END-OF-YEAR GIVING
If you are making gifts at the end of the year and would like to take the tax deduction (if able) in 2019, please make sure that your gifts are received by December 31, 2019, postmarked by December 31, 2019 or, if using a credit card, the credit card transaction date must be December 31, 2019. Giving statements for 2019 sent in January 2020 will reflect contributions received accordingly. Please feel free to contact Doris Bowen, Treasurer, if you have questions about giving up to this time. Bowen_g@msn.com (Bowen underscore g) or 505-410-7213.
IRA ROLLOVER GIFTS
Remember that if you are 70 1/2 you may make a charitable IRA rollover gift to St. John’s United Methodist Church that has significant tax advantages to you. It allows you to give from pre-tax assets. If you do not itemize, the IRA rollover still allows you to give while receiving tax benefits. Additionally, and IRA rollover gift may help you avoid income that could push you into a higher tax bracket. Please consult your tax professional for specific ways it may help your tax burden. If you would like to make a charitable IRA rollover gift, just notify your IRA custodian.
CHRISTMAS BOXES HUGELY APPRECIATED
Saturday morning, Dec. 21, 2019, was a busy one in the west parking lot of St. John's: Dozens of boxes of food, enough to feed 68 families, were dropped off, loaded up, and delivered to the John Marshall Community Center on Walter SE. Workers there organized the boxes and families in need of food showed up later in the morning, including fourteen families recently admitted to the women's shelter. John Marshall's director was torn between gratitude for the generous outpouring of St. John's and the sadness that such an outpouring is so badly needed in our community. So, a big thank you for the dozens of St. John's members, especially the adult Sunday School classes, who contributed food; the hard-working loaders and truck drivers; Kathleen Goodwin who organized the Abide service boxes; and Jack Nuzum who directed the whole project.
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet on Friday, January 3rd at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE. Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 followed by the Forum program at 10:00. Rev. Kay Huggins will be sharing her experience with the Pilgrimage for Unity held last September 12-15. With the theme “We walk in Peace, We Walk as One”, approximately 40 pilgrims made the trek from Ghost Ranch to Sanctuary de Chimayo. Come join us! For more information contact Amy Costales at 867-4207.
CONGREGATIONAL INFORMATION MEETING
Sunday, January 5 at 12:15 pm
Please join together in a congregational meeting in the Sanctuary. Building facility needs will be discussed and the schedule for the upcoming replacement of the roofs on our campus will be shared. (If you have questions prior to January 5 that you need answers to, please contact Jim Hickman.) We will also have reports from the Staff Parish Relations Committee and the Finance Committee. A capital campaign will be outlined. We look forward to your attendance!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE IN JANUARY
WNL classes are shaping up! Our first gathering will be Wednesday, January 8.
CONTRA DANCE: We will have a Contra Dance January 8 6:00-7:00 pm in FLC. All youth and children and families are invited to attend. We welcome back the band “Cheap Shots” and our caller Marj Mullany.
January 8 - “DEEP DIVES INTO GENESIS”: Also that evening for non-dancers, Jack Nuzum will teach on “Deep Dives into Genesis, After the Fall”, 6:00-7:00 pm in Room 151.
After the Apple: Join Jack Nuzum as he continues the study of Genesis finishing the story of humanity's emergence into self-consciousness depicted in Genesis 3 with the eating of the fruit. We are plunged into time, consequences, and shame with all these imply. Don't worry if you haven't made the previous classes: Jack will catch you up!
January 15 - THE TRADITIONAL PLAN: A Defense of Traditional Marriage Rev. Jay Armstrong Rm 151 6-7 pm
You don’t want to miss the return of WNL with DINNER and great programs for all ages. Fuel up with your church family at dinner served between 4:45 - 6:15 pm in the Family Life Center. MENU: Hearty Beef Chili and Baked Potato Bar. Little Lamb Meal: Chicken Tenders $10 adults, $6 12-17 years, $3 6 - 11 years, and under 6 free.
