August 20, 2021
A Note From Pastor Randall

Dear Beloved of St. John’s,
 
As I’m sure many of you are aware, this week the state of New Mexico released a new Public Health Order mandating mask-wearing indoors for all persons over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status. This new Public Health Order goes into effect Friday, August 20. It is hoped that this latest measure will help us all get ahead of the recent spread of the Coronavirus. I have seen more and more persons wearing masks in our community and in our congregation, and I’m thankful for your willingness to do your part to help keep everyone safe. While we are under this new Public Health Order, we are asking everyone to comply with this latest mandate. Please wear a mask indoors at all times (unless eating or drinking) and help keep our congregants and our community safe.
 
RWP
Facilities Manager Bill Malinka is Retiring

Bill Malinka, Facilities Manager, is retiring! Bill has been with St. John’s since 2016 and his last day will be Saturday, August 21. Bill will worship with us on Sunday and you will have the opportunity to wish him well after each service in the Sonshine Cafe! So bring him a card and your well wishes on Sunday, August 22.
The 8:15 a.m. Service is Returning!

The 8:15 a.m. service is returning! Join us on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. for a Preview Session and Service of Blessing over the re-launch of this service. Enjoy a mixture of traditional hymns and new songs of reflection with Jim Ahrend and Therese Macali, wisdom from Rev. Dr. Randall Partin, and the reuniting of a community coming home again. Doors open at 4:40 p.m. We can’t wait to see you there!
Go To London With Chancel Choir

Chancel Choir is traveling to London next June, to sing a concert at Southwark Cathedral conducted by Matt Greer. All are welcome to join the trip, whether you plan to sing or not! The itinerary includes 8 nights in the UK, with plenty of time in London, tours of Wesley heritage sites, and a side trip to Canterbury. Click here for details, or be in touch with Norlynn Blocker Price or Matt Greer with questions.
UMCOR's Response to the Devastation in Haiti: How You Can Help

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake produced widespread destruction in the western region of Haiti.  
As of August 17, 1,400 people are dead and more than 6,900 others injured, while hundreds more are still missing, and thousands are homeless.

UMCOR is in communication with partners in Haiti and working closely with them to support emergency relief and early response efforts. UMCOR has awarded a grant to the Methodist Church of Haiti (Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti). 

Click here to read more about his effort and ways you can help.
Solid Ground Youth Group August 22

Students, join us on August 22 for Park Play 4 - 6 p.m. at the Northeast corner of Montgomery Park; we will have a series of games that involve a ball, a frisbee, and capture the flag. On August 29, we will have a swim party at Nora Sharp’s house (11801 Eagle Rock NE, 8712) from 4 - 6 p.m.; bring your suit and towel! We will be off Labor Day weekend, Sept 6, and then Solid Ground, Sonrise Choir, and Sunday School will all Kick-Off at church on Sunday, Sept 13. Remember to wear your masks at all events (unless you are in the pool).
Mountain Cathedrals Hike August 28
North End of Sandia Crest Trail

We are planning a Mountain Cathedrals hike for Saturday, August 28. It will be a loop plus extension from the Tunnel Spring Trailhead in Placitas.

What Jesus asks us to do with our lives is really not that complicated. This makes it hard for many people. Isn’t that ironic? Can we now find the grace to see His work and path, which may be right under our noses?

Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous (4 miles, ~1200 feet of vertical, light scrambling). Meet at St. John’s (East parking lot) at 7:30 a.m. to carpool or drive individually; return around 1 p.m. Please RSVP and direct questions to Mike Furnish, CLM (mdfurnish@comcast.net).
Save the date: Next Mountain Cathedrals hike will be Saturday, Sept. 11.
Donation Drive-Through/ Drop-Off August 28

Your St. John's Missions Team has organized another donation drive-through collection for Saturday, August 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the east parking lot. Donations will benefit the clients of our Mobile Food Pantry, as well as the low-income seniors served by Silver Horizons. The following items will be collected: 4 to 6 roll packages of toilet tissue; 2 roll packages of paper towels; facial tissue; plastic wrap; aluminum foil; and packages of food storage bags, such as Ziploc. If you'd prefer to bring your donations to the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings, we'll gladly accept them through the month of August. Also, if you'd prefer to give a monetary donation toward the purchase of paper products, we're happy to do the shopping for you. We are so grateful for your generosity!
Women's Bible Study: What Love Is
September 13 - November 1

  • We will be studying What Love Is (1, 2, 3 John) by Kelly Minter 
  • September 13 - November 1 (8 weeks)
  • Class meets over ZOOM on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Maximum number for class is 15
  • Facilitator: Donna Bruce
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

The Letters of 1, 2 & 3 John were written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the truth. Believers are challenged to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness. This study not only reveals the heart of John but also the heart of Jesus. 
Women's Book Study: The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi | September 14 - October 19

  • We will be studying The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford
  • September 14 - October 19 (6 weeks) 
  • Class meets IN-PERSON Tuesday afternoons, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Facilitator: Shanlii Payment
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

Based on her book, The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi, Kathie Lee Gifford takes you on a journey through the Jewish roots of Jesus and the ancient paths of Israel. You'll learn more about the Rock (Jesus Christ), explore the Road (Israel), and dig deeper into the Bible with the Rabbi (God's Word). When she began studying the biblical texts in their original Hebrew and Greek and hiking the ancient paths of Israel, Kathie Lee discovered a deeper understanding of the Bible and of God Himself. Throughout the study, Messianic Jewish Rabbi Jason Sobel provides additional insight into the Hebrew language, culture, and heritage that will open your eyes to the Bible like never before.
Women's Bible Study: Trustworthy (1 and 2 Kings) | September 14 - October 26

  • We will be studying Trustworthy (1 and 2 Kings) by Lysa Terkeurst
  • September 14 - October 26 (7 weeks) 
  • Class meets over ZOOM Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Maximum number for class is 15
  • Facilitator: Donna Bruce
  • Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

When hard times come and it seems God is deviating from the plan we assume our life should follow, we’re more likely to want to tame God, not trust Him. It’s then that we begin to press into our ways and our own timing. No human can carry the weight of being their own god, but so many of us try. Join Lysa TerKeurst in Israel as she honestly reveals the places of distrust in her own heart while exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God. 
Watch the Livestream of Our Sunday Services
August Special Offering: Zuni School

It's hard to believe, but school will be starting soon and in person! Hurray! So this month we have the opportunity to support our neighbors at Zuni Elementary school. Chef Tim has the back to school staff luncheon on the calendar, and United Methodist Women will purchase school supplies to be given to the school at that time. There may be more opportunities for continued support in the coming year, so please give generously.
Virtual Prayer Quilt

The Behr Family is the recipient for the prayer quilt currently on display.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for the Behr Family: “God of love and mercy, embrace this family whose hearts today overflow with grief and such a sense of loss. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days. Amen.”
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St. John's United Methodist Churc
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.