September 3, 2025   Faith in the Storm: Walking with Job This Fall at St. John’s Dear Friends, This fall we turn together to one of the most challenging and beautiful books of Scripture: Job. Job’s story is raw and real—he knew loss, he wrestled with silence, he endured the sting of unhelpful voices, and at last he stood in awe before the mystery of God. Through it all, he discovered what many of us have learned in our own storms: that even when answers fail, God’s presence remains. For five Sundays we will walk with Job through his journey. Each week will draw us into a new dimension of faith in the storm: trusting God in the midst of loss, seeking God when heaven feels silent, learning what to do when friends get it wrong, embracing the vastness of God’s wisdom, and finally, resting in the joy of restoration and redemption. Alongside the sermons, our worship will be shaped by prayers and liturgy that echo Job’s cry and his hope, helping us to carry these truths not just in our minds but in our hearts and voices. I invite you to come with honesty and expectation. Bring your questions, your griefs, your doubts, your gratitude. Bring all of who you are, because God meets us as we are. And may this refrain anchor us through it all: God speaks in the storm; we trust in God’s faithfulness. In peace and trust, Pastor Jon Burnham   Thanks! Thanks! And Thanks! From Vivian Ivy I want to thank you sincerely for all the many cards, gifts, visits, balloons, and cake received on my 98th birthday. I will never forget it. The best way to tell everyone was to put my message in the Epistle.  I have only a granddaughter and daughter-in-law left in my family. All of you are my family. With love, Vivian Ivy July 6, 2025 Children’s Time to Begin September 14 Beginning on September 14, children’s time during our worship service will be offered on the second Sunday of each month. Bring your children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren directly to church on the second Sunday of the month where they will experience a time during our worship service that is designed for them. This provides our children with a special opportunity to be part of our congregational life. After Children’s time is completed, their Sunday school teachers will accompany them to class for the remainder of our service. New Sunday Book Study Have you ever wondered if you are following God’s will for your life? That you got it right? And just exactly how do you know? In the book The Way of Discernment by Steve Doughty, he draws from classic authors like Augustine and contemporary ones like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to reveal powerful ways in which to understand the practice of discernment. This is a study seeking clarity in discovering God’s guidance for both your personal and congregational life. Beginning on September 7 at 1:30pm on Zoom, come and join in from the comfort of your own home. This intriguing study will definitely deepen your faith and bless your spiritual journey. Books are available at Amazon.com (choose the green cover edition). Contact Lynne Parsons for the Zoom link at lynnep@sbcglobal.net. Everyone is invited. Advent Innovations Workshop *Saturday, October 4 *McPhail Hall, St. John’s Presbyterian Church Advent is the season that leads us into Christmas—a time of hope, waiting, and preparation. Join us for a workshop exploring fresh opportunities for spiritual formation this year. Together we’ll share ideas and plans for: Creative spirituality and prayer centers Special services of comfort for those who are grieving Educational events for all ages And more ways to deepen our walk with God Come, bring your imagination, and help shape meaningful practices for this holy season. 👉 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252387241427054       The Harvest Is Plentiful: Gen Z in Revival and Retreat When Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few,” he might well have been speaking into our own moment. A surprising field of spiritual hunger is opening before us—and it looks a lot like Gen Z. The data can sound conflicted. On one hand, researchers note that Gen Z is deeply marked by anxiety, retreat, and disconnection. Yet at the same time, a quiet revival is rising among them. If you’ve scrolled through social media in recent years, you’ve seen glimpses—students praying in dorm rooms, worship breaking out on campuses, and young adults seeking God in unexpected places. What began (or at least came into focus) during the Asbury Outpouring of February 2023 has continued to ripple outward in waves and pockets across the United States, the UK, and beyond. Movements like UniteUS, which swept across campuses in 2024, show that something is stirring. Even Barna’s research confirms it: two-thirds of Gen Z say they are highly or moderately open to spiritual things. Beneath the noise of retreat lies the possibility of renewal. For the church, this is both challenge and invitation. The harvest is plentiful—right now, on college greens and in city coffee shops, among anxious students and searching young adults. The question is not whether God is at work among Gen Z. The question is: will we go into the fields, meet them where they are, and join in the harvest? Let us pray especially for our own St. John’s college students and for all young people in the Gen Z age group (ages 13–28), that God’s Spirit may guide them, strengthen them, and draw them into the fullness of Christ’s love. Source: https://careynieuwhof.com/church-trends-2025/   Friends of Lulwanda Fellowship Dinner Saturday, October 4, 5-8 PM Memorial Drive Presbyterian On Saturday, October 4, come and see how God is working at Lulwanda Children’s Home! Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. 5-8 pm. $30 per person. Speak to Libby Adams if you plan to attend as she has reserved a table for us. Or, click here to register.   Faith in the Storm: Lessons from the Book of Job Starting this Sunday at St. John’s, we begin a powerful new sermon series on the Book of Job. Together we’ll face the hard questions of suffering, silence, and faith—and discover the God who still speaks in the storm. 📖 September 7 – October 5, 2025 ⏰ Sundays at 11 AM 📍 St. John’s Presbyterian Church Series Framework: Week 1 (Sept 7): Trusting God in the Midst of Loss (Job 1) – Loss and grief met by God’s unshaken faithfulness. Week 2 (Sept 14): The Silence of Heaven (Job 23) – God’s seeming absence as a deeper call to trust. Week 3 (Sept 21): When Friends Get It Wrong (Job 16 & 19) – Human voices can wound, but Christ redeems and bears burdens. Week 4 (Sept 28): God’s Wisdom Revealed (Job 38) – God’s mystery exceeds human control, calling for humility. Week 5 (Oct 5): Restored and Redeemed (Job 42) – God’s faithfulness brings renewal, healing, and hope. Come as you are. Bring your questions, your burdens, your hopes. In every storm, God is faithful. God speaks in the storm; we trust in God’s faithfulness.  Men of the Church on Wednesday, September 3 The next meeting of the Men of the Church is on September 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. All men are welcome to attend.   Health Savings Account by Dan Herron One income tax tool to consider if you qualify for a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) at your employer. You and/or your employer add money to an HSA and then future medical charges may be reimbursed to you from the HSA funds.  Generally, this is what happens: Your savings to an HSA are tax deductible, meaning that they lower your taxable income. The HSA account’s growth, such as interest, is tax free. The distributions given to you are tax free. Plan with your employer and start an HSA on a particular date. Contribute to it. Medical expenses that you pay from that day forward can appear as a “distribution” which is cash paid to you. So, you save some money into the HSA. In the future, these funds can be used to pay medical expenses, and there’s a tax advantage or two. There are two income tax forms, 8889 and 8853. Keeping up with these items, payments into the HSA and distributions to you from the HSA are reported on IRS Form 8889. You must keep medical bills! An HSA comes in several kinds with several names. Money goes in from several sources, usually you and your employer. This is complex income tax information. You should get a professional to help you to establish an HSA and follow up on the reporting and the distributions. Your employer or a financial professional can help with this idea. Alternatives do exist, such as an FSA.   Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts.       With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.  Harriet Harper, in hospice care Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery Mary Hughes, recovering from shoulder surgery and flu Family of Evie Nielson Holly Darr, health concerns Family of Gerry Jump Karen Alsbrook, health Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee 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.     September Birthdays Dan Herron (Sept 1) Lea Sanford (Sept 2) San Juan Flores (Sept 3) Michael Rodgers (Lynne Parsons Austin’s son) (Sept 6) Yor Ator (Sept 7) Arwin Jump (Sept 11) Kerry Gaber (Sept 12) Allison Hardy (Sept 17) Mel Liljedahl (Sept 20) Sandy Kattner (Sept 21) Somer Assad (Sept 22) Bryan Boyd (Laurie Henderson’s son) (Sept27) Linsey Sen-Roy (Sept 28) Anniversaries Dave and Rose Muanza (Sept 18) Tom and Kristi Edmonsond (Sept 22) Church Calendar Thursday, September 4 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Sunday, September 7, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 12:00 pm Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting 1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom 4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail  Coming Events Sun, Sept 7, Caring and Fellowship Meeting after Worship October Stewardship Season October 4, 2025 Presbytery Event: Innovation and Vitality during Advent October 11, 2025 Blessing of the Animals November 2, 2025 All Saints Service November 16, 2025 Holiday Gift Market November 30, 2025 First Sunday of Advent December 24 Christmas Eve Service December 25 Christmas Day Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/     2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary     "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount" Coming next month, as we move into Stewardship Season, we will move into a new sermon series. Throughout "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount," we explore how Jesus' teachings guide us in stewarding all aspects of our lives—our blessings, influence, resources, relationships, and faith. By aligning ourselves with kingdom principles, we become effective stewards who advance God's purposes on earth. This series challenges us to examine where our treasures lie, to seek God's kingdom above all else, and to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ the King. This series thoughtfully incorporates significant dates such as All Saints' Day and Christ the King Sunday, aligning their themes with the overarching focus on stewardship. By pairing teachings from the Sermon on the Mount with complementary Old Testament passages, we gain a deeper understanding of God's call to live as faithful stewards in every area of our lives.   Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.

