October 2, 2026

Memory Cafe

Saturday, October 3

The next meeting of Memory Café is Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:30pm - 3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church. October is special in Albuquerque, from Balloon Fiesta to Halloween, we are here to celebrate! Wear your costume or spooky hat. We will have special music, crafts, games, and snacks. Join us for a fun afternoon! 

Memory Cafe is a social support meeting for anyone affected by memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease along with their care partners and family. It is a setting free of stigma and offers an opportunity to form relationships and share with others who are traversing a similar journey. For more information (505) 323-7522 or ssmjens@aol.com. Join us for a fun time designed for you!

All Abilities

Art Fair

Saturday, October 3

• Dates: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
• Price: FREE
• Location: St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church
• 425 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
• Email: info@adacnm.org

The Ladies’ Book Club 

Monday, October 5

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. When a stranger comes to a small Southern city, the spirit of generosity and kindness he shares changes the lives of those he meets. Contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.



November book pick: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Attention!

Youth Activities Cancelled

Sunday, October 4

Please note! All Youth activities for Sunday, October 4, including Sunday School and Youth Group, are cancelled while Brett (the Youth Director) is on vacation.

All Youth activities will resume the following Sunday, October 11.

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

David Stewart 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 David. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for David.



"Almighty God, we know you care deeply about suffering and pain. May your strength sustain David during this difficult time. Guide the doctors and treatments. Let your peace fill David's heart and may he feel your presence with him always. 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.