July 14, 2023

Josh's Jottings

“Before death takes away what you are given, give away what there is to give.” -Rumi

Greetings! It is so genuinely joyful to finally arrive after weeks of anticipation. If we haven’t already met, I am Josh Kouri, the new Senior Pastor at St. John’s. If we have already met, please continue to remind me of your name. I am slowly learning them, but there are bunches of you! 

In these first few weeks and months, we will build a relationship. Such work always begins with first impressions. I’ll let you decide what your first impressions of me might be. As for my impressions of you, I have been moved and inspired by the joy, warmth, and, most of all, the self-giving love of this congregation. From the mobile food pantry, to Family Promise, to the adults and kiddos singing and playing at VBS, to the quiet important sharing that occurs at Memory Café, to the servants’ hearts of those working in the food ministry, and so much more, St. John’s seems like a church built on self-giving love. 

Let’s continue to build on that spirit. There’s an old story about a pilgrim who comes to a crystal clear alpine lake reflecting a mountain in the still water. It was the reflection that first caught her attention. But as she noticed the reflection, it caused her gaze to move upward to the mountain rising before her. Then she heard a voice, perhaps only in her heart, say, “Reflect Me. Then, when others look at you, they will want to look up and see Me too. And the stiller the water, the more perfect the reflection.” 

I don’t know what the future holds for St. John’s and our time together. But my fervent prayer, and I would bet yours as well, is that we would reflect the grace, compassion, and self-giving love that has existed over and through our lives since our journey with God began. If you have ideas on how we can better reflect God’s love and grace, be sure to let me know. The future is bright!



-Josh 

Mobile Food Pantry on Saturday

Our next Mobile Food Pantry is Saturday, July 15. Volunteers arrive about 9:00 a.m. and distribution begins at 9:45 - 10:00 a.m., depending on the time the RoadRunner truck arrives. We are usually finished by noon. In June we served 47 households, which included 132 individuals. I invite you to come and join this rewarding and fun ministry. For more information, please contact Debby Smith at 505-554-4238 or dysmith0427@gmail.com.

Usher Training on Sunday

Hunt Look, our longtime head usher is stepping down after many years of service. Karen Hall has graciously volunteered to be the new leader of our usher teams. We are looking for new ushers to join this group and will be holding usher training on July 16 from 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. in the Hospitality Center. This training is for all existing ushers and new friendly faces - we will pair new volunteers with someone experienced! There are no pre-qualifications to be an usher – you can be young or young at heart! If you have any questions, please contact Karen at klhall66@gmail.com.

WeCare Meeting on Sunday

WeCare is meeting this Sunday, July 16 at 1 p.m. in the Hospitality Center. Enter through the east doors. This group is designed for people who are caring for a loved one to connect with each other. Our goal is to provide mutual understanding and support on our caregiving journey. For more information contact Pastor Tiffany, Fay Barz, or Rachel Perovich. 

Memorial Service for Ken Yost on July 22

There will be a memorial service held for Ken Yost on Saturday, July 22, at 10 a.m. in St. John's sanctuary, with a reception to follow in the Family Life Center. This service will also be livestreamed, click here to join the service online. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church Music Ministry. Click here to read more.

Mountain Cathedrals Hike on July 22

The July Mountain Cathedrals hike will be Saturday, July 22, at Tecolote (Owl) Peak. This moderately easy route starts near the base of the Sandia Peak Ski Area at 8,800 feet elevation (so hopefully a bit cooler than in town). It is about 2.5 miles long, slightly rocky, and has an elevation gain of 318 feet. Wildflowers and amazing views of the East Mountain region await. We'll meet at St. John's East Parking Lot at 7:30 a.m. to carpool, with the option of meeting the group at 8:15 a.m. at the trailhead (Google Maps location Tecolote Trailhead). 

Where do we find the Lord? Can He only be found in a magnificent house built by our hands (e.g. see 2 Sam. 7)? Or is the full story far more wonderful? 

Save the date for the next hike: August 12

Omelet Bar Mix and Match on July 23

Omelet Bar Mix and Match is happening Sunday, July 23. You can get a made to order 3 egg or egg white omelet that you can fill with a generous selection of meats and veggies. And each omelet comes with a piece of toast with jam or butter and a drink, all for just $7! Omelet Bar is in The SonShine Cafe between 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring a friend and enjoy a quality, made from scratch breakfast and great conversation in the fun sun of the cafe.

We need volunteers to be a Toast-Master (aka Chef de Toasted Bread) take money and be a runner—no running required. To sign up, text or call Nancy Douglas de Baca at 505-238-5895 or click here to sign up online.

Join Bible Study "Pool Party" Starting July 24

It’s hot—too hot for serious study. Let’s just hike along the creek, swim in the lake, take a dip in the river, or jump into the municipal pool. Join St. John's email Bible study, "Reading Our Bible Together," as we wade through many of the cool waters found in the Old and New Testaments, beginning on July 24. Pick up a study guide in the Welcome Center on Sunday, July 23, or call or write Regina Hunter at (505) 294-2877 or drhunter@nmia.com to receive study tips by email every weekday.

