A half drunk patron in the bar philosophized with his regular drinking buddy, “Well, everyone’s gotta believe sumthin’. I believe I’ll have another beer.”

My own beliefs are a bit more serious. I am a traditional Christian. I hold firmly to established Christian beliefs. From my childhood, my parents adhered to the admonition in the book of Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I was taught. I accepted. I believe.

My normal day begins with a light breakfast followed by the short trip to the reading room. Some people call this part of the house the bathroom. Admittedly, there is running water under the place where I sit and the shower is within arms reach, but I still call it the reading room. On the wall near my shoulder is a special book rack made by Nancy’s brother. It holds Daily Guideposts, a spirit lifting devotional book, and the Guideposts magazine. I read the short bio of the day’s author and then the daily devotional by that writer. After many years I’m familiar with most of the fifty-some writers for the book. Their problems, their joys and their faith are those of real every day people.

However, before opening that book, I speak to the One Who inspires those writers. “Buenos dias, Dios.” (After all, I do live in New Mexico.) “Good morning, God. Good morning, my Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Friend. All glory, honor and praise be to Thee, Gracious God, now and forever. Thank you, Dear God, for this day. Guide me to use it according to your will” and continue with pertinent prayers appropriate for the day. Then I see what the Guideposts writer for the day has to say.

From The History of a Different DNA

By Dale Norman Amend

Chapter 21, I Believe

These are pictures from Tuesday morning’s UMW Zuni School Thanksgiving Food Box Drive Through. Twelve boxes of canned goods and Thanksgiving fixings were given to Zuni families along with 12 frozen turkeys ordered by Chef Tim. Zuni Counselor, Noel Blair, was instrumental in contacting the families to pick up their box/turkey in a timely manner. All families were very appreciative of this outreach ministry. Thank you everyone!

Let’s share the spirit of Advent and Christmas by sharing photos of our at-home altar spaces, the lighting of Advent candles, and our holiday decorations! Please also consider sharing a favorite Advent & Christmas memory! Email your photos and a description to Shea at communicate@stjohns-abq.org.

This is a difficult season for many, and this year our grief is even more tender and apparent. You are invited to join Pastor Pam in a Holiday Grief Workshop on December 12th, 12:00-4:00 pm by Zoom as we go through some helpful tools to acknowledge our grief, to help us better understand our feelings and emotions, and as we take sweet care of ourselves during this “unusual” holiday season. Please make a reservation by emailing Debbie at reception@stjohns-abq.org so that some materials may be sent to you. A Zoom invite will then be emailed to you.

Would you be interested in submitting a daily devotional for the Newsletter? If so, send an email to Pastor Pam at prowley@stjohns-abq.org!

Please include the following items when writing a devotion:

A Focus Word or Phrase

A Scripture (it can simply be referenced)

The Body of the Devotion (one page is a good guideline)

A Prayer or a Spiritual Practice

St. John’s will live-stream a worship service on Sunday morning at 9:30 am (Contemporary) on the Abide Facebook page and 11:00 am (Traditional) on our Youtube Channel. 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.

Missing getting together with your St John’s family after church? Join us in the virtual Sonshine Coffee Zoom immediately following the 11:00 am Worship. Church Leadership Team members starting with Jim Hickman will be hosting with the Pastors Pam and Kelly joining if they are available. Zoom registration is HERE.

Elaine Montague is the recipient for the prayer quilt on display for November 23 - December 7.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Elaine: “Father, we ask that Elaine will know that you are by her side and that she will feel your deep tender love every moment of every day."

   This month by giving to UMCOR we have a way of helping people and communities devastated by disasters. This year UMCOR is helping Louisiana communities recovering from not one but two hurricanes, Laura and Delta! And UMCOR is known for sticking around for the long haul after the headlines are gone and the world has moved on.

      This year, of course, we are also faced with the world wide disaster of Covid 19. Through the Sheltering in Love Campaign, UMCOR and Global Ministries have collaborated with health care professionals, missionaries, disaster management coordinators and faith leaders to help folks from the Philippines to Pennsylvania. UMCOR has helped isolate communities of Brazil who may receive no other help as well as the unemployed and hungry in the big cities of the US.

  St. John's people have been so very generous in helping those in need in New Mexico. Through UMCOR we can broaden our reach. Please give generously any time in November.

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