The Epistle for October 8, 2025

The Epistle for October 8, 2025



Kingdom Stewardship:

Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount


This fall at St. John’s, we’re walking through a sermon series called Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount. Each week explores how Jesus’ words shape the way we care for what God has entrusted to us—our time, resources, influence, relationships, and faith. True stewardship begins when we recognize that everything belongs to God, and that our role is not ownership but faithful care. Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, our heart will follow, so this series helps us set our hearts on God’s kingdom first.


The series weaves together the teachings of Jesus with the rhythms of the church year. As we approach All Saints’ Day and Christ the King Sunday, we’re reminded that faithful stewardship isn’t just about giving—it’s about belonging. These special days remind us that our lives are part of something larger: the communion of saints and the reign of Christ that renews all things.


We begin October 12 with Blessed to Be a Blessing, based on Matthew 5:1–12 and Psalm 24:1–6. The Beatitudes open the Sermon on the Mount with a portrait of kingdom life: humility, mercy, and purity of heart. Psalm 24 reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Together, they show us that every gift—every moment, every resource, every breath—is a blessing meant to flow outward. We are blessed not for comfort alone, but for service, generosity, and joy in advancing God’s purposes on earth.


Through this series, we’ll rediscover stewardship as a spiritual practice—a way of aligning our daily choices with Christ’s vision of the kingdom. Each act of gratitude, compassion, and generosity becomes a small reflection of God’s abundance at work in us.


Grace and peace, 

Pastor Jon



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!





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.



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.



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


Mark your calendars! St. John’s will host the annual Holiday Gift Market on Sunday, November 16, 2025. This special event is part of our Faith in Action ministry, connecting us with global mission partners and providing an opportunity to give gifts that make a real difference in the lives of others .


This year, we also plan to enjoy a fellowship meal during the market. Because several of our faithful cooks are ill or caring for loved ones, we are asking for help from the congregation. Beginning this Sunday, a sign-up sheet will be available in the Narthex for those willing to bring a dish. Your contribution will bless the whole church family and help make the market a joyful celebration of giving and sharing.


Come, participate, and let’s make this year’s Holiday Gift Market a true witness to God’s abundance.



What did I learn at Advent Innovations?


Sharing the message of Jesus was powerfully presented at the Spiritual Formation at Advent workshop this past Saturday, planned and sponsored by the Innovation and Vitality Committee of our Presbytery. Each of the presentations was powerful adding many fresh ideas on ways to share His Word with our congregations and with the community of visitors we encounter during one of the most meaningful seasons of our liturgical year. 

 

We have found that congregations so often continue to do what is comfortable and aren’t willing to risk trying a new idea. This workshop was a good reminder that innovation can lead to new ways of engaging our members and our communities. Simply by trying just one new idea can bring hope, excitement, and joy into the hearts of those who are participating.

 

Here are some comments from those who attended:

 

“The whole program fit together so nicely, even reminding us to get beyond our fear of sharing Jesus and just invite others to our Advent activities. You never know who will accept and join in.”

 

“I liked the idea of offering a pizza box nativity project to not only our church families but to the families of our pre-school children who attend school on our campuses.”

 

“Offering and developing an Advent Devotional book with possible themes like: when achieving hopewas difficult and what helped; what portions of your prayer life and/or the role of prayer at your church bring the most meaning to you and bring you a sense of peace; what are the sources of joy in your faith journey and/or in the ministries at your church; and how have you seen love in action at your church.”

 

“The panel discussion on Blue Christmas reminded me of how difficult the holidays can be for those suffering from losses. It has opened my heart to a whole, new ministry experience.”

 

“Rev. Grice’s comment to those experiencing grief at this time was so meaningful: ‘May I hope for you until you regain the ability to have hope yourself?’” 

 

“I liked the reminder of the value of programming inter-generationally (rather than by age and stage of life). And I was also reminded that Kingdom work is just as valuable when it includes audio, visual, and kinesthetic components… as well as including plenty of laughter… and being welcoming of little ones and their “squirmy-ness” in worship.”

 

And there was so much more! Prayer stations, new ways to offer VBS at Advent, a Christmas Story Book, a Roving Reporter interaction and much sharing. Thank you to all the presenters and to the Innovation and Vitality Committee for their collective efforts. May this Advent season bring you closer to the one who brings us life and loves us always! 



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.



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 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

Barm Alsbrook (Oct 9)

Alice Rubio, Jeffery Herbert(Oct. 10)

Stewart Hall (Oct. 14)

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

Dan and Linda Herron (Oct. 11)

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, 18 th Sunday after Pentecost, Stewardship Season Begins

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


Coming Events

  • Wed, Oct 8, 7 to 8 pm, Healing Hearts, Room 202
  • Thur, Oct 9, St. John's Friends United (formerly Keenagers), 
  • Potluck, Learn Mahjong
  • Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals, Courtyard
  • Sun, Oct 12, Stewardship Season begins
  • Sat, Oct 18, “Apostle’s Creed” Class, Session Room
  • Mon, Oct 27, 11 to noon, Healing Hearts, Room 202
  • Sun, Nov 2, All Saints Service
  • Sun, Nov 15, Healing Service
  • Sun, Nov 16, Holiday Gift Market
  • Thur, Nov 27, Thanksgiving
  • Sat, Nov 29, Advent Decoration Festival in Sanctuary
  • Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent
  • Sat, Dec 13, “What is the Gospel” Class, Session Room
  • Wed, Dec 24, Christmas Eve Service, 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



Dive Deeper

Ready to learn more about Easter at St. John's Presbyterian Church? Contact us at 713-723-6262 or visit us at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035. Join us for worship this Sunday at 11:00 AM and experience the community that promises to walk with you in faith. In the meantime, continue your journey with uses you learn more about Best Non-Mega Church Houston: Why St. John's Presbyterian Offers Real Faith Beyond Hype or Bible Study in Houston: Where to Find Scripture Study That Goes Deeper.