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July 23, 2025   The Surprising Power of Forgiveness “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” —Matthew 6:12 Forgiveness. That one word seems to have stirred something deep in the hearts of many lately. In sermons, Bible studies, and quiet conversations after worship, I keep hearing it — whispered with hesitation, named with longing, or wrestled with through tears. I wonder why it’s striking such a nerve right now. Maybe it’s because we live in a world so saturated with blame, resentment, and scorekeeping that the idea of releasing someone — or being released — feels almost otherworldly. But isn’t that exactly what Jesus embodied? Not just taught, but lived. On the cross, with nails still in His hands and blood still fresh, He didn’t lash out or lecture. He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Not after an apology. Not once things had been made right. Right in the middle of the pain, He offered mercy. That kind of forgiveness doesn’t come from human strength. It comes from God’s grace, flowing through wounded people who have received healing themselves. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the wound. It reclaims the soul. It doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen — it means choosing not to let it define us. As followers of Jesus, we’re not just called to admire His forgiveness. We’re invited to participate in it. To cancel debts. To let go. To walk lighter. Maybe the Holy Spirit is stirring us now because it’s time — time to let some things go, time to be free, time to remember who we are: forgiven people learning to forgive. With grace and peace, Pastor Jon   🌟 Get Ready for VBS 2025! 🌟 This Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & This Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) JULY 25 & 26 — A Miraculous Adventure Awaits! Mark your calendars and claim your spot for an unforgettable weekend as we dive into the WONDERS of Biblical Miracles at this year’s Vacation Bible School! 🎉 SAVE YOUR PLACE by filling out the Pre-Registration Forms—available now in the Narthex and Church Office. This helps us plan for meals, classroom space, and materials—and will save you time at check-in Friday night! ✍️ Parents: You can also grab a full child registration form ahead of time and bring it completed on Friday, July 25, to make your arrival smooth and easy. 💵 Don’t forget: There’s a $5 fee per person and we’re also collecting non-perishable food items to bless the BIM Food Pantry. 🔥 Let’s make this year’s VBS an amazing celebration of faith, fun, and fellowship! See you there!   Some Income Tax items to Consider this year: Alphabet Soup, but hang in there! by Dan Herron The new income tax law has things to plan, now, that are in your best interest when you file your income tax for 2025. There are many items to consider. This is probably a good year to get the help of a financial planner and/or a tax consultant. Here are a few ideas. As always, you can list your income, subtract the “standard deduction” and pay the tax. Or, you can itemize specific deductions to see if these are higher than the standard deduction. The new law allows us to take some special deductions and still use the standard deduction. Knowing the total expected income for 2025 might be considered in your plan to save money on your income taxes. You should make a plan, now, of what taxable income and what deductions you expect for tax year 2025. Some of these incomes and deduction items can be adjusted differently in 2025 and 2026. That’s the purpose of this article, as a partial introduction. The new deductions start in 2025 or 2026. Some of the deductions are usable for only 4 years.  The idea is to estimate your income and then apply some of the new laws to deductions. Plan to see whether to itemize deductions or take the standard deduction. A great new idea is that some of these new deductions may be taken, AND you can still use the standard deduction method! Many taxpayers will do this. Plan for which method to use. Learn the new tax brackets and where your income fits in. Deductions can reduce your taxable income which lowers your tax. Let’s explore some of the new tax law items: No tax on tips. This is limited, special rules apply. Keep excellent records on all tips! No tax on overtime pay. Limited, very special rules. No tax on car loan interest. Special rules apply. Additional $6000 “Senior Bonus Deduction” for each of you age 65 and up. You must file a tax return and specifically claim this deduction amount. This one lasts only 4 years. That’s a $12000 deduction for two seniors, for 4 years. This is for every senior. Another new thing for 2026 is the “Free Charitable Contribution” of up to $1000 each. You donate up to this amount to charity, and this amount is deductible: you do not need to itemize to take advantage of this deduction. Churches and other nearby charities that might receive this amount come to mind. For every taxpayer.  At a specific age, Retirement Plans require you take out an RMD, Required Minimum Distribution, each year. This is likely taxable income. There are some ways to reduce this amount. An expert should look at this step. For seniors. Some say take the RMD amount early in the year due to inheritance tax reasons. A Qualified Charitable Distribution, QCD, may be subtracted from your RMD amount. This reduces your taxable income from the RMD. We studied this earlier this year…Part of your RMD amount goes to charity rather than to you. This deduction reduces your income and adds to help to your charity. For seniors who have an RMD. Other things of interest are Roth Conversions. This moves some funds into a Roth account. A Roth Account should be non taxable in the future. Timing of when to do this and the amount to move are important. You pay some tax now but less tax in the future. The idea supports less tax overall. This takes an expert to complete. A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) for when you pass, the charity gets the money, may be used. A Health Savings Account (HSA) might be useful. The expected result of these and other considerations is that your reported taxable income might be a bit lower because your deductions are higher. Almost everyone can use the new Free Charitable Contribution, and seniors can use the new Senior Bonus Deduction, and follow the RMD rules. The writer of this article intends only to open up the discussions for you. More items exist in the new laws. Using a tax professional would make the exact plan for your family.   Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts.   Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     This summer, we are partnering to support families in our community by collecting school uniforms and undergarments for children in need—just in time for the upcoming school year. What’s Needed: Uniform shirts: Navy, light blue, or white polos Uniform bottoms: Khaki or navy pants and skirts Sizes: 3T through Youth 14 Socks and Underwear: New and in original packaging Deadline for Donations: Sunday, July 28 — so items can be delivered before school begins. Donation Station: A donation box and poster board with full project details is in the narthex (entry room) of the sanctuary. Want to Learn More? A representative from the project would love to visit with us and share more about this important ministry. Let us know if you’re interested in connecting. Let us clothe our neighbors in compassion, kindness, and dignity (Colossians 3:12). Every item you give becomes an act of love and hope. — St. John’s Faith in Action Committee     Men's Fellowship Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, July 9, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects.   Sunday Afternoon Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel Want to study a good book? Join this study group,. There are copies of the book Unbinding the Gospel in the narthex. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for Zoom link.     With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Holly Darr, health concerns Family of Gerry Jump Karen Alsbrook, health Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Evie Nielson Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee 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.   July Birthdays 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) Anniversaries James and Libby Adams (July 1) Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27) Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29) Church Calendar Wednesday, July 23 6:30 pm Men’s Fellowship Group, Session Room Thursday, July 24 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Friday, July 25 5:30 pm Vacation Bible School Saturday, July 26 9:00 am Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 27, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 12:00 pm Faith In Action Committee Meeting, Session Room 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom  Coming Events Sun, July 27, 12:00 pm, Faith in Action Committee Meeting Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sun, Sept 28, 12:00 pm, Pot Luck Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/     2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary     Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.

