Weekly Witness for Facebook & Friends

May 22, 2025


Sunday, May 25, 2025

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sermon Text: Revelation 21: 1-7

Livestream worship. Bulletin.

Liturgist: Thom Hinks Psalmist: Linda Hood

Greetings from Your Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)

We have begun meeting with our Presbytery representative to set the groundwork surrounding our task; so although we have not yet started negotiating for a new pastor, we are picking up speed.


The officers of the PNC are:

• Chair – Leah

• Secretary – Camise

• Treasurer – Crystal

• Session Liaison – Thom


Periodically you will be informed about our progress through articles like this one in the Witness, but don’t expect weekly up-to-date accountings – the PNC works best while clothed in a cloak of confidentiality. We do appreciate your prayers for a successful negotiation.


Blessings,

Thom

A Note Regarding Serving Communion to Those Who Remain Seated

The first Sunday of the month, which this month is June 1, is Communion Sunday. Our communion servers take the elements out into the congregation. If you would prefer to receive communion in your seat, please raise your bulletin next Sunday so the servers can see you.


Thanks so much.


Frank


PS this note will appear in next week's Sunday bulletin.


RRPC Hosted Menaul School's Baccalaureate Last Friday


It was wonderful to have Rev. Hannah Scanlon and 30 other faculty and 71 graduating seniors and their parents in our sanctuary at 5pm on the 16th. Our narthex, Fellowship Hall, parking lot and the curb along 24th Street were well-utilized! There were 21 countries represented and well over 200 people here. All sanctuary chairs were taken, with more than 60 people standing in back. Thanks to Chuck for sound and Sharon, who was on a sanctuary steward mission to straighten ribbons in a banner and ended up handing out Menaul programs and fielding visitors' questions / requests.

Pastor to People

My brother Steve was five years older than me. He served in the Viet Nam War from 1965 to 1966 where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He died in 1992 of brain cancer just as he was about to turn 50. At the time he was serving as an administrator at Texas A&M University. I miss him.


This Monday is Memorial Day, where we remember all those we have lost due to military service. I will be remembering my brother, as I am sure you will be remembering those you have lost over the years. Many have been lost. Over 440,000 American military personnel were lost during the Twentieth Century and over 7,000 have been lost in the Twenty-first Century. 


Memorial Day grew out of the American Civil War where we lost over 600,000 soldiers, the most costly war in our nation's history. Originally it was called "Decoration Day" because families and friends put flowers on the graves of the Civil War fallen. Since 1867 Brooklyn has held a Memorial Day Parade and now there are many kinds of remembrances scheduled for this weekend. I will be remembering my brother and many friends who died in our wars or as a result of our wars. That includes the many veterans each year who take their own lives. In 2022 over 6,000 veterans took their own lives, almost 18 a day. The wounds of war remain on the body as well as in the heart, mind and soul of those who served. On Memorial Day we should also remember them.


Jesus reminded us that there will be "wars and rumors of war", perhaps to the end of the age. And that is why we need to call upon the Prince of Peace to bring peace and justice for all people. We hold to the vision of that Peaceable Kingdom where the "lion and the lamb will lay down together." A day when all will "beat their swords into ploughshares" and we "will study war no more." May that day of peace and justice come soon and very soon. God help us. And God be with us all this Memorial Day weekend.


Peace and hope,

Frank

Ladies Who Do Lunch

The next lunch is June 9, 11:15am, at Rio Grande Social. The address is: 10127 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque 87114. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Volunteers needed!

Calling all Volunteers!

At the Session meeting Tuesday night, we discussed our need for volunteers to come at 8am Sundays to provide security for our church staff who come early every Sunday to prepare for our worship. On Mother's Day we had an early morning incident in the bathrooms that required attention. It is that kind of incident where we need a volunteer to help us navigate our response. We plan to post contact information for any kind of incident, whether it be medical- or building-related or any other safety concern.


Pat and Frank Yates will join the rotation of folks coming at 8am. We hope to have about 7 or 8 volunteers that would come only once every two months. This Sunday you can sign up in the narthex for this early morning ministry.


Your presence will be much appreciated. Talk to Pat or Frank if you have questions.


Thanks much,

Frank

Mission Corner

Hygiene Kits - Mission in Action

Please join us to assemble 50 Hygiene Kits on June 8th after Pentecost worship in the Fellowship Hall! All the materials will be provided! See you there!

Pentecost Offering June 8

On June 8, the RRPC Pentecost offering will be received with 40% designated for at-risk youth in the Republic of Cuba. The country is in an economic crisis, and the future for many of its youth is dim. Our gifts will be sent through the Cuba Partner Network to give hope to our young neighbors.


Please give as you are able. The Mission Committee thanks you for your support in all our endeavors.  

Sandia Mountain Retreats Annual Meeting

Location: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church

Time/Day: 10am, Saturday, June 7

An update on the Sandia Conference grounds (owned by the Presbytery of Santa Fe) will be presented. All are invited.

Thank You From Frank

Thank you to the Fellowship Committee for hosting such a lovely 50th anniversary celebration for Dewey and me last Sunday. The cakes and fellowship were much appreciated by both of us.

Final Meeting of Book Club Until September 23

The Club meets on the 4th Mondays of the month. May's book is Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. If you want to read ahead, here are the Book Club's choices for 2025-2026. September's book will be The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson.

Calendar

May 24 — May 31, 2025

Saturday, May 24

Possible flooring catch-up day


Sunday, May 25

10 Worship

11:15 Fellowship

11:30 Worship Committee

11:30 Mission Committee, CE Room


Monday, May 26

Office & SYC Closed - Memorial Day

7 AA - Meet in Sanctuary


Tuesday, May 27

10 Personnel Committee

11 Building and Grounds Committee

1 Capital Campaign

2 Book Club -- final meeting til Sep.



Wednesday, May 28

7 Al Anon


Thursday, May 29

10 Gentle Exercise

11:30 Yoga


Friday, May 30

7 AA - Possibly meet in the Sanctuary or Library


Saturday, May 31

10:30 Communion Prep

Prayer Concerns


I have always been a firm believer in God and the power of prayer, though to be honest, my faith has made for a list of questions I definitely want answered after I'm gone. 

― Nicholas Sparks


For our country.

For Gaza, Israel, Sudan, Congo, and Russia.

For Israel and Ukraine.

For all victims of gun violence, war, and unrest.

 Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church

1004 24th Street, SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

505.892.6664

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday | 9am–3pm