August 28, 2026

Tonight is the Night!

All~Church & Neighborhood

Ice Cream Social

Friday, August 28

Join us for a night of celebration, community, and sweet treats on Friday, August 28, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in the Family Life Center.

What to expect:

• Celebration: We’re burning the mortgage papers!
• Fun: Live music, door prizes, photo booth, board games and cornhole and more.
• For the Kids: Bouncy houses (toddler & elementary).
• Community: Free ice cream and a special look at our new Spanish Language Ministry.

We need your help! Want to be part of the magic? We’re looking for greeters, balloon experts, and general event helpers.

Please email Donna at dbrucenm@gmail.com to lend a hand!

ONE SKY~A Benefit Concert for the

Next Generation of Composers

Saturday, August 29



On Saturday, August 29 at 3:00pm, St. John's will host a free concert to benefit the newly launched Rahim AlHaj Scholarship Awards. Having witnessed gifted young composers forced into silence by circumstance, AlHaj created this initiative to support promising composers, 13 to 18 years of age, whose talent deserves to flourish.

The afternoon brings together an extraordinary lineup of musicians: Iraqi oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj with his Little Earth Orchestra, Latin powerhouse Nosotros, pianist Amy Greer, Flamenco guitarist Juani de la Isla with dancer Carmen "La Chispa" Montes, and 13-year-old cellist-composer Evan Daitz. Legendary actor Ali MacGraw joins as special guest. Admission is free, with donations to the Scholarship Awards warmly encouraged. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music in support of this worthy mission.

BBQ Brisket Luncheon

After the One-Combined

 Worship Service

Sunday, August 30

Please join us on Sunday, August 30 after the One-Combined-Worship Service which will be held at 10:00am. You're invited to enjoy a tasty BBQ Brisket Luncheon in the Family Life Center from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

All are welcome! The entire church community, family, friends and visitors alike! Let's all get acquainted and enjoy some delicious food! Cost is $16 for adults, $10 for 10-17 years old, $5 for 5-9 years old and 5 & under are free.

If you would like to volunteer to help cut desserts, set up tables, serve drinks or clean up, Sign Up Here or contact Nancy Douglas de Baca at squidgete@yahoo.com or Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org or 505-883-9717.  

Safe Sanctuary~Training Class

Tuesday, September 1

The next Safe Sanctuary training class will be held on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm in rooms 245/257.

Safe Sanctuaries training is for anyone who serves with youth, children or vulnerable adults here at St. John's UMC. We have a holy and sacred calling as Christ's church to love, disciple, and nurture children, youth and vulnerable adults. This training is required once per year, along with a background check every 2 years for those of us who serve with the vulnerable among us, but it is also a wonderful and important training for all of us as we seek to live out our calling to Love God, Love Others and Change the World.   

United Women in Faith Program

Thursday, September 3

UWF will meet on Thursday, September 3 at 10:00am in Rooms 241/243. We will welcome two special guests from the Title 1-McKinney Vento and Foster Care Program. The McKinney-Vento program ensures education rights, stability and support from prenatal to the age of 21 as long as the children are attending school. They remove barriers to school enrollment, attendance, and academic success for students lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residency. They provide resources to help with the success of families looking for housing and employment. They are able to provide students with clothing, food bags, hygiene, and backpacks.

Joey Wilson is the Early Childhood Manager, working for the community and the APS McKinney-Vento program for 12 years. Ann Gutierrez is a community partner coordinator, previously teaching 1st and 2nd grade at APS.

We look forward to hearing from them and learning more about the important work they are doing in our community. Please join us for this special program and fellowship. The meeting is from 10:00am to 11:00am, and guests will arrive at 11:00am. Donations of baby and children's hygiene will be appreciated.  

POLO

(People of Leisure and Others)

Friday, September 4

POLO will be taking a tour to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) on Friday, September 4, at 10:30am. They will meet at the IPCC at 10:15am - located at 2401 12th Street NW, ABQ. NM 87104. They will stay for lunch afterward at the IPCC restaurant.



The tour cost is $10 (62+)/ $15 (Under 62) with lunch on your own.

Please sign up in the Hospitality Center by Sunday, August 30. 

Celebrate the creativity and culture of the 19 Pueblos represented at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which describes that “The Center is comprised of museum and gallery space, a collection of murals and other Native arts and artifacts, a library, archives, an education department, a teaching kitchen/restaurant, and cultural programming and events – each celebrating the Pueblo culture of New Mexico.” 

