February 17, 2023

Practice of Presence Takes a Break

The Practice of Presence mindfulness meditation group will not meet on 2/17 or 2/24. (Susan Brumbaugh is also taking some leave time while Randall is away.) We will meet on 3/3 to plan alternate hosts for the month of March, and then meditations will resume (either led by Larry Luna or Elda Pinsonneault) on 3/10. There is a core group that meets every Friday, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. (or so!), on Zoom. Some friends join occasionally as their schedules allow, and we're always happy when a new person joins. The E-Disciple on 3/10 will include the link to join us for gathering, meditation, and reflection. It's a wonderful way to head into each weekend. To be added to a calendar invitation, please contact Susan (counselor@stjohns-abq.org). 

Jazz Vespers on Saturday

Jazz Vespers will be the THIRD Saturday this month! Join us February 18 at 5 p.m. (live in the sanctuary or by livestream on our YouTube channel) for music by vocalist Therese Macali, pianist Robert Lah, flutist Linda Davidson, bassist Colin Deuble, and drummer Cal Haines. The message will be brought by the Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp. Join us!

Mountain Cathedrals Hike: Golden Open Space on Saturday

As we approach Ash Wednesday and Lent, consider how we gain endurance for the long journey. 

The walk thru the Open Space on the east side of the Sandias has wonderful vistas of 5 mountain ranges on all sides and some interesting geology. It is easy to moderate (not a long journey requiring endurance), with a few hundred feet of elevation gain and ~ 5 miles of walking at an elevation of ~6300 feet. 

Logistics: Meet at 8 a.m. in the St. John's UMC East Parking Lot to carpool or drive alone to the start of the hike, or at 8:50 a.m. at the start (Golden Open Space Los Duendes Trail, on La Madera Road ~ 9 miles north of San Antonio).  PLEASE check with me ahead if you're doing this in case road conditions force a change of plan. Plan to return to the church by about 1:00 p.m. Bring sturdy walking shoes, warm clothes, sun protection, snacks, water, and enthusiasm!

Please join us for this hike of meditation, wilderness, and time apart from our normal schedules. Organizer: Mike Furnish, 505-440-7292; mdfurnish@comcast.net. Save the date: The next Mountain Cathedrals hike is planned for Saturday, March 11.

Family Promise Clean Up on Saturday

Come and join us to clean up the Family Promise property! Cleanup will be from 8 - 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, at the Family Promise home at 1516 San Pedro Drive NE. Click here to sign up.

WeCare Not Meeting This Week

WeCare is not meeting in February, but will resume meeting in March. We would like to extend a renewed invitation for any caregivers to join this group. Our aim is to offer connection and understanding and walk alongside one another. Caregiving can be very unpredictable, so don't feel pressure to commit to regular attendance to be part of this supportive group. We meet the third Sunday of each month at 1PM in the Welcome Center. For more information, contact Pastor Tiffany, Fay Barz, or Rachel Perovich. 

Future WeCare meeting dates for 2023:

• March 19
• April 16
• May 21
• June 18
• July 16

• August 20
• September 17
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

Ash Wednesday Service February 22

Join us February 22 at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary as we begin the Lenten season with music, prayer, and the imposition of ashes. All are welcome, and the service will also be available by livestream.

Memorial Service for Vernon Easley February 23

There will be a memorial service held for Vernon Easley on Thursday, February 23, at 10 a.m. in St. John's Sanctuary. A light reception will follow the service in the Family Life Center. All are welcome to come and celebrate Vernon's life.

Apollo5 Returns to St. John's February 26

Music at St. John’s is proud to announce Apollo5 will be returning for their third performance on February 26 at 3 p.m. Praised for their powerful singing and distinctive sound, the award-winning British vocal ensemble Apollo5 proves how dynamic only five voices can be. From renaissance polyphony to contemporary classical to pop standards and vocal jazz, this a cappella ensemble will win you over as they have done audiences worldwide. Don’t miss it! Event will be in-person and live-streamed, tickets are available at musicatstjohns.org.

