THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
During the first few weeks of this stay at home time, I was feeling like I was depressed. Now being trained as a counselor I can recognize those symptoms of no focus or memory, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia or sleeping too much, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in things, overeating or appetite loss, pain that doesn't go away, digestive problems that don't improve with treatment and feelings of sadness. That just didn't fit for me. While I was sad I didn't feel hopeless. I was sleeping well and had no fatigue or focus problems. Well maybe some memory loss at times -what was that word? what is her name? - and while I wouldn't call it overeating I was snacking more than normal. Thoroughly puzzled about my feelings.
Then I was listening to a business success video I subscribe to and Darren was talking about grieving. Now I spent many years as a Hospice Counselor so grieving was my expertise during that time (denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) BINGO - that fit like a glove. I was certainly isolated and in denial about what is going on (the pictures of empty shelves were like I was reading about something in history), I was angry that this disease was concealed in the early stages, and a bit sad. I am grieving the loss of freedom to go to the grocery store and look at labels, freedom to worship in my sanctuary, freedom to be with my friends and give them hugs, freedom to be with my Bible study class and Sunday School class, to serve at the Hospitality Center, to hold meetings in person with everyone in the same room, not being able to eat in a restaurant, and.....
That awareness sent me to the scriptures and a new book I had purchased - You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado. I re-read the stories of Joseph and Job but now from a new perspective (I was Joseph and Job). They both had lost everything and yet their first response was to not only look to God but depend on Him. I certainly hadn't lost everything but hadn't turned everything over to God either. Then as I was reading the 23rd Psalm came up.
God is our good shepherd who takes care of us so that we don't need anything. God is there to lead us whether it be in the green pastures or walking through the a dark valley. God is there to comfort and sustain us regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.
Our Challenge:
There was a childhood movie that was a favorite of mine about a young orphan, Pollyanna. Her parents were missionaries and had taught her that she should always look for something good in her surroundings. We used to play the Pollyanna game -what are all the good things we can find today. This feels like a good time to play it again. What are all the good things that I can find today that I can Thank God for - the blue sky, sunshine, warm air, flowers blooming (God gave us a beautiful world), a comfortable home to be quarantined in, my family, the music I can listen to, technology to allow us to still worship, communicate and allow business to continue, books to read, time to do those projects that had been sitting there, feeling that God is nearby and loving me and ..... I pray you too can find many blessings each day during this time of chaos.
-- Karen Tidler, Hospitality Center
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY MOMENT FROM THERESE MACALI
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ST. JOHN'S VIRTUAL CHOIR VIDEO
Our first St. John’s Virtual Choir video premiered in worship yesterday, and you can view it below!
41 singers, including Chancel Choir members, guests, and former music ministry interns, submitted video and audio of themselves performing Mark Miller’s “Creation of Peace.” Jim Ahrend and Shea Perry mixed and edited all the submissions into this wonderful offering. Enjoy!
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#photosfromhome
We are in front on the roses in our backyard early one morning! - Larry & Rachelle Luna
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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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St. John’s will live-stream a worship service Sunday morning at 9:30 am (Contemporary) on the
Abide Facebook page
and 11:00 am (Traditional) on the
homepage of the website
. We hope you’ll worship with us! (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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FROM THE DESK OF THERESE MACALI, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES
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ST. JOHN'S EMAIL BIBLE STUDY: Theology in Popular Music - Mostly the Good
Last year’s study, “The Songs of Summer” seemed to be a hit, so we’re going to do it again. This summer we’ll listen to some popular music that sings about prayer and healing, some international music, some bluegrass and country, some great young singers who are the future of the Church, and some show tunes.
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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"MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN'S"
LIVE-STREAM CONCERTS
Wednesdays at 12:00 pm
Join us for a new series of concerts live-streamed from the St. John's sanctuary! Concerts are a benefit for Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.
musicatstjohns.org
Alexis & Hovey Corbin
Gabriel Longuinhos
Curtis Storm
Shea Perry
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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!