For more information contact Alice Lawson alawson505@gmail.com, Michele Mals, michelemariemals@gmail, or

Barbara Stanfield, barbarastanfield@comcast.net.

Mountain Cathedrals - Starlight Hike

(Southbound from the base of the Tram)

Saturday, September 5

Please join us at 6:30pm in the St. Johns East Parking Lot to carpool to the base of the Tramway (or meet us there at 7:00pm). We'll walk uphill briefly, then southbound on Trail 365 toward Elena Gallegos, watching the sunset and the coming of the night, then return to our cars.  Plan to be back at the cars by 9:30pm and at St. John's by 10:00pm. We'll walk 2-3 miles, with a few hundred feet of climb, on fairly easy trail.  Bring lights, water, a snack, and possibly trekking poles.

In this evening time set aside, we consider Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest."

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

The next trips: October 17, Nov. 14. Possibilities: Tree Springs (Sandias), Mt. Taylor, El Malpais, other ideas welcome!

*There is a modest fee for parking at the base of the Tramway. 

Memory Cafe

Saturday, September 5

The next meeting of Memory Café is Saturday September 5, from 1:30pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church. 

September is fair month in Albuquerque, so our theme is “Going to the Fair.” Music by the Lucky Pluckers, carnival games, and a birthday cake to celebrate Memory Café’s anniversary! Join us for a fun afternoon! 

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! 

Family Spirit Class,

Join us for Christianity's

Family Tree

Sunday, September 6

Adults, come join us, starting Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 9:30 to 10:30am at St. John's UMC in room 257 as we start to study the book and DVD series, Christianity's Family Tree, What Other Christians Believe and Why.

“This book by Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith.

The traditions he examines are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith.”

Each week for 8 weeks (September and October) we will look at different branch of Christianity, including our own faith tradition of Methodism. Fall is a great time to branch out and try a new activity and learn new things.

Watch a quick two-minute intro video with book author Adam Hamilton, see: https://youtu.be/u1z3l0xl9Vg

You can read the first chapter of the book online for free on https://www.cokesbury.com/Christianitys-Family-Tree-Participants-Guide

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 5-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.

All are Invited to a Reception Celebrating

Pastor Josh and Jonathan Macias' Marriage Monday, September 7

Pastor Josh Kouri and Jonathan Macias would like to invite you to a reception to celebrate their marriage last May. The reception will be held in the Family Life Center (FLC) on Monday, September 7 at 2:00pm (Labor Day).

Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet and get to know Jonathan. We are so thankful for your thoughts, kind words/gestures, and prayers as we marked our wedding. Now it's time to celebrate! 

Come and go from 2:00pm-4:00pm. No gifts are necessary, but cards are welcome and if people would like to give to a favorite charity in our name, we would love to know it. For more info, contact Pastor Josh at jkouri@stjohns-abq.org.

Church Women United

Friday, September 11

(Human Rights Day)

Church Women United (CWU) will meet on Friday, September 11 @ 9:30am at First Presbyterian Church located at 215 Locust St NE (southeast corner of Copper & Locust). The Human Rights Day theme is "Truth is Power" which focuses on speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

The Rev. Shelley Repp at the NM Dream Center will be the speaker and educate on the issues of human trafficking specifically as it involves our youth.

The Dream Center could use your help with a collection of snack items and drinks for their teenage clientele. Suggested snack items: Protein Bars, cheese crackers, trail mix, M&M's, cookies potato chips, pretzels, peanuts etc. Drinks should include-Juices & carbonated sodas/drinks.

Family Promise

Needs Volunteers!

Saturday, September 12

Family Promise is short on volunteers for the next few weeks, now through Saturday, September 12. If you can help them bridge the gap, there are a few ways to pitch in listed in the link below. For more information, contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net

If you're able to help, please Click Here. Your help is appreciated!

@Home Communion

Sunday, September 13    

Are you an @Home church member who would like Communion brought to you? Our @Home Communion servers will visit on Sunday, September 13, or you can arrange for a more convenient time the following week. 

Please let us know you’re interested by contacting coordinator Susan Perry at (505) 350-9633 or teachersusan@comcast.net by Friday, September 11. 

Ladies' Book Club

Monday, September 14

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain. A woman uncovers the truth about her family as she cleans out her father’s house after his death.

