October 9, 2026

This Sunday, October 11

is Commitment Sunday

This Sunday, October 11 is Commitment Sunday for our annual Stewardship Campaign. This year, we are also making it Gratitude Sunday where we live out thankfulness to God for everything that blesses us. 

I invite you to bring your commitment card for 2027. Those cards help our church to prepare a rough estimate for budget, allowing us to plan, allocate resources, and examine possibilities in the new year. 

If you need a commitment card, they are available on Sunday at the hospitality desk. See you there!

We Care Support for Caregivers

Saturday, October 10

We look forward to meeting new caregivers (and our returning ones!) at our We Care Support Group for caregivers. This month's meeting is this Saturday, October 10 from 10:00am - noon in the church library (park in the West church lot on Arizona St NE). Topics discussed include Caregiver Burnout and thoughts on creative responses to stress. We offer a safe and confidential place to ask questions, share concerns, maybe cry a little, and laugh a little. This group is facilitated by Carol Dolan and Virginia Worrell. Call the church office or reach out to one of them for more details. 

Braver Angels Training on

Constructive Dialogue in Divided Times

 Sunday, October 11

Please join us on Sunday, October 11 @ 2:00pm for this special event in room 245/247 sponsored by the St. John's Social Concerns Committee. 

Faith communities are a cornerstone of our country. Together, we can work to depolarize ourselves and love our neighbors.

For people of faith, civil discourse begins in recognizing the image of God in our conversation partner. Since we are all children of God, our approach should involve mutual respect. Respect—not agreement—is the key to a healthy discussion. This workshop addresses how we may be inadvertently complicit in, or possibly even encourage, polarization. 

Braver Angels is a civic organization that develops educational tools to build bridges between people divided over politics.  

Quintessence Celebrates 40 Years

with Just a Number

Sunday, October 11

Quintessence: A Community of Singers kicks off their 2026-2027 concert season on Sunday, October 11 at 3:00pm with Just a Number. This concert is a celebration of Quintessence’s 40th birthday, with music about the passage of time, and the joys and frustrations of living, loving, and aging. Music by Jonathan Dove, Johannes Brahms, Elaine Hagenberg, Dale Trumbore, Taylor Scott Davis, and Bob Dylan. St. John’s folks can get 15% off advance tickets by using the code SJUMC. Click here to get yours today!

When You Pray

New Women's Bible Study

(Via Zoom)

Tuesday, October 13

When You Pray, by Kelly Minter, Jackie Hill Perry, Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Jada Edwards and Kristi McLelland

Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, via ZOOM, from October 13 through November 24 (for 7 weeks); facilitator: Donna Bruce.

To Register, contact Susan at teachersusan@comcast.net or come by the Hospitality Center on Sundays to register.

Do you have trouble thinking of words to say to God when you pray? Are you afraid

emotions are too intense to express to God? Do you reach the end of a day only to realize you haven’t prayed at all? You’re not alone.

Prayer is the way we relate to God, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Throughout God’s Word, we encounter many voices who teach us how to pray. In this 7-session study, join with six beloved Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own. You’ll learn that God welcomes your praise and lament, your thanksgiving and intercession. You’ll see examples of how to pray when you’re alone and when you’re gathered with others. Above all, you’ll notice there’s no one right way to pray. As you draw near to God through prayer, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart united to Christ. 

Grief Support Group

Thursday, October 15

Everyone has or will experience the grief that comes when we lose a spouse, a beloved loved family member, a dear friend or a precious pet. Grieving is felt differently by different people and may be expressed through different emotions such as anger, sadness, and depression. Loneliness also often accompanies grieving. Some people find support in their grieving through meeting with others in a caring, compassionate, and safe space where feelings can be explored, and support may be found through talking with others.

We offer an invitation to those who are newly experiencing grief and for those who have suffered significant loss over time. Grief has no definitive ending. Please join us on Thursday, October 15 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm in the Church Library, 2nd floor. This group is facilitated by Carol Dolan and Karen Hall. Call the church office or contact them for more details.

Mobile Food Pantry

Saturday, October 17

Volunteers, arrive at the Family Life Center about 8:00am-8:30am and distribution begins around 9:30am, depending on the time the Roadrunner truck arrives. We are usually finished before noon. Please contact Debby Smith @ 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering. If you have small to medium boxes, please drop them off during the MFP at the Family Life Center, or contact me to pick them up. 