About the Author

pastor houston, st johns presbyterian, bellaire texas church, serving since 1956, presbyterian pastor, west bellfort church

Pastor Jon has served St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston for over a decade and is the author of 50+ books on Christian living available on Amazon. 


He is an innovator in both the community and at the church, bringing in major initiatives like the Single Parent Family Ministry housing with PCHAS, the One Hope Preschool program, and expanding the community garden that brings together church members and neighbors. 


Under his leadership, St. John's has become known for practical service that makes a real difference in the community. 


His approach is simple: "We're real people who worship and serve Jesus Christ with no frills."

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By Jon Burnham April 9, 2026
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston
By Jon Burnham April 8, 2026
The Epistle for April 8, 2026 Resurrection Disruptions: The Easter Season Is Just Getting Started Dear friends, Last Sunday's Easter worship was one of those mornings you carry home with you. The sanctuary was full, familiar faces and a few new ones, and when we gathered around the Lord's table there was room for everyone who came forward. That is always the best kind of full. We sang, we prayed, we heard again the staggering news that the tomb was empty and the women ran to tell someone. I am still thinking about that image, those women running. As we move now through the weeks of the Easter season, I hope you will keep coming back. The story does not end at the empty tomb. In some ways, it is just getting started. This Sunday continues our new series, "Resurrection Disruptions: When Death Gets Interrupted." The title came to me because Easter keeps disrupting things. Grief gets disrupted. Despair gets disrupted. Our careful plans for how life should go get disrupted. Each week we will look at one of those disruptions through the lens of both the Old Testament and the New. We started last week with "The Stone Rolls Away," reading Ezekiel's valley of dry bones alongside Matthew's account of the women at the tomb. Both passages ask the same question, really. Can these bones live? And both give the same impossible, wonderful answer. The series will run all the way through Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. We have some rich ground to cover. Thomas and his wounds. Elijah sitting under a broom tree, done with everything, then getting fed by angels and told to get back up. The road to Emmaus, where two heartbroken disciples walk miles with a stranger and only recognize him when he breaks the bread. These are not tidy stories. They are full of confusion and doubt and grief. I think that is why they still feel true. On April 26 we will spend time with Psalm 23 and the Good Shepherd passage from John, which feels right for spring. And on May 10, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we will look at Paul standing in Athens trying to explain the unknown God to a crowd who had never heard of Jesus. I find that passage quietly hilarious and deeply moving at the same time. We land on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, with "Fire-Tongued Gospel," reading Isaiah's burning coal alongside Acts 2. Then we close the season on Trinity Sunday, May 31, with "God Beyond Our Boxes." Genesis 1 and the Great Commission together. I have a feeling that one will give us more to talk about than we can finish in an hour. I hope you will join us for as many of these Sundays as you can. Peace, Pastor Jon Burnham Friends United Lunch April 9, 11 am In the room next to the Session Room Join the Friends United group for lunch and a fun game of bingo on Tuesday, April 9th, at 11 am. Please bring your own sack lunch, while dessert and drinks will be happily provided. Come ready to enjoy good company, food, and friendly competition as we play bingo and celebrate together. Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Attention all high school seniors, undergraduate college, and/or technical/trade school students! St. John’s is once again ready to accept applications to the Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Fund . These funds are available to any church member or relative of a church member who will be enrolled full time in undergraduate college or a technical/trade school in the Fall of 2026. You must reapply for the scholarship each year, and you may apply for a maximum of 5 years. Applications are available by email request to Kathy Barnhill ( jabarnhill@comcast.net ) or Mindi Stanley ( mstanley@bcm.edu ) or click on this link: Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026 and we hope to distribute funds to recipients in June. The Scholarship Fund also is open for donations! If anyone would like to donate, please indicate the McPhail Scholarship Fund on a check or via Zelle. Christian Eduction Committee Meeting this Sunday after worship Following our worship service this Sunday, the Christian Education Committee will gather in the Session Room to continue our planning for the church's learning ministries. We invite all committee members to join us as we discuss upcoming curriculum and new opportunities for spiritual growth across all age groups. Your presence and insights are deeply valued as we work together to nurture the faith of our congregation! Fellowship and Caring Committee Meeting this Sunday after worship Our Caring Committee will be gathering near the Session Room for a meeting on Sunday, April 19 , immediately following our worship service. We invite all members to join us as we reflect on our recent outreach efforts and discuss new ways to support and uplift our church family in the coming months. Your heart for service and your thoughtful ideas are what make this ministry so vital. We look forward to seeing you there! Protect Your Mail, Prep Your Taxes by Dan Herron Things to think about, safety in our modern age Incoming U S mail This has your name and address of course. Some advertising items have a small place to “SCAN HERE” for quick service. Be careful when throwing this envelope/document into the trash. If anyone gets that SCAN HERE Spot, guess what they might have. Your scanned name and address, of course. And, from that SCAN spot, perhaps your credit card information! So, to be absolutely safe, tear up and destroy these scannable spots! Some have a computer virus. Tear up your name and address also. Then, no one can use those items to do any fraud on you. Mailing checks Do not use the blue