August 26, 2022

A Letter From Pastor Randall


Dear Beloved of St. John’s,

 

Last week, it was announced that our annual conference delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conference endorsed Eddie Rivera (current NM Annual Conference Provost) and myself as candidates for bishop in The United Methodist Church. Later this fall (November), the South Central Jurisdiction will meet in Houston to elect three new bishops for our region. There are eight endorsed candidates who will stand for election, although technically any ordained elder in good standing is eligible for election as bishop. The endorsement process is an affirmation and recommendation based on gifts and graces for ministry and it is an honor to be endorsed.

 

I must share that my willingness to be considered for endorsement is something that did not come easily or quickly. In fact, as recently as a few months ago, it was the furthest thing from my mind. At the encouragement of a number of friends, family members, and colleagues, however, I was persuaded to consider this possibility and, with reservations and much prayer, I offered myself for further discernment with the delegation.

 

The election of bishops is a peculiar and singular practice in our denomination. We pastors are accustomed to being asked to move or sent to serve by a cabinet, not put ourselves forward as a candidate for anything. Further, the “politicking” around bishop’s elections is unusual, as delegations interview candidates, discuss and deliberate giftedness as well as weaknesses and assess needs for leadership in the Church. Throughout these processes, we all hope and pray that God’s Spirit will take our efforts and lead us all to what’s best for the whole Church.

 

As for myself, I find myself patiently listening for that Spirit. While I am open to the possibility that the Church might call on me to lead elsewhere, being or going elsewhere is not my desire or my ambition. And, if others are elected in November, with gratitude and relief, I will joyfully continue to serve here among the wonderful people of St. John’s—there is much work to be done and I love being here with you.

 

Several of you all have shared mixed emotions surrounding this announcement. I hear and share those mixed emotions! If you have any questions or concerns about any of this, please feel free to share them with me at any time. In the meantime, I would simply ask that you join with me in prayer for this season and for God’s best outcome for us all to be made plain.

 

Blessings,


Randall

Omelet Bar Mix-and-Match This Sunday


Omelet Bar Mix-and-Match happens the fourth Sunday of each month, so the next one is coming up on Sunday, August 28. Omelet Bar is in The SonShine Cafe between 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. As always, you can get a made to order 3 egg or egg white omelet that you can choose to fill with a generous selection of meats and veggies plus a piece of toast with jam or butter. All for just $7 per omelet with a drink included! Bring a friend and enjoy a quality, made from scratch breakfast and great conversation around the cafe tables with folks from all 3 Sunday services! 


We need volunteers to take money and be a runner—no running required. Use the button below to sign up to volunteer. If you have any questions, text or call Nancy Douglas de Baca at 505-238-5895.

Sign Up to Volunteer

United Women in Faith Meet September 1


United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Nancy Bowen as our guest speaker for our September 1 meeting at 10 a.m. in Room 241/243.  We are so privileged to have Nancy speak to us, and please take note of her very intriguing topic:  "Do you know the difference between an alien and a stranger? Ten Ways the Bible talks about relating to other groups --- and, you won’t believe #5!!"  As most of you know, Nancy is a hometown girl, graduating from Eldorado High School and going on to the University of California at San Diego. She received her Master's from Claremont School of Theology and her PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1994. Nancy is recently retired from Earlham School of Religion, where she taught Old Testament.  Please join us for an interesting conversation, and remember that our meetings are open to everyone, including men and visitors, so please consider yourself invited! If you would prefer to join via Zoom, please send an email request, in advance, to Regina at hamptonmason1@msn.com. Place this date on your calendar, today!

Online Church Directory Available for Members Starting September 1


Starting September 1, the online church directory will be available to St. John's members. You will need a username and password to access the directory. If you are a church member, and you do not have login information for our online church management system (called Church Community Builder, or CCB for short), contact our Communications Director Nicole Creaturo at ncreaturo@stjohns-abq.org to receive your login credentials


If, for any reason, you do not want to be a part of this church directory, please let us know you would like to opt-out so we can remove your information. Opt- out by:


Mountain Cathedrals Meets on September 3: Labyrinth Day


We'll stay in town today for spiritual walks at two outdoor labyrinths. 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 September 4


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 pm.. 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.

Sign Up to Volunteer

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'. 

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. What is 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, 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? 

Some people think of bones as hard and lifeless, but they are actually living, growing tissue. Your bones are made up of components that make them flexible and strong.

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!

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!

Passing of Member Wayne Cyrus


Long time St. John’s member, Wayne Cyrus passed away on August 20, 2022. There will be no funeral service. If you would like to send a condolence card to the family please reach out to Joy at St. John’s office for a mailing address. Please keep the Cyrus family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

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 in and check out children 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!

Memory Café Conversation


On Wednesday, August 31, Craig Coleman from the Alzheimer’s Association will be meeting with folks from St. John’s about the possibility of restarting our Memory Café. We will be meeting at 11 a.m. in room 245/257. Please join us if you’re interested in helping us launch this vital ministry in our church and wider community. If you have questions or concerns, contact Pastor Randall or Pastor Tiffany.

Small Changes, Positive Results


Have you noticed a few changes in the vestibule? Been wondering why these changes are happening? 


The answer is simple. Back in June the staff and many committee members attended a four-day workshop entitled Work Together People,LLC. During this very enlightening workshop we realized St John’s is in need of becoming a more welcoming, warm and inviting place.  These changes are not only for our members but our community as well. We welcome the congregation and visitors to gather, sit and chat in our vestibule. Help yourself to a cup of coffee from our Keurig coffee maker, bring your own cup or take a cup to go. We are recycling the Keurig coffee cups through the K-Cycle program where the coffee or tea grounds and filter are converted to compost, and the aluminum and plastic are converted to recycled product.


There are many more changes to come in all areas of St John’s - some big, some not so big. Keep your eyes open. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions at reception@stjohns-abq.org

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. 

Alta Mira Offers Love & Logic Parenting Classes


Alta Mira will be offering a 6-week training on Parenting with Love and Logic starting September 8. Parenting with Love and Logic is a way of working with children that puts parents back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world, with its many choices and consequences. Click here to learn more about this class, and how to get a class sponsorship for those who financially qualify.

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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.  

Help Provide Sunday Snacks for Youth Group


Would you like to help provide snacks for our youth Sunday nights? We have a growing youth group and would love for friends in the church to help to provide a snack and drinks for the youth! If you are interested, please contact Tiffany at thollums@stjohns-abq.org and there will also be a sign up at the Hospitality Center!

A Preschool Plus Update


St. John’s Preschool Plus has just opened for its second year after closing due to Covid. Since we opened last fall we have made tremendous progress and had great success. We opened this school year with 48 students, 8 teachers and our Director Cathy Lubold. We do have a few openings in some ages and waiting lists for other ages, with families still calling for tours of our facility regularly.


Because of grants Cathy applied for and received, the Preschool has been able to meet payroll without asking the church for any financial help, add sinks to the classes that didn’t have them and pay one custodian’s salary. Most important, the Preschool has opened an Infant Room, which currently has four infants, and will have eight as soon as we can hire an assistant. Providing high quality, loving care for infants is a tremendous service to our community.


The Preschool is very grateful that St. John’s Trustees had capital improvement funds they needed to spend and chose to install new windows on the west side of the building, which includes the Preschool wing. The Preschool will invite St. John’s families to tour the Preschool rooms and see the Infant/Toddler suite after each of the worship services on a Sunday this fall once all the new windows are installed.


Barbara Stanfield, Chairman Preschool Ministry Team

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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. 

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