Weekly Witness

June 18, 2026

Sunday, June 21, 2026

4th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: Matthew 10: 24-39, Psalm 69: 7-18, Romans 6:1-11

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Last Week's Sermon: Hard Times

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Liturgist: John Hood

Psalmist: Cyndi Pitts

Greeters: Leah & Pat Gerlach

Ushers: Velina & Reyes Chavez, Sharon Glass, Karen Williams

Flowers: Given by Ginger Wall in honor of ALL the June birthdays!

Early Morning Security: Bill Cox

June Sanctuary Stewards: Linn Jenkins and Cyndi Pitts

Director of Music: Nancy Leffler

Accompanist: Nathan Secrest

Dear RRPC members and friends,

Every even year, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets. So this year we are meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, beginning Monday, June 22, and it concludes on Thursday July 2. Part of the meeting now is online and part is in person in Milwaukee. My wife Sharon will be attending as the associate stated clerk of the Synod of the Southwest (which includes the Presbyterian churches in New Mexico and Arizona). This is her last act for the Synod before retiring on July 3.

Some years ago I attended our General Assembly meeting in Pittsburgh as the minister commissioner from Santa Fe Presbytery. It was quite the learning experience. The best part was meeting Presbyterians from literally all over the country and participating in magnificent worship services. (Not to mention that I got to see the the Pittsburgh Pirates play a baseball game!)

So our General Assembly deals with issues within the church and how we govern ourselves. So any changes to the Book of Order or the Book of Confessions have to be approved by the G.A. Also we deal with many of the complex issues facing our nation and our world. So there are always pronouncements for "prayer and study", which means that we ask the denomination to consider all kinds of policy proposals.

Some of these you may agree with. Some you may not. But they are not "forced down your throat." They are for your "prayer and study." This is always important to remember when reading about the General Assembly.

We will provide a link in next week's Witness to help you follow along what is happening in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, let's pray for all the folks attending and making decisions on our behalf. We are a connectional church and so what happens in the G.A. matters to us. Please pray for all the commissioners.

Peace and hope,

Frank

Link for General Assembly

Adult Christian Education Class

This Sunday, June 21, after worship, we will gather in Classroom A&B to discuss Mere Christianity, written by C.S. Lewis. These were originally radio addresses over the BBC to Britain during World War II. Lewis was

making a case for Christianity and defending it against false claims. This is called Christian Apologetics (or defense of the faith). Lewis primarily draws on what is sometimes called "The Moral Argument", meaning this sense of obligation that all people seem to have in their hearts. This is similar to Paul's argument in Romans 2.

This Sunday, we will discuss four different types of Christian Apologetics:

1. Creation

2. Historical evidence

3. Revelation

4. Morality

I guess this means you will have to attend the class to find out what these are!

So come and join us. And if you have time, read Lewis' Mere Christianity.

See you Sunday!

Frank

It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of Pat McCreary this past Tuesday night. Please keep Jane and their son, Sean, in your prayers. A church memorial service is pending and will be announced soon.

195 The Life & Theology of Bishop Desmond Tutu

$15 July 13

Monday

10:00 AM → 11:30 AM

Sessions: 1

Instructor: Frank Yates

Location: Oasis

The Life & Theology of Bishop Desmond Tutu

Description

Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931–2021) was a spiritual leader in the Anglican Church of South Africa during the turbulent years of apartheid and the return of Nelson Mandela from prison. During Mandela’s presidency, Tutu remained a central figure in the nation’s Truth and Reconciliation process. Bearing witness to the love and justice of Jesus Christ, he played a key role in South Africa’s transformation.



To Sign Up

Go to the Albuquerque Oasis website and search for Class #195.

Join Together

Each Evening in Prayer

Family of faith, the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba invites you to join us in our daily prayer, every evening at 9:00 pm.

Let us raise our prayers with one voice, for our people and their churches:

 “God, our Father and Mother, in these times when we as a people feel exhausted and discouraged by a harsh reality that saps our hope, times when human suffering surfaces as part of the struggle for survival and when it may seem that our own needs prevent us from recognizing our neighbors, we cry out to you, good God. 

We humbly ask that Your church remain a place of welcome, a space where all people are received—a great table of communion where all may find a seat. May every need be transformed into a ministry of service and compassion, and may we be that great family that lives, weeps, walks alongside others, laughs, celebrates, prays, sings praises, and whispers of Your presence in every corner where peace and justice are envisioned.

We place this people before You; make us, as a church, proclaimers of hope, affirming Your constant presence—manifested in service and in love that is shared, proclaimed, and celebrated. Grant us the grace to proclaim the certainty that God has not abandoned Cuba or its people.

We cry out for peace, for an end to violence, war, and greed; and we implore that we, as Your children, may be instruments of that peace—the peace that comes hand-in-hand with justice and heralds Your eternal reign. To You be the glory, good God! Now and forever, Amen.”

Per Capita Donations

The Finance and Stewardship Committee appreciates your support of the per capita donations which are $37 per member, per year. We include half

of our commitment in the annual operational budget and ask members to donate the other half. As you know, the Presbytery of Santa Fe administrative office uses these funds to fulfill the responsibilities of the Presbytery. The staff have greatly reduced expenses over the past several years but still need the support of the churches in the Presbytery. We are doing pretty well this year and want to remind you to make your donation as soon as possible. If you can, we appreciate help for those who cannot make their donations. 



