March 27, 2026

Holy Week!

~Palm Sunday - March 29

~Maundy Thursday - April 2

~Good Friday - April 3

~Easter Sunday - April 5

Palm Sunday, March 29, for all morning services (8:15am Mosaic Service; 9:30am Abide Service; & 11:00am Traditional Service) - We will celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with Palms & Praise!

Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. This will be a reflective service with Communion - featuring music from the Taizé tradition.

Good Friday, April 3 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. A powerful narration of the Passion Story with music by the St. John's Chancel Choir.

Easter Sunday, April 5 for all morning services (8:15am Mosaic Service; 9:30am Abide Service; & 11:00am Traditional Service). These glorious services - feature the journey through the powerful story of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and resurrection. All these wonderful services offer moments of worship, prayer, and renewal. Come and experience the hope and promise of Easter with us! All are welcome!

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.

       Getting Ready for Easter

Saturday, April 4

You are invited to help get the church ready for Easter morning. Come join us on Holy Saturday, April 4 at 11:30am. The black and purple will come down and butterflies will fly! We will be working in the FLC and the Sanctuary. As always, there will be doughnuts and other goodies to enjoy. If you need more details, please contact Anita Hallstrom at anitah1@comcast.net

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, from 1:30pm-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! 

Mountain Cathedrals

Easter Sunday ~ Sunrise Hike

April 5, Travertine Falls

"He is not here but has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” - Luke 24:6-7

Let us contemplate this while a new day dawns in the mountains.

Logistics: Meet at 5:45 AM at St. John’s UMC east parking lot or 6:15 AM at the Grand Enchantment Trailhead just outside of Tijeras (Google Maps: "Canyon Estates - Grand Enchantment Trailhead"); please RSVP in either case. We plan to be back to the cars by 8:15 AM and the church before 8:45. 1-mile round trip, elevation gain 300 feet, rocky trail, so moderate. Bring water, lights, and trekking poles if desired. Sunrise is at 6:46.

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

Upcoming Mountain Cathedrals: May 23, June 13 

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  

Thanksgiving in April

Spring Luncheon

Sunday, April 12

Come celebrate the gratitude we feel as Easter people with a Thanksgiving in April Feast, Sunday, April 12. We will have a Slow Roasted Turkey Lunch with all the Fixin's in the Family Life Center starting at 11:45 am. All are welcome, no reservation required.  Adults $16, 12-17 years old $10, 5-11 years old, 5 and under are FREE!

The Food Ministry needs volunteers to help serve the Sunday lunch. If you can help, please Spring Lunch - Sign-Ups or contact Nancy Douglas de Baca at squidgete@yahoo.com or Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org or 505-883-9717.

New Women's Bible Study

Monday, April 13 - Monday, May 18

Questions Jesus Asked

by Magrey deVega

A new Women's Bible study will begin Monday, April 13, and runs through Monday, May 18. Class is from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in rooms 245/257 for a total of 6 weeks. The study will be led by Barbara Stanfield. Bring your brown bag lunch.

What does Jesus want to know about us? Jesus was fond of asking questions, many of which cut right to the heart of what it means to be human. Why are you terrified? What do you live for? Who do you say that I am? In this study you will explore six of the most provocative questions Jesus posed to others and guides us in answering them for ourselves. Asking these questions takes courage. Not only do they reveal what Jesus really cares about, they open a window into our hearts. We all have questions for God, but growth happens when we turn things around and ask what Jesus wants to know about us. When we dare to raise them, these questions bring us a fuller appreciation for the wisdom, power, and presence of God in our lives. Are you willing to step out in faith? Are you ready to answer the questions Jesus asked?

Employment Opportunities

Position Title: NM Conference Benefits Officer

Location: NM Conference Office, 11816 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Job Type: Full-time

Reports To: Chairperson, Board of Pension and Health Benefits

of the New Mexico Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC)

Position Overview (see job description for more detail)

The Conference Benefits Officer (CBO) of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (BoPHB) administers, manages, bills, reconciles and communicates our Wespath offered, company-sponsored health insurance, pension and retirement, as well as BoPHB wellness plans and grants. The CBO manages clergy, employee and their family’s insurance, retirement plans, and leaves, and provides support for NMAC Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Key responsibilities include onboarding, auditing, addressing inquiries, billing and monitoring funds and grants. Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of benefits experience and proficiency in HRIS software, Microsoft Word and Zoom. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter applying for the position and detailing your relevant experience to:

New Mexico Conference UMC Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Brad Bennett, chairperson

11816 Lomas Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87112

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Position Title: Bookkeeper

Location: El Calvario UMC, 316 North Campo Street, Las Cruces

(this position can be done remotely)

Job Type: Quarter-time

El Calvario UMC is seeking a quarter-time Bookkeeper (5–6 hours/week) to maintain financial records and provide accurate reporting. This position can be done remotely and is ideal for someone organized, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting our ministries.

How to Apply: Contact El Calvario UMC Pastor Efrain Belmontes: efrain@elcalvarioumc.org 

Family Promise Meals Needed

April 5th - 25th.

These dates do not have host churches and Family Promise would appreciate any help. You can provide the meal and eat with the families, drop off a meal, or provide groceries. Please click on the Family Promise Sign-up link - Sign Up Genius for more information. For information regarding families staying at Family Promise, or other questions, contact Jenn Shields at (505) 450-9978; jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net. 

Family Promise

Sweet Jazz Concert

& Silent Auction

Sunday, April 19

This is a wonderful concert and fundraiser that supports Family Promise's work to end homelessness. The concert is from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Sunday, April 19th at Sandia Presbyterian Church and tickets can be purchased at Sweet Jazz Concert Tickets. If you have questions, contact Jenn Shields at (505) 450-9978; jennshields200@yahoo.com or Linn Furnish at swimsew@comcast.net.  

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. This study continues 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.

Don’t Miss the Final Fish Fry Dinner of 2026!

If you’ve been meaning to join the fun, tonight’s your last chance for this year’s Fish Fry Dinners! Bring your appetite — and a friend — for one more evening of delicious food, laughter, and community connection.

Tickets: $20 for adults | $9 for children (10 & under)

It’s more than just dinner — it’s a Friday-night tradition worth savoring. See you there!

Have You Spotted the Tip Jars?

As you enjoy your golden fried fish and all the fixings, take a moment to notice the tip jars on the tables. This Fish Fry tradition turns your kindness into meaningful support for local children right here in Albuquerque.

Your 2026 contributions will benefit two remarkable programs:

• Weekend Meal Bag Program at Zuni Elementary — providing nourishing food for our neighbors just across the street from St. John’s.
• Tutoring Snacks Program at Tierra Adentro New Mexico (TANM) — helping students stay energized and focused as they learn.

Every dollar dropped in the jar makes a difference. Together, we can feed hope, fuel learning, and build a stronger community - one act of generosity at a time.

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!

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.