mailbox outside the US post office to mail your check payments and tax documents. Look up stories about how mail thieves actually remove mail from inside that kind of mailbox. The thieves know we mail checks this season because of income tax payments. Tax Season 2026 for 2025 returns This article is for Tax Education only. Income tax time is here! Be sure to take care of your 2025 income tax forms very soon. If you cannot file by the due date be sure to file for an extension. Look up this topic on the internet at IRS.Gov for the due dates to file and other information about filing. Do not put this off. Be sure to be on time. Get help if you need it, but don’t wait. These days you can usually print any form you need from IRS.GOV. It is also nearly time for the 1040-ES which is for an early estimate of your 2026 taxes. The form 1040-ES is used for this quarterly payment to the IRS. They send 4 of these forms to me early in the year. I guess this is to be sure I don’t miss paying taxes before the tax season. Check online for the due date of 1040 ES form and payment. Dan Herron Thank you from Scenasia and Family Thank you St. John's family. As Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur placed a stone for him to sit on and held his hands steady-- I didn't know how tired I was until you all were there!! The thoughtfulness gave me something I didnt know I needed-help!! But sometimes you don't know where you need the help-- as you guys just said let us - I surrendered. Thank you simply does not express the gratitude of the thoughtfulness of everything. I didn't have to worry about what to cook/when to cook/when to eat- it was just there!! Y'all thought of us-- including Nyjel's special dietary needs, "extras", salad w dressing, cornbread, crackers, cookies and meals enough for a couple days! More importantly I appreciate the hugs and prayers. We are honored to be loved by y'all. Much love, Scenacia, Nnaji & Nyjel Faith in Action: A Few Important Updates I want to share a few quick updates and invitations as we continue our work alongside our neighbors through Braes Interfaith Ministries. BIM Gala Tickets Coming Soon You should be receiving tickets soon from Eloy for BIM’s annual gala. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 30, though we are still waiting on final confirmation. As soon as the date is set, we will pass that along. Faith in Action Committee Meeting We will gather for a Faith in Action Committee meeting following worship on Sunday, April 12. If you have a heart for mission or simply want to learn more about how we serve our community, you are welcome to join us. Supporting BIM in a Critical Season Many of BIM’s programs are facing funding challenges right now, which makes this moment especially important. We invite you to consider a cash donation to support their work in advance of the gala or shortly after. Checks can be made payable to Braes Interfaith Ministries, with “BIM Gala Fundraiser” noted in the memo line. This is one of those quiet ways the church makes a real difference. No spotlight. Just steady care for people who need it. Thank you for being part of that work. PCHAS Luncheon - Register Now - Details Below "Hope Outlives Hardship" is the theme for the annual luncheon for PCHAS at the Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Dr., 77042). The April 16th one-hour noon-time program provides an update on the many services PCHAS provides in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri through heartwarming examples of how lives are changed. St. John’s ties to PCHAS go back many years, but especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program beginning in 2012. Do you feel a sense of pride when someone in the community comments or asks about these duplexes? We hope to fill (at least) two tables (of 10-11 guests) for this annual major fundraising event here in Houston for PCHAS. Special diets are available on request. Yes, you will have an opportunity to donate toward this amazing ministry should you so choose, but it is not required! Many who have attended in the past have already received email or snail-mail notifications. More information will be in the Epistles and announcements during worship services through mid-April. Those interested in attending are asked to register either directly to Marla Endieveri at the PCHS Office here in N.W. Houston(832-241-5921), or on-line (marla.endieveri@pchas.org); by calling or texting Shirley at 713-598-0818; by calling or texting Ann Hardy at 713-240-2690; or by leaving a message at the church office (713-723-6262) no later than April 11. Please consider attending this special time of fellowship and hope! McPhail Hall Temporarily Closed This past Sunday, we discovered that several ceiling tiles had fallen in McPhail Hall. Unfortunately, additional tiles fell later in the week. While we have cleaned the area and secured the immediate surroundings, our top priority is the safety of our congregation and guests. Therefore, all events scheduled in McPhail Hall are canceled until further notice while we investigate the cause and ensure the space is fully safe for use. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates as soon as we know more. Men of the Church The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 15 April at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church. St. John's Snapshots Photos by Ken Krueger Vivian and her grandaughter, Kathleen. Photo by Virginia Krueger Healing Hearts: A Ministry of Care and Encouragement Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Room of the church office building. Healing Hearts is 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. Next Meeting for Healing Hearts Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Prayer Room Monday, April 27, 11:00 AM to Noon Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Glen Risley, recovering from surgery Scenacia Jones family Jessica Ivete Robles, a friend of Alice Rubio, awaits a kidney transplant Gerry Jump, Brazos Towers Family of Sue Benn Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery Holly Darr, health concerns Kelsey Wiltz, health concerns Glen Risley, health concerns Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister Joe Sanford, Scott Moore and Alice Rubio 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 Jo Ann Golden (April 8) Winnie Georgiev (April 9) Samuel Okwudiri (April 9) Emmanuel Okwudiri (April 9) Pat Ragan (April 12) Tom Edmonsond (April 13) Allen Barnhill (April 14) Austin Gorby (April 14) Jenny Pennycuff (April 17) Kennedy Muanza (April 24) Jon Burnham (April 