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By Jon Burnham
•
February 19, 2025
The Epistle February 19, 2025 The Power of Systems Over Goals in Church Leadership I am currently working on a book titled Systems Over Goals in Church Leadership, exploring how churches can thrive not by chasing fixed milestones but by cultivating faithful, Spirit-led systems. Inspired by Scott Adams’ distinction between goals and systems, this book applies that wisdom to ministry, showing how churches can build sustainable discipleship, generosity, and leadership structures that lead to long-term faithfulness rather than short-term successes. Too often, churches fall into the trap of goal-driven leadership—whether it’s growing membership numbers, meeting budget targets, or launching new programs. While goals can be useful, they often lead to burnout, frustration, and cycles of "permanent presuccess failure"—always striving but never feeling fully accomplished. Instead, the early church thrived through systems: daily rhythms of prayer, breaking bread, and discipleship (Acts 2:42-47). This book will guide leaders in developing ongoing systems for spiritual formation, financial stewardship, leadership development, and congregational care—ways of leading that bring consistent fruitfulness, regardless of external circumstances. For St. John’s, this perspective invites us to think not only about what we hope to achieve, but about the faithful patterns we cultivate that will sustain our church for years to come. For example, starting a school on our property through a Ground Lease arrangement would provide St. John’s with a steady, predictable revenue stream for the next 25 years, ensuring long-term financial sustainability without the constant pressure of annual fundraising. This approach reflects systems thinking—creating a self-sustaining model that generates consistent income—rather than relying on the short-term goal of asking members for donations each year and struggling to balance the budget. Instead of chasing financial targets, we would be building a durable system of support, allowing our congregation to focus on ministry, mission, and spiritual growth without the anxiety of financial instability. I hope this book will serve as a resource not only for our church but for other congregations navigating the challenges of ministry today. Let’s focus on faithfulness over fleeting success, trusting that God’s work unfolds in daily obedience, not just in major milestones. Stay tuned for more updates on this journey! Walking in Christ's Grace, Pastor Jon Men's Fellowship Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Group Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, February 19 in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. Troop 740 Completes Eagle Scout Project for Cameron Crane at Bunnell Family Playground Troop 740 recently undertook a remarkable service project that culminated in an Eagle Scout achievement for Cameron Crane. The Scouts dedicated their time, skills, and teamwork to enhance the Bunnell Family Playground, leaving a lasting impact on the community. This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Jeanne Leach, who provided the necessary funds to bring Cameron’s vision to life. The Scouts displayed tremendous effort and commitment throughout the process, ensuring that the playground improvements serve both current and future generations. Their hard work reflects the Scout Oath’s call to "help other people at all times" and embodies the values of leadership and service. A heartfelt thank you to Cameron Crane for his dedication, as well as to the Scouts, leaders, and church members who contributed to making this project a success. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and will be enjoyed by many for years to come. Giving New Life to Technology: St. John’s Donates Computer Equipment to Booker T. Washington High School At St. John’s, we believe in stewardship—not just of our finances, but of all our resources. That’s why we are thrilled to see our worship slideshow operator, Jarrett Lindsey, take our older computer equipment to Booker T. Washington High School in the Heights, where he teaches Computer Science. Instead of collecting dust, these machines will now serve as hands-on tools for students to practice networking, computer repair, and maintenance skills. Jarrett’s car was packed—both the trunk and the back seat filled with monitors, desktops, and other equipment ready to be repurposed for learning. This act of generosity is a reminder that even used technology can make a huge impact when placed in the right hands. Go, Jarrett! Go, St. John’s! May our gifts continue to be a blessing beyond our walls! Lenten Arts Series Begins Sunday, March 9, 4 pm. This year’s series begins with the RADIZ Cello Quartet playing some Bach and including Armenian and Danish folk tunes. Let’s make an intention to attend this year’s five concerts as one of the ways we observe a holy Lent. Come, let