THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST
Acts 1: 1-11
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
This week on Thursday, the church universal celebrates the Ascension of the Lord. Forty days after Easter, Jesus appears to his disciples, giving instruction. The disciples want to know “is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” Hisonly answer, “it is not for you to know…” and he promises them “you will receive power” and “you will be my witnesses”.
The gift of the Holy Spirit’s power and the blessing to bearing witness “to the ends of the earth” remain central to the Christian life and faith. I sometimes find myself wrestling with words or twisting myself into knots to find some power, some energy to go forward with…
but here’s the thing,
it is all gift, the words will come, God’s grace is sufficient.
As a gardener and the wife of a farmer and professor of horticulture, I often find myself waiting and watching, fields, landscapes, my backyard. Each season has its own timing and unveiling of what will come. The question “is this the time” is often in my thoughts, when I check my sunflowers and as I wait for beets or radishes. Of course the resident farmer would argue that we can know something about the fruiting of the season and yet I know that he has taught classes on “how to know when grapes are ripe”, for example. It is not an exact science. There is an art, a process… Gardening has taught me that I must watch and wait and prepare in each season.
This morning I took a few photographs that I share below. I am waiting for sunflowers and apricots. I take photographs to remind me of dates and times and stages and climate, not unlike the photos I have of my daughter when she was younger, reminding me of her growth, how she changed, what she was and is becoming. I watch for changes, I wait for beauty, for ripeness, for fullness, and in the waiting, I hope I am bearing witness to the faithful and exquisite work of God in our world.
Practice: What are the things you are waiting for now? What things are you watching that are “being revealed” in
this season?
Take a picture or make a journal entry, allow yourself to look back and look forward, to make note of
this time.
Pray over your hopes and dreams.
Prayer:
O God who unites heaven and earth, give us boldness to receive the power you have promised. Help us to trust you in all the seasons of our lives. That we may be bold witnesses for your kingdom. In your strong and holy name we pray. Amen.
— Reverend Kelly Giese
|
|
#photosfromhome
It's Christmas time at the Shields' house. We were getting bummed with the isolation, so we picked a time of year when it's nice to be snuggled inside.
-- Jenn, Eric, & Calvin
|
|
#PHOTOSFROMHOME
A CALL FOR SELFIES AND AT-HOME PICTURES
Hi there! I love showing you photos of what we are doing at the church, but what I think would be an even more amazing thing to share is a picture of you! Send me pictures and/or videos of you/your family/your pets/your garden/your cooking/etc with a short description, and I will share them here and compile them for a project! communicate@stjohns-abq.org
-- Shea Perry, Communications Director
|
|
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP LIVE-STREAMED FROM THE SANCTUARY
St. John’s will live-stream a worship service Sunday morning at 9:30 am (Contemporary) on the
Abide Facebook page
and 11:00 am (Traditional) on the
homepage of the website
. We hope you’ll worship with us! (Pastors Pam and Kelly will lead, along with Shea Perry, Jim Ahrend, and Matt Greer). We hope that you’ll participate by singing and praying at home! Any questions? Email Matt at mgreer@stjohns-abq.org.
|
|
ST. JOHN'S EMAIL BIBLE STUDY: Theology in Popular Music - Mostly the Good
Last year’s study, “The Songs of Summer” seemed to be a hit, so we’re going to do it again. This summer we’ll listen to some popular music that sings about prayer and healing, some international music, some bluegrass and country, some great young singers who are the future of the Church, and some show tunes.
Download the study guide, or sign up for daily study tips by email by writing or calling Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or 294-2877.
|
|
"MUSIC FROM ST. JOHN'S"
LIVE-STREAM CONCERTS
Wednesdays at 12:00 pm
Join us for a new series of concerts live-streamed from the St. John's sanctuary! Concerts are a benefit for Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.
musicatstjohns.org
Alexis & Hovey Corbin
Gabriel Longuinhos
Curtis Storm
Shea Perry
|
|
|
ZOOM TUTORIAL
The announcements below include using the program "Zoom" to group-video chat. You can find a tutorial on how to use Zoom
HERE!
