September 2, 2022

A Letter From Pastor Randall

Dear Beloved of St. John’s,

A couple of weeks ago, representatives from Heading Home met with me about the possibility of St. John’s partnering with them in their work to help resolve homelessness here in Albuquerque. Heading Home has been active in Albuquerque since 2011 and focuses on working primarily with the chronically homeless and medically vulnerable. Because of their efforts, over 800 persons have been moved into permanent supportive housing in the city.  

Heading Home has recently been exploring the possibility of providing Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS) for the homeless, which has been an on-again/off-again initiative of the City of Albuquerque in recent months. In particular, Heading Home asked if St. John’s would be willing to partner with them to potentially host a Safe Outdoor Space for a limited number of families somewhere on our campus.  

In preliminary conversations with various leaders of St. John’s (our Council Chair, Lay Leaders, Chairs of Trustees and Finance, Vice-Chair and Secretary of SPRC, along with key staff leadership), we were all in agreement that we would be willing to explore this possibility, even as we recognize a number of questions and concerns that it might raise.  

Because of the current back-and-forth between Mayor Keller and the City Council, a firm timeline for exploring this process has been impossible, and we learned last week that in order for us to even consider this possibility, an application to host a Safe Outdoor Space needed to be submitted. Since our core leadership agreed to proceed (with caution), an application was submitted. This is the first, necessary step in this process, and we are not bound by or committed to anything at this point.

The vision for this possibility is that St. John’s would serve as a Safe Outdoor Space in partnership with Heading Home. Heading Home would oversee the location, provide fencing for the perimeter along with portable toilets and showers, and staff the location 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The guests would be thoroughly vetted and screened by Heading Home and must be participating actively in Heading Home’s program and process for moving to a housed situation.

A timeline for this potential partnership has not yet been developed, not least because of current city politics, and it is unclear if the application (the first step in this convoluted process) will be allowed to move forward. Even if it does, however, we will have plenty of time to more thoroughly explore this possibility from every angle, to listen and respond to concerns and questions from our members and wider community, and to discern if this, indeed, is something that we are really open to.

I recognize that this possibility might nudge many of us beyond our comfort zone. I also do not know if this is the right thing for us to do right now. Nor do I know what the City of Albuquerque will do. I am, however, willing to be open to exploring this possibility further, as caring for some of the most vulnerable in our community in this way seems like a Christ-like invitation. Depending on the City of Albuquerque’s pending actions, over the next few weeks and months, I expect that we will have time to learn much more about this, be able to share more of the details as we flesh them out more, and engage in a broad, wide, and (hopefully) prayerful conversation.

In Christ,

Randall

Practice of Presence Cancelled Today

There will be no Practice of Presence gathering today at 9:30 a.m., we will resume next week, September 9. Practice of Presence is a time to gather, participate in guided mindfulness meditation, and reflect together on what we noticed. This is a virtual gathering - Consider joining us when we reconvene September 9! Contact Susan Brumbaugh with questions. 

Mountain Cathedrals Meets on Saturday

We'll stay in town for spiritual walks at two outdoor labyrinths on Saturday, September 3. One is in the Northeast Heights near Mountain Run Center, and the other, west of the river at Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation. Labyrinth walking is distinctly different from our traditional hikes; we each turn our focus inward as we slowly walk the path to the center, then back out. We will also have time to reflect on our journey in the courtyard at CAC. The walking will be easy. Please join us for this time of meditation, a new setting, and period apart from our normal schedules. 

Logistics: Meet at St. John's east parking lot at 8 a.m., at New Life Presbyterian Church (5540 Eubank NE) at 8:30 a.m., or at the Center for Action and Contemplation (1925 5 Points Place SW) at 10 a.m.. We'll plan to return at 1 p.m., so bring some snacks, water and sun protection. To best benefit from this experience, please read about labyrinth walking ahead of time. Click here to read article one. Click here to read article two.

Organizer: Mike Furnish, 505-440-7292; mdfurnish@comcast.net. 

