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.