October 15, 2025
Kingdom Stewardship:
Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount
Here's what most people miss: Stewardship doesn't begin with what you give. It begins with how you see.
When Jesus says "Blessed are the poor in spirit," he's talking about people who've come to the end of themselves. People who've stopped pretending they're self-made. People who realize everything they have, everything they are, is gift.
That's not weakness. That's clarity.
Look at every Beatitude. Each one describes someone recognizing their need:
- Poor in spirit: "I don't have it all figured out"
- Those who mourn: "I've experienced real loss"
- The meek: "I'm not in control"
- Those who hunger and thirst: "I'm desperate for something real"
These aren't problems to solve. They're doorways to kingdom life. They're invitations to stop trying to be God and start trusting God.
I've been in ministry long enough to notice something: The most generous people aren't usually the wealthiest. They're the ones who've been broken open by grace. They know what it's like to be spiritually empty and then filled. To mourn and then be comforted. To hungerand then be satisfied.
They've tasted the kingdom, and now they can't stop sharing it.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jon
Welcome, Ellie Jane Ehrenstrom!
We celebrate the joyful news of new life on October 7!
Ellie Jane Ehrenstrom was born in Kansas City to Kate Schuller and Brendan Ehrenstrom, beloved grandchild of Bill Ehrenstrom and Mindi Stanley.
We give thanks to God for Ellie’s safe arrival and pray for health, peace, and abundant love for this growing family. May her days be filled with laughter and grace, and may her life reflect the light of Christ in every season.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
— James 1:17
Apostle's Creed Class
We recite the Apostle’s Creed every Sunday in church. It is an ancient creed – it first appears in a form close to what we recite in 341AD. The creed summarizes essential doctrines and serves as a unifying symbol across various Christian denominations. However, it is very easy to recite the creed by rote without really understanding the importance of these doctrines to our Christian faith. The CE committee is offering an opportunity to dive into the Apostle’s creed to understand where these doctrine come from and why they are important. The class will be on 18 Oct from 8:30am to 2pm. Lunch will be provided. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex so we can get a good head count for the materials and for lunch. We hope to see you there!
Your Review Helps Others Discover St. John's
Our church website has just received a major upgrade and it’s already bearing fruit. In the past 7 days we have received 1,300 impressions. This means someone looking for a church home in Houston typed into Google a question such as "Find a church near me." That happened 1,300 times in the past 7 days and St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston showed up in the results. Of those, 37 people clicked the link and viewed our church website.
Our church website now features fifteen in-depth articles, each over 2,500 words, exploring who we are, what we believe, and how faith comes alive at St. John’s. That puts us in the Top 5%of all church websites nationwide for substantive content and the library keeps growing each week. It’s a resource not only for our members but also for people all across Houston who are searching for a genuine church home. The articles are on our church website here.
To help more of those seekers find us, we need your voice. We currently have 18 Google Reviews. We need at least 50 Google reviews to bring more seekers to find our church website. These reviews boost how often our site appears when someone searches for a church in the Houston area. If everyone reading this would leave a Google review we would immediately have over 100 reviews and our church website would be boosted beyond belief.
Please take a minute and click the link and leave us a review. If St. John’s has blessed your life, please reflect that generosity in your rating. Five-star reviews make an enormous difference in visibility and outreach. Your few words could be the open door that helps someone new discover our community of faith. Click here and leave us a Google review today. It only takes a few minutes of your time and may make an eternity of difference to someone else.
Healing Hearts:
A New Ministry
of Care and Encouragement
Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Room on Wednesday, October 8th from 7:00PM to 8:00PM
and on Monday, October 27th from 11:00AM to 12:00 Noon.
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, beginning in October 2025, 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
The Men of the Church meets tonight, Wednesday, October 15, at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. All men are welcome to attend.
In the Spirit of St. Francis:
Blessing Our Pets
Rev. Linda Herron stayed busy blessing dogs and cats—some in person, others over cell phones—during our Saturday Blessing of the Animals. (A few were even grand-dogs and grand-cats!) Chloe Kutz made a special in-person appearance, receiving her blessing, a few treats, and plenty of love. Everyone enjoyed a time of warm fellowship.
Pictured are Hans, Jan Herbert’s beautiful orange tabby; Chloe Kutz; Flanders, Rachel Herbert’s pride and joy; and Chaplain Linda. Not pictured are Flanders’ little sister, Topanga; Mary Gaber’s beauty, Trixie; and others who joined in spirit. A heartfelt thank-you to Linda for sharing her time and offering such loving blessings to our cherished furry friends!
