenacia Jones and family
Jessica Ivete Robles, friend of Alice Rubio, awaiting a kidney transplant
Family of Sue Benn
Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
Holly Darr, health concerns
Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain’s sister
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
PRAYER LIST UPDATES
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
Lynne Parsons Austin (June 6)
Jacob Ehrenstrom (June 6)
Leonie Tchoconté (June 6)
Glen Risley (June 8)
Bill Ehrenstrom (June 9)
Jan Herbert (June 11)
Holly Darr (June 11)
Phyllis Freeman (June 13)
Ekong O. Ukpabio (June 15)
Will Greer (June 16)
Gabrielle Williams (June 21)
Kristel Maguy Sio (June 22)
Pete Sparaco (June 22)
Steve Jump (June 25)
Sarah Dickson (June 27)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Michael and Felicity Bisase (June 2)
Jonathan and Rebecca Amador Hughes (June 3)
Ben and Jennifer Carrettin (June 27)
CHURCH CALENDAR
Wednesday, June 10
6:30 p.m. Men’s Group, Session Room
Thursday, June 11
5:00 p.m. Exercise Class, Building 2
Sunday, June 14
Third Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School, Session Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Caring & Fellowship Committee Meeting
1:30 p.m. Book Study on Zoom
COMING EVENTS
June 14, Noon
Caring & Fellowship Committee Meeting
June 24, 6:30 p.m.
Men’s Group
June 27, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Meeting, Session Room
June 29, 11:00 a.m.
Healing Hearts
July 18
Summer Quarterly Bible Study
October 1
BIM Gala
For additional events, visit:
https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events
