Welcome to the Epistle:
A Season of Connection
and Care
Dear St. John’s Family,
Peace be with you. In this edition of the Epistle, I am thrilled to introduce a vital new ministry that grew out of our recent Session retreat: Elder Shepherding Circles. We realized that while "connection" is a wonderful goal, it requires a intentional system to become a reality. To that end, each elder on our Session has been assigned a group of households to check in with once a month. This isn't about fundraising or recruitment; it is about ensuring that every person in our congregation is known, prayed for, and cared for. Whether it’s a quick text, a phone call, or a handwritten note, these circles are our way of practicing the "ancient church work" of shepherding, modeled after the Good Shepherd who knows each of his sheep by name.
As we move deeper into our Lenten journey, there are many opportunities to engage your heart and your hands. This Saturday, March 7, we invite you to our No Commitment Community Garden Work Day to help prepare the soil for our donation beds, which provide fresh produce for our neighbors at Braes Interfaith Ministries. On Sunday, our spirits will be lifted by a special musical offering from our Sunday School children, following our Children’s Time. We also continue our spiritual growth through our new book study on forgiveness and our upcoming Quarterly Bible Study on Salvation scheduled for March 28. Even as we navigate the temporary closure of McPhail Hall for safety repairs, the life of our church remains vibrant and active.
Finally, I want to share a word of celebration regarding our digital reach. In the month of February, our website saw over 118,000 impressions—meaning our message of hope appeared on screens over a hundred thousand times! This visibility, combined with the professional success of our recent Lenten Arts Series concert, reminds us that St. John’s is a beacon in our community both online and in person. I encourage you to read through the following pages for details on our continuing "Wilderness Sabbath" sermon series, the Young Adult Retreat at Mo-Ranch, and various fellowship groups such as the Men's Group that meets at 6:30 PM today in the Session Room. We are a community where you are not just a face in the crowd, but a valued member of a family that rejoices and prays together.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Someone From Your Church Is Going to Reach Out to Your Household
We want you to know about it ahead of time so it does not catch you off guard.
In the coming days, one of our elders is going to contact someone in your household. It might be a text message. It might be a phone call, an email, or even a note in the mail. However it arrives, the message underneath it will be the same: you matter to this congregation, and we want to stay in touch.
This is not a fundraising call. Nobody is going to ask you to join a committee. You do not need to prepare anything or have any particular answers ready. Your elder is simply reaching out to say hello, check in on how you are doing, and let you know they are praying for you.
We are calling this our Elder Shepherding Circles, and we want to tell you how it came about.
It Started at a Retreat
Earlier this year, our Session gathered for a retreat to think carefully about what kind of church we want to be. We spent time wrestling with a simple but important question: are we setting goals, or are we building systems?
Goals are things like "we want more people to feel connected" or "we want our members to know they are cared for." Those are good things to want. But a goal without a system behind it tends to stay a wish. You name it, you feel good about naming it, and then life moves on and nothing actually changes.
A system is different. A system is a regular practice, built into the rhythm of how we operate, that produces the outcome you care about over time whether or not anyone is paying special attention in any given week.
So we asked ourselves: what would a system for genuine pastoral care actually look like at St. John's?
The answer we kept coming back to was this. Every household in this congregation should have one elder who knows their name, checks in on them regularly, prays for them by name, and serves as their personal point of contact with the church. Not a program. Not a one-time visit. A consistent, ongoing relationship built one conversation at a time.
That is the system. And it starts now.
This Is Ancient Church Work
The idea of elders caring for the flock is not a new management concept. It goes all the way back to the earliest pages of the church.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name. Notice it's not as a crowd or an attendance number. By name. He says, "I know my own and my own know me." That kind of knowing does not happen from a distance. It happens through presence and attention and showing up over time.
The Apostle Peter, writing to the leaders of the early church, put it plainly: "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, caring for it." Not supervising it. Not managing it. Caring for it.
And the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Rome, described what the body of Christ looks like when it is working the way it is supposed to: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
That is a description of a community where people are actually known. Where someone notices when you are struggling. Where someone rejoices with you when something good happens. Where you are not just a face in the crowd on Sunday morning.
That is what we want St. John's to be. And our elders are the ones who are going to help us get there.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Each elder on the Session has been assigned several households. Their job is to reach out to each household on their list once a month, ask a simple question, and listen.
That is the whole thing. It is not complicated. It is just consistent.
Your elder will figure out how you prefer to be contacted. Some people love a phone call. Some people prefer a text. Some people are email people. If you get a letter in the mail, that elder probably enjoys writing letters, and there is nothing wrong with that. Whatever way works best for you is the way your elder will try to reach you.
Each month, your elder will have a question to ask you. Some months the question will be light, just checking in on how life is going. Other months it might go a little deeper, asking about your faith, your needs, or what you feel like you are contributing to the world around you. There is never a wrong answer. Your elder is not evaluating you. They are just getting to know you.