For all the details contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.

October book pick: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Gift Planning Seminar

(Your Generosity Matters)

Sunday, September 13 &

Monday, September 14

St. John’s UMC Foundation will be hosting a special seminar, Your Generosity Matters, specifically designed for individuals who wish to explore impactful ways to include charities (the church and others) they love in their charitable estate planning.

The seminar presenters are Justin Gould, Chief Philanthropy Officer and Pamela Gray, Director of Philanthropy, from the Texas Methodist Foundation.

This seminar provides tools to guide your estate planning and charitable giving and is designed to help you create a roadmap that honors your beliefs and values, prepares your estate plan, and impacts your community.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Tax-efficient Giving: Strategies to support the church and charities you care about while maximizing the benefits for your heirs.
• Giving Tools: An overview of endowments, Donor-Advised Funds, and gifts that pay you income, with the remainder going to the church or other charity.
• Expert Counsel: Navigating the technical side of estate planning with a heart for ministry.

Event Details

• Dates:
• Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm (after Sunday lunch in the Family Life Center)
• Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 pm (repeated session)
• Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church
• Cost: none
• Duration: 1 hour, followed by a Q&A session



Whether you are just beginning to think about your estate or are looking to refine an existing plan, this program offers the expert counsel and leadership needed to turn your God-inspired vision into a lasting reality.

While registration is not required, it is helpful (especially for the Monday session). Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/StJohnsTMF.

Ask A Pastor

Sunday, September 27

This year so far, we have had two well-attended sessions of Ask A Pastor, a venue of questions and answers plus open discussion on topics requested by church attendees and members. We invite you all to our next session of Ask A Pastor which will take place on Sunday, September 27 at 2:00pm in Room 149-151.

We are aiming to have a space for people with questions to get answers from trained pastors. Have you ever had a nagging question about a Bible story? Is a certain concept from a sermon or group lesson that is puzzling to you? Do you want to talk to someone who is trained in the Bible and in the United Methodist Christian life?

Our guest pastors on September 27 will be Rev. Jim Hawk, retired, and Lauren Morgan-Smith, our director of congregational care here at St. John’s. Lauren is in seminary training at the present time. Our moderator will be Melanie Dodd. 

This venue is a 90-minute session of asking and answering questions and holding open discussions. The moderator will ask turned-in questions, ask for questions from the floor and the discussion will take off from there throughout the room.

WE NEED YOU TO ASK QUESTIONS. Please find cards to fill out and turn in at the Hospitality Center, on each table at the Abide service (leave them on the table), and in the church office at the front table.

**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 September 18. 

This program is created by the Look to the Future Work Group and that group is eager for it become a regular enjoyable event full of conversation and learning. The next few months include 3 more planned events - November 15, 2026; February 28, 2027; and May 2, 2027.

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). 

St. John's Preschool

Plus Program

St. John’s Preschool Plus started as a Parents’ Day Out program 45 years ago and has evolved into a 5-star, nationally accredited preschool program. We are proud of the connection between the Preschool and the Church—Pastor Josh conducts weekly chapel services, and Chef Tim works with the Preschool for special occasions. One very special connection is that each student in the 4 – 5-year-old class makes a quilt square every month which the Quilting Group assembles into a unique memory quilt that each child is presented at their promotion. In fact, one boy is currently here because his mom went here, still has her quilt and wants him to have one also. Thank you, Quilting Group!

The Preschool Ministry Team (PMT), Church members and Preschool parents, is dedicated to supporting the Preschool staff and families however we can. We want to especially recognize two current members of the PMT: Sara Perovich, who served as secretary for many years and Ron Hartwig, whose work as the Preschool Treasurer has enabled the Preschool to be strong financially, contributing regularly to the Church and occasionally making additional gifts. They both continue to serve on PMT, along with Director Estephany Miranda, Assistant Director, Alyse Almaguer, Nancy Adams, Jamie Pearce, Becky Schenck, and Barbara Stanfield. 

Periodically walk down the Preschool Hall, between the Sanctuary and the Family Life Center, to view children’s work. St. John’s offered something special to Albuquerque when it started a program that is now a high-quality Preschool in a Christian Environment.  Contact Barbara Stanfield, Chairman, Preschool Ministry Team, barbarastanfield@comcast.net, if you would be interested in serving on PMT or have questions about the Preschool.

