Luke 19:9-10 (NIV) Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Have you ever been lost? I have. I was 19 years of age when a high school friend and I decided to embark on the great American odyssey -- to see the entire country from a Volkswagen Beetle. We headed westward from the east coast city of Baltimore. When we got as far as to Denver, upon seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time we decided to go climbing. The tallest mountain in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park was Long's Peak. We thought perhaps we could see the Pacific Ocean from its summit -- not realizing that the west coast was yet more than 1200 miles distant.

We pitched a quick tent camp at the base of the mountain and started up the marked trail at about four o'clock in the afternoon. Neither of us had any mountain climbing experience, but we were young and strong and figured we'd reach the summit in a matter of a couple of hours. But at dusk, having no concept of the scale and distance involved in such a trek, we were still many miles from the peak.

Night fell quickly, and we were caught out in the open in short-sleeved shirts, with neither food nor water and not even a flashlight to help get us back down. It was pitch dark, with no moon visible. Every black hole might have been a thousand-foot drop into oblivion; every sound in the night was surely a hungry wolf on the prowl. Despite it being July, it got cold at the altitude we'd reached -- near to freezing. We tried to slowly move downward, losing the trail and becoming hopelessly lost. Finally, we just huddled together, shivering in the night, lamenting our own foolishness.

Just before dawn, we heard voices in the distance. Park rangers, having found our tent unoccupied, had started up the trail during the night, searching for us. When we met them, they were less than friendly. They gave a stern lecture on the folly of what we'd done, ordered us to pack up our tent and get out of their park, and never again to do such a stupid thing. We didn't even protest -- we were just so glad to be found, alive and well.

There are a lot of folk in our world today who embark on all sorts of foolish ventures, behaviors, and practices -- not knowing, not realizing what the potential consequences of their folly might be. There are many who become lost -- lost in sin. But there's good news -- a Savior who is already out searching, looking to find the lost. Jesus is searching for lost people, ready, unlike the park rangers we encountered, to lovingly welcome them as soon as they're found. There's no need for any of us to stay lost -- not when a Savior is already in the world, looking to find us and bless us with eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, hear this simple and basic prayer today: By your grace, may the saved be very many and the lost very few. Amen.

-- Excerpted and adapted from Dr. Dave Ring's 2019 published devotional book, "Reflections 365"

St. John’s will live-stream a worship service on 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.

Missing getting together with your St John’s family after church? Join us in the virtual Sonshine Coffee Zoom immediately following the 11:00 am Worship. Church Leadership Team members starting with Jim Hickman will be hosting with the Pastors Pam and Kelly joining if they are available. Zoom registration is HERE.

Would you be interested in submitting a daily devotional for the Newsletter? If so, send an email to Pastor Pam at prowley@stjohns-abq.org!

Please include the following items when writing a devotion:

A Focus Word or Phrase

A Scripture (it can simply be referenced)

The Body of the Devotion (one page is a good guideline)

A Prayer or a Spiritual Practice

New Spirit meets by Zoom from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Sundays. The class always welcomes new faces, whether they wish to become permanent members, are interested in a particular study, or need a Sunday School family while on temporary assignment in Albuquerque. We typically alternate between modern books and books of the Bible. We are currently nearing the end of I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me, by John Ortberg. Contact Regina Hunter, drhunter@nmia.com, to be added to the invitation list on Sundays and to learn of the next book.

Christian Classics Sunday School Class is meeting by Zoom at 3:30 PM on Sundays. We are studying The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault. Contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com to join in.

Men’s Bible Study for the fall, Mondays at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm, October-November. This study will be focusing on the book of Job. Watch for upcoming dates or contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com.

Wednesday Men’s Brown Baggers meet for virtual lunch, fellowship, and discussion from noon to 1:00 on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. They will soon begin reading A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls, available on Amazon. The Brown Baggers are currently meeting by Zoom; contact drhunter@nmia.com to be added to the group.

Family Spirit Class meets by zoom on Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30. They are studying John Ortberg’s book The Life You've Always Wanted. Brian Eagen and Doug Sweet lead this study. Please contact Anita Hallstrom at anitah1@comcast.net if you would like to join this zoom class.