Servers Needed for the

Annual UWF Banquet

Saturday, October 17      

The United Women in Faith are having their Annual Banquet at St. John’s on Saturday, October 17. The St. John’s Food Ministry will be providing a plated meal for the banquet and are in need of 5 front of the house servers to help set the tables, serve drinks, serve the plated meals, bus tables and clean up. 

To sign up, please follow the link Banquet Help-Sign Up Here or contact Chef Tim at tnuzum@stjohns-abq.org or 505-883-9717 x 141.

Orientation Class

Learning about St. John’s UMC

Sunday, October 18

“What is special about being a Methodist?” “What is going on at St. John’s?” “Where do I fit in?”

These are key questions that newcomers ask about our church and we are having a class to discuss the answers. Visitors and new members are the primary focus for the class, but those who have been around awhile may want to reorient and re-energize themselves by entering the discussion. It's a great place to get to know others at St. John's as well.

The class will take place on four consecutive Sunday evenings. The first class will start Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, and we’ll end on Sunday, Nov. 8. We will meet in Rooms 149/151 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm, get to know each other, and discuss the topics (our Christian faith, Methodism, St. John’s, my place.)



To register for the class, sign up in the Hospitality Center or contact Jack and Carol Nuzum at 265-5241 or jcnuzum@gmail.com. 

Partnering with Family Promise

Looks Different

October 18 - 24

Our next host week will be October 18 - 24. We've decided to provide groceries for the families that are staying in the new apartment complex. To help with the cost of groceries, we're asking for $15 - $20 donations. For the donation, please write "Family Promise" in the memo line or description.

If you would like more information or want to help with groceries and other service opportunities, contact Jenn Shields (jennshields200@yahoo.com; 505-450-9978) or Linn Furnish (swimsew@comcast.net; 505-884-6626). 

Family Promise Has Moved!

After many years, they are finally in their new home, ready to serve more families in need. Come out on Sunday, October 18th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm to see the new day center, offices, and tour one of the shelter units. RSVP to Family Promise of Albuquerque Open House RSVP for the open house - address and more information. Donations are needed! Donations to support their work will be accepted as housewarming gifts. Check out the Amazon wish list here for items needed for the new space. Donate here today to be part of their Angel Wall and support the mission of Family Promise. 

The God of the Other Side

Monday, October 26

A New Women's Bible Study, by Kathie Lee Gifford & Joanne Moody

Mondays, 11:00am-1:00pm, rooms 245/257, from October 26 through November 30 (6 weeks); facilitator: Barbara Stanfield. Bring your own brown bag lunch. To Register, contact Susan at teachersusan@comcast.net or come by the Hospitality Center on Sundays to register.

Discover the incredible lengths God will go to reach those who are lonely, lost, and left out. In this six-session video Bible study, Kathie Lee Gifford and Joanne Moody reveal how Jesus broke through social barriers and reached those on the "other side" whom society had abandoned.



This Bible study will show you how God draws in the foreigner, the wayward, the paralyzed, and other outcasts as essential parts of the kingdom he’s building. You'll learn what it means to go with Jesus to "the other side", how it shapes your faith, and how it impacts your daily life in exciting new ways.

Last Sunday's Worship Service

(10.4.26)

Now Available on YouTube

We were sorry to hear that our online congregation was unable to view last Sunday's worship service on October 4. Because the service included a clip from a television program, the livestream was interrupted. The good news is that we've edited the service and uploaded it to our YouTube channel, so you can still worship with us. [Click here to watch Sunday's service.]



Thank you for your patience and understanding. We're grateful to worship with you, wherever you are!.

Church Office Closed

Monday, October 12

Please note the Church office will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance of the Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Please conduct any church office business before or after this date or email reception@stjohns-abq.org for any inquiries, and someone will be in touch with you the next business day.

General Election on

Tuesday, November 3

Are YOU Registered to Vote?

Are you registered to vote for the General Election on November 3? You can register to vote at any early voting site, your voting site on November 3, or THIS SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH. Jane Voelkel, a trained and non-partisan voting registration agent, will have a table in the Narthex between services, and you can quickly accomplish this task. There will also be a laptop to check your registration status. 

