St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston ~ Worship Bulletin and Annoucements

An Invitation to Worship

Third Sunday of Easter

April 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM

St. John's Presbyterian Church


Dear Friends,


There is a story in the Gospel of Luke that I keep coming back to.

Two people are walking away from Jerusalem. They had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel. He wasn't, as far as they could tell. So they're heading home, carrying the wreckage of a hope that didn't work out. And a stranger falls into step beside them and asks what they're talking about.


They stop walking. They look sad. And then they tell him everything.


That's the Road to Emmaus. And that stranger, of course, is Jesus. Risen. Present. Walking with them before they have any idea who he is.


This Sunday we are going to sit with that story. The sermon is called "Breakfast with the Risen," and it takes seriously the possibility that the risen Christ shows up on the roads we are actually walking, not the roads we planned to be on. He meets us in our disappointment. He asks good questions. And somewhere along the way, when bread is broken, our eyes open.


I think a lot of us are on some version of that Emmaus road right now. Maybe you know exactly what I mean. Come anyway.

We will also have something wonderful to celebrate. Our Session welcomed a new family into St. John's last Tuesday night. Zachery and Jessica Delafosse, along with their sons Eric and little Mark, are joining us, and both boys will be baptized here soon. And we are so glad to welcome the Reverend Camille Elmore, a seasoned Presbyterian minister who lives right down the road on Spellman, who has chosen St. John's as her church home.


And this month, St. John's turns 70.


Seventy years ago, a small group of people planted a church in southwest Houston and made promises they couldn't fully keep on their own. God kept them. And here we are, still gathering, still breaking bread, still welcoming new faces and new chapters.


Come join us Sunday at 11:00 AM. Alina will be at the organ. Mark will lead the choir. Lynne will lead us in confession and the reading of scripture. And we will all sit together at the table where eyes have a way of opening.


I'll save you a seat.


Peace be with you,

Pastor Jon Burnham


St. John's Presbyterian Church, Houston

5020 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, TX 77035

(713) 723-6262 / stjohnspresby.org


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

April 19, 2026 Third Sunday of Easter


Gathering


Prelude, Alina Klimaszewska, organ


*Call To Worship, The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham

We come this morning carrying the weight

of roads we have been walking. 

Some of us are walking toward something.

Some of us are walking away.

God meets travelers on the road — e

ven those going in the wrong direction. 

Even those whose hope has already gone

into past tense.

The risen Christ asks: what are you carrying?

Tell me everything. 

And then he walks with us

before he explains anything.

We gather now as people who have been met on the road. 

Open our eyes, Lord. Let us recognize you

in the breaking of the bread.


Opening Prayer 


*Hymn 182 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

1 I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto me and rest;

lay down, O weary one, lay down

your head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was,

so weary, worn, and sad;

I found him in a resting place,

and he has made me glad.


2 I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Behold, I freely give

the living water, thirsty one;

stoop down and drink and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank

of that life-giving stream;

my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

and now I live in him.


3 I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“I am this dark world’s light;

look unto me, your morn shall rise,

and all your day be bright.”

I looked to Jesus, and I found

in him my star, my sun;

and in that light of life I’ll walk

till traveling days are done.


Prayer of Confession, Liturgist Lynne Parsons Austin

God of the road and the table, we confess that we have walked away from hope too quickly, choosing the familiar weight of disappointment over the impossible promise of resurrection. We have talked about our losses without looking up to see who walks beside us, and we have sat at many tables without recognizing you in the breaking of the bread. Forgive us, and open our eyes. 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

Lynne Parsons Austin

The Word


Prayer for Illumination Lynne Parsons Austin


First Scripture Reading, 1 Kings 19:4–8

Lynne Parsons Austin


But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.


Anthem


Sermon Scripture, Luke 24:13–35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.


As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.


The Word of the Lord for us today.

Thanks be to God. 


Sermon, Breakfast with the Risen 

The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham


*Hymn 252 Day of Arising


1 Day of arising,

Christ on the roadway,

unknown companion walks with his own.

When they invite him,

as fades the first day,

and bread is broken,

Christ is made known.


2 When we are walking,

doubtful and dreading,

blinded by sadness,

slowness of heart,

yet Christ walks with us,

ever awaiting

our invitation:

Stay, do not part.


