Weekly Newsletter March 20, 2020

LIGHT “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 Trevor Hudson in Pauses for Lent says: Darkness resides around and within us. We experience different kinds of darkness; the darkness of intense pain and suffering, the darkness of loneliness and grief, the darkness of evil and sin, and most especially the darkness of death itself. Being overwhelmed by darkness can cause difficulty, confusion, and pain. Christ enters the darkness of our world as the light. His life both echoes and fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (9:2). Right up to the present moment, the radiant light of Christ continues to shine among us. When we follow Christ, his light penetrates our darkness. It illuminates our lives with his direction, delivers us from dark powers, and empowers us to live fuller and freer lives. Indeed, we become children of light in a darkened world! Spiritual Practice: Light a candle in your Sabbath space as a reminder that Christ is your Light. Ask yourself the questions, What are the dark areas in my life? How am I experiencing Light in these days of what may seem “dark?” Breathe a breath prayer: “Fill me, Radiant Light.” Use this prayer throughout the day, praying it over and over. -- Reverend Dr. Pam Rowley

Happenings

Shea Perry & Jim Ahrend - "O Love" by Elaine Hagenberg

A letter from Doris Bowen & Pam Rowley: Dear Church Family, As we navigate the uncertainties of this time, we would like to share ways that you can continue to support the ministries of St. John’s United Methodist Church through your contribution. Checks You may write a check and mail it to 2626 Arizona St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. We are picking up our mail regularly at the post office. Giving by credit card or bank account: Go to www.stjohns-abq.org Click on “Give Online” in the upper right corner Choose a fund from the drop down. If your fund is not on list, click “Add Donation” and you may enter the name of the fund. Notes: Type any special instructions in this box If you would like to make this gift recurring, check the box. Choose whether to pay by credit card or bank account, then follow the prompts to enter the appropriate information Click on “Submit” Giving through the mobile app If you are interested in downloading the app, from Google or Apple search for “Shelby Next Giving”, download, install and open. Find St John’s UMC (enter zip 87110, search, verify address 2626 Arizona, select St. John’s). Sign in (use the same e-mail and password as for your church account or if this is the first time, tap “Register for An Account” at the bottom Proceed similarly as if giving through the website. Thank you for your continued support of St. John’s United Methodist Church. Your faithfulness to give during this time will help continue supportive ministries for the church and our community in the days ahead and the near future. As faithful stewards we know that God is the owner of all that we have. Please receive David’s prayer after people gave generously to a building project: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from the Lord, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all…And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29: 10-13, selected verses). Blessings in Christ, Doris Bowen, Treasurer & Pastor Pam

DRIVE-IN WORSHIP SERVICE Saturday, March 21 5:00 pm in the east parking lot Come and worship in your car this Saturday, and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. Message by the Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp. Music by Jim Ahrend, Gil Flores, and Therese Macali. Please bring an offering of paper goods (toilet paper, face tissue, paper towels) to donate to those in need. We are limiting attendance to 45 cars, to allow for plenty of space between vehicles. CONTACT US Office Administrator, Debbie Brown, will be answering the phone at St. John’s every weekday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please call the office if you have any concerns or pastoral care needs. Debbie will get messages to Pastor Pam and Pastor Kelly. The office number is 505-883-9717. ST. JOHN'S PRAYER LABYRINTH IS OPEN Please come to pray in the labyrinth any time of day. Park in the east parking lot near the front doors of the sanctuary/narthex doors. Our prayer labyrinth is directly to the south of the front doors. It is advisable to have one person on the labyrinth at a time. Enter the prayer labyrinth with a personal prayer and then quietly and contemplatively experience what God has to share with you during this time. MEALS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AT ZUNI Zuni Elementary is one of the Free Grab & Go meal locations providing lunch M-F from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to children 18 and under during the current APS school closure. 2 CHRONICLES The email Bible study will continue examining the history of Israel from a liturgical point of view with 2 Chronicles, beginning March 23. Sign up to receive daily study tips by email by writing or calling Regina Hunter, drhunter@nmia.com, 294-2877. SPECIAL NOTE TO THOSE WHO USE THE PAPER STUDY GUIDE: Regina will put a link at the top of the archive home page taking you directly to a pdf file that you can view online, download, or print. Go to http://www.daily-bible-study-tips.com/ later this week. Otherwise, just read one chapter of 2 Chronicles each weekday. Paper copies will be available as usual when we see each other again.   MOBILE FOOD PANTRY The St. John’s Mobile Food Pantry scheduled for Saturday, March 28 has been cancelled. More information on other mobile pantries and food distribution centers around Albuquerque can be found at www.RRFB.org. or call the Road Runner Food Bank assistance line at 505-349-5340. Hours are M-F, 8-5, and Saturday, 7:30 am-2:00 pm. Updates concerning April’s and future St. John’s Mobile Food Pantry dates will posted at www.stjohns-abq.org, and FACEBOOK PAGE - St. John's United Methodist Church

