October 30, 2026

The Ladies’ Book Club

Monday, November 2

The Ladies’ Book Club will meet on Monday, November 2, at 1:00pm in Room 241. Come share your love of reading. We will be discussing Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. We’ll explore what makes this children’s classic one of the best-loved books. Contact Sara Perovich: sjperov@yahoo.com.



December book sharing: Members will read a Christmas-themed book of their choice and share a short synopsis with the group. 

 Tuesday Evenings

Incarnation ~ Bible Study

Beginning Tuesday, November 3

All adults interested in preparing their hearts for the Christmas Holidays are invited to join our Bible study as we explore Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton.

His parents named him Jesus, but the prophets, shepherds, wise men, and angels knew him by other names: Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. What do these titles reveal about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas—and what do they mean for our lives today?

Together, we’ll use Hamilton’s book to reflect on the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and our world. Our discussions will cover:

· The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah

· The Deliverer’s Title: Savior

· The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel

· The Light of the World

· Epilogue: The Word Made Flesh

Whether you’re familiar with Bible study or joining a group for the first time, you are welcome. We look forward to sharing thoughtful conversation, fellowship, and a deeper appreciation of the meaning of Christmas.

When: Tuesday Evenings Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec. 1 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Where: St. John's United Methodist Church, Room 245

Book details: Use this link to order the book through Amazon

RSVP: To join the study, you may use the sign-up sheet at the Hospitality Desk or email: debabqq@gmail.com. We hope you’ll join us!

United Women in Faith Meeting

Thursday, November 5

The United Women in Faith will meet on Thursday, November 5 @ 10:00am in rooms 241/243. A graduate of Florida State University College of Law, Kevin Beck will speak on his volunteer work with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center. Many of you may know Kevin as he serves on the Spanish Worship Center here at St. John's. Kevin is a retired USMC and semi-retired in 2023 from a long law career. He lives in Albuquerque and has 2 children.

The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center provides free legal assistance and resources for immigrants in New Mexico. Their mission is to advance justice and equity by empowering low-income immigrant communities through collaborative legal services, advocacy, education and community resources.

Please join us for our monthly meeting and hear what Kevin is doing to facilitate the work of the NM Immigrant Law Center.

Church Women United

Friday, November 6

(World Community Day)

The Church Women United will meet on Friday, November 6 @ 9:30am at St. Chad's Episcopal Church located at 7171 Tennyson NE, ABQ NM 87122. (Directions: From Tramway turn west on San Rafael - at stop sign turn left on Tennyson and watch for church on your right.)

The World Community Day theme, "Peace Begins with Me", focuses on effective communications, talking with each other, even if you don't agree on the issues. Rev. Lucas Grubbs, Director of the NM Conference of Churches, will be our speaker.

Please arrive at 9:30am for fellowship and simple refreshments.

Scandinavian Festival

Servers & Cashiers Needed

Saturday, November 7

Saturday, November 7, St. John’s is hosting the annual Scandinavian Festival, and St. John’s Food Ministry will be selling in-house-made, from-scratch, authentic Swedish Meatballs, Swedish Pancakes, and Swedish Potatoes with Dill. Volunteers are needed to serve the food at the buffet for two separate shifts. Shift 1: 9:30am - 1:00pm; Shift 2: 12:30pm - 4:30 pm. 

Scandinavian Festival Volunteer Sign-up

Memory Cafe

Saturday, November 7

The next meeting of Memory Café is Saturday, November 7, from 1:30pm-3:00pm in the Sonshine Café at St. John’s United Methodist Church. 

In November, we honor our veterans and celebrate Thanksgiving. 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! 

The Anderson Brothers Play Gershwin!

Sunday, November 8



"Music at St. John's" presents The Anderson Brothers Play Gershwin! on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00pm in the sanctuary. Identical twins Peter and Will Anderson, hailed by The New York Times as “virtuosos of the clarinet and saxophone,” have performed in over 40 states, across Brazil, Japan, and the U.K., and six times in NYC’s famed Highlights in Jazz series. Joined by guitarist Adam Moezinia, they'll bring Gershwin’s most beloved tunes to life in an afternoon of sparkling jazz. Can't come in person? Click here to join us online for the livestream. 

