The Epistle for November 12, 2025
Dear St. John's Family,
This Sunday marks Stewardship Sunday, the culmination of our Kingdom Stewardship sermon series. Over these past weeks, we've walked through Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount together. We've explored what it means to be blessed so we can bless others, to be salt and light in our community, to store up treasures in heaven rather than here, and to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ the King. These aren't just nice ideas for Sunday morning. They're the foundation for how we live Monday through Saturday, including how we handle the resources God has entrusted to us.
I want to be honest with you about stewardship. When we talk about pledging, we're not fundraising for programs or trying to keep the lights on (though those things matter too). We're talking about something deeper. Where we put our money reveals where our hearts are, as Jesus said. When you fill out that pledge card, you're not just supporting a budget. You're saying yes to being part of God's work through St. John's in southwest Houston. You're investing in mission work that feeds our neighbors, supports single parent families through PCHAS, cares for kids in Uganda, and builds authentic Christian community right here in Meyerland and Westbury.
So this Sunday, bring your pledge card with you. If you forgot to fill one out or never got one, we'll have extras available before the service. During the offering, bring it forward as an act of worship. Don't worry about the amount being too small. God cares about faithful hearts, not impressive numbers. And if you're still praying about what to pledge, that's okay too. Take your time. The important thing is that we're all wrestling with what faithful stewardship looks like in our own lives. That's exactly what this series has been about.
In Christ,
Pastor Jon
Annual Congregational Meeting
This Sunday after Worship
Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday for our annual congregational meeting, which will take place before the Stewardship Brunch. This important gathering gives us the opportunity to review our church's financial plans for the coming year and ensure strong leadership for our congregation.
During the meeting, the Session will present the 2026 church budget for your review. We will also vote to approve Pastor Jon's Terms of Call for 2026. Additionally, the Nominating Committee will present their slate of nominees for elders and for next year's Nominating Committee members. Your presence and participation in this meeting help shape the future of our church family at St. John's Presbyterian.
We hope to see you there!
Holiday Gift Market:
A Beautiful Success
Our recent Holiday Gift Market raised $21,750 for local charities and small businesses. The bulk of that amount ($18,749) went directly to the non-profit organizations we partner with throughout the year, while our vendors (mostly mom-and-pop crafters and small businesses) collected $2,751. These numbers may increase slightly as final tallies come in, but the impact is already clear. When we create opportunities to support both our mission partners and our neighbors trying to make a living through their craft, everybody wins.
The feedback from participants tells a story that goes beyond the numbers. Vendors told us they appreciated being part of an event that supports charitable work, not just commerce. Visitors loved the "Buy a Gift, Give a Gift" opportunity, and several people commented on how friendly our congregation is. Two new visitors mentioned they came specifically because they saw our sign, and they called the event "a very nice outreach to the community." That's exactly what we hope for: a church that serves its neighborhood in practical, welcoming ways.
This event succeeded because so many of you showed up. Our Faith in Action Committee worked hard to pull it all together. Others donated time to set up and tear down, staff the kitchen, and bring food. To everyone who participated in any way, thank you. You helped make this a genuine expression of who we are as a church: people who worship God by meeting real needs in real ways. That's mission work that matters.
Special thanks this year to Omar Ayah, Moderator of Faith in Action, for leading this mission project, with substantial support from Kay Swint and the other members of Faith in Action Committee, the Session, church membership, and friends of St. John’s.
Advent Decorating Day
In the Sanctuary the Saturday after Thanksgiving
We're decorating the sanctuary for Advent on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10 a.m., and we need your help.
There's something good about getting our hands busy together while we prepare our worship space for the season of waiting. We'll hang garlands and wreaths, add pinecones and ribbons, and make the sanctuary ready to welcome Christ's coming.
This is one of those mornings where the work itself becomes worship. You'll visit with friends while you're tying bows. You'll catch up with people you haven't seen in a while while you're hanging greenery. And somewhere in the middle of all that ordinary work, the sanctuary becomes beautiful and your own heart shifts into Advent mode.
No special skills required. Just show up ready to help however you can. We'll provide the decorations, the ladder, and the coffee.
See you Saturday morning, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Advent Poinsettias
Starting this Sunday, you can order poinsettias for $12 each. These plants serve three purposes at once.
First, they support Brookwood, a facility in Brookshire that provides education, housing, and jobs for adults with disabilities. We've partnered with them for years, and buying these plants directly helps their mission.
Second, they'll decorate our sanctuary through Advent and Christmas, adding color and life to our worship space during the season when we prepare for Christ's coming.
Third, after the Christmas Eve service, you take them home. Simple as that.
A sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Write your name, how many plants you want, and whether you're dedicating them in memory or honor of someone. We'll print those dedications in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
The poinsettias will arrive in time to decorate the sanctuary for the first Sunday of Advent. You can pick them up after the Christmas Eve service ends, or we'll save them for you to collect later if you need to leave early.