3 Lo, I am with you,

Jesus has spoken.

This is Christ's promise,

this is Christ's sign:

when the church gathers,

when bread is broken,

there Christ is with us,

in bread and wine.


4 Christ, our companion,

hope for the journey,

bread of compassion,

open our eyes.

Grant us your vision,

set all hearts burning

that all creation

with you may rise.


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 and 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 New Members


Welcome New Members

  • Last Tuesday night, our Session joyfully welcomed a new family into our church: Zachery and Jessica Delafosse and their sons, Eric (age 5) and Mark (who just turned 8 months old). Zachery and Jessica joined by Reaffirmation of Faith, and we are excited that Eric and Mark will be baptized here during worship soon. Please stand! Welcome to Jessica, Zach, Eric, and Mark!


  • We are also very happy to welcome Rev. Camille Elmore, who lives nearby on Spellman Rd. Rev. Elmore grew up near Little Rock and has previously served Presbyterian churches in Florida and Arkansas. We are blessed that she has chosen St. John's, near her home, as her home church, and we look forward to exploring how her gifts for ministry can best support our congregation's needs. She will likely become a minister at large in our Presbytery later this year. Please stand up! Welcome, Cammille. 



A Prayer of Welcome for the Delafosse Family and Rev. Camille Elmore, in Thanksgiving for Seventy Years of Grace


Gracious God,


Seventy years ago this month, a small group of your people gathered in southwest Houston and said yes to something they could not fully see yet. They planted a church. They made promises. And you were faithful to every one of them.

Today we give you thanks that St. John's is still here, still gathering, still saying yes. And we thank you especially for the new faces you have brought through our doors.


We welcome Zachery and Jessica Delafosse, who stood before our Session last Tuesday night and reaffirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, you know what it takes to walk into a new place and say "this is where we belong." We ask that you make St. John's a true home for them. May they find here the kind of friendships that hold up under pressure, the kind of community that tells the truth in love, and the kind of worship that feeds their souls week after week.


We thank you for Eric, who is five years old and has his whole life ahead of him. Let this congregation be a place where he learns that faith is real, that the Bible is worth reading, and that the people of God are worth trusting. And little Mark, eight months old and just barely new to this world -- Lord, watch over him. We already love him. He doesn't know it yet, but he will.


We look forward to the day, coming soon, when both Eric and Mark will be baptized in this place. We will make promises to them. Promises we intend to keep.


We also welcome the Reverend Camille Elmore, who grew up near Little Rock and has given years of faithful service to Presbyterian congregations in Florida and Arkansas. You have brought her now to a house just down the road from ours on Spellman, and we do not think that is an accident. As she prepares, in your time, to serve as a minister at large in our Presbytery, let her find in St. John's the kind of rest and belonging that sustains a pastor for the long road. And when the moment is right, show us how her gifts can best bless this congregation. She has been a shepherd before. She knows what the work costs. We are glad she is with us.

Seventy years, Lord. A young couple with a baby boy and a five-year-old. A seasoned minister who still has work to do. This is how you build your church. One family at a time. One faithful servant at a time.


Thank you for all of them. And thank you for the seventy years of grace that brought us to this moment.


In the name of Jesus Christ, who makes all things new,

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 Rev. Burnham


Sending


*Hymn 738 O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee


1 O Master, let me walk with thee

in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear

the strain of toil, the fret of care.


2 Help me the slow of heart to move

by some clear, winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.


3 Teach me thy patience, still with thee

in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong.


4 In hope that sends a shining ray

far down the future's broadening way;

in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.


*Benediction and Postlude



Announcements


Fellowship and Caring Committee Meeting

this Sunday after Worship, Session Room.

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!


Brunch is cancelled.

Since the Worship Committee was afraid McPhail Hall would not be quite ready, the brunch scheduled for today is cancelled.


Healing Hearts for April.

Healing Hearts will meet on Monday, April 27, at 11:00 am. St. John’s is proud to support this healing ministry.


Welcome New Members: New Faces, Familiar Grace.

