The Art of Worship: Epiphany
January 6 marks Epiphany in the Christian year. Twelve days after the birth of Christ we recognize the wise men’s arrival to Bethlehem to honor the Christ child. For Epiphany, the colors are white, then return to green to signify Ordinary time, which concludes with Transfiguration Sunday, when the church remembers the radiant vision of the disciples who saw Jesus’ garments turn bright and they heard a voice from a cloud that overshadowed them saying, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!”
I was the room mother for my son’s first grade class. I was often assigned to take students to the hall and read with them. One boy was having real trouble figuring out how to read. He was so frustrated he started crying saying he just didn’t get it. We sat together quietly for a moment and I pulled out one word and showed it to him. I said “This is the word ‘the’. Every time you see it in this book, you read the word ‘the’.” We read a story and he was able to spot it every time. Several months later, we were in a group for reading going over sight words. I noticed he had made significant progress in his reading. I asked him “Remember that time in the hall when we learned the word ‘the’?” He nodded his head. Pointing to the long list of sight words the kids were working on I said “Look at all the words you know now…you are reading!!!” He looked and just like that a glow like a light bulb lit up his face, a huge smile spread across it, a confidence and delighted feeling exuded from his soul. The Epiphany that he could read was evident... Click here to read the full article.
Click here to read all the articles in this series by Melanie Amend.
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Comfort and Joy for Low-Income Seniors
We know how difficult the winter months can be for low-income seniors in our area, but staying warm shouldn't be one of those hardships. It's been our tradition, in January, to collect warm items, such as hats, gloves, lap blankets, warm socks, and shawls in adult sizes, for the seniors in need, served by Silver Horizons. New items are preferred, but very gently-used items will also be accepted. Please place your donations in the wire bins located in the Hospitality area, and remember to take advantage of after-Christmas sales on these much-needed comfort items. Thank you for your "heart warming" donations!
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"Tune In With Tiffany" on January 6
We're delighted that Rev. Tiffany Hollums, our St. John's Associate Pastor, will be our UMW guest speaker, via Zoom, on Thursday, January 6, at 10 a.m. As many of you know, Tiffany is overflowing with enthusiasm on a variety of topics, so let's allow her to inspire us as she talks about her programs, plans, and dreams for St. John's. Circle chairmen will send out the Zoom invitation to members a few days prior to the meeting. Guests are always welcome, and anyone wishing to receive the Zoom invitation is asked to contact Regina Hampton at hamptonmason1@msn.com. Our UMW Executive Committee will meet, by Zoom, immediately following our General Meeting on January 6. Please note: Our traditional UMW Chili Luncheon has been canceled for this year.
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Church Women United Meets January 7
Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet on Friday, January 7 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The theme will be “Empowering Refugee Women” and focus on the mission of Umoja Abq. Chantal Muhumure, founder of Umoja Abq, will share her experiences of growing up in Rwanda, then moving to ABQ in 2017, where she found other refugee women who were having the same challenges as she did. She is now a leader of this women’s empowerment organization that is working with community organizations across the city. Volunteers are needed, especially young women who are looking for specific volunteer ways that make a difference in people’s lives. A Zoom link will be sent out by Jan. 5th. If you would like to participate, contact Marilyn Stoops at 505-265-8358 or email her at mstoops@swcp.com.
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Men's New Year Bible Study on Isaiah Starts January 10
Isaiah is a rich, sprawling book, often called the 'Fifth Gospel' because of its message of hope and the many passages about the coming Savior. New Testament authors quote Isaiah more than any other Old Testament book except Psalms. It is very long and repetitious as well, so we're going to do an edited version that hits the highlights over six weeks.
The study will be on six Mondays, January 10, 2022, through February 14, at both 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Classes will be on Zoom and perhaps live as well through hybrid technology. If you are interested, contact Jack Nuzum at jcnuzum@juno.com or 505-562-5241 to sign up or more information.
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Jolly Elders Meets on January 12
Our next meeting of Jolly Elders will be on Wednesday, January 12, beginning at 11 a.m., in Room 245. Adults of all ages are cordially invited to come to our next meeting of Jolly Elders, where we will have Anna Sanchez, Director of the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs (or a designated representative) speak to us on the topic of “The Mission of the Department of Senior Affairs.” Did you know that among other programs that the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs operates six senior centers and two multigenerational centers for the City’s residents? Please attend with your comments and questions about what is going on at the Department of Senior Affairs. The meeting will end by Noon to allow everyone to depart church for lunch elsewhere. Wearing face masks is required at the meeting.
Due to new church security regulations for this weekday mid-day meeting, 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.
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Women's Bible Study on Chasing Vines, Starts January 18
Women’s Bible Study: Chasing Vines, discover the true meaning of a fruitful, God-pleasing, meaning-filled life by Beth Moore.
- January 18 – March 1 (7 weeks)
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Class meets over ZOOM on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Maximum number for class is 16
- Facilitator: Gina Rivera
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Register by emailing donnabruce@comcast.net
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If you’ve ever tended your own garden, you know that the fruit is the most delicious when you’ve seen it grow. Beth Moore explores the ways God delights in watching things grow—and how the vineyard holds the secret to a more abundant and meaningful life. As she traces the metaphor through Scripture, Beth uncovers how every part of our own lives—even the rockiest soil—can be used by God to make a difference for His Kingdom.
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE for Disciple Connections is Wednesday evening for the Friday weekly edition. Click here to send your articles to editor Nicole Creaturo.
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St. John's United Methodist Churc
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.
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