May 19, 2023

A Letter From Pastor Randall

Dear Beloved of St. John’s,

Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of persons seeking assistance around our campus. During regular office hours, our Office Manager, Joy Heaviland, is very adept at helpfully directing those individuals to agencies and programs that provide adequate help for those needing it, and, occasionally, we have sack lunches, snacks, or water bottles as they are available. We try to be welcoming to everyone even if we cannot help everyone.   

Recently, a couple of our visitors were extremely belligerent and/or unpredictable, and we have been reminded that while we try to practice Christ-like kindness to all, we must consider the safety and security of all as well. For that reason, we ask that everyone refrain from letting people into the building unless you know them and/or know where they are going, especially after regular business hours. You can be (and indeed are encouraged to be) kind even as you help us keep the building safe and secure for everyone who comes to our campus.

Blessings,

Randall

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner Celebration on Saturday

Saturday, May 20 | 5 - 7 p.m. | Family Life Center

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the volunteers, staff and pastors who made this year's Fish Fry Dinners a huge success! Let's gather for a time of fellowship to celebrate the successful completion of the dinners; Wayne will share some record-breaking statistics. This year's Celebration is a potluck, so please plan to bring a dish to serve at least 6 - 8 people with hearty appetites. All drinks, plates, napkins and silverware will be provided by the Food Ministry team. We hope to see you there!

Mobile Food Pantry on Saturday

Our next Mobile Food Pantry is Saturday, May 20. Volunteers arrive 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. and distribution begins at about 10:15 a.m., depending on the time the truck arrives. We are usually finished by noon. If you would like more information, please contact Debby Smith at 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com.

Mountain Cathedrals Hike on Saturday

The next Mountain Cathedrals Hike will be on Saturday, May 20, to the Palizo Canyon Goblin Colony. This is an area of intriguing rock formations on the south slope of the Jemez Mountains, about 1:15 drive from St. John's. Logistics: Meet at 7:30 a.m. at St. John’s east parking lot or 8:40 a.m. at the intersection of State Roads 4 and 290 in Jemez Pueblo; please RSVP in either case. Plan to be back to the cars by 12:45 p.m. and the church around 2:00 p.m. 3.5 miles round trip, elevation gain 500 feet, rocky trail with some scrambling, so moderate. Bring water, lunch, sun protection, and trekking poles if desired. For questions and to RSVP contact Mike Furnish at 505-440-7292 or mdfurnish@comcast.net. 

On this day before Ascension Sunday, let us gather in this place of geological whimsy to consider Christ's promise, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) 

Save the dates for other upcoming hikes: 

• June 2? Moonlight walk 
• June 17: East Fork Jemez River?

Baccalaureate Sunday

Seniors will be recognized in the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. Please be in prayer for these amazing young adults as they begin this exciting journey. 

The Baccalaureate' Brunch' for Seniors and their families will be Sunday, May 21 following the 11 a.m. worship service in the Family Life Center. 

WeCare Meeting on Sunday

WeCare is meeting this Sunday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Room change for this month: we will be meeting in rooms 149/151 (enter through the east doors by the Family Life Center). This group aims to support people who are providing care for a loved one. Our aim is to offer connection and understanding and walk alongside one another. For more information, contact Pastor Tiffany, Fay Barz, or Rachel Perovich.

Quintessence Presents "Homeward Bound" on May 21 & May 22

Quintessence will present their final concert of the season, “Homeward Bound,” on Sunday, May 21 (3 p.m.) and Monday, May 22 (7 p.m.) in St. John’s sanctuary. This is a gorgeous program of music about leave-taking and homecoming, featuring music of Alice Parker, Paul Smith, Karen Marrolli, and others. The Sunday performance is also available by livestream, and students of any age get in free to the Monday performances. Tickets are available at quintessence-abq.com, and St. John’s member can get a 25% discount on advance tickets by using the code “SJUMC” at checkout. Join us!

Omelet Bar Mix and Match on Sunday, May 28

Omelet Bar Mix and Match is happening Sunday, May 28. You can get a made-to-order 3 egg or egg white omelet that you can fill with a generous selection of meats and veggies. And each omelet comes with a piece of toast with jam or butter and a drink, all for just $7! Omelet Bar is in The SonShine Café between 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring a friend and enjoy a quality, made-from-scratch breakfast and great conversation in the fun sun of the cafe.

We need volunteers to take money and be a runner—no running required. To sign up, text or call Nancy Douglas de Baca at 505-238-5895 or click here.

Come Learn About CCB (and Eat!) on June 1

Our United Women in Faith will meet Thursday, June 1, in Room 242. We'll celebrate summer with a special speaker and a potluck luncheon! Please note that we'll meet an hour later than usual --- at 11 a.m. Joy Heaviland, our St. John's Office Administrator, will explain the features and benefits of the church software, known as "CCB" (Church Community Builder). She'll provide some pointers to help us begin to use it or to use it more efficiently to meet our needs, so let's all get on board with this! Our potluck luncheon will follow at noon. Please bring a dish to share; drinks and table service will be provided. (Note: Executive Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in the Library.)   

Memory Café on June 3

Memory Café Albuquerque will welcome summer with a focus on gardening at our monthly meeting on June 3, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Sonshine Café. We plan to have gardening activities, music with Gary Costley, gentle stretching exercises, and healthy snacks. Memory Café meets the first Saturday of each month at 1:30-3:00.

This group is a supportive fellowship for anyone affected by memory loss/Alzheimer’s and their caring partners. For more information call (505) 323-7522 or email ssmjens@aol.com. Click here to see the event flyer.

Sweet Jazz Concert on June 4

Sweet Jazz Concert Tickets are available for purchase. This amazing concert is Sunday June 4 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Sandia Presbyterian Church. The concert also includes an on-site silent auction. This event is the major fundraiser for Family Promise of Albuquerque. Please contact Jenn Shields at  jennshields200@yahoo.com, or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net to purchase your tickets, or if you have any questions about the concert and volunteering for Family Promise. Click here to purchase tickets online or click here to see the event flyer.

Notice From the Church Treasurer

Financial giving statements were mailed out yesterday for the giving period from January through April, 2023. Please check your statement and address any questions to Doris Bowen by phone or email at 505-410-7213 or bowen_g@msn.com.

Join Family Spirit Class for Study on New Book

Please join the Family Spirit Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in room 257 as we study a new book Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes. We will study this new book from May 14 to June 18. This class is open to all adults. 

In Bible Stories for Grown-Ups pastor Josh Scott looks at familiar Bible stories and reveals new details and interpretations for an adult audience. This six-week Bible study will consider stories many read as children including: Noah's Ark, the binding of Isaac, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus healing a blind man, and the parable of the talents. Rev. Scott reimagines these stories and opens new visions for readers to understand well known pieces of Scripture in our current cultural environment. Click here to watch a one-minute introduction video by the author.

We are excited to share this new book and video series. The goal is to gain new insight, it might be like reading the Bible for the first new time - again. Contact class instructor Brian Eagan for more information.

Look What You've Accomplished St. John's!

Your response to this year's Lenten Offering was so generous and much appreciated. Now, your Missions Team wants you to see the results of your giving, as follows:

• $1,500 - Silver Horizons, providing critical help, and especially food, to extremely low-income senior citizens.
• $1,000 - St. John's HopeWorks, providing support for our Kitchen Ministry in providing meals to the homeless.
• $1,000 - St. John's Mobile Food Pantry, providing financial support to cover the monthly fees of receiving food from Roadrunner Food Bank for our neighborhood clients in need...

Click here to read the full list of Lenten Offering recipients.

Do You Have the Gift of Hospitality?

Then we need you in the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings! We will provide the training and place you with an experienced person! You can volunteer as little or as much as you want. Shifts are 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Come join us! It's a great way to meet people and also to use that gift of hospitality! Contact Susan at teachersusan@comcast.net or Donna at donnabruce@comcast.net.

Solid Ground Youth Group Takes a Break

Solid Ground Youth Group will not meet for the next two Sundays: May 14 and 21.  

Summer Youth Kick Off on May 28

Start your summer off right at our cookout! Please bring a friend and your favorite summer side dish or dessert to share. The cookout will be held on Sunday, May 28, from 3 - 6 p.m. at Brett Reese's new house. You can bring a "housewarming gift" as well to help bless Brett and his new home. For the address, please contact Tiffany at thollums@stjohns-abq.org.

Youth Bell Choir Meets on Sundays

The Youth Bell Choir will now be meeting from 2 - 3 p.m. every Sunday in the Bell Room.

Weekly Treats

Come share in fellowship and a cold treat! Youth will meet at Bahama Bucks at 4411 San Mateo NE on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

Reel to Reel is Back This Summer

Come watch a series of great movies at Reel to Reel! After the movies, please stay for discussions about what these movies have to say about life and the way we live it. This program will be on Sundays from 3 - 6 p.m. from June 4 - July 30 and will meet upstairs in the Sonset Cinema Room.

Register for Youth Mission Trip to El Paso

The Youth mission trip will be July 23-29 to El Paso, TX. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit. Total cost will be $200-$250 depending on additional activities. We will be doing a Vacation Bible school for Tobin Park UMC and their surrounding community! Click here to download the registration form and return to Pastor Tiffany or the church office.

Prayer Quilt Recipient

Merle Reece is the recipient for the prayer quilt currently on display in the Hospitality Center.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Merle: "Loving Father, we lift up Merle that you will show your love, peace of mind and healing to him. Amen.”

May Special Offering: Sacramento Methodist Assembly

"Come to the Mountain - Let God refresh your soul." St. John's folks have been doing that for many years. The Assembly is located south of Cloudcroft and surrounded by Lincoln National Forest. Retreats and camps and conferences for all ages are held there. Many have had profound experiences of God in that setting. Sacramento depends on our donations so future generations can continue to meet God on the mountain. Please give generously this month of May.

Hygiene Items for Silver Horizons

When you shop this month, please consider purchasing an extra item or two (or more) for the clients served by Silver Horizons, many of whom are caring for grandchildren. Specifically, we're collecting new, regular-sized hygiene items for men and women, such as: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Please place your donations in the wire bins located in the Hospitality Center, and know that they will be gratefully received by those in need. Thank you!

Our worship services are livestreamed so you can watch them from home. To watch a worship service live, click on the service that you would like to watch on Sunday morning at its scheduled time.

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.