AT THE HOME OF MARTHA AND MARY
Stay-at-home journal entry:
“The events of the day were not as planned and executed as I thought they might be. It’s getting things done and efficiently checking off check boxes that seems would fuel more guilt-free naps, pleasure reading, socializing and unencumbered relaxation when the checklist is complete. But striving for those check marks makes more checklists appear in my brain until a task on my checklist is ‘make another checklist.’”
This journal entry reminded me of what Jesus told one of his friends, “Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset about many things.”
At the home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
41 ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, 42but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
A friend of mine described how time in lock-down has given him time to tend his “garden of self” which in his case is intentionally adding daily workouts, drawing, reading for book clubs, posting poetry readings on Twitter, and joining an online dance class. The current stay-at-home situation we are in is unique, where we can expand and move past the work/no-work dichotomy that is so restricting.
When I studied abroad for a semester in New Zealand, I got to see how American students were viewed by the locals. One comment was if there was a light on after midnight, 9 out of 10 times it’s an American. American students would be the ones burning the candle at both ends, studying and working, while everyone else was asleep. I was skeptical, but I found my Kiwi flat mates really did go to sleep around 9 or 10 pm and would get 8-10 hours of sleep per night! How did I know? I was up with the light on toiling away.
Martha was the checklist junkie, and Mary was tending her spiritual garden. Martha, like us workaholic American students, assumed that the preparations for Jesus was what Jesus wanted—namely, how can sitting and listening be better than working? But Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” I’m sure left Martha speechless and in an epistemological crisis.
The fallacy of the checklist is: you can only relax and do things for yourself when the checklist is done. That adrenaline rush feeds the next rush, and making preparations and completing more and more checklists leads to righteousness, right? Jesus is saying to Martha, listen first, prep later. Non-work days don’t have to be anti-work days consisting of unstructured sloth that is the opposite of work days. Tending the garden of self can be making that checklist of meaningful non-work-related activities that don’t distract you from keeping your ear to Jesus.
-- Tim Nuzum, St. John’s Staff Member
|
|
#photosfromhome
Melody's Victory Garden --
It's small but gives me something to look forward to. Also went back to Tome Hill to pray & hunt petroglyphs. -- Melody E
|
|
#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
|
|
THIS WEEK, MAY 6 -12 IS NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
We remember, during this week, all nurses, but especially the frontline nurses offering their unique services to patients and families, during this COVID-19 pandemic. No doubt their caring for such ill patients has given them and their families special care and comfort, especially when so often, because of social distancing, they are the only ones at the bedside, hour after hour, to hold a hand, say a prayer, give a smile and offer compassion. Prayers and blessings to each of them.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP LIVE-STREAMED FROM THE SANCTUARY
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.
|
|
"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
May 13 - 12:00 pm
The St. John's Music Staff
Therese Macali
Shea Perry
Curtis Storm
Natalie Bonelli
Jim Ahrend
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
MENTAL
HEALTH
MOMENT
WITH
SUSAN BRUMBAUGH,
LMHC
|
|
|
|
VIRTUAL
TAI CHI
WITH
KATHY
|
|
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!
|
|
MAY SPECIAL OFFERING - LANDSUN HOMES
Established in Carlsbad in 1965, Landsun Homes (www.landsunhomes.com) is a continuing care retirement community owned and operated by the churches of the New Mexico Annual Conference. It includes independent living options, assisted living, long-term care, and memory care options to respond to the changing needs of the residents.
Early in its history, the leadership at Landsun realized some residents might outlive available resources. The Caring Hands Fund evolved to assist those unable to pay the full cost of care. So, during the month of May, as we celebrate Mother's Day and Pentecost, we at St. John’s, along with other United Methodists, have the opportunity to celebrate the mission of Landsun Homes. Our May Communion Offering will go to Landsun’s Caring Hands Fund. Please give generously.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
