Weekly Disciple
March 29, 2019
RECEPTION CELEBRATING BRANDIE
Come celebrate Brandie's ministry as our Director of Children and Family Ministries in the SonShine Café following the 11:00 service. Enjoy dessert and fellowship. There will be a basket for cards if you want to express your affection and appreciation.
Welcome Interim Director of Children's and Family Ministries!
We are thrilled to announce that Therese Macali has taken on the position of Interim Director of Children's and Family Ministries. She will fill this role through June 30.

Therese has been on staff at St. John's since 2016, as a staff accompanist and as Coordinator of Children's Music. (She will continue in these roles as she takes on the new one.)

A subcommittee has been appointed by the Staff Parish Relations Committee to receive applications for the permanent position, to conduct interviews, and to make a recommendation to SPR about a candidate. Members of that subcommittee include Donna McKeown, Rachel Perovich, Jennifer Shields, Karen Tidler, and Matthew Greer.
A Letter from Reverend Melissa Madara
Dear friends,

Last Sunday, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee announced two changes happening within the staff at St. John's. Our beloved Brandie Spletzer is stepping down as Director of Children and Families to prepare herself more fully for her upcoming move and vocational shift as she heads off to Seminary. Our own Therese Macali will be stepping into that role on an interim basis until July.
Secondly, it was announced that in mid- to late-June, I will be stepping away from St. John's and moving with my family to Pennsylvania, where my husband David has accepted a position as a hospital chaplain resident. Our Superintendent and Bishop are aware of this move, and are working to appoint somebody to follow me as Associate Pastor.

Change is probably one of the most universally difficult things for us as a human species to weather. The uncertainty that comes with change; the sense of loss that is so palpable within even the most welcome changes; the perceived threats to our comfort and security - change is hard. And when many changes happen in a short period of time, sometimes the temptation is for us to shut down in an effort to protect ourselves from the grief that wells up within us.

We at St. John's have weathered a lot of change and a fair bit of loss in the last year. I also believe we have come through the changes stronger than we were before. I have a yoga teacher friend who likes to say, when she encourages her students into a particularly challenging pose, "remember that growth and comfort don't know each other." In other words, we are constantly being drawn by God to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones; to move into places that we might ordinarily resist; to embrace God's ever-changing, ever-moving, ever-growing direction in our midst so that the kingdom might be made more visible and apparent among us. And when we can embrace the discomfort, rather than resisting it, we grow. We become stronger, more flexible, more balanced, more focused.

While I grieve the loss of Brandie, and I grieve my own upcoming loss of the St. John's community, I trust that God will stretch us all through these changes and through the tremendous gifts of the people who will come after us to grow more deeply in the knowledge and love of God.

Thank you, St. John's, for being who you are, and for being a congregation who has supported my growth and continues to support the spiritual growth of all who walk through our doors. I cherish the memories that have been made here and I will hold each of you close to my heart in these upcoming months of transition and in the years ahead.

Blessings,
Melissa
Join us for worship this Sunday!
Current Sermon Series: "The Radical Sayings of Jesus"
8:15 am, 9:30 am & 11:00 am
Mark 8:34-38
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
34  He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  35  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.  36  For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?  37  Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?  38  Those who are ashamed of me and of my words [ j ]  in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
MIDDAY LENTEN SERVICES
Wednesdays in Lent at 12:00 pm
Come be refreshed by a short weekly service of prayer, singing, and meditation. All are welcome.
STRESS BUSTING PROGRAM FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS.
Family Caregivers, FREE Classes and Support! Do you provide care for a loved one with a chronic illness? Program focuses on education, support, problem-solving skills, and stress management for family caregivers of people with a chronic illness. Ongoing, 9-week 90-minute, FREE classes.

For more information, please contact: Director of the Program, Sharon Lewis, RN, PhD, FAAN at 830-377-1484, slewis2@unm.edu or St. John’s members Linn Furnish, RN, Parish Nurse, at 505-884-6626, swimsew@comcast.net, or Carol Dolan RN, MSN, at 505-235-6206, carold@lobo.net.
VBS REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Join us for To Mars and Beyond- Vacation Bible School June 17-21! More information and sign up available here .
Happenings

SWEET ASSURANCE
Sweet Assurance is a women’s choir that sings periodically throughout the year. The next time we sing is at the 11:00 am service on Sunday, April 7th. We will rehearse again this coming Wednesday, April 3, both 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Come sing with us!