26) Wednesday, April 8 7:00 pm Healing Hearts, Prayer Room, Room 202 Thursday, April 9 11:00 am Friends United, Room 203 and Session Room 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday service, Sanctuary Saturday, April 11 9:30 am Daisy Troop, Room 203 Sunday, April 12, Second Sunday of Easter 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 12:00 pm CE Committee and Fellowship and Caring Committee Meetings 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom 4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, Exercise Room Coming Events Sun, April 12, CE and Fellowship and Caring Committees meet Tue, April 14, Session Meeting Wed, April 15, Men’s Group Thurs, April 16, 12 pm, PCHAS Luncheon; Church Office Closed Sun, April 19, Brunch, Worship Committee Host Mon, April 27, Healing Hearts, 11 am Thurs, April 30, BIM Gala (tentative date) Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ 2026 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Ann Hardy: Finance and Stewardship 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 Elders on the Session: Class of 2028 Mary Gaber: Christian Education Peter Sparaco: Faith and Action Tina Liljedahl Jump: Fellowship and Caring Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Tap Here to leave a Google Review for St. John's Presbyterian Church 👉 Tap here to leave a review: [ Direct Google Review Link ] (Currently 4.9 stars from 37 reviews – thank you!) Resurrection Disruptions New Sermon Series Starts Easter Sunday Most Easter sermons make a promise the people in the pews already know is hard to keep. Death is defeated. Christ has risen. Hallelujah. And then Monday arrives. And the diagnosis is still real. The grief hasn't lifted. The loss is still just... there. This Easter season at St. John's, we're going to be honest about that tension. The sermon series is called "Resurrection Disruption: When Death Gets Interrupted," and the central claim is this: Easter Sunday announces something more specific than "death lost." What it announces is that death got interrupted. Mid-sentence. A clause inserted into the story that changes everything after it, without pretending the story was never started. That might sound like a small distinction. I promise it isn't. We're going to spend eight Sundays together, from Easter all the way through Pentecost in mid-May, tracing this pattern across both the Old and New Testaments. Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones. Thomas with his hand near a wound. Three men walking out of a furnace not smelling of smoke. Disciples huddled in a locked room while the risen Jesus stands in the middle of them. Each week is a disruption story. Each week God shows up for someone who wasn't ready, wasn't expecting it, and probably wasn't facing the right direction when it happened. That pattern matters. Because most of us, if we're honest, aren't facing the right direction most of the time either. The series runs Easter Sunday through the Day of Pentecost, and the eight messages follow the shape of grief in a way that surprised even me when I saw it. We start with the disorientation of early Easter morning and end, eight weeks later, with the disciples finally breathing out what God breathed into them. The arc moves from receiving to sending, from silence to fire, from a sealed tomb to a wide open street. If you've ever wondered whether faith has anything real to say to people who are actually suffering, these eight weeks are going to give you a lot to hold onto. Bring a friend. Bring whoever in your life is carrying something heavy this spring. We'll start where we always start, at an empty tomb, and see where the risen Christ takes us from there. Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is normally 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. St. John's 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 focuses on systematic theology. 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 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 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: Phone: 713-723-6262 Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com The church is located at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035 
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The Epistle for March 25, 2026 St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas Holy Week Is Almost Here: Don't Miss a Single Day Dear friends, Holy Week arrives this year with a full schedule, and I want to make sure you know what's coming so you don't miss anything. We actually get started this Saturday. In the morning, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, we're holding our Quarterly Bible Study in the Session Room. The topic this time is Salvation. Big word. We'll take our time with it. Then at 10 AM, One Hope Preschool is hosting their Easter Egg Hunt out in their courtyard on the West Bellfort side of McPhail Hall. This is a community event, which means a lot of young families will be on our campus that morning. Come say hello if you're around. It's good for neighbors to see us being neighborly. Palm Sunday is March 29 at 11 AM. Come wave a palm branch. I know that sounds a little silly if you've never done it, but there's something about that moment, the whole congregation holding green palms, that gets me every year. Then that same afternoon at 3 PM, we close out our Lenten Arts Series with the final concert of the season. It's been a meaningful run this year. A good way to spend a Sunday. Maundy Thursday is April 2 at 7 PM. This service is quieter than the others. Smaller. We gather around the table where Jesus gathered with his friends on his last night, and we share communion together. If you've never come to a Maundy Thursday service, I'd really encourage you to try it. Something about sitting in that particular darkness makes Easter Sunday morning feel completely different. And then Easter, April 5 at 11 AM. The whole thing. Every bell, every hallelujah, every reason we've been walking through this season together. You are welcome here. Bring someone with you if you can. Peace, Pastor Jon Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation Perhaps the most important question we can ask ourselves is whether we are saved. Paul tells us: “5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5). And Peter tells us: “. . . be even more diligent to make your call and election sure . . .” (2 Peter 1:10). But saved from what? What does it mean to be saved? The Christian Education Committee is offering a time for us to explore what is meant by biblical salvation. We will cover the following topics: What is salvation? How are we saved? Can we have assurance of our salvation? Can we lose our salvation? How should salvation manifest itself in our lives? The class will be on Saturday, 28 Mar from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided. A sign up roster is in the narthex. Please sign up so we know how many people for materials and lunch. Hope to see you there! 