October 7, 2022

Proposed Safe Outdoor Space Update

Dear Beloved of St. John’s,

Earlier this week, I convened an informal Safe Outdoor Space workgroup to sit down with representatives from Heading Home (our potential partner in this project). The informal workgroup members are Les Bruce (Trustees Chair), Michael Bowen (Finance Chair), Jamie Davidson (Business Manager), Dara Bell (Lay Leader), Leia Cunningham, Brian Eagan, Lee Blakeman, and myself. Our purpose was to gather as much information as possible, further flesh out any critical details in our preliminary proposal, consider next steps, and share out to the wider congregation.  

We had a very productive conversation, and our key learning that we want to pass along to the entire congregation is that we are very, very early in this process. While we have an application pending with the City of Albuquerque, we are likely months away from anything “happening” (even if we as a congregation decide to proceed with this project). We are 100% in a learning/discernment phase of this work. It is our hope that in the next few weeks, we will host a church-wide conversation where more information/details, along with questions, affirmations, and concerns can be shared and heard from everyone. In the meantime, we are sharing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on our website with as much information as we know for now. This page will be updated as we go and as new questions surface. Les Bruce (lbruce@stjohns-abq.org) has agreed to field those questions and update the FAQ.

As I have said all along, I’m not certain that this is something that we are called to do. It is a big ask of our congregation. I also believe, however, that engaging in this conversation, even if we do not choose to go down this path, is an important discernment opportunity for us. I ask for your continued prayers for this work of discernment and pray that God would lead us all in whatever we choose to do.

In Christ,

Randall

Youth Ministry News

Youth Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays in the youth lounge.  

Solid Ground Youth Group meets each Sunday night from 4-6 p.m. We gather in the SonShine Cafe for snacks and games, then have a big group game, interactive lesson and prayer.  

Youth Fall Retreat to Sacramento Camp is November 18-20, 2022. Please be on the lookout for registration forms.   

The Flamingo Flock: Please be on the lookout for the Flamingo Flock in the next few weeks. The Flock is a new youth ministry experiment to help spread St. John’s cheer to the community. You can ‘send’ the flock to land at a friends home for a few days AND make a love donation to the youth ministry here at St. John’s. The youth will deliver the flock to your friend, leave a note letting them know that this flock was a gift from you only for a few days, and then will fly off to their next destination. The youth hope that this will be a fun way to spread some fun but also be a fun bonding activity for the youth to do together as well. There will be pink Flamingo flight itinerary available the next few Sundays to book your flock or you can contact Pastor Tiffany (thollums@stjohns-abq.org) to book these pink friends! Book them quickly, though, as we will make a trip itinerary for the flock, first come first serve! All donations will be used to fund mission trip scholarships, youth interns, and other incredible youth ministries here at St. John’s UMC. 

To receive the youth updates or information, please email Pastor Tiffany at thollums@stjohns-abq.org. 

Women's Bible Study on The Gospel on the Ground Begins October 10 & 11

Women's Bible Study will be starting a new study on The Gospel on the Ground: The Grit and Glory of the Early Church in Acts by Kristi McLelland. We are offering this class at two times:

• October 10 - November 21 (7 weeks), Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m., ZOOM 
• October 11 - November 22 (7 weeks), Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., ZOOM
• Facilitator: Donna Bruce
• Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts. Seven studies show how the kingdom of God is always on the move - always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope. Explore the call of Jesus to His disciples then and to us today. See how God's Word can sustain us even in the most difficult of times, and embrace the transformative grace we experience as children of God in His kingdom of celebration.

Women's Bible Study on Lose Control, the Way to Find Your Soul Starts on October 11

Join Women's Bible Study as we explore Lose Control, the Way to Find Your Soul by Mary Shannon Hoffpauir.

• October 11 - November 22 (7 weeks), Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. IN PERSON
• Facilitator: Barbara Stanfield
• Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net

Have you ever thought you had life under control―until you didn’t? Perhaps thinking “God is in control” but living as if you are. It's like walking around with a hot cup of coffee, afraid that with one wrong move it will spill and be a burning hot mess. Then you realize what little control you have and how dependent on God you truly are.