CASA ESPERANZA DINNER - Monday, April 1
NO FOOLIN', St. John's needs volunteers and food donations to provide dinner to the families staying at Casa Esperanza during a difficult season in their lives. Please stop by the Hospitality Center and Abide Service to sign up. Thank you for your generosity. If you have questions, please contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978.

MEN’S SPRING BIBLE STUDY: Proverbs & Ecclesiastes
The philosophy of Proverbs is basically, “Behave and all will be well.” The philosophy of Ecclesiastes is basically, “All is meaningless and the chasing after the wind.” Hmmm. What is scripture trying to tell us?! Reality may be more complicated than we like to think…

Come to the Men’s Spring Bible Study and dive into this quandary. We will meet on Mondays from April 1-May 6. 2019, at either 10 AM or 7 PM. Discussions are always lively especially comparing these two books.

Sign up in the Hospitality Center and pick up a reading list or contact teacher Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet on Friday, April 5th at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa NE. The Forum speaker will be Jean Anderson of the NM End of Life Options Coalition. Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10:00. Come, join us! Questions? Contact Amy Costales at 867-4207.

JOLLY ELDERS - Wednesday, April 10 at 12:00 pm
Join the Jolly Elders as Doug Arrington and his Joy Singers cheer us with old time camp meeting favorites. We’ll meet at noon for a shared dish lunch, then enjoy the program. Bring a dish to share and your own table service, and meet us in Rm 245. Adults of all ages are welcome.

MEMORY CAFÉ - Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 pm
We will be Celebrating Spring by decorating flower pots and planting tender blossoms to take home! We will be enjoying a Frolicking April Sing Along with Barb Whitaker! Loren Keller will host a group table game entitled "Tell Us a Memory". Finally, Sharon Jenson will lead us in helpful chair exercises! This month will be sweet and simple but fun!

SONRISE CHOIR CONCERT - Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 pm
Mark your calendars for this spectacular musical presentation by our very own Sonrise Youth Choir in the St. John's Sanctuary!

CONFIRMATION PRAYER PARTNERS
St. John’s—2019 marks the year of our next Confirmation Class! We have a great group of four exceptional students, and we want to pair each student up with an established member of St. John’s to be a Prayer Partner. Please email Jarrod if you would like to join in: jconyers@stjohns-abq.org

USHERS NEEDED
We have a need for ushers for the sanctuary services. Ushers are on teams that serve for a month and then are off two months. Anyone interested please call or email Hunt Look at mapalook@comcast.net or 768-7013.

WANTED: EGGS & CANDY
Plastic eggs and individually wrapped candies are needed for our annual community egg hunt on April 20! If you can help, please drop them by the church office during the week, or the Hospitality Center on Sunday. And thank you!

READING OUR BIBLE TOGETHER AT ST. JOHN’S
What Must I Do to be Saved?
St. John’s daily email Bible study will tackle this age-old question. In Part 1, we’ll look at what the Bible says about whom God wants to save. “Reading Our Bible Together” originated in 2007 at St. John’s and is our largest continuing Bible study. A scripture passage and a brief study tip are distributed to most participants by email five days a week. We each read at a time and place of our own choosing. Answers to reader questions and other supplements occasionally come out on Saturdays. To receive daily study tips by email, write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or 294-2877.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE
Something for everyone!                   April 3
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE DINNER
You are invited to join us beginning at 4:45 pm on Wednesday evenings for an always-changing menu featuring great food. Cost scale based on age.

April Menu:
  • April 3: Chicken Pot Pie
  • ​Little Lambs: Taquitos

  • April 10: Breakfast for dinner: Crepes, Pancakes, and Bacon
  • Little Lambs: Cheese Quesadillas

  • April 17: NO WNL DURING HOLY WEEK​

  • April 24: Fresh Cool Chicken Salad or Egg Salad Sandwiches
  • Little Lambs: Hot Dogs
​
  • May 1 (last WNL for Spring): Chef's Choice Menu: Something for Everyone
  • Little Lambs: Chicken Tenders


WNL CLASS - 6:00 - 7:00 pm
What is a reverse mortgage? 
Bruce Anderson, a member of Legacy Mortgage will dispel myths, and address risks and benefits of reverse mortgage loans.


