July 11, 2025

Josh's Jottings

Summer offers a natural invitation to slow down. As schedules ease and days lengthen, it’s a good time to remember that rest is not a luxury—it’s part of God’s design. From the rhythm of Sabbath in Genesis to Jesus’ frequent withdrawals to quiet places, Scripture reminds us that pauses are holy. In this season, consider making intentional space for spiritual reflection. Whether it’s sitting quietly in prayer, journaling under a shady tree, or simply taking a walk without your phone, let this summer be a time to listen for God’s gentle whisper in the stillness.



Author and theologian Lauren Winner writes, “The rest of Sabbath is not just rest from making things. It is rest from the need to make something of ourselves.” What a gift to be reminded that we are already beloved in God’s eyes—not because of what we accomplish, but simply because we belong to God. So let’s embrace the slower days of summer as an opportunity to reconnect—with ourselves, with creation, and with our Creator. This season, may you find rest not as escape, but as sacred ground.

We Care Support Group

Saturday, July 12

Caregivers devote themselves to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others in their lives. For many, balancing self-care with the care of others who depend on them is especially challenging. The We Care group provides support for caregivers. If you are caring for a spouse, sibling, friend, child, or other loved one, join us on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the church library. Group members share struggles, frustrations, creative solutions, and joys with one another as they laugh, cry, and listen. Contact Lauren Morgan-Smith at care@stjohns-abq.org for additional details.  

Jazz Vespers

Saturday, July 12

Join us tomorrow, Saturday at 5:00 PM, for our monthly Jazz Vespers worship service—a unique blend of spiritual reflection and soulful jazz. This service features some of New Mexico’s finest jazz musicians, including pianist Robert Lah, vocalist Julia Manganaro, flutist Linda Davidson, bassist David Parlato, percussionist Cal Haines, and guitarist Michael Anthony. Our preacher is Rev. Craig Cockrell. Whether you attend in person in the sanctuary or prefer to join us from home, we invite you to worship with us. Click here to join the livestream online.

Mobile Food Pantry

Saturday, July 19

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. 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.

Mountain Cathedrals Hike - 10K Trail South

Saturday, July 19

The east side of the Sandia Mountains is a peaceful forest and wonderful setting for contemplating the Word. Psalm 82 speaks of the difficult concepts of justice and walking in darkness - best considered in a time set apart such as this. Please join us for this hike to a viewpoint shared by the Tree Springs route we've visited in the past, then up past the Tram top and some amazing views.

Meet at the St. John's UMC east parking lot at 7:30 a.m., or at the trailhead (Google Maps: 10KTrailhead) at 8:20 a.m. Moderate to strenuous (5.5 miles, with about 1000 feet of climb). Depending on the group and vehicle availability, we may set up a drive-around so the hike will be mostly downhill (ending at the Tree Springs trailhead). Plan to be back at the parking area by 2:00 p.m. and St. John's by 2:45 p.m. Bring sun protection, snacks, and water. Trekking poles and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Enthusiasm is welcome!

Please join us for this hike of meditation, wilderness, and time apart from our normal schedules. Contact Mike Furnish at (505) 440- 7292 or mdfurnish@comcast.net with any questions.

Quintessence Summer Festival Concert

Sunday, July 20

Join Quintessence: A Community of Singers for an unforgettable afternoon of music at our 2025 Summer Choral Festival Concert on Sunday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m., at V. Sue Cleveland High School.

This concert features the Quintessence Summer Choral Festival Chorus and Orchestra performing Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, conducted by Matthew Greer. A moving and powerful work, The Armed Man explores themes of conflict, hope, and reconciliation. The performance will feature a 45-piece orchestra and chorus of 125 singers.

The 2025 Summer Choral Festival (July 12 - 20) includes a full week of workshops and community events, several of which will be held at St. John’s! Whether or not you’re a registered singer, you’re warmly invited to attend workshops, social gatherings, and events focused on music and peacemaking.

