January 23, 2026

Josh's Jottings

I always feel funny this time of year. On the one hand, it is the beginning of a new year, a great time to refocus my life.  On the other hand, refocusing is hard. And I am tired. Also, I am still in the last throes of that post-holiday haze and it’s hard to get motivated. Also, I am self-centered. And have you watched the news lately? The world is going crazy, and people are divided, and why should I realign my life when there is so much that’s wrong? I can come up with a long list of reasons why I should keep my head down. If only there were a faithful way to be a holy slacker. Lord, I’m tired; can’t my calling just be to TAKE A NAP today? Of course, I know better.

Thomas Merton wrote that “Vocation does not come from a voice out there calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice in here calling me to be the person I was born to be.” We are all born to be servants, to attend to the wounds that exist in this world. Maybe you sense who you are born to be, and you're brave enough to answer.

We need people who answer, particularly here in New Mexico. Time and again, we are told that New Mexico has problems. There isn’t a worse state in the union to be a child. 6,500 people will fall asleep tonight without a home (and it’s going to be cold tonight). We are immersed in an explosive addiction crisis, and that addiction crisis masks deeper crises of mental health, social cohesion, poverty, spiritual bankruptcy, familial decline, and general hopelessness. These problems are fixable but are currently getting worse, not better.

But together, we are taking our ordinary lives and presenting them as an offering to God, hoping and trusting that our shared work will make a difference. What’s more, working for healing for those wounds, it turns out, is the best way to heal our own woundedness. That’s what Paul is talking about.  We fix our eyes on God as we serve. It makes all the difference.

So don’t settle for the nap. Keep pushing, keep working, keep hoping. God is there in the struggle. Your work will change someone’s life today. It will. Someday, a person will tell their grandchildren about how you showed them the way when it seemed hopeless. God brings the best out of you.

Omelet Bar

Sunday, January 25

Enjoy a freshly cooked omelet with many toppings to choose from AND toast and a drink all for only $8.00! Have it for breakfast or lunch in the Sonshine Cafe from 7:45am 1:00pm.  Great place to meet folks and enjoy fellowship with the St. John's family. If you would like to help, please click on this link to sign up: Sign Up Here.

"Ask The Pastor"

Sunday, January 25

Have you ever had a nagging question about a Bible story? Have you been challenged in maintaining a prayer life? Do you want to talk to someone who is trained in the Bible and in the United Methodist Christian life? St. John’s is blessed with a group of retired pastors who know quite a few answers to our questions. We are testing out the concept of 90-minute sessions of asking and answering questions by creating our first "Ask The Pastor" session on January 25, on a Sunday at 2:00pm in rooms 149-151. There will be 2 retired pastors in attendance to field these questions. The conversations will be informative and very interesting. A master of ceremonies will ask turned-in questions, and the discussion will take off from there. We invite you to find our two collection boxes: in the Hospitality Center and on the usher table in the Abide service. There are cards available for you to write out questions and leave them for use at the Ask The Pastor sessions. But whether you do that or not, we invite you to attend our session on January 25 at 2pm. Please note, 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 January 15. This new event is created by the Look to the Future Work Group and we would like to see it become a regular enjoyable event full of conversation. Please come and listen as well and ask questions in the great conversation we expect to create. Contacts are Donna Berry (505-604-4487) or Joan Shirley (505-238-1663)

UWF Zoom Reading Group

Thursday, January 29

The United Women in Faith are doing their next Zoom Reading Discussion Group on Thursday, January 29, at 7 PM. The book we have chosen to read is The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. It is on the 2025 UWF Reading Program List under Spiritual Growth. The author describes sixteen biblical women's stories in paired comparisons, exploring their faith journeys, struggles, and lessons that can transform modern lives through examples of bravery, hope, and devotion.    

This reading group meets every two months on the fourth Thursday in the evenings at 7 PM. 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 January Zoom meeting will be sent out on Monday, January 19th.

The March 26th zoom discussion book is Highway to Tears by Jessica McDiarmid. This book is from the UWF 2026 book list under the category of Social Action. The author and journalist, Jessica McDiarmid, investigates the murders of Indigenous women and girls along a desolate stretch of highway in British Columbia, exposing acts of systemic racism and indifference towards women that have been allowed for decades. 

