Thursday
October 15, 2020
GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Micah 6:8

I have been going over things in my files. Years ago, as part of our church worship, I led the jr highers in putting on a skit. It was the McJesus Drama by Mathew and Paulyn Pole. The setting was a McJesus where customers could order exactly the kind of Jesus they wanted. On the menu was the Warm-Fuzzy Jesus who would never let anything bad happen to you - with added extra gushy, warm mushy love. Or you could choose the Condemning Jesus #5, who would allow you to hate people without feeling guilty, holding the mercy and adding free lightening bolts. There was also the Jesus Lite – not enough to become a fanatic or alter a person’s lifestyle, just enough to make a person feel good and recharged without having to do too much. I remember it was great fun for the kids; but reading it now makes me think.

It makes me think that I do exactly the same thing. I remake Jesus in my own image. I make him what I want him to be, need him to be. For I have great expectations of Jesus - my expectations.

I want Him to keep me safe. I want Him to keep my family safe. And – on a lesser note for sure, but very important – how about good weather for my daughter’s wedding. No – how about great weather? And please let the new dish I’m making for the potluck turn out to be really good. I want my granddaughter’s first day of kindergarten to go well. And let my cross-country travel be without accident or close calls. And thank you for having that idiot speeding maniac who passed me pulled over. Please have him spend some real time in jail or have a big fine and let him get scared like he scared me.

Now I’m not saying it’s bad for me to ask our Heavenly Father for what I need or would like – Jesus tells us to pray persistently and in faith. But too often it’s a one way street. I want Jesus to do what I want Him to do - to be what I need Him to be. Too often, it’s all about me. Again, I make Him in my own image. And I leave out the part about being remade in His image. I leave out what His expectations for me are.

And so I found my heart looking at Matthew 22: 36-39: When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I was convicted. I really got to remember to get my prayer priorities straight. I need first – before anything else – to ask Him to help me love Him more fully, more completely, more primally. And then to let that love flow out to others.

Those are truly great expectations – God’s great expectations for me.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember that You are not God just to do my will. I am here to do Yours.

-- Lyn Fitz
SPIRITUAL DISCOVERY TRIP:
Walking the Labyrinths
Sunday October 18 | 1:00 pm
The second prayer labyrinth trip is on October 18th at 1:00 p.m. when we will meet together at the outdoor labyrinth at New Life Presbyterian Church. We will then head on to the Center for Action and Contemplation to walk the outdoor labyrinth there at 3:00 p.m. You are welcomed to do both of these labyrinth experiences, or choose one. We look forward to sharing in this Spiritual Discovery Trip! TO REGISTER: Email Larry Luna at larry.luna.nm@gmail.com.
A CALL FOR DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Would you be interested in submitting a daily devotional for the Newsletter? If so, send an email to Pastor Pam at prowley@stjohns-abq.org!

Please include the following items when writing a devotion:
A Focus Word or Phrase
A Scripture (it can simply be referenced)
The Body of the Devotion (one page is a good guideline)
A Prayer or a Spiritual Practice
Sundays | 9:30 & 11:00 am
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.
SONSHINE CAFE ZOOM
Missing getting together with your St John’s family after church? Join us in the virtual Sonshine Coffee Zoom immediately following the 11:00 am Worship. Church Leadership Team members starting with Jim Hickman will be hosting with the Pastors Pam and Kelly joining if they are available. Zoom registration is HERE.
Sunday School Classes &
Bible Study Groups
NEW SPIRIT CLASS
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:30 am
The class always welcomes new faces, whether they wish to become permanent members, are interested in a particular study, or need a Sunday School family while on temporary assignment in Albuquerque. We typically alternate between modern books and books of the Bible. We are currently nearing the end of I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me, by John Ortberg. Contact Regina Hunter, drhunter@nmia.com, to be added to the invitation list on Sundays and to learn of the next book.
FAMILY SPIRIT CLASS
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:30 am
Family Spirit Class meets by zoom on Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30. They are studying John Ortberg’s book The Life You've Always Wanted. Brian Eagen and Doug Sweet lead this study. Please contact Anita Hallstrom at anitah1@comcast.net if you would like to join this zoom class.
BEREANS CLASS
Sundays | 10:00 - 10:45 am
Bereans Class meets Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45. Some time ago the class adopted a long-term project to go through all of Paul’s letters in chronological order. August 30th started a new study on 1 Corinthians. To receive the weekly zoom link contact Daryl Lee, daryl@daryllee.com.
CHRISTIAN CLASSICS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
Sundays | 3:30 pm
Christian Classics Sunday School Class is meeting by Zoom at 3:30 PM on Sundays. We are studying The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault. Contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com to join in.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Mondays | 10:00 am & 7:00 pm
Men’s Bible Study for the fall, Mondays at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm, October-November. This study will be focusing on the book of Job. Watch for upcoming dates or contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com.
WEDNESDAY MEN'S BROWN BAGGERS
First & Third Wednesdays of the Month | 12:00 pm
Wednesday Men’s Brown Baggers meet for virtual lunch, fellowship, and discussion from noon to 1:00 on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. They will soon begin reading A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls, available on Amazon. The Brown Baggers are currently meeting by Zoom; contact drhunter@nmia.com to be added to the group.
NEW STUDY CLASS
Thursdays | 7:00 pm
NEW STUDY, a 7-week study on Peter’s Journey, beginning on October 1st. This class will be led by CLM Joe Marshall, via Zoom, Thursday evenings at 7pm for about an hour. One does not need to be a theologian to enjoy this study and is open to Men/Women and any age. Email Joe to register and receive Zoom Link, jmarshall62@gmail.com.
"MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN'S"
LIVE-STREAM CONCERTS
Wednesdays | 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

