August 22, 2025

Josh's Jottings

One of the great organizations with a St. John's connection is the Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative (ADAC), founded by our own Rachel Minnaar. ADAC is hosting Thursday evening open mic events at St. Stephen's UMC and reaching out to the disabled community to express their creative potential. It is inspiring. 

Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative is looking for the following in-kind donations. Many of these things might be in your house, unused, right now. If you'd like to bring any of these supplies, contact Rachel Minnaar at info@adacnm.org or (505) 451-4175. 

Items being collected are: puzzles, fidgets, kids toys or games, knitting/crochet needles, large sized paper roll or big sheets of paper, coloring books or sheets, paint by number sets, decaf and regular coffee or tea. 

UWF Zoom Reading Group

Thursday, August 28

The United Women in Faith are doing our next Zoom Reading Discussion Group on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. The book we have chosen to read is called The Girls in the Wild Fig Tree by Nice Leng'ete. It is on the 2025 UWF Reading Program List under Leadership and Development. This book is a memoir about Kenyan human rights activist Nice Leng`ete who shares how she went from heartbroken child and community outcast, to leader of the Maasai tribe. She tirelessly advocated for both women's rights and education. She also created an Alternative of Rites of Passage for young women and men of the Maasai village.  

All are welcome to join this discussion group. Please contact Julie Bencoe at dabencoes @yahoo.com or Regina Hampton hamptonmason1@msn.com. An invite to the Zoom will be sent out on Monday, August 25.

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 on August 29 at 6:00 p.m. 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.

United Women in Faith

Thursday, September 4

United Women in Faith welcomes Rev. Tiffany Hollums, director of McCurdy Ministries as our speaker on Thursday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. in room 241. Tiffany will share about the new programs that have been started at McCurdy, the cooperation with state and local agencies to benefit the Espanola area, and the vision she has for the future. All are welcome.

Memory Café

Saturday, September 6

The next meeting of Memory Café Albuquerque is Saturday September 6, from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church. We are going to the fair this month! Our special music is Swingrass. We will also have fair games, snacks, and prizes.

Memory Café meets the first Saturday of each month from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Sonshine Cafe. It is a supportive fellowship for anyone affected by memory loss/Alzheimer’s and their caring partners. Meet and share with others on a similar journey. This is not a drop-off event. For more information contact (505) 323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com. 

Ladies' Book Club

Monday, September 8

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We’ll be discussing Fall of Giants by Ken Follett, a lengthy historical novel that helps World War I come to life. Contact Sara Perovich with questions at sjperov@yahoo.com.

October book pick: Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson

Women's Bible Study

Tuesday, September 9

The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. Tuesdays, September 9 - October 28 (8 weeks), 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., in person, led by Shanlii Payment. Participants can register by contacting Susan Perry at teachersusan@comcast.net, signing up in the Hospitality Center on Sundays or by contacting the church office. Participants must purchase their own books.

All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you - unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you're tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you. The enemy always fails miserably when he meets a women dressed for the occasion. "The Armor of God", more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.

Sunday Nights are for Young Adults at St. John's

Adulting is kicking off their new program year for adults in their 20's, 30's and 40's. Sunday nights at 6:30 PM we are studying Half Truths by Adam Hamilton and doing community building work. 

Also, check out our two upcoming social events!

• Bowling at Main Event on Pan American - August 28 at 7:00 PM - $15 to bowl
• Potluck dinner & game night - September 14 at 6:00 PM - (note the earlier start) - bring a covered dish to share and a favorite board or card game. 

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. 

Latest Update on Pie Baking

I appreciate the huge response to my pie baking call! I now need bakers for about 50 pies. Asbury has increased our goal to 320, so we are about 85% of the way.

Our baking days are Monday – Saturday, September 8 - 13. When you sign up to bake, be sure to let me know what days you are available. This also applies to those that already have pies and have agreed to bake them. The signup “tent” will be available for the next two Sundays. Contact Debby Smith with any questions at (505) 554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com.

Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative Events

ACCESSIBLE OPEN MIC NIGHTS

Every other Thursday evening, with the next one on September 4, 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 28, (non-Open Mic Thursdays) through September 11 from 6:00 – 8:30 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.

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.

Routine is Good

The school year has begun, and we have returned to our usual school year schedule. That means Youth Sunday School on Sunday mornings during the 11:00 a.m. 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 to 6 p.m., join us for Youth Group as we have snacks, play games, and discuss how our faith can grow and be applied to everyday life. This week we will be starting in the grass area just south of the FLC (weather permitting). 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.

Prayer Quilt

Chuck Phillips is the recipient 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 Chuck. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Chuck. "Father, we entrust Chuck's recovery into your loving hands. May your healing touch bring complete restoration to his body and strength to his spirit. Grant Chuck patience during this time of healing and resilience to overcome any challenges. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen." 

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.