  Living Light: The Freedom of Forgiveness “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” —Matthew 6:12 Last Sunday, we continued a journey into the heart of the Lord’s Prayer—where Jesus invites us to name what we’d rather hide: our debts. Not only the financial ones, but the moral debts—the heavy ones. Regret. Bitterness. That sigh we carry when someone’s name comes up. The IOUs scribbled in invisible ink across our hearts. Jesus teaches us to start with grace, not guilt. We are forgiven—not by merit, not by manipulation, but by mercy. And then, the transformation begins. One man, Carlos, a mechanic in East Houston, taught us this. After being betrayed by a customer who skipped out on payment, Carlos could’ve stewed in resentment. But grace found him, gently. It led him to pray—not for payback, but for peace. And when the man returned, thin and repentant, Carlos forgave him—not because he got the money back, but because something better came: his freedom. This Sunday, we will dive deeper into that holy mystery. Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s strength. It’s choosing to let go, not because it didn’t matter—but because you matter more. Come join us. Let’s step further into Jubilee. Let’s live light. Let’s walk free. With grace and peace, Pastor Jon   Memorial Service this Friday, July 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary for J. Robert Jump Bob Jump was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, professor, and friend who lived a full and meaningful life. Born in Kansas City and raised in Illinois and Florida, Bob developed an early love for music, science, and the outdoors. He attended the University of Cincinnati and later earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Bob served on the faculty at Rice University from 1968 to 2002, where he was a beloved professor and mentor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments, inspiring countless students and publishing over 30 professional journal articles. Bob shared nearly 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gerry Louise. Together they raised two children, Stephen and Kathryn, and built a family rooted in love and learning. After retirement, Bob and Gerry traveled extensively throughout the United States, especially the National Parks, and enjoyed many joyful days with their six grandchildren. Bob’s life was marked by curiosity, generosity, and a deep appreciation for beauty in both nature and knowledge. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held this Friday, July 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Belfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Bob’s legacy by supporting the National Park System.   🌟 Get Ready for VBS 2025! 🌟 Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) JULY 25 & 26 — A Miraculous Adventure Awaits! Mark your calendars and claim your spot for an unforgettable weekend as we dive into the WONDERS of Biblical Miracles at this year’s Vacation Bible School! 🎉 SAVE YOUR PLACE by filling out the Pre-Registration Forms—available now in the Narthex and Church Office. This helps us plan for meals, classroom space, and materials—and will save you time at check-in Friday night! ✍️ Parents: You can also grab a full child registration form ahead of time and bring it completed on Friday, July 25, to make your arrival smooth and easy. 💵 Don’t forget: There’s a $5 fee per person and we’re also collecting non-perishable food items to bless the BIM Food Pantry. 🔥 Let’s make this year’s VBS an amazing celebration of faith, fun, and fellowship! See you there!     🎉 Celebrating 98 Years of Grace — Happy Birthday, Vivian Ivy! 🎉 Last Sunday, the sanctuary filled with music and love as the congregation of St. John’s joyfully sang “Happy Birthday” to our beloved Vivian Ivy, who turned 98 years old that very day! Vivian, your life is a beautiful testimony to faith, kindness, and enduring joy. You’ve walked with this church family through seasons of growth, challenge, and celebration — always with a gracious heart and an encouraging smile. Your presence blesses us all. Whether in quiet conversation or joyful song, you reflect the goodness of God in ways large and small. We give thanks for your life and for the gift of sharing these sacred years with you. May the year ahead overflow with peace, love, and the sweet presence of those who cherish you. With all our love — Happy Birthday, Vivian! 🎂💐 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24     Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts.   Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     This summer, we are partnering to support families in our community by collecting school uniforms and undergarments for children in need—just in time for the upcoming school year. What’s Needed: Uniform shirts: Navy, light blue, or white polos Uniform bottoms: Khaki or navy pants and skirts Sizes: 3T through Youth 14 Socks and Underwear: New and in original packaging Deadline for Donations: Sunday, July 28 — so items can be delivered before school begins. Donation Station: A donation box and poster board with full project details is in the narthex (entry room) of the sanctuary. Want to Learn More? A representative from the project would love to visit with us and share more about this important ministry. Let us know if you’re interested in connecting. Let us clothe our neighbors in compassion, kindness, and dignity (Colossians 3:12). Every item you give becomes an act of love and hope. — St. John’s Faith in Action Committee     Men's Fellowship Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, July 9, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects.   Sunday Afternoon Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel Want to study a good book? Join this study group,. There are copies of the book Unbinding the Gospel in the narthex. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for Zoom link.     Flooding in Central Texas - How Can We Help? The catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has touched many parts of our presbytery whether it was a loss of someone you know, or a loss of someone from your community, or the loss of a beloved place. The flooding has been wide spread across the area affecting the area around Kerrville, Georgetown, San Angelo, Austin, Seguin, and other places along several rivers. Monetary donations can be made to: Kerr County Flood Relief Fund - The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, funds will support vetted rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. Kerrville Chamber of Commerce– Rebuilding & Recovery Fund, supporting local businesses in their recovery efforts. San Angelo Area Foundation – Disaster Relief Fund, provides aid to affected residents in the region. TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue An Austin-based nonprofit actively engaged in rescue operations using boats, drones, and search dogs. World Central Kitchen Mission Presbytery Mo-Ranch Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Be good to yourselves during this tender time! Be attentive to the needs in your community as you support grieving families, or tie ribbons around trees. As with any disaster, it will take years to recover. Peace and love, Lynn Hargrove, New Covenant Presbytery Executive     Kroger Plus Shopper’s Card for fuel point discounts by Dan Herron It is possible for your family to have more than one Kroger Shopper’s Card. These multiple cards can be “registered” at your family account. Then, benefits of any of the cards can be in that single account. See Kroger.com for more information. The small card can be on your key ring which makes it handy at checkout and at the gas pump. The Kroger account has a place for getting a fuel points discount at the gas pump. You show your card while checking out, and the amount of the transaction is recorded for fuel points, one fuel point for each dollar spent. Use your card at the gas pump to apply your gas points discount. You can also get an additional 50 fuel points, once each 7 days, for completing an online survey. After shopping, go online at Kroger.com/feedback which connects you to a review process of your Kroger visit. Using the information at the bottom of your cash register receipt, log in and respond to this survey. This survey adds 50 fuel points to your total points, once each 7 days. Your account accumulates gas points, and then you use these points to get a discount at the pump. Suppose that in a calendar month you shop 4 times, spend a total $400 with your card shown on each register receipt. If you log into the feedback website, timely, for each receipt, you could have the 400 fuel points plus the 4 * 50 fuel points for the feedback reviews, a total of 600 points. This would be, in our example, a 60 cent discount on the per gallon price. Now we’re talking! That accumulated purchase discount at the pump is good until the end of the next calendar month after your shopping visits. The previous month’s fuel points expire at end of the current month if you don’t use them at the pump. My usage for a month would show about 4 cash register receipts, usually one per week, and I am pretty good about logging in to the feedback website once per week, 4 weeks. That’s how to maximize the fuel discount with a higher total of shopping points plus feedback points. To handle the timing, try this routine: 1. Show Kroger Card at checkout, each dollar spent = 1 point. This accumulates gas points in your account. View these at Kroger.com and click on “my account.” 