Click here to get your concert tickets and click here to see the full schedule of workshops and events.

Quintessence Kids' Choir Concert

Friday, July 18

Join us on Friday, July 18 at 12:00 p.m. in St. John’s Sanctuary for a performance by the talented young singers of the Quintessence Summer Kids' Choir!

After a week filled with music, learning, and fun, our campers are excited to share what they’ve been working on. Under the direction of the wonderful Louise Loomis, music educator at Sunset Mesa School, these young musicians will present a concert for family, friends, and the community.

Come be part of this special moment and support the next generation of singers in our community. The performance is free!

Ladies' Book Club

Monday, July 21

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, July 21 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 241. We’ll be discussing A Skeleton in God’s Closet by Paul L. Maier. This mystery novel explores the reaction to a remarkable find at an archaeological dig, raising tensions between faith and doubt. Also, this is our annual meeting where we bring books to exchange with others (no textbooks, please). Any books not exchanged will be donated for sale at the upcoming Rummage Sale. Contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.

September book pick: Fall of Giants by Ken Follett.

UWF Annual Rummage Sale

Donations will be accepted Tuesday, July 22 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 23 from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., and Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please no donations after 1 p.m. as we are getting ready for the sale. Please price your items with a price that you would pay and make money. You do not need to price clothing or books.

DONATIONS WE ARE LOOKING FOR: home decor, kitchenware, household items, garden tools, tools, knick-knacks, small appliances, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture (end tables), small dining tables (seats 4), crafts, linens

ITEMS WE CANNOT SELL: large appliances, paint, makeup, large dressers, large furniture, sofas, file cabinets, large luggage, used pillows, entertainment centers, or anything stained, cracked, or dirty. Please NO spiders or mouse poop. 

Contact Regina Hampton with questions at hamptonmason1@msn.com.

Volunteer to Help with UWF Rummage Sale

Volunteering for the UWF rummage sale is a great way to give back to the community while supporting important outreach efforts. This sale not only helps raise much-needed funds for local service projects—like food banks, shelters, and youth programs, but also brings people together in a spirit of generosity and fellowship. No matter what you are doing, every task contributes to something bigger: making a positive impact on the lives of others. It's a meaningful way to serve with your time and heart. Interested in volunteering? Contact Regina Hampton at haptonmason1@msn.com.

Fire! Fire!

The West is burning, not to mention Alaska, Canada, and some of the deep South. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about the hot topic of fire. Join St. John's email Bible study as we read about flaming swords, burning bushes, fiery messengers, and tongues of fire, to mention just a few. Pick up a study guide in the Narthex, or write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or (505) 294-2877 to receive daily study tips by email.

New Mexico Ramp Project Banquet

The New Mexico Ramp Project was started at St. John’s 6 years ago. They have built over 550 ramps at no cost for people in NM with mobility issues. On July 12, the first fundraising banquet will be held in the Family Life Center, featuring one of Chef Tim's fabulous meals. The Silent Auction starts at 11 am with lunch to follow. Tickets are $26, and we’d love to have a large number of SJUMC members there. You can order tickets at NMRamp.org, call the office at (505) 585-3832, or contact Greg Hallstrom at (505) 400-1776.

Summer God Sightings

"God sightings" refers to the active practice of recognizing God's presence in everyday life experiences. This can include noticing beauty in nature, experiencing answered prayers, witnessing acts of kindness, or finding unexpected joy in difficult times. Children’s & Family Ministries (CFM) would love to celebrate your God sightings this summer! As you experience the greatness of God throughout the season, please share those moments by posting them to the CFM bulletin board near the SonShine Café. This could include pictures, brochures, personal notes, ticket stubs, etc. about those special moments when you were touched soulfully by the incredible nature of God in your life.

