May 8, 2026

Join us May 30 for Community Expressions

An Inclusive Arts Festival and Fundraiser for

Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative.

EVENT TO FEATURE SPECIAL GUEST, KEN MEDEMA!

At St. John's in the Family Life Center.

10:00am - 3:00pm: Day Festival: Art, Workshops, Crafts,

Vendors & Silent Auction. 

5:00pm-8:00 pm:  Evening fundraiser: $28 Admission with dinner, music, and performances featuring Paul Unton from Dust City Opera, DanceAbility, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more!

All proceeds benefit Disability Arts Programs. 

For more info, email info@adacnm.org or call 505-451-4175. 

The First Smile on a Sunday Morning

Every Sunday, ushers play an important role in the life of our church. Before the first hymn is sung or the first prayer spoken, ushers help create a spirit of welcome and hospitality. Our ushers help newcomers find their way, answer questions, and assist in worship. They also keep us safe if there is an emergency or someone just needs some urgent help. 

Right now, we need a few extra ushers at the 11:00am service. We are hoping to add one additional team starting as soon as possible. If we get enough volunteers, each team will only need to help 2-3 months out of the year. Training is provided, and if you are friendly, dependable, and willing to help people feel welcome and cared for, we would love to have you join us. 

Please contact Karen Hall at klhall66@gmail.com if you can help. It really is a lot of fun!

Stamp Out Hunger!

Food Drive

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is Saturday, May 9th (leave non-perishable food by your mailbox). Last year 137,556 pounds of food were donated here in Albuquerque! It was given directly to Roadrunner Food Bank, which is the supplier for our monthly Mobile Food Pantry. 

Volunteers - should arrive at the Family Life Center about 8:00am - 8:30am and distribution begins ~ 9:30am depending on the time the Roadrunner truck arrives. We are usually finished by 11:00am. 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. 

WE CARE Support Group

Saturday, May 9

We look forward to meeting new caregivers (and our returning ones!) at our We Care Support Group for caregivers. This month's meeting is this Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am - noon in the church library (park in the West church lot on Arizona St NE).

Topics discussed include Caregiver Burnout and thoughts on creative responses to stress. We offer a safe and confidential place to ask questions, share concerns, maybe cry a little, and laugh a little. This group is facilitated by Carol Dolan and Virginia Worrell. Call the church office or reach out to one of them for more details. 

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner Celebration!

Saturday, May 16

You are cordially invited to the Lenten Fish Fry Dinner Celebration on Saturday, May 16 from 5:00pm–7:00pm in the Family Life Center! This potluck-style gathering invites everyone to bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert to serve about eight people. Plates, utensils, napkins, serving tools, and drinks will be provided.



We’ll begin the evening with 45 minutes of food and fellowship, followed by a fun Lenten Fish Fry Dinner trivia quiz and the annual report. Come celebrate the success of the 2026 Lenten Fish Fry and enjoy a great evening together! Please RSVP to me, Wayne Shirley, before Thursday May 14 at jwshirleyabq@gmail.com.

Pop Tarts 2

It's Back! - Bigger, Bolder, and Full of Hits

Sunday, May 17

Join Quintessence - A Community of Singers for Pop Tarts 2-Electric Boogaloo the sequel you didn’t know you needed to our audience-favorite Top 40 playlist concert! Enjoy a surprise setlist filled with iconic hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and beyond, guaranteed to bring all the feels.

Click here to get your tickets in advance (available for both in-person and livestream) and don’t forget to use code SJUMC at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase. Round up your friends and join us for a feel-good night of unforgettable music!

Grief Support Group

Thursday, May 21

Please join us on Thursday, May 21 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm in the Church Library, 2nd floor - Room 231. This group is facilitated by Carol Dolan and Karen Hall. Call the church office or contact them for more details.

Everyone has or will experience the grief that comes when we lose a spouse, a beloved loved family member, a dear friend or a precious pet. Grieving is felt differently by different people and may be expressed through different emotions such as anger, sadness, and depression. Loneliness also often accompanies grieving. Some people find support in their grieving though meeting with others in a caring, compassionate, and safe space where feelings can be explored, and support may be found through talking with others. We offer an invitation to those who are newly experiencing grief and for those who have suffered significant loss over time. Grief has no definitive ending.

New MexiChords~Spring Concerts

Friday, May 8 &

Saturday, May 9

New MexiChords present their spring a cappella show, "Hi Neighbor!" with concerts on Friday, May 8 at 7:00pm and Saturday, May 9 at 1:00pm, here, at St. John's in the Sanctuary, with special guest quartet, "Moving Parts." Get your tickets at the door for $15. Join us as we take a journey through feel-good songs! Hope to see you there!