Be sure to put "per capita" in the memo section of your check. If you have questions, please speak with any member of the Finance and Stewardship Committee. Thank you.

Calling All Campers!

Do you like to camp?

We would like to plan a church-wide camping event for this summer. If you are interested, please let Joy Sternberg or John Hood know. She will create a list and organize a planning party! There are 4 couples interested. A planning meeting will be coming soon!

Contact Joy Sternberg at: joycpu1@hotmail.com, 505-452-7379 OR

John Hood at: lindaandjohn46@gmail.com, 614-403-9724.Thank you!

The Women's Fashion Show & Luncheon

Last Saturday was a HUGE hit!

Sponsored by the Cato Store, the ladies raised over $2,000 to go towards the Stucco fundraiser.

A special THANK YOU to Meredith Beaton and Betty Jarous for organizing such a fabulous event.

Thank you to all of our models as pictured below:

Joy Sternberg, Anwi & Matuke Fomukong, Lisa Wengerd, Anne Kinney & Savannah Ball!

Come view an original

German Enigma cipher machine

NEXT Saturday, June 27th

3pm - 6pm    

Calling all history buffs and computer nerds! 

During World War II, a major allied effort was breaking the codes created by the Nazi’s Enigma machine.  A team of British and American code breakers worked together on this secret operation at Bletchley Park, near London.  Alan Turing, an English mathematician and cryptologist, played a key role in breaking the Enigma machine.  He developed a computer-like devise that could find the keys needed to decipher messages. Dave Levenson’s father, Arthur Levenson, was on the team that worked with Alan Turing.  He obtained an original German enigma machine, which is now Dave’s. He is pleased to show it, explain how it was used, answer questions, and even let you press the buttons and spin the rotors. 

As a benefit for the stucco project, Dave (assisted by Margaret Crowl), will give a program on Saturday, June 27, 3 to 6 pm. The program will consist of  

1. Afternoon tea with light refreshments 
2. Viewing of the award winning movie, The Imitation Game (2014) starring Benedict Cumberbatch, based on the Alan Turing story. 
3. Dave’s talk and demonstration of his Enigma machine.  

Please note: So that everyone can have an “up close and personal” experience, attendance will be limited to twenty people. However, if there is sufficient interest, Dave will do a second presentation later this summer. 

Suggested donation for the stucco project: $20 per person.  Sign up on the clipboard in the narthex. 

Refresh and Reset Our Church Home

It's time for some Spring Cleaning! In the next couple months, some decluttering, cleaning, rearranging and painting will be completed in anticipation of the arrival of our new pastor Rev. Deborah Huggins in September. Be on the look out for new artwork provided by Betty Gobeille and Nancy Shambach.

Church Calendar

June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY:

the who, what, where, when, why and how

Who can get a prayer shawl?

Anyone within your circle of acquaintences;

no need to be a church member.

What is the purpose of a prayer shawl?

A prayer shawl surrounds you in love and prayer

Where to get a prayer shawl?

Speak to any Deacon in the church and one will be supplied

When to ask for a prayer shawl?

As soon as a need is made known

Why give a prayer shawl?

Because God truly hears and responds to prayer

How to get a prayer shawl?

Speak to a Deacon. The shawl will be wrapped in tissue and

placed in a gift bag with information sheet on prayer shawls.

All shawls are made with love and prayers and are blessed by the church.

A message from the prayer shawl ministry on using a prayer shawl:

Happy moments Praise God

Difficult moments Seek God

Quiet moments Worship God

Painful moments Trust God

Every moment Thank God

Feeling depressed God listens

Need someone to talk to God’s a good listener

Having a pity-party Invite God

Feeling unloved Remember God loves you

The prayer shawl knitting group meets in the parlor on third Thursdays of

the month at 1 pm. We will be taking a break over the summer but will

return on September 17, 2026. If you would like to learn to knit or crochet,

join us and we will be happy to teach you. See Hazel or Ginny with questions.

June Birthdays

6 Adam Pitts, Gerald Tafoya, Gus Tafoya

7 Laura Gonzales

8 Kevin Johnson, Glenna Leffler

9 Marjorie Davison

11 Jimmie Leonard

12 Margaret Furlano, Dave Shambach

14 GregJones, Lee Malmo

17 Linda Hood

18 Ginger Wall

20 Millie Crabb

22 Linda Downey

23 Shirley Underwood

24 Marj Austin, Pat McCreary

25 Len Kulk

27 Tom Pitts

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

If you have family members serving here or overseas, please call Ginny at the church office to add them to our list. Church Office: 505-892-6664.

THANK YOU, LORD!

Correction to last week's announcement:

Pastor Deborah's husband, Jeff Huggins, will be teaching NM History

at Lincoln Middle School starting this Fall! Thank you, Lord!

Prayer Concerns

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

Pat McCreary's family, on his passing

Birgitta Gustafson - surgery this Monday, June 22

Ron Schmidt's sister - torn rotator cuff & may need surgery to repair.

Pegge Emery

Margaret Crowl's sister, Ellen - treatments

Linda Maddux - further treatment

Beth Miller - cancer treatments

Sheila Malmo's daughter, Alice

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

Office email: manager@rrpchurch.org