2. Once each week, for each shopping receipt, enter your review at the Kroger feedback site. At the end of the review, key in your card number, and get 50 additional points doing for this review. 3. Before month-end of the next calendar month, use the gas points at the Kroger gas station by selecting “Prior Month’s Points” at the gas pump. Pump away at the discount price. 4. And, the current calendar month’s points have begun to accumulate. So, repeat the process of accumulating points the two ways. I email a grandkid that it’s almost the end of a calendar month so the expiry of previous month’s points is coming up. S/he hurries to buy gas and use the big discount of the previous month’s gas points. Confusing, but this recurring regular schedule is easy, once you get going. Example: In July, we use June’s accumulated fuel points for a fuel purchase discount. We get the total discount for 600 points. The grandkids get very smart about when to use our Kroger account’s gas discount points. They get the previous month’s (June) fuel discount before the end of the current calendar month, July. This is the way to get the maximum discount amount. So, my email reminder to buy gas at a discount will go out to grandkids approximately July 15 th. . It says, “Last month’s Fuel Points are available until the end of month.” These activities happen each month. I got a pretty big hug when an 80 cents per gallon discount was enjoyed! For 20 gallons that was a $16 discount. Repeat all these activities each month. Shop to accumulate. Do the online feedback review each week to accumulate the extra points. Get gas at a discount price. The writer of this procedure has no particular interest in Kroger Corporation other than shopping and enjoying a per gallon discount for gasoline. And my church gets a donation from Kroger based on all of our purchases in the Kroger Community Rewards Program.     With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Holly Darr Royal, health concerns Family of Gerry Jump Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Evie Nielson Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee 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 New 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.     July Birthdays 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) Anniversaries James and Libby Adams (July 1) Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27) Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29) Church Calendar Thursday, July 17 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Friday, July 18 1:00 pm Memorial Service and Reception for Bob Jump Sunday, July 20, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 12:00 pm Faith in Action Committee Meeting, Room 203 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom 3:30 pm Girl Scouts in Session Room and Room 203 Coming Events Sun, July 27, 12:00 pm, Faith in Action Committee Meeting Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sun, Sept 28, 12:00 pm, Pot Luck Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/     2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary     Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

God at Work in Flip-Flop Season Dear friends, Summertime in Houston means many things: the hum of air conditioners, sandals by the door, and the scent of sunscreen lingering in the air. Life takes on a slower rhythm this time of year. Schools are quiet, traffic eases up a bit, and calendars make room for road trips and rest. But here’s something beautiful I’ve noticed — even in flip-flop season, God doesn’t take a vacation from loving us. In fact, I’ve seen God’s gentle hand at work all over St. John’s this summer. I see it in the faces gathered for worship each Sunday, voices lifting old hymns and new prayers. I see it in the volunteers who show up early to prepare communion, water the flowers, unlock doors, or greet a visitor with a smile. I hear it in the hush of a sanctuary during prayer, and in the laughter that follows in McPhail Hall over coffee and conversation. The Spirit doesn’t follow our vacation schedules. Grace still flows, mercy still calls, and love still shows up — sometimes in sandals and sunglasses. So wherever your summer takes you — whether near a lake, under a shady tree, or right here in the pews of St. John’s — know that God is delighting in your journey. And when you return, we’ll be here, ready to celebrate every step of the way. Stay cool and stay blessed, Pastor Jon   🎉 Brunch This Sunday! A Feast of Gratitude and Fellowship Join us this Sunday after worship for a delicious church-wide Brunch, generously hosted by our Faith in Action and Property Committees. This gathering isn’t just about food—it’s a chance to come together in gratitude, celebrate our community, and break bread (and baguettes!) with joy. The menu is a beautiful reflection of generosity and care. You’ll find warm beans, crusty baguette, and delightful fried dough buns, a nod to comforting simplicity. For something fresh and bright, enjoy our Chicken Cranberry Salad and a refreshing Fruit Salad—perfect for a summer day. A Crunchy Broccoli, Raisin, and Almond Salad brings a mix of texture and flavor that’s both nourishing and satisfying. And yes, there will be desserts! Expect cookies, churros, and other sweet surprises. Rounding out the spread is a hearty Pasta Salad and a colorful Provençal Vegetable Tian, a French-inspired dish layered with roasted vegetables and herbs. This brunch is not only a culinary treat—it’s an act of love. We give thanks for the hands that prepared it, the hearts that planned it, and the spirit of hospitality that fills our halls. Come hungry. Come grateful. Come as you are. 🕊️ “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” — Acts 2:46   🌟 Get Ready for VBS 2025! 🌟 Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) JULY 25 & 26 — A Miraculous Adventure Awaits! Mark your calendars and claim your spot for an unforgettable weekend as we dive into the WONDERS of Biblical Miracles at this year’s Vacation Bible School! 🎉 SAVE YOUR PLACE by filling out the Pre-Registration Forms—available now in the Narthex and Church Office. This helps us plan for meals, classroom space, and materials—and will save you time at check-in Friday night! ✍️ Parents: You can also grab a full child registration form ahead of time and bring it completed on Friday, July 25, to make your arrival smooth and easy. 💵 Don’t forget: There’s a $5 fee per person and we’re also collecting non-perishable food items to bless the BIM Food Pantry. 🔥 Let’s make this year’s VBS an amazing celebration of faith, fun, and fellowship! See you there!   🎉 Celebrating 98 Years of Grace — Happy Birthday, Vivian Ivy! 🎉 Last Sunday, the sanctuary filled with music and love as the congregation of St. John’s joyfully sang “Happy Birthday” to our beloved Vivian Ivy, who turned 98 years old that very day! Vivian, your life is a beautiful testimony to faith, kindness, and enduring joy. You’ve walked with this church family through seasons of growth, challenge, and celebration — always with a gracious heart and an encouraging smile. Your presence blesses us all. Whether in quiet conversation or joyful song, you reflect the goodness of God in ways large and small. We give thanks for your life and for the gift of sharing these sacred years with you. May the year ahead overflow with peace, love, and the sweet presence of those who cherish you. With all our love — Happy Birthday, Vivian! 