The Epistle for September 24, 2025

The Epistle for September 24, 2025

When You Choose Silence

Friends in Christ,

As political violence rises, our national life feels like a clash of noise—each side shouting past the other. But what if we reached for a different tool? Not more words, not sharper arguments, but the discipline of silence.

When You Choose Silence is a guide into a quiet that clears the heart. It isn’t written about politics, but its wisdom fits our moment. In silence, we learn to listen without needing to win. In silence, anger loosens and compassion grows. In silence, the sticky lies of the crowd begin to fall away.

Imagine if, instead of rehearsing our rebuttals, we paused—long enough to notice the Spirit’s breath, long enough to see the humanity in the one across from us. This is not retreat; it is strength. Silence becomes a healing counter to the noise, a gate that keeps us from being swept away.

If we practice this together, our church can model a way of life our culture sorely needs: not more division, but deep, discerning peace. For centuries, rulers of every stripe—Left and Right, Communists and Nazis, Democrats and Republicans—have used religion to sway the masses. But Jesus did not belong to a political party. His was the Kingdom of God, a realm in this world but not of it.

That Kingdom often arrives in ways that seem small, even bitter at first—a cross, a seed in the ground, a treasure hidden in a field. Yet from those unlikely beginnings comes life, healing, and joy. Perhaps silence is one of those Kingdom seeds for our own time.

Peace,

Jon Burnham

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.

Curb Replacement Work Completed

The curb replacement along the parking lot entrance from West Bellfort Avenue to McPhail Hall is now finished, and the results look great! This project improves both the safety and reliability of access to One Hope Preschool, especially during heavy rains. We’re grateful for the patience of our church family, preschool, and building partners while the work was underway. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word and supported this important improvement to our shared space. We offer special thanks to Tad Mulder for working with the contractor to complete this project.

Advent Innovations Workshop

*Saturday, October 4

*McPhail Hall, St. John’s Presbyterian Church

Advent is the season that leads us into Christmas—a time of hope, waiting, and preparation. Join us for a workshop exploring fresh opportunities for spiritual formation this year. Together we’ll share ideas and plans for:

Creative spirituality and prayer centers

Special services of comfort for those who are grieving

Educational events for all ages

And more ways to deepen our walk with God

Come, bring your imagination, and help shape meaningful practices for this holy season.

👉 Register in advance so we have a head count for lunch.

Men of the Church

The Men of the Church meet Wednesday, October 1, at 6:30 PM in the Session Room. All men are welcome to attend.

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!

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.

Thank You from Mary Hughes

I am very grateful to those who provided meals for me these past weeks. The food was varied and so delicious!

Also thanks for your prayers and cards. Our church is very caring and nurturing.

I’m glad to be back for the worship service. It is good to see everyone again.

Warmly,

Mary Hughes

Peacemaking Offering

On October 5, We will celebrate World Communion Sunday. We will also collect the Peace and Global Witness Offering . It enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. Through the Peace & Global Witness Offering, congregations are encouraged and equipped to find and address the anxiety and discord that is prevalent throughout this broken and sinful world. Envelopes are at the back of the sanctuary.

The Peace and Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. Through the Peace & Global Witness Offering, congregations are encouraged and equipped to find and address the anxiety and discord that is prevalent throughout this broken and sinful world.

25% retained by congregations to support peacemaking efforts in their local communities.

25% retained by mid councils to support peacemaking efforts at the regional level.

50% supports peacemaking, reconciliation and global witness.

Living Gift Market – November 16, 2025

Mark your calendars! St. John’s will host the annual Living 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 Living Gift Market a true witness to God’s abundance.

Friends of Lulwanda Fellowship Dinner

Saturday, October 4, 5-8 PM

Memorial Drive Presbyterian

On Saturday, October 4, come and see how God is working at Lulwanda Children’s Home! Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. 5-8 pm. $30 per person. Speak to Libby Adams if you plan to attend as she has reserved a table for us. Or, click here to register.

