Weekly Witness

November 5, 2026

Sunday, November 8, 2026

24th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: Psalm 70; Matthew 25: 1-13

Sunday: Livestream; Bulletin

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Deborah Huggins

Liturgist: Denise Baker

Psalmist: Linda Hood

Greeters: Marie Fry, Birgitta Gustafson

Ushers: Bill Cox, Camille & Cory Hennek, Craig Kelley, Virginia Kelley

Flowers: Given by Virginia Kelley, In memory of Fred

Early Morning Security: Pat Gerlach

November Sanctuary Stewards: Liz Bushma & Sharon Glass

Director of Music: Nancy Leffler

Accompanist: Nathan Secrest

Responding to God’s Grace 

For the next three weeks, we will be working through Matthew 25. Our first parable focuses on preparation. In the life of our church, we have been in a season of preparation, of getting ready- getting our building ready, calling a new minister, preparing our mission study,  preparing our building AND our community to ask the question- what is next for us?  

In the parable of the ten bridesmaids- what is next is a wedding feast- a banquet- a place of joy and celebration- and five of those bridesmaids are completely ready for it- their lamps are lit, they know the dance steps, and they are ready to welcome the bridal couple, and to enter the feast. 

Then there are the rest of us- the wonderful, relatable foolish bridesmaids- whose lamps go out.

This week, as we continue to give thanks to God for all of the preparation we have done, all of our hard work, giving thanks for all of the ways that we have prepared ourselves and our community,  let us be bold and brave enough to ask God to help us to see where we are like the other 5 young women who are still working to get ready, still unsure, still frightened.  

In our mission study, our congregation identified the strengths of our traditional and robust music and worship, our hospitality and welcome, and our commitment to mission in our community and around the world. We also identified our deepest needs: our areas of growth and hope. Our need to connect to our neighborhood, and to welcome new people in; to honor and include children and youth and their families.  

As we prepare our hearts for worship this week, let's celebrate those places in our lives where we have embraced God's Kingdom; where we are ready to enter the dance hall and to rejoice; and let us celebrate the work that we have to do, moving always toward God's Grace and abundance and welcome.  

Warmly,

Pastor Deborah

Finance & Stewardship Committee

The General Operatiing Fund Graph as of Sept. 30 shows that RRPC finances are in good condition. The large expense was our property insurance payment which we had accounted for during the year. We have learned that per capita will increase to $39 for 2027; this is a $2 increase; we haven't seen an increase for a few years.

If you have questions about the graph, please contact any member of the Finance and Stewardship Committee.

This is the last month to meet for Coffee or Tea!

Good morning!

Pastor Deborah would love to meet you!! Pop in for a morning drink get-together before you start your day! Suggested time is 8am or 9am. Please feel free to write in what time works for you.

Signup sheet is in the church narthex. Call Ginny with any questions: 505-892-6664.

Lunch with

Pastor Deborah

Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12pm

Pastor Deborah wants to meet ALL of our church members and friends!

Sign up sheet for November is available now. Bring your lunch and join her in the library. Call Ginny in the office 505-892-6664 and she will gladly help you sign up!

Next Toddler Time

Wednesday, November 18th

9:30am - 11am

We had such a great turnout for our First Toddler Time this past Wednesday! Thank you to Pastor Deborah for putting together a fantastic program for our littles! Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 18th at 9:30am. Help us spread the word!

Church Women United

World Community Day

Friday, November 6

9:30am

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s fellowship, will meet for their World Community Day celebration on Friday, November 6th at St. Chad’s Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson NE. Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 with the program beginning at 10:00. The theme is “Peace Begins With Me”. Rev’d Lucas Grubbs, Director of the NM Conference of Churches, will be our speaker. Please join us and bring a friend!

For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-884-2467.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, November 7th

8:00am

Come for a great breakfast and wonderful fellowship!

Steve Sproul will be sharing a little about his recent travel to Tuscany, Italy.

In 2022, Betty Gobeille created and has since maintained the beautiful Capital Campaign tree display in the narthex. It has served as a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when we place our trust in God—including raising over $500,000 in just four years, while also honoring the beloved members of our congregation who passed away during that time.

As we prepare to take down the Capital Campaign tree and move into the next chapter of our church's life, let us pause to remember, celebrate, and give thanks for the work God has done through us.

If you would like to keep a remembrance, the leaves and sashes will be available on a table for you to take this Sunday.

Thank you all for your continued love and commitment to Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church.

In gratitude,

RRPC Session

We are excited to begin registration for our Presbytery of Santa Fe Fall Youth Retreat, November 21-22, this year held at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church, ABQ. 

This is a FREE 2 day, 1 night sleepover retreat for youth in grades 6-12. We'll begin with registration Saturday at 9:30 am, and wrap up after worship on Sunday (estimated around 10:45-11 am). Parents and families are also welcome to join us for worship on Sunday, if you'd like! 

All participants are required to register using our registration form. The form will close a week before the retreat so that we can finalize food plans. A packing list will be provided as the date approaches, after registration!

Attention Singers!

Choral Workshop

Saturday, January 30th

9:00-3:30pm

Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Choral Workshop on Saturday, January 30th. All singers are encouraged to attend.

Registration: starts at 8:30am.

Workshop: 9am - 3:30pm

Concert: 5:00pm OPEN to the PUBLIC

This workshop is open to all singers. It is structured for those who want to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and enjoy singing a sacred choral repertoire in a supportive setting. If you love singing, this workshop will help you grow, connect, and enjoy the art of choral singing. There will be two breakout sessions. Lunch and beverage is provided.

The workshop will conclude with a concert embracing the theme: Songs of Grace and Mercy. Invite your family and friends for the choral celebration.

To register: Registration Form

See Nancy Leffler, Director of Music, leffler_n@yahoo.com or

Lea Manuel, manuel.leanna@gmail.com with any questions.

Church Calendar

Nov. 8 - Nov. 14, 2026

Book Club for November

Our book for November is Brave the Wild River by Melissa Sevigny.

We will meet at Nancy Henriksen's home on Tuesday, November 24th, at 2pm to discuss the book and have a time of fellowship.

All are invited!

Nancy lives at 507 Cherish St. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Nancy: 505-306-1047.

For those who would like a head start; our December book is

The Serviceberry by Robin Kimmerer.

HAPPY READING!

November Birthdays

2 RJ Van Sweden

3 Angela Resner

4 Marilyn Burrows

5 Ron Kron

6 Savannah Warren

14 Thom Hinks

17 Addyson Landon

18 Dave Sternberg

19 Wandalea Henson

20 Ona Mitchell

23 Dave Levensen

25 Josh Landon

26 Pam Scalco

29 Maria Chavez

29 Priscilla Landon

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. Sara 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

 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