Weekly Witness

June 25, 2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026

5th Sunday after Pentecost

Presentation of Scholarships

Scripture: Psalm 89: 1-5; Luke 15: 1-7

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Last Week's Sermon: Sacramental Ethics

Guest Pastor: Rev. Bob Morley

Liturgist: Rev. Frank Yates

Psalmist: Rev. Frank Yates

Greeters: Ginger Wall and Helen Huntley

Ushers: Pat Gerlach, Len & Lyn Kulk, Joy Sternberg

Flowers: In memory of Georganne Mellon

Early Morning Security: Dave Sternberg

June Sanctuary Stewards: Linn Jenkins and Cyndi Pitts

July Sanctuary Stewards: Helen Huntley and Linda Hood

Director of Music: Nancy Leffler

Accompanist: Nathan Secrest

Presentation of Scholarships

This Sunday, we will be presenting all of our undergrad and graduate college students with scholarships for the upcoming school year! Please plan to attend to receive your $$ award! The Scholarship Committee works hard all year long to provide fun events to help raise funds for this special program. Congratulations students!!

Dear RRPC members and friends,

This Sunday, June 28, my best friend Rev. Bob Morley will be preaching and singing during our worship service. Bob is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Los Angeles with his wife Isla and daughter Emily (who is in the graduate school of music at Cal St. Fullerton). I met Bob in Las Cruces in 1977 and we have stayed in touch, even though we have never lived close to one other. We have been to each other's places of ministry over the years to do programs, preach, teach and sing. Bob has traveled our country as a kind of "Methodist circuit rider" singing and preaching in places far and wide. He also has been involved with the YMCA and the Air Force Chaplains association. He has sung at Air Force bases across the world. Bob has also served as a pastor in numerous Methodist congregations.

Bob has recorded a number of albums, one of which will be available this Sunday. It is entitled simply "Gospel" and you are welcome to take one. If you feel so led, you could make a donation to the Stucco Fund if you like. I think you will enjoy hearing him sing on this lovely album.

So this Sunday in honor of Bob being a Californian, you are invited to dress casual and maybe even wear something colorful, a surfing shirt for instance! Anything to liven up the sanctuary. I plan to wear something casual and bright. So let's have some fun and enjoy Bob's singing and preaching this Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Frank

THIS Saturday at 9-11am

Volunteers Needed

Tree Trimming

& Bush Removal

Please consider volunteering to help us trim trees and bushes in preparation of the Stucco and painting project which is scheduled to begin in mid-July.

THIS Sunday is

CASUAL SUNDAY!

Feel free to dress casually in honor of our friend, Rev. Bob Morley, who is our guest pastor from California!

Drag out your Hawaiian shirts, surfer shorts and flip flops as we praise Jesus this Sunday!

IT'LL BE TOTALLY AWESOME!

I am just heartbroken to announce the passing of Georganne Mellon this past weekend. She was a beloved member and friend to many here at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church. She did not wish to have a service but please remember her fondly in your prayers.

Jewelry Sale

Sunday Mornings

in the Narthex

$15 donation

Sue Phillips will be selling Tree of Life Earrings in the narthex on Sunday morning, this week, June 28, and July 12th and 19th, to benefit the Stucco Project. Please support her efforts as she always does such lovely work!

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!

Come view an original

German Enigma cipher machine

THIS 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. 

Memorial Service for

Patrick McCreary

Saturday, July 4th

10am

Please join us for a memorial service on the morning of July 4th, as we celebrate the life of Pat McCreary. Let's support his wife, Jane, and son, Sean, as they welcome family and friends from out of town.

Jewelry Workshops

July 18 at 10am

July 25 at 1pm

Sue Phillips will be hosting two jewelry workshops at her house. All are welcome! You can make a necklace, earrings, or both. No experience necessary. She has all of the materials. Cost ranges from $15 and up. Feel free to call her with any questions: 505-892-6165. Please see the sign up sheet in the narthex.

Her address is: 5203 Ironwood Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Church Calendar

June 28, 2026 - July 4, 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

23 Shirley Underwood

24 Marj Austin

25 Len Kulk

27 Tom Pitts

July Birthdays

6 Leah Gerlach

6 Terry Gretchen

7 Riley Bushma

8 Max Hughes

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.

Prayer Concerns

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

John Husler - heart issues

Birgitta Gustafson - surgery recovery

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