Friday
May 8, 2020
WAITING

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” (Acts 1:4).” This was one of Jesus’ last commands to the disciples before his ascension in a cloud forty days after his crucifixion. These faithful followers had remained patient through the uncertainty that followed Jesus’ resurrection, and were eager to hear that God was going to soon restore the Kingdom of Israel, but Jesus only told them it was not for them to know the time or dates. Little did they know that a few days later, on the day of Pentecost, they would be challenged to go and spread the Word. The waiting must have seemed interminable, but they persevered. We can only imagine the doubts and disagreements that must have arisen while they waited. They could have scattered, and gone back to their previous lives, but their devotion to Jesus and prayer carried the day. When God’s call came, in tongues of fire and the ability to speak many languages, they were ready to go out and change the world.

We face similar frustrations and uncertainties as we wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to subside. We may not have a vivid Pentecost experience such as described in the book of Acts, but we will be challenged to continue God’s work throughout the church and society. Reverend Rowley and the entire church staff have done a remarkable job of providing inspiration and a focal point to keep the congregation united during these difficult times through live streaming of worship services, Zooming small group meetings, the daily Disciple newsletters, and many other expressions of love and care. We, as the congregation, must do our part to pray and prepare ourselves for the day when the doors are swung wide again. Our ongoing responsibilities include faithful financial stewardship, personal support and appreciation for all the outstanding work that the staff has done, and readiness to resume the important contributions that we make to the community. There will be lots of heavy lifting, and this is the time to prepare ourselves. Pentecost is coming.

Prayer: 
Lord, as we wait impatiently for our lives to return to some sense of normalcy, teach us to turn our frustrations to a focus on what you would have us do, so that, like the first disciples at Pentecost, we can spread the fire of the gospel throughout our community and the world. Be with those. less fortunate, who are bearing the agony of this viral scourge, and help us minister to all in need. Amen

-- Norm Falk
#photosfromhome
In the midst of this Covid ugliness God provided us beauty. -- Henry Shefelbine 
#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.
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.
"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