Weekly Witness

February 26, 2026

Sunday, March 1, 2026

2nd Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Romans 4: 16-25

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Last Week's Sermon: Was Glaucon Right?

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Liturgist: John Hood

Psalmist: Linda Hood

Greeters: Victoria Flick and Steve Sproul

Ushers: Maria & Cip Chavez, Betty Jarous, Ginger Wall

Communion Servers: Linda & John Hood, Marjorie Davison, Betty Gobeille, Denise Baker, Victoria Flick

Early Morning Security: Dave Sternberg

March Sanctuary Stewards: Birgitta Gustafson and Sharon Hovey

Pastor to People

Dear RRPC Family and Friends,

Over the centuries the three main disciplines of Lent have been prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These disciplines can be found in the Sermon on the Mountain, especially Matthew 6: 5-24. There Jesus talks explicitly about prayer and the Lord's Prayer, fasting, and on our attitude toward our possessions.

Today we focus on prayer, next week on fasting and the following week almsgiving. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus urges us to pray in secret and not heap up empty phrases to God. He also gives us a model prayer that we pray every Sunday morning.

During Lent I would encourage you to consider your prayer life. In the old movie The Ruling Class Peter O'Toole's character says this, "I must be God. For every time I pray I discover I am talking to myself." Well, that certainly raises the question: To whom do I address my prayers? We pray to a God who loves us infinitely more than we love ourselves. A God whose love has been demonstrated in the face of Christ our Lord. A God who cares when even the sparrow falls, who knows what you need before you even ask. 

For me, that is critical. Knowing that my prayers are heard by Someone who loves me infinitely, enough to suffer and die for me. And that God hears my prayers and answers them with infinite mercy and wisdom. Perhaps not always the way I voice the prayer, but the way that is best for me and for the Kingdom of God. But I do believe my prayers are heard.

So could you use this Lenten journey to deepen your prayer life? To pray specifically for your needs and the needs of those you love and the needs of the world? Knowing that God hears and cares. I hope you will all pray for our church and our ministry together. At this time, special prayers for the PNC in their search for a new pastor. And prayers, of course, for our

world so deeply divided. May the Prince of Peace reign in our hearts and in our world! Amen.

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 Two Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28

Week Three Sunday, March 1 - Saturday, March 7

Week Four Sunday, March 8 - Saturday, March 14

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!

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, March 7th

8am

Join us next Saturday for a delicious breakfast, thanks to Bill Wehner.

Michael Hughes will speak on "AI in Action: What It Can Do". There will be a live demonstration of modern AI tools - images, voice, local AI, and practical everyday uses.

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

March's Book:

The Mighty Red, by Louise Erdrich

We will be meeting at Nancy Henriksen's home on March 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!

April's Book: Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy

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

March 1, 2026 - March 7, 2026

2 Diane Tafoya

2 Xander Mishos

2 Jim Harris

3 Joe Maddux

3 Don Underwood

5 Jim Johnson,

5 Janice Lemon

5 Graciela (‘Chela’) Rodriguez

7 Bill Kime

7 Steve Sproul

9 Karen Beaton

12 Jim McInroy

18 Bill Shanklin

18 Jared Strommen

19 Stephanie Smith

22 Joshua Resner

24 George Austin

25 Helen Pederson, Sharon Young

28 Hazel Lathrop, Natalie Cato

30 Savannah Ball, Cameron Isaacs, Arthur Mitchell

Easter Flowers

There is only ONE week left 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:

From Genevieve Dykehouse:

Thank you so very much for the prayers and cards that were sent to me from our wonderful church family. I am doing well and hope to return to church in person very soon.

The Bible in 50 words

God made, Adam bit, Noah arked, Abraham split, Joseph ruled, Jacob fooled, bush talked, Moses balked, Pharoah plagued, people walked, sea divided, tablets guided, promise landed, Saul freaked, David peeked, prophets warned, Jesus born, God walked, love talked, anger crucified, hope died, faith rose, Spirit flamed, word spread, God remained.

Prayer Concerns

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

Don Underwood - radiation treatments

Beth Miller - medical tests

Genevieve Dykehouse - continued recovery at home

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