Bereans Class meets Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45. Some time ago the class adopted a long-term project to go through all of Paul’s letters in chronological order. August 30th started a new study on 1 Corinthians. To receive the weekly zoom link contact Daryl Lee, daryl@daryllee.com.

People of the 21st Century will resume meeting Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 pm via Zoom; concluding a discussion of Matthew Fox's book A New Reformation. Another book will be selected for October. Persons interested in participating, please contact Clyde Stanfield at cstanfield58@comcast.net.

NEW STUDY, a 7-week study on Peter’s Journey, beginning on October 1st. This class will be led by CLM Joe Marshall, via Zoom, Thursday evenings at 7pm for about an hour. One does not need to be a theologian to enjoy this study and is open to Men/Women and any age. Email Joe to register and receive Zoom Link, jmarshall62@gmail.com.

Click HERE to view the poll!

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. communicate@stjohns-abq.org

Join St. John’s Music Director Matthew Greer for a new weekly session in which he talks about the music ministry, explores hymns and choral music, and chats with the occasional guest about music they love. Mondays at 9am, beginning today! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Please join us on Wednesday mornings & evenings for a worship service of praise and prayer. This service will take place in the Memorial Garden of St. John’s on the west side of the building. This services is designed to be thirty minutes and will be led by Certified Lay Ministers Larry Luna & Joe Marshall. Please bring your own lawn chairs and sit six feet from your neighbor. In an effort to keep all of us safe and healthy, masks are required. The last Wednesday prayer services will be on Wednesday, September 23rd. 

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

Aaron Howe, baritone

Jim Ahrend, pianist

Olga Perez Flora, mezzo-soprano

James Flora, tenor

Kristin Ditlow, pianist

On Labor Day we launched the 5-things Video challenge, where each student can win a $50.00 Visa Gift Card if they accomplish all 5 tasks. We have continued receiving submissions until Sunday Sept 20. Find the video and explanation of events at: bit.ly/labordayyouth

On September 25, the youth group is heading up to Grace Park @5:00PM for a Social Distancing campout. Parents will caravan up with us then either drop off & comeback or stay with us the weekend; pitch your own tents; Cost is $15 (Use discount code “Campingfree” if you need help with the cost); let’s get out of town & experience the great outdoors together, yet apart. https://conta.cc/2QxFRSx

To better streamline all the ways we communicate, the Youth Group has adopted the Slack app to merge and integrate the our direct messaging, digital calendar, Zoom account, and all our online documents. It is easy to join the threads that apply just to you. Join in here: bit.ly/joinumyfslack1

Summer is past, and as we get back to school? Our Solid Ground youth group will resume meeting every Sunday at 4:00-5:15PM with new games, discussions, and faith-building activities plus new features of the student led Soap Box and Top 5s. Log-in. at: bit.ly/Fall2020UMYF (case sensitive).

While we are not yet allowed to sing together, stay informed about the activities of the Sonrise Youth Choir, including weekly Zooms on Thursdays at 4:00 pm (Jackbox games!!), and musical workshops in the Fall! Email Shea at sonrisechoir@gmail.com!

We will be offering all our classes via ZOOM so you can attend from the convenience of your own home - perhaps even in your pjs if you want!

God of Covenant, a Study of Genesis 12-50 by Jen Wilkin, led by Donna Bruce

Deadline for registration: September 24

Maximum number for class is 11

Broken and Blessed, How God Used One Imperfect Family to Change the World by Jessica LaGrone, led by Barbara Stanfield

Deadline for registration: October 8

Maximum number for class is 11

Get Your Life Back, Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge, led by Karen Tidler

October 20 - November 24 (6 weeks), Tuesdays, 9:15 - 11:15 am

Deadline for registration: October 8

Maximum number for class is 11

Come receive communion in your car on Wednesday, October 7 and gather in safe community to worship and praise God. We encourage you to bring your own elements (bread & juice). If you do not have your own elements, we will provide individually-packaged elements. We will gather in the east parking lot of St. John's (2626 Arizona Street NE).

We're so happy to announce that Jazz Vespers will be resuming monthly, LIVEstreamed to your home on our YouTube Channel.

Dianna Hughes, vocalist

Robert Lah, pianist

Micky Patten, bassist

Jazz Vespers is a unique, meditative worship service that features some of New Mexico’s best professional jazz musicians. Jazz Vespers occurs on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 5:00 pm in the St. John’s United Methodist Church sanctuary.

Calling all Cars. Many children will not be able to trick-or-treat door to door this year because of Covid-19. Let's create a fun, safe, socially distant, costume-filled, and candy-laden option for children in our community on Oct 31st 2:30-4:30PM. To keep everyone safe, masks are required, gloves are needed, and individually wrapped candies are a must. We are looking for 25 people/families to participate. Can you join us? Please register to volunteer: https://conta.cc/3bPziEM

St John’s Food Ministry continues to serve the people of Albuquerque--approximately 500 people per month!--with hot meals prepared in our kitchen,  Do you have a surplus of fresh produce from your garden that you would like to donate to St. John's to feed the hungry? If so, please contact Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org.

The announcements below include using the program "Zoom" to group-video chat. You can find a tutorial on how to use Zoom HERE!

Log in and have coffee (or tea) and chat with Pastors Pam and Kelly! Zoom link HERE.

Meet by zoom with Pastor Pam for a 30 minute spiritual practice every Thursday afternoon. We will explore different ways to pray, to commune with God, to nurture our spiritual lives with Christ through the Indwelling Holy Spirit. Space is limited, join the class HERE.

Remember to get started on your family-history manuscript with Terri Link and Regina Hunter, Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. If you have trouble connecting before 10:00, all Regina at 294-2877.

Most of us have read only read bits and pieces of the book of Daniel: “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” and “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace.” This brief episode of St. John’s email Bible study will examine what else happened to Daniel and his friends in Babylon. Download a study guide, or call or write Regina Hunter for daily scripture readings and study tips, at 294-2877 or drhunter@nmia.com.

Anyone is welcome--no experience is necessary. (And, yes! It's okay for Christians to meditate.) If you want to learn more prior to starting, the sessions will be similar to ones she leads and records on YouTube. Each session will be hosted on Zoom. HERE is the zoom link. Please contact Susan Brumbaugh, counselor@stjohns-abq.org, or 505-506-6716, if you have questions.

Larry Gurule (friend of Jean Jones) is the recipient for the prayer quilt on display for September 14th through September 27th.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer): “Merciful Father, please hold Larry tight in your embrace as he faces medical challenges in his life. Show him your mercy, relieve his fears and anxieties and grant him a quiet mind and an expectant heart. Amen”

With the Church currently closed, the prayer shawls have taken up residence with Hunt and Ann. They are actually quite comfortable in the coolness of their new home but they would love to be of comfort to someone in need of God’s love. Please contact Ann at mapalook@comcast.net or 768-7013 if you would like a shawl. If you call, the basket will await your visit in their courtyard. Blessings -

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 or submit them on our website HERE.

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

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. Susan also has a Youtube Channel with mindfulness tips HERE.

Stephen Ministers are members of St. John’s who have gone through 50 hours of training to provide high quality, confidential Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or life challenge such as divorce, grief, job loss, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please call the office 505-883-9717 or email stephenministry@stjohns-abq.org

   As summer winds up this year, let's pause and remember the church camp experiences of our lives, wherever they may be.

You may remember youth camps, women's or men's conferences, marriage retreats, lay speaker schools and many more events Some people made their first commitment to Christ in a camp setting. Most remember growing closer to God.

   Sadly, this year most events at Sacramento and other camps were canceled by Covid resulting in not only lots of disappointment, but also serious financial hardship. We at St. John's have the opportunity this month to support our beautiful camp in the Sacramento mountains south of Cloudcroft and ensure future opportunities with other Christians to pray, worship, play and study in God's beautiful creation. Please give generously.

In accordance with the New Mexico Department of Health order, our facility will be closed until further notice. 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!

www.stjohns-abq.org

(505) 883-9717

2626 Arizona St NE | Albuquerque, NM 87110

Office Hours (call only): Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm