The Epistle for September 10, 2025

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St. John's Presbyterian in Houston

Understanding Our Faith Approach in Houston

How St. John's Presbyterian Serves Westbury, Meyerland, Bellaire and Houston

The Epistle from St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston October 29, 2025 Where Your Treasure Is Dear friends, Last Sunday we talked about this Bible verse where Jesus said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19–20) Now, when Jesus talks about treasures in heaven , he's not selling celestial real estate. He's not running a spiritual pyramid scheme where you give now and cash in after you die. He's talking about something far more practical and immediate. He's talking about investment strategy. See, every one of us is an investor . You might not have a portfolio or know what a mutual fund is, but you're investing every single day. You invest your time. Your energy. Your money. Your attention. And Jesus is simply asking: What's your return on investment? Because here's what I've noticed after thirty years of ministry: The people who pour everything into earthly treasures rarely seem satisfied. They get the promotion, but it's not enough. They buy the bigger house, but the neighbors have a pool. They accumulate and accumulate, but somehow the hole inside never quite gets filled . Meanwhile, I've sat with people who've given away fortunes, who've spent their Saturdays teaching kids to read, who've opened their homes to strangers, and they have this strange glow about them. This peculiar joy . Like they've discovered something the rest of us are missing. Ponder this as you prayerfully consider your pledge to St. John's for 2026. Your stewardship letter should be at your house or in the mail. If you haven't received yours by Friday, please call the church office and let us know. Or, look for a stewardship letter on the table in the narthex. Grace and peace, Pastor Jon Set your clocks back one hour this Sunday Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night! Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2 , so you’ll get an extra hour of sleep before worship. We’ll see you bright and rested at 11:00 AM as we gather for All Saints Day. All Saints Day this Sunday We will honor the saints who have entered God’s rest since last year’s observance. If you have a name to include, please email the church office by 10 AM Thursday, October 30 . During worship, candles will be set on the altar for you to light in memory of your loved one. We are glad to welcome David Dietz, cello , who will enrich our hymns and anthem and play during the candle remembrance. Faith in Action meets Sunday after worship The Faith in Action Committee will meet on Sunday, November 2 , immediately following worship. We’ll be preparing for the Holiday Living Gift Market , so all members are encouraged to attend and help plan this meaningful outreach event. 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. St. John's Presbyterian Church in Meyerland Website Performance: In the past 28 days, 5,880 people saw our church appear in Google searches, and 139 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. Please leave us a Google Review 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 David, Julia, Lynne, Dan, Jacob, Linda, Mary, Glen, Ben, Marie. Your words are helping others find their way to faith and fellowship here at St. John’s. Show Your St. John’s Spirit at the Holiday Gift Market! Have you been waiting for the perfect time to show off your new St. John’s T-shirt? The Holiday Gift Market is your chance! This is one of our favorite events of the year, so let’s make it even more festive by wearing our St. John’s shirts—new or old. If you don’t have one yet, we’ll have extras available that day. The Market will be held on Sunday, November 16 , so come enjoy lunch, bring a friend, and do a little early holiday shopping. And as Leonié reminded us, these shirts are great conversation starters—wear them proudly around town, not just to church! Healing Hearts: A New Ministry of Care and Encouragement Healing Hearts will meet in the church office building in the Prayer Healing Hearts , a grief and bereavement support group. Led by Lisa Sparaco , a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and member of our church, this group will provide a safe and faith-filled space for sharing stories, receiving encouragement, and walking together through seasons of loss. This is not a therapy group, but a ministry of care and prayer for all who grieve. Healing Hearts is open both to members of St. John’s and to the wider community. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors who may need such support. Meetings will take place in the Prayer Room , on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM and the last Monday of each month from 11:00 AM–12:00 Noon . This schedule provides both an evening option for those who work during the day and a daytime option for those who prefer not to drive at night. Men of the Church 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 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. Presbyterian Beliefs Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian Church in Westbury Most people don't choose churches based on theology. They choose based on feelings, convenience, or whether their kids like the youth group. That's fine as far as it goes. But here's the thing: what a church believes shapes everything else. The music you sing, the sermons you hear, how you treat each other, whether you actually serve your community or just talk about it. So if you're looking at St. John's Presbyterian in Houston, or if you're just curious about what Presbyterians actually believe, let me walk you through it. Not in complicated theological language, but in plain English that explains why these beliefs matter. Read the full article by Pastor Jon here: Presbyterian Beliefs: Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian. 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 Sunday afternoon Zoom Class from St. John's Presbyterian Church in Willow Meadows 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. Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2 by Dan Herron Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2, a Sunday. So, set your clocks with this rule… “Spring Forward and Fall Back”. This means set your clocks back one hour on Saturday evening, Nov. 1. Sleep comfortably knowing you’ll probably have the correct time next Sunday morning. Some clocks are easy to set. Some are not. What we need, first, is a wrist watch. This is the first clock to set back one hour. List your clocks that need setting. Just underline the ones listed here. Your alarm clock is very important. Automobile clocks might be tricky. Computers usually set themselves. Cell phones set themselves. Wristwatches vary in this skillset. TV sets depend on which source and which brand. Dish Network adjusts itself. Direct TV adjusts itself. Pendulum clocks need to be set by stopping the pendulum for about 65 minutes (by the kitchen timer), wait about an hour, and then move the clock forward those 5 or so missing minutes, to match the time on your watch face. Business offices may or may not have the correct time. St Johns has some tall clocks that need setting, so we hope our basketball players with a very tall reach come on Sunday, November 2. If you do this DST setting with your watch and alarm clock as guides, on Saturday evening, you will wake up at the correct time on Sunday morning. It is easy to tease some of the guys who come into church at the wrong hour, but take it easy on us. And, if you set a clock back and then it also self adjusts one hour during the evening of November 2, further action will be needed to match it with your smart watch. Finally, have someone call you on Sunday morning to verify your time. Check your work from the list above, on Sunday morning, on your computer and some appliances that have set themselves to DST. Likely your TV or computer and your watch will be the correct time as a reference for the other clocks. Grandkids are just great for this kind of thing. Start now gathering the watch, kitchen timer, product manuals and cake or cookie mix. Invite a kid to share a cookie and clock settings. Have him or her double check all the clock faces. Many suggest that this is a great time to refresh the batteries in smoke alarms. Do not get on a ladder do this. Save your notes for about six months so you can take advantage on next year’s DST adjustment which will be Spring Forward time. Good luck! Dan Herron Healing Service, 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. Mike Swint in the loss of his sister, Chris Borton 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 Andra Mulder (Nov 1) Mary Hughes (Nov 3) Fifi Diabate (Nov 3) Marie Dzeukou (Leonie’s cousin) (Nov 9) Becky Crawford (Nov 10) Virginia Krueger (Nov 12) Mary Herlitz (Nov 14) Libby Adams (Nov 15) Ann Hardy (Nov 16) Janice, Ike and Udi Johnson (Nov 17) Jackson Burnham (Nov 20) Naomi Hughes (Nov 20) Mary Plail Risley (Nov 22) Jim Austin (Nov 29) Scott Moore (Nov 29) Happy Anniversary Peter and Grace Sparaco (Nov 28) Church Calendar Wednesday, October 29 6:30 pm Men’s group, Session Room Thursday, October 30 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building Friday, October 31, Halloween! Saturday, November 1 3:00 pm Girl Scout Birthday, Party, McPhail Sunday, November 2, 21 st Sunday after Pentecost and All Saint’s Service 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 12:00 pm Caring and Fellowship Meeting, Room 203 1:30 pm Book Study: The Way of Discernment, Zoom 4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail 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 Sun, Nov 2, Faith in Action Committee meets in Session Room after worship to discuss Holiday Gift Market plans and organization Fri, Nov 7, 2 PM, Funeral Service for Evie Nielson, Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 Sun, Nov 9, Healing Service, 11 AM, Sanctuary Healing Hearts to Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 pm and Monday, November 24, 11 am. Sun, Nov 16, Holiday Gift Market, McPhail Hall, Noon-2PM Sun, Nov 23, Stewardship Brunch Thur, Nov 27, Thanksgiving Holiday, Church Office Closed Sat, Nov 29, Advent Decoration Festival, Sanctuary, 10AM-Noo Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent, Sanctuary, 11AM Worship Sat, Dec 13, “What is the Gospel” Class, Session Room, Session Room, 9 AM Wed, Dec 24, Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary 7 pm Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ 2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount Coming next month, as we move into Stewardship Season, we will move into a new sermon series. Throughout "Kingdom Stewardship: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount," we explore how Jesus' teachings guide us in stewarding all aspects of our lives—our blessings, influence, resources, relationships, and faith. By aligning ourselves with kingdom principles, we become effective stewards who advance God's purposes on earth. This series challenges us to examine where our treasures lie, to seek God's kingdom above all else, and to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ the King. This series thoughtfully incorporates significant dates such as All Saints' Day and Christ the King Sunday, aligning their themes with the overarching focus on stewardship. By pairing teachings from the Sermon on the Mount with complementary Old Testament passages, we gain a deeper understanding of God's call to live as faithful stewards in every area of our lives. Church Office Hours and Contact Info Our church office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pastor Jon is typically available on Monday and Tuesday mornings, Alvina Hamilton serves on Wednesdays, and Linda Herron staffs the office on Thursdays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-723-6262. To submit updates for the Prayer List or contributions to the Wednesday Epistle , kindly email Pastor Jon directly . Put "Epistle" in the subject line to make sure it gets in the Epistle. Church Website and Calendar Online 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 Presbyterian Church Bellaire Bible Study & Faith Formation Groups 1. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Time: Sundays at 9:30 AM Location: In-person at church Description: Adult class that studies the sermon passage before worship. Helps participants understand Scripture and shapes how they hear the sermon. Open to visitors without needing to fill out forms or commit immediately. 2. Sunday Afternoon Zoom Study Time: Sundays at 1:30 PM Location: Zoom (virtual) Description: Tackles books and topics requiring sustained attention. Recently studied "The Way of Discernment" by Steve Doughty. Focuses on deep questions about following God's will, spiritual discernment, and making faithful life decisions. Small group format where everyone participates. 3. Tuesday Afternoon Women's Study Time: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM Location: Zoom (virtual) Description: Long-standing women's group studying Christian books, praying together, and supporting each other through life's challenges. Not a stereotypical "ladies' Bible study" but rather women asking tough questions and wanting faith that matters in real life. Mothers, professionals, retirees, and caregivers dealing with aging parents, marriages, careers, and health issues. 4. Men's Group (Wednesday Evening) Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM (one hour or so) Location: In-person at church Description: Men dig into Scripture with focus and energy. They also hold each other accountable and pray for each other's struggles. They work on practical service projects such as upgrading lights are also on the agenda. Designed to respect men's time and intelligence. 5. Children's Bible Study Time: Sundays at 11:00 AM (during worship service) Location: Church office building Description: Age-appropriate Bible study for children that helps them engage with Scripture at their level. Not childcare but actual faith development that takes children seriously while allowing parents to focus on worship. Exercise & Wellness Groups 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 Connect More Perhaps this sermon will speak to you: " When God Feels Silent: Ask, Seek, Knock. " Or, what makes our worship unique ? Here's another sermon that may speak to you, " The Silence of Heaven: Seeking God When God Feels Distant ." 

Core Values That Guide St. John's Presbyterian 

Reflection on trusting God's silence as an invitation to deeper faith. From St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Houston: Biblical insights, prayer practice, and book rec.

How St. John's Presbyterian Serves 

Finding Your Purpose in Life