the music wrap around you like a soft embrace—this is not just a concert, it’s a journey for the soul. Will you be there? A Lenten Study on the Lord’s Prayer Saturday, 29 March from 8:30am – 2:30pm In the Session Room Every week we recite the Lord’s Prayer in the worship service but how much have you really thought about each of the petitions in the prayer? It is easy to say it by rote each week without really thinking about what it means. The Lord’s Prayer is actually rich in theological meaning and depth. The Christian Education Committee is offering everyone an opportunity to study the prayer in depth in a study during Lent. The class will be on Saturday, 29 March from 8:30am – 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided. Save the date for what we hope to be an enriching study! College Student Ministry Update The Caring Committee continues to keep in touch with our college students (Addie Carrettin, Tori Gorby, Naomi Hughes, Nnaji Bennett LaGrone, Jade Adams Noons, and Loic Mimche). At the start of each semester, they each receive a book that we hope will support their growth in Christ amidst the challenges of college life. In January, they received a book entitled, “Holy Habits,” by Noah Herrin. Here are a few comments from them: Great choice on the book, it is an amazing one. I will definitely enjoy reading it. Thank you so much to everyone ! The ten practical habits outlined by Noah Herrin have provided me with a roadmap to deepen my relationship with Jesus and live a more purposeful life. One habit that particularly resonated with me is the practice of "resting where you once were striving." In the midst of my busy academic schedule, I have found great comfort and renewal in setting aside time for rest and reflection, allowing me to recharge and maintain a healthy balance. The insights and guidance from this book have not only strengthened my faith but also equipped me with practical tools to navigate the complexities of college life. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement from our church community, and I am excited to continue growing in my faith with the help of these holy habits. A New Book Study: The Message of Jesus What was the actual message of Jesus Christ during his ministry? We often focus on his birth, death and resurrection. But what did he actually say during his ministry and how might reviewing those messages help us to grow in our faith or explain our faith? On February 16, 2025, a new book study will begin with Adam Hamilton’s The Message of Jesus; Words that Changed the World. Hamilton’s book focuses on and explores the message of Jesus revealing his radical and provocative teachings. Using a writing style that is both clear and concise, Hamilton offers us an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the essence of our Lord’s words in a practical and powerful way. Join us on Zoom at 1:30pm on Sunday afternoons from the comfort of your home. Everyone is welcome. Contact Lynne Parsons Austin at lynnep@sbcglobal.net for the link. This is an opportunity not to be missed. BIM Mardi Gras Ball, Fat Tuesday, March 4, 6 pm, Willow Meadows Baptist Church Join the celebration of 40 years of service, with Cajun cuisine and festive attire. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Whispers of Grace: Email Devotionals for Lent and Holy Week Launching Mardi Gras, March 4, 2025 Join St. John’s for a transformative Lenten journey. Imagine raw conversations between a Disciple and the Holy Spirit—honest questions, divine whispers, and the cost of love. Inspired by Whispers of Grace: A Disciple’s Conversations with the Holy Spirit, each email offers Scripture meditations, reflective questions, and practical steps for daily faith. Highlights include: 🌿 The Desert’s Invitation: Purpose in wilderness 💧 The Gift of Tears: Healing sorrow 🌑 Walking in Darkness: Trusting through uncertainty Be ready for the call. The journey begins soon! Prayer Request: Wilbert Harris on Hospice Care Dear St. John's Family, We ask for your prayers for Wilbert Harris, who has now been placed on hospice care at SW Memorial Hospital. Please lift up Wilbert and his granddaughter, Tatiana, pictured here, who is faithfully caring for him during this time. May they both find strength, comfort, and peace in the presence of our Lord. Tatiana dropped by the church office on Sunday morning to give me an update and I visited Wilbert on Monday at SW Memorial Hospital and had prayer with him and Tatiana. Let us surround them with love and prayer, trusting in God's grace and mercy. In Christ’s peace, Pastor Jon St. John's Presbyterian Church Prayer Concerns Wilbert Harris, Hospice Care, SW Memorial Hospital Ann Nelson, Methodist Hospital, Smith Tower, Rehab Felicity Bisase, health Alice Rubio, health Bob Hughes, health Ross Chitwood and his spouse, friends of Mark Swindler; they lost everything in the Pacific Palisades fire St. John's College Students Omar Ayah in the loss of her father in Africa Scott