March 20, 2026

Josh's Jottings

As Lent proceeds and draws close to Holy Week, consider making time in your schedule now for the special services and opportunities to reach out to our community with the message of the resurrection. 

On Palm Sunday, we will have special worship with the traditional Palm Parade. 

Maundy Thursday, at 7:30 pm, we will have special Taize Worship with Communion. If you're unfamiliar with Taize, it is a contemplative worship style emphasizing prayer, music, and reflection in candlelight. 

Good Friday, also at 7:30 pm, gather for a service with the Chancel Choir and music to remember Jesus' passion. 

Easter Sunday, invite friends to Resurrection Sunday worship at all 3 services. We will sing and praise God as we celebrate that Jesus didn't stay in the grave. He rose for us!

Youth and Children also have special opportunities with Peter's Walk, a special experiential prayer journey for the youth, and the Children's Easter Egg Hunt. Angela and Brett have details. 

No matter what, make the week of March 29 a Holy Week indeed as we celebrate and remember together!

February 2026 ~ Finance Report



• Tithes and Offerings: 102,146,48
• Miscellaneous Income 3,704.88
• Preschool Transfer 2,302.38
• Total Income 108,153.74
• Total Monthly Expenses 108,305.10
• Income vs. Expense 151.36

To offer a clearer picture of our finances, the Finance Committee will report monthly in the newsletter. In February, the church had a small deficit of $151.36. This is due to decrease in income and increase in expenses. With that, February leaves us at our targeted 16.67% of annual budget. The Monthly Financial Reports are always available for anyone to review in the office.

A WORD FROM FINANCE CHAIRPERSON, LINN REECE

Did you know the church tithes, too?

Since St. John’s is connected to the United Methodist Church globally, we as a church actually give a tithe to the global church out of your offerings. We send a check to the conference office each month that is calculated based upon our previous month’s offerings received. It is set at 8%; as some other charges related to clergy benefits are billed to us directly at approximately 2% for a total of 10%.

You may ask why are we giving to this large outside entity? The offerings are for our church, aren’t they? We benefit from our connectional relationship with the United Methodist Church. Not only that but it allows us to benefit others through supporting disaster relief, missionaries, colleges, African churches and so many other endeavors around the world. The worldwide church does the coordination and distribution of these funds so that each local church, no matter what size, can contribute to God’s work throughout the world. The organization of the United Methodist Church is how we are able to help God's children everywhere to experience God’s love.

Mobile Food Pantry

Saturday, March 21

Mobile Food Pantry will be on Saturday, March 21. Volunteers arrive at the Family Life Center about 8:00am-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. Debby Smith 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 continued support.

Quintessence Presents "A Sacred Place"

Sunday, March 22



Don't miss "A Sacred Place" on Sunday, March 22 at 3:00pm in the Sanctuary at St. John’s. This concert features the New Mexico premiere of Alex Berko’s cantata Sacred Place, and music by Jocelyn Hagen, Frank Ticheli, Craig Hella Johnson, and others.

Enjoy music from Quintessence: A Community of Singers, along with a special community pop-up choir made up of singers from across our area. St. John’s members can receive 20% off advance tickets by using the code SJUMC. Come experience this unforgettable afternoon of music that celebrates the fragility of our natural world. Click here to get your tickets today.

UWF Zoom Reading Group

Thursday, March 26

The United Women in Faith are doing their next Zoom Reading Discussion Group on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00pm.  The book being discussed 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.

This reading group meets every two months on the fourth Thursday at 7:00pm. 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 March Zoom meeting will be sent out on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Music at St John's

Concert Features Floras

Sunday, March 29

Join us on Sunday, March 29 at 3pm as “Music at St. John’s” presents mezzo-soprano Olga Perez Flora and tenor Jamie Flora, with pianist Nathan Salazar.

Olga and Jamie will present “Canciones de mi Corazón: Music of Latin America.” There is no admission charge; a free will offering will be received. The performance will also be available by livestream.

United Women in Faith

Thursday, April 2

UWF will host Joann Landry, pastor and director of Interfaith Bible Center on Thursday, April 2. The general meeting is held in Rooms 241/243 at 10:00am. Interfaith Bible Center (sometimes associated with or referred to as the Compassion Services Center) is a faith-based outreach ministry focused primarily on helping people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Albuquerque. The Center is located in the International District near Trumbull and Louisiana. Interfaith is best known for direct hands-on aid, serving hot meals daily. The Center furnishes showers and basic shelter, currently with 38 beds.

The Center's basic mission is essentially to provide compassionate and basic needs and to support vulnerable populations, especially the homeless. Despite the name, this is not primarily a traditional church congregation with typical Sunday services. It functions more as a community outreach ministry/service center.