In Lose Control, Mary Shannon Hoffpauir takes you on a journey through the book of First Samuel, which is an epic story about a fight for control. Despite God’s warnings through the prophet Samuel, the nation of Israel was determined to take control by having their own king. As you dig into the saga of King Saul and David, who would become the next anointed king of Israel, you will discover that no plan or purpose of God can be thwarted by human beings. Even the worst of circumstances can be used by God to accomplish His purposes in your life. In her no-nonsense, authentic teaching style, Mary Shannon encourages you to lose control so that you can find your soul through a trusting relationship with your faithful God.

Jolly Elders Meet on October 12

Our next meeting of Jolly Elders will be on Wednesday, October 12, beginning at 11 a.m. in Room 245. Adults of all ages are invited to come to our next meeting where we will enjoy a program presented by our own member, Carol Wiggins. Even if you have never attended a Jolly Elders event in the past you are welcome. The meeting will end by noon to allow everyone to depart church for lunch elsewhere. Everyone must park their vehicles and enter St. John's United Methodist Church on the west side (the 2626 Arizona Street NE side) of the church.

The program by Carol Wiggins will be a Trip Report of the June 2002 Tour by select members of Chancel Choir to the United Kingdom. The object of the trip was to sing the Magnificat by Taylor Davis. There was a performance at the Canterbury Cathedral, a stop in Dover, and a tour of Leeds Castle. They also sang at the worship service in the Wesley Chapel in London followed by a Wesley Heritage Walking Tour. Several of the choir did individual tours of London and the surrounding area and eleven of them continued up to Scotland. There were stops in Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, and Glasgow.

POLO Trip to Harvey House Belen on October 14

Do you love history and museums? Are you fascinated by the history surrounding the railroad and the Harvey Houses? Then, we invite you to join our St. John's POLO group (People of Leisure and Others) as we travel down the road to Belen, on Friday, October 14, to visit the Harvey House Museum, and have lunch at Pete's located just across the street. Cost is $5.00 per person, plus the cost of lunch.  We'll meet at the museum, 104 North 1st Street, Belen, at 11:15 a.m., have lunch, and then begin our tour at 12:30 p.m. If you wish to carpool from the church, please meet in the West parking lot by 10:15 am. The museum curators ask that you visit their website, www.harveyhousemuseum.org, before the tour, if at all possible. We hope you can join us for this interesting glimpse into a facet of the history created by the railroads. Please sign up at the Hospitality Center. You may pay Mary Beth or Barbara, or make a check payable to St. John’s, with a notation—POLO. If you have questions, please contact Mary Beth Spletzer, 505-508-4829, or Barbara Stanfield, 505-275-8551. 

Mobile Food Pantry  on October 15

Our next Mobile Food Pantry is Saturday, October 15. Our program is in partnership with Roadrunner Food Bank. We provide up to 50 families with 50 pounds of food - half of which are perishable food items like fresh fruits and vegetables. Volunteers arrive around 9:30 a.m. and distribution begins at about 10:15 a.m., depending on the time the truck arrives. We are usually finished by noon. This is a great way to serve our community and make an impact on those that are food insecure. Here are just a couple of facts about hunger in New Mexico (Hunger in America - NM Study):

1. 89% of clients seeking food from food assistance programs reside in stable housing.
2. 41% of people experiencing hunger water down their food or drink, and 76% purchase inexpensive, unhealthy food as coping strategies
3. More than 50% of the households seeking food assistance include an employed person

If you are interested in helping or have questions, please contact Debby Smith at 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com.

PBS Documentary Screening on October 15

St. John’s Music Ministries is partnering with Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless and New Mexico PBS to present a screening of an inspiring new documentary called “City Voices: Homelessness to Hopefulness.” The film tells the story of a Philadelphia chorus for those experiencing homelessness. The event is free, and will include a brief discussion afterward. Join us on Saturday, October 15 at 5 p.m. 

The event will also include a special choral performance conducted by Matt Greer and Therese Macali. All singers are welcome to join. For more information, contact Therese at tmacali@stjohns-abq.org.

