The Epistle

November 26, 2025 

St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston

By Pastor Jon Burnham

Message from Pastor Jon

Dear St. John's Family,

What a wonderful Stewardship Sunday we had at St. John’s!

Our annual congregational meeting gave us a chance to reflect on God’s faithfulness this past year and dream together about the ministry ahead.

Then we brought forward our pledge cards for 2026. The total from Sunday is $274,084 for our 2026 church budget and $54,470 for our capital improvements campaign. This is a great start for our stewardship campaign from those who attended the service. We expect some more gifts to come in between now and Christmas and will report them occasionally as they arrive.

Finally, we gathered for our BBQ stewardship brunch, which is always one of my favorite times. There’s something special about breaking bread together after worship and conversation about the life of our church. And I have to say, I was genuinely surprised and touched by the cake in my honor. Thank you to everyone who made that happen. Your kindness means more than you know.

Days like last Sunday remind me why I love serving this congregation. We’re not the biggest church in Houston, but we know how to gather, celebrate, and take care of each other. That’s what authentic Christian community looks like.

Grateful to serve alongside all of you.

In Christ, 

Pastor Jon

A Thanksgiving Prayer 

Toward Advent

The frost lies on the pumpkin, 

the shocks stand in the field,

Yet Houston’s live-oaks murmur 

what winter has not sealed.

We thank Thee, Lord of Harvest, 

who bids the small seed rise,

For Ruth who gleaned salvation 

beneath Messianic skies.

We bless Thee for the plenty 

that Joseph once stored deep,

For manna in the desert, 

for Christ the Bread we keep;

Yet while the table groans 

we hear the watchman’s cry ring clear:

“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! 

The reaping time is near!”

Forgive our timid trembling 

when clouds withhold the rain;

Remind us Thou art coming 

to gather in Thy grain.

Keep St. John’s lamps all burning, 

our hearts awake and bright,

Till sickles gleam at midnight 

and first-fruits leap to light.

Amen.

—The Pilgrim Pastor Jon,

St. John’s Presbyterian Church

Houston, Texas | Thanksgiving 2025

Preparing Our Hearts for Advent: 

A Journey Through John’s Gospel

Advent always begins quietly. A few candles. A simple prayer. A room slowly filling with hope. Every year our church family gathers around that soft light and remembers that God comes to us gently before God comes to us brightly.

This year our Advent worship traces the story of Christ through the Gospel of John. John does not rush. He does not start with shepherds or stables. He begins with the mystery behind everything. It is a beautiful way for us to slow down together and let the season do its work on our hearts.

November 30

First Sunday of Advent

“In the Beginning Was the Word”

We start where Scripture starts. John’s soaring opening lines echo the very first breath of creation in Genesis. When we hear those verses side by side, something deep wakes up in us. Advent reminds us that Christ is not just born into the world. Christ is the One through whom the world was born. Light steps into our darkness again and again, and this Sunday we let that truth settle into our bones.

December 7

Second Sunday of Advent

“The Voice Crying Out: Prepare the Way”

John the Baptist shows up with his wild warning and Isaiah’s ancient promise humming behind him. Advent has a way of clearing out the spiritual clutter. John’s voice still cuts through the noise of our modern world, reminding us that preparation is more than decorating a house. It is opening a life. It is making room for God to do something new.

December 14

Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday

“The Joy of Living Water”

Tradition calls this the Sunday of Joy, and joy arrives in an unexpected place: a tired woman at a well, and a Savior who sees her story before she speaks a word. This is one of the most tender passages in the Gospel. Jesus offers living water to a woman who has been judged, avoided, and misunderstood. That same living water still reaches thirsty souls today. We will celebrate joy that does not depend on circumstance but flows from Christ himself.

December 21

Fourth Sunday of Advent

“The Light of the World Has Come”

As Christmas draws near, we turn to Jesus’ own words. I am the light of the world. Isaiah’s prophecy rises alongside it like a sunrise. Nations shall come to your light. This Sunday carries a quiet strength. Darkness does not get the final say. Light has already stepped into the world, and it shines in ways that shape our hope for the year ahead.

December 24

Christmas Eve

“The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us”

Christmas Eve brings all the threads together. The mystery of John. The longing of Isaiah. The hope of Advent. And finally, the Word made flesh, living among ordinary people in ordinary places. We will light the Christ candle and welcome the One who still comes close. Our sanctuary fills with candles, quiet wonder, and the song that has carried generations through the night.

My hope is that this season gives you more than a schedule of Sundays. I pray it gives you rest. I pray it gives you clarity. I pray it gives you the deep sense that God is drawing near to you and to our church in ways we can feel if we slow down long enough to notice.

Come join us for this journey. Bring a friend or a family member who needs a little light. Advent begins this Sunday, and it is always a gift to walk through it together.