Ruxandra Marquardt, violinist
Amy Greer, pianist
DRIVE-IN, DROP-OFF
Saturday, October 24 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
The Missions' Team will be hosting another DRIVE-IN, DROP-OFF on Saturday, October 24, 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the east parking lot of St. John’s United Methodist Church (2626 Arizona NE). The recipient is Mandy's Farm (https://mandysfarm.org), a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving their goals for living, learning, and working in the community. Ruthie and David Robbins, St. John's members, are the founders of Mandy's Farm. The items listed below are the needs of Mandy's Farm:

printer paper
disposable gloves
masks (disposable or fabric)
disinfectant
hand sanitizer
toilet paper
paper towels
kleenex
art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, paint, watercolor paper)
puzzles

So, every time you go shopping this month or have products delivered to you, think about Mandy's Farm and pick up some extra items. We’ll collect all these items on Saturday, October 24th!

If you’d rather give $$ instead of buying the products yourself, you can bring it that night, mail it to the church, or go to the St. John’s online giving. Be sure to write "Mandy's Farm" in the memo field of your check.

The Missions’ Team thanks you so much for your generosity!!!
TRUNK OR TREAT 2020
Saturday, October 31 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Calling all Cars. Many children will not be able to trick-or-treat door to door this year because of Covid-19. Let's create a fun, safe, socially distant, costume-filled, and candy-laden option for children in our community on Oct 31st 2:30-4:30PM. To keep everyone safe, masks are required, gloves are needed, and individually wrapped candies are a must. We are looking for 25 people/families to participate. Can you join us? Please register to volunteer: https://conta.cc/3bPziEM

Photos from the 2019 Trunk or Treat:
Youth News
JOIN YOUTH GROUP SLACK
To better streamline all the ways we communicate, the Youth Group has adopted the Slack app to merge and integrate the our direct messaging, digital calendar, Zoom account, and all our online documents. It is easy to join the threads that apply just to you. Join in here: bit.ly/joinumyfslack1

NEW YOUTH ZOOM FOR THE FALL
Summer is past, and as we get back to school? Our Solid Ground youth group will resume meeting every Sunday at 4:00-5:15PM with new games, discussions, and faith-building activities plus new features of the student led Soap Box and Top 5s. Log-in. at: bit.ly/Fall2020UMYF (case sensitive).

