By Jon Burnham
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April 2, 2025
THE EPISTLE for April 2, 2025 In the Shelter of Their Stewardship Dear Friends in Christ, In recent days, our St. John’s family has bid farewell to two beloved members of our community—Bob Hughes and George Dobbin. These two faithful men quietly shaped the life of our church through their steadfast presence, humble service, and deep love for this congregation. Bob Hughes served behind the scenes, but his care was unmistakable. Week after week, when something in the building needed attention—a leaky pipe, a silent air conditioner, a light that flickered—Bob would appear, quietly and faithfully, to make things right. He didn’t look for recognition; he simply showed up. Again and again. His steady hands kept the gears of ministry turning, and his gentle spirit brought peace wherever he went. As an Elder on Session, Bob served with wisdom and reliability, offering quiet leadership that blessed us all. We hold his beloved wife Mary, along with their children and grandchildren, close in prayer. Bob’s memorial service will be held in our sanctuary on Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 PM. And just yesterday, we received word that George Dobbin had entered the church triumphant. George, too, was a quiet force within our congregation. As chair of the Stewardship and Finance Committee, he offered calm, thoughtful guidance, helping us navigate financial decisions with integrity and care. George also managed the church’s insurance—important, behind-the-scenes work that protected our ministry day after day. Together with his wife Linda, George offered loving leadership to our older adult ministry, until their move to Austin. Plans for a memorial service at St. John’s this summer are underway, and we will share those details once confirmed. Bob and George were not just caretakers of buildings and budgets—they were caretakers of the church’s heart. They looked after this community with quiet devotion, offering their time, skill, and faith without fanfare. And now, we prepare to honor them in the most tender of ways. Both men will be laid to rest in the St. John’s Columbarium, a sacred space on our grounds that holds the stories of those who have loved and served this church. As we grieve their absence, let us also give thanks for their example. Bob and George lived their faith in ways that were tangible and true. They gave of themselves—not to be seen, but to serve. And in doing so, they left behind a legacy of quiet strength and loving stewardship. May their lives inspire us to do likewise. May we find ways to serve with our own gifts—faithfully, humbly, and with joy. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” — Matthew 25:23 With peace and gratitude, Pastor Jon Burnham === A Service of Witness to the Resurrection In Loving Memory of Bob Hughes Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 PM Sanctuary of St. John’s Presbyterian Church Reception to follow in McPhail Hall “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 On Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 PM, we will gather in the sanctuary of St. John’s to give thanks for the life of Bob Hughes—a beloved member of our church family. In this service of witness to the resurrection, we come together in sacred remembrance and quiet gratitude. A reception will follow in McPhail Hall, where we’ll share stories and laughter, continuing the fellowship that Bob cherished so deeply. During his retirement years, Bob became a quiet but constant presence in our church. He gave of himself with steady hands and a servant’s heart. Whether it was a light that flickered, an air conditioner gone quiet, or a computer acting up, Bob was already there—gently tending, faithfully fixing, always ready to help. His work was often unseen, but always deeply felt. Bob’s leadership didn’t come with a title—it came through humble service, integrity, and deep care. He made things work, not just mechanically, but spiritually—bringing a quiet strength to our community that we will miss profoundly. His presence was a gift. His life, a testimony to the beauty of faith lived out in simple, steady acts of love. As we remember Bob, we hold especially in prayer his beloved wife Mary, their children and grandchildren, and all who were touched by his kindness and grace. May they be comforted by the peace of Christ and upheld by the love of this congregation. Scripture reminds us that those who run the race with faith are welcomed home with joy. Bob has finished his race—faithful, humble, and true. He now rests in the eternal light and love of God, where every burden is lifted and every labor is honored. May we honor Bob’s memory by carrying forward his spirit—quietly showing up, lending a hand, and loving this church with the same quiet devotion he so beautifully embodied. His life continues to speak, reminding us that the smallest acts of service often leave the greatest legacy. === In Loving Memory of George Dobbin With tender hearts, we share the news of George Dobbin’s passing. A devoted member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church for many years, George died peacefully in Austin earlier this week. George quietly blessed our community with his wisdom, generosity, and steady faith. He served faithfully on the Finance Committee and thoughtfully tended to the church’s insurance matters—always with care and humility. His calm presence and deep love for this congregation will be deeply missed and long remembered. At this time, no memorial plans have been announced, but we will keep the congregation updated as details become available. Let us surround George’s family and loved ones with our prayers, and give thanks to God for the gift of his life. In the promise of resurrection, we trust that George now dwells in the eternal peace and joy of Christ. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:21 === Men's Group Tonight Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30pm in Session Room We will have a Men’s Group Meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, April 2, in the Session Room. All men of the church are welcome to participate as we plan upcoming projects. === An Invitation to “Spring Serenade” — A Concert of Beauty and Renewal St. John’s Lenten Arts Series concludes with this concert this Sunday. You are warmly invited to an afternoon of exquisite music and sacred reflection as part of our Lenten Arts Series at St. John’s Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM, we will host the gifted musicians of Trio Oriensand special guests for Spring Serenade, a concert celebrating beauty, renewal, and the hope of resurrection. This stirring program features beloved works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Claude Debussy, as well as an original composition by Skyler Baysa entitled “Dream of Spring Peonies”. The ensemble includes tenor Mark Swindler, pianist I-Ling Chen, cellist Olive Chen, violinist Shih-Ting Huang, and composer Skyler Baysa. These acclaimed artists bring extraordinary talent and heartfelt expression to this deeply spiritual season. Through the language of music, Spring Serenade invites us to pause, listen, and open our hearts to the tender movement of God’s Spirit at work within creation and within our lives. The sanctuary will ring with the harmonies of new life—an apt prelude to Holy Week. Please join us and invite others to this free community offering. The concert will take place in our sanctuary at 5020 W Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035. Let this gathering be a moment of joy, peace, and sacred beauty in your Lenten journey. More information can be found at TrioOriens.org. === Update from Jan Herbert about her Father's Memorial Service Good morning Pastor Jon, I'm sending you my family’s final itinerary for Dad’s service. I am sending you this information to thank you for you and our congregation’s prayers, care & concern. You have been most kind helping me through this difficult time of saying goodbye to Dad. We forgot to put the date on this final itinerary! Service is tomorrow April 3, 2025 Dignity Memorial Brownsville Thanks, Jan Herbert === New Ice Maker in the Kitchen! We’re thrilled to announce a much-needed and refreshing addition to our church kitchen—a brand new ice maker! Many thanks to Marie Kutz and Alvina Hamilton for their generosity, coordination, and commitment in making this gift a reality. Your efforts help keep our fellowship flowing smoothly and coolly! === One Hope Pre-School EGGstravanganza — A Joyful Outreach for Families and Children “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14 Come and Join in the Fun! On Saturday, April 12, New Hope Pre-School is hosting a Spring Easter Egg Extravagaza from 10am until noon. The public is invited to attend this exciting event and St John’s wants to be a part of it. As disciples of Jesus Christ, relationships with our community are extremely important to cultivate. We are a loving and warm congregation that has a lot to offer people. Here is how we can reach out during this event and build relationship: 1). Bring candy, stickers, and/or little toys to fill the plastic eggs for the children by next Sunday, April 6. Candies should be individually wrapped and preferably non-melting. A box will be available for collection in the church office area this week and in the narthex on Sunday, April 6. 2). We will set up a table in their fenced-in area to distribute a ‘Welcome Letter’ to the families during the event to welcome and answer any questions about our faith community. 3). We will offer tours of our sanctuary, the children’s rooms in building 2, and the garden during the event to showcase our facilities and involvement in our community. Come and join in the fun!! And please, even if you can’t attend on April 12, consider bringing a donation of candy, stickers or little toys for the Easter eggs on Sunday, April 6. === Easter Lilies for worship and take home Easter lilies for use in our Easter Sunday worship service are $12 a plant and you can take them home Easter Sunday. If you want to buy one, sign the sign up sheet in narthex and include your check in the offering with a memo "Easter Lillies." === 2025 Myrtis McPhail Scholarship Attention all 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 in undergraduate college or a technical/trade school in the fall of 2025. Applications are available at https://www.stjohnspresby.org/scholarship or by email to Kathy Barnhill (jabarnhill@comcast.net) or Mindi Stanley (mstanley@bcm.edu). Applications will be accepted until May 15, 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. === 🎶 Support Ronan Carretin and Enjoy an Evening of Music! 