Happy Birthday

Kelsey Wiltz (Dec 3)

Lisa Sparaco and Jarrett Lindsey (Dec 4)

Isabelle Mulder (Dec 19)

Katie Hartzog (Dec 20)

Mary Gaber (Dec 24)

Robert Glover (Dec 30)

Happy Anniversary

Wright Williams and Michelle Byron (Dec 1)

Virgil and Lynne Fisher (Dec 2)

Robert and Offiong Glover (Dec 12)

Tom and Claire MacAdam (Dec 17)

James and Diane Ragan (Dec 19)

Mike and Kay Swint (Dec 19)

David and Christine Nelson (Dec 26)

Stewart and Pauline Hall (Dec 28)

Glen Risley and Mary Plail (Dec 29)

Church Calendar

Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day, church office closed

 5:00 pm  Exercise Class, Building 2

Saturday, November 29

10:00 am  Advent Decoration Festival, Sanctuary

Sunday, November 30, First Sunday of Advent 

 9:30 am  Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room

11:00 am  Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook

 1:30 pm  Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom

Welcome New Elders

Mary Gaber, Elder for Christian Education/Christian Formation

Ann Hardy, Elder for Finance and Stewardship -- to serve one year

(to complete Barm Alsbrook’s term due to anticipated move)

Peter Sparaco, Elder for Faith and Action

Tina Jump, Elder for Fellowship and Caring

2026 Nominating Committee Members

The church members were voted in as our 2026 members of the Nominating Committee to represent the Session. Thank you to Ken Krueger, Flo Logan and Leonie Tchoconte.

Education Building Plumbing Repair Update

Church family, a quick update on the plumbing repair project in our Education Building.

As many of you remember, our first estimate earlier this fall came in at more than one hundred forty thousand dollars. Before making any decision, the One Hope Preschool Task Force brought in a residential plumber for a more careful evaluation. That second assessment showed the problem was far less serious than we feared, and the accurate repair cost is thirty eight thousand five hundred dollars. The funds are coming from our Capital Improvements Fund.

Work began on Monday. If everything continues at the current pace, the repair should be completed by next Monday. This timing allows One Hope Preschool to stay on its regular schedule with as little disruption as possible.

Thank you for your steady support through these needed improvements. Caring for our buildings is part of caring for our mission. These rooms hold our preschoolers during the week and support ministry throughout the year, so keeping the space safe and healthy is a gift to everyone who walks through our doors.

If you have questions, I am always glad to talk.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jon

What is the Gospel?

If someone asked you to explain the Gospel, what would you say?  As Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15, are you always prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in you?  The CE Committee is offering an in-depth study of the Gospel on 13 Dec that will address the following topics: the reality of sin and the certainty of judgment; the incredible gift of forgiveness and mercy found in Christ; how we should respond to the gospel personally; and how we can be equipped to share this good news with others. It is a time to grow in understanding, deepen faith, and be strengthened for evangelism, so that the message of God’s grace may reach hearts in need.  The class will start at 8:30 am and end at 2 pm.  Lunch will be provided.  Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the narthex so we know how much food and study materials to prepare.  Hope to see you there!

Stewardship Update for St. John's Presbyterian Church in Westbury

Friends, what a joyful Sunday this has been. The numbers tell part of the story, but the heart behind them tells even more.

Our church family pledged a total of 274,084 dollars for ministry in the coming year. That represents trust, gratitude, and a shared belief that God is not finished with St. John’s. On top of that, another 54,470 dollars was committed for capital improvements, which means we can take care of this sacred place that has cared for so many of us.

Thank you for giving with such warmth and faith. Thank you for showing that a small, committed community can do beautiful things together. And thank you for believing in the mission God has set before us. The road ahead is bright, and we will walk it together.

In Memory of Dan Person

Our congregation received sad news this week from Ben Carretin. Our friend and long-time member, Dan Person, passed away early this morning. JP asked that we share this with the St. John’s family so that all who knew Dan may hold his loved ones in prayer.

Many of you remember Dan and Beth from their years here. Dan was an accountant by trade, and he poured his gifts into the life of our church. He taught classes in the Harris County jail for years, offering dignity and hope to men who rarely received either. He and Beth opened their home again and again, hosting pool parties and countless gatherings for the youth of St. John’s. He met people with a smile that always seemed a little brighter than the room, and he had a way of turning most situations toward hope.

Dan and Beth eventually retired to Victoria and later to Marble Falls, but their fingerprints remain on the story of St. John’s. 

We have learned that Dan had been struggling with pneumonia for some time. Please keep Beth and their family in your prayers. Notes of sympathy may be sent to:

Beth and Dan Person

204 Standing Rock Ln.

Marble Falls, TX 78654

bperson2@gmail.com

May God surround Beth with comfort, and may we give thanks for the life of a man who brought joy wherever he went

.

Cure for Freezing Liquids in Cars

By Dan Herron

About freezing liquids in cars, how to test radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid. Check into computer articles to learn how to do these steps.  Then cold weather won’t freeze those fluids which causes them to swell up and damage engines and crack hoses.

In your car, you should do two things before cold weather.

1.    Radiator.  When it is not hot, open the radiator and do the things that are recommended.  There is an instrument called a coolant hydrometer that checks for how much anti-freeze is in the water. Figure out how to add this anti-icing to the radiator.  Danger with this kind of thing because that anti-freeze fluid is poisonous and may be boiling hot. Never open a hot radiator or you’ll get sprayed and burned!

2.  The windshield washer fluid.  This should be a mixture of special anti-freezing fluid and water.  I buy zero degree fluid. In your car, this is not hot, but it is a chemical that needs proper handling to prevent any spills. And proper disposal.

Peace,

Pastor Jon

St. John's Presbyterian Church is located at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue in Houston. Our Christmas Eve Family Service begins at 5:00 PM on December 24th. For those unable to attend in person, consider joining us for regular Sunday worship at 11:00 AM, where you'll find the same commitment to authentic, participatory worship throughout the year. Learn more about our community at [Bible Study Houston: Where to Find Scripture Study That Goes Deeper] or discover [What Makes Presbyterian Worship Unique].