🐰 A Morning of Giggles and Golden Eggs! Oh, friends, get ready to wiggle your bunny ears! Our wonderful friends at One Hope Schools are hosting a super-duper Easter EGGstravaganza , and it’s going to be just as sweet as a jellybean! On Saturday, March 28th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM , our community will be filled with the sound of happy feet pitter-pattering through the grass in search of hidden treasures. It’s a morning made for sunshine, smiles, and sharing the joy of the season with all our neighbors. 💖 Be a Special Helper (Sponsorships!) Do you want to help make the magic happen? We are looking for "Egg-stra" special sponsors to help make this day wonderful for all the families in our community! There are five special ways to help, named after pretty jewels and colors: Diamond ($2500) 💎 Platinum ($1000) 🥈 Gold ($500) 🌟 Silver ($250) ⚪ Bronze ($100) 🥉 When you help out, your name or logo gets to go on a big, colorful banner and even on the event t-shirts! You can even have your very own booth at the event to say "Hi!" to everyone. Most importantly, you’ll be helping spread so much love and hope to our local families. ✨ How to Join the Fun It’s as easy as pie! Just take your phone and scan the little QR code on the flyer to sign up. Whether you want to sponsor or just come play, we can't wait to see your happy faces there! Let’s fill the day with kindness and celebrate the beautiful hope that Easter brings to every little heart. A Celestial Grand Finale: The Stars Resonate 3:00 PM this Sunday in the Sanctuary Prepare to be transported beyond the terrestrial as the St. John’s Lenten Arts Series reaches its zenith. Our final concert, aptly titled "The Stars Resonate," promises an afternoon of profound auditory splendor, featuring the virtuosic talents of Trio Oriens . This isn't merely a performance; it is a curated pilgrimage through the cosmos of human emotion, blending the fiery passion of the Southern Hemisphere with the ethereal mysteries of the celestial spheres. The program is a masterwork of stylistic breadth. We begin with Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires , where the trio will navigate the sultry, syncopated rhythms of Nuevo Tango , demanding a rigorous mastery of chromaticism and rhythmic drive. This is followed by the evocative, contemporary textures of Jenny Xiong’s And the Remnants of a Temple for piano trio , a piece that invites us to find sacred echoes in silence and structure. Finally, we ascend with a transcendent arrangement of Gustav Holst’s The Planets , a work of immense harmonic complexity and planetary grandeur that will surely vibrate through the very rafters of our sanctuary. Witness the symbiotic interplay between I-Ling Chen's crystalline piano phrasing, Olive Chen's resonant, soulful cello lines, and the soaring, lyrical brilliance of guest violinist Aija Izaks . Their technical precision and interpretive depth offer a rare opportunity to experience chamber music at its most sublime. ⚠️ Important Schedule Note Please note a departure from our usual schedule: to accommodate the majestic scope of this finale, the concert will commence at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 29th, 2026 . Join us at St. John’s Presbyterian Church for this celestial encounter. Let the music serve as your final Lenten meditation, guiding you toward the light of the coming season through the resonance of the stars. Easter Lilies For $12 take one home Sign up sheet in narthex Help bring a visual feast to our sanctuary this Easter by purchasing an Easter Lily to adorn our worship center. It is a beautiful reminder of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provides to each of us – fragrant and splendid grace. Offered by the Brookwood Community, these lilies will have 4 or more blooms on each stem and reach a height of 18-20 inches. As many of you know, Brookwood provides an educational environment that creates meaningful work, builds a sense of belonging, and awakens genuine purpose in the lives of adults with disabilities. This is a wonderful mission outreach for us. At $12 per plant, we ask that you place your check made payable to St. John’s Presbyterian Church in our collection basket with ‘lily purchase’ marked in its memo section. They will also be available for purchase on Easter Sunday if not all of them are claimed. First come, first served since only 36 have been ordered. Food Train for Scenacia Jones’ Family One of the quiet strengths of a real church community is that when someone is struggling, people step in and help. Meals appear. Prayers rise. The burden becomes shared. Right now, Scenacia Jones’ son Nyjel is experiencing increased health problems , and the family is carrying a heavy load. Our congregation is organizing a Food Train so that meals can be delivered to help support them during this difficult time. If you would like to help, you can sign up to provide a meal for the family. It is a simple act of kindness that can make a long week much easier for someone walking through a hard season. To participate, please sign up using the link below or contact: Mindi Stanley mstanley@bcm.edu 832-247-4086 Use this link to sign up for the Food Train for Scenacia Jones’ family . PCHAS Luncheon - Register Now - Details Below "Hope Outlives Hardship" is the theme for the annual luncheon for PCHAS at the Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Dr., 77042). The April 16th one-hour noon-time program provides an update on the many services PCHAS provides in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri through heartwarming examples of how lives are changed. St. John’s ties to PCHAS go back many years, but especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program beginning in 2012. Do you feel a sense of pride when someone in the community comments or asks about these duplexes? We hope to fill (at least) two tables (of 10-11 guests) for this annual major fundraising event here in Houston for PCHAS. Special diets are available on request. Yes, you will have an opportunity to donate toward this amazing ministry should you so choose, but it is not required! Many who have attended in the past