This Sunday

at St. John's:

The Economics

of Manna

Friends,

This Sunday I'm preaching on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. The sermon is "The Economics of Manna."

Paul is raising money. He is collecting an offering for the poor church in Jerusalem, and he holds up the churches of Macedonia as his example. What gets me is how he describes them. They were in "extreme poverty," and they begged him "for the privilege" of giving. Begged. I have been a pastor a long time, and I have never once had to fight anyone off the offering plate.

Paul closes by reaching back to the manna in the wilderness. "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little." God gave bread every morning. Gather what you need. Don't store it up. The ones who hoarded it overnight woke up to worms.

Most of us live by a different economy. We worry about running short, so we keep a little extra put by. Sometimes that is wisdom. Sometimes it is fear wearing a sensible coat. The manna asks a harder question. What if there really is enough? And what if the extra in my hands was meant for someone else's need?

Come worship this Sunday. Glen Risley is our liturgist and will read the manna story from Exodus 16. Rev. Linda Herron will lead Children's Time. We'll sing "Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak," with its prayer, "O feed me, Lord, that I may feed your hungering ones with manna sweet." Then stay after worship for the Holiday Gift Market from noon to 2 pm, a St. John's tradition for decades.

Peace,

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 Holiday Gift Market, This Sunday, November 8, noon to 2 pm

Come browse the offerings of at least 15 vendors and share a light lunch. This market is a St. John’s tradition for many decades!

St. John's Presbyterian Worship Bulletin

November 8, 2026

24th Sunday after Pentecost

Gathering

Prelude,

Alina Klimaszewska, organ

*Call To Worship,

The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham

Pastor: Gather as much of it as each of you needs, the Lord said, and the ones who gathered much had nothing over, and the ones who gathered little had no shortage.

People: Thanks be to God, whose arithmetic is enough for everyone.

Pastor: But some of them stored it up overnight, and by morning it bred worms and stank.

People: Thanks be to God, who will not let us hoard the bread of heaven.

Pastor: And the churches of Macedonia, poor as dirt and glad as children, begged for the privilege of giving it away.

People: Thanks be to God, whose abundance runs through open hands.

Opening Prayer

*Hymn 81

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

1 Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God.

God, whose word cannot be broken,

formed thee for a blest abode.

On the rock of ages founded,

what can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation's walls surrounded,

thou may'st smile at all thy foes.

2 Round each habitation hovering,

see the cloud and fire appear

for a glory and a covering,

showing that the Lord is near.

Thus deriving from their banner

light by night and shade by day,

safe they feed upon the manna

which God gives them when they pray.

3 See, the streams of living waters,

springing from eternal love,

well supply thy sons and daughters

and all fear of want remove.

Who can faint while such a river

ever flows, their thirst to assuage?

Grace, so like the Lord the giver,

never fails from age to age.

Prayer of Confession,

Glen Risley

Gracious God, we confess that we have gathered more than we needed and called it prudence, and we have watched it spoil rather than share it. We have trusted our storehouses more than your promise of daily bread. We have called our abundance ours and our neighbor's need their own problem. Forgive us, and teach us the economy of enough. Amen.

(Silent Confession)

Assurance of Pardon

*Glory Be to the Father

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

Children's Time,

Rev. Linda Herron

The Word

Prayer for Illumination

First Scripture Reading,

Exodus 16:16-20,

Glen Risley

"This is what the Lord has commanded: 'Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.'" The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed. And Moses said to them, "Let no one leave any of it over until morning." But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them.

Anthem

Sermon Scripture,

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints—and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you.

Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something—now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."

The Word of the Lord for us today.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon,

“The Economics of Manna”

The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham

*Hymn 722

Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak, 1, 2, 4 and 5

1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak

in living echoes of your tone.

As you have sought, so let me seek

your erring children lost and lone.

2 O lead me, Lord, that I may lead

the wandering and the wavering feet.

O feed me, Lord, that I may feed

your hungering ones with manna sweet.

4 O fill me with your fullness, Lord,

until my very heart o'erflow

in kindling thought and glowing word,

your love to tell, your praise to show.

5 O use me, Lord, use even me,

just as you will, and when, and where

until your blessed face I see,

your rest, your joy, your glory share.

*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 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 664

Morning Has Broken

1 Morning has broken

like the first morning;

blackbird has spoken

like the first bird.

Praise for the singing!

Praise for the morning!

Praise for them, springing

fresh from the Word!

2 Sweet the rain's new fall

sunlit from heaven,

like the first dewfall

on the first grass.

Praise for the sweetness

of the wet garden,

sprung in completeness

where God's feet pass.

3 Mine is the sunlight!

Mine is the morning,

born of the one light

Eden saw play!

Praise with elation;

praise every morning,

God's re-creation

of the new day!

*Benediction

*Postlude

Announcements

Moment for Mission: The McPhail Scholarship Fund

The Myrtis McPhail Educational Endowment Fund will have a space at the Holiday Gift Market to accept donations. If you can't be present, please consider making an end-of-year donation made to St. John's with "McPhail Scholarship" designated in the memo line of your check or with Zelle. Everyone can help by praying for these young adults for God to keep a guiding hand on them.

Men's Group and Healing Hearts, Wednesday, November 11

This Wednesday, November 11, Men's Group meets at 6:30 pm and Healing Hearts at 7 pm. All comers are welcome.