Game Night Extravaganza

Following the incredible success of our first Sizzlin' Summer Night event, we're thrilled to invite you to our next community celebration on August 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Join us for an evening packed with entertainment for every age and interest. Whether you're a board game enthusiast, a competitive cornhole player, or prefer cheering from the sidelines, there's something special waiting for you.

Some of what's in store:

• Classic board games in the SonShine Cafe
• Exciting cornhole tournament
• Pickleball action
• Bounce house adventures for our youngest community members
• Plenty of space for spectators and socializing

Best of all, admission is free, and we'll be serving up delicious hot dogs, chips, drinks, and homemade cookies throughout the evening.

Come as you are, bring your family and friends, and let's create another unforgettable night of laughter, friendly competition, and community connection. Whether you're ready to play or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, we can't wait to see you there! Questions? Contact Donna at donnabruce@comcast.net.

Reminder: Come Make Pies for Asbury Pie Café

Join us on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center.

We're baking for a cause and need helping hands! Join us for a fun, feel-good pie party. Whether you are a pro, or just love to help, everyone's welcome.

Please contact Regina Hampton at hamptonmason1@msn.com

or (505) 379-3660. Also, if you have fresh fruit to donate, please give Regina a call. Peaches, apricots, cherries, and rhubarb are greatly appreciated!

"Making pies, making memories, making a difference."

Freezer Space Needed

Our first Pie Party was a lot of fun, and we were able to distribute all 47 pies to volunteers’ freezers! The freezers at church will get filled up again at the next pie party, so I would appreciate a few more volunteers. Thanks so much for your help! Contact Debby Smith at (505) 554-4238 dysmith0427@gmail.com to volunteer.

Family Movie Day

Come join us for a family-friendly movie and lunch on Saturday, July 19. Children’s & Family Ministries will cover the cost for kids grade 5 and under and their accompanying adults (this is not a “drop off” event) to enjoy the new “Smurfs” movie and share lunch. Movie time to be determined, but most likely before 12 noon. Reservations required. Please RSVP to Angela at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org by July 16. Hope to see you there!

Sacramento Mission Trip

We leave this Sunday, July 13 in the afternoon and will not be back until Saturday, July 19. Due to our travels, there will not be Reel to Real or Summer Treats this week. Please pray for a safe and fun week for students and adults as they are helping to prepare the camp for ministries this coming semester.

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

Roy Lybarger 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 Roy. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Roy. "Heavenly Father, we seek your divine strength for Roy. Grant him the determination to overcome each obstacle in his path to recovery. May your healing touch mend his body and spirit, leading him towards renewed health and vitality. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen." 

July Special Offering: Peace with Justice

Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. The UM Church has a historic commitment to peace and justice. Through the General Board of Church and Society's consultative status with the United Nations, we engage in UN meetings to promote peace and justice efforts.

Fifty percent of the funds raised for Peace with Justice stay within the United Methodist Annual Conference to enhance and support local social justice ministries. The remaining fifty percent of the donations collected support national and international peacemaking ministries and grants.

One of the beautiful things about the United Methodist Church is that together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Together, we renew our commitment that people of faith should work to build peace with justice. Please give generously! We appreciate you, St. John's.

July Collections: Weekend Meal Bags for Zuni Elementary School

The 2025-2026 school year is approaching quickly, and we're preparing to support food-insecure children at Zuni Elementary with weekend meal bags containing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Help us get ahead this July by donating any of these single-serve items: individual oatmeal packets; shelf-stable milk (white or chocolate); breakfast bars or granola bars; cereal cups; chicken or tuna packets with crackers; Chef Boyardee products; individual macaroni and cheese cups; vegetables in a cup; individual applesauce cups; fruit cups; pudding cups; and individual packages of cookies.

Drop off donations in the collection bins located in the Hospitality Center. Every donation helps ensure these children have nutritious meals throughout the weekend when school meals aren't available. Thank you for your generosity!

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 Rev. Molly Shannon’s church office phone 505-883-9717, ext. 127 – or email care@stjohns-abq.org and she will respond as soon as possible.