Please join United Women in Faith on April 2 to hear Joann, a dynamic and passionate speaker. Donations we are collecting include shampoo, body wash, coffee, creamer, and sugar. Thank you for your support.

Memory Cafe

Saturday, April 4

It is time for our annual Easter Parade! Wear your silliest or frilliest hat and join your friends at Memory Café. Four Grumpy Old Men are our musical guests, with Easter games and snacks. Memory Café Albuquerque meets on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1:30 pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

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! 

The Ladies' Book Club

Monday, April 6

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1:00pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawthon. The historical novel follows the life of a midwife in Maine after the Revolutionary War. Contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.

May book pick: The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya

Mark Your Calendars for the Upcoming

Safe Sanctuary ~ Training Class

Monday, May 4

Mark your calendars for the next Safe Sanctuary training class here at St. John's UMC. The next SS training will be held on Monday, May 4 at 5:30pm 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, 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.  

UMC Handbooks Are Now Available

The Handbook of The United Methodist Church is now available. The digital, print-ready resource is designed to help people understand who United Methodists are, how we are connected and how we live out our shared mission together. https://www.resourceumc.org/.../united.../umc-handbook

"Introduction: The United Methodist Church (UMC) is a worldwide family of faith, united by one mission: making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We live out this mission through a covenant of connection that binds us together—across communities, cultures, and continents. This connection gives us strength, resources, and the ability to accomplish more together than any single congregation could do alone.

This guide is designed to introduce you to who we are as United Methodists, how we are organized, and how we live out our mission. Inside, you will find explanations of our structure, beliefs, ministries, and how our global connection shapes our work. Whether you are new to the church, need a refresher, or are simply curious, it offers a helpful overview of the work and witness of The United Methodist Church.

As we face the challenges of our time, the church is called to a renewed future— one that embraces love, service, and courageous leadership.

We strive to:

• LOVE BOLDLY — welcoming all people with compassion and grace.
• SERVE JOYFULLY — offering care, hope, and partnership to those in need.
• LEAD COURAGEOUSLY — working for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the world."

Little Books - Big Messages

St. John's email Bible study will take a quick look at a dozen little books, the shortest in the Bible. One theme that runs through several of these books is the importance of being on guard against false prophets and deceivers. Jesus warns us, “Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray” (Matthew 24:11), and John recommends that we “not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This is excellent advice in this day of AI and social media: Is a message in line with scripture? Can you determine a source? Can the source be trusted? “Do not be deceived, my beloved” (James 1:16).  Pick up a study guide at the Hospitality Desk or write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or (505) 294-2877 to receive daily study tips by email.

  Announcing an Evening Men & Women's

In-Person Bible Study Opportunity!

Have you been looking for an opportunity to join a Bible Study group that meets in person during the evening? If so, please consider joining our Tuesday night study group. We will begin our next study on March 17 and continue through April 21 in rooms 245/247 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. 

The study group will be using Adam Hamiton's book, Christianity and World Religions, to explore four major world religions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, and how these beliefs compare with Christianity. We will consider how we as Christians may be able to learn from other faiths and relate to our neighbors of other faiths in a constructive manner. If you would like to purchase the book through Amazon, you can use this link.

Interested? If so, please contact Debbie Benton at debabqq@gmail.com to sign up or to get additional information about the class. You may also sign up at the Hospitality Desk on Sunday mornings!

New Women's Bible Study

March 31 - May 19

Live Free: A Study of Galatians

by Elizabeth Woodson

A new Women's Bible study will begin Tuesday, March 31, and runs through Tuesday, May 19. Class is from 9:30am to 11:30am in rooms 245/257 for a total of 8 weeks. The study will be led by Shanlii Payment.

We long for peace, to have lives marked by freedom from difficulty and pain. We look to countless places to fill this need - our possessions, relationships, intellect, spirituality, political affiliations, and so on. But, by relying on these things for freedom, we unintentionally make them our savior instead of Christ.

This exchange leaves us enslaved to a false gospel and to the very things we hoped would set us free. Walking verse-by-verse through Paul's letter, Elizabeth highlights how this letter teaches us that in the gospel alone do we gain what we desire - freedom from sin and freedom to experience true peace, living the abundant life Jesus offers.

The Fry Fun Isn't Done ~ Two More to Go!

Missed the Fish Fry Dinner last Friday? Not to worry — the fun (and flavor!) continues! You still have two more Fridays to savor this beloved community tradition.

Join us this Friday, March 20, or next Friday, March 27, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center for a mouthwatering feast featuring crispy fried or baked fish, hearty sides, and chicken tenders. And let's not forget Chef Tim's great desserts to top off the meal!

