This Week at St. Stephen's | July 17, 2025

Worship & Ministry: Fruitful Living Worship Series image

July Worship Series

Join us this Sunday as we continue our July Fruitful Living Worship Series, Kindness. Pastor Damon is out this Sunday, so Ross Whiteaker (the Conference District Superintendent) will guide us through Ephesians 2: 1 – 10.

Review Your Information for the Family Directory

Our printed Family Directory is coming soon, and we want to make sure your information is accurate!

This Sunday in Fellowship Hall, stop by to review your family's page.

Need to make changes? You have a few options:

Update your information in person with Kristy

Mark up your printed page and return it to the Welcome Center, OR

Submit updates using the Online Directory Updates Form.

Haven’t submitted your information yet?

You still have time! Please email Kristy or complete the Online Directory Form by Friday, July 25.

Need a photo? You can have one taken:

This Sunday between services, or

Next week at the Church Office

(Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM)

Ruidoso Flood Damage Assistance

Recent record rains and burn scars have caused severe flooding in Ruidoso and surrounding areas—damaging an estimated 200–400 homes. With monsoon season ongoing, the need for help is urgent as the community continues recovering from last year's natural disasters.

Donations

To donate to recovery efforts, visit the Community Foundation of Lincoln County: Donate Here.

Flood Buckets

Flood buckets are also greatly needed. Please visit the Welcome Center or the UMCOR website for instructions: Flood Bucket Info. Our missions team will handle delivery.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity!

Back to School Sunday

Join us for a special Back to School Sunday on August 3 with one combined service at 9:30 AM!

We will kick off the new school year by blessing backpacks and honoring our amazing teachers.

Afterward, stick around for a church-wide potluck and fun for the kids, including bounce houses!

This event is FREE and is available for children in pre-K

through 12th Grade.

VBS Recap

We wrap up an incredible week of Vacation Bible School tomorrow, and what a joyful week it’s been! Each day, around 60 children joined us to experience Bible lessons, games, crafts, and inspiring music. Here is a look back at our week together:

Monday, July 14: Strawberry Sam (Love)

We kicked off VBS with energy and excitement! From lively games to engaging Bible stories, crafts, and music, our first day was filled with joy, laughter, and faith as we launched into a week of discovery and fun.

Tuesday, July 15: Banana Bella (Joy)

The theme of joy took center stage as kids explored how to stay joyful even when things do not go as planned. A skit about a “Rainy Day Parade” reminded us that joy is a choice—and one that can spread to others when we trust in God.

Wednesday, July 16: Grapes the Great (Peace)

Peace was the focus of the day. Through stories, songs, and a playful skit about taking turns on the swing, children learned that peace means more than just being quiet—it is about showing kindness and helping others get along.

Thursday, July 17: Pineapple Penny (Patience)

Patience came alive through crafts, Bible lessons, and games. Kids learned what it means to be patient in everyday situations—whether at home, at school, or with friends—and how God helps us wait well.

Friday, July 18: Tangerine Toby (Kindness)

We will close the week with a powerful message about kindness. Inspired by stories and the example of our friend Toby, children discovered how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world around them.

Thank You VBS Volunteers!

We could not have done it without you!

Your time, energy, and kindness made this year's Vacation Bible School truly special. From setting up crafts to leading songs, guiding lessons, and sharing God's love with every child—you made a lasting impact.

Thank you for your dedication and joyful service!

July Youth Event

Our next youth event is Sunday, July 27! We will be going to the Albuquerque Bio Park.

Families are welcome! We will leave after the 11:00 am service.

The cost is $10 per person.

There is a Place for You in a Small Group

Small Group Study: Serendipity

Leader: Steve Prentice

Study Title: Liturgy of the Ordinary: "Sacred Practices in Everyday Life”

Date: Sunday, July 13

Time & Location: Sundays at 9:30 am in Room 21 downstairs

Description of Study: In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God's presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each chapter looks at something—making the bed, brushing her teeth, losing her keys—that the author does every day. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship. Come and discover the holiness of your every day.

If you would like to connect with this group or learn more about their current study, or any other small group, please visit the Welcome Center or contact Martha Benn.

Pie Party dates: June 21 from 9 am - 1 pm, July 26 from 9 am - 1 pm, and August 17 from 1 pm - 4 pm.

Pie Parties Are Back!

Thank you to everyone who came out last Saturday for our first pie party of the season! We prepared 60 pies to bake later this summer! Our goal is to provide 300 to the Asbury Pie Cafe.

Pie Party Dates

Saturday, July 26 | 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Sunday, August 17 | 1:00–4:00 pm

Come for as long as you can—all ages are welcome, and no baking experience is necessary.

All money raised as part of the Asbury Pie Cafe mission supports programs in the community that provide food to those in need.

St. Stephen's Spotlight: Our Community

Memorial Service for Audrey Evans

A long-time member of St. Stephen's, Audrey Evans, passed away on May 22. A memorial service will be held at La Vida Llena chapel on Friday, July 25 at 2 pm. The burial will take place in Raton at a later date.

For more information about the location of the chapel, please call La Vida Llena at: (505) 293-4001.

Contributions can be made in Audrey's name to your chosen charity.

Memory Café Hosted by St. John's United Methodist Church

Memory Café is a supportive fellowship for anyone affected by memory loss/Alzheimer’s and their caring partners. It offers an opportunity to meet and share with others on a similar journey and receive information for caregivers and loved ones.

Next meeting: Saturday, August 2, from 1:30 to 3:00

Location: Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church

What to expect: It is the Dog Days of Summer and Memory Café is going to the dogs. Our special guests will be High Desert Therapy Dogs with music by Tom Cole and Sandia Sound. We will have games, snacks and information for caregivers. Bring a photo of your favorite dog and share a story with your new friends.

This is not a drop-off event. For more information, call (505) 323-7522 or email ssmjens@aol.com.

ADAC Events for July 2025

Check out all of the upcoming Albuquerque Disability Arts Collaborative (ADAC) events at: https://adacnm.org/?page_id=155.

Have Something to Share?

We encourage you to share your stories and celebrations with us by emailing info@ststephensabq.org!

Access Past Newsletters Online

Missed a recent newsletter? You can now view the last three months of newsletters anytime on our website. Visit our archive and stay up to date:

https://www.ststephensabq.org/services-2.

There are several ways to give here at St. Stephen's. Text an amount to 833-657-0054 (1st time requires registration). Donate in person using our offering plates or boxes. You can also mail your donation to the church office or donate online at ststephensabq.org/GIVING.

S T . S T E P H E N ' S

U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

4601 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

info@ststephensabq.org

505.293.9673

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 3 pm

CLOSED Fridays