Save the Date: The next Mountain Cathedrals hike is planned for Saturday, October 15 (El Malpais lava tubes?).

Care Ministry Meets on Sunday

The next Care Ministry team meeting will be Sunday, September 4, immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service in the library upstairs (room 231). The Care Ministry team will meet the first Sunday of each month moving forward. If you are interested in serving on this important team that cares for our church family, please contact Tiffany Hollums at thollums@stjohns-abq.org.  

Safe Sanctuaries Training on September 7

Safe Sanctuaries training will be offered Wednesday, September 7, at 5 p.m. in Room 245. Please register with Tiffany Hollums at thollums@stjohns-abq.org. This important training will last an hour and a half and is for anyone who is an employee of St. John's UMC or will be working with children or youth or vulnerable adults.  

Fall Kickoff Sunday Lunch on September 11

The St. John’s Food Ministry is inviting everyone to a Fall Kickoff Sunday Lunch on Sunday, September 11. Come enjoy Chef Tim’s Five Cheese Beef Lasagna in the Family Life Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just $12 for adults, $6 for ages 12-17, $3 for ages 5-11, and under 5 is free. Come get to know your church family. No reservation required.  All are welcome! 

We need volunteers to help put on the lunch. If you are available, please sign up using the button below.  If you have questions, text or call Nancy Douglas de Baca at 505-238-5895.

Youth News: Sunday School & Confirmation Classes Start September 11

Youth Sunday School class will begin Sunday, September 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the youth lounge. We will be studying the book of Romans! 

Confirmation classes will begin Sunday, September 11 from 1-3 p.m. in the youth lounge. Be on the lookout for an email with more information and mentors will be receiving information packets as well. Church Family, please be in prayer for this class of confirmands as they grow and learn more about what it means to 'confirm their faith'. 

Jolly Elders Meet September 14

Our next meeting of Jolly Elders will be on Wednesday, September 14, from 11 a.m - 12 p.m., in Room 245 (we will go out to lunch following the meeting). Due to church security regulations for this weekday meeting, everyone must park their vehicles and enter on the west side of the building. Adults of all ages are cordially invited to come to our meeting, where we will enjoy a program presented by the non-profit organization called Saranam. Executive Director Tracy Weaver and or Director of Development Dianne Campbell will speak on the Overall Mission of Saranam. 

Saranam LLC is a private non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a will bequeath from a member of Central United Methodist Church. It currently has established a two-generation designed program to help with housing, food, education, training and other social support issues for 20 select families living together in an Albuquerque East-side apartment complex. They have just broken ground constructing a new residential complex to house 25 select families at an Albuquerque west side location.  

Families in Faith Starts September 15

NewSound Children’s Choir and Kids Bible Club has a new day and time. We are calling it Families of Faith. It is a time for families with young children (babies to grade 5) to gather and strengthen our walk with Jesus. Starting September 15, (and going through the spring) a light supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. Kids will be shepherded to Bible Club and NewSound rehearsal for spiritual growth through games, music, and fun. Parents will enjoy fellowship, book studies, and games. Childcare for ages 6 weeks to 3 years will be provided. Our evening ends in prayer at 7:30 p.m., just in time for bedtime! Email thollums@stjohns-abq.org or tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information.

Youth Serve at Asbury Pie Café on September 16

Youth will serve at the Asbury Pie Café at the State Fair on Friday, September 16, from  6:15 p.m. to close (around 11 p.m.). There will be a swim party to celebrate their hard work the next day on Saturday, September 17, at 2 p.m. at the Weaver's house.  

Requirements to serve at the Asbury Pie Café:

• Youth must be at least 12 yrs old
• 1 adult for each 12 or 13 yr old
• 1 adult for every 3 teens that are 14 or 15 yr olds
• 16 yrs and older don't need supervision 

There will be a short training during Solid Ground on Sunday September 11. If you would like more information about youth serving, or have any questions, please contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978.

Bone Health and Aging: How to Keep Your Bones Strong Presentation on September 17

Over the next year, St. John's will host informational and "how-to" presentations for our congregation and community. Our first presentation begins on Saturday, September 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m., 2nd floor of the Education Building (room 257), when we host Joseph H. Frey Jr., M.D. as he gives information on “Bone Health and Aging: How You Can Keep Your Bones Strong.” This is a presentation for all adults, not just the elderly!

The 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures in the United States each year lead to more than half a million hospitalizations, over 800,000 emergency room encounters, more than 2,600,000 physician office visits, and the placement of nearly 180,000 individuals into nursing homes. In Dr Frey’s presentation you will… learn some of the key terms and available diagnostic tests to understand bone health better, find out what risk factors you might have that could affect your bone health and learn questions to ask your provider related to strong bones when going in for a check-up or a visit. For Dr. Frey’s bio, click here.

These presentations are free. Come, bring a friend, tell your neighbors and family. During the month of September, we will be surveying St. John's to find out what you would like to learn more about so watch for the survey and please give us your opinions. Questions about this presentation? Beth Zerwekh at craftylady2331@comcast.net. General questions about these presentations? Donna Bruce at donnabruce@comcast.net.

Did You Know This Interesting Bone Fact? 

People with low bone density are more likely to break a bone and may have a greater chance of getting osteoporosis because they have less bone to lose.

Mark Your Calendars for the Trunk or Treat Fall Festival October 30

Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat, Sunday October 30 from 4-6 p.m. here at St. John's UMC. We will have candy, games, costumes, prizes, fun snacks, and so much fun! Please invite your friends and families with children to come and join us for this wonderful family night of fun, games, candy, and costumes. We are also asking for church members, Sunday school classes or small groups to consider having a car in the Trunk or Treat 'parade' which will be in the large parking lot. Come up with a fun theme, get lots of candy, and join us in the fun. Please contact Pastor Tiffany if you are interested in having a Trunk or Treat car or helping!

St. John's Community Garden

Have you noticed all the plants growing in the hoop houses and garden boxes as you drive by the west side of St. John's? We've had a bountiful crop of produce this year! Chef Tim has used many of the veggies in the meals he prepares for the food insecure and what he hasn't been able to use, he's frozen for future use.

Along with the bountiful crop of produce, we also had a bountiful crop of weeds! On Saturday, August 27, Bob Bowman, Suzanne and Paul Shave, Amanda Boers, Hovey Corbin, Roy Walston, Michael Bowen, Regina Hampton and Jay Mason spent the morning pulling weeds and cleaning up the area, restoring it to its "produce" beauty once again.

This workday was so successful and so helpful to the garden team, that we are establishing a regular workday on the fourth Saturday of the month. The next one will be September 24, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. (come and go as your schedule permits). We'd love the help so please mark your calendars and join us!

St. John's Grant Writing Team Forming

Do you have grant writing skills or experience? There are many grant opportunities that would help fund St. John’s ministries to aid those in need but we lack the organized skills or experience in grant writing to respond to them. We would like to form an “on-call” team that could help research opportunities and help write proposals. You can choose to help depending on your availability. Please give Joy a call (505) 883-9717 if you are interested in being a part of this team.

Visit St. John's Prayer Garden

The Prayer Garden is a peaceful space for family and friends to visit the place of their loved one, and for anyone looking to enjoy nature's beauty. With its gently flowing walkways and serene simplicity, the Prayer Garden offers a place to sit quietly and enjoy prayer and meditation. Visiting hours are Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Please enter through the church office from the west parking lot to access the garden. 