BETHEL BIBLE SERIES
The New Testament portion of the Bethel Bible study will begin on Wednesday, January 8, at 4:00 pm in room 151. Anyone who has previously completed the Old Testament portion of the study is welcome to join us. For questions or to register, call Karen Tidler at 239-0291.
JOLLY ELDERS
Learn about various issues regarding affordable housing in Albuquerque at the next meeting of Jolly Elders on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Meet at 12:30 in Room 243 for our shared dish dinner; after which fellow church member and Attorney for the Albuquerque Housing Authority, Brian Eagan, will give a presentation about various local government agencies and private sector organizations who all play a role in addressing various issues related to affordable housing in the Albuquerque community. What are the missions of the Albuquerque Housing Authority, the City of Albuquerque Community Development Division, the Bernalillo County Housing Department, the Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico and other housing related groups? Where is the City of Albuquerque going to construct the new centralized shelter for the homeless? Bring your own table service, a dish to share, and an attitude for fellowship. Adults of all ages are welcome!
CHILI LUNCHEON --- YOU'RE INVITED!
Our annual UMW Chili (and soup) Luncheon is set for Thursday, January 9, in Room 241. We'll begin at 10:30 am with our program presented by Therese Macali, our St. John's Children's Ministry Director. Lunch, hosted by our Executive Committee, will follow. The luncheon is free and reservations are not needed. We gladly welcome guests and visitors, so please put this date on your calendar as, together, we warm hearts and tummies!
CREDIT CARD FEES
St. John’s United Methodist Church is pleased to offer the congregation the ability to use a credit card to make contributions, pay for lunches, and a variety of other things. As you know, the church pays a fee of 3.0% on the amount of your transaction for this privilege. The total fees paid by the church in 2019 will be around $15,000. Please consider adding 3% to your contribution to help defray this cost. You are greatly appreciated!
COMMON TIME CONCERT SERIES: BEETHOVEN & BUNDT CAKE
Thursday, January 9 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Join us for a free classical music concert and refreshments following (including delicious bundt cake). All ages welcome! There will be a free-will offering taken, half of which will be donated to Feed NM Kids!
SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH - January 12
Time to ring in the New Year with Pit Ham Carved to Order and Black Eyed Peas and faith for the future. Come enjoy In FLC 11 am - 1 pm. $12 adults, $6 12-17 years, $3 6 - 11 years, and under 6 free.
CASA ESPERANZA
Dinner is Served! The next Casa Esperanza dinner will be Monday, January 20 at 5:30 pm at Casa Esperanza. The meal and fellowship provided is a ministry to the many caregivers and patients that have to be away from the comforts of home. Please sign up, to provide food or help serve, in the Hospitality Center or at the Abide Service. Contact Jenn Shields at jennshields200@yahoo.com or 505-450-9978 for more information.
MUSIC AT ST. JOHNS: APOLLO5 CONCERT
Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 pm
The international award-winning British vocal ensemble Apollo5 presents a fantastic afternoon of renaissance, classical, and contemporary choral music.
FOR THE LOVE OF WESLEY DINNER AND AUCTION
For the Love of Wesley dinner and auction Saturday February 1, 2020 5:30 -8:00 pm in the FLC. Tickets are $15 each. Donations for the auction are appreciated! Contact Kathy at Kadieruf@gmail.com (through January)
SECOND ANNUAL WESLEY REUNION
Were you involved with Wesley at sometime/anywhere in the country? Join us before the Love of Wesley dinner Saturday February 1, 2020 at 4:30 to meet the students and other alumni! Bring pictures of your time at Wesley for our new scrapbook. Contact Kathy at Kadieruf@gmail.com (through January)
SILVER HORIZONS
Did you know St.John’s donated hundreds of items (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, Otter Pops etc) to Silver Horizons during our summer special collection? Silver Horizons serves at risk seniors who are living on $500-900/month and may be caring for children and pets as well. They appreciate our donations! We are doing a special winter collection including gloves, throws, and puzzle booklets in January and February for delivery in March. See the complete list in the Hospitality Center, contact Kathy at Kadieruf@gmail.com with questions. (through February)
