JUST IN CASE

Psalm 71:8-9

“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

My father passed away when he was 62 years old. This was longer than we thought we would have him, as both his father and grandfather died before they were 50 of heart problems. Since my parent knew about this history, they took every precaution, and thought about the future. My father did not want my mother to suffer and worry if she had to go on with life alone. So, my parents planned ahead “just in case.”

My mother lived for 16 more years alone, into her retirement doing things she enjoyed such as traveling, reading, supporting family and friends and contributing to others, including her church. Her church family was very supportive of the widows in the church. My mother thought she was blessed that they had planned for the “just in case” so she was able to continue her life without having to worry.

Many people are not so lucky as they age. Even before this crisis they lived day to day, often worried about their next meal, if they should eat or feed their grandchildren and pets. These seniors live on $500-900/month, and many have been cast away and forsaken by the city and the world. They have never been able to plan for the “just in case” times. Thankfully there are organizations like Silver Horizons that are able to help these seniors with the basics and occasional special items, like puzzles, slipper socks, flashlights and/or throws. Before they were able to shop twice a month for the items, they needed and preferred, at a location close to home. They could select from a variety of fresh foods, pick up pet food if needed, using a grocery cart and assisted by volunteers who could help them if needed while listening to their stories. With organizations like Silver Horizons, these individuals are treated with respect and have one less thing to worry about. Silver Horizons functions with many volunteers and donations from places like St. John’s. With the current crisis, Silver Horizons is only able to deliver food boxes to homebound seniors consisting of food selected from what is available. At least they have food, but no choices. Silver Horizons also is helping with Meals on Wheels, who are only delivering frozen food once a week, in addition to helping with emergency funding for utilities or other sudden circumstances.

What have you planned for “just in case?” While none of us could have truly predicted the current situation we are in, were you prepared? In some ways I was, I have enough food, books, puzzles and home/yard projects to keep me home for a long time! But in other ways, I was not ready to be away from other people, to worship online, to wash my hands and wear a mask. I worry about people who don’t have as much as I have, those who are not able to get masks and hand sanitizer, those who can’t afford the computer their grandchildren need to be “home schooled,” those who can’t join a church family online, those who have been cast away and forsaken.

“Heavenly Father help me to worry less and figure out how to help others in these trying times. Be with those who need these services, envelope them with your hugs and listen to their stories while helping them through each day. Help those of us who can to plan ahead for the “just in case” times that may come in our futures. Amen”

-- Kathy Dieruf, member of the Missions Committee

"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

TODAY, May 6 - 12:00 pm

Joel Becktell and Amy Greer

May 13 - 12:00 pm

The St. John's Music Staff

Therese Macali

Shea Perry

Curtis Storm

Natalie Bonelli

Jim Ahrend

#photosfromhome

Getting much needed chores done and watching transplanted iris grow.

-- Bill McMaster & Susan Barrett

#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

Online Classes

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.

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

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