April 3, 2026

Josh's Jottings

I am so excited about the Summer Day Camp being offered June 8-12 by St. John's this year. It is a day-long camp experience that combines the best elements of Vacation Bible School in the afternoon with music education and learning in the mornings. We are partnering with Quintessence to offer this high-quality, educational, faith-forming, and FUN event for children and I hope you will hurry and get friends and family registered. 

More information is available at our website and we are excited about this evolution in our children's ministry and music ministry witness. 

If you wish to volunteer for either event, contact Angela Lybarger or Nathan Cleaveland ASAP. They'll be glad for the interest. Summer is going to be great at St. John's UMC!

*Good Friday - April 3

*Easter Sunday - April 5

Good Friday, April 3 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. A powerful narration of the Passion Story with music by the St. John's Chancel Choir.

Easter Sunday, April 5 for all morning services (8:15am Mosaic Service; 9:30am Abide Service; & 11:00am Traditional Service). These glorious services - feature the journey through the powerful story of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and resurrection. All these wonderful services offer moments of worship, prayer, and renewal. Come and experience the hope and promise of Easter with us! All are welcome!

       Getting Ready for Easter

Saturday, April 4

You are invited to help get the church ready for Easter morning. Come join us on Holy Saturday, April 4 at 11:30am. The black and purple will come down and butterflies will fly! We will be working in the FLC and the Sanctuary. As always, there will be doughnuts and other goodies to enjoy. If you need more details, please contact Anita Hallstrom at anitah1@comcast.net

Memory Cafe

Saturday, April 4

It is time for our annual Easter Parade! Wear your silliest or frilliest hat and join your friends at Memory Café. Four Grumpy Old Men are our musical guests, with Easter games and snacks. Memory Café Albuquerque meets on Saturday, April 4, from 1:30pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Memory Cafe is a social support meeting for anyone affected by memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease along with their care - partners and family. It is a setting free of stigma and offers an opportunity to form relationships and share with others who are traversing a similar journey. For more information (505) 323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com. Join us for a fun time designed for you! 

Mountain Cathedrals

Easter Sunday ~ Sunrise Hike

April 5, Travertine Falls

"He is not here but has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” - Luke 24:6-7

Let us contemplate this while a new day dawns in the mountains.

Logistics: Meet at 5:45 AM at St. John’s UMC east parking lot or 6:15 AM at the Grand Enchantment Trailhead just outside of Tijeras (Google Maps: "Canyon Estates - Grand Enchantment Trailhead"); please RSVP in either case. We plan to be back to the cars by 8:15 AM and the church before 8:45. 1-mile round trip, elevation gain 300 feet, rocky trail, so moderate. Bring water, lights, and trekking poles if desired. Sunrise is at 6:46.

Organizer: Mike Furnish, CLM, 505-440-7292; mdfurnish@comcast.net.

Upcoming Mountain Cathedrals: May 23, June 13 

The Ladies' Book Club

Monday, April 6

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1:00pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawthon. The historical novel follows the life of a midwife in Maine after the Revolutionary War. Contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.

May book pick: The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya  

Thanksgiving in April

Spring Luncheon

Sunday, April 12

Come celebrate the gratitude we feel as Easter people with a Thanksgiving in April Feast, Sunday, April 12. We will have a Slow Roasted Turkey Lunch with all the Fixing's in the Family Life Center starting at 11:00am. All are welcome, no reservation required.  Adults $16, 12-17 years old $10, 5-11 years old, 5 and under are FREE!

The Food Ministry needs volunteers to help serve the Sunday lunch. If you can help, please Spring Lunch - Sign-Ups or contact Nancy Douglas de Baca at squidgete@yahoo.com or Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org or 505-883-9717.

New Women's Bible Study

Monday, April 13 - Monday, May 18

Questions Jesus Asked

by Magrey deVega

A new Women's Bible study will begin Monday, April 13, and runs through Monday, May 18. Class is from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in rooms 245/257 for a total of 6 weeks. The study will be led by Barbara Stanfield. Bring your brown bag lunch.

What does Jesus want to know about us? Jesus was fond of asking questions, many of which cut right to the heart of what it means to be human. Why are you terrified? What do you live for? Who do you say that I am? In this study you will explore six of the most provocative questions Jesus posed to others and guides us in answering them for ourselves. Asking these questions takes courage. Not only do they reveal what Jesus really cares about, they open a window into our hearts. We all have questions for God, but growth happens when we turn things around and ask what Jesus wants to know about us. When we dare to raise them, these questions bring us a fuller appreciation for the wisdom, power, and presence of God in our lives. Are you willing to step out in faith? Are you ready to answer the questions Jesus asked?

Church Office Closed

Monday, April 6

Please note the Church office will be closed on Monday, April 6, in observance of the Easter Holiday. Please email reception@stjohns-abq.org for any inquiries, and someone will be in touch with you on Tuesday, April 7. Have a blessed & Happy Easter!

The Apostles’ Creed

The three great Christian creeds – Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian – set forth orthodox Christian belief as determined by the Church. They were not written at one sitting, but rather they developed as the mind of the Church took its time in coming to a conclusion, and they were adopted in more-or-less final form only after considerable debate. A simple (and inadequate) division is that the Apostle’s Creed lays out the fundamentals of the faith and asserts the humanity of Jesus Christ, the Nicene Creed asserts the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the Athanasian Creed asserts the nature of the Trinity. All three creeds appear to have existed by the end of the fifth century. The Apostles’ Creed, in some form, may be the earliest, with roots in the second century. It’s certainly the simplest and most clearly supported by scripture. In this study we will examine that scriptural basis, using a version of the creed from one of the older Methodist hymnals.

Pick up a study guide in the Hospitality Center or write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or (505) 294-2877 to receive daily study tips by email.  A scripture passage and a brief study tip will be distributed to most study participants by email five days a week.

Employment Opportunities

Position Title: NM Conference Benefits Officer

Location: NM Conference Office, 11816 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Job Type: Full-time

Reports To: Chairperson, Board of Pension and Health Benefits

of the New Mexico Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC)

Position Overview (see job description for more detail)

The Conference Benefits Officer (CBO) of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (BoPHB) administers, manages, bills, reconciles and communicates our Wespath offered, company-sponsored health insurance, pension and retirement, as well as BoPHB wellness plans and grants. The CBO manages clergy, employee and their family’s insurance, retirement plans, and leaves, and provides support for NMAC Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Key responsibilities include onboarding, auditing, addressing inquiries, billing and monitoring funds and grants. Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of benefits experience and proficiency in HRIS software, Microsoft Word and Zoom. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter applying for the position and detailing your relevant experience to:

New Mexico Conference UMC Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Brad Bennett, chairperson

11816 Lomas Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87112

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Position Title: Bookkeeper

Location: El Calvario UMC, 316 North Campo Street, Las Cruces

(this position can be done remotely)

Job Type: Quarter-time

El Calvario UMC is seeking a quarter-time Bookkeeper (5–6 hours/week) to maintain financial records and provide accurate reporting. This position can be done remotely and is ideal for someone organized, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting our ministries.

How to Apply: Contact El Calvario UMC Pastor Efrain Belmontes: efrain@elcalvarioumc.org 

Family Spirit Class,

New Study for April & May

Adults, come join us, starting Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at St. John's UMC in room 257 as we study a new book and DVD series,

UMC's Adult Bible Studies (ABS) series for Spring 2026. Unit 2: Psalms of New Life (April 12 to May 10) to explore the theme of rebirth, and Unit 3: Acts of the Spirit (May 17 to May 31) Cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

How do you speak to God? How does God speak to you? For Spring 2026, we’ll consider the depths of our words to God, before considering how God uses the Church to speak to the World. You and our class will be challenged to grow in faith.

Watch a quick two minute intro video with Rev. Dr. Paula Smith, Spring Bible Study Link-2026 

See info about book on Bible-Studies-Spring-2026-Student

Come make new connections as we gather each Sunday. We will share joys and concerns as a small group, then pray, and then watch a short 10-minute video in class with comments from the author and then discuss questions from the Leader Guide. Folks are welcome to drop by any week to sample the class. Come try it out. Free admission. Open to all adults. Questions about this class? Please ask Brian Eagan, Email: eagan.brian@gmail.com  

Ask A Pastor

Sunday, April 19

This third "Ask A Pastor" event will be held from 4:00pm–5:30pm on Sunday, April 19 in the Youth Room (258/260). The main source of the questions will be the youth group, hence the time frame matching their usual meeting time on Sundays. All ages are invited, however Age doesn’t alter our individual interest in pursuing understanding of God and our faith.

Our pastors for this event will be Rev. Josh Kouri, Senior Pastor here at St. John’s, and Rev. Dr. Nancy Bowen who comes to St. John’s from Earlham School of Religion in Indiana, where she was a Professor of the Old Testament for 30 years.

We are aiming to have a space for anyone with questions to get answers from trained pastors. The Youth Director, Brett Reece, is collecting questions from the youth group for this event and there will be opportunities to ask questions from anyone attending during the event itself.

**If you plan to attend and will need childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years, please call the church at 505-883-9717 or email the church at reception@stjohns-abq.org by April 13.

This new event has been created by the Look to the Future Work Group, and we would like to see it become a regular enjoyable event full of informative conversation. Please come and listen as well as ask questions in the great conversation we expect to create. Contacts are Donna Berry (505-604-4487) or Joan Shirley (505-238-1663).  

Family Promise Meals Needed

April 5th - 25th.

These dates do not have host churches and Family Promise would appreciate any help. You can provide the meal and eat with the families, drop off a meal, or provide groceries. Please click on the Family Promise Sign-up link - Sign Up Genius for more information. For information regarding families staying at Family Promise, or other questions, contact Jenn Shields at (505) 450-9978; jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net.  

Family Promise

Sweet Jazz Concert

& Silent Auction

Sunday, April 19

This is a wonderful concert and fundraiser that supports Family Promise's work to end homelessness. The concert is from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Sunday, April 19th at Sandia Presbyterian Church and tickets can be purchased at Sweet Jazz Concert Tickets. If you have questions, contact Jenn Shields at (505) 450-9978; jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net.  

New Women's Bible Study

March 31 - May 19

Live Free: A Study of Galatians

by Elizabeth Woodson

A new Women's Bible study will begin Tuesday, March 31, and runs through Tuesday, May 19. Class is from 9:30am to 11:30am in rooms 245/257 for a total of 8 weeks. The study will be led by Shanlii Payment.

We long for peace, to have lives marked by freedom from difficulty and pain. We look to countless places to fill this need - our possessions, relationships, intellect, spirituality, political affiliations, and so on. But, by relying on these things for freedom, we unintentionally make them our savior instead of Christ.

This exchange leaves us enslaved to a false gospel and to the very things we hoped would set us free. Walking verse-by-verse through Paul's letter, Elizabeth highlights how this letter teaches us that in the gospel alone do we gain what we desire - freedom from sin and freedom to experience true peace, living the abundant life Jesus offers.

Recycling Update

WOW! Your response to the request for cardboard tubes & brown paper has been absolutely wonderful.😊 Thanks so much!! We are turning these items into projects for our summer VBS camp. Now we need some time to catch up with all the awesome donations, so we currently do not need any further donations of tubes or paper. Thanks again for your help!!

Prayer Quilts

Rick and Pat Swanson (friends of Helen Van Cleve) are the recipients for the prayer quilt currently on display in the Hospitality Center. 

If you pass through the Hospitality Center this week, please tie a knot in the quilt while praying for Rick and Pat. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for the Swansons. "Loving God, wrap your arms around this couple and let your presence be their refuge and your love their strength. Restore their health, renew their hope and remind them-they are never alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!" 

   April Special Offering

Four Corners Native American Ministry

This United Methodist Church Ministry provides for many needs in this area. For example, in the winter it operates the only homeless shelter in the Shiprock area. It also facilitates bi-weekly water deliveries to the many remote areas without a clean water source, and it coordinates emergency food boxes. 

The ministry also works with other non-profits to provide everything from school supplies to solar ovens. St. John's has a long history of supporting this ministry. Please continue to give generously.!

April Special Collection

Supporting Families Served by the

New Mexico Ramp Project

Throughout April, St. John’s United Methodist Church will collect non-perishable food items for families assisted by the New Mexico Ramp Project.

Founded at St. John’s, the New Mexico Ramp Project has become a vital statewide ministry. In the past seven years, volunteers have built more than 670 ramps to help individuals with mobility challenges safely enter and exit their homes. Last year alone, 170 ramps were completed. The need continues to grow, and many recipients also face food insecurity.

By donating non-perishable food items, we can help ease this additional burden for families already managing financial and mobility challenges.

The New Mexico Ramp Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, builds free ramps for New Mexicans with mobility issues, using volunteer labor and serving all people without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, age, or gender. Visit nmramp.org to learn more.

Requested Food Items:

Macaroni and cheese - Pasta - Soup - Oatmeal - Cereal - Creamy peanut butter - Canned chicken - Canned albacore tuna - Canned ravioli - Canned spaghetti sauce - Rice - Canned beans - Canned fruit - Canned vegetables. Please, no glass items.

Thank you for sharing in this effort to bless families in need!

St. John's United Methodist Church | (505) 883-9717

2626 Arizona Street NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

If there is an after-hours Congregational Care need, you may leave a message on Lauren Morgan-Smith’s church office phone 505-883-9717, ext. 127 – or email care@stjohns-abq.org and she will respond as soon as possible.