The Next POLO Outing 

Origami in the Garden

 Friday, November 13

Origami in the Garden” is a traveling exhibition of large-scale metal sculptures inspired by paper origami, on view at the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden from October 8, 2026, through March 28, 2027.

St. John’s church member, Michele Mals will lead a tour of this traveling collection. 

• Tour date and time:  Friday, November 13 from 10:30am – 12 noon.
• Meeting location:  The Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW 87104
• Tickets can be purchased at the Biopark Botanic Garden:  Adults:  $10.00 - Seniors (65+): $5.50
• Sign-up:  Hospitality Desk before November 10
• Lunch to follow tour:  D.H. LesCombes Winery & Bistro 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW 87104 ($12.00 lunch choices)

Created by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, this exhibition features 14 outdoor sculptures and 4 indoor works, each modeled from real paper origami. Themes include cranes, horses, butterflies, and other wildlife, with pieces ranging from a 7-inch mouse to “Hero’s Horse”, a 12-foot-tall, 1,350‑pound white Pegasus. 

The sculptures are made using lost‑wax casting and fabrication techniques, preserving the precision of origami in high‑quality metals.  The collection includes the Box family’s own works and collaborations with renowned origami artists Tim Armijo, Te Jui Fu, Beth Johnson, Michael G. LaFosse, and Robert J. Lang. 

Ask A Pastor

Sunday, November 15

Another wonderful conversation will be had at Ask A Pastor, scheduled to meet on Sunday, November 15, at 2:00pm – 3:30pm in rooms 149-151.

This session will be moderated by Joan Shirley and she has questions for the pastors: Rev. Clyde Stanfield and Rev. Dr. Nancy Bowen. All ages are invited to attend and to join in the conversation. Bring your questions to the session AND drop them in the box at the Hospitality Center. Also in the Abide service, question cards are available at the usher’s table.

In John Wesley’s sermon, “Working Out Our Own Salvation” he talks about beliefs that require personal engagement — we are called to “work out” our understanding and practice, not just assent intellectually but live it out consistently. John Wesley encouraged us to use our reason as we address the Bible. That means seeking out answers for your questions.



These Ask A Pastor sessions are always interesting and informative conversations. Please put this on your calendar and come join us.

Donna Berry (505-604-4487) and Joan Shirley (505-238-1663) for more information.

Prepare the Way for the Lord

Advent and the Message

of John the Baptist

(by Adam Hamilton)

Tuesday, November 17

A new Women's Bible study will begin Tuesday, November 17, and runs through Tuesday, December 15. Class is from 9:30am - 11:30 a.m. in rooms 245/257 for a total of 5 weeks.

The study will be led by Dara Bell. To register contact Susan Perry at 505-350-9633 or teachersusan@comcast.net.

For centuries, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In this study, author and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John's life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for this coming. In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to "prepare the way of the Lord." When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ.

October is Pastor

Appreciation Month

Letting someone know they are appreciated for what they do can make a huge difference in that person’s life.  SPRC would like to extend an invitation to the congregation of St. John’s UMC to show our love and appreciation of our pastor, Josh Kouri, who continues to lead us faithfully in all that he does, and we encourage you to send a card or a letter to Josh to express your appreciation for his work. Cards and/or letters should be mailed to Josh care of St. John’s UMC, 2626 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Celebration of Life for Aspen Robertson

Saturday, October 31 at Grace Park

The Mauck Family would like to invite members of the church to Grace Park UMC, 30 Carlise Rd Tijeras (off Oak Flat Rd) for a Celebration of Life for Aspen Robertson this Saturday, October 31 at 1:00pm.

Fall in the mountains was her favorite time of year and Halloween, her favorite holiday. The service will remember her life and offer a time of healing in the midst of grief. 