Social Concerns Committee

Tuesday, May 19

A presentation will be made by a representative of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at our next meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm in the church library.  All are welcome.

POLO

(People of Leisure and Others)

Friday, May 22

POLO (People of Leisure and Others) is getting together for fun, fellowship and CHOCOLATE. We will meet at Eldora Chocolate Factory, located at 8114 Edith Blvd. NE, on Friday, May 22, with lunch at Tula’s Kitchen, located at 5021 Pan American Freeway NE (Pan American and Jefferson). 

Eldora specializes in handcrafted chocolates, and the tour shows the chocolate-making process. There can only be 15 people per tour, so we are offering two (2) tour options. Sign up by Sunday, May 17!

1) Meet at the Eldora Factory at 11:00am, with lunch to follow at 12:30pm.

2) Meet at Tula’s at 12:30 pm for lunch, with the tour at Eldora at 2:00pm.

Price is $17.00 per person for the tour, cash or check to St. John’s with POLO Tour in the memo line.  Everyone will need to wear a hairnet during the tour. Lunch is on your own.  Please join us!  Sign up in the Hospitality Center by May 17. Got Questions - Email barbarastanfield@comcast.net.

ADAC Presents

Community Expressions

Saturday, May 30

WHAT:

ADAC Community Expressions Inclusive Arts Festival & Fundraiser,

with the one and only Ken Medema! Supporting ADAC arts programs!

WHERE:

St. John's United Methodist Church Family Life Center and classrooms.

WHEN:

10:00am-3:00pm FREE Art Show with FREE workshops provided by amazing artisans and instructors. *Free all day

5:00-8:30pm Dinner and Variety Showing Starring Ken Medema and a variety of sensational artist performances. *28 dollars per person (ask us if you want a ticket and can't afford it --- info@adacnm.org or 505-451-4175)

WHY?

We are fundraising to expand ADAC's programming and find a new full-time space where we can do ADA Cafes daily, classes, workshops, more Open Mics, a theater company, art shows, expressive arts therapies, and much much more! Help us get there!

Go to www.adacnm.org for a variety show tickets or to become a sponsor! Or call/text 505-451-4175.

Memory Cafe

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers needed for Memory Cafe. Looking for someone who can manage the attendance and registrations. Proficient with computers and printers is a plus. Should be able to attend monthly meetings and work with Database management, record keeping, print forms and send out monthly emails. For all the important details, please contact Sharon Jensen at ssmjens@ aol.com.

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.

Memory Café is held the first Saturday of each month from 1:30pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café @ St. John’s United Methodist Church, located at 2626 Arizona Street NE 87110. (please enter from the parking lot on Phoenix Ave.) For more information please email: ssmjens@aol.com.

2026 NM Annual

Conference of the UMC

June 11 -13

Join us in El Paso at the 2026 NM Annual Conference of the UMC on June 11 - 13. The New Mexico Annual Conference of the UMC will be held Thursday, June 11 from 9:00am until Saturday, June 13, around 12-noon, at Western Hills UMC - El Paso, Texas. 

The theme of the next three years of NM annual conferences is A Season of Growth: Rooted in Christ - Growing for the World. The specific theme for this year is Pruning for Clarity. The supporting Scripture is John 15. 

(Please read Bishop's Call Letter for more information.)

We will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary of the NM Annual Conference with a fiesta on Thursday night, June 11, 2026. There will be good food, always warm fellowship, and a time to share our stories of conference memories past. Please bring your photos and memorabilia to share during the 2026 NM annual conference.

Bishop Grant J. Hagiya, retired UMC Bishop from the Western Jurisdiction and current Co-President at Claremont School of Theology, will be preaching the Service of Commissioning and will participate during the Conference.

Our keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson. She is chief learning and innovation officer at Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF). Blair is a familiar face to our conference. She consistently provides new ideas and new ways for churches to minister to the world. 

See details on https://www.nmconfum.com/2026-annual-conference-home/

To register for Annual Conference 2026 Click here.  If you have any questions about registration or annual conference in general, please contact Roselie Johnston: email

Important Deadlines:

• The last day to reserve a room at the host hotel is May 25th. 

• The registration late fee starts on Monday, May 11. Registration closes on Friday, May 29.

