Weekly Newsletter
March 27, 2020
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WATER
Scripture: John 4:6,7,13,14 (NRSV)
Jacob’s well was there and Jesus, tired out from his journey was sitting by the well. … A Samaritan woman came to draw water … Jesus said so her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty”.
Water is a precious resource in the desert. Those of us who live in New Mexico know this. Our state has very little water. It is primarily located in the basins of the major rivers in our state, like the Rio Grande and the Pecos. The ancient Anasazi had elaborate systems to collect rain water and store it. My ancestors who settled here in the 1600s learned to manage the flow of river water and route it to their farm fields using dams and ditches called acequias. This allowed them to grow crops and survive in this arid environment. The system led to complex processes for allocating the flow of water. Each acequia has a Mayordomo who decides when people who live on the acequia can use the water for their fields. My family was one of the original settlers in the Nambe valley and had the first right to use the water from the ditch. Our state even has an Official, the State Engineer, whose responsibilities include settling water disputes. Some also purchase bottled water to drink. I’ve never really understood this, as I have lived in northern and central New Mexico all my life and I have found the water to be fine for drinking. I have been in other places where the water had smells or a taste that I never found in the water at home! In addition, the price of bottled water can exceed gasoline and when I read the labels, the water is filtered and bottled from municipal water sources. I try to avoid bottled water, unless that is the only healthy option.
All of the choices of water that we have to drink are like the water from the well of the Samaritan woman. Everyone who drinks of it will be thirsty again. We need to remember that the water of life comes from Jesus alone, and by accepting his living water, we will never be spiritually thirsty again.
The living water from Jesus available to all, just for the asking. It is not allocated or assigned by anyone. While this water is priceless it has no cost and does not come in bottles and cannot be stored or kept by others. Drink of the living waters.
Today, every time we drink water, let us remember the words of Jesus and pray while we drink that his living water will flow into us and spiritually sustain us along with quenching our thirst.
As we meet people who are struggling spiritually during these trying times, let us share love of Christ with them and the living water of Jesus, so their spiritual thirst is quenched.
-- Larry Luna, Certified Lay Minister
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Virtual Tai Chi Chih with Kathy:
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LIVE-STREAMED WORSHIP
Join Us Sunday For Worship Live-Streamed From the Sanctuary! St. John’s will live-stream a worship service from the sanctuary this Sunday at 11am, and we hope you’ll worship with us! (Pastors Pam and Kelly will lead, along with Shea Perry, Jim Ahrend, and Matt Greer).
Look for more information by Saturday about where to log in to join us!
A printed worship order will be emailed Sunday morning to the eDisciple list.
We hope that you’ll participate by singing and praying at home! Any questions? Email Matt at matt@stjohns-abq.org.
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.
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.
MEALS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AT ZUNI
Zuni Elementary is one of the Free Grab & Go meal locations providing lunch M-F from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to children 18 and under during the current APS school closure.
2 CHRONICLES
The email Bible study will continue examining the history of Israel from a liturgical point of view with 2 Chronicles, beginning March 23. Sign up to receive daily study tips by email by writing or calling Regina Hunter, drhunter@nmia.com, 294-2877. SPECIAL NOTE TO THOSE WHO USE THE PAPER STUDY GUIDE: Regina will put a link at the top of the archive home page taking you directly to a pdf file that you can view online, download, or print. Go to
http://www.daily-bible-study-tips.com/ later this week. Otherwise, just read one chapter of 2 Chronicles each weekday. Paper copies will be available as usual when we see each other again.
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MOUNTAIN CATHEDRALS - ON PAUSE
The trip for March 28 has been cancelled.
Although the group hikes normally making up the Mountain Cathedrals series are not possible for the moment, we encourage you to remember the renewing strength of the wilderness in our lives and consider visiting the wilderness during these times of isolation. If you need suggestions for possible trips, feel free to contact Mike Furnish ( mdfurnish@comcast.net) or any of numerous other people in our congregation who love to hike. Nurture your spirit and revive your soul in the sanctuary of the outdoors!
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MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN'S
As part of our outreach during this unsettling time, the Music Ministry has launched “Music From St. John’s,” a series of video performances by local musicians. This is an effort to continue to provide beautiful music to our congregation and community, and also to provide work to local musicians who have been severely affected by cancelations. New videos will appear daily for the foreseeable future, and they are being created by Shea Perry.