SONRISE YOUTH CHOIR ZOOMS
While we are not yet allowed to sing together, stay informed about the activities of the Sonrise Youth Choir, including weekly Zooms on Thursdays at 4:00 pm (Jackbox games!!), and musical workshops in the Fall! Email Shea at sonrisechoir@gmail.com!
A CALL TO HOME GARDENERS: The Food Ministry Wants Your Fresh Produce From Your Garden
St John’s Food Ministry continues to serve the people of Albuquerque--approximately 500 people per month!--with hot meals prepared in our kitchen,  Do you have a surplus of fresh produce from your garden that you would like to donate to St. John's to feed the hungry? If so, please contact Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org.
Online Groups
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!
MONDAY MORNING MUSIC
WITH MATT
Mondays | 9:00 am
Join St. John’s Music Director Matthew Greer for a new weekly session in which he talks about the music ministry, explores hymns and choral music, and chats with the occasional guest about music they love. CLICK HERE TO JOIN!
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY: The Book of Job (and Esther and Ruth)
Mondays | 10:00 am & 7:00 pm
There are few more perplexing issues for people of faith than that of unmerited suffering. We understand when good people prosper and evil people suffer. But what about when good people suffer for nothing that they did? That is Job's situation and the book that bares his name is a complex examination of the issue.
Join us for a Zoom study of this book (for four weeks) and then the delightful Old Testament stories of Ruth and Esther the final two weeks. The Bible study will take place on Mondays, October 19-Nov. 23, 2020, at either 10 AM or 7 PM. You may join either class or jump between them. If interested, or if you have questions, contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com or 505-265-5241. Jack will be leading the discussion and will send out a Zoom invitation before each meeting.
PARENT'S CLUB
Tuesdays | 7:30 pm
"COFFEE BREAK" WITH PASTORS PAM & KELLY
Wednesdays | 1:30 pm
Log in and have coffee (or tea) and chat with Pastors Pam and Kelly! Zoom link HERE.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT KIDS' BIBLE CLUB
Wednesdays | 6:00 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. This summer we are taking a Focus on Faith! Don’t miss it! Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information!
NEW SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT CLASS 102
Thursdays | 1:30 pm
Meet by zoom with Pastor Pam for a 30 minute spiritual practice every Thursday afternoon. We will explore different ways to pray, to commune with God, to nurture our spiritual lives with Christ through the Indwelling Holy Spirit. Space is limited, join the class HERE.
ZOOM ALONG TO GENEALOGY CLASS
Remember to get started on your family-history manuscript with Terri Link and Regina Hunter, Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. If you have trouble connecting before 10:00, all Regina at 294-2877.
NEW EMAIL BIBLE STUDY FROM ST. JOHN’S
Reading Our Bible Together in 2020 will begin a new study, “Sermon Series,” on Monday, Sept. 27. Preachers love sermon series, partly because in a good sermon series, one idea will last for weeks. This episode of Reading our Bible Together will look at some of the sermons preached long ago by Moses, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and others, and we’ll see that these sermons still have important messages for us today. Download a study guide here. To receive daily study tips by email, write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or 294-2877.
THE PRACTICE OF PRESENCE
Fridays | 9:30 - 10:00 am
Susan Brumbaugh, staff mental health counselor at St. John's, is offering a FREE weekly gathering on FRIDAYS at 9:30 am to practice mindfulness meditation. Each 30-minute session begins with a brief welcome, a description of the focus (e.g., breath, body, senses, emotions, thoughts), a 15-20 minute guided practice, and an opportunity to debrief and share experiences.
Anyone is welcome--no experience is necessary. (And, yes! It's okay for Christians to meditate.) If you want to learn more prior to starting, the sessions will be similar to ones she leads and records on YouTube. Each session will be hosted on Zoom. HERE is the zoom link. Please contact Susan Brumbaugh, counselor@stjohns-abq.org, or 505-506-6716, if you have questions.
Congregational Care Corner
VIRTUAL PRAYER QUILT
Carmen Vargas is the recipient for the prayer quilt on display for October 12 - 25.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Carmen: “Heavenly Father, we lift up Carmen and ask for your guidance as she seeks your will in her ministry for your kingdom."

PRAYER SHAWLS
With the Church currently closed, the prayer shawls have taken up residence with Hunt and Ann. They are actually quite comfortable in the coolness of their new home but they would love to be of comfort to someone in need of God’s love. Please contact Ann at mapalook@comcast.net or 768-7013 if you would like a shawl. If you call, the basket will await your visit in their courtyard. Blessings -
A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
It seems like a very long time since we have been able to be together as a church family. Our staff has worked hard to keep us connected through virtual worship services, drive-in or small in-person services, and some Sunday School classes and other groups have been able to continue via Zoom, meeting safely at the church, in homes or even in parks. The Leadership Team wants to make sure everyone in our church family is being contacted in some way, especially those of our members and friends who might not have regular contact with people. We are looking for volunteers to help us call a small number of members to find out how they are, to let them know we are thinking of them and to find out how the church can help them. If that sounds like something you would enjoy doing and sending information back to the church about these members, please contact Barbara Stanfield, barbarastanfield@comcast.net. Thank you for considering helping in this important ministry of reaching out to our St. John’s family.
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 or submit them on our website HERE.

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
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministers are members of St. John’s who have gone through 50 hours of training to provide high quality, confidential Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or life challenge such as divorce, grief, job loss, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness.

How does someone get a Stephen Minister?
If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please call the office 505-883-9717 or email stephenministry@stjohns-abq.org
OCTOBER SPECIAL OFFERING: World Communion Offering 
     This month we will be remembering our unity with Christians around the world. Our special gifts will go to students like Kennedy. She lost her father when she was eight and her family struggled to find enough to eat. But with the help of her church, Lotus UMC in Maryland, and a World Communion scholarship, Kennedy is on her way to giving back to the community as a physician.

  Far away in Nigeria, Obinna grew up without electricity or clean water. Yet, today with the help of the Global United Methodist Church via a World Communion scholarship, he is studying to be an engineer.

  Nelson Mandela once said," Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Please give generously any time in the month of October.
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. 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!
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.
Contact Us
www.stjohns-abq.org
(505) 883-9717
2626 Arizona St NE | Albuquerque, NM 87110
Office Hours (call only): Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org