Weekly Witness

November 6, 2025

Sunday, November 9, 2025

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Congregational Meeting

Sermon Text: Luke 20: 27-38

Livestream; Bulletin

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Last Week's Sermon: The Zacchaeus Impulse

Liturgist: Arlene Thomas

Psalmist: Bill Cox

Greeter: Birgitta Gustafson

Ushers: Bill Cox, Virginia Kelley, Craig Kelley, Camise Kettner

Flowers: Given by Virginia Kelley in memory of her husband, Fred

Early Morning Security: Pat Gerlach

November Sanctuary Stewards: Liz Bushma and Sharon Glass

Pastor-to-People

Dear RRPC Family,

This Sunday will feature a main aspect of our Presbyterian

life together. We will elect the new officers nominated by our Nominating Committee. Why is this so important? Because Presbyterian polity (governance) will be on full display. Our congregations elect their own leaders for the Session and the Diaconate. Elders and deacons are then ordained (for life!) and serve as our guides for the year to come. And we rotate our leaders so that everyone has a "term limit" (6 years max). 

What is critical is that the clergy are not the only ordained leaders in a congregation. That makes Presbyterian polity unique-ordained elders and deacons. And it gives balance to our decision making. The clergy cannot and should not "call all the shots." Elders and deacons (and indeed the congregation under certain circumstances like calling a pastor) have equal voice to the pastor. So we are somewhere in between the Episcopal form of government and the congregational form of government.

It is what I like best about Presbyterian polity. In the governing bodies of the church beyond the congregation (Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly) there is always "parity", meaning an equal number of clergy and elders who make decisions. This is our version of "separation of powers", a very good idea in any organization, religious or political.

So come this Sunday and participate in our congregational meeting, where you, the members of the congregation, will elect your own leaders. This is a very Presbyterian thing to do!  

Peace and hope,

Frank

From Finance and Stewardship Committee

"Grace Upon Grace with Generosity"

It has come to our attention that several members have not received the stewardship letter and pledge information that were emailed a couple of weeks ago. A new email address was established for this communication; 

some systems may not recognize it and put it in SPAM. So please check this area of your emails to find your letter. 

Stewardship and pledge information are also on our church website: www.rrpchurch.org You can easily complete and submit your Pledge card and Time and Talent card here. 

There are forms for both financial and time/talent pledges on the counter in the Narthex. When you have completed the pledges, please put them in the red box on the counter near the pledge cards.

Pledge Sunday is November 16. We thank you for your continued generosity of our many missions at RRPC. We need your continued generosity as the PNC searches for a new pastor. Please pledge your financial support, time and talents to furthering our mission.

Thank you and blessings,

Finance and Stewardship Committee

Generosity (part 2) - by Bill Wehner

How much do you trust God?

I’ve asked myself this question at least once a week and I can easily say, “in everything.”

But the catch is “easily say.” Sure, it is easily said but do I REALLY trust Him in everything?

Think about this. Do you trust him with your health? With all the problems we’ve had over the years (and believe me, I’ve had plenty)? Do you trust God with your family, your friends, your car, your fur babies, your job, or your finances…especially your accountants and finance gurus?

Years ago, I received an income tax refund for the first time in many years and was really excited that I had found more than expected in my bank account. I suddenly had a great idea.

I was going to deposit about $150 in my brother’s bank account and not tell him. He lived in Alabama, didn’t have a steady job, being a musician and relying on sparse gigs to get by; so I went to the bank and deposited the money into his account. I felt happy.

That night, my brother called me, a bit depressed, and I asked what was going on. He said his car wouldn’t start and spent half of the day figuring out what was wrong. He told me he discovered a switch that was bad and he would have to get a new one.

“How much is it? I asked.

“A hundred and forty-eight dollars after tax.”

“Do you have the money?”

“Nah, maybe about a dollar-twenty in the bank.”

“Look again,” I replied and changed the subject.

When I hung up the phone later, I suddenly realized that my bright idea wasn’t mine at all.

It was God telling me that my good fortune wasn’t for me. No wonder I felt so happy. That’s how you know you’ve listened to God…you get that contentment. Oh, that’s the “peace that passes all understanding.”



God was reminding me that my fortunes are worth more when shared. Did I miss the one hundred and fifty dollars? Nope. They weren’t mine. They were God’s. Don’t miss out on God’s blessings He has planned for you.

Memorial Service

Pamela Sue Holden

Saturday, November 8th

10:30am



Please join us as we celebrate the life of Pamela Holden. Her daughter and son-in-law are Rebecca and Tim Isaacs. For any who would like to attend online, please click here.

The Nominating Committee has completed its work for the year and we have the following members to put forward for office.

Elders for Class of 2028:

Crystal Mitchell

Nancy Shambach

Karen Williams

David Sternberg

Deacons for Class of 2028:

Karen Beaton

Lyn Kulk

Hazel Lathrop

Lisa Wengerd

Congregational Meeting

THIS Sunday, November 9th

after worship service

Please plan to attend this very brief meeting after worship service. We will be electing the Elders and Deacons for the Class of 2028. Thank you!

We are saddened to announce the passing of George Lind on September 24th, 2025 in Elkhart, Indiana. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday four days prior. He and his wife, Sue were members of RRPC for many years and had moved to Indiana to be closer to family. Many will remember George and Sue as very kind and fun people.

If you would like to reach out to Sue, I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Her address is as follows:

Sue Lind

Hubbard Hills

28070 Country Road 24

Room 2403

Elkhart, IN 46517

Church Women United

THIS Friday, November 7th

starting at 9:30am

Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE

The theme is “Help Others at All Times.” The guest speaker will be Anna Trillo, Director of Community Engagement, at the Immigrant Law Center. They will also be the recipient of our CWU Human Rights Award. 

Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:00. A collection of feminine hygiene items for St. Timothy Lutheran’s "Period Cupboard" will be taken. 

Come, and bring a friend! For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657.

Exciting News!

The bells are on their way back!

Bell choir rehearsals will resume

on Thursday, November 13th

at 6:30pm.

November's Book:

Carnegie's Maid

by Marie Benedict

We will be meeting at Nancy Henricksen's home on November 25th 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!



If you'd like a head start, December's book is: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill.

Thanksgiving Pies 2025

It’s time for the annual Thanksgiving Pies To Go sale that supports Scholarships of Grace. Pies will go on sale Sunday, November 2nd. Fill out a form at the ‘Pie Table’ before or after church or, starting November 6th, pies can be ordered by emailing Don Underwood at donunm@gmail.com or calling at 505 903-9889.

Pies will be ready for pickup after church November 23, 2025, until 1pm.

Orders must be placed by Sunday November 16, 2025.

Choice of whole pies which feature homemade crust.

(15 pies of each type are available to order):

Laura’s Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie by Laura Gonzales: $18

                       A Thanksgiving Tradition

Decadent Maple Pecan Pie by Victoria Flick: $18

                     Real maple syrup makes this a special pie

Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie by Nancy Leffler: $18

         Homemade chocolate custard and fresh meringue

                 Definitely a favorite of chocolate lovers

Classic Apple Pie is SOLD OUT!



Whole Pies: Pumpkin, Pecan, and Chocolate pies are baked and will be ready to eat after thawing. Enjoy the aroma of the apple pie as you bake it in your oven at home.

Pie Slices: Fresh slices of Pumpkin and Chocolate pie can also be ordered.



Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie by Nancy Leffler: $5                 

Laura’s Mom’s Heirloom Pumpkin Pie by Laura Gonzales: $5

There will be a limited number of pies and pie slices available, so order early. 

Scholarships of Grace are awarded each summer to youth who are continuing their education on a certificate program or college and who were active or their families were active in our church during their high school careers. Scholarships are $600/year for up to five years. If we have a good fund-raising year, scholarships may be larger.

Church Calendar November 9 - 15, 2025

November Birthdays

6 Savannah Warren

14 Thom Hinks

17 Addyson Landon

18 Dave Sternberg

19 Wandalea Henson

20 Ona Mitchell

25 Josh Landon

26 Pam Scalco

29 Maria Chávez, Priscilla Landon

News from Aloy Bamberg

concerning holiday meals

Storehouse West will not be able to provide Holiday food this year as they are struggling to feed the clients each month now. SHW and the Board are doing all they can just to meet the monthly needs and the client list is growing and growing.  ALL donations now are for their daily needs.  

Current needs:

• canned meats
• Ramen noodles
• peanut butter

Please consider donating food or money for our neighbors in need and facing a bleak holiday season.. The Mission Committee thanks you for your gifts.

Let's gather together for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27th

11pm-1pm

Fellowship Hall

Please see the sign up sheet in the narthex.

For any questions, see Liz Bushma.

We hope you can join us!

Presbyterian Women’s Thanks Offering

On November 30, we will be inviting our church family to participate in the Thanks Offering. This offering has been part of Presbyterian Women’s mission since the 1880s.

In 2025, the Creative Ministries Offering Committee of the Presbyterian Women received 37 Thanks Offering applications. After prayerful consideration ten projects were awarded funding. These projects will provide funding for such services as housing, much needed food, health care, and children at risk. The ten projects are located in many parts of our country, from Alaska, to New York, to Nebraska, to Louisiana, and Kentucky to name a few.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance for your participation. Remember, on November 30th, there will be special envelopes for this offering. If you have questions, please contact either Liz Buzhma or Leah Gerlach. We are so thankful for our most generous church family.

RRPC Presbyterian Women

Help Us Decorate for Christmas!

Sunday, November 23rd

(after worship)

The Worship Committee invites you to help decorate the church for Advent and Christmas on Sunday, November 23 right after worship. This is a joyful task and many hands make light work!



Please mark your calendars and join us!

We are a couple of weeks away from our Presbytery of Santa Fe Fall Retreat, November 22-23, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, ABQ. We are excited to welcome back the Austin College Activators for 2 days of worship, fun, and fellowship together! We'll meet at 9:30 am Saturday morning and wrap up around 10:45 am after the conclusion of Sunday worship on the 23rd.

Please have your youth register, share the flyer and encourage your youth to sign up. We'd love to have another great crew present!

Deadline: Sunday, November 23rd

It's that time of year again when the Worship Committee asks our RRPC family to volunteer to write a page of our Advent Devotional. The theme this year is Gifts of the Spirit: the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. You can reflect on when you have experienced those gifts, or how we can give those gifts to others in this dark time. You can also share a holiday recipe, craft or tradition for this devotional! If you signed up on Sunday, thank you! If you would like to participate, please email Birgitta at birgus61@gmail.com. I will also have a table set up this coming Sunday. The deadline for all submissions is Sunday, Nov. 23. 

Prayer Concerns

“Prayer is asking God to align you with His will rather than asking Him to be aligned with yours.”

Jim McInroy

Tim & Rebecca Isaac, on the loss of her mother

Sheila Malmo's daughter, Alice

For DR Congo, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

For all victims of gun violence, war, unrest

and all those in the path of Hurricane Melissa.

 Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church

1004 24th Street, SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

505.892.6664

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday | 9am–3pm