Bring your appetite, a friend, and your best Friday-night smile — it’s more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of community, great food, and good company!

Have You Spotted the Tip Jars?

Good Taste, Great Cause!

As you dig into that golden fried fish and delicious sides, don’t forget to check out the tip jars on the tables! It’s a Fish Fry tradition that turns your generosity into real help for local kids right here in Albuquerque.

And this year, the kindness doesn’t stop when the plates are cleared — you can also find tip jars on Sunday mornings in the Hospitality Center. Double the chances to give, double the good!

Your 2026 donations support two wonderful programs:

• Weekend Meal Bag Program at Zuni Elementary — feeding our neighbors just across the street from St. John’s.
• Tutoring Snacks Program at Tierra Adentro New Mexico (TANM) — keeping students fueled for learning.

A few dollars dropped in a jar might seem small, but together, we can make a big splash. So go ahead — tip generously, smile widely, and help our local kids dive into success!

Sweet (and Fizzy) Help Needed!

We’re looking for a few cheerful helping hands this Friday and next to keep our Fish Fry Fridays running smoothly! If you’ve got a knack for cutting and serving desserts or prepping and pouring beverages, we’d love to have you join the fun.

Choose a shift — 3:30–5:30 p.m. or 5:30–7:30 p.m. — and be part of the team that keeps the smiles (and the tea!) flowing. If you can help out, please give Wayne a call at 505-294-1018.

Hook a Friend on Fish Fry Fun!

Looking for a “reel” way to show someone you care? Treat them to a Fish Fry Dinner—or two, or three! Advance tickets make the perfect catch for friends, neighbors, or anyone who deserves a little thank-you and good cheer.

You can hook your tickets on Sunday mornings in the Hospitality Center. Tickets: $20 for adults | $9 for children age 10 & under

So go ahead — spread the love, share the flavor, and keep the Fish Fry fun flowing!

Community Easter Celebration

& Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 28

Our Children’s Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt is happening on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00am to 12:00 (Noon) in the Family Life Center. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, & co-workers to share the fun. Come join us for games, crafts, face painting, a bouncy house, cookie decorating, food, & more! Everything is free, and we’d love to share the joy. Hope to see you there!

Easter Candy Donations



Many thanks to those who have donated candy for the Children’s egg hunt. We are currently in need of small, individually wrapped candy. All donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off to the church office until Wednesday, March 25.

Recycling Update

WOW! Your response to the request for cardboard tubes & brown paper has been absolutely wonderful.😊 Thanks so much!! We are turning these items into projects for our summer VBS camp. Now we need some time to catch up with all the awesome donations, so we currently do not need any further donations of tubes or paper. Thanks again for your help!!

Prayer Quilts

Rick and Pat Swanson (friends of Helen Van Cleve) are the recipients 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 Rick and Pat. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for the Swansons. "Loving God, wrap your arms around this couple and let your presence be their refuge and your love their strength. Restore their health, renew their hope and remind them-they are never alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!" 

    Snack Drive for Tierra Adentro New Mexico

Throughout March, we’re collecting snack items to support students at Tierra Adentro New Mexico (TANM) Arts Charter School in northwest Albuquerque. TANM serves middle and high school students, including a number who face food insecurity.

Our church currently provides weekend meal bags each week for seven TANM students experiencing homelessness or food insecurity — and our friends at TANM have shared that 50 more students could use our help. This month, we’re focusing on snack donations that will be distributed directly to those students either through the tutoring program or as needed.

Suggested single-serve items include cheese and crackers, beef jerky, applesauce, pudding or fruit cups, granola/protein/cereal bars, ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, macaroni and cheese, soups (with pull-tab lids), ramen noodles, trail mix, fruit snacks, boxed drinks or juices, chips, pretzels, Goldfish, Vienna sausages, Pop-Tarts, and oatmeal packets.

Please drop off your donations in the Hospitality Center collection bins any time during March. Thank you, St. John’s! Your generosity helps our neighbors in Albuquerque know they are cared for — and you truly make a difference!

March Lenten-Special Offering

Lent, the time of preparation for Easter, is a time of confession, prayer, fasting and spiritual renewal with an emphasis on self-sacrifice. At St. John's this offering traditionally goes to local ministries such as the Ramp Project, Roadrunner Food Bank, Family Promise, Asbury Pie Cafe, The Rock at Noonday, Barrett House (emergency shelter for women) and many more.

A long, long time ago, we put daily quarters in a special folder (anyone remember those?!). Today we give in different ways, but the purpose is the same: to daily remember those in need and dig deeper into our resources to show love to our neighbors. 

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.