Thursday
May 21, 2020
GOD'S FAVORITE

 Jesus’ disciples argued about who was the favorite. Jesus spoke to them: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. Taking a child in his arms, he said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:35b-37)

 The Smothers Brothers remain one of my favorite comedy teams. I like the sketch entitled “Mom Always Liked You Best.” Many of us grew up in homes where there was more than one child. Remember wanting to be the favorite? Sometimes you may have thought you were. No matter that your parents told you that there were no favorites, you generally thought there was one. You frequently thought it was you.

 We Christians think we are God’s favorite. We want to be the favorite. That’s why the Bible doesn’t always speak a word we want to hear.

 Once there was a little boy who had one leg significantly shorter than the other one. It prevented him from doing many things children love to do. His father decided to get him a puppy. They went to look at the litter when the pups were not yet old enough to leave their mother. “Which one do you want?” asked the father. It was a difficult choice but finally the boy indicated the runt of the litter. His father explained that that might not be a good choice. Finally, the boy said, “Dad, I think I would make a good owner for him. I know he may always have problems, but I have dealt with my problems all the time so I’ll know how to love him for the dog he is.”

 The boy in the story has begun to understand that having favorites is not the best way to live.

 In this time of coronavirus, we have found that the divine has no favorites – not in China, not in Africa, not in the USA. The divine loves all people no matter what they call the divine. We, too can love everyone for the people they are.

 When we accept the gift of divine acceptance, we can share it with others. 

 May your prayer time include words encouraging the divine to teach you to accept others here and around the world.

Blessings to all

-- Reverend Jane Faber
#photosfromhome
Beautiful Springtime - Flowers and blossoms in our yard.
-- James Kasik
#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
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

Gabriel Longuinhos
Curtis Storm
Shea Perry
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.
Congregational Care Corner

HEALTH TIPS FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE
8) Sleep is very important for reducing stress. Remember to avoid screen time in the last 30 mins. or so before bed. Your brain will thank you!! Enjoy a good book or make time for your daily Devotionals instead. A cool, dark room is the best place to get a good night's sleep. More tips coming from Linn Furnish, please contact me directly if you have any questions: swimsew@comcast.net

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
MENTAL
HEALTH
MOMENT
WITH
SUSAN BRUMBAUGH,
LMHC
VIRTUAL
TAI CHI
WITH
KATHY
ST. JOHN'S
VIRTUAL
CHOIR
VIDEO
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.
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.
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!
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.
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