GOSPEL OF JOHN BIBLE STUDY – 6:00-7:00 pm
A study of the Gospel of St. John continues on Wednesday nights! Join us in room 258.

MOVE FOR STILLNESS YOGA – 6:00-7:00 pm
Take a deep breath and enjoy a space of movement and stillness with yoga instructor Alli Newsom from 6:00-7:00 pm. This is a gentle class geared for beginners and for experienced yogis looking for a gentle practice. Laughter and community building are encouraged. Suggested $5 donation goes toward disaster relief efforts.

FOR THE KIDDOS AGES 3 AND UP...
NEWSOUND CHILDREN'S CHOIR takes place in room 231 from 5:15-6:00 pm. Contact Therese at newsound@stjohns-abq.org
KIDS' BIBLE CLUB is back each Wednesday. Come play, sing, and learn about our Bible heroes from 6:00-7:00 pm in rooms 248 and 236.
Youth News
ROUND TABLE LEADERS MEET
This Sunday is the 5th Sunday of the month, and we will have our Round Table Student Leaders meet at 9:30 am up in room 258. Same next week. Underground is done for the Spring. 4th Sunday we will worship at Abide.
NO CONFIRMATION TODAY
We will continue our journey through confirmation where we left off next week since half of us are at camp this weekend.

FISH FRY & HANG TIME THIS FRIDAY
Students and families, this Friday we are volunteering at the Fish Fry from 3:45-5:30 & 5:30-7:30 pm. We need 8 people for each shift; you get a free dinner, and a Hang Time flush with a 3-D film & PS4 happens 7:00-9:00 pm. Sign up here .

SONRISE YOUTH CHOIR
Love to sing? Come join the Sonrise Youth Choir! We meet on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 - 4:00 pm right before Solid Ground Youth Group. We perform in worship on Sunday mornings at the 8:15 am service! For more information, contact Shea at SonriseChoir@gmail.com

Download the Youth Activities Calendar here.
Weekly Activities

HOLY YOGA - Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Thursdays at 9:45 am
Do you ever get restless trying to pray while sitting still? Try praying through movement! Holy Yoga meets every Tuesday evening at 5:30 pm, and every Thursday morning at 9:45 am. Tuesday's classes are a restful and restorative end to the day. Thursday's classes are more active, intended to energize and uplift for the day ahead. Beginners are welcome at both classes. All gear is provided - bring a mat if you have one that you like (otherwise, we have lots of mats!), and wear clothes that you can move comfortably in. Tuesday's class is a suggested $5 donation that goes toward the purchase of gear and supplies. Thursday's class is free and includes free childcare.
 
We will be joining together with Asbury UMC for our Tuesday night classes, making Holy Yoga a joint ministry between the two churches. Classes will be located as follows:
Questions? Contact Melissa at mmadara@stjohns-abq.org .

TAI CHI - Thursdays at 10:30 am in the Family Life Center
It’s a great time to join the Tai Chi class. Tai Chi does not require physical fitness or coordination and may be done standing or seated with some modification. All age groups are welcome. No special clothing or equipment is required. Contact kathleen_sta@yahoo.com or 220-4814.

COFFEE TALK
Our Friday Coffee Talk with Associate Pastor Melissa Madara will take place at 1:00-3:00 pm at Epiphany Espresso (3600 Cutler Ave). All are welcome to come for coffee and informal conversation about whatever YOU want!

FAMILY SPIRIT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS - Sundays at 9:30 am
The Family Spirit Class meets at 9:30 am Sunday on the second floor in the education wing across from the youth room. We will have a six-week study of Amy-Jill Levine’s Entering the Passion of Jesus , beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, March 10. The book is available from Cokesbury or at Amazon. Discussion questions will be provided weekly as well as a video clip for class discussion. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Doug Sweet if you have questions at 554-6047.