have already received email or snail-mail notifications. More information will be in the Epistles and announcements during worship services through mid-April. Those interested in attending are asked to register either directly to Marla Endieveri at the PCHS Office here in N.W. Houston(832-241-5921), or on-line (marla.endieveri@pchas.org); by calling or texting Shirley at 713-598-0818; by calling or texting Ann Hardy at 713-240-2690; or by leaving a message at the church office (713-723-6262) no later than April 11. Please consider attending this special time of fellowship and hope! One Great Hour of Sharing special offering Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) — disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees — serves individuals and communities in need. This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. This Offering helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. Envelopes are at the back of the sanctuary. Important Notice:McPhail Hall Temporarily Closed We recently discovered that several ceiling tiles had fallen in McPhail Hall. Unfortunately, additional tiles fell later in the week. While we have cleaned the area and secured the immediate surroundings, our top priority is the safety of our congregation and guests. Therefore, all events scheduled in McPhail Hall are canceled until further notice while we investigate the cause and ensure the space is fully safe for use. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates as soon as we know more. Men of the Church The next meeting of the Men of the Church will be 1 April at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. Come for a time of study and service projects that benefit the church. Healing Hearts: A Ministry of Care and Encouragement Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Room of the church office building. Healing Hearts is 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. Next Meeting for Healing Hearts Monday, March 30th, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Prayer Room Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Glen Risley, recovering from surgery Scenacia Jones family Gerry Jump, Brazos Towers Family of Sue Benn Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal 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 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 Madeline Graeter (March 29) Olive Mfobujong (March 30) Happy Anniversary Tad and Andra Mulder (March 25) Church Calendar Thursday, March 26 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2 Saturday, March 28 8:30 am Quarterly Bible Study, Session Room 10:00 am One Hope Preschool Easter Party, Courtyard Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom 3:00 pm Lenten Arts Series, Sanctuary Coming Soon Saturday, March 28 , Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation, 8:30 am Saturday, March 28 , One Hope Easter Party, Courtyard, 10 am Sunday March 29 , Palm Sunday, Lenten Arts Concert, Trio Orients, 4 pm Monday, March 30 , Healing Hearts, 11 am Wednesday, April 1 , Men’s Group, 6:30 pm Thursday, April 2 , Maundy Thursday Service, 7 pm, Sanctuary Sunday, April 5 , Easter Sunday Sunday, May 31 , CE Brunch: Senior Sunday and Teacher Appreciation Saturday, June 20 , Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages) Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ LENTEN SERMON SERIES Wilderness Sabbath: Six Weeks of Desert Wisdom Concludes this Sunday March 29 – Palm/Passion Sunday "The Road to the City" OT: Isaiah 50:4-9a (The servant's suffering) NT: Matthew 21:1-11 (Triumphal entry) and Matthew 26-27 (Passion narrative) Six weeks in the desert. Six weeks of sand and silence and the kind of stillness that strips you down to what's actually true. This Sunday, March 29th, the road leads out of the wilderness and straight into Jerusalem. "The Road to the City" is where our Wilderness Sabbath series ends, and it ends the way Holy Week always ends: with palm branches and shouting and a crowd that has no idea what's actually coming. We'll sit with Isaiah's Suffering Servant and then walk with Jesus through Matthew 21, from the parade to the passion, from the hosannas to the shadows of what follows. It's a lot to hold in one morning. That's the point. If you've been with us through Lent, you know this journey has asked something of us. This Sunday asks a little more. Come ready for that. Tap Here to leave a quick Google Review for St. John's Presbyterian Church 👉 Tap here to leave a review: [ Direct Google Review Link ] (Currently 4.9 stars from 37 reviews – thank you!) Resurrection Disruptions Coming Soon to St. John's New Sermon Series Starts on Easter Sunday! Most Easter sermons make a promise the people in the pews already know is hard to keep. Death is defeated. Christ has risen. Hallelujah. And then Monday arrives. And the diagnosis is still real. The grief hasn't lifted. The loss is still just... there. This Easter season at St. John's, we're going to be honest about that tension. The sermon series is called "Resurrection Disruption: When Death Gets Interrupted," and the central claim is this: Easter Sunday announces something more specific than "death lost." What it announces is that death got interrupted. Mid-sentence. A clause inserted into the story that changes everything after it, without pretending the story was never started. That might sound like a small distinction. I promise it isn't. We're going to spend eight Sundays together, from Easter all the way through Pentecost in mid-May, tracing this pattern across both the Old and New Testaments. Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones. Thomas with his hand near a wound. Three men walking out of a furnace not smelling of smoke. Disciples huddled in a locked room while the risen Jesus stands in the middle of them. Each week is a disruption story. Each week God shows up for someone who wasn't ready, wasn't expecting it, and probably wasn't facing the right direction when it happened. That pattern matters. Because most of us, if we're honest, aren't facing the right direction most of the time either. The series runs Easter Sunday through the Day of Pentecost, and the eight messages follow the shape of grief in a way that surprised even me when I saw it. We start with the disorientation of early Easter morning and end, eight weeks later, with the disciples finally breathing out what God breathed into them. The arc moves from receiving to sending, from silence to fire, from a sealed tomb to a wide open street. If you've ever wondered whether faith has anything real to say to people who are actually suffering, these eight weeks are going to give you a lot to hold onto. Bring a friend. Bring whoever in your life is carrying something heavy this spring. We'll start where we always start, at an empty tomb, and see where the risen Christ takes us from there. Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is normally 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. 