This tradition honors St. Francis of Assisi, who saw every creature as a reflection of God’s goodness. We bless our pets to give thanks for the joy, comfort, and unconditional love they bring into our lives. In their own way, they bless us too—teaching us faithfulness, presence, and the grace of simple affection.
One Hope Preschool - Fall Festival Invitation
We’re excited to announce our One Hope Schools Fall Harvest Festival 2025! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8th from 3:00–5:00 PM at: One Hope Preschool (5020 West Bellfort Ave, Bldg 2, Houston, TX 77035).
Get ready for an afternoon full of fun, laughter, and community spirit!
- Bounce House & Petting Zoo
- Face Painting & Balloon Animals
- Games & Activities
- Snow Cones & Snacks
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the season with us.
Thank you from Vivian Ivy
I want to thank all the ladies who worked on my new quilt. It is so pretty and useful. I appreciate your care and support.
With love,
Vivian Ivy
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee for this year is composed of Shirley Boyd, Moderator; Michael Bisase, Clerk; and members Jim Austin, Franklin Caspa, and Wright Williams. If you have a suggestion for someone to serve as elder, please speak with one of them so your candidate may be prayerfully considered. We move forward in trust, asking God to open hearts, provide willing servants, and grant us wisdom in our discernment.
Holiday Gift Market – November 16, 2025
Please bring one guest who isn’t already part of our congregation.
We’re also looking for volunteers to bring soup, potluck style. You can sign up in the Narthex—thank you for helping make this a warm and welcoming event.
Come, participate, and let’s make this year’s Holiday Gift Market a true witness to God’s abundance.
Sunday Afternoon Zoom
Book Study for Adults
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.
T-Shirts Ready for Pick Up
The St. John’s T-shirts will be in this week, we hope, and ready for pickup this Sunday, Sept. 28 after church service. Extras were ordered so if you need more or never got around to ordering, you are in luck! To help defray the cost of their purchase, we are asking for a “love offering” if you are able.
Healing Service,
November 15, 11 AM,
Sanctuary
Join us for a Healing Service on Sunday, November 15, 2015, as we gather in prayer, music, and quiet reflection. This special time of worship offers space to bring our burdens, griefs, and hopes before God—trusting in the Spirit’s power to renew body, mind, and soul. Whether you seek comfort, strength, or simply a moment of peace, you are welcome. Come, rest in God’s healing presence.
With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God.
Family and friends of Christine Perci (friend of Pete and Grace Sparaco)- 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.
Happy Birthday
Brandon Mulder (Oct. 15)
Elizabeth Ragan (Oct. 16)
Jamie Crawford (Oct. 18)
Atillio Ator (Oct. 19)
Jonathan Hughes and Fran Urquhart (Oct. 24)
James Adams (Oct. 25)
Joene Moore and Nathan Herbert (Oct. 28)
Happy Anniversary
Barm and Karen Alsbrook (Oct. 15)
Church Calendar
Wednesday, October 8
7:00 pm Healing Hearts, Room 202
Thursday, October 9
11:00 am St. John’s and Friends Luncheon
5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building
Saturday, October 11
10:00 am Girl Scout Brownie Troop, McPhail
10:00 am Blessing of the Animals, Courtyard
2:00 pm Choral concert, Sanctuary
Sunday, October 12,
18th Sunday after Pentecost,
Stewardship Season
9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room
11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
12:00 pm Fellowship and Caring Meeting, Room 203
1:30 pm Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom
4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail
Sat, Oct 18, “Apostle’s Creed” Class, Session Room, 9 AM
Mon, Oct 27, Healing Hearts, Room 202, 11AM-Noon,
Sun, Nov 2, All Saints Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary
Sun, Nov 15, Healing Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary
Sun, Nov 16, Holiday Gift Market, McPhail Hall, Noon-2PM
Thur, Nov 27, Thanksgiving Holiday, Church Office Closed
Sat, Nov 29, Advent Decoration Festival, Sanctuary, 10AM-Noo
Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent, Sanctuary, 11AM Worship
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
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
St. John's Bible Study
& Faith Formation Groups
1. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
- Time: Sundays at 10:00 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 Men's Intensive Bible Study)
- Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM (one hour or so)
- Location: In-person at church
- Description: Described as an "intense one hour Bible study." Men dig into Scripture with focus and energy, moving through passages carefully while looking at context, meaning, and application. They hold each other accountable and pray for each other's struggles. Designed to respect men's time and intelligence with no surface-level discussion.
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
6. Stay Young, Stay Strong
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 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
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