MOUNTAIN CATHEDRALS Saturday, March 28, Mountain Cathedrals will head to the Manzanita Mountains south of I-40 for a trip to ponderosa forest and magnificent views of the Manzano Mountains. The hike will take about 4 hours. The trip out and back is about an hour; plan on 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.  For this Lenten Hike we will meet in the east parking lot at St John’s 8 am. This hike is about a 5 mile loop and takes us through pinon, juniper, and alligator juniper, as well as the ponderosa pines. The story of Lazarus, is the reading for the fifth Sunday of Lent. In this reading from John 11:1-45, Jesus calls Lazarus out from the tomb and instructs those nearby to “unbind him and let him go”. In this season of walking with Jesus, what might Jesus be calling us out of? How might we practice “unbinding” in such a time as this? Join us for a journey into wilderness that invites us to shed those things that bind us and to ponder anew such a calling, especially in view of the enormous stressers that have entered our lives this month..   For more information contact Kelly Giese at kellyg@stjohns-abq.org or Mike Furnish at mdfurnish@comcast.net .

MEN’S SPRING BIBLE STUDY: JOB There is probably no more urgent question that we face than 'how does one handle undeserved suffering?' The most profound Biblical treatment of that question is the Old Testament book of Job. Join us for the study of Job as well as the stories of Ruth and Esther during our Men's Spring Bible Study running Mondays at both 10:00 am and 7:00 pm from Monday, April 6 to Monday, May 11. Sign up in the Hospitality Center or directly with teacher Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com or 505-265-5241.  MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN'S As part of our outreach during this unsettling time, the Music Ministry has launched “Music From St. John’s,” a series of video performances by local musicians. This is an effort to continue to provide beautiful music to our congregation and community, and also to provide work to local musicians who have been severely affected by cancelations. New videos will appear daily for the foreseeable future, and they are being created by Shea Perry. We hope you’ll enjoy and share the videos, and also consider making a donation to the New Mexico Musicians Relief Fund. The easiest way to view the videos is to go to the St. John’s Music Ministries Facebook page at the link below. Check back daily! ABQ JOURNAL - Silenced musicians will get to play at a virtual venue FACEBOOK PAGE - St. John's United Methodist Church FACEBOOK PAGE - St. John's Music Ministries

Pictures from our drive-thru communion on Wednesday!

CORONAVIRUS: WHAT TO KNOW, HOW TO HELP St. John's is recognizing and taking seriously the spread of COVID-19. Our priority is to keep all church members safe through methods of prevention, preparation of our facility, and open communication. Please click here for more information: https://www.umc.org/en/content/coronavirus-what-to-know-how-to-help WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE CANCELED Wednesday Night Live activities will return on April 1. 2020-2021 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION Registration is on a first come, first served basis. To ensure a slot for your child, you will need the registration forms filled out, a current shot record and the registration fee of $175 at the time of enrollment. Registration is open! PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS SJP will run eight weeks of summer camps throughout June and July. This program is for children ages two through five. Registration packets are available at the preschool office. EMMAUS WALKS The Emmaus Walks for 2020 are Men's: April 30-May 3. Women's: Sept. 24-27. The Walk to Emmaus is a Christian Walk in Faith to encourage development of Christian leaders. Please contact Mike or Linn Furnish for more information. 505-884-6626

Holy Week at St. John's Questions? Contact Debbie at reception@stjohns-abq.org.

