St. John's Episcopal Church - Columbus, Texas

St. John's Episcopal Church - Columbus, Texas St. John's Episcopal Church & Friends of St. John's We are pleased to have two ways in which people can associate with us:

FRIENDS OF ST. MEMBERS OF ST.

JOHNS are people who connect with the church in a variety of way without being "members." They are those who want a way to serve the greater good of the community through an established organization whose goals align with theirs. Friends are welcomed to participate freely in all activities of the Church including Communion. One becomes a Friends just by doing any of these things: There is no forma

l organization. JOHNS make up the core of the community. Membership begins with baptism and lifetime growth is encouraged through serving others, studying Scripture and other expressions of the faith such as art and music, and regularly gathering with others in an active and participatory expression of the faith in song, prayer and sacrament. Interest in becoming a Member is directed to the priest who enters into an exploratory period with the person and, if so indicated, leads them through the process as outlined by the Episcopal Church toward full membership. LEADERSHIP: Roger Olier, Sr. Warden; Rachel Clem, Treasurer

Forward Day by Day SATURDAY, June 13 THE FIRST BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 1549Galatians 6:11. See what large letters I ...
06/13/2026

Forward Day by Day

SATURDAY, June 13 THE FIRST BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 1549

Galatians 6:11. See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!

If I were still in my tattoo phase, I would consider getting Galatians 6:11 inked onto my inner wrist. It would be ironic, of course; it’s not Philippians 4:13 or Jeremiah 29:11. If someone saw the chapter/verse and happened to look it up, it would not be what they expected.

But the ultimate irony is that I really do love this verse. It marks the point in Galatians where Paul took over from the scribe and finished writing on his own—the equivalent of typing and printing a twelve-page letter, and then signing it in ink with a handwritten PS.

Paul’s PS shows personality. The large, looping letters of Paul’s less-practiced hand would have contrasted sharply with the rest of the tight, orderly, scribe-written text. This line is lighthearted, which is not what you’d expect at the end of a letter that features phrases like “You foolish Galatians!” and “I’m afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.” This image is what resonates with me most—it shows that all his admonitions came from a place of love.

MOVING FORWARD: What passage of scripture has significant meaning for you? Why?

PRAY for the Diocese of Aguata (Nigeria)

Psalm 75, Psalm 76 * Psalm 23, Psalm 27 | Num. 3:1-13 | Gal. 6:11-18 | Matt. 17:1-13

06/13/2026

For those who Suffer for the sake of Conscience

OGod our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.

BCP

Forward Day by Day FRIDAY, June 12 ENMEGAHBOWH, Priest and Missionary, 1902Psalm 69:17. Let not the torrent of wate...
06/12/2026

Forward Day by Day

FRIDAY, June 12 ENMEGAHBOWH, Priest and Missionary, 1902

Psalm 69:17. Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up; do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me.

There’s an old joke about a man sitting on his porch, praying, as floodwaters rise. A police officer drives up and tells the man he should evacuate immediately. “No,” says the man. “The Lord will save me.”

He keeps praying on the porch, and the waters cover the front steps. A boat comes by. “Jump in,” says the boat captain. “No,” says the man. “The Lord will save me.”

The waters keep rising, the porch washes away, and the man climbs onto his roof, still praying. A helicopter flies by and dangles a rope. “Grab on,” says the pilot. “No,” says the man. “The Lord will save me.” The waters keep rising, the house is swept away, and the man drowns. In heaven, he asks God angrily, “Why didn’t you save me?”

“What do you mean?” comes the answer. “I sent you a police car, a boat, and a helicopter.” God is always there, always listening. We need faith enough to accept answers to our prayers, even when they don’t look exactly the way we imagine.

MOVING FORWARD: Are you open to unexpected answers to prayer?

PRAY for the Diocese of Agra (North India)

Psalm 69 * Psalm 73 | Eccles. 11:9-12:14 | Gal. 5:25-6:10 | Matt. 16:21-28

06/12/2026

For the Answering of Prayer
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the prayers of those who ask in your Son’s name. We ask you kindly to listen to us as we bring our requests to you, and grant that what we have sincerely asked in line with your will may be given, bringing us the help we need and bringing glory to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BCP

Forward Day by Day THURSDAY, June 11 SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLEActs 11:25a. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus.Rain is re...
06/11/2026

Forward Day by Day

THURSDAY, June 11 SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE

Acts 11:25a. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus.