New “Reading our Bible Together”

Topic: Biblical Prayer

“Reading our Bible Together in 2026,” the St. John’s email Bible study, will start a new unit on "Biblical Prayer" on Monday, August 24.  This study will examine what the Bible has to say about prayer, with examples from the prayers of Jesus, Moses, David, and others. Weekly topics include “The Purpose of Prayer,” “How to Pray,” and “Sometimes the Answer is ‘No.”

Please join this ongoing group and develop your habit of reading the Bible daily!  You will receive a scripture passage and brief study tip five days each week. Fun facts: The email Bible Study at St. John’s originated in 2007. Also, about half the email readers are from St. John’s, the other half are from other congregations, denominations, and nations.

To receive daily study tips by email, write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or (505) 294-2877. You may also pick up a study guide in the Hospitality Center. 

Last Pie Signup Update!

I still need bakers for 50 pies. If you have been intending to check your calendar and signup – now is the time! Sunday will be the last in-person signup, though you can always text, call or email me: Debby Smith 505-554-4238, dysmith0427@gmail.com

Next week I will start making the “master schedule” detailing who will be baking what and when. I will send out your individual baking schedules by Labor Day. There are about 40 bakers and over 300 pies, so please check what I send you and make sure it works with your schedule and the pies that you have 😊

For those that have pies in your freezers that you are not baking, I will contact you to get them back to the church the week of Labor Day. 

Grace Park

Interested in Occasionally Helping Out?

About 13 minutes' drive southeast of Tijeras, this 15-acre site is owned by the NM UMC Conference. It includes a large, covered shell (seating for 150 for worship or eating), facilities for barbecue, a network of trails in the pines, a quaint chapel, and other various spots for games, meditation, and such. It is usable for overnight camping activities (dark skies, elevation 7600’), small and large group worship and fellowship, youth group activities, memorials, and other celebrations.

We are trying to re-open it after a hiatus. Please contact Mike Furnish (mdfurnish@comcast.net) if you would be interested in helping with this project. 

Minor Adjustment

for Youth Group

Since there will only be one service this Sunday, August 30 @ 10:00am and a lunch to follow, there will be no Sunday School in the morning. However, there will still be Youth Group in the afternoon at our usual scheduled time from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the FLC.

As usual for Youth Group we will 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.

Prayer Quilts



Olga Coello (friend of Debbie Kelley) 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 Olga.

Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Olga. "Heavenly Father, please give Olga the peace and solace that only you can provide. Give her the trust to surrender to you the outcome and prognosis. Calm her mind and emotions and remind her to only focus on today, which has enough worries of its own, and let tomorrow rest in your capable hands. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

August Special Offering

Wesley Foundation~UNM

Believe it or not, school is about to start! So now is the time to remember students of all ages, especially those beginning or continuing the great adventure of college life.

The Wesley Foundation is a place for students to stay connected with their faith. They can make new friends around communal meals and worship. They can also find opportunities to serve the community by helping with a food bank for food insecure students and families in the UNM community. 

Please give generously!

August Special Collections

Interfaith Bible Center/

Compassion Services Center

Pastor Joanne Landry is the lead pastor of Interfaith Bible Center in Albuquerque and director of Compassion Services Center, a shelter and outreach hub in the International District. Since 2010, she has led the center, first with her husband and now with a team of volunteers, providing shelter, meals, showers, and practical support to people experiencing homelessness.

Joanne’s ministry is focused on helping unhoused neighbors not just survive but thrive. Compassion Services offers training, skills, and resources that support people as they move out of poverty and rebuild confidence in themselves and in community. The center operates a day shelter that serves around 700 meals each week, runs a “warming station” for overnight shelter, and distributes essential items like gloves, blankets, and other cold-weather gear.

In April 2026, a devastating fire destroyed Interfaith Bible Center’s sanctuary. Despite this loss, Joanne and her team continued to feed and serve the community, holding services outdoors and maintaining all outreach programs. Her steady leadership through this crisis has been recognized locally, and she remains committed to helping people “thrive and move forward” even in the face of major setbacks.

This month, we’re collecting winter essentials for Interfaith Bible Center/Compassion Services Center in southeast Albuquerque.

Needed items include: ~ Hand, toe, and body warmers, beanie hats, gloves and socks. Please place your donations in the bins in the Hospitality Center. Thank you for your generosity and for standing with neighbors who are working to rebuild their lives.

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.