Mountain Cathedrals Hike at El Malpais National Monument on October 15

With the cooler weather of Fall, let us meet for a hike in the geologically recent lava flows of El Malpais. Logistics: Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the St. John's east parking lot to carpool or drive alone to the hike. Plan to return to the church by about 4:00 p.m. The specific hike will depend on what is found on a field visit Monday 10/10.  Bring sturdy walking shoes, lunch, water, sun protection and enthusiasm! Please join us for this hike of meditation, wilderness, and time apart from our normal schedules. Contact organizer Mike Furnish for more information at  505-440-7292 or mdfurnish@comcast.net.

Save the Date: The next hike is planned for Saturday, November 19.

Class on CCB (Church Community Builder) on October 23

Are you totally confused about how to use the church software to access information? Or maybe you don't even know how to access this program on your computer or laptop/iPad? A very basic introduction to CCB is being offered on Sunday, October 23, 12:15 - 2:00 p.m. in rooms 149/151. The class size is limited to 30 people so RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Topics to be covered are: What is CCB? What is the Church App? What are the differences between the CCB and the App? How to find and login to CCB/App? How to find and update my CCB Profile? How to update basic profile information? How to find another person's contact information? How can I print a directory? Please contact Donna Bruce at donnabruce@comcast.net to register.

Family Promise Host Week on October 23 & Additional Ways to Help

Family Promise Meal Sign Up: October 23-30 we need two volunteers to provide a meal and spend time with the families from 5-7p.m. On Saturday, the 29 and Sunday, the 30 we also need someone to drop off hot breakfast meals. The bonding that goes on between the families and volunteers is integral to the success of the program. Use the button below to sign up.

Kitchen in a Box Project: If you have gently used or new household items you want to donate, please check out this project that local girl scouts have started. Their project will help families who have graduated from the the program start their lives in their new homes with kitchen supplies.  Click here to read more. 

Trunk or Treat & Night Without A Bed: On October 22, Family Promise will be hosting two additional events to raise money and awareness for their program. Click here to read the Trunk or Treat flyer (participants still needed!) and click here to read a flyer about how to participate in Night Without a Bed.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net.

Memory Café is Back on November 12

We’re back! Memory Café will resume on Saturday, November 12. from 3-4:30 p.m. in the SonShine Cafe. This monthly meeting is for people with memory loss and their family caretakers. We are still looking for people to assist in planning and help with meetings. For more information, contact Sharon Jensen at 505-323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com.

Families of Faith Nursery Care by Reservation Starting Next Week

Families of Faith is a time for families with young children (babies to grade 5) to gather and strengthen our walk with Jesus. Join us each Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a free family-friendly meal in the Sonshine Cafe (please note the location change), 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. Contact Tiffany Hollums at thollums@stjohns-abq.org or Therese Macali at tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information..

Should you decide to attend Families of Faith on Thursday nights and would like to have a spot available for your little one, 0-3, in the nursery, please email our Nursery Manage Jenna Hamilton by 2 p.m. on Wednesday to reserve a spot at jhamilton@stjohns-abq.org.

Write a Letter to Our 2022 Confirmands

Confirmation is a very important journey of faith in which young people commit to learn and study about what it means to be a Christian and to join the life of the church as an adult in the faith. These confirmands, (below) have been meeting since last Fall and have been so faithful in coming every Sunday for 2 hours to learn what it means to confirm their faith. On Sunday, November 6, they will be confirmed and we wanted to invite you, their church family, to write them letters welcoming them to the church, share wisdom, prayers, or favorite verses. There will be red bags with the confirmands names at the Hospitality center where you can place these letters and the confirmands will receive these at the reception on November 6. Thank you for investing in the lives of these amazing individuals as they take this important faith step. 

Our 2022 Confirmands:

• Henry Eaton
• Alanah Hamilton
• Dylan Jones
• Zander Mauck
• Illuminata Hime-Penasa
• Lily Lybarger
• Alejandro Quinlan
• Scarlett Sharp

Needs for Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat

Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat October 30 from 4-6 p.m.  Please invite your friends and bring clothes to donate for the APS Clothing Drive! We have several needs to make sure this event goes off without a hitch, including:

• Donations of candy, stuffed animals (for the ‘Monster Walk’) and prizes are needed. Please bring them to the Hospitality Center in the Narthex or the registration table in the Abide service.  
• We are also looking for someone who would be willing to pick up bales of hay and pumpkins to bring for the festival. If you could help, please contact Tiffany (thollums@stjohns-abq.org).  
• Trunk or Treaters are needed to come and decorate their cars, set up with fun candy to give to children and even set up fun games in the parking lot during the festival. This would be a wonderful activity for a Sunday school class, small group, or family to do together. Dress up, decorate your car, hand out candy and join in the fun. There will be a sign up poster at the Hospitality Center starting this Sunday to reserve your space. Interested? Please contact Tiffany (thollums@stjohns-abq.org).  