Faith in the Storm:

Lessons from the Book of Job

Starting this Sunday at St. John’s, we begin a powerful new sermon series on the Book of Job. Together we’ll face the hard questions of suffering, silence, and faith—and discover the God who still speaks in the storm.

⏰ Sundays at 11 AM

📍 St. John’s Presbyterian Church

Series Framework:

Week 4 (Sept 28): God’s Wisdom Revealed (Job 38)

– God’s mystery exceeds human control, calling for humility.

Week 5 (Oct 5): Restored and Redeemed (Job 42)

– God’s faithfulness brings renewal, healing, and hope.

Come as you are. Bring your questions, your burdens, your hopes. In every storm, God is faithful.

God speaks in the storm; we trust in God’s faithfulness.

We Want to Go Home

Are these your dishes? If so, they are in the McPhail Hall kitchen waiting to be taken home! You can contact Virginia Krueger or Alvina Hamilton to pick them up. Thank you!

Alina Klimaszewska will be in Concert

Friday, October 3, 7:30 pm, Belin Chapel, Houston Christian University. Alina and Dominika Dancewicz, The Polish Duo, will perform “Myths, Fables and Fairytales.” Don’t miss this wonderful concert.

New Sunday Book Study

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. Beginning on September 7 at 1:30pm on Zoom, 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.

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

Bryan Boyd (Laurie Henderson’s son) (Sept 27)

Linsey Sen-Roy (Sept 28)

Dave Muanza (Oct. 1)

Virgil Fisher (Oct. 2)

Christine Nelson and Amy Caraballo (Oct. 7)

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

Thursday, September 25

5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building

Sunday, September 28, 16 th Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

Coming Events

The brunches scheduled for the next two weeks (September 21 and 28) are rescheduled for later.

Fri, Oct 3, Alina Klimaszewska in concert, HCU

Sat, Oct 4, Advent Innovation - Spiritual Formation, 10 – 2, McPhail

Sun, Oct 5, Caring and Fellowship Meeting immediately after church in Room 203

Thurs, Oct 9, St. John's Friends United (formerly Keenagers),

Potluck, Learn Mahjong

Sat, Oct. 11, Blessing of the Animals, Courtyard

October 12, Stewardship Season begins

Sat, Oct 18, “Apostle’s Creed” Class, Session Room

Nov 2, All Saints Service

Sun, Nov 16, Living Gift Market

Sun, Nov 30, First Sunday of Advent

Thurs, Nov 27, Thanksgiving

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

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.

Going Deeper Now

Ready to learn more about baptism 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.

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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 34+ books on Christian spirit 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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Worship Bulletin for December 21, 2025