🎂💐 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24     Congratulations to St. John’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients! We are proud to recognize the following young adults who have been awarded $500 McPhail Scholarships in support of their academic and vocational journeys. Their dedication, character, and potential are an inspiration to our entire church community. 2025 Scholarship Recipients: Adelina Carrettin Ronan Carrettin Marie Dzeukou Victoria Gorby Naomi Hughes Nnaji Bennett LaGrone Loic Mimche (Nephew of Leonie) Jade Adams Noons May these scholarships be a sign of our love, our prayers, and our belief in your bright future. Go with our blessing!   Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts. Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     School Uniform: Summer Clothes Drive This summer, we are partnering to support families in our community by collecting school uniforms and undergarments for children in need—just in time for the upcoming school year. What’s Needed: Uniform shirts: Navy, light blue, or white polos Uniform bottoms: Khaki or navy pants and skirts Sizes: 3T through Youth 14 Socks and Underwear: New and in original packaging Deadline for Donations: Sunday, July 28 — so items can be delivered before school begins. Donation Station: A donation box and poster board with full project details is in the narthex (entry room) of the sanctuary. Want to Learn More? A representative from the project would love to visit with us and share more about this important ministry. Let us know if you’re interested in connecting. Let us clothe our neighbors in compassion, kindness, and dignity (Colossians 3:12). Every item you give becomes an act of love and hope. — St. John’s Faith in Action Committee   Men's Fellowship Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, July 9, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. Here are some of the things the Men's Group has recently accomplished and is currently working on: Children’s Sunday School room has been freshly painted—thank you to Tad, Michael, Franklin, and James for their help! Upcoming tasks include cabinet repairs, whiteboard installation, and upgrading to LED lighting. Furniture marked for heavy trash has been cleared out. In the church office building, hallway and office lights have been updated thanks to Glen’s discovery of a more affordable LED source and Bill's help with installation. HVAC filter replacement is underway, with three out of four units complete—thanks to Glen, Ken, Dan, and Bill. Plans are forming for a regular maintenance schedule, including checking fan belts. Cleanup is also needed in the air handler room near the sanctuary and the shed by Building 2. First aid kits and AEDs need review and restocking. In the computer room, now cleared of excess furniture, file cabinets will be sorted and possibly digitized. Lastly, the choir room’s AC vents may be replaced for quieter operation. Thank you to the Men's Group and all who are helping keep our facilities safe, efficient, and welcoming!    Dear ST. JOHN'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Between February 24 and May 23, 2025, eight households from St. John's Presbyterian Church contributed a total of $29.34 in donations. We’re grateful for every gift—each one helps us continue our shared ministry of hope and hospitality. The Kroger Co. Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to the local neighborhoods we call home. Our stores are on a mission to not just part of, but to help create a stronger community. We recognize that every community has unique causes that need support. Thank you for being such an important organization in our community. We encourage you to ask your supporters to link their rewards card to your organization. Community Rewards is easy to use, The more your supporters shop with us, the more money your organization will earn! We are committed to carefully protecting our customer's personal information. In order to meet their expectation of privacy, we have adopted a simple policy to never share a customer's personal information. Our privacy policy applies to Community Rewards participation as well. Thank you for being such an important organization in our community, Community Rewards Staff   Sunday Afternoon Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel Want to study a good book? Join this study group,. There are copies of the book Unbinding the Gospel in the narthex. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for Zoom link.   Flooding in Central Texas - How Can We Help? The catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has touched many parts of our presbytery whether it was a loss of someone you know, or a loss of someone from your community, or the loss of a beloved place. The flooding has been wide spread across the area affecting the area around Kerrville, Georgetown, San Angelo, Austin, Seguin, and other places along several rivers. Monetary donations can be made to: Kerr County Flood Relief Fund - The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, funds will support vetted rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. Kerrville Chamber of Commerce– Rebuilding & Recovery Fund, supporting local businesses in their recovery efforts. San Angelo Area Foundation – Disaster Relief Fund, provides aid to affected residents in the region. TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue An Austin-based nonprofit actively engaged in rescue operations using boats, drones, and search dogs. World Central Kitchen Mission Presbytery Mo-Ranch Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Be good to yourselves during this tender time! Be attentive to the needs in your community as you support grieving families, or tie ribbons around trees. As with any disaster, it will take years to recover. Peace and love, Lynn Hargrove, New Covenant Presbytery Executive   Living the Lord’s Prayer — Summer Book Spotlight This summer at St. John’s, our hearts and minds are turning to one of the most beloved and powerful prayers in all of Scripture—the Lord’s Prayer. To accompany our sermon series Living the Lord’s Prayer, we’re also inviting you to journey deeper through the companion book of the same name. This thoughtful and accessible book guides us phrase by phrase through the prayer Jesus gave us, exploring its ancient roots, Old Testament echoes, and present-day relevance. More than a book on prayer, Living the Lord’s Prayer is a call to transformation. Each chapter weaves together biblical insight, historical reflections from voices like John Calvin, and honest spiritual questions that meet us in our daily lives. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone rediscovering the faith, this book offers a gentle but profound invitation to live into the rhythms of grace, trust, forgiveness, and kingdom-minded living. Copies of the book are available on Amazon. (Click the blue text in the previous sentence to view it.) We encourage you to read along during the sermon series and bring your thoughts to worship, small groups, or casual conversations over coffee. Let’s walk this sacred path together as a community being reshaped by the prayer that never grows old: “Our Father, who art in heaven…”   Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Bob Jump and the Jump family Evie Nielson Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee Holly Darr Royal 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 New 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.   July Birthdays 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) Annivers aries James and Libby Adams (July 1) Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27) Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29) Calendar Thursday, July 3 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Sunday, July 6, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Church Calendar Wednesday, July 9 6:30 pm Men’s Fellowship Group, Session Room Thursday, July 10 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Friday, July 11 6:00 pm Girl Scout Community Event Saturday, July 12 12:00 pm Eagle Scout Court of Honor, McPhail Sunday, July 13, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 12:00 pm Brunch, McPhail 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Coming Events Sun, July 13, 12:00 pm, Brunch hosted by Faith in Action and Buildings and Grounds Committees Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sun, Sept 28, 12:00 pm, Pot Luck Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/   2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary   Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.

The Neely Family Comes to America A Journey of Hope and Faith Long ago, in a time shadowed by hunger and despair, the Neely family found themselves caught in the grip of the Great Irish Famine—a devastating blight that withered their land’s staple crop and threatened their very lives. With heavy hearts and a faith that would not be broken, they set sail across a vast and uncertain ocean, seeking a land where hope might yet bloom. Their journey was perilous, filled with storms and fears, but the Spirit of God whispered courage to their souls, reminding them that even in exile, God’s promise of new life holds steadfast. Like Abraham before them, they stepped into the unknown, trusting the God who calls His people into covenant community, where every stranger becomes kin. When the Neelys arrived in this young land, their trials did not end. They faced suspicion and scorn, the bitter sting of prejudice, and the harsh reality of exclusion. Yet they did not falter. Through humble labor and quiet resilience, they forged a new home. They gathered in small churches where the Word was proclaimed, the sacraments celebrated, and the love of Christ knitted a fragile but growing community. In the face of marginalization, they embodied the great ends of the Church—proclaiming the gospel, nurturing one another, and standing as witnesses to God’s justice and mercy. A few days from now, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom on July 4th, let us remember the journeys like that of the Neely family. Our country is not built on ease or privilege, but on the blood and faith of those who endured hardship and held fast to God’s covenant promise. May we honor their legacy by living as one body in Christ—welcoming the stranger, lifting up the lowly, and sharing the abundant grace that has made this land our home. For in God’s kingdom, we are all heirs of the promise: a new creation where the walls that divide fall away, and God’s peace reigns forever. The story of the Neely family, my own on my mother’s side, reminds me deeply of the faith and resilience that have shaped not only my heritage but the very fabric of this nation we call home. With hope and joy, Pastor Jon     Congratulations to St. John’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients! We are proud to recognize the following young adults who have been awarded $500 McPhail Scholarships in support of their academic and vocational journeys. Their dedication, character, and potential are an inspiration to our entire church community. 2025 Scholarship Recipients: Adelina Carrettin Ronan Carrettin Marie Dzeukou Victoria Gorby Naomi Hughes Nnaji Bennett LaGrone Loic Mimche (Nephew of Leonie) Jade Adams Noons May these scholarships be a sign of our love, our prayers, and our belief in your bright future. Go with our blessing!   Caring and Fellowship Worker Bees cleaning and tidying the kitchen on Saturday, June 21. It looks and smells much better! Thank you for a job well done!     They Tied One On Four beautiful fleece blankets were created by our “Tie One On” group on Saturday, June 21 and will be donated to an organization of their choosing. A big “thank you” to Kristi Edmonsond for donating the fleece kits and Linda Herron for providing refreshments. Stay tuned for more Tie One On events. All are welcome!     Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts.   Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     This summer, we are partnering to support families in our community by collecting school uniforms and undergarments for children in need—just in time for the upcoming school year. What’s Needed: Uniform shirts: Navy, light blue, or white polos Uniform bottoms: Khaki or navy pants and skirts Sizes: 3T through Youth 14 Socks and Underwear: New and in original packaging Deadline for Donations: Sunday, July 28 — so items can be delivered before school begins. Donation Station: A donation box and poster board with full project details will be set up in the church foyer soon. Want to Learn More? A representative from the project would love to visit with us and share more about this important ministry. Let us know if you’re interested in connecting. Let us clothe our neighbors in compassion, kindness, and dignity (Colossians 3:12). Every item you give becomes an act of love and hope. — St. John’s Faith in Action Committee     Men's Fellowship Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, July 9, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. Here are some of the things the Men's Group has recently accomplished and is currently working on: Children’s Sunday School room has been freshly painted—thank you to Tad, Michael, Franklin, and James for their help! Upcoming tasks include cabinet repairs, whiteboard installation, and upgrading to LED lighting. Furniture marked for heavy trash has been cleared out. In the church office building, hallway and office lights have been updated thanks to Glen’s discovery of a more affordable LED source and Bill's help with installation. HVAC filter replacement is underway, with three out of four units complete—thanks to Glen, Ken, Dan, and Bill. Plans are forming for a regular maintenance schedule, including checking fan belts. Cleanup is also needed in the air handler room near the sanctuary and the shed by Building 2. First aid kits and AEDs need review and restocking. In the computer room, now cleared of excess furniture, file cabinets will be sorted and possibly digitized. Lastly, the choir room’s AC vents may be replaced for quieter operation. Thank you to the Men's Group and all who are helping keep our facilities safe, efficient, and welcoming! Vacation Bible School Miracles Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at St. John’s as we explore the wonder of God’s miraculous love! Our 2025 Vacation Bible School, “Miracles” will dive into the scriptural stories of miracles—Old and New Testament alike—through engaging lessons, joyful music, hands-on crafts, and shared meals. Children, youth, and adults will all have a place in this intergenerational experience designed to foster faith, fellowship, and fun. We’ll begin Friday evening with dinner and activities, and continue Saturday with a full day of worshipful learning, food, and celebration. We’ll also follow Jesus’ example by donating food items to help feed our neighbors. Registration is just $5 per person (plus a non-perishable food donation). Invite your neighbors, bring your family, and join us for a weekend of awe and joy!     Sunday Afternoon Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel Want to study a good book? Join this study group,. There are copies of the book Unbinding the Gospel in the narthex. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for Zoom link.     Living the Lord’s Prayer — Summer Book Spotlight This summer at St. John’s, our hearts and minds are turning to one of the most beloved and powerful prayers in all of Scripture—the Lord’s Prayer. To accompany our sermon series Living the Lord’s Prayer, we’re also inviting you to journey deeper through the companion book of the same name. This thoughtful and accessible book guides us phrase by phrase through the prayer Jesus gave us, exploring its ancient roots, Old Testament echoes, and present-day relevance. More than a book on prayer, Living the Lord’s Prayer is a call to transformation. Each chapter weaves together biblical insight, historical reflections from voices like John Calvin, and honest spiritual questions that meet us in our daily lives. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone rediscovering the faith, this book offers a gentle but profound invitation to live into the rhythms of grace, trust, forgiveness, and kingdom-minded living. Copies of the book are available on Amazon. (Click the blue text in the previous sentence to view it.) We encourage you to read along during the sermon series and bring your thoughts to worship, small groups, or casual conversations over coffee. Let’s walk this sacred path together as a community being reshaped by the prayer that never grows old: “Our Father, who art in heaven…”     With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.  Nina Jean Patterson in the loss of her daughter, Paula Jean Reeves Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Bob Jump and the Jump family Evie Nielson Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee Holly Darr Royal Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister Family of George Dobbin Family of Bob Hughes Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio Those looking for a job Ross Chitwood and his spouse, friends of Mark Swindler St. Johns College Students Raina bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes New 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.   July Birthdays 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) Anniversaries James and Libby Adams (July 1) Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27) Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29) Calendar Thursday, July 3 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Sunday, July 6, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Church Calendar Wednesday, June 25 6:30 pm Men’s Group, Session Room Thursday, June 26 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, June 28 1:00 pm Memorial Service for George Dobbin Sunday, June 29, Third Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Coming Events Sat, June 28, 1 pm, Memorial Service for George Dobbin Sun, July 13, 12:00 pm, Brunch hosted by Faith in Action and Buildings and Grounds Committees Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sun, Sept 28, 12:00 pm, Pot Luck Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/   2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary   Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.

