The Epistle for October 22, 2025
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Southwest Houston including Meyerland, Bellaire and Westbury
October 22, 2025
A Word from Pastor Jon
Dear friends,
Last Sunday we talked about something simple but powerful: influence. Every one of us carries it. The question isn’t whether you have influence, but how you use it.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” Those aren’t suggestions—they’re identities. Wherever you go, someone’s watching, learning, and being shaped by your example.
As a reminder of that truth, here’s a portion from Sunday’s message to help you reflect and act on the influence God has already entrusted to you.
Peace,
Pastor Jon
Your Influence Inventory
This week, take an influence inventory:
Where has God placed you? Your workplace, neighborhood, gym, coffee shop. These aren't random. They're your assigned territories for influence.
Who's watching you? Your kids, yes. But also coworkers, neighbors, the barista, the person behind you in traffic. What are they learning?
Where are you wasting influence? Hiding light? Losing saltiness? Choosing comfort over courage?
What would it look like to be intentionally salty this week? Maybe refusing workplace cynicism. Maybe appreciating someone everyone ignores. Maybe having that hard conversation with love instead of anger.
The Promise and Warning
Jesus makes both.
The warning: Lose your saltiness, become useless. Hide your light, contribute to darkness. Your influence matters. When you withhold it, people suffer.
The promise: When you shine, people see your good works and glorify God. Not you. God.
Your influence is a signpost, not a destination. When you steward it well, people don't think, "What a good person." They think, "What a good God they must serve."
The Challenge
This week, be annoyingly salty. Like salt in a wound that needs healing. Like salt that won't let things spoil.
Be uncomfortably bright. Like morning light ending a nightmare. Like a flashlight revealing the path.
Stop asking if you have influence. You do.
Stop wondering if it matters. It does.
Will you steward it for the Kingdom, or waste it on the world?
You are salt. You are light. Not because you're special. But because you belong to Jesus, and He has work for you to do.
Right here in Houston. Right now.
We are blessed to bless. We receive to give.
And the world is counting on us to remember that.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jon
A Welcoming Space for Our Littlest Worshipers
As the holidays approach, many families will be welcoming new little ones, and at St. John’s, we’re ready to welcome them too. Our Kids Corner, located in the back of the sanctuary, is a cozy spot designed with young families in mind. You’ll find books and quiet activities for toddlers and preschoolers, and even a rocking chair for Mom or Dad to sit comfortably with a baby during worship.
Church is for the whole family: every age, every stage, every precious sound of life. Come check it out and see how grace grows, one small heartbeat at a time.
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 24 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.
St. John's Presbyterian Church Website Performance:
In the past 28 days, 3,930 people saw our church appear in Google searches, and 113 clicked to learn more about St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston. Every review you share helps more people find us online.
Our Digital Front Door: How Our Website Is Reaching People for Christ
The image above shows the performance of our church website over the past 28 days. During that time, 113 people clicked on our website and 3,900 people saw it appear in their Google search results. That means thousands of people in Houston are coming across St. John’s Presbyterian Church as they look for a place to grow in faith.
Our website is now our primary way of communicating with people seeking a new church home. Twenty years ago, people turned to the Yellow Pages. Today, they turn to Google. The difference is that this new “digital directory” is dynamic — it changes every time someone leaves a review. The more reviews we receive, the higher Google ranks our site, and the more people see and visit us online.
That’s where you come in. This evangelism project is completely free to the church. Every Google review you write helps new people discover St. John’s and invites them to experience the gospel of Jesus Christ in a welcoming, authentic community.
If you haven’t yet, please leave a Google review today. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways you can steward your influence for the Kingdom.
Thank you to those who left a Google Review in the past week including Mindi, Ken, Marie, Loic, and Naomi. Your words are helping others find their way to faith and fellowship here at St. John’s.
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
Healing Hearts:
A Grief Support Group in Westbury for 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 Bible Study in Meyerland
The Men of the Church meets tonight, Wednesday, October 29, at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. All men are welcome to attend.
One Hope Preschool - Fall Festival Invitation for a Preschool in Westbury
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.
Holiday Gift Market
Nov 16, 2025
Noon-2PM
McPhail Hall
*Soup Needed
*Bring a Friend
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.
The Way of Discernment
A Sunday afternoon Zoom Bible Study
for Adults in Southwest Houston
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.
Healing Service in Houston, Texas,
November 9, 11 AM, Sanctuary
Join us for a Healing Service on Sunday, November 9, 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.
Prayer List
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 in Houston, Texas
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
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
Thursday, October 23
5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building
Sunday, October 26, 20 th 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; CE Committee
Meeting, Session Room
1:30 pm Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom
3:30 pm Girl Scouts, Session Room and 203
Coming Church Events
in Meyerland, and Houston Texas
Sun, Oct 26, Christian Education Committee meeting in Session Room after worship
Mon, Oct 27, Healing Hearts, Room 202, 11AM-Noon,
Sun, Nov 2, All Saints Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary. Come prepared to remember our beloved saints who have passed into the Church Triumphant, especially those who died this last year.
Sun, Nov 2, Caring and Fellowship Committee meeting next door to Session Room in Church Office after worship
Fri, Nov 7, Funeral Service for Evie Nielson, Forest Park East
Sun, Nov 9, 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:
A Sermon Series for Willow Meadows
and Westbury Neighborhoods, Houston, Texas
Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount
Awe 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 in Houston
& 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 in Houston
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 in Houston
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 7703