Changes to Children's Chapel

Children’s Chapel is offered during the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services in the Children’s Chapel upstairs. Children begin worship in the service and then are dismissed following the offertory. Children’s worship bags are provided (huge thanks to the United Women of Faith who make these amazing bags).  

1. Children’s Chapel will return to being offered every week following the offertory. If families would like to have children join in communion, they are welcome to come and check out their children early from Children’s Chapel.  
2. New Children’s Chapel registration cards will be available on the registration tables and also in the children’s bags for families to fill out for their children attending Children’s Chapel. Kids who bring these cards with them will receive a fun prize each week! This is to help us to register children and ensure that children are checked in and out safely and efficiently.  
3. There will be a children’s table in the Abide service at 9:30 a.m. for children to sit if adults are in a Sunday school class during the 9:30 a.m. time. We are currently learning about the parables of Jesus in creative and fun ways.  

Welcome New Nursery Manager Jenna Hamilton

Please welcome our new Nursery Manager, Jenna Hamilton, who is also our new church bookkeeper. Jenna and her family have been here at St. John’s since 2013 and we are so thankful for her heart for children, incredible experience (she has a Masters degree in Special Education and an Early Childhood certificate), and welcoming smile. She is an answer to our prayers. Jenna would love to hear from any interested volunteers for the nursery (contact her at jhamilton@stjohns-abq.org)! 

October Special Offering: World Communion Sunday

In October, Christians throughout the world remember the unity in Christ that Holy Communion brings to us. We also have the opportunity to provide scholarships to needy students around the world. Students such as Clarice in the Congo, who hopes to improve health care in her community through a degree in Public Policy, Dillozon in the Philippines as he studies to be a much needed doctor, Johnny from Peru as he studies to be a pastor, and many more. As we take communion this Sunday let us especially remember that even in our very fractured world, we are One in Christ. Please give generously this month.

Navajo Christmas Airlift

The Christmas Airlift began in 1985, when Dick McColley, in his role as President of the Honeywell Flying Club, researched and considered various community service opportunities that would allow General Aviation Aircraft pilots to assist the underprivileged at Christmas. His attention eventually centered on the Navajo Reservation, which is heavily rural, and with much of the nation living without many of the comforts so much of our country takes for granted. In addition to the rewarding aspects for the pilots, the tradition of giving truly shares the spirit and meaning of Christmas with the Navajo people. Click here to read more about this program.

We have an opportunity to become involved with this fantastic opportunity through the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) unit of which St. John's congregant, Larry Zentner, is a member. During the month of October we will be collecting items to give (the items will be delivered the first of November). Click here to see and print a shopping list. 

For any who are interested, there is also the opportunity to create "shoebox gifts" for the children (much like the Samaritan Purse "Operation Christmas Child" boxes we've filled in the past). Here is a list of possible items for the shoebox. Please pick and choose what you wish to include but remember it must fit in the shoebox you provide.

Questions? Contact Donna at donnabruce@comcast.net.

Help Support the Zuni Weekend Meals Program

Did you know? St. John's assembles a total of 90 Zuni Weekend Meal Bags per week?  In other words, 45 students at Zuni have been identified as suffering from food insecurity, and each of those students is given two meal bags to take home for the weekend. That's a lot of food, and it takes money to keep this program going for these children who rely on it. So, during October, we're collecting the following donations for this project (all single-serve sizes): macaroni and cheese cups, shelf-stable chocolate milk, packets of cheese-and-crackers, packets of goldfish crackers, microwavable ravioli, and veggie cups, such as corn, peas, and green beans. Please drop off your donations at the Hospitality Center. If you'd like to support this program --- but would prefer to leave the shopping to us ---your monetary donation will be much appreciated! Please make checks payable to "St. John's UMC", with "Zuni Meals" on the memo line. Thank you!

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.