Rain is refreshing, especially in summer. A peaceful summer shower nourishes and encourages the crops in the field. Hail, on the other hand, is not good for crops. It batters and damages—the opposite of encouragement.

Saint Barnabas, whom we remember today, was called “Son of Encouragement” by the apostles. His encouraging, diplomatic manner made a mark on the early church; it was Barnabas who vouched for Paul when the apostles were leery of the genuineness of his conversion. Barnabas later went to Tarsus to find Paul and encourage him to join him in Antioch. Barnabas and Paul ministered together for more than a year, which probably also required some peacemaking—Paul was not known as the easiest colleague.

Barnabas’s gentle encouragement and ability to smooth over conflicts made him instrumental in growing and nourishing the early church. Today, he is honored as the patron saint of peacemakers—and invoked for protection from hailstorms.

MOVING FORWARD: How can you model Barnabas’s spirit of encouragement this week?

PRAY for the Diocese of North Africa (Alexandria)

Isaiah 42:5-12 | Psalm 112 | Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3 | Matthew 10:7-16

06/11/2026

For Agriculture
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BCP

Forward Day by Day WEDNESDAY, June 10 EPHREM OF NISIBIS, Deacon and Poet, 373Matthew 16:2-3. He answered them, “Wh...
06/10/2026

Forward Day by Day

WEDNESDAY, June 10 EPHREM OF NISIBIS, Deacon and Poet, 373

Matthew 16:2-3. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

“The sunrise is beautiful,” my husband said. We were on the balcony, watching the sky brighten from burgundy into magenta.

“Yes,” I agreed, “But you know what they say: red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning…” A sip of coffee for a dramatic pause. “Sailor’s warning.” I gazed out at the horizon, feeling wise.

Now, I have never sailed in my life. I’ve manned a canoe once or twice, but I am neither a mariner nor a meteorologist. I have no expertise in this matter, no depth of knowledge that would justify making sweeping atmospheric pronouncements. I heard a soundbite once, and it seemed to fit into this conversation, so I used it—and felt wise.

It’s easy to repeat things, to parrot others, without taking the time to interpret the signs ourselves. But that’s not wisdom, and that’s not what Jesus calls us to do.

MOVING FORWARD: Read through all the scripture passages for the day.

PRAY for the Diocese of Afikpo (Nigeria)

Psalm 72 * Psalm 119: Yodh, Psalm 119: Kaph, Psalm 119: Lamedh | Eccles. 9:11-18 | Gal. 5:1-15 | Matt. 16:1-12

06/10/2026

For Guidance

O God, who guides the humble with wisdom and brings light to the godly in times of darkness, grant us the grace to seek your will in all our doubts and uncertainties. Let the Spirit of wisdom keep us from making wrong choices, so that in your light we may truly see, and in your straight path we may walk without stumbling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BCP

Forward Day by Day TUESDAY, June 9 COLUMBA OF IONA, Monastic, 567Psalm 62:1. For God alone my soul in silence wait...
06/09/2026

Forward Day by Day

TUESDAY, June 9 COLUMBA OF IONA, Monastic, 567

Psalm 62:1. For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.

A six-day silent retreat. No talking, no computing, no looking at my phone. There would be a 45-minute session with a spiritual director each morning, but 98.2% of my time would be spent in silence. Just me and God and my little yellow copy of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius.

I had it all planned out. By lunchtime on Wednesday, I would be through the First Week, having realized that I was a wretched sinner, all the more ready to follow Jesus into the Second Week. On Friday morning, I’d launch into the Third Week and then finish up with the Fourth Week starting Saturday afternoon. I had my Rules, I had my structure, and I was ready to roll.

But then I got there, and on the first night, before the retreat had technically started, God spoke. I heard, very clearly, the phrase “Release the agenda.” I wasn’t in charge of this retreat—God was. My job was to sit in silence and wait.

MOVING FORWARD: Set aside a period of silence for each day this week.

PRAY for the Diocese of Adelaide (Australia)

Psalm 61, Psalm 62 * Psalm 68 | Eccles. 8:14-9:10 | Gal. 4:21-31 | Matt. 15:29-39

06/09/2026

For Quiet Confidence
O God of peace, who has shown us that in returning and resting we find salvation, and in quietness and trust lies our strength: By the power of your Spirit, lift us into your presence, where we can be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BCP

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915 Travis Street
Columbus, TX
78934

Opening Hours

Wednesday 5:15pm - 6:45pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm

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