By Jon Burnham March 21, 2026
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston  Invitation to Worship Fifth Sunday in Lent March 22, 2026 This Sunday we are sitting with one of the strangest images in all of Scripture. A valley full of dry bones. Not just a few bones scattered here and there. The prophet Ezekiel describes very many bones, and they were very dry. That detail matters. Whatever hope there had been, it had been gone a long time. God asks Ezekiel a question that sounds almost cruel: "Can these bones live?" Ezekiel, to his credit, does not pretend to know. He says, "O Lord God, you know." That is one of the most honest things anyone ever says in the Bible. And I think it's the right answer for most of us on most days. Some of you are carrying something dry right now. A relationship that went quiet. A faith that used to feel alive but lately feels like going through the motions. A dream you buried so carefully you stopped looking at the spot where you put it. Lent is a good season for that kind of honesty. And then we will turn to John 11, where Jesus stands outside a tomb, four days too late by any reasonable measure. Martha says what we would all say. "Lord, if you had been here..." She means well. We all mean well when we say something like that to God. What she does not yet know is that being four days late is not a problem for the one who called himself the resurrection and the life. Jesus wept. I never want to rush past that. Two of the shortest words in the New Testament, and they carry more weight than whole sermons. Then he said, "Lazarus, come out." That is what we are gathering around this Sunday. The God who breathes into dry bones. The God who calls the dead by name. The Spirit that blows through the wilderness and stirs things that have gone still. Our organist Alina Klimaszewska will open worship, and we will sing the old hymn dating back to the Year of Our Lord: 1707, "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove." That hymn, composed by Isaac Watts, has been honest about cold hearts and dying devotion for about three hundred years. We will be in good company. Worship begins at 11:00 AM. Our Sunday morning Bible Study meets at 9:30 AM if you want to come early and dig in before the service. We are at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue in Houston, zip 77035. If you have questions, call us at (713) 723-6262. Come as you are. Dry bones welcome. Peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Jon Burnham St. John's Presbyterian Church, Houston 5020 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, TX 77035 (713) 723-6262 P.S. The service will be live-streamed on our church website and on our St. John's Facebook page . St. John's Presbyterian Bulletin March 22, 2026, Fifth Sunday in Lent Gathering Prelude, Alina Klimaszewska, organ *Call To Worship, The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham Leader: Can these bones live? People: Only you know, O Lord. Leader: Can what is dead rise again? People: Only you can breathe life into dust. Leader: Come, people of God, breathe deep, People: The Spirit moves over the valley of the dead. Opening Prayer *Hymn 279 Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove 1 Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, with all thy quickening powers; kindle a flame of sacred love in these cold hearts of ours. 2 In vain we tune our formal songs; in vain we strive to rise; hosannas languish on our tongues, and our devotion dies. 3 Dear Lord, and shall we ever live at this poor dying rate? Our love so faint, so cold to thee, and thine to us so great! 4 Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, with all thy quickening powers; come, shed abroad a Savior's love, a nd that shall kindle ours. Prayer of Confession, Ann Hardy, Liturgist God of the living, we confess that we have made peace with death. We see bones and assume the story is over. We see tombs and forget you roll away stones. We have given up on relationships, on dreams, on the possibility that what is dead in us might live again. Forgive our settled despair. Forgive the ways we've stopped hoping, stopped trying, stopped believing in your power to resurrect what we've buried. Breathe on these dry bones. Raise us to life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Silent Confession) Assurance of Pardon *Glory Be to the Father, Hymn 581 *Passing the Peace The Word Prayer for Illumination First Scripture Reading, Ezekiel 37:1-14 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.’ Anthem Sermon Scripture, John 11:1-45 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. The Word of the Lord for us today. Thanks be to God. Sermon, Breath in Dry Bones The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham *Hymn 286 Breathe on Me, Breath of God 1 Breathe on me, Breath of God; fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do. 2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure. 3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine, until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine. 4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity. The Apostles’ Creed, Prayers of the People Lord’s Prayer Welcome and Announcements Offering *Doxology, Hymn 609 *Prayer after the Offering Sending *Hymn 291 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (verses 1, 2, and 4) Refrain: Spirit, spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free. Spirit, spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea. 1 You moved on the waters; you called to the deep; then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; and over the eons you called to each thing, "Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings." (Refrain) 2 You swept through the desert; you stung with the sand; and you goaded your people with a law and a land. When they were confounded with idols and lies, then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. (Refrain) 4 You call from tomorrow; you break ancient schemes; from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams. Our women see visions; our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions your people arise. (Refrain) *Benediction Postlude