Last night, our Session had the joy of receiving new members into the life of St. John's. We welcomed the Layman family: Zach, Jessica, and their two little ones, Mark and Eric. They did not stumble upon us by accident. They came looking specifically for a congregation that takes the gospel seriously enough to live it out even when it costs something. Some of you will remember the opposition that arose when PCHAS brought its Single Parent Family Ministry to our campus. The Laymans heard about that, and it told them something about who we are. They will be scheduling baptisms for their boys here soon, and we look forward to that celebration.

We also received the Rev. Valerie Bell into our fellowship. Valerie is an honorably retired PC(USA) pastor who now makes her home in Meyerland. She has served congregations in Florida and Arkansas, and she brings with her real gifts for teaching and pastoral care among others. As a minister, Valerie will be joining our presbytery rather than our membership roll, but in every way that matters she is one of us, sharing her time and her talents alongside the rest of the congregation. We are glad she is here. Receiving new members during the month of our 70th anniversary year feels like exactly the right kind of gift. God is not finished with St. John's yet. Welcome home, Laymans. Welcome home, Valerie. We will share their photos in the Epistle as soon as they become available.


Celebrating Loic: A Special College Ministry Update.

We received a wonderful note this week from Loic, grandson of our own Leonie. He wanted the St. John's family to know that he is graduating this May 15th with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate's Degree of Science in Chemistry. After that, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering at a four-year school in Canada. He wrote to say thank you, and his words were simple and sincere: "Y'all really made it easier for me."

Pastor Jon replied: "A 4.0 in Chemistry does not just happen. That takes discipline, long nights, and a steady kind of determination. And now you are stepping into Energy and Environmental Engineering, which tells me you are not only thinking about your future, but about the future of the world God has given us to care for. We are proud of you, Loic. Truly." Please keep Loic in your prayers as he heads into this exciting next chapter. He carries St. John's love with him all the way to Canada.


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. Thanks for Your Support


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. 


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.


Men of the Church.

Next meeting Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 PM; Session Room


Happy Birthday

Michael Bisase, Linda Dobbin and Stephen Marshall (April 1)

Tatiana Harris (April 3)

Brendan Ehrenstrom (April 4)

JoAnn Golden (April 8)

Samuel and Emmanuel Okwudiri and Winnie Georgiev (April 9)

Pat Ragan (April 12)

Tom Edmonsond (April 13) 

Allen Barnhill and Austin Gorby (April 14)

Jenny Pennicuff (April 17)

Kennedy Muanza (April 24)

Jon Burnham (April 26)


Prayer Concerns

Rebecca Crawford, hip surgery

David Wintersgill, hip surgery

Jessica Ivete Robles, a friend of Alice Rubio,

awaits a kidney transplant

And Jessica’s sixteen-year-old son,

who is recovering from surgery

Glen Risley, recovering from hip surgery

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

Madalyn Rodgers, Kathleen Captain's sister

Joe Sanford,

Scott Moore

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, April 19, Third Sunday of Easter 

  9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room

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

Noon Fellowship and Caring Committee Meeting in Session Room

  1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom

  3:30 pm Girl Scouts in Session Room and Room 203.

Tuesday, April 21

  5:00 pm Exercise Group, Building 2

Thursday, April 23

  5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2

Sunday, April 26, Second Sunday of Easter

  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

  4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, Exercise Room


Coming Events

Mon, April 27, Healing Hearts, 11 am

Thurs, April 30, BIM Gala (tentative date)

Sun, May 3, CE Meeting after Worship

Sun, May 31, CE Brunch: Senior Sunday and Teacher Appreciation

Sat, July 18, Quarterly Bible Study for all ages, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm



2026 Session Members and Roles


Class of 2026

Ann Hardy: Stewardship and Finance

Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds

Jan Herbert: Christian Education


Class of 2027

Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship

Omar Ayah: Faith in Action

Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration


Class of 2028

Mary Gaber: Christian Education

Tina Jump: Fellowship and Caring

Ann Hardy: Finance and Stewardship

Peter Sparaco: Faith in Action


Other Session Leaders and Support Staff

Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session

Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session

Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer



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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The Epistle

By Jon Burnham • April 22, 2026
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston

The Epistle for April 15, 2026

By Jon Burnham • April 15, 2026
The Epistle St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston Seventy Years on West Bellfort Dear friends, Seventy years is a long time. Longer than most of us have been alive. Long enough to watch Houston transform from a mid-sized Texas city into one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country. Long enough to see whole neighborhoods rise, change, and find new life. St. John's Presbyterian Church has been here through all of it. Since 1956, this congregation has worshiped at 5020 West Bellfort Avenue. Think about that for a moment. The Astrodome had not even been built yet when the first members of St. John's gathered to sing hymns and hear Scripture. Houston was a different world, and a small group of Presbyterians planted a church in southwest Houston because they believed this neighborhood needed a community of faith that would stay. They were right. And they stayed. I did not arrive until 2007, so I cannot claim credit for those first decades. When I came, the congregation handed me something they had been building for fifty-one years. That is a humbling thing to receive. You walk into a story that was already going long before you showed up. What struck me most in those early years was not the building or the programs. It was the people who had been here for decades and still showed up every Sunday like it was the first time they had discovered something worth getting out of bed for. That kind of faithfulness is rare. You do not manufacture it. It grows slowly, year after year, in the soil of shared prayer and shared loss and shared meals and shared mission. Seventy years of names and faces. People who showed up with mops and buckets after Harvey flooded this building, who worked until the Education Building was clean and dry and whole again, and who then turned around and opened those same doors to One Hope Preschool. Families who buried loved ones from this sanctuary and then came back the following Sunday because they needed to be with their people. Young parents who brought infants for baptism and then watched those same children come back as adults, sometimes with infants of their own. Choir members who sang the same hymns for forty years and somehow found new meaning in them every time. The community garden did not exist in 1956. The columbarium was not there. The partnership with Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda would have seemed impossible. The PCHAS Single Parent Family Ministry on our campus was not yet a dream anyone had dreamed. But the spirit behind all of those things was already present. The belief that the church exists to serve people, and that serving people in the name of Christ changes both the server and the served. That belief has carried this congregation through good years and hard ones. I want to be honest about something. Celebrating seventy years could easily become a kind of self-congratulation. We did it! Look at us! And I understand the temptation. Reaching this milestone as a small congregation in a city full of large and well-funded churches is genuinely something to be grateful for. But I think the truer celebration is this: God was faithful. Generation after generation of people at St. John's said yes when they could have said no. They gave money when money was tight. They showed up to committees and Session meetings and fellowship dinners when they were tired. They welcomed strangers. They prayed for each other by name. God worked through all of that ordinary faithfulness to keep this church alive and keep it useful. That is what is worth celebrating. What do the next ten years look like? Or the next seventy? I do not know, and I suspect that is fine. The people who started this congregation in 1956 probably could not have imagined the church we are today. They just tried to be faithful with what they had in front of them. So that is still the job. Worship well on Sunday mornings. Study Scripture together. Tend the garden. Bring food to Braes Interfaith Ministries. Sit with people who are grieving. Welcome whoever walks through the door. If we do those things, we will probably still be here in 2056. And some pastor who is not yet born will walk into this congregation and receive what you have been building, and they will feel the same weight of gratitude I felt in 2007. God willing, they will also feel the same joy. Seventy years is a long time. And we are just getting started. Peace, Pastor Jon Burnham Welcome New Members: New Faces, Familiar Grace Last night, our Session had the joy of receiving new members into the life of St. John's. We welcomed the Layman family: Zach, Jessica, and their two little ones, Mark and Eric. They did not stumble upon us by accident. They came looking specifically for a congregation that takes the gospel seriously enough to live it out even when it costs something. Some of you will remember the opposition that arose when PCHAS brought its Single Parent Family Ministry to our campus. The Laymans heard about that, and it told them something about who we are. They will be scheduling baptisms for their boys here soon, and we look forward to that celebration. We also received the Rev. Valerie Bell into our fellowship. Valerie is an honorably retired PC(USA) pastor who now makes her home in Meyerland. She has served congregations in Florida and Arkansas, and she brings with her real gifts for teaching and pastoral care among others. As a minister, Valerie will be joining our presbytery rather than our membership roll, but in every way that matters she is one of us, sharing her time and her talents alongside the rest