Twelve dollars. Good cause. Beautiful sanctuary. Flowers for your home.
That's the deal.
Farewell to Mel
Mel, we are going to miss you. Your pew seat may be empty here in Houston, but your presence will stay with us every Sunday morning. I am grateful you will still be part of our worship through the livestream. That feels right for a friend as steady as you.
May God bless you as you settle in with your family in Minnesota. New season, new home, same faithful God. We will hold you in prayer, and you will carry a piece of St. John's with you wherever you go.
Pastor Jon
CE Committee meets
Sunday after worship
The Christian Education-Formation Committee will meet during or after the Stewardship Celebration Lunch on Sunday, November 23. If you're interested in shaping our church's educational ministries for all ages, join us for this brief gathering.
Healing Hearts
a St. John's New Ministry
of Care and Encouragement
Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer
Healing Hearts, a grief and bereavement support group. Led by Lisa Sparaco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and member of our church, this group will provide a safe and faith-filled space for sharing stories, receiving encouragement, and walking together through seasons of loss. This is not a therapy group, but a ministry of care and prayer for all who grieve.
Healing Hearts is open both to members of St. John’s and to the wider community. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors who may need such support. Meetings will take place in the Prayer Room, on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM and the last Monday of each month from 11:00 AM–12:00 Noon. This schedule provides both an evening option for those who work during the day and a daytime option for those who prefer not to drive at night.
Men of the Church in Southwest Houston
Due to the holiday schedule of the participants, the next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 3 December at 6:30 PM in the Session Room.
The Way of Discernment
Sunday afternoon Zoom Class in 77096
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. 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.
Dealing with Social Security Service online
by Dan Herron
There are several reasons that you might need to log onto the Social Security website.
You’ll need an account at “Login.gov.” This requires a user ID, your SS number, a password, a way for them to send you sign in instructions, a security validation, etc.
When you your set up with user ID and password, the system asks for a “secondary security number.” This is usually a telephone number. It can be your home number or a cellphone number. When you start to log in they send you a 6 digit “single use code” on that second security phone number. Use this to complete your login. They will also want an email address to use to verify your ID.
With a good setup, you can log in and check or update your information. SSA will communicate with you by using your account information that you have provided.
Try out these ideas to set up and then use your online account to log in. Get a friend’s help if you need it.
Once you are logged in you can do your required business with the Social Security Administration.
Name SS number Telephone number
__________ ___-__-___ ___-___-______
Email Address ____________
Good Luck,
Dan Herron
Prayer List
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
- Nijel Bennet-LaGrone, health
- Summer Pavani, Deena Ghattas and Chris Hanneken, Health concerns (friends of Lisa Sparaco)
- Mike Swint in the loss of his sister, Chris Borton
- Family and friends of Christine Perci (friend of Pete and Grace Sparaco)
- Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery
- Mary Hughes, recovering from shoulder surgery
- Holly Darr, health concerns
- Karen Alsbrook, health
- Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns
- Glen Risley, health concerns
- Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister
- Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio
- Those looking for a job
- St. Johns College Students
- Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes
- One Hope Preschool families and staff
Caring for One Another in Prayer near me 77035
Our prayer list is a vital way we support one another, lifting up joys and concerns before God. From time to time, we update the list to ensure it reflects current needs. If a name has been removed and you would like it added back, please reply to this email and let us know who they are and why you would like them included. Your input helps us pray more intentionally and stay connected to those in need of ongoing support. Thank you for being part of this ministry of care and intercession.
Prayer List Update –
How Can We Pray for You?
As part of our commitment to intentional and meaningful prayer, we periodically refresh our prayer list to ensure we are staying connected with those who need support. If you or someone you previously requested would like to remain on the prayer list, or if you have a new name to add, please reply to this email and let us know.
We are grateful for the opportunity to pray with and for you.
Happy Birthday
Marie Dzeukou (Leonie’s cousin) (Nov 9)
Becky Crawford (Nov 10)
Virginia Krueger (Nov 12)
Mary Herlitz (Nov 14)
Libby Adams (Nov 15)
Ann Hardy (Nov 16)
Janice, Ike and Udi Johnson (Nov 17)
Jackson Burnham (Nov 20)
Naomi Hughes (Nov 20)
Mary Plail Risley (Nov 22)
Jim Austin (Nov 29)
Scott Moore (Nov 29)
Happy Anniversary
Peter and Grace Sparaco (Nov 28)
Church Calendar for St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas
Thursday, November 20
5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2
Sunday, November 23, Christ the King Sunday, Stewardship Sunday
9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room
11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
12:00 pm Stewardship Brunch
1:30 pm Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom
Sun, Nov 16, Holiday Gift Market, McPhail Hall, Noon-2PM
Sun, Nov 23, Congregational Meeting; Stewardship Brunch
Mon, Nov 24, Healing Hearts, 11 AM, Prayer Room, Church Office Building
Thur, Nov 27, Thanksgiving Holiday, Church Office Closed
Sat, Nov 29, Advent Decoration Festival, Sanctuary, 10AM-Noon
Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent, Sanctuary, 11AM Worship
Wed, Dec 3, Men’s Group, 6:30 pm, Session Room
Sat, Dec 13, “What is the Gospel” Class, Session Room, Session Room, 9 AM
Wed, Dec 24, Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary 7 pm
Church Calendar Online
For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/
2025 Session Members and Roles
St. John's Presbyterian Church near Willow Meadows
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
Concluding "Kingdom Stewardship:
Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount"
This Sunday marks the conclusion of our sermon series, "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount." Over these past weeks, we've explored how Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapters 5 through 7 reshape our understanding of faithful living. This hasn't been your typical stewardship campaign focused solely on church budgets. Instead, we've examined how God calls us to steward everything: our blessings, our influence in the community, our resources, our relationships, and our faith itself.
