September 9, 2022

Fall Kickoff Sunday Lunch on Sunday

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.

Sonrise Choir Resumes on Sunday

The Sonrise Youth Choir starts rehearsals this Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Choir Room. All singers in grades six through twelve are welcome; no experience is required. We have a LOT of fun and sing in worship every month. Sonrise is directed by Matt Greer and Therese Macali, with assistance from Garrett Medlock. Email Matt for more information!

Youth News

This Sunday, September 11 will be a fun-packed day as everything kicks into high gear for the Fall! Here is our Youth schedule for this Sunday:

• 9:30 a.m. - Youth Sunday School (youth room) 
• 1-3 p.m. - Confirmation Class (youth room) 
• 3 p.m. - Sonrise Choir (choir room)
• 4-6 p.m. - Solid Ground Youth Group (Family Life Center)
• 6:15 p.m. - High School Afterglow Mystery
• Following Afterglow -Training for those serving at Asbury Pie Café 

Ladies Book Club Meets September 12

The Ladies Book Club will meet on Monday, September 12, at 1 p.m. in Room 241. This month we are discussing the very talented New Mexico women authors. There are many and we have been encouraged to select one and share its importance to the history of New Mexico. So, come and join in on the New Mexican history lesson. Contact is mapalook@comcast.net.

Jolly Elders Meet September 14

Our next meeting of Jolly Elders will be on Wednesday, September 14, from 11 a.m - 12 p.m., in Room 245 (we will go out to lunch following the meeting). Due to church security regulations for this weekday meeting, everyone must park their vehicles and enter on the west side of the building. Adults of all ages are cordially invited to come to our meeting, where we will enjoy a program presented by the non-profit organization called Saranam. Executive Director Tracy Weaver and or Director of Development Dianne Campbell will speak on the Overall Mission of Saranam. 

Saranam LLC is a private non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a will bequeath from a member of Central United Methodist Church. It currently has established a two-generation designed program to help with housing, food, education, training and other social support issues for 20 select families living together in an Albuquerque East-side apartment complex. They have just broken ground constructing a new residential complex to house 25 select families at an Albuquerque west side location.  

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. 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 (address will be in Slack app). For more youth information, please click here to join Slack or contact Tiffany Hollums at thollums@stjohns-abq.org to receive email updates.

There will be a short training following Afterglow for youth this Sunday. 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.

Mobile Food Pantry on September 17

Our next Mobile Food Pantry will be held on Saturday, September 17. Volunteers arrive at 9:30 a.m. and finish between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Last month we distributed food to 38 households, and donated an additional 175 pounds of "leftover" food to Storehouse. All are welcome to join us! Contact Debby Smith for more information at dysmith0427@gmail.com.

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 is on Saturday, September 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m., room 257, 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! 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? 

Throughout your life, you constantly lose old bone while you make new bone.

"Music at St. John's" Returns September 18

Join us Sunday, September 18 at 2 p.m. for the first concert of a new season of “Music at St. John’s.” Mezzo-soprano Olga Perez Flora and tenor James Flora will present a recital of gorgeous music with pianist Jim Ahrend. Also featured will be the St. John’s Chancel Choir performing Robert Ray’s joyous “Gospel Mass,” directed by Therese Macali and Matt Greer. The concert will also be available by livestream on our YouTube channel. There is no admission charge; a free will offering will be received. Join us!

Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training September 18

There will be a Safe Sanctuaries online Zoom training on Monday, September 18 at 7 p.m. To sign up, please contact Tiffany Hollums at thollums@stjohbs-abq.org. 

Community Garden Workday September 24

Have you noticed all the plants growing in the hoop houses and garden boxes as you drive by the west side of St. John's? We've had a bountiful crop of produce this year! Chef Tim has used many of the veggies in the meals he prepares for the food insecure and what he hasn't been able to use, he's frozen for future use. Along with the bountiful crop of produce, we also had a bountiful crop of weeds! 

After a successful clean up day in August, we have decided to establish a regular workday on the fourth Saturday of each month to help the Garden Ministry. The next one will be September 24, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. (come and go as your schedule permits). We'd love the help so please mark your calendars and join us!

We Care Group Meets September 25

.

The We Care group will be meeting Sunday, September 25 at 1 p.m in the couches behind the Hospitality Center. This group is for those who are caregivers as a way that we can support and care for one another. We will be meeting each month and are also planning some special events as we are finding new ways to care for ourselves as we care for others.  If you are interested or have questions, please contact Pastor Tiffany, Fay Barz or Rachel Perovich. 

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!

New Mexico Annual Conference Flood Response

In the last 5 months, many of our New Mexico friends and neighbors have been "beaten up by nature and left badly hurt in a ditch by the side of the road." We need a lot of Good Samaritans to help nurse them back to health. With over 600 homes damaged and/or destroyed, there is a great need for help cleaning up. The New Mexico Annual Conference is putting together and deploying Early Response Teams. If you are interested in helping out in this way, contact Hap Escue at 505-453-2800 or hapescue@aol.com or Mike McGinnis at 505-328-4774 or michaelterry_McGinnis_235@msn.com to learn more about training and volunteer opportunities.

Submit Rhythm of the Saints Artwork by End of September

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 by the end of September. 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. 

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!

St. John's Grant Writing Team Forming

Do you have grant writing skills or experience? There are many grant opportunities that would help fund St. John’s ministries to aid those in need but we lack the organized skills or experience in grant writing to respond to them. We would like to form an “on-call” team that could help research opportunities and help write proposals. You can choose to help depending on your availability. Please give Joy a call (505) 883-9717 if you are interested in being a part of this team.

Visit St. John's Prayer Garden

The Prayer Garden is a peaceful space for family and friends to visit the place of their loved one, and for anyone looking to enjoy nature's beauty. With its gently flowing walkways and serene simplicity, the Prayer Garden offers a place to sit quietly and enjoy prayer and meditation. Visiting hours are Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Please enter through the church office from the west parking lot to access the garden. 

Office Administrator Volunteer Needed on Tuesdays

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.

Tour Our Newly Renovated Preschool on Sunday

Please come see our beautiful Preschool rooms. We are so proud of how they have been renovated--new windows, new sinks, fresh paint. The Preschool rooms will be open Sunday, September 11 after each of the worship services for you to visit. Members of the Preschool Ministry Team will be nearby to answer questions. 

September Special Offering: Wesley Foundation at UNM

Following is a letter from the new director of Wesley Foundation updating us on post-pandemic Wesley. This month we again have the opportunity to support this important ministry.

UNM Wesley Foundation is back! After two long years of dealing with Covid, UNM Wesley Foundation is excited to provide in-person ministry with college students this Fall. Beginning Tuesday, September 6 we will provide dinner and devotion every Tuesday evening. Plans are also in the works for some exciting special events! How can you help? We appreciate all financial donations that will help with food, curriculum and events.

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.