The Epistle

St. John's Presbyterian Church
June 24, 2026

Dear friend,

The summer I turned twelve, my grandmother in Harrisville put on a Fourth of July supper for twelve people. Three showed up. She walked out to the road, stopped every car she saw, and said, "Come eat. We have more than enough." By seven o'clock there were twenty-six people in her yard. She fed all of them.

Jesus told a similar story in Luke 14. A man throws a great banquet. The invited guests are suddenly very busy. A field to inspect. Oxen to examine. Sorry, something came up. So the host sends his servant into the streets and hedges: bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame. Bring in whoever will come. Isaiah saw this feast coming eight centuries earlier, a mountain banquet for all peoples, the shroud of death swallowed up forever.

The people who end up at this table were standing in the road. People who received their invitation before they even knew it was an invitation. People who had long given up on being included in anything that looked like this. They get swept in, seated, fed.

Sitting with people around kitchen tables in west Houston over the years, I have met plenty of people carrying a quiet certainty that faith belongs to someone else. People watching through a window at something lovely, something that seems to have a guest list they somehow missed. This Sunday we are going to look at what Jesus was doing when he sent that servant out. I think the answer is going to include more people than most of us expect.

My grandmother said it simply, about the woman in the blue Buick who said she was just passing through and stayed two hours.

"She looked like she needed the table."

Join us this Sunday, June 28, as we explore the Parable of the Great Banquet. Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church. If you have been wondering whether the invitation reaches you, it does.

Peace,

Pastor Jon

Connie Brown Memorial Service

The congregation is invited to Connie Brown's memorial service this Saturday, June 27, at 2 PM in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’” ~John 11:25-26 (NRSV)

"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 Now Open for the Summer Quarterly Bible Study

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.

Summer Mustard Seed Project: Helping Children Start the School Year Strong

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 on bottom left of check “School Supplies.” 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 that will be distributed to the PCHAS families, allowing parents to purchase the specific school supplies their children need for a successful start to the new school year.

Thank you for helping these children begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to learn and thrive.

Prayers for Phyllis Freeman

Recently, we got a note from Laurie Hindman, Phyllis Freeman’s daughter, saying her mother has been placed on hospice care. She has congestive heart failure and is not doing too well but is stable. Laurie was asking for prayers. We remember Phyllis for her many musical contributions to our congregation, most notably for creating and leading children’s and youth choirs, especially the New Wind Choir, which helped lead the 9 am Contemporary Worship Service in the 1970's and 1980's.

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 start of the service.

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

will be back in September

Our Friends United group will be taking a summer break, so no meetings are scheduled for June, July, or August.

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!

Seeking Contact Info Updates

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 in the directory. For security reasons, no one but St. John's members are allowed to have an online 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. You will love it as it is so convenient! 

Men of the Church

The Men’s Group will not meet on June 24. Stay tuned for the summer schedule.

Celebrate with Holly Darr

Holly is celebrating one year of health after a double lung transplant. She is planning a meeting at Fadi's Meyerland Mediterranean Grill in July. More details later.

Healing Hearts:

A Ministry

of Care and Encouragement

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

• Monday, June 29, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

HISD School Supply lists

High School

 Clear backpack

 #2 Pencils

 Pencil sharpener

 Pens: Red, Blue, Black

 Highlighters

 Markers

 12-inch Ruler

 TI Calculator

 Dictionary

 Thesaurus

 Spiral notebooks

 Index cards

 Assorted pocket and brad folders

 Single-Subject Spiral notebooks

 Sticky Notes

 College-ruled loose-Leaf paper

 Dividers

 Wire bound weekly planners

 3-Ring Binder

 USB flash drive

Middle School

 Assorted pocket and brad folders

 Colored pencils (12 count)

 Marble composition books

 #2 pencils

 Pencil sharpener

 Block erasers

 Yellow highlighters

 Glue sticks

 White ruled paper

 2-inch 3-ring binder

 Pencil pouch

 Clear backpack

 12-inch Ruler

 Scissors

 Index cards

 Black or blue pens

 8-tab Dividers

 Graph paper

 Copy paper

 Spiral notebooks

 USB flash drive

Elementary

 Boxes of crayons (24 count)

 #2 pencils

 Pencil sharpener

 Pencil case or box

 Block erasers

 Construction paper (12x18 in)

 Glue sticks (4-pack)

 Elmer’s school glue

 Safety scissors

 Large boxes of tissues

 Ruler

 Pocket folders

 Watercolors

 Graph paper

 Copy paper

 Primary Journal K-2 tablet (Black and White)

 Wide ruled paper

 Composition books (wide-ruled)

 Dry markers

 1-inch 3-ring binder

 Spiral notebooks

 Yellow highlighters

 Boxes of markers

 Backpack

Contribute to a 530: A Savings Account for a child

by Dan Herron

Note: This article is intended to introduce readers to a new government savings program. It is not a substitute for professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Not all information is covered here, and some details may change over time.