Friends United Lunch, Thursday, November 12

This month's presenter is Jeanne Bunnell Leach, P.C., attorney at law, board certified in residential real estate. Her topic is "Planning Tools to Make Life Easier," covering advance directives and tools to avoid probate. Lunch is potluck. All who are 50 and older are welcome, whatever their religious affiliation.

Next Week Is Stewardship Sunday!

Bring your pledge card and stay for a celebration lunch!

Congregational Meeting, November 15

The congregation will meet on Sunday, November 15, immediately after worship in the sanctuary. Items of business include:

• The 2027 annual budget;
• 2027 Terms of Call for the pastor;
• The Nominating Committee report;
• Edits to the Manual of Operations;
• Annual reports from committees.

All members are encouraged to attend.

Advent Is Coming!

Advent begins Sunday, November 29. The day before, Saturday, November 28, we'll gather at 10 a.m. to decorate the sanctuary, and everyone is invited. Come help us bring festive color to our worship space. This year the sanctuary will also have a new six-foot Christmas tree.

Poinsettias

We've ordered 40 poinsettias, which arrive December 11 and will fill the sanctuary through Christmas Eve. They're available for $12 each, the same price as last year. Watch the Epistle for how to reserve yours.

Advent Readers

Each Sunday of Advent, a family or individual leads the Advent reading in worship. Lynne Parsons Austin is reaching out to readers now. If you'd like to take a Sunday, let Lynne know.

Greeters and Ushers Needed

Calling all smiling faces to serve the Lord as greeters and ushers! The Worship Committee is looking for volunteers to enter the ministry of greeting and ushering during our Sunday morning Worship services. It is a great way to meet folks in the church and to practice your gifts of hospitality and friendship. Participation is on a rotating basis and the schedule will accommodate those times that you will not be able to serve due to a conflict. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin for more information. Your energy and smiling face is needed.

Christmas Shoeboxes for Seafarers

Each year the Houston International Seafarers Center delivers Christmas shoeboxes to the crews of ships in the Port of Houston. Last year it was 8,901 boxes, for sailors from 68 nations, many of them months away from home at the holidays. Chaplains and ship visitors carry the boxes aboard by hand. St. John's is collecting again this year. In the narthex, there is a list of needs and a box for donations.

Looking Ahead in Generous Trouble

Generous Trouble:

When Kingdom Economics Interrupt Our Plans

• November 15: "Gleaning at the Edges" (Dedication Sunday), Leviticus 19:9-10; Ruth 2:1-16 and Acts 4:32-37
• November 22: "The Upside-Down Kingdom" (Christ the King), Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25:31-46

Happy Birthday

Andra Mulder (Nov 1)

Mary Hughes (Nov 3)

Fifi Diabate (Nov 3)

Marie Dzeukou (Nov 9)

Becky Crawford (Nov 10)

Virginia Krueger (Nov 12)

Mary Herlitz (Nov 14)

Libby Adams (Nov 15)

Ann Hardy (Nov 16)

Jackson Burnham (Nov 20)

Naomi Hughes (Nov 20)

Mary Plail Risley (Nov 22)

Jim Austin and Scott Moore (Nov 29)

 

Happy Anniversary

Peter and Grace Sparaco (Nov 28)

 

Prayer Concerns

Miri Upton, friend of Lisa Sparaco, health concerns

Kelly McDowell and family, Shirley Boyd’s nephew, health

Kathleen Captain, health

Ken Krueger

Family of Betty Robinson

Linda Dobbin, health

Mary Hughes and family, in the loss of Mary’s brother Fred

Fran, her children and family of Brad Urquhart

Lisa, health

Sandy, health

Patti, health

Randy Finfrock, health

Alice's grandson, Marc, health

Gayle Morales, friend of Alice Rubio, recovering from hip surgery

Jessica Ivete Robles, friend of Alice Rubio, awaiting a kidney transplant

Phyllis Freeman, receiving hospice care in the Dallas area

Tom Edmondson and Kristi, his caregiver

Kelsey Wiltz, health

Scott Moore

Alice Rubio

St. John’s college students

Raina Bailey and the families in our PCHAS homes

One Hope Preschool families and staff

Calendar

• Sunday, November 8, 24th Sunday after Pentecost
• 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room
• 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
• 12:00 pm Holiday Gift Market and CE Committee
• 1:30 pm Book Study, Zoom
• Tuesday, November 10
• 5:00 pm Exercise Group, Building 2
• 7:00 pm Session Meeting
• Wednesday, November 11
• 6:30 pm Men's Group
• 7:00 pm Healing Hearts
• Thursday, November 12
• 11:00 am Friends United Luncheon
• 5:00 pm Exercise Class in Building 2
• 6:30 pm Gift of Empathy Class
• Saturday, November 14
• 10:00 am to noon, PCHAS Holiday Lunch
• Sunday, November 15
• 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Systematic Theology, Session Room
• 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook
• 12:00 pm Stewardship Celebration Lunch and CE Committee and Fellowship and Caring Committee meetings
• 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom
• 4:30 pm Pack 8 Meeting, McPhail Hall

Coming Events

• Saturday, November 18, Presbytery Meeting, St. Phillip
• Wednesday, November 25, 6:30 pm Men's Group
• Thursday, November 26, Thanksgiving Day
• Saturday, November 28, 10 am, Decorate Sanctuary for Christmas
• Sunday, November 29, First Sunday of Advent
• Saturday, December 5, Quarterly Bible Study, Advent

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