THE PATH
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10b
I’m a pretty goal-oriented person. When the pandemic really kicked up back in March, I made a list of all the things I wanted to accomplish through May—by which time I was absolutely certain that life would be totally back to normal—things like put down landscape fabric, paint, totally re-do the garage, and almost everything except tearing my house down to the studs and reconstructing it.
One thing I’ve intensely enjoyed the last few weeks is swimming laps in the city swimming pools. Swimming is an activity where some work on technique is very helpful—through lessons my technique has improved dramatically. Somehow I got the goal in my head that I should be able to swim a mile in one hour by the end of August—this is probably doable.
I found myself this morning not wanting to go swim—God and I talked about this for a while, and it came to me that I was getting so into the goal of how far and fast I could swim that I was forgetting to just enjoy the water—ducking under for the first time, the coolness, being able to use my strength to move along, feeling the liquid on my skin, enjoying the quiet and peace of the occasion.
And on my to-do list that I constructed back in March, I did not put down so many of the things that have brightened my life—noticing all the different plants blooming on my morning walk (one day I photographed ten beautiful blossoms!), really listening to the sounds of the wind, carefully observing new leaves forming on the plants in my garden (and how big and prolific squash plants are!).
Doing tasks and achieving goals is important—it helps me to keep moving forward on the right path. There is a saying that “those who fail to plan plan to fail.” But it is really important to not go so caught up in the tasks and goals that I forget to enjoy the path I’m on—the process along the way—the glimpses of God. And when I look back on what I will remember—it is primarily the journey. The journey is indeed our home, and God is holding my hand each step of the way.
Prayer:
God, slow me down enough each day that I might enjoy the journey. Help me realize that it is not all in what is accomplished, but how I travel the path.
Amen.
-- Jane Voelkel
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YOUTH NETFLIX PARTY
The Reel to Real 2020 Season continues this Wednesday @:1:00PM. Make sure you are: 1. are using Google Chrome on a computer, 2. are logged into Netflix, and 3. Have downloaded the Netflix Party app. We will email and text out the unique URL address to join the party at 12:45 that day. This week’s feature movie is based on the true story of the friendship of how the last Pope got fed up and retired in order to propel the current new Pope into power. Watch “The Two Popes” with us (PG-13)
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#photosfromhome
Ladies Book Club in the “Park” ing Lot
Hatches up, masks on, social distancing
and voila! We gathered on the east side, held our annual book exchange and enjoyed a long delayed evening of fellowship.
-- Ann Look
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#PHOTOSFROMHOME
A CALL FOR SELFIES AND AT-HOME PICTURES
Hi there! I love showing you photos of what we are doing at the church, but what I think would be an even more amazing thing to share is a picture of you! Send me pictures and/or videos of you/your family/your pets/your garden/your cooking/etc with a short description, and I will share them here and compile them for a project! communicate@stjohns-abq.org
-- Shea Perry, Communications Director
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A CALL FOR DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Would you be interested in submitting a daily devotional for the Newsletter? If so, send an email to Reverend Dr. Pam Rowley at prowley@stjohns-abq.org!
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WEDNESDAY PRAYER SERVICES
Wednesdays | 8:00 am & 7:00 pm
Please join us on Wednesday mornings and evenings for a worship service of praise and prayer. Both services will take place in the Memorial Garden of St. John’s on the west side of the building. These services are designed to be thirty minutes and will be led by Certified Lay Ministers, Larry Luna and Joe Marshall. Please bring your own lawn chairs and sit six feet from your neighbor. In an effort to keep all of us safe and healthy, masks are required. THESE WEDNESDAY MORNING AND EVENING SERVICES will continue for the summer (at least that is the plan now).
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DRIVE-IN WORSHIP SERVICE
Saturday, July 25 | 7:00 pm
Rev. Dr. Randall Partin
Come and worship in your car on Saturday, July 25 and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. We will gather in the east parking lot of St. John's (2626 Arizona Street NE).
we will be collecting for two recipients - Zuni Elementary and the Four Corners ministry. Zuni really needs hand sanitizer of at least 65% alcohol content, Kleenix, sanitizing wipes and regular pump hand soap. The Four Corners ministry is in need of items to entertain the children: coloring books, crayons, small educational toys, and books with loving subject matter. All monies collected during those offerings will go to the Zuni special offering unless designated otherwise.
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Sundays | 9:30 & 11:00 am
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(Pastors Pam and Kelly will lead, along with Shea Perry, Jim Ahrend, and Matt Greer). We hope that you’ll participate by singing and praying at home! Any questions? Email Matt at mgreer@stjohns-abq.org.
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DRIVE-IN COMMUNION SERVICE
Wednesday, August 5 | 7:00 pm
Come receive communion in your car on Wednesday, July 1 and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. We encourage you to bring your own elements (bread & juice). If you do not have your own elements, we will provide individually-packaged elements. We will gather in the east parking lot of St. John's (2626 Arizona Street NE).
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ZOOM TUTORIAL
The announcements below include using the program "Zoom" to group-video chat. You can find a tutorial on how to use Zoom
HERE!