About Prayer Requests
When your elder reaches out, they will almost always offer to pray for you. You can share as specifically or as generally as you like.
If you have something on your heart but you are not ready to name it out loud, you can simply say "unspoken" and your elder will carry that to God on your behalf without asking for details. If you want the request kept just between the two of you, say so and it will be. If you are comfortable having it shared with Pastor Jon, brought before the full Session, or added to our congregational prayer list, your elder can do any of those things. You are in charge of how much you share and with whom.
We want prayer to feel like a gift you are offered, not a form you are required to fill out.
A Word If You Prefer Your Privacy
Not everyone wants a monthly check-in, and we understand that. People have different ideas about what church membership means and how close they want their relationships within the congregation to be. All of that is okay.
If you would rather not be contacted, simply let your elder know, or reach out to me (Pastor Jon) directly. Nobody is going to push past a boundary you have named. What we are offering is availability, not pressure.
And if your elder reaches out and you are not quite sure what to make of it, that is okay too. You do not need to have a long conversation. A brief reply is enough. The goal is simply that you know someone from this church is thinking about you and you know how to reach them if you ever need anything.
Why This Matters
St. John's is a congregation where people are genuinely known. That is one of the things that makes this church different from a larger, more anonymous worship experience. You are not invisible here. You are not one of thousands filing in and out on a Sunday morning. You are a person with a name and a story and a life that matters to this community.
The Elder Shepherding Circles is our attempt to make sure that truth is not just something we believe but something you actually feel. Not just on the Sundays when everything goes well and the sanctuary feels warm and full. But on the ordinary Tuesdays when life is hard and you wonder if anyone would notice if you went quiet.
Someone will notice. Your elder will notice. That is the whole point.
We are grateful to be your church, and we are grateful for the elders who are stepping into this work with such care and seriousness. Watch for a message from them soon.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Cultivating Kindness:
Community Garden Work Day
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a morning of fresh air and fellowship at our No Commitment Community Garden Work Day! On Saturday, March 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, we will gather to clear out and prepare our donation garden beds for the upcoming season. This is a "no strings attached" invitation—whether you can stay for the full four hours or just drop in for thirty minutes, your hands and your heart are most welcome in the dirt.
This workday is about more than just pulling weeds; it is a vital part of our mission to feed our neighbors. Every bit of produce grown in these specific donation beds goes directly to Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM) to help provide fresh, nutritious food for families in our community. By helping us prepare the soil today, you ensure a bountiful harvest for those who need it most tomorrow.
What to Bring and Wear
To make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable while we work, please keep the following in mind:
- Attire: Wear closed-toe shoes, socks, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget your favorite pair of garden gloves!
- Supplies: Bring a water bottle and any personal snacks you might need. If you'd like to bring a treat to share with your fellow gardeners, that is always appreciated!
- Tools: If you have your own hoes or weeders, feel free to bring them along. If not, don't worry—we have plenty of tools on hand for everyone to use.
Celebrating Our Digital Reach
We have a wonderful reason to celebrate our growing digital presence this month! Throughout February, St. John’s reached an incredible milestone with 118,000 impressions and 933 clicks to our website, stjohnspresby.org. These numbers represent more than just data; they signify 118,000 times our church appeared in front of someone searching for community, hope, or spiritual guidance, and nearly a thousand individual moments where someone took the step to learn more about us. With six of our pages gaining significant interest, it is clear that our message is "ascending" and finding its way to new neighbors. This visibility is a testament to our vibrant life together and a powerful tool for welcoming the seeker and the stranger into our church family.
A Symphony of Resilience: Lenten Arts Success
What an extraordinary afternoon we shared at our first Lenten Arts Series concert! On March 1st, our sanctuary was filled to capacity as The Polish Duo delivered a truly "ascending" performance of “The Lark Ascending: Earth’s Song of Resilience.” Violinist Dominika Dancewicz and pianist Alina Klimaszewska (hidden behind the music stand in the image above) played with breathtaking precision and soul, moving many in the audience to tears with their mastery of works by Vaughan Williams and Edvard Grieg. The addition of tenor Mark Swindler provided a powerful vocal dimension that perfectly complemented the program's theme of hope and endurance. We are so grateful to the performers and the many volunteers who helped host such a well-attended and professionally executed event. It was a profound reminder of how beauty and music can nourish our spirits during this Lenten season.
New Lenten Book Study on Forgiveness
Jesus commanded us to forgive. Yet many times this process is a difficult one to commence: whether it is forgiveness of another, forgiveness of self, or seeking forgiveness from someone.
We stumble and find ways to circumvent Jesus’ desire for us. Beginning February 22, 2026 at 1:30pm, the Sunday Book Study group will step into our lenten journey by studying Adam Hamilton’s book entitled: Forgiveness; Finding Peace Through Letting Go. Renowned author and theologian, Hamilton has tackled this topic with grace and compassion offering direct and biblically based wisdom and advice in his book.
Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join this gathering for lively discussion and meaningful connection - all from the comfort of your home via Zoom. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin at lynnep@sbcglobal.net for the link to join. Books are available at Amazon.com, christianbook.com or local bookstores.
Important Notice: McPhail Hall Temporarily Closed
This past Sunday, we discovered that several ceiling tiles had fallen in McPhail Hall.
Unfortunately, additional tiles fell later in the week.
While we have cleaned the area and secured the immediate surroundings, our top priority is the safety of our congregation and guests.
Therefore, all events scheduled in McPhail Hall are canceled until further notice while we investigate the cause and ensure the space is fully safe for use.
We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates as soon as we know more.
Men of the Church
The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 4 March at 6:30 PM in the Session Room.
Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church.
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.
Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation
Perhaps the most important question we can ask ourselves is whether we are saved. Paul tells us: “5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5). And Peter tells us: “. . . be even more diligent to make your call and election sure . . .” (2 Peter 1:10). But saved from what? What does it mean to be saved?
The Christian Education Committee is offering a time for us to explore what is meant by biblical salvation. We will cover the following topics:
- What is salvation?
- How are we saved?
- Can we have assurance of our salvation?
- Can we lose our salvation?
- How should salvation manifest itself in our lives?
The class will be on Saturday, 28 Mar from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided. A sign up roster is in the narthex. Please sign up so we know how many people for materials and lunch. Hope to see you there!
Christian Education next Committee meeting
The next Christian Committee Meeting is Sunday, March 8, at noon.
Escape to Mo-Ranch:
Young Adult Retreat
March 20 – 22, 2026
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.]
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, March 11th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday, March 30th, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Daylight Savings Time Again
by Dan Herron
Spring forward and fall back.
DST happens this week, Sunday, March 8.
The easy idea is to set your clocks ahead, one hour, on Saturday evening, March 7. That way your alarm clock will wake you in time for church.
You can even set your grandfather clock forward with no worries. Look up how to do this adjustment on your clock, online or in the manual. Most likely it is just stop the pendulum, move the minute hand forward one hour’s worth, which is one full rotation, and start the pendulum. The hour hand should follow correctly on many brands of clock without your moving it. Most pendulum clocks do not like it if the clock hands are moved backwards.
Ask for help if you need it.
PCHAS Luncheon - Register Now - Details Below
"Hope Outlives Hardship" is the theme for the annual luncheon for PCHAS at the Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Dr., 77042). The April 16th one-hour noon-time program provides an update on the many services PCHAS provides in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri through heartwarming examples of how lives are changed. St. John’s ties to PCHAS go back many years, but especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program beginning in 2012. Do you feel a sense of pride when someone in the community comments or asks about these duplexes?
We hope to fill (at least) two tables (of 10-11 guests) for this annual major fundraising event here in Houston for PCHAS. Special diets are available on request. Yes, you will have an opportunity to donate toward this amazing ministry should you so choose, but it is not required! Many who have attended in the past have already received email or snail-mail notifications.
More information will be in the Epistles and announcements during worship services through mid-April. Those interested in attending are asked to register either directly to Marla Endieveri at the PCHS Office here in N.W. Houston(832-241-5921), or on-line (marla.endieveri@pchas.org); by calling or texting Shirley at 713-598-0818; by calling or texting Ann Hardy at 713-240-2690; or by leaving a message at the church office (713-723-6262) no later than April 11. Please consider attending this special time of fellowship and hope!
A Joyful Lenten Offering from Our Children
We have a special treat in store this Sunday, March 8, as our Sunday School children lead us in worship with a heartfelt Lenten song following Children's Time. This monthly Second Sunday tradition is always a highlight, but this performance promises to be extra meaningful as our youngest voices share the spirit of the season with the congregation. We invite everyone to join in the harmony and sing along during the second refrain, lifting our voices together in a beautiful moment of intergenerational praise!
Healing Prayers
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
- Gerry Jump, moved to Brazos Towers
- We pray for the family of Sue Benn
- 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
Layla Pennycuff (March 1)
Laith Assad (March 3)
Offiong Glover (March 5)
Kyra Noons-Adams (March 5)
Marak Swindler (Marach 14)
Gloria Glover (March 17)
Madeline Graeter (March 29)
Olive Mfobujong (March 30)
Happy Anniversary
Jim and Lynne Austin (March 10)
Kerry and Mary Gaber (March 22)
Tad and Andra Mulder (March 25)
Church Calendar
Wednesday, March 4
6:30 pm Men of the Church, Session Room
Sunday, March 8, Third Sunday in Lent
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 Committees Meetings
1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom
4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting
Coming Events
Saturday, March 21, Quarterly Bible Study 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Session Room with lunch in McPhail Hall
Sunday, May 31, CE Brunch (Senior Sunday/Teacher Appreciation) in McPhail Hall after worship
Saturday, June 29, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages) – 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Bldg. 2 and McPhail Hall
Church Calendar Online
For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/