Moore, health 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. February Birthdays Teresa Darr (Feb 11) Christi Edmonsond (Feb 13) Joe Sanford (Feb 14) Ken Krueger and Bob Jump (Feb 15) Brad Urquhart (Feb 17) Omar Ayah (Feb 20) Benjamin Jump (Feb 23) Asher Caspa (Feb 25) Alina Klimaszewska (Feb 25) Shirley Boyd (Feb 27) Diane Ragan and Shadai Noons-Adams (Feb 28) *Note: If we did not list your February birthday or anniversary, please reply and let us know. Our Church Calendar Thursday, February 20 11:00 am Keenagers Lunch, McPhail Hall 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, February 22, 10:00 am Pack 8 Pinewood Derby Setup in McPhail Hall 2:30 pm Willow Rock Community Girl Scout Meeting, McPhail Sunday, February 23, Seventh Sunday after Epiphany 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom 3:00 pm Pinewood Derby in McPhail, Concert in Sanctuary Coming Events Sat, Feb 22, Girl Scout Community Meeting Sat, Feb 22 and Sun, Feb 23, Pack 8 Pinewood Derby, McPhail Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 PM Mardi Gras Ball (Fundraiser for BIM at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, sign up sheet in narthex) Wed, March 5, Ash Wednesday Sun, March 23, Chili Round-Up Pot Luck Sun, April 13, Palm Sunday Thurs, April 17, Maundy Thursday Sun, April 20, Easter Sunday Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ 2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary Church Office Hours and Contact Info The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to noon. Pastor Jon or Marie Kutz cover Monday and Tuesday mornings; Alvina Hamilton covers Wednesday and Linda Herron covers Thursday. For assistance outside of these hours, please call us at 713-723-6262. To update the Prayer List or contribute to the Wednesday Epistle, contact Pastor Jon directly. Church Website and Calendar Online Our church website: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/ For dates, times, and events, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ Email Pastor Jon to request an addition to the church calendar or to add an event or article to The Epistle.
By Jon Burnham
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February 19, 2025
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By Jon Burnham
•
January 22, 2025
An Epistle on Education: A Sacred Tradition of Faith and Learning To the saints of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Teacher and Shepherd of our souls. As we gather in prayerful discernment about the possibility of establishing a school on our campus, we are invited to reflect upon the rich legacy of the Presbyterian Church as pioneers in the field of education. Throughout history, our faith community has embraced the transformative power of learning, intertwining the call to discipleship with the pursuit of knowledge. This sacred tradition is not merely an aspect of our identity—it is woven deeply into the fabric of who we are as a people of faith. From its inception, the Presbyterian Church has championed education as a means of glorifying God and equipping the saints for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Rooted in the Reformation's emphasis on literacy and access to Scripture, Presbyterians have historically founded schools, colleges, and seminaries to ensure that every person could read and understand the Word of God. The establishment of institutions like Princeton University and countless others is a testament to this commitment, as our forebears sought to nurture minds as well as souls. Education has always been understood as an act of stewardship, a way to cultivate the gifts God has entrusted to us. For John Calvin and other Reformers, the development of intellect and character went hand in hand, creating spaces where faith and reason could meet and flourish. This emphasis on holistic formation has inspired generations to seek wisdom, not as an end in itself, but as a means of advancing the Kingdom of God. As we consider starting a school on our church property, we are not venturing into unfamiliar territory; rather, we are stepping into a stream of faithfulness that has carried us for centuries. By offering education to our community, we echo the words of Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it." We proclaim that learning is a sacred act, one that nurtures not only intellect but also the fruits of the Spirit—faith, hope, love, patience, kindness, and goodness. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with our heritage and our calling. A school on our campus would not merely be a building; it would be a living extension of our mission to embody Christ’s love and light in the world. It would provide a space for young minds to grow, for teachers to impart wisdom, and for families to find a community grounded in grace. Above all, it would be an act of hope—a tangible expression of our belief that God’s work in the world is ongoing and that we are privileged to be co-laborers in it. Beloved, let us approach this conversation with courage and prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision. May we listen for God’s voice as we discern how best to steward the gifts and opportunities we have been given. And may we always remember that in building up others through education, we are participating in the holy work of shaping lives for eternity. Let us walk forward together in faith, trusting that the God who began this good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Amen. In Christ’s love and service, The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham Pastor, St. John’s Presbyterian Church Prayers for Pauline Hall's Family In this season of sorrow, our hearts are united in prayer and Christian sympathy with Pauline and Stuart Hall as they mourn the loss of their beloved son, Christopher. We lift up Pauline, Stuart, their daughter Jo Anne and her family, Christopher’s family, and all who carry this burden of grief. May the Lord, who is near to the brokenhearted, surround the Hall family with His steadfast love. May the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, bring them peace that passes all understanding and hold them tenderly in this time of loss. As they walk this valley, may the light of God’s eternal promises guide their steps. May they find strength in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and solace in the assurance that Christopher is held now in the eternal care of our loving Father. Let us continue to uphold the Hall family in prayer, that God’s grace may sustain them and His love may bring them healing. Welcome Back, David Wintersgill! Last Sunday, we were blessed to welcome David Wintersgill back into the membership of St. John's Presbyterian Church. David joins us by transfer of letter from St. Philip's Presbyterian Church in Houston. We are delighted to have you back in our church family, David! May the Lord guide and bless both you and St. John's as we continue to grow and journey together in faith. Welcome home! Prayers for New Elders Let's lift up in prayer these new elders who began service on the Session this month. Omar Ayah (Faith in Action) will be ordained and installed for a 3 year term. Michael Bisase (Buildings and Grounds) will be installed for a 2 year term to complete the term of an elder who resigned last year. Lynne Parsons Austin (Worship) will be installed for a 3 year term on the Session. Marie Kutz (Administration/Personnel) will be installed for a 3 year term on the Session. Our new elders had their first Session meeting on Tuesday, January 14. We are off to a good start for the new year. Keep these and all members of the Session in your prayers as we discern God's will for St. John's in the coming months and years. Men's Group, Tonight, January 22 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Group Meeting at 6:30 on Wed, 22 January in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. Souper Bowl of Caring, Sunday, February 9 . Calling all St. John’s cooks! Souper Bowl of Caring Potluck will be held on Sunday, February 9 immediately after church. Bring your super dish and score a touchdown with it! The Souper Bowl of Caring is an exciting opportunity to raise funds and support BIIM’s food pantry—all while celebrating the thrill of the Big Game! Let's team up to make a powerful impact in the fight against hunger. Together, we can make a difference! On February 9, we will collect for this charity and celebrate with a Potluck Valentine’s Brunch in McPhail. Drawing Near: Discovering God’s Presence in Leviticus If you would like a Bible Study to accompany the current sermon series, there is a book on Amazon: Drawing Near: Discovering God’s Presence in Leviticus. [Link to: Drawing Near: Discovering God’s Presence in Leviticus] This book also has the liturgy including prayers we are using during worship for this sermon series. Rooted in Christ: A Journey Through Colossians Dear Church Family, There is a deep joy in walking together as a community of faith, growing stronger and more grounded in the love of Christ. I am delighted to share with you a new resource that has been prayerfully crafted to guide us in this journey: Rooted in Christ: A Journey Through Colossians. This book invites us to explore the richness of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, uncovering timeless truths about the supremacy of Christ, the fullness of life in Him, and the virtues that His Spirit grows within us. Through four engaging lessons, thoughtfully paired with Old Testament reflections, this study encourages us to deepen our roots in faith and live as flourishing witnesses to His grace. In addition to the Bible study, Rooted in Christ includes sermons and liturgies designed to integrate these teachings into worship and everyday life. Whether you are new to Scripture or a seasoned disciple, this resource offers something for everyone—a chance to reflect, grow, and bear fruit in community with one another. Like the tree