Weekly Witness

January 29, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026

4th Sunday after Epiphany

Congregational Meeting

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Congregational Meeting: Docket; Annual Report

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Liturgist: Thom Hinks

Psalmist: Bill Wehner

Communion Servers: Liz & Mike Bushma, Leah & Pat Gerlach,

Joy & Dave Sternberg

Greeter: Victoria Flick

Ushers: Michael Hughes, Crystal Mitchell, Joan Roschevitz, and Ginger Wall

Early Morning Security: Dave Sternberg

February Sanctuary Stewards: Arlene Thomas and Joy Sternberg

Pastor to People

Dear RRPC Family and Friends,

In times of national tension, the church through the years usually has taken one of three options. One, the partisan political position. Two, the head-in-the-sand position. Three, the seeking justice position.

First, some churches have taken an overt partisan political position. That means inviting candidates to their worship service, endorsing them, and even holding fundraisers for them. In previous centuries, the church was joined at the hip to the state and enjoyed the privileges of a "state church." I would call this first option the blatantly political position.

Second, some churches have chosen to avoid any discussion of politics. The Southern Presbyterian Church during the Civil Rights Movement often appealed to the notion of a "spiritual church". That meant that leaders in the church were to focus just on personal salvation and a spiritual relationship with Christ. Issues of social justice were considered off limits. I would call this the head-in-the-sand position.

Third, some churches have chosen to steer a middle course, avoiding the blatantly political as well as the head-in-the-sand position. It is called seeking justice, calling for justice, pursuing justice in our common life. The Reformed Tradition has always sought to "transform society" so that it more nearly approximates the Kingdom of God on earth. Not for some Utopian ideal, but to make our life together more humane and kind and caring. In a word. more just.

This third option is what the Reformed Tradition has opted for since John Calvin attended city council meetings in Geneva, Switzerland. We are not seeking some kind of Christian theocracy. Far from it. But a just society where very different people from all walks of life can live together in harmony. And that is why we are concerned about violence on the streets in Minneapolis. We are hoping for, praying for, working for a more just society. For the sake of Christ our Lord, who embodied Micah's call "to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." 

Peace and hope,

Frank

Giving Statements - Update

2025 Giving Statements

If we have your email address, you were sent your 2025 Giving Statement by email. The email address the statements are sent from is RRPC1004NM@GMAIL.COM. Be sure to check your SPAM or JUNK folders!

A paper copy of your 2025 Giving Statement will be available for you to pick up before and after the February 1st service.   

Due to the rising cost of postage stamp, we are doing everything possible to limit what we mail. If you have any questions regarding your Giving Statements send a message to treasurer@rrpchurch.org.

Pam Scalco

Assistant Treasurer

We want to thank the congregation for your generosity during our stewardship campaign. Our pledged donations increased about 20% for 2026 which will afford the PNC flexibility in the hiring of a new pastor. We appreciate your prayerful consideration of increasing your pledges and will be good stewards of them.

As we begin the new year, we want to remind you that our per capita is also due. Per capita supports the work of our Presbytery which is important for all the churches and the mission at large. Our per member contribution continues to be $37 for the year, and you can pay this amount any time before November. Just a reminder that per capita is separate from your pledged donations. The total due to the Presbytery is based on our active membership at the end of the year, and we are basing this year's total on 189 active members at the end of 2025, or $6,993 total. Half of this amount ($3,497) is included in our church budget, and we ask the congregation to pay the other half. Please indicate on your check or cash donation that the funds are for per capita. If you have questions about this, please ask any member of the Finance and Stewardship Committee. 

Thank you, and we wish you God's blessings in the new year.

Finance and Stewardship Committee members: Beth Miller, Chair, Chuck Roth, Pam Scalco, Bill Shanklin, Verona Schmidt, Kevin Johnson, Pat Gerlach, and Nancy Shambach. 

Leadership is about showing up, being accountable, and earning trust.

The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that we will host a Rio Rancho Candidate Forum on Tuesday, February 3, in partnership with the Rio Rancho Observer and KDSK Radio. This forum is designed to give residents, business owners, and community stakeholders a clear and respectful opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead our city.

All candidates have accepted the invitation and will participate. 

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, February 3

Location: Rio Rancho Public Schools District Office Training Facility

500 Laser SE, Rio Rancho, NM

 City Council District 5 Forum: 5:00 PM

 Mayoral Candidate Forum: 6:00 PM

Audience: Open to the public

Registration: All non-candidate attendees will register at the door

About the Forum

This is not a debate. It is a leadership forum that is focused on ideas, priorities, and the future direction of Rio Rancho.

The forum will follow a structured, fair, and transparent format to ensure equal time and opportunity for every candidate. Each candidate will answer the same questions and provide opening and closing statements. 