June 25, 2025   Grace in the Floodwaters A few weeks ago, we experienced an unexpected trial in the church office—a small toilet connector pipe failed and began flooding part of our building. By the grace of God and the swift response of our church family, we were able to clear out the water by the end of the day. Michael Bisase came by and replaced the faulty water connector, and everything now seems to be in working order. Carpets have been steam cleaned, air conditioners turned low, fans placed strategically, and as of now, all is well. Moments like these remind me how much of church life happens outside the sanctuary. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Paul Emerson, Linda Herron, Alvina Hamilton, Stephen Marshall—and yes, even me—for jumping in with mops, vacuums, and determination. When the waters rise (literally), the faithfulness and love of God’s people rise even higher. We are profoundly grateful the flooding was caught early and that we did not need outside help this time. In times of disruption, we glimpse what truly sustains us—not just pipes and drywall, but the spirit of community, resilience, and grace that binds us together. As Paul writes, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). And indeed, it was. Thank you for caring so deeply for this church we share and for continuing to be the church—not just in worship, but in every unexpected moment of service. With hope and joy, Pastor Jon   You’re Invited: Memorial Service for George Dobbin + This Saturday, June 28, 1:00 PM + St. John’s Presbyterian Church Sanctuary + Reception to follow in McPhail Hall Please join us as we celebrate the life of George Clay Dobbin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, elder, and friend to so many at St. John’s. George passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025—true to his lifelong sense of humor and timing. He was 86 years old. For 56 years, George offered his heart, his wisdom, and his faith to St. John’s Presbyterian Church, serving in nearly every role imaginable—from Elder and Sunday School teacher to Mariners leader and liturgist. His legacy also stretches far beyond our walls, reaching into the world of marine and aviation insurance, the Boy Scouts, and the Houston arts community. George truly lived a life of service, joy, and dedication. We will gather in the sanctuary at 1:00 PM this Saturday, June 28, with a reception immediately following in McPhail Hall. As we gather to celebrate his memory, we take comfort in the words of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (John 11:25). And as George’s ashes are laid to rest in the columbarium, we do so in faith, proclaiming: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” (Revelation 14:13). In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor George’s memory through a donation to St. John’s Presbyterian Church. You may email his daughter, Julia Alejandre, for more information, or to share your memories and stories of George’s remarkable life.     Congratulations to St. John’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients! We are proud to recognize the following young adults who have been awarded $500 McPhail Scholarships in support of their academic and vocational journeys. Their dedication, character, and potential are an inspiration to our entire church community. 2025 Scholarship Recipients: Adelina Carrettin Ronan Carrettin Marie Dzeukou Victoria Gorby Naomi Hughes Nnaji Bennett LaGrone Loic Mimche (Nephew of Leonie) Jade Adams Noons May these scholarships be a sign of our love, our prayers, and our belief in your bright future. Go with our blessing!   Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts.   Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     Men's Fellowship Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 25, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. Here is what the Men's Group has recently accomplished and is currently working on: Children’s Sunday School room has been freshly painted—thank you to Tad, Michael, Franklin, and James for their help! Upcoming tasks include cabinet repairs, whiteboard installation, and upgrading to LED lighting. Furniture marked for heavy trash has been cleared out. In the church office building, hallway and office lights have been updated thanks to Glen’s discovery of a more affordable LED source and Bill's help with installation. HVAC filter replacement is underway, with three out of four units complete—thanks to Glen, Ken, Dan, and Bill. Plans are forming for a regular maintenance schedule, including checking fan belts. Cleanup is also needed in the air handler room near the sanctuary and the shed by Building 2. First aid kits and AEDs need review and restocking. In the computer room, now cleared of excess furniture, file cabinets will be sorted and possibly digitized. Lastly, the choir room’s AC vents may be replaced for quieter operation. Thank you to the Men's Group and all who are helping keep our facilities safe, efficient, and welcoming! Vacation Bible School Miracles Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at St. John’s as we explore the wonder of God’s miraculous love! Our 2025 Vacation Bible School, “Miracles” will dive into the scriptural stories of miracles—Old and New Testament alike—through engaging lessons, joyful music, hands-on crafts, and shared meals. Children, youth, and adults will all have a place in this intergenerational experience designed to foster faith, fellowship, and fun. We’ll begin Friday evening with dinner and activities, and continue Saturday with a full day of worshipful learning, food, and celebration. We’ll also follow Jesus’ example by donating food items to help feed our neighbors. Registration is just $5 per person (plus a non-perishable food donation). Invite your neighbors, bring your family, and join us for a weekend of awe and joy!     Congratulations to Lucia Alejandre! Lucia Alejandre, daughter of Julia and Mateo, granddaughter of Linda and George Dobbin, graduated this spring from Davis Elementary School in Austin. She will be starting middle school this fall at Lamar Fine Arts Academy. We celebrate this milestone with Lucia and her proud family!   Sunday Afternoon Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel Want to study a good book? Join this study group,. There are copies of the book Unbinding the Gospel in the narthex. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for Zoom link.     With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.  Glen Risley, health concerns Bob Jump and the Jump family Evie Nielson Family of Barm Alsbrook, death in family in Tennessee Holly Darr Royal Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister Family of George Dobbin Family of Bob Hughes Paula Jean Reeves, daughter of Nina Jean Patterson Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio Those looking for a job Ross Chitwood and his spouse, friends of Mark Swindler St. Johns College Students Raina bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes New 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.   July Birthdays 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) Anniversaries James and Libby Adams (July 1) Brad and Fran Urquhart (July 27) Doug and Teresa Darr (July 29) Calendar Wednesday, June 25 6:30 pm Men’s Group, Session Room Thursday, June 26 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, June 28 1:00 pm Memorial Service for George Dobbin Sunday, June 29, Third Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Church Calendar Wednesday, June 25 6:30 pm Men’s Group, Session Room Thursday, June 26 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, June 28 1:00 pm Memorial Service for George Dobbin Sunday, June 29, Third Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 11:00 am Breakfast of Champions Food Drive in Narthex 1:30 pm Book Study: Unbinding the Gospel, Zoom Coming Events Sat, June 28, 1 pm, Memorial Service for George Dobbin Sun, July 13, 12:00 pm, Brunch hosted by Faith in Action and Buildings and Grounds Committees Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sun, Sept 28, 12:00 pm, Pot Luck Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/   2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary   Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.