ZOOM YOUTH GROUP
Sundays from 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Students, come join us for games, discussion, community, and faith-building every Sunday from 4:00-5:15 pm! Go to: bit.ly/UMYFSolidGround (case sensitive) with the password: 048658
PARENTS CLUB
Mondays from 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Is distance learning with your child harder than you thought? Are the challenges of parenting in close quarters overwhelming at times? Or do you just miss talking with other parents? I know that I certainly do, so join us for Parents Club on Zoom Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30 pm! Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org.
"COFFEE BREAK" WITH PASTORS PAM & KELLY
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm
Log in and have coffee (or tea) and chat with Pastors Pam and Kelly! Zoom link
HERE. Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
|
|
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE CLUB
Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday Night Bible Club is still on! Grade school friends join us on Zoom to get your weekly Bible lesson, watch the So & So Show, and pray with your friends. Email tmacali@stjohns-abq.org for more information!
"SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT" CLASS WITH PASTOR PAM
Thursdays at 1:30 pm
Join Pastor Pam for a 30-minute spiritual exercise. Space is limited, and the Zoom link will be provided to the first 15 people to sign up! Sign-up is
HERE. Thursdays at 1:30 pm.
|
|
GET WELL CARDS
In addition to the suffering, COVID-19 patients are not allowed any visitors. The health care workers at UNM Hospital are asking for cards. An article by KOB states, "the health care workers want to flood the COVID-19 units with love, support and inspiration." All cards can be sent to UNM Hospital - Attention: Barbara Temer; 2211 Lomas Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106.
|
|
ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
While many of us are in a stay-at-home mode we can find both our emotions and faith challenged. Max Lucado has written a book "You'll Get Through This" based on the story of Joseph. He has opened up the video presentation online for no cost. I will be facilitating a Zoom discussion of this material and incorporating material from his book and study guide. If you would like to join me each week for the next 7 weeks starting Tuesday May 7th from 10 - 11 then email me for details (ktidler@comcast.net). If you would just like to watch the online video go to
Online Bible Study to sign up for the free videos.
|
|
|
|
MENTAL
HEALTH
MOMENT
WITH
SUSAN BRUMBAUGH,
LMHC
|
|
|
|
VIRTUAL
TAI CHI
WITH
KATHY
|
|
|
|
ST. JOHN'S
VIRTUAL
CHOIR
VIDEO
|
|
CASA ESPERANZA
A great and loving THANK YOU to all the generosity that has been shown to the residents at Casa Esperanza. The money that was donated helped many families check "make dinner" off their list. In these difficult times, knowing that someone is caring for you means the world. Your generosity has lessen the feeling of loneliness and anxiety that these residents face each day. If you have questions about Casa Esperanza, please contact Jenn Shields: jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978. Blessings to you all.
FAMILY PROMISE
The out pouring of support for Family Promise of Albuquerque has been astounding. Many times over, THANK YOU for all the monetary donations during the months of March and April. These donations are going straight to Family Promise to help alleviate the financial burden that has fallen on this ministry. This money not only helps the families currently in the program, but also recent graduates that were hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions. You have shown great love for our brothers and sister, and for that the Family Promise ministry is very grateful. If you have questions about Family Promise, please contact Linn Furnish: swimsew@comcast.net or 505-884-6626 OR Jenn Shields: jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978. Blessings to you all.
ST. JOHN'S FACILITY IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
In accordance with the New Mexico Department of Health order, our facility will be closed until further notice. A re-open date is to be determined! We will keep you apprised as things develop.
Your St. John's pastors and staff are still very much on the job, and are available to you during this time. Please reach out to us if we can help you in any way!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
Congregational Care Corner
PRAYER SUPPORT
How we support you and your family in prayer during this difficult time? Prayers for health, employment, peace? Please send your prayer requests to the Prayer Team: mapalook@comcast.net
GO-FER TEAM
It is hard to get out and many people shouldn’t. Is there something you need delivered from the store? If we are able to help, we have a few volunteers who would like to serve as Go-fers for people who need something but cannot get it on their own. Please pass any requests on to Jarrod at c.care@stjohns-abq.org
HEALTH TIPS FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE
6) Take time to go for a walk or other regular exercise- being sure to adhere to "social distancing". Walking is a great stress reducing activity and the human body was made to move, not sit still. Remember your hat and sunscreen from 10 AM to 6 PM. Plus sunglasses protect your eyes More tips coming from Linn Furnish, please contact me directly if you have any questions: swimsew@comcast.net
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