By Jon Burnham • December 20, 2025

Invitation to Worship December 21, 2025 Friends, On Sunday, December 21, we gather for the Fourth Sunday of Advent at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, a morning shaped by light, hope, and the quiet nearness of Christ. We will light the final Advent candle, sing familiar carols that still know how to carry a soul, and hear again Jesus’ words, “I am the light of the world.” In a season that can feel crowded and noisy, this service makes room to breathe, pray honestly, and remember that love has already come among us. Worship begins at 11:00 AM. Come as you are. Bring your weariness, your joy, your questions, and maybe a friend who could use a little light right now. There will be music, Scripture, shared prayer, and a community ready to welcome you without fuss or pressure. I would be glad to see you there and to worship alongside you as we draw closer to Christmas together. Peace, Pastor Jon St. John's Presbyterian Church 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 Worship Bulletin December 21, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Advent Gathering Prelude, Alina Klimaszewska, organ Lighting the Advent Candle , Shirley Boyd & Jan Herbert *Call To Worship, The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! People: Though darkness covers the earth and thick darkness the peoples, the Lord rises upon us. Leader: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. People: We lift our eyes and look around. We gather in the light of Christ! Let us worship together! Opening Prayer Rev Burnham *Hymn 113 Angels, We Have Heard on High 1 Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 2 Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 3 Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Prayer of Confession, Liturgist Ann Hardy God of light, we confess that we have preferred darkness. We have hidden in shadows rather than stepping into Your revealing brightness. We have closed our eyes when Your light exposed our sin. We have dimmed our witness rather than letting it shine. We have failed to be bearers of light in a darkened world. Forgive us, Lord. Remove the scales from our eyes. Free us from fear of the light. Make us reflectors of Your glory, that others may see Your goodness through us. In the name of Jesus, Light of the World, we pray. Amen. (Silent Confession) Assurance of Pardon *Glory Be to the Father, Hymn 581 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen. *Passing the Peace Ann Hardy The Word Prayer for Illumination Ann Hardy First Scripture Reading, Isaiah 60:1-3 Ann Hardy Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Anthem Sermon Scripture, John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Sermon, “The Light of the World Has Come” The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham *Hymn 110 Love Has Come 1 Love has come: a light in the darkness! Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies. See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; hear how their song of joy arises: Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high. 2 Love is born! Come, share in the wonder. Love is God now asleep in the hay. See the glow in the eyes of his mother; what is the name her heart is saying? Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers. Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel. 3 Love has come and never will leave us! Love is life everlasting and free. Love is Jesus within and among us. Love is the peace our hearts are seeking. Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas. Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high! The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Prayers of the People Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Welcome and Announcements Offering *Doxology, Hymn 609 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! *Prayer after the Offering Sending *Hymn 134 Joy to the World 1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. 2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. 4 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. *Blessing Postlude

