August 15, 2025

Josh's Jottings

Help Serve a Slice of Kindness at the Asbury Pie Café

Every September, the smell of fresh-baked pies fills the air at the New Mexico State Fair, drawing crowds to the beloved Asbury Pie Café. This isn’t just about delicious desserts—it’s about making a difference. Each year, volunteers from churches across Albuquerque join together to sell homemade pies, with 100% of the proceeds going to local charities that feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and care for our neighbors in need. St. John’s UMC has a long tradition of supporting this ministry, and your help is needed to keep it going strong. Whether you serve a slice, or greet customers with a smile, you’ll be part of a team that spreads joy and compassion—one piece at a time.

There’s a role for everyone, whether you're a people person who loves talking to fairgoers, or simply someone willing to roll up your sleeves for a few hours. Shifts are short, the fellowship is sweet, and the impact is lasting. Imagine the fun of working alongside friends from St. John’s, meeting new people from across the city, and knowing that your time and energy are feeding both body and soul. This year’s fair is coming up, so sign up soon to claim your spot. Let’s make sure St. John’s continues to be a strong presence at the Asbury Pie Café—because when we serve together, we make life a little sweeter for everyone.

Mobile Food Pantry

Saturday, August 16

If you would like to help with our food pantry, volunteers arrive at the Family Life Center about 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. and distribution begins around 9:30 a.m., depending on the time the Roadrunner truck arrives. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours on Saturday morning once a month. I appreciate new and returning volunteers. Please contact Debby Smith at (505) 554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering or just have questions about what we do.

Safer Sanctuaries Training

Wednesday, August 20

The next Safer Sanctuaries training will be held on Wednesday, August 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., in rooms 245/257. The instructors for this training will be Mike and Linn Furnish. This session is open to all St. John’s members and regular attendees.

Note: If you work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults at any point throughout the year, you are required to complete Safe Sanctuaries training. Please RSVP at reception@stjohns-abq.org or call the church office at (505) 883-9717 if you plan to attend. The next class will be on September 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Grief Support Group

Thursday, August 21

Everyone has or will experience the grief that comes when we lose a spouse, a beloved family member, a dear friend or a precious pet. Grieving is felt differently by different people and may be expressed through different emotions such as anger, sadness, and depression. Loneliness also often accompanies grieving. Some people find support in their grieving though meeting with others in a caring, compassionate, and safe space where feelings can be explored, and support may be found through talking with others. We offer an invitation to those who are newly experiencing grief and for those who have suffered significant loss over time. Grief has no definitive ending. Please join us on Thursday, August 21 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Church Library, on the second floor. Contact Lauren Morgan-Smith at care@stjohns-abq.org for additional details.

Sizzlin' Summer Nights: Giving Back Together,

A Community Service Night

Friday, August 29

We've enjoyed two incredible Sizzlin' Summer Nights—our Garden Party and Ice Cream Social plus Game Night Extravaganza—and we're ending the summer on a meaningful note with "Giving Back Together: A Community Service Night."

Join us for this hands-on service event where we'll assemble hygiene kits for Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless and pack lunch bags for those in need. You'll also take home a prepared care kit to give directly to someone experiencing homelessness in our community.



This is a perfect opportunity for families, individuals, and groups to come together and make a real difference for our neighbors. While we serve others, we'll enjoy complimentary frito pie, drinks, and cookies.

Last Call for Pie Making!

Our last pie party will be Monday, August 11 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Thank you to all the pie crimpers, fruit peelers, pie mixers, labelers, bottom crust rollers and top crust rollers. It's been so much fun!! Exhausting, but fun. Thank you to all!! Contact Regina Hampton at hamptonmason1@msn.com with any questions.

"Pie: The dessert that's as sweet as a smile!"

Pie Café Workers Needed

Sign ups are available for Asbury Pie Café worker slots at this year’s State Fair. All proceeds from the cafe benefit local food-focused charities. Contact Blake Reece at (505) 414-3018 if you’re interested in volunteering. 

Update on Pie Baking

THANK YOU to those who signed up to bake pies! I have enough bakers for about 150 pies – so halfway to our goal!

I still need pie bakers September 8-13. You bake pies during the day, then drop them off at the Family Life Center between 5 - 7 p.m. that evening. You may sign up on Sunday mornings, under the tent in front of the Sanctuary, or contact Debby Smith at (505) 554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com. I will have the Pie Baking Instructions available on Sunday mornings or can email them to you. 

Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative Events

ACCESSIBLE OPEN MIC NIGHTS

Every other Thursday evening, with the next one on August 21, from 6:30 - 8:30pm at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo Blvd NE #2626. Enter from the Juan Tabo entrance that says “Welcome!” Door will be locked, but we will let you in.

ADA ARTS & CRAFTS CAFE

Every Thursday from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo Blvd NE #2626. Join us for crafts, games, light refreshments, fun! Enter from the Juan Tabo entrance that says “Welcome!” Door will be locked, but we will let you in.

"SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SLAM?" Poetry Class with Poet Trae Dahl

Every other Thursday, with the next one on August 14, (non-Open Mic Thursdays) through September 11 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Located at the Orpheum Community Hub 500 2nd St SW.

THEATER IMPROV GROUP WITH DEBRA MILLER 

Theater Improv Workshops continue on Saturday, August 16, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Located at the Orpheum Community Hub 500 2nd St SW.

For more information, visit artsconnections.org or contact info@adacnm.org,  mgovoni@artsconnections.org or (505) 451-4175.

Cool and Gentle Exercise Class - Tai Chi Chih

Join us on Thursday mornings for a gentle exercise class! Tai Chi Chih - Joy Through Movement is a set of 20 movements that are easy to learn. It is not a martial art, but rather, is mindful, slow, flowing movements. It does not require a particular level of physical fitness or coordination and may be done standing or seated (with some modifications). No special clothing or equipment is needed. All age groups are welcome to join us.

This class meets every Thursday in the Family Life Center from 10 - 11 a.m. Classes are $3 (payable by cash or check upon arrival). Contact Dianna Muller at DLM_NM@msn.com with questions.

It's Flamingo Time Again!

Celebrate a birthday, pull a friendly prank, or just brighten someone’s day with a flamingo flocking! This annual Youth fundraiser is back for a limited time. You pick the week for the flocking and make a donation in any amount of your choosing, and we handle the rest. Flamingos are flying August - September only, so be sure to put in your request ASAP. Would you prefer not to have “pink chickens” gracing your lawn, but you’d still like to support the Youth fundraiser? Then we have the perfect solution for you as well! This year you can choose to “Block the Flock” and make a donation not to have a visit from the flamingos. Whether you are “flocking” or “blocking,” please contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org for scheduling (or not). All donations go to support Youth ministry activities here at St. John’s.

Wesley House Hosting "Fill the Gaps" Drive

Wesley House is hosting a household and hygiene essentials drive to support students at UNM and CNM in need.

What We're Collecting: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, dish soap. Drop off your donations in the designated bins located in the Hospitality Center.



The drive ends August 17 – please bring your contributions soon! Your generous donations will make a meaningful difference in supporting the students. Every item helps fill critical gaps for those who need it most.

St. John's Ministry Fair

Join us for an exciting celebration of our church community! St. John's Ministry Fair will showcase the incredible variety of ministries and groups that make our church family vibrant and strong. Discover ministries that align with your passions and gifts, connect with ministry leaders and fellow parishioners, learn about volunteer opportunities throughout our church and explore new ways to grow in faith and fellowship.

The Ministry Fair will be held on Sunday, September 7, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm in the upstairs classrooms and hallways. This is a drop-in style, come and go as your schedule allows. No cost and all ages are welcome. Please note: Adult Sunday School classes will not meet this day.

Ministry leaders and groups: ready to share your ministry's heart and mission? This is your chance to highlight your ministry's impact and vision, connect with potential new volunteers, showcase upcoming events and opportunities, and build stronger connections within our church family.

To participate, contact Dennis Scherlacher at katden@q.com to reserve your display space. For general Ministry Fair information, reach out to Donna Bruce at donnabruce@comcast.net.

Crafts and Collectibles Fair

Join us for the second annual Crafts & Collectibles Fair, proudly sponsored by St. John's United Women in Faith (UWF). This event will be held November 7 & 8, 2025, Friday, 9 am – 4 pm and Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm, in the Family Life Center.

Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping while exploring unique handcrafted items from talented local artisans, vintage collectibles waiting to find their perfect new home, delicious food to keep you energized while you browse, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Booth spaces are still available! We're seeking crafters with handmade items to sell and collectors ready to share treasured pieces with new owners. To reserve your booth, email Donna at donnabruce@comcast.net or Regina at hamptonmason1@msn.com. Applications and additional information available upon request.

Back to the Routine

Now that the semester has begun, we return to our usual school year schedule. That means Youth Sunday School on Sunday mornings during the 11 o’clock service in room 258. This semester we are enjoying a deeper dive into the childhood favorite videos of Veggie Tales. Then in the afternoons from 4 - 6 p.m. starting in the FLC, join us for Youth Group as we have snacks, play games, and discuss how our faith can grow and be applied to everyday life. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please reach out to our Youth Director Brett Reece at youthdirector@stjohns-abq.org.

Nursery Volunteers Needed

We are currently looking for more Nursery volunteers (age 21+) to help watch little ones on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. All adult volunteers need to attend Safer Sanctuaries training, get a current background check, and complete a Volunteer Application. In addition, St. John’s will pay for CPR training. All volunteers need to be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in order to care for children in case of emergencies or evacuations. Thank you for considering this opportunity! Contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org if interested in applying.

August Special Offering: Steelbridge

This August, we're proud to support Steelbridge (formerly Albuquerque Rescue Mission), an organization transforming lives and breaking generational cycles of hardship. Steelbridge doesn't just provide temporary relief—they create lasting change. Their comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of poverty, addiction, and trauma through: professional counseling and behavioral health services, spiritual guidance and community support, practical life skills and job training, and financial literacy and planning.

Steelbridge extends specialized care to some of our community's most at-risk individuals, including survivors of human trafficking and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Each person receives personalized support designed to meet their unique circumstances and goals. This holistic model doesn't just help people survive—it empowers them to thrive. Participants gain the tools, confidence, and support network needed for genuine long-term recovery, stable housing, meaningful employment, and renewed hope.

Your generosity this month directly supports these life-changing programs. Together, we can help our neighbors build brighter, more stable futures.

August Collections: Steelbridge

We will be collecting all sizes of men's and women's NEW underwear and socks during the month of August.

Please give generously!

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.