Volunteers to usher, greet, and extend hospitality are needed! If you are interested, please contact tmacali@stjohns-abq.org.

Lenten Study on Seven Words Starts February 28

Our Lenten study on Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross by Susan Robb will begin on Tuesday, February 28. Class details:

• February 28 – April 4 (6 weeks), Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., IN-PERSON
• Facilitator: Doris Bowen
• Register by emailing Susan Perry at teachersusan@comcast.net, signing up at the Hospitality Center on Sundays or calling the Church Office (505-883-9717)
• Participants will purchase their own books

While many of us naturally wish to avoid the reality of the cross, it’s from the cross that Jesus speaks and shows his deepest love for us. It’s from the cross that Jesus' full humanity draws us closest to him. It’s from the cross, as Jesus breathes his last breath and speaks his last words, that his deep trust in the Father and his divine glory are revealed. Those who listen to Jesus' last words from the cross will discover what he most wants them (the world) to hear and will experience an intimate and divine awe only available to those who are willing to draw near his cross. In Seven Words, Susan Robb looks at the seven last words of Christ on the cross through a lens that finds life and hope in his final sayings, while exploring each from a biblical and historical perspective. The book brings a hopeful and contemplative take on the cross during the weeks of Lent.

United Women in Faith Meet March 2

We're all stewards of God's Creation! On Thursday, March 2, our United Women in Faith will focus on the topic of Creation Care. Our guest speaker will be Dodie Hawkins, member of Central UMC and the UM Conference Green Team. Dodie is a highly motivated advocate of Climate Justice, and she'll have all sorts of facts and helpful tips that we can easily apply to our everyday living, toward the goal of protecting God's creation for future generations. Please join us in welcoming Dodie at 10 a.m. in Room 241. You need not be a member of UWF to join us; everyone is encouraged to attend and bring a friend.

Women's Bible Study on Better, A Study of Hebrews Starts March 7

Our next Women's Bible study Better, A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin, will begin on Tuesday, March 7. Class details:

• March 7 – May 16 (11 weeks), Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., ZOOM
• Facilitator: Donna Bruce
• Register by emailing Susan Perry at teachersusan@comcast.net, signing up at the Hospitality Center on Sundays or calling the Church Office (505-883-9717)
• Participants will purchase their own books

In this verse-by-verse study of the Book of Hebrews, Jen Wilkin explores how God “provided something better for us” in the person of Jesus Christ (Heb. 11:40). Through stories of Old Testament heroes and practices, the author of Hebrews demonstrates how the new covenant is superior to the old and how Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every promise. Explore familiar verses in context of the entire Bible, learning how to place your hope and faith in Christ alone.

Plan Your Walk to Emmaus April 27-30

The Walk to Emmaus is a 72 hour cloistered weekend dedicated to spiritual growth and Christian teaching. Consider what can happen with this much time to focus on the grace of the Lord! There is a Men's Walk to Emmaus scheduled April 27-30 at Inlow Baptist Camp south of Tijeras in the Manzano Mts. A Women's Walk will be held later. If you have gone on a Walk before, this would be an opportunity to sponsor someone who has not. If you have not, and would like more information, please contact Linn or Mike Furnish at 505-884-6626. 

Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp to Preach This Sunday

While Pastor Randall is away on renewal leave, we’ll enjoy Sunday sermons brought by an excellent roster of guest preachers.

This Sunday we’re happy to welcome Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp to preach in all three worship services. Scott already serves St. John’s as the regular preacher for the monthly Jazz Vespers service. He is Senior Area Representative for the Texas Methodist Foundation. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Scott Sharp has served for the past 30 years in five pastoral appointments in Oklahoma and New Mexico, as well as in youth and campus ministries. From 2009 to 2018, he was Senior Pastor at Central UMC in Albuquerque. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Scott received an M.Div. from Philips Theological Seminary and earned a D.Min. from St. Paul School of Theology in 2017. 

