This Week at St. Stephen's | August 7, 2025

Worship & Ministry: Fruitful Living Worship Series image

August Worship Series

Join us this Sunday as we begin our next fruit for the month of August in our Fruitful Living Worship Series, Generosity. Pastor Damon will guide us through James 1: 12–18.

Back to School Sunday

This past Sunday, our church came together to celebrate and bless the start of a new school year. During worship, we lifted up our students, teachers, and school staff in prayer. Each child received a special backpack tag as a reminder of God’s presence with them throughout the year.

Following the service, we enjoyed a potluck meal filled with great food and fellowship. Kids had a blast playing in the bounce houses set up out front.

It was a joyful day of community and encouragement as we sent our students and educators into the new school year with love and support!

August Youth Events

Our next youth event is Sunday, August 17. The youth will be joining other volunteers at the last Pie Party of the season!

Please contact Heidi Barnes for more information.

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 and a supply list: Flood Bucket Info.

Please drop off items in Fellowship Hall by August 15. Our missions team will handle delivery.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity!

Last Pie Party Coming Up!

Pie Party Date

Sunday, August 17 | 1:00–4:00 pm

We are almost there—we need just a little more help to reach our goal! 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.

McCurdy Book Drive

Reading opens the world to a child. LEER (leh-EHR, to read), a Children’s Literacy Program for the Española Valley through McCurdy Ministries, aims to improve children’s reading proficiency through access to books with vetted and trained caring adults (Reading Buddies) who read one-on-one with elementary students.

LEER’s goal is to instill a love of reading and to improve the overall reading proficiency of the children it serves by 10 percent annually.

How to Help

Donate gently used or new children’s books: Drop them off in Fellowship Hall at St. Stephen’s UMC.

Shop the Amazon wishlist: Visit our Amazon Wishlist to purchase books from LEER’s curated list. Any books you purchase will be shipped directly to McCurdy.

Please make your donation by August 31, 2025.

There is a Place for You in a Small Group

Small Group Study: Cutlers

Leaders: Dave and Lesa Cutler

Study Title: Uncommon Ground

Date: Ongoing

Time & Location: Sundays at 9:30 am in Stephen's Place

Description:

This small group values open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and growing together in faith. They rotate between Bible studies and Christian literature—and their current study is Uncommon Ground, a powerful collection of essays from Christian leaders of varied backgrounds.

As cultures become increasingly polarized, with no strong agreement on any issue, how do we as Christians thrive in such a world? The contributions in this book focus on ways to productively work with others, even those we may disagree.

This small group welcomes new members and would love to benefit from your voice, too.

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.

St. Stephen's Spotlight: Our Community

ADAC Events for August 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 i nfo@ststephensabq.org!

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.

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.

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