Voting is your SUPERPOWER as a citizen. Be sure to vote this year!

Wanted! Volunteer for Memory Cafe

We are in need of a Data Base manager. Someone who is proficient on the computer, can make, print and send files and reports to multiple people.

If interested, please contact Sharon Jensen, ssmjens@ aol.com.

The Annual Fall Festival is Coming Soon!

Sunday, October 25

As the season changes to fall, we must quickly realize the Fall Festival is seemingly right around the corner.

The Annual Fall Festival will be held on October 25, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the Family Life Center. Please join us for some fun, games, treats, vintage cars, and of course costumes.

The festival is for toddlers and kids through elementary age and will be put on by our youth along with other volunteers. Candy donations would be very much appreciated leading up to the event and can be placed outside the office doors of Brett Reece, our Youth Director, or Angela Lybarger, our Children’s Director. Thank you for your continued support!

Trunk 'n' Treat

Sunday, October 25



It’s that time again! Green chiles are roasting, kids are thinking about cool costumes, and St. John’s is planning its Annual Fall Festival. Children’s Outreach Council is sponsoring a Trunk ‘n Treat during the festivities happening on Sunday, October 25 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

We’re recruiting enthusiastic folks who would like to enter a vehicle in the celebration. If you haven’t done a Trunk ‘n Treat before, it’s simple and fun. Just decorate your vehicle/trunk in the spirit of the season (and feel free to dress up in costume yourself 😊come up with a game or activity kids can play near your space, and provide candy or other goodies to give away as prizes.

Our goal is 10+ vehicles this year! And who knows…yours might be the one to win a prize for best creativity, theme, decorations, or game! That’s right – participants not only get to provide lots of fun for all the kids, but they also get to participate in the “Trunk ‘n Treat” contest! Contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org to sign up today!

Prayer Quilts

Karen Lucero is the recipient for the prayer quilt currently on display in the Hospitality Center. 

If you pass through the Hospitality Center this week, please tie a knot in the quilt while praying for Karen. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Karen. "Almighty God, we lift up Karen asking for your strength to fill her heart and mind. Remind her that she is not alone for you walk beside her. May our actions and prayers bring peace to Karen and confidence in your purpose and power. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen." 

October Special Offering

McCurdy Ministries

"The Light of Christ in the Valley of Espanola". McCurdy Ministries provides hope with dignity through many services. In addition to the very important food, clothing and diaper banks, it provides free counseling, a children's literacy program, and classes for adults, as well. McCurdy shares its campus and cooperates with other non-profits. For example, one helps grandparents raising grandchildren, and another provides emergency shelter for teens. AND we can help by giving generously both financially and in kind.



(See article below) 

Let's help spread God's love in the Espanola Valley.

October Special Collections

McCurdy Family Christmas Store

Once again, McCurdy Ministries will host a Family Christmas Store to bless families in their community. Parents will be invited to shop and choose free gifts for their children — and St. John's is proud to help make that possible.

Throughout October, we're collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED toys and items for children ages 0–18. Donation bins are available in the Hospitality Center.

Gift suggestions by age group:

• Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years): Board books, stuffed animals, musical toys, building blocks, bath toys

• Preschool & Early Elementary (4–7 years): Dolls & action figures, art supplies & coloring sets, puzzles, Play-Doh & craft kits, cars, trucks, trains

• Older Children (8–12 years): LEGOs & STEM kits, sports balls (soccer, basketball, football), craft sets, jewelry-making kits, remote control cars, board games

• Teens (13–18 years): Gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon, restaurants), headphones/earbuds, journals, sketchbooks, sports gear, personal care sets (lotions, body sprays, etc.)

We will also have the opportunity to support Enlace Comunitario Winter 2026 Gift Drive in November and Zuni Elementary Gift Drive in December.

As always, thank you, St. John's, for your generosity — you help make Christmas morning a little brighter for families who need it most.

St. John's United Methodist Church | (505) 883-9717

2626 Arizona Street NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

If there is an after-hours Congregational Care need, you may leave a message on Lauren Morgan-Smith’s church office phone 505-883-9717, ext. 127 – or email care@stjohns-abq.org and she will respond as soon as possible.