Please do your own research, verify information from official sources, and consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Take what you read here with a grain of salt.

This article is for education on new government plans.

Not all information is covered. Do some research. Take what you read here with a grain of salt.

A brand new tax advantaged way to save for a child will

start this July. Look this up as “530 A and IRS Form

4547.” This account is also known by a more political

name, but don’t let that stop you from learning about this

new item.

First, decide if your child could use this accumulation

when s/he reaches 18 years old. Do some inquiry into

options other than this 530 A plan. A “529 Plan” might be

useful. Your research might find other plans. Ask your

savings/investment manager. Ask at work about this new

530 A plan since your workplace may contribute.

You can set up and contribute to a 530 A account for a

child under the age of 18. The savings in this account have

tax free growth. Contributions to the account are possible

in the future. This account lasts until the child is 18 years

of age. At that age the child gets the monies, in an IRA

account.

Here’s a starter for a very young child. A special deal for

children born 2025 to 2028 exists. This is a “pilot

contribution” to the 530 A account of $1000 by the

government. You open the 530 A account and file for this

seed money for this young child. That’s a start.

Eligibility: The child must be claimed as a dependent on

your tax return to be eligible. And be of the proper age,

under 18 years old.

Do your research. See opposing opinions since this is a

political invention. Decide whether to open the account or

maybe another type of account. At 18 years old the account

is turned over to the child as an IRA and s/he can spend

the money and/or continue saving in the IRA, or change it

to a ROTH IRA, etc. Many options exist in that future.

There are rules for who can start this account. Find these

rules on the IRS website, IRS.GOV or other websites.

How to do it:

1. File Form 4547 electronically with your

federal income tax return. According to the IRS,

this is the fastest, safest, and easiest way to open a

530 A account. You must e-file your tax return to use

this method. (The timing if OFF for this method.)

2. Or, Mail a paper copy of Form 4547 to the

IRS. Send the form to the IRS address you would use

to file a paper tax return for that tax year. The proper

mailing address for your location can be found on

the IRS website (use the address for “not enclosing a

payment.

3. Or, Submit the necessary information

through the Form 4547 Data Submission

Portal. Go to form.trumpaccounts.gov and answer a

series of questions. The IRS will use the information

you provide to prepare and file a Form 4547 on your

behalf.

The total yearly limit of contributions to the account is

called the “annual limit.” All donations for a year cannot

exceed the annual limit. Persons can donate up to the

$5000 annual limit per year for the account. Employers

can donate up to $2500 per child, tax free! The rule is all

contributions “up to a total combined limit of $5000

annually” must not be greater than $5000 per year.

Philanthropic and Government Contributions may be

added to the account. There are such monies available for

you to claim for this account.

This is new and a bit tricky. Find out the specifics and be

sure to consider starting a 530 A account. A child under

the age of 18 can be accepted into this program. And, if you

have a child in mind, born in 2025 thru 2028, be sure to

apply for and take advantage of the government’s “seed”

starter amount of $1000. Search for “how-to-open-trump-

account-irs-form-4547” which will show you the goods and

the bads, how to do it, and how to claim the pilot

contribution of $1000.

Alternative methods do exist for saving for a child. And,

income tax rules apply to this and other types of account.

Study: Look up IRS Form 4547 and 530 A. Understand the

rules. Who is eligible? Contributions by your work,

friends, relatives and Philanthropic and Government

contributions may be accepted.

Search and read about “opposition” to a 530 A account.

Compare the several methods to save for a child’s

education. Take action in July 2026 or later if you choose a

530 A Account.

Now you know a little bit about this new plan.

Dan Herron

Prayer List

With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.

• Family of Connie Brown who died last weekend
• 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
• Randy Finfrock, former member and friend of David Rainwater, health
• Jessica Spain Nash, surgery; and Adriana Rodriguez, death of her father; friends of David Rainwater
• David Wintersgill, hip surgery
• Becky Crawford, hip surgery
• Glen Risley, recovering from surgery
• Scenacia Jones family
• Jessica Ivete Robles, a friend of Alice Rubio, awaits 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 and Alice Rubio
• St. John’s College Students
• Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes
• One Hope Preschool families and staff

Happy Birthday

Steve Jump (June 25)

Sarah Dickson (June 27)
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

Ben and Jennifer Carrettin (June 27)
James and Libby Adams (July 1)

Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27)

Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29)

Church Calendar

Thursday, June 25

• 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2
• Saturday, June 27
• 1:00 pm Girl Scout community group meeting in Session Room
• 2:00 pm Memorial Service for Connie Brown in Sanctuary and McPhail

Sunday, June 28, 5th 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
• 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom

Monday, June 29

• 11:00 am Healing Hearts, Room 202

Coming Events

• Sat., June 27, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Girl Scout Meeting, Session Room
• Mon, June 29, 11 am, Healing Hearts
• Sat, July 18, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages)
• Thurs, Oct 1, BIM Gala
• 

Church Calendar Online

• For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/