DRIVE-IN WORSHIP SERVICE
TODAY | Saturday, June 6
7:00 pm
Come and worship in your car on Saturday, June 6 and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. Message will be given by Rev. Scott Sharp. We will gather in the east parking lot of St. John's (2626 Arizona Street NE).
As a gift offering for this service, please consider bringing either toilet paper, paper towels, or cans of soup. These items will be given to Silver Horizons for their senior clients.
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A DIFFERENT SORT OF STARFISH STORY
Psalm 50:1-2
“The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.”
In the year 1985 I had the privilege of preaching a series of revivals in the Pacific Island nation of Fiji. I spent 10 days presenting the gospel to several thousand native Fijians. It was a wonderful experience, producing lifelong memories -- and some eternal fruit for the Kingdom of God.
After 10 straight days of worship and preaching, 11 to 12 hours daily, I was totally drained, physically and spiritually. Fortunately, I had been forewarned to schedule myself at least three days of rest and relaxation in Fiji before returning to the states. So I spent the final three days of my stay on that island paradise at an A-frame cabin by a beautiful, deserted beach – just me, God, seagulls and surf.
I love to snorkel, so I spent most of those three days snorkeling in the reefs just 100 yards in front of my cabin. The sea life in that reef was incredibly diverse and colorful. Each time the tide went out, thousands of bright blue starfish were left on the beach. Many of them died between tidal changes and, although I know better than to take live creatures out of the ocean, I decided to take some of these already dead, but still strikingly beautiful, starfish back home to show my wife in the U. S. They felt hard as rocks, so after washing the sand out of them and letting them thoroughly dry on the porch, I simply bagged an assortment of these gorgeous blue stars and threw them into my suitcase.
Four days later, as I was pulling my luggage off an airport conveyor belt, I immediately realized something was wrong. The smell of rotting fish assailed my nostrils. I quickly threw the suitcase into the trunk of my car, not daring to open it until I got home. There, when I did open it -- out in the garage -- I discovered absolute ruin. Those seemingly solid starfish had literally dissolved into a gooey, stinking mess -- ruining everything in that suitcase. I had to toss it all -- starfish, clothing, even the suitcase itself -- into a trash bin.
Solomon, the wise king of ancient Israel, wrote in God’s word that the beauty of this world is both vain and fleeting. That certainly was underlined for me by my starfish debacle. And Solomon likewise reminds us that the beauty of God is everlasting. These days I no longer pick up dead starfish -- even if they do seem beautiful. But I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the indescribably beautiful face of my eternally risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Practice:
Most Methodists don’t often meditate. But today try it for a while – focusing upon the awesome splendor of God. Be immersed in the “beatific vision.” (Look it up if you don’t already know its meaning.)
--Excerpted from Dr. Dave Ring’s 2019 published devotional book,
Reflections 365
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St. John’s will live-stream a worship service on 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.
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An Invitation to Discipleship for Peace & Justice
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#photosfromhome
I ride in Rio Rancho about every other day, but not nearly as far as Jim Dressler. But enough to get good and tired. Miss the good St. John’s people.
-- Dave Holt
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#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
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"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
Christine Fawson, trumpet
Jim Ahrend, piano
SJUMC Music Staff
Natalie Bonelli, soprano
Therese Macali, soprano
Curtis Storm, tenor
Shea Perry, soprano
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DRIVE-IN COMMUNION SERVICE
Wednesday, June 10
7:00 pm
Come receive communion in your car on Wednesday, June 3 and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. We encourage you to bring your own elements (bread & juice). If you do not have your own elements, we will provide individually-packaged elements. We will gather in the east parking lot of St. John's (2626 Arizona Street NE).
YOUTH SUMMER SURVEY
The Summer months are here & Solid Ground United has a quick 3-minute survey where we want to hear from parents & students to help us plan how we get back together in person; entries are put in a drawing for a $30.00 gift card to Starbucks or Keva Juice. Everyone please go to: bit.ly/youthsummersurvey
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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.
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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, join the class
HERE.
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.
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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
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. Susan also has a Youtube Channel with mindfulness tips
HERE.
VIRTUAL TAI CHI WITH KATHY
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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!
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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.
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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
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Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org
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