Celebrate Jarrod Conyers This Sunday

This Sunday, after both our Contemporary and Traditional services, we will be celebrating our incredible Youth Minister Jarrod Conyers, and his last week with us here at St. John's. Come and greet Jarrod and family in the Family Life Center after both services this Sunday! And bring a card or gift to share.

Jarrod joined our staff in July of 2003 as Director of Youth Ministries. Since that time he has mentored and pastored hundreds of our youth, helping them to draw closer to God and to foster a life of genuine and questioning faith. He has cheerfully endured countless lock-ins and overnight retreats, as well as at least a dozen M&M trips and other mission trips and projects. His impact on our youth (and on our adults) has been immeasurable.

In recent years, Jarrod also took on the role of Director of Congregational Care. He has coordinated the Stephen Ministry program, and has looked after the members of St. John's faithfully and lovingly.

Jarrod's years of successful preaching, teaching, and pastoring have resulted in him discerning a call to ministry, which was affirmed by the council and congregation of St. John's in 2020.

Beginning in September, Jarrod will begin a new position as Director of Outreach and Connections at Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. He and Whitney will be relocating to the Kansas City area, along with children Journey and Jonathan.

Jarrod's last Sunday with us in worship will be August 15, and we look forward to celebrating his presence and ministry among us with immense gratitude, and to sending the Conyers family off with many, many blessings.
Interim Youth Director Fay Barz

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Fay Barz will be serving as Interim Youth Director while a search is conducted for a permanent staff person. Fay brings many years of experience as a youth sponsor, and we are so pleased she has agreed to look after the program (and the kids) during this time of transition. Welcome, Fay!
Food & Garden Ministry Partners With Youth Service Learning Camps

Through partnerships with the NM Ramp Project and Service Learning Camps, St John’s UMC Food and Garden ministries have made a huge impact this summer! Teams from across the country, comprised of teens, college-age youth, adults, and seniors, have all had the opportunity to learn, grow and serve through St John’s. The countless hours of the many St John’s volunteers and staff who made it all happen made a lasting difference in the life of these teams. The lessons and experiences will have an impact on their decisions, how they see the world, how they serve in the future, and will see God working in new ways all around them... Click here to read the full article.
What Is Memory Cafe?

It is a unique meeting for people with early to mid-stage memory loss or Alzheimer's Disease AND their caregivers. It allows them to enjoy fellowship and fun in a supportive environment. We are in need of people for our committee in order to resume these meetings which are sorely needed for an ever-increasing population. A knowledge of working with or having relatives with dementia or memory loss is helpful, but not necessary. If interested, please contact Sharon Jensen at 323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com.
Asbury Cafe Volunteers Needed

Asbury Cafe Time: The NM State Fair is being held this year, and this means it's Asbury Cafe and pie time. NM State Fair is September 9-19, and there are many volunteer roles for anyone wanting to help. Please email Dave Young or call 505-715-2030, or email Jenn Shields or call 505-450-9978. We need:

  • Pie Party Helpers - Tuesday mornings, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. now through August 17 in the FLC/Kitchen 
  • Freezer Space for Pie Storage - Contact Jenn Shields
  • Workers at Asbury Cafe - Sign up every Sunday in August in the East parking lot
  • Pie Bakers - Sign up every Sunday in August in the East parking lot
  • Pie Collectors - Sign up every Sunday in August in the East parking lot
Changes at the Sonshine Cafe

Due to the increase in the number of COVID cases nationally and in New Mexico, the easily transmissible nature of the Delta Variant, and the recent mask recommendations from the CDC, we will not be serving donuts in the Sonshine Cafe this Sunday. Coffee, tea, and water will still be available at this time. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at the Sonshine Cafe!
Jazz Vespers This Saturday, August 14
in the Family Life Center

Jazz Vespers is a unique, meditative worship service that features some of New Mexico’s best professional jazz musicians. Jazz Vespers occurs on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 5pm, and this month, will be held in the Family Life Center. Don't miss this special service followed by a performance of jazz classics by our Jazz Vespers combo. This concert will be held in-person and will be live streamed on our YouTube page. Click play on the image above at the time of the service, or click here to watch it on YouTube.
"Music at St. John's" Concert Series is Back:
Ken Medema & Jim Ahrend August 15

We’re pleased to welcome back the incomparable singer/songwriter Ken Medema for another inspiring appearance at St. John’s, and especially excited that he’ll be joined by our own pianist and organist, Jim Ahrend! Join us for an extraordinary afternoon of creative music-making. This concert will be held in-person in the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on our St. John's YouTube page. Don't miss this year's first concert in the "Music at St. John's" Concert Series! Click play on the image above to view the livestream, or click here to watch it on YouTube.
Solid Ground Youth Group August 22

Students, we will not be meeting this Sunday night August 15 as we regroup, but join us the following week on August 22 for Park Play 4 -6 p.m. at the Northeast corner of Montgomery Park; we will have a series of games that involve a ball, a frisbee, and capture the flag. On August 29, we will have a swim party at Nora Sharp’s house (11801 Eagle Rock NE, 8712) from 4-6 p.m.; bring your suit and towel! We will be off Labor Day weekend, Sept 6, and then Solid Ground, Sonrise Choir, and Sunday School will all Kick-Off at church on Sunday, Sept 13. Remember to wear your masks at all events (unless you are in the pool).
Mountain Cathedrals Hike August 28

Save the Date: Moderate hike, Saturday, August 28, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., location to be determined. 