Why Preach a Series on Living the Lord’s Prayer? Each Sunday, many of us recite the Lord’s Prayer by heart—its words familiar, its rhythm steady. But what if Jesus never meant for us to simply recite this prayer? What if He meant for us to live it? That’s the heartbeat of our summer sermon series, Living the Lord’s Prayer. We’re slowing down and stretching out the prayer Jesus gave us, exploring not only its theology but its invitation to transformation. Each petition becomes a window into a deeper spiritual reality: calling God “Our Father” draws us into intimacy; “Hallowed be Thy name” calls us to reflect divine holiness; “Thy kingdom come” stirs us to justice, mercy, and hope. These are not just prayers to pray—they are ways of being to embody. Preaching this series over several weeks allows each phrase to resonate in our hearts and lives. It’s a sacred unhurriedness—giving God room to move, breathe, and shape us one petition at a time. In a culture that rushes, this is a slow walk with Jesus. This prayer was never meant to stay on our lips alone. It’s meant to echo in our choices, in our relationships, in how we forgive and how we trust. The goal isn’t just to say it better, but to live it more fully. Come with us on this journey. Let the Lord’s Prayer become the Lord’s Presence, shaping your life from the inside out. With hope and joy, Pastor Jon   Sweet Thanks for a Joyful Father’s Day We’re grateful to Barm and Karen Alsbrook for providing the delicious cupcakes that sweetened our Father’s Day celebration in the narthex after worship last Sunday. Their thoughtful hospitality helped create a warm and festive atmosphere for all. Thank you, Barm and Karen, for adding such joy to our time together! Want a St. John’s T-shirt? The Caring and Fellowship Committee is taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family on the order forms in the Narthex! Please put your name, phone number, and the number and sizes you need. The order forms are located on the same table as the “These Days” books are on. We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts. Celebrating Our 2025 Confirmands On June 8, our sanctuary brimmed with gratitude as we welcomed the 2025 Confirmation class—Mya Noons-Adams, Zafirah Diabate, and Sabrina Sen-Roy—into full membership. Over the past months these remarkable young disciples have wrestled with Scripture, voiced courageous questions, and woven deep bonds of fellowship. Their public “yes” to Christ rekindles in all of us the wonder of baptismal promises and the call to lifelong growth. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Bill Ehrenstrom and Mary Gaber, whose patient teaching and wise mentorship shepherded this journey. Their devotion reminds us that faith is best nurtured side-by-side, one story and one prayer at a time. May we continue to surround our newest members with encouragement, prayer, and love as they step boldly into the next chapter of discipleship. Want a St. John’s T-shirt? In the near future, the Caring and Fellowship Committee will be taking orders for more St. John’s T-shirts which will be the same stained-glass white shirt design. You can place your order for shirts for you and the entire family! We will be asking for a “Love Offering” to offset the purchase price of the shirts. More information will be forthcoming soon.   A Joyous Union: Celebrating the Marriage of Isabelle Mulder & Nick Boswell With hearts full of gratitude, we joyfully announce and celebrate the holy covenant of marriage between Isabelle and Nick Boswell, joined in matrimony on May 3rd amid the hill-country beauty of Marble Falls. Surrounded by family and friends, they pledged their vows and stepped forward together into a life of faithful partnership. This summer brings the next chapter of their shared journey: following Isabelle’s completion of her OB-Gyn residency in Dallas, the couple will relocate to Seattle, where Isabelle has been awarded a prestigious three-year fellowship in Maternal–Fetal Medicine. Nick will continue his calling as a practicing psychiatrist, offering compassionate care to those in need. As they cross this threshold—from wedding aisle to new city, from training to professional service—may we lift them in prayer, asking God to bless their home with wisdom, tenderness, and steadfast hope. May their gifts of healing mind and body shine brightly in their new community, and may their marriage be a living testimony to the grace that binds us all in love. Breakfast of Champions: Summer Food Drive in the Narthex This summer, St. John’s is launching our Breakfast of Champions Food Drive—a special mission to make mornings brighter and bellies fuller for those facing food insecurity in our community. Each Sunday, we invite you to bring breakfast items and place them in the red cart in the narthex. These gifts will go directly to nourish children, seniors, and families who might otherwise start their day with an empty plate. Why breakfast? Because it matters. It fuels young minds for learning, lifts adult spirits for work, and helps our elders maintain strength and health. Yet for many, breakfast is the first meal to be skipped when money runs short. Our drive is focused on collecting shelf-stable, nutritious morning foods such as oatmeal, cereal, nut butters, granola bars, dried or canned fruits, protein shakes, pancake mix, muffin mix, and low-sugar juices and jams. When you place a box of cereal or a jar of peanut butter in that red cart, you’re doing more than filling a pantry—you’re extending grace, offering energy, and saying, “You matter.” Together, we’re building a foundation of compassion, one breakfast at a time. Let’s fill that red cart with love, generosity, and the joy of giving all summer long.     Men's Fellowship Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 11, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects.   Ready to Tie One On?? Come to Room 203 on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 – 12:00! That’s right, we will be tying knots on fleece fabric to create blankets. Fleece will be provided, but if you have fleece you want us to work on, feel free to bring it. No experience necessary. Please bring your own scissors! See you on Saturday, June 21 to Tie One On!   Vacation Bible School 2025: Miracles Friday, July 25 (5:00–8:00 PM) & Saturday, July 26 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at St. John’s as we explore the wonder of God’s miraculous love! Our 2025 Vacation Bible School, “Miracles” will dive into the scriptural stories of miracles—Old and New Testament alike—through engaging lessons, joyful music, hands-on crafts, and shared meals. Children, youth, and adults will all have a place in this intergenerational experience designed to foster faith, fellowship, and fun. We’ll begin Friday evening with dinner and activities, and continue Saturday with a full day of worshipful learning, food, and celebration. We’ll also follow Jesus’ example by donating food items to help feed our neighbors. Registration is just $5 per person (plus a non-perishable food donation). Invite your neighbors, bring your family, and join us for a weekend of awe and joy!     Hover to Discover: A Simple Email Safety Tip — by Dan Herron While browsing YouTube the other day, I stumbled across a helpful reminder: try hovering your cursor to reveal more information—especially in email. To hover means to position your computer cursor over an item (such as a name, image, or icon) without clicking on it. I started doing this because I was receiving emails from unknown sources and wanted to know who was really behind them. When I hovered over the sender’s name, a different address appeared—sometimes one I definitely didn’t want to engage with! Here’s how to “hover”: When viewing your list of incoming emails, place your cursor over the sender’s name (without clicking). Wait a moment. The real sender’s email address should pop up. For example, you might see an email from “Santa,” but when you hover, it reveals something like @example.com. Yikes! These hidden email addresses can help you decide whether to open or delete the message. Press Esc to exit, or right-click for more options. Hovering also works in other places—webpages, apps, even file icons. It’s a simple way to stay alert, safe, and informed. — Dan Herron   Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.  Bob Jump and the Jump family Evie Nielson Karen Allsbrook Holly Darr Royal Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister Family of George Dobbin Family of Bob Hughes Paula Jean Reeves, daughter of Nina Jean Patterson Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio Those looking for a job Ross Chitwood and his spouse, friends of Mark Swindler St. Johns College Students Raina bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes New 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.   June Birthdays Lynne Parsons Austin (June 6) Jacob Ehrenstrom (June 6) Leonie Tchoconte (June 6) Glen Risley (June 8) Bill Ehrenstrom (June 9) Jan Herbert and Holly Royal (June 11) Phyllis Freeman (June 13) Ekong O. Ukpabio (June 15) Gabrielle Williams (June 21) Tina Jump (June 22) Kristel Maguy Sio (June 22) Pete Sparaco (June 22) Sue Benn (June 23) Anne and Lisa Okwudiri (June 24) Steve Jump (June 26) Sarah Dickson (June 27) Anniversaries Michael and Felicity Bisase (June 2) Jonathan and Rebecca Amador Hughes (June 3) Ben and Jennifer Carrettin (June 27) *Note: If we did not list your May birthday or anniversary or listed the wrong date, please reply and let us know. Church Calendar Thursday, June 19 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, June 21, 10 am, “Tie On One” Blanket Craft, Room 203 Sunday, June 22, Second Sunday after Pentecost 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 12:00 pm Girl Scout Event, McPhail Hall Coming Events Sat, June 28, 1 pm, Memorial Service for George Dobbin Fri, July 25 and Sat, July 26, Vacation Bible School Sat, Aug. 10, Caring and Fellowship Committee Meeting, Rm. 203 Sun, Aug 17, Choir Brunch Sat, Oct. 4, Presbytery training event in McPhail Hall Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/   2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary   Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle, kindly email Pastor Jon directly. Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.