Please share this information with your church members. The registration fee for guests is only $50. The fee includes a celebration of our 150th Anniversary on Thursday, June 11, our keynote speaker, attendance at the plenary sessions and of course, participating in the Service of Commissioning and other worship services.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15: 1-4.

Evolvement Youth Organization

Sunday, May 17

Hi church family, my name is Illuminata. I have been a member of St. John's since elementary school. On Sunday, May 17, I'll be in the lobby before the 11:00am service to share some information on a youth organization called Evolvement. I have worked with the Evolvement group for three years now. Through this preventive program, youth from around the state - educate high school students, legislators and the community about the dangers of tobacco and vaping, while developing advocacy and leadership skills. I'm looking forward to you stopping by my table and asking about our current campaigns. Thank you for your support!

United Women in Faith

Annual Summer~Rummage Sale

July 24 - 25

Got Jewelry You Don't Wear? Donate It Today! Our jewelry team is already busy getting ready. If you have jewelry you're not using, we'd love to give it a second life - just label it "ATTENTION: Donna Bruce - Jewelry Donation" and drop it off at the Hospitality Center on Sundays or the Church Office during the week.

We're collecting JEWELRY ONLY right now; other sale donations will be gathered closer to the event.

Early donations help our volunteers sparkle up those displays and make the most for mission work. Thanks so much for your generosity!

Youth Missions ~ Rummage Sale!

Saturday, May 9

On the morning of Saturday, May 9, the Youth Group will be hosting a rummage sale in the west parking lot from 9:00am to 11:30am. The sale will include items from the church that deserve a new home in the community as well as donated items of any kind from the congregation and community.

All proceeds will support the Youth Group Mission Trip Fund as we prepare to go to northern Georgia to assist with hurricane relief this July. For more information about donating for this sale, please contact our Youth Director, Brett Reece at breece@stjohns-abq.org.

St. John’s Prom

Saturday, May 23

Why should dances only be reserved for the years we are in school? Come join us on Saturday, May 23, in the Family Life Center for a church wide prom!

The Youth Group will be putting on the event as a fundraiser for our mission trip to Georgia in just a couple months.

The dance will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the evening with light hor d’oeuvres and refreshments. Come dressed to impress and have a fun night dancing with our community!

For all the fun details - please contact our Youth Director, Brett Reece at breece@stjohns-abq.org.

Tickets are now being sold, $25 for single tickets or $45 per couple.

Volunteers Needed for Summer Camps

St. John’s summer camps start in just two months! This year we are offering half-day and full-day options during the week of June 8 – 12.

Quintessence Music camp will be held in the mornings, and True North VBS camp will take place in the afternoons each day. We will need volunteer help every day throughout the entire week.

If you’re available to support our camps and kids, please contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org. All volunteers must have current Safer Sanctuaries training certification. The next Safer Sanctuary Training session before camps start will be held on Monday, May 4. If needed, please contact the front office to sign up for the training session. Thank you!

Prayer Quilts

Carol Million (friend of Greg Hallstrom and the New Mexico Ramp participants) 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 Carol. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Carol. "Father, we pray you will strengthen Carol's body, renew her spirit, and comfort her soul. Help her to remain strong and steadfast, trusting in your plan even when the road seems uncertain. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen." 

   May Special Offering

Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative (ADAC)

ADAC fills a special need in our community, offering supportive, safe, accessible and inclusive activities for people with varying needs.

Such activities include arts workshops and classes with opportunities to sell their arts, very popular open mic nights, a cafe and special events. An upcoming special event is at St. John's on May 30th.

It includes an arts workshop, crafts, vendors and a silent auction. In the evening Chef Tim will prepare a fundraising dinner which features Ken Medema as the entertainment. You won't want to miss it!  Have a fun day and a great way to support this fine organization financially as well.

  May Collections: Weekend Meal Bags

for Zuni Elementary School

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we’re already looking ahead. Our Weekend Meal Bag team will resume packing in July to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year—and you can help us get a strong start!

This important program supports food-insecure students at Zuni Elementary by providing weekend meal bags filled with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options when school meals aren’t available.

We’re currently collecting single-serve, kid-friendly items, including individual oatmeal packets, shelf-stable milk (white or chocolate), breakfast or granola bars, cereal cups, chicken or tuna packets with crackers, Chef Boyardee products, macaroni and cheese cups, vegetables in a cup, applesauce, fruit cups, pudding cups, and individual packages of cookies.



Donations can be dropped off in the collection bins located in the Hospitality Center. Your support helps ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals over the weekend. Thank you for making a difference!

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.