Enlace Communtario

Sunday, November 8 - 22

Enlace Communitario is a domestic abuse treatment and resource center in Albuquerque. There is a need for the children they serve at Christmas, and St. John's wants to help. Each Sunday, beginning November 8, through the 22, you will have an opportunity to select Christmas gift suggestions from the "familiar" Christmas Tree in the narthex.

When you return your gift, it doesn't even need to be wrapped!! Please consider these children, who have been directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence, and provide them with a little joy, and Christ's love, at Christmas.  Thank you!

Church Office Closed

Wednesday, November 11

Please note the Church office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of the Veterans Day - Holiday.

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.

Coded Messages

The Church Jargon that

Confuses Visitors (And Us)

Here’s a news flash for all of us who watch way too much YouTube. There are no coded messages in the Bible. Think about it this way. God has spent thousands of years trying to get the message of salvation across to us with only moderate success, and he’s certainly not going to make it more difficult by encoding that message!

Nevertheless, as Pastor Josh pointed out on April 26, 2026, we have our own language in the church; he said that if we don’t believe that, we should go out to the Narthex and think about it while we sing the Doxology but be sure to come back for the Eucharist.

The Church, like every other organization known to man, has its own jargon, and we use it without considering that the visitor we’re talking to might not understand us.

In our New Email Bible study, we’ll look at a selection of terms to describe church buildings, along with scriptures that talk about roughly parallel structures in ancient Israel. 

Pick up a study guide in the Hospitality Center on Sunday, November 8, or write or call Regina Hunter at drhunter@nmia.com or (505) 294-2877 to receive daily study tips by email.

Preparing for Advent

Sunday, November 22

Please join us on Sunday Nov 22 after the 11:00am service. Time will be from 12:00 (noon to 2:00pm. We will be putting up the trees and decorations after church. We will be decorating the Sanctuary, Narthex, outside the music room and the FLC. Bring the family to help start the Advent season. As always there will be food.

Got Questions - please contact Anita Hallstrom at 505-400-1777 or at anitah1@comcast. Thank you for your continued support.

Zuni Elementary

Asking for Help



St. John’s UMC works closely with Zuni Elementary (across the street north of St. John’s) helping supply weekend meal bags for students, donating food to use in their weekly cooking classes, & more. St. John’s is now also involved with Zuni as part of their Community School Council. During a recent meeting, faculty expressed a few more needs that the people of St. John’s might possibly be able to meet.

Please contact Angela Lybarger at childrensdirector@stjohns-abq.org if you are interested in helping Zuni in any of the following areas for grades K-5. Thank you!

• Math tutor during the school day
• Library volunteer helping kids find/check out books in their interest areas
• Playground volunteer during AM / lunch / PM recesses to help teach kids positive ways to interact with one another during playtime.
• Currently licensed substitute teacher
• Currently licensed substitute educational assistant (EA)

Les Misérables

November 27 - December 6

Illuminata Hime-Penasa, a St. John’s youth and choir member, is making her community theater debut in Musical Theatre Southwest’s Les Misérables. The show runs from November 27th to December 6th at the African American Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at (505) 265-9119 or https://www.mtsabq.org and selling quickly.

The Usual, Please!

 Sunday, November 1



Sometimes it’s nice to just go with the usual, and that’s exactly what we’re doing this coming Sunday, November 1. Youth Sunday School is on Sunday mornings during the 11:00am service in room 258. Then in the afternoons starting in the FLC from 4:00pm to 6:00p.m., join us for Youth Group as we have snacks, play games, and discuss how our faith can grow and be applied to everyday life.

If you need any additional information or have any questions, please reach out to our Youth Director Brett Reece at youthdirector@stjohns-abq.org.

Prayer Quilts

Megan Linford 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 Megan. Won't be in the Center this week? No worries, either way please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for Megan. "Heavenly Father, we entrust Megan's recovery into your loving hands. May your healing touch bring complete restoration to her body and strength to her spirit. Grant her patience during this time of healing and resilience to overcome any challenges. Thank you for your unwavering faithfulness and mercy. 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.