MOPS
Know any moms of young children (birth through Kindergarten) who are in need of a place to connect, vent, relax, and decompress? Invite them to join us! We meet every first and third Wednesday from 10-noon upstairs in rooms 245/257. Childcare is provided. Questions? Contact Melissa at mmadara@stjohns-abq.org.
Lenten Fish Fry
For all information pertaining to the Fish Fry, contact Wayne at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Fridays, now until April 12, 4 - 7 pm, so mark your calendars! Cost is $12 per person and $6 per child (10 and under). For all information pertaining to the Fish Fry contact Wayne at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
If you want to help out at the dinners, sign up at the Hospitality Centers on Sunday or on-line at https://bit.ly/FFhelp19. We especially need help with setting tables early afternoon on Fridays. There is also need for a Music Coordinator to welcome guest musicians and make sure they have what they need
 
ADVANCED TICKET SALES
Advanced tickets are a great way to invite friends, family and neighbors to visit St. John's! Tickets are available for purchase at the Hospitality Centers on Sundays. 
 
FIRST RESPONDER TICKET SALES
Purchase fish fry dinner tickets as a donation for the first responders (police and fire) who serve in the St. John's area, in the Hospitality Centers.
Mission & Outreach

WAYS WE CAN SERVE
See what’s happening in April for missions at St. John’s! Come by the Hospitality
Center to pick up your copy.

UNM WESLEY HOUSE
Can you provide a meal for the students before Bible Study on a Tuesday night
sometime before May 2019? To sign up go to: http://bit.ly/unmwesley.

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
Our Mobile Food Pantry provides food for approximately 50 households each month, and our food pantry guests have become very special to us, over the years. Therefore, throughout April, we're collecting 6-roll packages of toilet tissue as a little "bonus" for these special guests. Please add toilet tissue to your shopping list, and place your donations in the shopping carts. We appreciate your generosity!

SILVER HORIZONS
Our April food collection will benefit Silver Horizons, a non-profit organization that distributes, and sometimes delivers, free groceries to low-income seniors, some of whom may be homebound and/or caring for grandchildren.  Silver Horizons is always very appreciative of our donations, so in April, let's make a big effort to collect non-perishable food items, such as: canned meats; peanut butter; hearty soups; and powdered milk. Please place your donations in the shopping carts.  Thanks!
Prayer & Congregational Care
PRAYER QUILT
Janice Washington (friend of Melanie and Jim Amend) is the recipient of the prayer quilt hanging in the Hospitality Center.
YOU MATTER TO US!
A person may be hospitalized or have another crisis in their life, and St. John’s may not know. Please call 883-9717 or the Emergency Pastor Contact Number at 331-8121.
PRAYER SHAWLS
If you know someone in need of comfort, healing, or encouragement, please consider giving them a shawl or lap robe that has been made with prayer. These can be found in the Hospitality Center.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
If you would like someone to visit, call, or pray for a loved one or for yourself, please write to Claudia Giese, Congregational Care Coordinator, at cgiese@stjohns-abq.org or call 883-9717 ext. 128.
Getting Oriented
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL/NURSERY
A Sunday nursery is available for young children in Room 138. See “This Week at St. John’s” for children’s Sunday School class locations.
ONLINE GIVING
You can give to the church electronically by using a debit or credit card. Click here , or visit the Giving Page on the church website and follow the simple instructions found there.
Christ Has Broken Down The Wall (8:15 am)
Christ has broken down the wall,
Christ has broken down the wall.
Let us join our hearts as one,
Christ has broken down the wall.

We’re accepted as we are,
we’re accepted as we are.
Through God’s love all is reconciled,
we’re accepted as we are.

Cast aside your doubts and fears,
cast aside your doubts and fears.
Peace and love, freely offered here;
cast aside your doubts and fears.

We will tear down the walls!
We will tear down every wall!
God has called us one and all;
Christ has broken down the wall!

Mark A. Miller
Take Up Your Cross (11:00 am)
"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"if you would my disciple be;
take up your cross with willing heart,
and humbly follow after me."

Take up your cross; let not its weight
fill your weak spirit with alarm;
Christ's strength shall bear your spirit up
and brace your heart and nerve your arm.

Take up your cross, heed not the shame,
and let your foolish heart be still;
the Lord for you accepted death
upon a cross, on Calv'ry's hill.

Take up your cross, then, in Christ's strength,
and calmly ev'ry danger brave:
it guides you to abundant life
and leads to vict'ry o'er the grave.

Charles W. Everest
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