Announcements Food Train for Scenacia Jones’ Family Scenacia Jones’ son Nyjel is having increased health problems. We are organizing a “food train” of meals for the family. If you would like to help, please sign up at the link below or contact Mindi Stanley at mstanley@bcm.edu or 832-247-4086. [ Link to sign up for Food Train for Scenacia Jone's family. ] Quarterly Bible Study: Salvation Perhaps the most important question we can ask ourselves is whether we are saved. Paul tells us: “5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5). And Peter tells us: “. . . be even more diligent to make your call and election sure . . .” (2 Peter 1:10). But saved from what? What does it mean to be saved? The Christian Education Committee is offering a time for us to explore what is meant by biblical salvation. We will cover the following topics: What is salvation? How are we saved? Can we have assurance of our salvation? Can we lose our salvation? How should salvation manifest itself in our lives? The class will be on Saturday, 28 Mar from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided. A sign up roster is in the narthex. Please sign up so we know how many people for materials and lunch. Hope to see you there! Lenten Arts Series, March 29. 3 pm, NEW TIME! (Not 4 pm) Trio Oriens will once again present a program of exceptional beauty and artistry. Remember the NEW TIME, and don’t miss this final concert of our Lenten Arts Series. One Hope Preschool Easter Baskets. One Hope is collecting pre-filled, age-appropriate Easter eggs for their Ester Egg Hunt on March 28. All are invited. Our donations will bring joy to little egg hunters. Donations accepted until March 26. Join Us for Our One Hope Schools Eggstravaganza! Mark your calendars for March 28th — it’s going to be an egg-citing day filled with fun, smiles, and plenty of Easter surprises for the children of all ages and families of our Westbury community! This is a FREE community event, and we’d love your support. If you or your business would like to sponsor, please reach out. Your sponsorship helps us create a magical experience for our families and keeps this special event possible Let’s make this Easter unforgettable together. PCHAS Luncheon - Register Now - Details Below. "Hope Outlives Hardship" is the theme for the annual luncheon for PCHAS at the Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Dr., 77042). The April 16th one-hour noon-time program provides an update on the many services PCHAS provides in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri through heartwarming examples of how lives are changed. St. John’s ties to PCHAS go back many years, but especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program beginning in 2012. Do you feel a sense of pride when someone in the community comments or asks about these duplexes? We hope to fill (at least) two tables (of 10-11 guests) for this annual major fundraising event here in Houston for PCHAS. Special diets are available on request. Yes, you will have an opportunity to donate toward this amazing ministry should you so choose, but it is not required! Many who have attended in the past have already received email or snail-mail notifications. More information will be in the Epistles and announcements during worship services through mid-April. Those interested in attending are asked to register either directly to Marla Endieveri at the PCHS Office here in N.W. Houston(832-241-5921), or on-line (marla.endieveri@pchas.org); by calling or texting Shirley at 713-598-0818; by calling or texting Ann Hardy at 713-240-2690; or by leaving a message at the church office (713-723-6262) no later than April 11. Please consider attending this special time of fellowship and hope! Elder Shepherding Circles update (March 21). Earlier this year our Session spent time together on retreat reflecting on what kind of church St. John’s is called to be in this season of our life together. One conviction kept rising to the surface. We want to be a congregation where people are truly known and cared for, not just greeted at the door on Sunday morning. In a busy world where it is easy to drift apart without meaning to, we believe the church can be one of the places where people stay connected in real and personal ways. Out of that conversation the Session began what we are calling Elder Shepherding Circles. Each elder has been given a small group of households in the congregation with one simple purpose: to stay in touch. About once a month an elder may send a text, make a phone call, write an email, or even drop a note in the mail. The message is not complicated. We are thinking about you. We are praying for you. We are glad you are part of St. John’s. Healing Hearts for March. Monday, March 30, 11:00 am. St. John’s is proud to support this healing ministry. One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering. Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) — disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees — serves individuals and communities in need. This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope. This offering helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. Envelopes are at the back of the sanctuary. Happy Birthday Layla Pennycuff (March 1) Laith Assad (March 3) Offiong Glover (March 5) Kyra Noons-Adams (March 6) Mark Swindler (March 14) Gloria Glover (March 17) Madeline Graeter (March 29) Olive Mfobujong (March 30) Happy Anniversary Jim and Lynne Austin (March 10) Kerry and Mary Gaber (March 22) Tad and Andra Mulder (March 25) Prayer Concerns Nyjel Bennett-LaGrone and his family, health concerns Gerry Jump Family of Sue Benn Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal 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 Calendar Sunday, March 22, 5th Sunday in Lent 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom 4:30 Pack 8 Meeting, Exercise Room Tuesday, March 24 5:00 pm Exercise Group, Building 2 Thursday, March 26 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2 Saturday, March 28 8:30 am Quarterly Bible Study, Session Room 10:00 am One Hope Preschool Easter Party, Courtyard Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom 3:00 pm Lenten Arts Series, Sanctuary Coming Events Mon, March 30, Healing Hearts, 11 am Wed, April 1, Men’s Group, 6:30 pm Thurs, April 2, Maundy Thursday Service, 7 pm, Sanctuary April 5, Easter Sunday Sun, May 31, CE Brunch: Senior Sunday and Teacher Appreciation Sat, June 20, Quarterly Bible Study (new format for all ages)
By Jon Burnham March 18, 2026
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