SUMMER YOUTH GROUP ZOOM
Sundays | 4:00 - 5:15 pm
IT IS SUMMER, and we have a new series for students exploring new games, discussions, and faith-building activities every Sunday from 4:00-5:15PM! Go to: bit.ly/Summer2020UMYF (case sensitive) password if needed is 233374. NEW SUMMER URL
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"COFFEE BREAK" WITH PASTORS PAM & KELLY
Wednesdays | 1:30 pm
Log in and have coffee (or tea) and chat with Pastors Pam and Kelly! Zoom link
HERE.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT KIDS' BIBLE CLUB
Wednesday Night Bible Club is still on! Grade school friends join us on Zoom to get your weekly Bible lesson, watch the So & So Show, and pray with your friends. This summer we are taking a Focus on Faith! Don’t miss it! Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information!
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"SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT" CLASS WITH PASTOR PAM
Thursdays | 1:30 pm
Join Pastor Pam for a 30-minute spiritual exercise. Space is limited, join the class
HERE.
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THE PRACTICE OF PRESENCE
Fridays | 9:30 - 10:00 am
Susan Brumbaugh, staff mental health counselor at St. John's, is offering a FREE weekly gathering on FRIDAYS at 9:30 am to practice mindfulness meditation. Each 30-minute session begins with a brief welcome, a description of the focus (e.g., breath, body, senses, emotions, thoughts), a 15-20 minute guided practice, and an opportunity to debrief and share experiences.
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Anyone is welcome--no experience is necessary. (And, yes! It's okay for Christians to meditate.) If you want to learn more prior to starting, the sessions will be similar to ones she leads and records on
YouTube
. Each session will be hosted on Zoom.
HERE
is the zoom link. Please contact Susan Brumbaugh, counselor@stjohns-abq.org, or 505-506-6716, if you have questions.
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WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? Point 3b: God wants to give you abundant life.
St. John’s email Bible study returns to our study of salvation, and in particular to the idea that God’s plan for your salvation is broader than you think. Although there’s nothing in the Bible about “prosperity gospel,” scripture does say that God’s plan for your salvation includes a desire that you be healthy, safe, and comfortable and that you enjoy life in constant relationship with him.
Download the study guide, or sign up for daily study tips by email by writing or calling Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or 294-2877.
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Congregational Care Corner
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VIRTUAL PRAYER QUILT
Jean Jorgensen is the recipient for the prayer quilt on display for July 20th – August 2nd.
In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer): “Father, please hold Jean tight in your embrace so that she can be stronger than the challenges in her life.”
PRAYER SUPPORT
How we support you and your family in prayer during this difficult time? Prayers for health, employment, peace? Please send your prayer requests to the Prayer Team: mapalook@comcast.net or submit them on our website
HERE.
GO-FER TEAM
It is hard to get out and many people shouldn’t. Is there something you need delivered from the store? If we are able to help, we have a few volunteers who would like to serve as Go-fers for people who need something but cannot get it on their own. Please pass any requests on to Jarrod at c.care@stjohns-abq.org
ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICE AVAILABLE
The St. John's staff includes a licensed mental health counselor who is available to meet virtually (using a smartphone or computer) in a secure online platform during these anxious times. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, counseling is available. Click
here or contact Susan Brumbaugh at 505-506-6717 or counselor@stjohns-abq.org for more details about session and cost information. Susan also has a Youtube Channel with mindfulness tips
HERE.
VIRTUAL TAI CHI WITH KATHY
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FAMILY PROMISE
Families in the program are currently staying at Church of the Good Shepherd, off Tramway. This has been the centralized location since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. St. John's still will be contributing food during our host week, July 26th - Aug. 1st. Laura Combs, director of Family Promise, has asked that we provide staples and dinners. If you wish to prepare a meal, deliver a meal, or do both please go to our
SignUp Genius link
.
If you would like to contribute money please send in a check or contribute online
here. For either, please indicate "Family Promise" on your donation. For additional questions, please contact Linn Furnish: swimsew@comcast.net or (505) 884-6626 or Jenn Shields: jennshields200@yahoo.com or (505) 450-9978.
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JULY SPECIAL OFFERING: ZUNI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For many years St. John's has had a special relationship with our neighbor, Zuni Elementary School. For example, over the years, we have provided school supplies, backpacks, after school programs, and a Back to School Luncheon for the staff.
This year, as you can imagine, Zuni's needs are a bit different. Hand Sanitizers and wipes, kleenex and pump soap top the list! You can donate in kind on Saturday nights. (See separate article for details) Or, of course, you may send monetary donations to the church any time.
Finally, please keep the students and staff of Zuni ( and all the schools in town) in your prayers. Starting up again will be different and stressful for everyone.
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ST. JOHN'S FACILITY IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
In accordance with the New Mexico Department of Health order, our facility will be closed until further notice. We will keep you apprised as things develop.
Your St. John's pastors and staff are still very much on the job, and are available to you during this time. Please reach out to us if we can help you in any way!
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CONTACT US
Office Administrator, Debbie Brown, will be answering the phone at St. John’s every weekday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please call the office if you have any concerns or pastoral care needs. Debbie will get messages to Pastor Pam and Pastor Kelly. The office number is 505-883-9717.
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Contact Us
www.stjohns-abq.org
(505) 883-9717
2626 Arizona St NE | Albuquerque, NM 87110
Office Hours (call only): Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org
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