Contact Mike Furnish, CLM at mdfurnish@comcast.net for any questions.

(Note: The moonlight walk Wednesday evening, August 18, at 7 p.m. is cancelled).
Donation Drive-Through/ Drop-Off August 28

Your St. John's Missions Team has organized another donation drive-through collection for Saturday, August 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the east parking lot. Donations will benefit the clients of our Mobile Food Pantry, as well as the low-income seniors served by Silver Horizons. The following items will be collected: 4 to 6 roll packages of toilet tissue; 2 roll packages of paper towels; facial tissue; plastic wrap; aluminum foil; and packages of food storage bags, such as Ziploc. If you'd prefer to bring your donations to the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings, we'll gladly accept them through the month of August. Also, if you'd prefer to give a monetary donation toward the purchase of paper products, we're happy to do the shopping for you. We are so grateful for your generosity!
Women's Bible Study: What Love Is
September 13 - November 1

  • We will be studying What Love Is (1, 2, 3 John) by Kelly Minter 
  • September 13 - November 1 (8 weeks)
  • Class meets over ZOOM on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Maximum number for class is 15
  • Facilitator: Donna Bruce
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

The Letters of 1, 2 & 3 John were written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the truth. Believers are challenged to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness. This study not only reveals the heart of John but also the heart of Jesus. 
Women's Book Study: The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi | September 14 - October 19

  • We will be studying The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford
  • September 14 - October 19 (6 weeks) 
  • Class meets IN-PERSON Tuesday afternoons, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Facilitator: Shanlii Payment
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

Based on her book, The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi, Kathie Lee Gifford takes you on a journey through the Jewish roots of Jesus and the ancient paths of Israel. You'll learn more about the Rock (Jesus Christ), explore the Road (Israel), and dig deeper into the Bible with the Rabbi (God's Word). When she began studying the biblical texts in their original Hebrew and Greek and hiking the ancient paths of Israel, Kathie Lee discovered a deeper understanding of the Bible and of God Himself. Throughout the study, Messianic Jewish Rabbi Jason Sobel provides additional insight into the Hebrew language, culture, and heritage that will open your eyes to the Bible like never before.
Women's Bible Study: Trustworthy (1 and 2 Kings) | September 14 - October 26

  • We will be studying Trustworthy (1 and 2 Kings) by Lysa Terkeurst
  • September 14 - October 26 (7 weeks) 
  • Class meets over ZOOM Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Maximum number for class is 15
  • Facilitator: Donna Bruce
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

When hard times come and it seems God is deviating from the plan we assume our life should follow, we’re more likely to want to tame God, not trust Him. It’s then that we begin to press into our ways and our own timing. No human can carry the weight of being their own god, but so many of us try. Join Lysa TerKeurst in Israel as she honestly reveals the places of distrust in her own heart while exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God. 
A Note From Our Preschool Director

Hello Church Family!

The Preschool is in session, and we are having a wonderful time with our students and families! The first week had some tearful goodbyes, but those tears quickly dried up when the children realized we were going to the playground! Our students are exploring and learning the differences and similarities we have with each other. We have all decided that the biggest thing we have in common is how much God loves Us, and he is big, so that means he loves us a lot! Our hallway is starting to be decorated with our student’s artwork, so if you are walking through, (after hours), Please look at what we are learning!

Please remember our preschool children are the smallest in our church community, and help us keep them safe by always wearing a mask (regardless of vaccination status). If you should need to enter the Preschool during our hours of operations, you may only enter the Preschool if you have pre-arranged your visit with Ms. Debbie at the front desk or the Preschool Director. Thank you for your compassion and assistance.

Please remember our students and families in your prayers.

Blessings and Peace,
Cathy Lubold
Watch the Livestream of Our Sunday Services
August Special Offering: Zuni School

It's hard to believe, but school will be starting soon and in person! Hurray! So this month we have the opportunity to support our neighbors at Zuni Elementary school. Chef Tim has the back to school staff luncheon on the calendar, and United Methodist Women will purchase school supplies to be given to the school at that time. There may be more opportunities for continued support in the coming year, so please give generously.
Update on Zuni Elementary School Supply Drive

A big "Thank you" to UMW and the Congregation for your recent special offering donation in support of our community partner. We delivered $1,000 worth of school supplies to Zuni Elementary on Friday August 6th to help children in need. We could still use the following in-kind donations: Backpacks, school headphones, Kleenex, Clorox surface wipes, large bottles of hand sanitizer, and liquid hand soap. Until the end of August, these items may be dropped off in the Hospitality Center's wire basket for delivery to Zuni. Questions may be directed to Angie Young, UMW Social Actions Chair.
Virtual Prayer Quilt

John and Connie Souza (friends of Jean Jones) are the recipients for the prayer quilt currently on display.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for John and Connie: “Holy Father, we know there is healing in your touch for John and Connie and we trust in your goodness. Amen.”
SUBMISSION DEADLINE for Disciple Connections is Thursday at 10 a.m. for the Friday weekly edition. Click here to send your articles to editor Nicole Creaturo.
St. John's United Methodist Churc
2626 Arizona Street NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Office Hours (call only): Monday - Thursday, 9a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.