THE RUNAWAY
Matthew 18:12-14
A couple weeks ago I was Facetiming with my son Andy. He’s a teacher off for the summer and tasked with taking care of his two children (Ben 3 and Alexandra 5) while his wife works from home. As we were talking, I could hear Ben having a loud and long temper tantrum in the background. As we continued talking, all of a sudden the phone screen showed only the floor and my son was saying “Oh oh!” Then I could see my son was outside and running down the driveway and then running down the road. Then the phone showed my little grandson running full tilt down the road, then the distance being rapidly closed and then Ben on my son’s shoulder - kicking and screaming, while my son was laughing and laughing. After my son put Ben in his room for a timeout, he explained to me that his wife had gone for a run and Ben ran out to go with her!
And then we laughed together, remembering the stories my son has heard many times. As a child just a little younger than Ben, my son Andy always wanted to do what his dad, who was a farmer, did. So one day Andy and I were both out in the yard and my husband was driving out to the field on the tractor. For a minute I didn’t notice Andy was gone, but that was all it took for that little guy to make it to the end of the driveway! So then I was running down the driveway, and then the road, chasing that little guy who wanted to go wherever his dad was! And carrying him home on my shoulder, kicking and screaming, to his room for a timeout.
There is, I have to admit, a certain satisfaction that my son has a son who is putting him through exactly what I went through with him! But aside from that . . .
Jesus told the parable of the shepherd who went searching for the lost sheep and searched until he found it and then put it on his shoulders to bring it home. And while I do love that story, I am not a shepherd. When we lived on the farm, we had a few cows and when they would get out, I only saw finding them and getting them back as a huge mess and an obligation I really wanted no part of. But I can sure relate to a parent running full tilt after a running away toddler! I can really feel the intensity of the parent wanting the child back - because I’ve been there! So over the years this image has consistently spoken to me of God’s enduring love for me. When I have tried to run from him, distance myself from him and even deny him - He has pursued me. And He has found me, picked me up and carried me home. And that - ultimately - is where I’ve always wanted to be - in my Father’s arms and house.
Prayer:
Thank you for your faithfulness to me even when I have tried to run away from you. Thank you for your enduring love for me. Help me to see You more clearly, to love You more dearly, to follow You more nearly, day by day.
The last sentence is paraphrased from an old hymn by Richard of Chichester
-- Lyn Fitz
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#photosfromhome
On the one-year anniversary of the passing of Linda B. Hughes, I brought a bouquet of colorful flowers to the Centennial Gardens of Sunset Memorial Cemetery in loving memory of my wife and our 60 years of being together, doing good in New Mexico and all the places we have lived enjoying life.
-- Eddie S. Hughes
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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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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
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: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org
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