of the congregation. We are glad she is here. Receiving new members during the month of our 70th anniversary year feels like exactly the right kind of gift. God is not finished with St. John's yet. Welcome home, Laymans. Welcome home, Valerie. We will share their photos in the Epistle as soon as they become available. A Word of Celebration We received a wonderful note this week from Loic, grandson of our own Leonie. He wanted the St. John's family to know that he is graduating this May 15th with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate's Degree of Science in Chemistry. After that, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering at a four-year school in Canada. He wrote to say thank you, and his words were simple and sincere: "Y'all really made it easier for me." Pastor Jon replied: "A 4.0 in Chemistry does not just happen. That takes discipline, long nights, and a steady kind of determination. And now you are stepping into Energy and Environmental Engineering, which tells me you are not only thinking about your future, but about the future of the world God has given us to care for. We are proud of you, Loic. Truly." Please keep Loic in your prayers as he heads into this exciting next chapter. He carries St. John's love with him all the way to Canada. Tomorrow: PCHAS Luncheon at Lakeside Country Club The annual PCHAS luncheon is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16th, at noon. It will be held at Lakeside Country Club, 100 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, 77042. The theme this year is "Hope Outlives Hardship." The one-hour program will share updates on the many services PCHAS provides across Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri, with real stories of lives changed. It is a heartwarming event and always worth the time. We are glad to say that 20 people from St. John's are registered and ready to go. St. John's has had deep ties to PCHAS for many years, and especially since partnering with their Single Parent Program right here on our campus beginning in 2012. There will be an opportunity to give toward this ministry if you feel led to do so, but it is not required. If you are registered and have questions about tomorrow, please call or text Shirley at 713-598-0818; or Ann at 713-240-2690. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 Becky Crawford, hip surgery Glen Risley, recovering from surgery Scenacia Jones family Jessica Ivete Robles, a friend of Alice Rubio, awaits a kidney transplant Family of Sue Benn Tom Edmondson, recovering from spinal surgery Holly Darr, health concerns Kelsey Wiltz, 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. 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 15 6:30 pm Men’s Group, Session Room Thursday, April 16 12:00 pm PCHAS Luncheon. Church Office Closed 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday service, Sanctuary Sunday, April 19, Third Sunday of Easter 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook, Rev. Herron preaching 12:00 pm Brunch, hosted by the Worship Committee 1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom 3:30 pm Girl Scouts in Session Room and Room 203. Wed, April 15, Men’s Group Thurs, April 16, 12 pm, PCHAS Luncheon; Church Office Closed Sun, April 19, Fellowship and Caring Committee meeting after worship 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!) Sermon Series Resurrection Disruptions Most Easter sermons make a promise that is hard to keep on Monday morning. Death is defeated. Christ has risen. And then the diagnosis is still real. The grief hasn't lifted. The loss is still just there. This Easter season we are going to be honest about that tension. The series is called "Resurrection Disruptions: When Death Gets Interrupted," and it runs from Easter Sunday through the Day of Pentecost. Eight weeks, eight stories of God showing up for people who weren't ready, weren't expecting it, and probably weren't facing the right direction when it happened. Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones. Thomas with his hand near a wound. Disciples huddled behind a locked door. Each week is a disruption story. Each week the resurrection interrupts something that looked finished. The arc moves from the disorientation of early Easter morning all the way to Pentecost, from silence to fire, from a sealed tomb to a wide open street. If you have ever wondered whether faith has anything real to say to people who are actually suffering, these eight weeks are for you. Bring someone who is carrying something heavy this spring. We'll start at an empty tomb and see where the risen Christ takes us from there.

Worship Bulletin for April 12, 2026

By Jon Burnham • April 9, 2026
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston

The Epistle for April 8, 2025

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 

Easter Service Houston: What to Expect at St. John's Presbyterian

By Jon Burnham • April 4, 2026
Come and See

Holy Week Houston: How This Sacred Season Shapes My Faith

By Jon Burnham • April 3, 2026
Holy Week Houston: What It Means to Me as Your Pastor

The Epistle for Holy Week - April 1, 2026

By Jon Burnham • April 1, 2026
Celebrate Holy Week at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas

Finding Faith Through Tragedy: A Pastor's Honest Guide

By Jon Burnham • March 29, 2026
Dealing with Grief as a Christian

Dealing with Grief as a Christian: What Your Faith Actually Offers

By Jon Burnham • March 29, 2026
Finding faith through tragedy devotionals on grief

The Epistle for March 25, 2026

By Jon Burnham • March 25, 2026
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.