The Sermon on the Mount challenges comfortable assumptions. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow while also teaching us to plan wisely. He calls us to radical generosity while modeling simplicity in his own life. He promises that God provides for those who seek his kingdom first, then asks us to examine where our real treasures lie. These tensions don't resolve easily. They require wrestling with what faithful stewardship actually looks like when you're trying to follow Jesus in southwest Houston on a Tuesday morning.
Throughout this series, we've paired Jesus' words with Old Testament passages that reveal God's consistent call to his people across generations. We celebrated All Saints' Day by remembering those who stewarded their faith before us, and this Sunday we conclude on Christ the King Sunday, recognizing that all our stewardship flows from acknowledging Christ's lordship over every area of life. When we build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ the King, stewardship stops being a burden and becomes our response to grace.
If these sermons have stirred something in you, if you want to remember what we've covered or dive deeper into these kingdom principles, I've written a book that expands on this material. "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount" is available on Amazon. It includes reflection questions, practical applications, and biblical insights that take the Sunday morning conversations into your daily life. Think of it as a companion for continuing the journey we've started together.
🕯️ Advent Sermon Series
"The Word Made Flesh:
Advent Reflections from the Gospel of John"
Advent 2025 Sermon Series
Anticipating the celebration of Jesus' birth, we reflect on the abundant grace we receive through Him. John emphasizes that from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. Psalm 98 calls us to sing a new song for the marvelous things God has done. This sermon series encourages us to live in the reality of God's grace, allowing it to transform us and inspire gratitude and praise. As we move into a new year, we are challenged to carry the message of God's grace into the world.
This Advent series is designed to guide the congregation through a thoughtful and meaningful preparation for Christmas. Each week builds upon the previous, drawing us deeper into the mystery of the Word made flesh. By focusing on the themes of light, joy, preparation, and grace, we are encouraged to embrace the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, allowing these truths to impact our lives and relationships.
St. John's Presbyterian Church near Reliant Stadium
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
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Westbury
Bible Study & Faith Formation Groups
1. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
- Time: Sundays at 9:30 AM
- Location: In-person at church
- Description: Adult class that studies the sermon passage before worship. Helps participants understand Scripture and shapes how they hear the sermon. Open to visitors without needing to fill out forms or commit immediately.
2. Sunday Afternoon Zoom Study
- Time: Sundays at 1:30 PM
- Location: Zoom (virtual)
- Description: Tackles books and topics requiring sustained attention. Recently studied "The Way of Discernment" by Steve Doughty. Focuses on deep questions about following God's will, spiritual discernment, and making faithful life decisions. Small group format where everyone participates.
3. Tuesday Afternoon Women's Study
- Time: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM
- Location: Zoom (virtual)
- Description: Long-standing women's group studying Christian books, praying together, and supporting each other through life's challenges. Not a stereotypical "ladies' Bible study" but rather women asking tough questions and wanting faith that matters in real life. Mothers, professionals, retirees, and caregivers dealing with aging parents, marriages, careers, and health issues.
4. Men's Group (Wednesday Evening)
- Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM (one hour or so)
- Location: In-person at church
- Description: Men dig into Scripture with focus and energy. They also hold each other accountable and pray for each other's struggles. They work on practical service projects such as upgrading lights are also on the agenda. Designed to respect men's time and intelligence.
5. Children's Bible Study
- Time: Sundays at 11:00 AM (during worship service)
- Location: Church office building
- Description: Age-appropriate Bible study for children that helps them engage with Scripture at their level. Not childcare but actual faith development that takes children seriously while allowing parents to focus on worship.
Exercise & Wellness Groups near Meyerland
6. Stay Young, Stay Strong
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 PM
- Location: Room 209, Building 2
- Description: Strength training class based on Miriam E. Nelson's book "Strong Women Stay Slim." Weights provided.
Fellowship Groups near me in Bellaire
7. St John's Friends United (Older Adults Group)
- Time: Monthly luncheons (contact office for schedule)
- Location: Various
- Description: Group for older adults featuring trips and monthly luncheons with programs and meals.
To join any of these groups, contact:
The church is located at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035
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