UWF Annual Rummage Sale and Trinkets & Treasures Sale on July 28-29

This year, the United Women in Faith's annual Rummage Sale and Trinkets & Treasures Sale are happening on the same weekend! This combined shopping event will be held on Friday, July 28, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 29, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Proceeds from both of these sales benefit local missions. Come find that special item you've been waiting for in your shopping excursions. Details for these sales are below:

Rummage Sale

• Friday, July 28 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 29 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• In the Family Life Center
• Almost anything and everything can be found at our Rummage Sale, including tools, books, glassware, art, small appliances and linens
• Questions? Contact Regina Hampton at hamptonmason1@msn.com or Doris Bowen at bowen_g@msn.com

Trinkets & Treasures Sale

• Friday, July 28 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 29 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• In the narthex
• Here you will find collectibles, vintage items, depression glass, pottery, jewelry, home decor, etc.
• Questions? Contact Donna Bruce at donnabruce@comcast.net

Donate Your Items to the Sales

Donations for both the Rummage Sale and Trinkets & Treasures Sale will be accepted on Tuesday, July 25 - Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. No large furniture (sofas, chairs, dining tables, entertainment centers, filling cabinets or exercise equipment). Click here to see a list of pricing suggestions.

Hospitality Center Orientation/Reorientation on August 6

On Sunday, August 6, immediately following the 11 a.m. service, current volunteers and potential volunteers will gather for fellowship and lunch, in addition to an orientation / reorientation for what happens in the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings. We REALLY NEED more volunteers so if you think you would be a good "fit" for greeting and helping people on Sunday mornings through the Hospitality Center, then please plan to join us on August 6. We will provide the training and place you with an experienced person! You can volunteer as little or as much as you want. Shifts are 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Come join us! It's a great way to meet people and also to use that gift of hospitality! For planning lunch numbers, please contact donnabruce@comcast.net to RSVP by Tuesday, August 1.

St. John's Hosts Albuquerque Empty Bowls on October 28

Put it on the calendar! The public is invited to Albuquerque Empty Bowls at St. John's on Saturday, October 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Handmade bowls by Albuquerque potters and food donated by area restaurants and food establishments will be provided. Help us reincarnate the popular fundraiser to alleviate food insecurity in our area! Storehouse New Mexico, a nonprofit community-based food pantry that provides free groceries to people in need, will benefit from all bowl sales. Tickets will be for sale starting September 1 for $35 each (ticket includes cost of handmade bowl, soup, bread, dessert and a drink). Additional donations are welcome and appreciated. Learn more by visiting the Empty Bowls website.

Pastor Josh's Office Hours

It’s been a great two weeks, getting to know so many of you at St. John’s. We are so lucky that our church is filled with people gifted with insight and passion for ministry and I am enjoying learning about all of you. A few persons have inquired about office hours and best times to meet with me when they have important information to share about our church and its ministries. 

In general, I’m available most of the time Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sometimes I can meet with people during the evening as well. To make an appointment to meet with me, contact me at JKouri@stjohns-abq.org or by calling the church at (505) 883-9717. Thanks! 

-Josh 

Nicole is Moving On

We’re sad to announce that St. John’s Communications Director Nicole Creaturo will be leaving our staff on July 25. Nicole has made a tremendously positive impact on the life of St. John’s, and we wish her well in her new endeavors!

Prayer Quilt Recipient

John Bundrant is the recipient of the prayer quilt currently on display in the Hospitality Center.

In lieu of tying knots, please pray this prayer (or your own prayer) for John: "Loving Father, restore strength to John's body and bring joy to his spirit. Amen.”

July Special Offering: Zuni Elementary Students

Believe it or not, school will be starting soon, and the children at Zuni Elementary School, right across the street, really appreciate our help getting ready for school. Supplies keep getting more and more expensive, and this month we have the opportunity to give money which will be used to purchase the exact supplies that the children need. So as school bells start ringing, let's start the new school year with generous donations.

Missions Collection: Supplies for Teachers

One thing we've learned over the years is that many school teachers end up buying additional supplies that are needed in their classrooms. For the month of July, we are collecting the following items for the teachers at Zuni Elementary.

1. Reams of copy paper
2. White board markers, erasers, and/or cleaning fluid
3. Liquid hand soap
4. Kleenix
5. Reward stickers
6. Glue sticks
7. Magnetic Clips
8. Colored Pens
9. Colored Markers - both skinny and fat ones
10. Post-it Notes

Please bring any of the above items during the month of July to the bins located in the Hospitality Center. Questions? Contact donnabruce@comcast.net.

Our worship services are livestreamed so you can watch them from home. To watch a worship service live, click on the service that you would like to watch on Sunday morning at its scheduled time.

St. John's United Methodist Church

2626 Arizona Street NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

Office Hours (call only): Monday - Thursday, 9a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

Pastor 24-Hour Hotline | (505) 808-1624

Pastor care is available for after hours emergencies. Any congregational care needs, please send those to Pastor Tiffany at thollums@stjohns-abq.org as we all work together to love one another well.