ZOOM YOUTH GROUP
Sundays from 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Students, come join us for games, discussion, community, and faith-building every Sunday from 4:00-5:15 pm! Go to: bit.ly/UMYFSolidGround (case sensitive) with the password: 048658
PARENTS CLUB
Mondays from 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Is distance learning with your child harder than you thought? Are the challenges of parenting in close quarters overwhelming at times? Or do you just miss talking with other parents? I know that I certainly do, so join us for Parents Club on Zoom Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30 pm! Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org.
"COFFEE BREAK" WITH PASTORS PAM & KELLY
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm
Log in and have coffee (or tea) and chat with Pastors Pam and Kelly! Zoom link
HERE. Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE CLUB
Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
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. Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information!
"SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT" CLASS WITH PASTOR PAM
Thursdays at 1:30 pm
Join Pastor Pam for a 30-minute spiritual exercise. Space is limited, and the Zoom link will be provided to the first 15 people to sign up! Sign-up is
HERE. Thursdays at 1:30 pm.
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GET WELL CARDS
In addition to the suffering, COVID-19 patients are not allowed any visitors. The health care workers at UNM Hospital are asking for cards. An article by KOB states, "the health care workers want to flood the COVID-19 units with love, support and inspiration." All cards can be sent to UNM Hospital - Attention: Barbara Temer; 2211 Lomas Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106.
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ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
While many of us are in a stay-at-home mode we can find both our emotions and faith challenged. Max Lucado has written a book "You'll Get Through This" based on the story of Joseph. He has opened up the video presentation online for no cost. I will be facilitating a Zoom discussion of this material and incorporating material from his book and study guide. If you would like to join me each week for the next 7 weeks starting Tuesday May 7th from 10 - 11 then email me for details (ktidler@comcast.net). If you would just like to watch the online video go to
Online Bible Study to sign up for the free videos.
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MENTAL
HEALTH
MOMENT
WITH
SUSAN BRUMBAUGH,
LMHC
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VIRTUAL
TAI CHI
WITH
KATHY
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CASA ESPERANZA
A great and loving THANK YOU to all the generosity that has been shown to the residents at Casa Esperanza. The money that was donated helped many families check "make dinner" off their list. In these difficult times, knowing that someone is caring for you means the world. Your generosity has lessen the feeling of loneliness and anxiety that these residents face each day. If you have questions about Casa Esperanza, please contact Jenn Shields: jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978. Blessings to you all.
FAMILY PROMISE
The out pouring of support for Family Promise of Albuquerque has been astounding. Many times over, THANK YOU for all the monetary donations during the months of March and April. These donations are going straight to Family Promise to help alleviate the financial burden that has fallen on this ministry. This money not only helps the families currently in the program, but also recent graduates that were hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions. You have shown great love for our brothers and sister, and for that the Family Promise ministry is very grateful. If you have questions about Family Promise, please contact Linn Furnish: swimsew@comcast.net or 505-884-6626 OR Jenn Shields: jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978. Blessings to you all.
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. A re-open date is to be determined! 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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ST. JOHN'S PRAYER LABYRINTH IS OPEN
Please come to pray in the labyrinth any time of day. Park in the east parking lot near the front doors of the sanctuary/narthex doors. Our prayer labyrinth is directly to the south of the front doors. It is advisable to have one person on the labyrinth at a time. Enter the prayer labyrinth with a personal prayer and then quietly and contemplatively experience what God has to share with you during this time.
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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.
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.
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Congregational Care Corner
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
HEALTH TIPS FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE
6) Take time to go for a walk or other regular exercise- being sure to adhere to "social distancing". Walking is a great stress reducing activity and the human body was made to move, not sit still. Remember your hat and sunscreen from 10 AM to 6 PM. Plus sunglasses protect your eyes More tips coming from Linn Furnish, please contact me directly if you have any questions: swimsew@comcast.net
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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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