planted by streams of living water, may this study nourish your spirit, strengthen your faith, and inspire you to share Christ’s love with the world. Together, let us take this journey, trusting in the One who sustains us and shapes us for God's glory. This book heralds a new sermon series of the same name beginning on the first Sunday in February. Grace and peace, The Rev. Dr. Jon Burnham P.S. Copies of the book are available on Amazon. This is a link to the Kindle version. We begin the sermon series on the first Sunday in February. Let’s embark on this journey together! Join the Video Ministry Team The Video Ministry is up and running providing a slide show during our services each Sunday morning and video taping it live on Facebook. This ministry provides beautiful visuals and texts for those in the sanctuary as well as allowing folks who can not attend in person the opportunity to hear God’s message and enter into worship. If you are interested in learning how you can participate as a member of this exciting team, please contact Lynne Parsons Austin at lynnep@sbcglobal.net. Church Website Upgraded We are thrilled to announce that the St. John’s Presbyterian Church website, www.stjohnspresby.org, has undergone a significant upgrade! View it yourself to see. Of particular interest, you may want to view our church calendar on the church website here: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events. Prayer Concerns Lisa Sparaco, other friends and family of Seth Danzig Wife of Matt Jones (former New Wind member), health Omar Ayah in the loss of her father in Africa Mary Hughes, in the loss of her cousin Austin Tice and his family; he was captured in Syria in August 2012 Holly Darr Royal, health Lynne and Virgil Fisher, health Scott Moore, health and Joene Moore, health Felicity Bisase, death of her mother Patricia, Linda, Loretta and Christina, friends of Grace Sparaco, health Alice Rubio's sister The Coc-Tuil family Michael Rodgers, health Mike Almaguer, former St. John’s Boy Scout, cancer Bob Hughes, health concerns Mary Herlitz, health Christina, JoAnn Golden’s granddaughter, health Al Kisling, Janice Shute’s husband, cancer Peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and all over the world St. John's College Students All our healthcare heroes, especially the members and friends of St. John’s Raina Bailey, each family living in the PCHAS houses The One Hope Preschool on our campus January Birthdays William Ator (Jan 1) George Dobbin and Samantha Jump (Jan 2) Megan Edmonsond Treveno (Jan 3) Tom MacAdam (Jan 4) Ellen Stowell (Jan 7) Connie Brown (Jan 11) Debbie Wilkinson (Jan 15) Kathy Barnhill (Jan 17) James Ragan and David Rainwater (Jan 19) Lynne Fisher (Jan 20) Jana Burnham (Jan 22) Margaret Glover and Jade Noons-Adams (Jan 23) Katie Hartzog (Jan 26) Addie Carrettin, Nicolas Dzeukou (Jan 28) Nyjel Bennett LaGrone (Jan 29) Doris Beetem and Ronan Carrettin (Jan 30) January Anniversaries Jon and Jana Burnham (Jan 1) Bob and Shirley Boyd (Jan 26) Calendar Wednesday, January 22 6:30 pm Men’s Group Meeting, Session Room Thursday, January 23, 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Sunday, January 26, Third Sunday after Epiphany 9:30 am Sunday School for Adults, Lectionary, Session Room 11:00 am Worship Service, live in sanctuary and on Facebook 1:30 pm Book Study on Zoom Coming Events Sun, Feb 9, Souper Bowl of Caring and Valentine’s Pot Luck Sat, Feb 8 and Sun, Feb 9, Pack 8 Pinewood Derby, McPhail Sat, Feb 15, 10 – 3, Session Retreat, Session Room Sun, Feb 16, Caring/Fellowship Meeting, Room 203 Wed, March 5, Ash Wednesday Sun, March 23, Chili Round-Up Pot Luck Sun, April 13, Palm Sunday Thurs, April 17, Maundy Thursday Sun, April 20, Easter Sunday Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ 2025 Session Members and Roles Elders on the Session: Class of 2025 Shirley Boyd: Christian Education Virginia Krueger: Caring & Fellowship Leonie Tchoconte: Caring & Fellowship Elders on the Session: Class of 2026 Barm Alsbrook: Stewardship and Finance Michael Bisase: Buildings and Grounds Jan Herbert: Christian Education Elders on the Session: Class of 2027 Lynne Parsons Austin: Worship Omar Ayah: Faith in Action Marie Kutz: Personnel and Administration Other Session Leaders and Support Staff Jon Burnham: Moderator of Session Lynne Parsons Austin: Clerk to Session Tad Mulder: Church Treasurer Amy Caraballo: Financial Secretary Church Office Hours and Contact Info The church office will be closed on Monday, January 20, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The church office is normally open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to noon. Pastor Jon covers Monday and Tuesday mornings; Alvina Hamilton covers Wednesday and Linda Herron covers Thursday. For assistance outside of these hours, please call us at 713-723-6262. To update the Prayer List or contribute to the Wednesday Epistle, contact Pastor Jon directly. 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.