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The Epistle December 10, 2025 St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston Produced by Pastor Jon Burnham Message from Pastor Jon Dear St. John's Family, There is a moment in Advent when the sanctuary feels like it is holding its breath. The candles flicker, small but steady, as if they know more than they are willing to say. The season is full of promise, yet the fulfillment has not arrived. Everything in us leans forward. We want the moment to be here already so we can move on to the next thing on our list. We want the satisfaction without the stillness. We want the baby in the manger without the long night of waiting. That hurry lives deep in us. It shows up in lines at the grocery store, in conversations where our minds race ahead, in our longing for the next milestone so we can feel settled again. Advent is the one season that gently puts its hand on our shoulder and says slow your step. Notice what God is doing before it becomes obvious. Let the light grow at its own pace. Let hope stretch out inside you without demanding a conclusion. The hard truth is that waiting exposes the very places God is trying to heal. The places where our hurry keeps us from paying attention. The places where our need for control pushes past the quiet work of the Spirit. Advent invites us to sit with the uncomfortable space between promise and fulfillment. It asks us to stay awake to the holy patience of God who never rushes us and never rushes redemption. So as the candles grow brighter each week, let that slow light be your teacher. Let it remind you that God does not skip steps. Christ comes in God’s time, not ours. And in that time there is room for peace to rise, one small flame at a time. In Christ, Pastor Jon What is the Gospel? If someone asked you to explain the Gospel, what would you say? As Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15, are you always prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in you? The CE Committee is offering an in-depth study of the Gospel on 13 Dec that will address the following topics: the reality of sin and the certainty of judgment; the incredible gift of forgiveness and mercy found in Christ; how we should respond to the gospel personally; and how we can be equipped to share this good news with others. It is a time to grow in understanding, deepen faith, and be strengthened for evangelism, so that the message of God’s grace may reach hearts in need. The class will start at 8:30 am and end at 2 pm. Lunch will be provided. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the narthex so we know how much food and study materials to prepare. Hope to see you there! A Morning of Service with St. John’s Men’s Group On December 6th, the St. John’s Men’s Group helped Cub Pack 8 put together 83 gift boxes for the Seamen’s Center. The men arrived early to set up McPhail Hall and then did a good bit of the wrapping. Gift boxes were delivered to the Seamen’s Center later that day. The following men participated: Allen Barnhill, Michael Bisase, Franklin Caspa, Bill Ehrenstrom, Dan Herron, Ken Kreuger, Tad Mulder, Glen Risley and Robert Sanford. Thanks to all who participated. Fun was had by all! Christmas Joy Offering Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we lift up past, present, and future leaders of the church. God has blessed the church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders often need to be supported by their communities as well. This Offering provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in their time of need and leadership development and education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Envelopes are at the back of the Sanctuary. Honoring Our Elders Completing Their Service Barm Alsbrook has resigned from the Session due to his family's impending move away from Houston. During his two year tenure, Barm taught the Session how to do annual self audits of our church finances and reorganized our annual Stewardship Season and church budget planning by months. He also brought some needed clarity to several areas of our church budget that made it easier for the elders to understand and use. Shirley Boyd , who has served as Co-Moderator of the Christian Education Committee alongside Jan Herbert, has offered outstanding leadership over the past three years. Under her guidance, our education ministry has flourished with programs for all ages, the launch of new quarterly Adult Bible Study events, and many quiet improvements that have strengthened our life together. We are deeply thankful for Shirley’s dedication and faithful service. Virginia Krueger and Léonie Tchoconté have been a remarkable team in leading our Fellowship and Caring Committee. Their energy and compassion helped launch the Men’s Group, host special gatherings such as the Knitting Group, and organize monthly home communion for our shut-in members, along with many other quiet acts of care. We are grateful for their faithful service. Thank you, Virginia and Léonie. Advent Poinsettias Starting this Sunday, you can order poinsettias for $12 each. These plants serve three purposes at once. First, they support Brookwood, a facility in Brookshire that provides education, housing, and jobs for adults with disabilities. We've partnered with them for years, and buying these plants directly helps their mission. Second, they'll decorate our sanctuary through Advent and Christmas, adding color and life to our worship space during the season when we prepare for Christ's coming. Third, after the Christmas Eve service, you take them home. Simple as that. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Write your name, how many plants you want, and whether you're dedicating them in memory or honor of someone. We'll print those dedications in the Christmas Eve bulletin. The poinsettias will arrive in time to decorate the sanctuary for the first Sunday of Advent. You can pick them up after the Christmas Eve service ends, or we'll save them for you to collect later if you need to leave early. Twelve dollars. Good cause. Beautiful sanctuary. Flowers for your home. That's the deal. Prayer List With hearts united in hope, we lift these names into the healing presence of God. Nijel Bennet-LaGrone, health Summer Pavani, Deena Ghattas and Chris Hanneken, Health concerns (friends of Lisa Sparaco) Mike Swint in the loss of his sister, Chris Borton Family and friends of Christine Perci (friend of Pete and Grace Sparaco) Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery Mary Hughes, recovering from shoulder 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 Want to Go Deeper? If you're drawn to exploring Presbyterian faith more deeply, I've written several books that might help: The Open Church: Faith that Welcomes Questions from my Thoughtful Faith series addresses how Presbyterian churches can be communities where honest questions strengthen rather than threaten faith. Rooted in Christ: A Journey Through Colossians from my Bible Studies series explores how mature Presbyterian faith stays grounded in Christ's sufficiency rather than chasing spiritual trends. Stewardship: Faithful, Fruitful, and Flourishing from my Christian Spirituality series unpacks what it means to live as faithful stewards of God's gifts, a core Presbyterian conviction. These books aren't substitutes for church community. They're companions for the journey, meant to deepen the faith you're living out with actual people in actual congregations. Because Presbyterian faith isn't just about believing the right things. It's about becoming certain kinds of people together, shaped by worship that honors God, teaching that challenges us, relationships that sustain us, and mission that transforms our city. That's what Presbyterian really means. Not a political affiliation or demographic category, but a lived faith that makes real difference in Houston and beyond. Peace, Pastor Jon Burnham 713-632-6262 St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston 5020 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, TX 77035

Sanctuary side entrance of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston