Weekly Witness

February 19, 2026

Sunday, February 22, 2026

1st Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Last Week's Sermon: Sacred Moments

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Liturgist: Karen Beaton

Psalmist: Thom Hinks

Greeter: Ginger Wall

Ushers: Victoria Flick, Pat Gerlach, Steve Sproul, Joy Sternberg

Early Morning Security: Steve Sproul

Flowers: Given by Liz Bushma and family, in honor of Mike's birthday

February Sanctuary Stewards: Arlene Thomas and Joy Sternberg

March Sanctuary Stewards: Birgitta Gustafson and Sharon Hovey

Pastor to People

Dear RRPC Family and Friends,

In my two Interim Training experiences, one of the tasks encouraged in the transitional period is to reconnect with he denomination. That means first of all that our relationship with the Presbytery of Santa Fe is strong and vibrant. What does it mean to be a part of the connectional church?

First, this Saturday the Presbytery will meet at Sandia Presbyterian Church. Our four commissioners are Liz Bushma, Crystal Mitchell, Birgitta Gustafson, and Marjorie Davidson. Elders and pastors will gather to deliberate, fellowship and worship. Being connectional means we participate in the presbytery, even serving on committees if so inspired. I serve as the chair of the Presbytery's Personnel Committee, for instance.

Second, we receive assistance from the Presbytery's Commission on the Ministry (COM) in our pastoral search. Elder Beth Pachack from La Mesa Presbyterian in Albuquerque has been very helpful to our PNC in their search for a new pastor. The COM will need to "sign off" on our pastoral selection. The call process is a three legged stool: the pastor agrees, the PNC and the Congregation agree, and the COM agrees to the call.

Third, we join with others in our Presbytery for cooperative ministries together. For instance, we partner with Jemez Springs and Placitas to provide pastoral leadership for the congregation in Cuba. Rev. Russ Dykehouse has been good enough to preach there on occasion. Then with those three congregations we worship together on World Communion Sunday. This October we will gather at Placitas, God willing.

Fourth, in our connectional system we are never "lone Rangers" but always a part of the larger body, which includes the Presbytery of Santa Fe, the Synod of the Southwest (our sister congregations in New Mexico and Arizona). and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. One of the ways we participate with the larger church is in our three denominational offerings that support our partners in ministry in our country and the world.

So I hope that during this transitional period, we have strengthened our ties to our denomination and our many partners in ministry. It is a big tent indeed. Thanks be to God. 

Peace,

Frank

Called Congregational Meeting

Sunday, March 1

after worship

The purpose of this meeting is to elect Crystal Mitchell as chair of the Nominating Committee and Anne Kinney to fill an unexpired term as Deacon. Please plan to attend.

Lenten Devotionals

Our Lenten devotionals start on Ash Wednesday and continue through Easter Sunday. Feel free to print these out or ask Ginny (401-345-9935) for a hard copy.

Week One Ash Wednesday - Saturday, February 21

Week Two Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28

Week Three Sunday, March 1 - Saturday, March 7

Fellowship - Snacks Needed

Every week after Church services, we are blessed to gather together in Fellowship with each other. This wouldn’t be possible without your generous donations of goodies or monies. 

If you would like to bring something to share please, speak with Karen Williams and she will make sure to get you added to the calendar. If you aren’t a baker and would like to contribute, pre-baked goodies or cash would appreciated as well. Thank you!

Reminder

Pickup your soup order after church this Sunday (2/22)

If you ordered Broccoli Cheddar or Chicken with Wild Rice Soup from the Scholarship Committee, your soup will be ready for pickup after church 2/22/2026. Please pick up your order by 1pm.

Forgot to order? … We may have a few extra containers of soup for sale after church 2/22/2026.

If you are unable to pickup your order, please call Don Underwood at 505 903-9889 to make alternative arrangements.

2026 Soup ‘to go’ for Scholars

The Scholarship Committee will be offering 16 oz. and 32oz. Containers of homemade soup that can be reheated.

March 22 (order by March 15)

                    Split Pea with Ham

                    Creamy Potato

A 16 oz. container of soup is $8.

A 32 oz. container of soup is $13.

Order forms will be available in the church narthex before and after church service. You can also call Don Underwood at 505 903-9889 and place your order.

Thank you for your continued support.

Laura Gonzales

Don Underwood

Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs

THIS Saturday, February 21, 2026

9:00 a.m - Noon

Join us for our annual Read and Ring, a fun morning of sight reading music with a chance to purchase music without paying shipping costs.

$15 – HMA Non-Members

$12 – HMA Members

$5 – Youth

Registration Deadline is January 23 to guarantee copies of the music are available.

February's Book:

Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Kimmerer

We will be meeting at Nancy Henriksen's home on February 24th at 2pm. Her address is: 507 Cherish Street, Rio Rancho, NM. Feel free to contact her at nanscott4413@msn.com.

Please join us! All are welcome!

March's Book: The Mighty Red, by Louise Erdrich.

For those who would like a head start.

Church Potluck

Capital Campaign Committee

Sunday, March 15th

On Sunday March 15th, a Potluck will be held after Church services in recognition of our Capital Campaign Committee and the work that they have accomplished over the last year. 

Please bring your favorite side dish, vegetable, or dessert to share. The main course will be provided. A sign up sheet will be in the narthex. Please let us know if you will be coming so we order enough of the main dish.

This will be a great time of fellowship and thanks! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Church Calendar

February 22, 2026 - February 28, 2026

18 Linn Jackson,

18 Verona Schmidt

18 Xavier Lopez

22 Mike Bushma

23 Tyler Warren

24 Karen Williams

27 Bob Scott

28 Cameron Mitchell

28 John Hood

Greeters Needed

Greeters play an important role in welcoming all members and visitors to our church. They provide the invaluable first impression of our church community. If you would like to volunteer to be a greeter, please see the sign up sheet in the narthex. If you have questions, please contact Victoria

Flick at 917-577-4846 or victoria.e.flick@gmail.com. Thank you!

Easter Flowers

There are only two weeks to get your Easter Flowers ordered for Easter Sunday, April 5th! See your Sunday bulletin insert.

Forms are available in the Narthex, as you enter the church. Please put the forms in the offering plate or give to Hazel Lathrop. Thank you!

Here are this year's choices:

A Call to stand with the people of Cuba

Faithful solidarity in a time of crisis

More than a dozen faith-based organizations, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Cuba Partners Network of the PC(USA), have signed a letter urging policymakers and leaders to take steps to reduce hardships for ordinary people in Cuba and to reduce barriers that prevent communities from accessing food, medicine and basic necessities. The letter, being delivered to the White House and Congress, also calls on faith groups to speak out about the suffering of the Cuban people.

Read the full article here.

Prayer Concerns

“And whatever you ask in Prayer, you will receive, if you have Faith.” Matthew 21:22.

Beth Miller

Genevieve Dykehouse, rehab

Sheila Malmo's daughter, Alice

Protection for Everyone against Flu virus

For DR Congo, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Afghanistan, 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