MID-DAY PRAYER & COMMUNION SERVICE Wednesday, April 1 at 12:00 pm in the choir room. Join Pastor Pam for a thirty-minute mid-day prayer service in a time of drawing close to God during this Lenten season. PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP Join us during our normal worship times on Sunday, April 5 - 8:15 am (communion service), 9:30 am (contemporary service), and 11:00 am (traditional service). MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.

GOOD FRIDAY - SPIRITUAL DISCOVERY TRIP Join Pastor Pam for a spiritual journey to the stations of the Cross on Friday, April 10 at the Norbertine Community, 5825 Coors Blvd SW. Please meet at the westside parking lot at 9:30 am or at the Norbertine Community at 10:00 am. GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Evening service at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.

MOUNTAIN CATHEDRALS: Easter Sunrise Hike Sunday, April 12, 5:45 am. We will meet in the east parking lot to carpool to the trailhead. Those familiar with the area who would like to meet at Canyon Estates Trailhead should plan to arrive there at 6:00 am. The hike is easy to moderate - 1.5 miles round trip and the pace will be leisurely; all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Hiking boots and flashlights or headlamps are encouraged; dress in layers and bring water. We will return to the church between 7:30 and 8:00 am. For more information contact Kelly Giese at kellyg@stjohns-abq.org or Mike Furnish at mdfurnish@comcast.net.

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES - SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Traditional Easter Sunday Worship: 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am in sanctuary with choir, brass, and organ. Abide Contemporary Worship: 9:30 am in the Family Life Center.

EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH Second Sunday Lunch will fall on Easter this year, so come on April 12 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Family Life Center for Slow Roasted Turkey with all the Fixin's Feast. No need to drive around town for Easter lunch and break the bank. Chef Tim and his crew will cook lunch for you for just $12 for adults, $6 for 12-17 years old, $2 for 6-11 years old, and free for those under 6. Celebrate the resurrection! No reservation required. Bring your whole family for the best deal in town!

Youth News YOUTH PROGRAMS POSTPONED Please look for communication from Jarrod and Shea for future updates! Learn more about our Youth programs here!

Mission & Outreach

MARCH SPECIAL OFFERING: THE MILAGRO PROGRAM The Milagro Program provides comprehensive care for pregnant women and enrolls any pregnant woman with a history of or current substance abuse issues. The team of providers can follow the women and their newborns during inpatient hospital stays, forming a treatment plan based on their specific needs. In addition to medical services, the Milagro Program provides outpatient counseling and case management support. Through frequent follow up and a team approach to wellness, the medical, nursing, and counseling staff work together to help expecting mothers and their families transition during the prenatal and postpartum period. The Milagro Program works closely with the FOCUS program to ensure that families continue receiving comprehensive treatment services after delivery. THE STOREHOUSE To help serve the hungry and vulnerable in our community, we're collecting the following food items during the month of March: protein-rich foods, such as canned tuna, beef, chicken, and ham; peanut butter; protein bars or granola bars; and powdered milk. Please place your donations in the collection bins located in the hospitality centers. Thank you for sharing from your abundance!

Prayer & Congregational Care

CONGREGATIONAL CARE If you would like someone to visit, call, or pray for a loved one or for yourself, please write to Jarrod Conyers, Congregational Care Coordinator, at jconyers@stjohns-abq.org or call 883-9717. ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICE AVAILABLE The St. John's staff includes a licensed mental health counselor who is available to meet virtually (using a smartphone or computer) in a secure online platform during these anxious times. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, counseling is available. Click here or contact Susan Brumbaugh at 505-506-6717 or counselor@stjohns-abq.org for more details about session and cost information.

Getting Oriented ONLINE GIVING You can give to the church electronically by using a debit or credit card. Click the link below, or visit the Giving Page on the church website and follow the simple instructions found there. LOST & FOUND A beautiful children’s quilt was left in the Hospitality Center. If this belongs to your child and you can describe it, please contact the office.

Give Online

Contact Us www.stjohns-abq.org (505) 883-9717 2626 Arizona St NE | Albuquerque, NM 87110 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Questions? Contact Shea Perry at communicate@stjohns-abq.org Shea is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

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