Invitation to New Book Study This Fall

As St. John’s lives into its purpose of Loving God, Loving Others, and Changing Lives, one of the challenges we all face is the continued polarization of our culture and our ongoing inability to speak lovingly across our divides and come together in spite of our differences. This fall, Pastor Randall would like to invite everyone to read and study together John Paul Lederach’s book, Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians. We are currently looking for persons who would be willing to host small group studies in a variety of settings (in your home, here at St. John’s, over lunch or coffee somewhere, or online via ZOOM), and we have study guide content to help facilitate those small group discussions. This is a terrific opportunity for a scriptural, theologically rich and practical study of conflict transformation. We are hoping to offer these small group studies between the end of September and late November (just in time for Thanksgiving dinner conversations!). If you would be willing to lead a small group, or if you would like more information about the book, please let Pastor Randall know!

Rhythm of the Saints

The Joie de Vivre Art Ministry will be presenting a curated art experience honoring ‘saints’ who have gone before us and their art in October. If you have art created by a loved one that you would like to offer ‘on loan’ for this exhibit, please bring it to the church office along with information on the artist and the pieces. We look forward to this special way to remember and honor those who have gone before us and to share their art and stories.  If you have questions, please contact Paul Chandler at (505) 260-0090. 

Children's Chapel Check-In Cards Coming in September

Children's Chapel check in cards are coming in September! These cards will be attached to the Children's Worship bags and are a way for us to be able to check children in and out from Children's Chapel each Sunday. Parents/Guardians will fill out this card each Sunday for their child and then send this card with their child when they are dismissed for Children's Chapel following the Offertory in the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. Children who bring this card with them will be able to choose a prize from the treasure chest also!

Seeking an Office Administrator Volunteer

St. John's is recruiting a Tuesday volunteer from 9 a.m. to noon. This volunteer would assist in answering phone calls and letting people into the building. They may also be asked to prepare letters for mail, enter attendance, prepare usher carts, and other office tasks. If you are interested in volunteering at the church as an assistant office administrator, click here to sign up.

Nursery Manager Needed

St. John’s is looking and praying for the right person to serve as the Nursery Manager for our nursery on Sunday mornings and other special events. The nursery is such an important ‘first touch’ for families visiting churches and we are seeing more and more new families with young children. The Nursery Manager is 5-10 hours a week and is a paid position. If you feel God tugging at your heartstrings, please contact Tiffany Hollums (thollums@stjohns-abq.org) for more information or if you are interested in volunteering in the nursery. 

September Special Offering: Wesley Foundation at UNM

Following is a letter from the new director of Wesley Foundation updating us on post-pandemic Wesley. This month we again have the opportunity to support this important ministry.

UNM Wesley Foundation is back! After two long years of dealing with Covid, UNM Wesley Foundation is excited to provide in-person ministry with college students this Fall. Beginning Tuesday, September 6 we will provide dinner and devotion every Tuesday evening. Plans are also in the works for some exciting special events! How can you help? We appreciate all financial donations that will help with food, curriculum and events.

No More Empty Shelves!

Silver Horizons and The Storehouse are huge suppliers of food to our neighbors in need, here in Albuquerque. But, both organizations are currently experiencing empty shelves! Therefore, we've decided to continue our "push" to collect non-perishable foods, of all types, throughout the month of September. As a church family, we can make a huge difference when we work together to fill those empty shelves and feed those hungry tummies! Please place your donations in the wire bins located in the Hospitality Center. Thank you so much!

Zuni Weekend Meal Bags

School is back in session and that means we're gearing up, once again, to provide weekend meal bags of breakfast, lunch and dinner food items for students at Zuni who have been identified, by the Zuni school counselor, as being "food insecure". In September, we're collecting the following single-serve items: granola and/or breakfast bars (w/o nuts and w/o peanut butter); oatmeal packets; pudding and/or jello cups; and single-serve veggie cups, such as corn, peas, and green beans. Please place your donations in the wire bins in the Hospitality Center. Thanks for your support in meeting the needs of these young children.  

St. John's United Methodist Church

2626 Arizona Street NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

Office Hours (call only): Monday - Thursday, 9a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pastor 24-Hour Hotline | (505)808-1624

Pastor care is available for after hours emergencies. Any congregational care needs, please send those to Pastor Tiffany at thollums@stjohns-abq.org as we all work together to love one another well.