Weekly Witness

October 23, 2025

Sunday, October 26, 2025

20th Sunday after Pentecost

Reformation Sunday

Sermon Text: Luke 18: 9-14

Livestream; Bulletin

Interim Pastor: Rev. Frank Yates

Liturgist: Denise Baker

Psalmist: Thom Hinks

Greeters: Birgitta Gustafson

Ushers: Pat Gerlach, Joy Sternberg, Victoria Flick, Steve Sproul

Flowers: Given by Karen Beaton: In memory of my husband,

Tom Ponder on our Anniversary

Early Morning Security: Dave Sternberg

October Sanctuary Stewards: Beth Miller and Denise Baker

November Sanctuary Stewards: Liz Bushma and Sharon Glass

Pastor-to-People

Dear RRPC Community,

In the coming weeks you will hear much about our fall stewardship campaign. This all leads to Pledge Sunday on November 16.

Ever since I came to serve your congregation a year ago, I have been deeply impressed by your commitment to God's work through this congregation. Most recently you funded the work needed on our bells in very short order. Amazing.

When I found out that the congregation had raised over $400,000 for your capital needs, I was also amazed. We all know there is one last project, the stucco work, left to complete hopefully in 2026. So you have proved to yourself and to your God that you are a generous people of faith. Thanks be to God!

Now our immediate goal is to have a blessed outpouring of generosity for our 2026 regular church budget. The budget that funds salaries, light bills, insurance, office supplies, as well as our many mission projects. This year's campaign is especially important as we all look forward to a new pastor arriving on the scene, soon and very soon, we pray. 

The cost of compensating a new pastor has risen. Mainly because of insurance and inflation. The Session is aware that the new pastor's package may well be much more expensive than my package. It is true; all over our denomination, we are experiencing rising costs. So my prayer for you is this: let's think and pray earnestly about our own generosity. How we may consider increasing our pledge for 2026, for the good of the church and for the work of Christ in the world. 

You have proved yourself to be a generous congregation in the past. Now's let's pull together to be a generous congregation in the future. God be with you all. 

Peace and hope,

Frank

Fall Choral Concert

Saturday, October 25, 2025

4pm in sanctuary

Please join us for a concert prepared by members from our chancel choir and other choirs in the community.

On October 25, we will be participating in an all-day choral workshop led by Josh Manuel. He is the founder of VoSci (Voice Science), and will bring us evidence-based vocal training with real world applications such as singing in church!

The concert will be held in the sanctuary at 4:00 on Saturday, October 25.

Repertoire includes The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Ave Verum Corpus, Sicut Cervus as well as two hymns and one ensemble selection.

We hope to see you at the concert!

Update: All 9 bell packages made it to Al in his Virginia workshop. Al said the boxes didn’t look too beat up! He will open everything this week and begin the refurbishment. 

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:

Lisa Wengerd

Lyn Kulk

Karen Beaton

Congregational Meeting

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!

Church Women United

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.

From your friendly neighborhood

Mission Committee

This is our last week! Please see our display in the narthex.

Thank you!

Church Calendar October 26 - November 1, 2025

Men's Breakfast - Saturday, Nov 1st

8:00 AM

          Join us for a hearty breakfast by Bill Wehner, fellowship and to welcome Jim Thomas, a new member who will be sharing his interesting story with us. 

Come and help welcome Jim.

October Birthdays

28 Camise Kettner 

30 Aiden Warren

We are about one month 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!

More updates and a packing list will go out to those registered as the dates approach. 

2025 Christmas Poinsettias

Christmas (and Advent) are coming early this year! Order Forms for poinsettias are available on the table in the narthex.

Deadline: THIS SUNDAY, October 26, 2025

Cost: $10 each

Color Choice: Red, white, pink & cinnamon

Make checks payable to: RRPC

Memo line: poinsettias

Thank you for enhancing our sanctuary!

Brrrrr! It's starting to get cold out there!

Do you have any loose change you'd like to donate to those less fortunate? Remember to clean out suit pockets and out-of-season wallets and purses. This jar will be available in the narthex throughout the colder months to benefit everyone at

Storehouse West!

Thank you for your donations!

Prayer Concerns

The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him. ~Oswald Chambers

Jim McInroy

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