🎶 Join us in celebrating Ronan Carretin as he sings with the Bellaire Choirs in two fantastic upcoming performances! On May 23rd at 6 PM, all of Bellaire’s choirs come together for their annual Pop Show at Bellaire High School—a free, high-energy concert full of fun and great music. Then, on May 29th at 6 PM, don’t miss the End-of-Year Solo Recitals & Duets, a special evening showcasing individual and small-group performances. Both events are free and open to everyone—so if you’re looking for a wonderful night of local arts without the drive or downtown hassle, come support Ronan and enjoy some fantastic music! 🎤🎵 Hope to see you there! === Register Now for the Annual PCHAS Luncheon! It’s time to register for the Annual PCHAS Luncheon, which will take place at Lakeside Country Club (100 Wilcrest Drive) on Thursday, April 24, from Noon to 1:00 PM. This year, Ann Hardy (713-240-2690) and Shirley Boyd (713-598-0818) are serving as table hosts, and we kindly request that guest lists be finalized by March 27. If you need assistance with registration or additional information, please feel free to contact either of them. If you have already received your "Save the Date" card, you may register directly with Marla Endieveri as indicated on the card. Be sure to bring your card on the day of the event to present at the Lakeside entrance, ensuring a smooth parking experience. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you! === Wedding Shower for Tina Liljedahl & Steven Jump! Join us after church on Sunday, April 27, in McPhail Hall as we celebrate the upcoming wedding of Tina Liljedahl and Steven Jump with a joyous wedding shower! Come share in the love, laughter, and blessings as we shower this wonderful couple with our best wishes. Let’s gather as a church family to celebrate this special season in their lives. All are welcome! 💕🎉 === Prayer Concerns Family of Bob Hughes Family of George Dobbin Family of Wilbert Harris Joe Sanford, health Scott Moore, health For those looking for a job Ann Nelson, home Felicity Bisase, health Alice Rubio, health Ross Chitwood and his spouse, friends of Mark Swindler; they lost everything in the Pacific Palisades fire St. John's College Students 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. === April Birthdays Michael Bisase, Linda Dobbin, Stephen Marshall (April 1) Tatiana Harris (April 3) Brendan Ehrenstrom (April 5) Jo Ann Golden (April 8) Samuel and Emmanuel Okwudiri (April 9) Winnie Georgiev (April 9) Pat Ragan (April 12) Tom Edmonsond (April 13) Allen Barnhill, Austin Gorby (April 14) Jenny Pennicuff (April 17) Kennedy Muanza (April 24) Jon Burnham (April 26) April Anniversaries This month, we honor: George and Linda Dobbin (April 16) We remember with tenderness the anniversary of George and Linda Dobbin, whose life together blessed our church for many years. Though George is now with the Lord, we give thanks for the enduring gift of their love. *Note: If we did not list your April birthday or anniversary, please reply and let us know. === Church Calendar Wednesday, April 2 6:30 pm Men’s Group, Session Room Thursday, April 3 5:00 pm Exercise Class, Building 2 Saturday, April 5 10:00 am Girl Scouts in McPhail Hall Sunday, April 6, Fifth Sunday in Lent 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 4:00 pm Lenten Concert Series, Trio Oriens with Mark Swindler, Sanctuary === Coming Events Sat April 5, PW Spring Gathering, St. Philip Thurs, April 24, PCHAS Luncheon Sun, April 6, 4 pm. Mark Swindler in concert Sat April 12, Easter Extravaganza for One Hope Preschool Sat April 12, Bob Hughes Memorial Service Sun, April 13, Palm Sunday Thurs, April 17, Maundy Thursday Sun, April 20, Easter Sunday Sun, April 27, Wedding Shower for Tina Liljedahl and Steven Jump Sunday, April 6 Lenten Arts Concert; 4 PM in Sanctuary Sunday, April 13, Palm Sunday; 11 AM in Sanctuary Thursday, April 17, Maundy Thursday, 7 PM in Sanctuary Sunday, April 20, Easter Sunday; 11 AM Sanctuary Thursday, April 24, PCHAS Luncheon; Noon; Details later === Church Calendar Online For other dates, see St. John’s Calendar online: https://www.stjohnspresby.org/events/ ==== Chili Round-Up: A Celebration of Community and Comfort There’s something sacred about sharing a meal — a table spread with warmth, laughter rising like steam from hearty bowls, and fellowship as rich as the chili itself. St. John’s annual Chili Round-Up once again brought our church family together for a joyful afternoon of good food, great conversations, and the simple pleasure of being together. Thank you to all who stirred pots, set tables, washed dishes, and welcomed guests. Each small act of service added flavor to the day, reminding us that Christ is present not just in worship, but wherever love is served. === 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.