Public Question Submission

Community input matters. Potential questions for the candidates are now being accepted from the public. Questions may be submitted using the button below or via email to: riochamber@rrrcc.org

To ensure fairness and equal opportunity:

·        Questions may not be targeted toward a specific candidate

·        All submitted questions must be applicable to every candidate, as all candidates will be asked the same questions

Submitted questions will help shape a thoughtful, informative discussion focused on leadership, accountability, and results.

This forum is about clarity, responsibility, and the future of our city. We encourage residents to attend, listen closely, and take part in the civic process.

For those not able to attend, the Forum will be streamed live by the Observer and on KDSK radio. The Chamber will have it on RRRCC.com afterwards for future reference and playback.

Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

We look forward to a strong, respectful, and informative evening of leadership and ideas.

Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce

In partnership with the Rio Rancho Observer and KDSK Radio

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, February 7th

8:00am

Topic: Disaster Preparedness- How to plan. 

Speaker: Chris Dyer

All are welcome for a delicious breakfast, fellowship and learning!

You're Invited!

We want to invite your congregation to a recital at St. Andrew by their accompanist and her husband on February 14, at 3 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. There will be a goodwill offering to benefit Governor Bent Elementary School. 

Reminder – Pickup your soup order after church on February 1st, 2026!

If you ordered Chicken Noodle or Tomato Basil Soup from the Scholarship Committee, your soup will be ready for pickup after church 2/1/2026. Please pick up your order by 1pm.

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

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.

February 22 (Order by February 15)

                   Broccoli Cheddar

                   Chicken with Wild Rice

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 beginning January 11^th. 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

Women's Retreat

Saturday, February 7, 2026

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

9:30am-12:00pm

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, invites you to join them in a retreat on Saturday, February 7th at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5301 Ponderosa Ave NE) from 9:30-12:00. 

Pastor Erica Lea-Simka of the ABQ Mennonite Church will lead us in a study of St. Julian of Norwich of the Middle Ages. Her writings, Revelations of Divine Love are the earliest surviving English-language works attributed to a woman.

Come join us! For more information, please contact Shirley Nilsson at (505) 463-3657.

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 Calendar

February 1, 2026 - February 7, 2026

1 Alison Cato

3 Helen Huntley

5 Nick Furlano

5 Hevyn Roberts

7 Frank Yates

8 Nancy Leffler

8 Victoria Flick

8 Marie Fry

9 Linn Jenkins

10 Kaitlyn Leffler

12 Christie Alison

13 Anthony Collins

14 Tina Resner

18 Linn Jackson

18 Verona Schmidt

22 Mike Bushma

23 Tyler Warren

24 Karen Williams

25 Xavier Lopez

27 Bob Scott

28 Cameron Mitchell

28 John Hood

Milestone Birthdays

Please join us for cake in the fellowship Hall after church on Sunday, February 1st as we celebrate Bobby Simpson's 90th birthday and Ginny O'Neill's 60th birthday!

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!

Storehouse West

Current needs:

• Soup
• Fruits & vegetables
• Meat or meat pouches
• Tomato products
• Pasta Sauce & Pasta
• 1 lb. or 2 lb. bags of Rice
• 1lb. bags of Dried Beans
• Ramen noodles
• 16 oz. plastic jars of Peanut Butter
• Breakfast Cereal
• Shelf stable Milk of all types No GLASS JARS, please!

From the Worship Service Technical Team 

We appreciate and thank you for your support.  

The following technical stations are located near the entrance to the Sanctuary. 

Sound Booth: Responsible for sound volume and sound balance being sent through the speakers in the Sanctuary, Narthex, Fellowship Hall, and to Livestream via soundboard. 

Computer Station: Responsible for running the Livestream (online worship service) via broadcast software setting and adjusting the Sanctuary cameras for different segments of the worship service and ensuring the sound going to the Livestream is neither too loud nor too quiet. 

Please be aware that these stations are busy immediately before, during, and after the service.  



Please save conversations until the technicians have finished their worship service and weekly tasks. 

Thank You and Blessings,  

Worship Service Technical Team 

Luminosity Conference

January is often a season of planning and discernment, and we hope you'll take a moment to consider the Luminosity Conference as part of your year ahead. Luminosity offers space for reflection, learning, and engagement with others who share a commitment to thoughtful ministry leadership. 

Registration is open at both regular and reduced pastoral rates, and registration will close on February 20. Grants continue to be available for all attendees, and we encourage anyone who may benefit from financial support to explore that option. Full details, including workshop descriptions and answers to common questions, can be found on the Luminosity website. 

Additional questions? The Frequently Asked Questions section of the website offers helpful information as you plan. 

Email serving@presbyterianfoundation.org if you need assistance.

We're excited about Luminosity 2026 and hope you'll join us.

The Luminosity Conference Team

Presbyterian Foundation | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Prayer Concerns

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

Genevieve Dykehouse, surgery & recovery

Victoria Flick, surgery recovery

Dr. Meredith Beaton, healing

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