Meet & Greet ~ Sunday, February 1

Please join us for our 2nd Meet and Greet! This is a great opportunity to socialize and meet people outside of the sanctuary or the FLC! This one will be in the Sonshine Cafe from 10:30am -11:00am in the Sonshine Cafe on Sunday, February 1, 2026. There will be extra donuts and coffee, and we will be sharing some fun information as well! We'd love to get to know you better!  Sponsored by the Belonging Committee of the St. John's Futuring Team.

Ladies' Book Club ~ Monday, February 2

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing Lila by Marilynne Robinson. Homeless Lila takes shelter in a church and is drawn into the life of the gentle pastor. Contact Sara Perovich at sjperov@yahoo.com.

March book pick: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

United Women in Faith General Meeting

Thursday, February 5

Our next United Women in Faith General Meeting will be Thursday, February 5 at 10:00am. We will make pretzels and include information on the history of pretzels and their connection to Lent. See you on Feb. 5th for this tasty meeting. Got Questions, contact Linn Furnish at 505-884-6626.

Come Party With Us!

Friday, February 6

St. John’s will be hosting a “Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies Watch Party” on Friday, February 6 from 12:00 noon – 3:00pm. Events will be televised live from northern Italy. Bring a party snack to share and join us in room #231 (Library) upstairs to see everything on the big screen. This event requires an RSVP by February 1. Please contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org to join the fun! This is a multigenerational event, and everyone is welcome.

Memory Café

Valentines’ Celebration

Saturday, February 7

Join your friends at Memory Café for a Valentines’ Celebration! Who are the most famous and infamous couples in history? Play the game to find out! We will also have an opportunity to have a special photo with your Valentine. Special Valentines music and snacks. Memory Café Albuquerque will be February 7, 2026 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Memory Café meets the first Saturday of each month at 1:30pm - 3:00pm 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 (505) 323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com. You don’t need to register and there is no cost for the event. Join us for a fun time designed for you!  

Church Women United Retreat

Saturday, February 7

Church Women United Retreat - St. Julian of Norwich - will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 9:30am 12:00pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, located at 5301 Ponderosa NE. Erica Lee-Simka, pastor of the ABQ Mennonite Church, will be our leader for the retreat. She will center our deliberations around St. Julian of Norwich, an English "anchoress" of the Middle ages.



Second Annual Wesley Dinner

Thursday, February 12

Join us on Thursday, Feb 12, from 6pm to 7pm to learn more about the Wesley Foundation and its positive impact on UNM and CNM students, as well as the community. During this inspiring dinner, you will hear from students sharing the meaningful difference the Wesley Foundation has made in their lives, connect with board members, and learn about exciting initiatives from our new Executive Director, Rev. Michele Walton.

The dinner is free of charge. Donations are appreciated, but are not required to attend the dinner. To sign up, go to: https://givebutter.com/lovewesley

and press the Donate & Tickets blue button.  

Can't come, but still want to support the Wesley? Press the Donate & Tickets blue button, and then press the "I'd just like to donate" button at the bottom left corner of the screen. We'd also like to thank those of you who donated to the St. John's special offering in November! For more information, contact Nancy Bowen bowenna@earlham.edu or Alissa Dickey mhdickey723@gmail.com



Congregational Directory

The congregation directory, prepared by the 75th Anniversary Celebration Team, is ready for pick-up. Copies are only available to those who gave us permission to publish their information. Pick-up Sunday after each service or come by the church office next week.

Mobile Food Pantry

 Saturday, January 24

Roadrunner will be closed on Saturday, January 17 in observance of the MLK Holiday, so our food pantry will meet the following Saturday, January 24. Volunteers arrive at the Family Life Center about 8:00 - 8:30am and distribution begins at 9:30am, depending on the time the Roadrunner truck arrives. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering. Call Debby Smith at 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com. If you have small to medium boxes, you can drop them off during the MFP at the Family Life Center, or contact me to pick them up. Thank you for your support!

Apply today for UMC Scholarships

The UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship application portal is now open for United Methodist students nationwide seeking UMC scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study at universities and seminaries in the United States. Potential scholarships awarded range from $500 to $1,200, on average. Students must re-apply every year. Students can be awarded a scholarship annually for up to 7 years. Both full time and part time students who are members of the UMC are eligible.

Every year, GBHEM awards more than 2,100 scholarships, valued around $4 million, to undergraduate and graduate students at more than 500 U.S. Universities. This financial aid helped college and grad students of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and higher education to serve as the next generation of leaders. Application deadline is: March 6, 2026. Students use one free online form to apply for more than 70 UMC scholarship programs, click here Scholarships

Ramps Project   

Looking for a Few Amateur Handypersons?