Guest Preachers in February and March:

• February 19: Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp
• February 26: Rev. Lynne Hinton
• March 12: Rev. Katherine Salazar
• March 19: Rev. Dr. Carl Schenck

Omelet Bar on Hiatus for February and March

There will be no Omelet Bar Mix and Match for the months of February and March as we determine which equipment to sell off in order to afford the eggs (haha!). But seriously, we want to focus on the Fish Fry and give our dedicated Food Ministry volunteers a break as most will be volunteering Friday nights. Please come to the Lenten Friday Fish Fry starting February 24 and running for 6 Fridays until March 31. The SonShine Cafe will continue with coffee and donuts. Omelets will return in April!

Thank You Mobile Food Pantry Volunteers!

Thank you to all of our Mobile Food Pantry volunteers who help make this program possible! If you would like to join this fun group or have questions, please contact Debby Smith at 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com. Our next Mobile Food Pantry is Saturday, March 18.

Fish Fry Announcements

• Rumor has it that there will only be 3 Fish Fry Dinners! "Rumor" is inaccurate! SIX (6) Fish Fry Dinners are being planned.
• Due to lack of available staffing, babysitting/nursery for workers will not be available this year.
• If you have a party of 5 or more coming together to a Fish Fry Dinner, you can reserve a table in both the FLC (4 tables) and the quiet room (2 tables). Call Wayne at 505-294-1018 or email him at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com to reserve your table.

Join the Fish Fry Kitchen Team Fryer Detail

Chef Tim and the kitchen crew are in need of 2-3 people to help us wrap up each Fish Fry night from 7-9:30 p.m. Primarily we need help with filtering the oil from the 4 deep fryers we use, clean the fryers with water, return the oil to the fryers, and help clean and mop the kitchen to get it back to tip-top shape for the next day’s activities. Pay is $12 per hour. 

Requirements: 

• Non-skid, close toed shoes
• Shirt and pants that you are willing to get oil and dirt on
• Ability to lift 25 lb
• Can work bending over scrubbing the inside and sides of the fryers
• Wear a hat or hairnet and mask while in the kitchen

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org or 505-883-9717 x 141.

Other Workers Needed

Workers Needed: Workers are still needed to help with drinks last shift (6:00-8:00) for Diann Zentner at (505-681-3518), clean up second shift (5:30-7:30 p.m.) for Anita Hallstrom at (505-400-1777), and Dish Dawgs late shift (6:30-9:00 p.m.) for Greg Hallstrom at (505-400-1776). Anyone interested in helping in these specific areas, please call the coordinator directly. Volunteers are always needed in other areas so please see Wayne at the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings or contact him through the email listed above.

Servers Needed:  Workers are still needed for the serving line. If interested, please call Barbara Stanfield at 505-275-8551, see Wayne at the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings or contact him through email at  jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Donate Tickets to Zuni Elementary Families, Police & Fire Departments

The Fish Fry Dinners Core Team would like to offer the congregation the opportunity to donate to free tickets for a Fish Fry Dinner to families at Zuni Elementary as well as local police and fire workers. If you would like to participate in this opportunity, stop by the Hospitality Center on Sundays and talk to Wayne or email him at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Joy Singers Accepting New Members!

Joy Singers are currently accepting new members. The Joy Singers are a group of musicians who enjoy singing music in a gospel style. Directed by Therese Macali, they rehearse Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the choir room. If you are looking for a fun way to start your week, please contact tmacali@stjohns-abq.org.

February Special Offering: Covenant with Missionaries

St. John's continues its support of two missionaries. First is Desiree Segura- April who lives in Honduras and works with at risk children to provide safe places for children to have holistic and creative Christian education. Second is Dr. Belinda Forbes who helps provide greatly needed, community based dental care in Nicaragua. We are very excited to announce that Dr. Belinda Forbes will visit St. John's on March 8. So save the date and look for details about her visit as they become available.

St. John's has a long history of supporting UMC missionaries around the world. So let's continue that generous support all during the month of February.

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.