The easiest way to view the videos is to go to the St. John’s Music Ministries Facebook page at the link below. Check back daily!
MEN’S SPRING BIBLE STUDY: JOB
There is probably no more urgent question that we face than 'how does one handle undeserved suffering?' The most profound Biblical treatment of that question is the Old Testament book of Job. Join us for the study of Job as well as the stories of Ruth and Esther during our Men's Spring Bible Study running Mondays at both 10:00 am and 7:00 pm from Monday, April 6 to Monday, May 11. Sign up in the Hospitality Center or directly with teacher Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com or 505-265-5241.
CASA ESPERANZA
Casa Esperanza has suspended volunteer dinners. Instead, they have asked for monetary donations. St. John's has a Casa Esperanza fund, please note "Casa Esperanza" on your check or on your online donation. For each $150.00 donation, Casa Esperanza will purchase dinner for the residents. Casa Esperanza is working with St. John's and local businesses, to provide meals. Questions? Please contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978.
FAMILY PROMISE
Family Promise has decided to keep the families at Church of the Good Shepherd until May. Since we are not hosting in April, Family Promise is asking for money, we would have used during our rotation, to help off set the costs. Checks and online donations sent to St. John's can be noted "Family Promise" or you can mail checks directly to Family Promise: 808 Edith Blvd NE, ABQ 87102. If you are willing to donate the use of an RV or rental home for housing families, please contact Jenn Shields. If you have questions, please contact either Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net - 505-884-6626 OR Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com - 505-450-9978.
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A Story from Ann Edenfield Sweet, Executive Director/Founder of
Wings For LIFE International
Eagles in a Storm
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them.
The Bible says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31
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CORONAVIRUS: WHAT TO KNOW, HOW TO HELP
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE CANCELED
Stay tuned for updates about Wednesday Night Live.
2020-2021 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. To ensure a slot for your child, you will need the registration forms filled out, a current shot record and the registration fee of $175 at the time of enrollment. Registration is open!
PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS
SJP will run eight weeks of summer camps throughout June and July. This program is for children ages two through five. Registration packets are available at the preschool office.
EMMAUS WALKS
The Emmaus Walks for 2020 are Men's: April 30-May 3. Women's: Sept. 24-27. The Walk to Emmaus is a Christian Walk in Faith to encourage development of Christian leaders. Please contact Mike or Linn Furnish for more information. 505-884-6626
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YOUTH PROGRAMS POSTPONED
Please look for communication from Jarrod and Shea for future updates!
Learn more about our Youth programs
here!
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MARCH SPECIAL OFFERING: THE MILAGRO PROGRAM
The Milagro Program provides comprehensive care for pregnant women and enrolls any pregnant woman with a history of or current substance abuse issues. The team of providers can follow the women and their newborns during inpatient hospital stays, forming a treatment plan based on their specific needs.
In addition to medical services, the Milagro Program provides outpatient counseling and case management support. Through frequent follow up and a team approach to wellness, the medical, nursing, and counseling staff work together to help expecting mothers and their families transition during the prenatal and postpartum period. The Milagro Program works closely with the FOCUS program to ensure that families continue receiving comprehensive treatment services after delivery.
THE STOREHOUSE
To help serve the hungry and vulnerable in our community, we're collecting the following food items during the month of March: protein-rich foods, such as canned tuna, beef, chicken, and ham; peanut butter; protein bars or granola bars; and powdered milk. Please place your donations in the collection bins located in the hospitality centers. Thank you for sharing from your abundance!
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Prayer & Congregational Care
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE
If you would like someone to visit, call, or pray for a loved one or for yourself, please write to Jarrod Conyers, Congregational Care Coordinator, at jconyers@stjohns-abq.org or call 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.
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Getting Oriented
ONLINE GIVING
You can give to the church electronically by using a debit or credit card. Click the link below, or visit the Giving Page on the church website and follow the simple instructions found there.
LOST & FOUND
A beautiful children’s quilt was left in the Hospitality Center. If this belongs to your child and you can describe it, please contact the office.
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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
Shea is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
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