In June of 2019, four men of St. John's got together to solve a big problem. There are thousands of disabled people in New Mexico that have a difficult time climbing the stairs in and out of their homes. Some are elderly, some are infirm, and others have had devastating injuries or were born with their debilitating health challenges. This can lead to isolation, depression, falls, medical issues and potentially even suicide. Their vision became the New Mexico Ramp Project, eventually growing into a group of about a dozen teams statewide that use donated money and resources to build ramps for the disabled at no cost to the recipient. To date 667 ramps have been built throughout NM! Gaining easy access in and out of their homes is life changing for the disabled, their caregivers, first responders, medical personnel, and insurance companies. Unfortunately, the St. John's team was sidelined not long ago when their leader moved out of state. But a new leader has just stepped forward so if you might like to help St. John's re-establish a team to change someone's life by helping build a ramp in March please contact Dennis Smith at (505) 238-0502 or dennisksmith@protonmail.com. If you would like to learn more or donate please go to this website: NMRAMP.ORG.



Show Your Love for Our First Responders,

Zuni Elementary & Tierra Adentro NM Families!

St. John's congregation can purchase $20 Fish Fry Dinner tickets as a donation for our local heroes—our police officers and firefighters! Starting January 25 through March 22, stop by the Hospitality Center on Sundays to grab your tickets. Know someone who'd love a delicious Fish Fry Dinner? Spread the joy by gifting tickets to family, friends, or neighbors! You can also purchase advance tickets on Sundays in the Hospitality Center from January 25 through the end of the Fish Fry season. Our Fish Fry Team has also chosen to support two special programs for the 2026 Fish Fry tip jars: Zuni Weekend Meal Bags that St. John's lovingly provides to families and snacks for the tutoring program at Tierra Adentro NM (TANM) Charter School. Now you can also donate on Fish Fry Sundays in the Hospitality Center to support either the Zuni weekend meal bags or TANM tutoring snacks—or both!

Questions? Contact Wayne at 505-294-1018 or jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Join Our Fish Fry Family!

1st Shift Clean-up Coordinator Needed

We're looking for a friendly leader to coordinate our amazing 1st shift clean-up crew! You'll work alongside a wonderful team of about 12-14 volunteers, helping guide everyone as they tidy up after diners finish their meals, reset tables so they're fresh and welcoming for the next guests and make sure reserved tables are all set and ready to go. When: 3:30 - 5:30pm (just 2 hours!) It's a fun, fast-paced role where you'll get to know great people while keeping everything running smoothly. No experience necessary! If you're interested, please contact Wayne Shirley at 505-294-1018 or drop him an email at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Recycling Donations Still Needed

Children’s & Family Ministry still needs your donations of wrapping paper tubes, paper towel, and toilet paper tubes (and any other sizes of cardboard tubes). We will be using these items during VBS this summer and we’ll need lots of them! Please bring all donations of cardboard tubes to the front office. Questions? Contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org. Thanks for your help!

Routine is Good



Youth Sunday School is 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.

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

Ariel Gutierrez 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 Ariel. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Ariel. "Heavenly Father, may your healing hands bring strength and comfort to Ariel's body and spirit. Grant him courage, peace and hope in the journey ahead. Surround him with your love and support. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen." 

     January 2026~Special Offering

Youth Mission Trip

This summer our youth will be heading to Georgia to help with the ongoing hurricane relief.  More details to follow, but we want to give them a head start on fundraising. So please give generously. Thank you for your support!

 January 2026~Special Collection

Gil Chavez Ministry: Sack Lunches

This January, St. John's is partnering with our fellow United Methodists at University Heights UMC to provide sack lunches for those experiencing food insecurity in Albuquerque's downtown area. For many years, UHUMC has faithfully served the community by distributing these meals every Sunday morning from 8:00am to 9:30 am.

We're collecting single-serve, non-perishable items to fill these lunches. Donations needed include: granola or breakfast bars, cheese or peanut butter cracker packs, ready-to-eat tuna or chicken and cracker packs, vienna sausages, beef jerky, trail mix, dried fruit, packaged cookies, fruit or applesauce cups, and pudding or jello cups. Please place your donations in the collection bins located in the Hospitality Center throughout January. Thank you, St. John's, for your generous hearts and continued commitment to serving our community!

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.