Weekly Witness

August 13, 2026

Sunday, Aug 16, 2026

12th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: Matthew 15: 21-28, Psalm 67; Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Last Week's Sermon: Hearing Is Believing

Liturgist: Denise Baker

Psalmist: Thom Hinks

Greeters: Helen Huntley & Lisa Wengerd

Ushers: Liz & Mike Bushma, Sharon Glass, Betty Jarous

Flowers: Given by Lisa & Judy Woods, in honor and appreciation for Pastor Frank's ministry!

Early Morning Security: Bill Cox

August Sanctuary Stewards: Birgitta Gustafson and Karen Williams

Director of Music: Nancy Leffler

Accompanist: Nathan Secrest

Dear RRPC Family,

This Sunday, August 16, will be the final class in our summer series on C.S. Lewis. It has been very enjoyable to look at some of his work with you and consider how his words help us in our spiritual life together. This Sunday we will examine some lectures and sermons Lewis did during World War II at Oxford. 

One of these is a lecture that is a personal favorite. It is entitled, "Learning in War-Time." It asks the question, "Why study university subjects when people are dying and cities are being destroyed?" Excellent question and Lewis tries to give an answer. What answer would you give to that question?

The other is a sermon entitled, "The Weight of Glory." Here, Lewis takes up the question of Heaven. Not so much as a "pie in the sky" concept, or a "beam me up, Scottie" dream; but a promise made to us by Christ. A promise that gives us energy and hope even now in our lives. "The Weight of Glory" is probably Lewis' greatest sermon. 

So thanks to all of you who are interested in Adult Christian Education. I truly hope this aspect of our life together is strengthened in the days and months ahead.



Remember, Christian discipleship is a matter of life-long learning at the feet of Christ. 

Peace and hope,

Frank

Progress on the Stucco Project!

Top coat is being applied

- very exciting!

Reminder

To all church members with keys to the church building: Please be more mindful of keeping the front door to the church locked at all times! The door had been left opened after a church meeting which allowed a homeless woman to waltz in and bother the Share Your Care staff. It is our policy to keep the doors locked Monday - Friday from 8am-4pm while Share Your Care is in the building for the safety of their clients. Thank you.

Our New Pastor Wants

to meet YOU!

COFFEE ANYONE?

Every Monday and Tuesday, starting September 7th, join Pastor Deborah in her office for coffee or tea. She would love to meet everyone in the church, and for those who work or are unavailable during the day, pop in for a morning drink get-together before work! Suggested time is 8am, but feel free to change to 7am or 7:30am to adjust to your schedule.

Signup sheet is in the church narthex. See Ginny with any questions.

NOT a

Morning

Person?



Let's Do Lunch!

Lunch with

Pastor Deborah

Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12pm

Pastor Deborah wants to meet ALL

of our church members and friends!

Sign up sheet is available to join Pastor Deborah for lunch. Bring your lunch and join her in the library. Call Ginny in the office 505-892-6664 and she will gladly help you sign up!

Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concerts

A concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity at

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

All are welcome!

Saturday, September 19, 3 PM: Sweet Jazz, headlined by Allison Davis, the host of the Jazz Hour on KUNM

Church Calendar

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026

Music Notes

A new musical season is nearing. If you would like to participate in the music ministry of RRPC, we’d love to have you join us! (Please text or email me. My contact information is below.)

We combine hard work and singing intentionally with joy and laughter! 

“Pick-Up” Choir begins Sunday, August 2. Simply join us in the choir loft at 9:00 to learn an anthem to sing during the service.

We are very flexible with schedules realizing people have many different obligations for their time. If you would like to join the chancel choir and you have a special need, we can accommodate you! We love to solve challenges so that everyone can participate!

Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 beginning August 27.

*Many choir members are willing to pick up folks who prefer not to drive at night, so join us!

JuBELLation Ringers (handbells) rehearsals also resume Thursday, August 27 from 6:25-7:25. We enjoy having new folks join our handbell choir! Not sure? Come try it out! You do not need to be able to read music because we can color code your part and teach you how to count in order to ring your bells. We are excited to have 6 new pieces to learn for our fall season!

Pastor Deborah, the worship committee, and I are planning through the Christmas season. Now is the time to let me know of a particular anthem you would like the choir to sing or the bells to play! Keep in mind that many favorite hymns have anthem or handbell arrangements. We appreciate your suggestions!

Thank you for the positive comments and continued support of our music program. We are blessed to have a worship family who enjoys making and hearing “a joyful noise!”

Peace, love, and joy,

Nancy Leffler, Director of Music Ministry

Text: (505) 263-2272, Email: Leffler_n@yahoo.com

Book Club

Our Book Club resumes in September! Newcomers welcome!!

Our book for September is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

We will meet at Nancy Henriksen's home on Tuesday, September 29, to discuss the book and have a time of fellowship. All are invited! Nancy lives at 507 Cherish St. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Nancy: 505-306-1047.

For those who'd like a headstart; our October book is Best American Short Stories 2024 edited by Lauren Goff.

HAPPY READING!

August Birthdays

18 Doug Thomas, Cyndie Tidwell

20 Kristen Henriksen

25 Virginia Kelley

27 Estela Roberts

28 Jim Langwell, Lea Manuel

31 Kaitlyn Landon

Volunteers Needed

Are you interested in helping our AV team on Sunday mornings? We need someone to help run the computer for our online worship and to learn how to assist in the sound booth.

If this sounds interesting, WE NEED YOU!

Please visit with Kevin or Lisa on a Sunday morning. THANK YOU!!

Our Service

Men & Women

Please keep the following people

in your thoughts & prayers:

Christopher Ryan - US Marine Officer

RJ Van Sweden - US Marines

Tyler Warren - US Marines

Hayden Smith - Army

Cdr. Sarah Dimmick - Navy, serving in Kyiv, Ukraine

Sgt. Kevin Lomeli - Army National Guard, home!

Kevin A. Baker - US Air Force in England

Sgt. Herison Garcia - US Air Force, Florida

Sgt. Jerry Allard - US Army, Ft. Bliss, Texas

Sgt. Joseph Nolancola - US Air Force, overseas

Prayer Concerns

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."

Nancy Leffler - Dad, surgery recovery

Beth Miller - prayers

Anne Kinney - chemo treatments

Sharon Patrick - surgery recovery

John Husler - heart issues & recovery

Margaret Crowl's sister, Ellen - treatments

Sheila Malmo's daughter, Alice

For all victims of the fires across Canada and the United States. We are at an all-time high: Level 5 Fire Preparedness!!!

Praying for RAIN!!

 Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church

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

505.892.6664

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday | 9am–3pm

Office email: manager@rrpchurch.org