Updates Beginning 28 April 2024

Today: St. Paul 101 continues in Fellowship Hall at 11:15. Please pick up your snacks and join us there! ~Pr. Koppel

Attention Assisting Ministers and Communion Assistants: The current schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants end at the end of May. Shortly (after I return from Synod Assembly), I will be making the new schedules. This schedule will cover June through November-- up to Advent.

This is your chance to tell me of any dates you know you will not be able to serve. Of course, as always, if you find that a date does not work for you, please find a replacement or trade with someone. The roster of servers is always included on the schedule I send out, plus it is posted in the sacristy. Please do not call me, Deb or Kristi to find you a replacement unless it is a last minute emergency.
            Everyone: Have you ever considered becoming more involved with the worship service? We are always in need of more communion assistants and assisting ministers. Over the last months, we have lost people in these positions. Please consider serving in this way. Those of us who do this find it very meaningful. Personalized training available!  Please see me to find out more information or sign up! ~Peace, Terry Cole, tecole51@comcast.net

Albuquerque Pride Parade-Save the Date! 8 June. St. Paul is registered for the Pride Parade! If you would like to participate in any way, be it marching, riding, or helping to decorate our float, please be in touch with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We will be meeting 5 May after worship to discuss the many details. Please attend! ~Jan Bowers

First Tuesday is coming soon!  May 7th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm we'll meet at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE.  There is beer to purchase but if that is not your preference, bring your own beverage.  They have chips to buy, but most folks bring a snack to share.  This is just a time to visit and catch up on news.  Come join us! For those who are still working at this time, we urge you to find a time and place that will work for you and your families.  Church friends are often friends we keep for life, no matter where in the world we end up going. ~Nancy Matthews
Calico Preschool Announces Earth Day Family Recycling Contest. Made out of recycled or reusable items from around the home, families can be as creative as they'd like and surprise us with their projects!  On May 5, the projects will be on display in the Welcome Center, and St. Paul members can vote for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. ~Marisol Flores-Gutierrez, Director

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel 

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will be celebrating May Friendship Day on Friday, May 3rd at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. SE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 a.m. with brunch.  The program will begin at 10:00 and focus on Health and Wellness.  State Representative Natalie Figueroa will speak on health issues in New Mexico.  Hygiene items will be collected for Haven House, a domestic violence shelter in Rio Rancho.  For those wishing to carpool, be at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot at 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE by 8:30 a.m.  Come join us and bring a friend!  Questions?  Contact Marilyn Stoops at mstoops@swcp.com or call at 505-265-8358.

Lutherhaven Lodge at Fenton Lake Spring Event.  May 4, 9am-2pm.
What are we doing? Seasonal start up at the Lodge.
What is involved? Various activities including cleaning inside, external ground clearing, initial seasonal startup duties, general maintenance, and anything else needing attention.
How can you help? Consider coming up to help with any needed activities and or to learn about becoming a member and how to reserve/utilize the lodge. (Please RSVP via contact options below.) Lunch provided!
Are there other ways to help? Absolutely! We accept monetary donations, and please pray for us! 280 Lake Fork Road, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
(505) 275-2436, lutherhavennm@gmail.com, www.nmlutherhaven.com

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Civic Life and Faith: The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, or by participating in a hearing in your synod, if available. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. Visit https://elca.org/civicsandfaith to download the draft statement.

Bread for the World. On May 2 at 8pm ET, the Interfaith Campaign for Food and Nutrition Security invites you to unite in spirit and action with members of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths, along with all other faith communities. During this National Day of Prayer, we will collectively commit to eradicating food and nutrition insecurity throughout the United States.
          The virtual event will feature religious leaders, anti-hunger activists, and public health advocates from around the country who will discuss these critical issues as we pray for an end to hunger and nutrition insecurity. Mobilizing communities of faith is critical to the success of these efforts. https://www.bread.org/

Episcopal, Lutheran partnership focuses on asylum-seeker sponsor training. Building on a shared vision for gospel-centered hospitality and inclusion, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the migrant ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have entered into a partnership to better train and support asylum-seeker sponsors.
          Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) is the ELCA's strategic commitment to accompany migrants. In this new collaboration AMMPARO will use the Neighbor to Neighbor program designed by EMM to provide training for community sponsors.  
          The two groups will coordinate efforts as they work with sponsors who welcome new neighbors by offering friendship and fostering community connections. The work will focus on providing practical support such as housing, accessing services, enrolling children in school and supporting adults as they learn English and secure employment. Read more at: https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8220

Updates Beginning 21 April 2024

Today after Service: Spring Congregational Meeting & Ice Cream Social. Please join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for this year’s Spring meeting. ~Pr. Koppel

Thank You St. Paul, for making yesterday’s fundraising luncheon a success! We appreciate all your support for this year’s Madagascar Girls Camp! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Thank You to everyone who baked, set up, and served for Betty Jo Allen’s memorial service on Friday! Betty Jo was the mother of Debbie Bolling, a long-time St. Paul member with her husband and daughter. ~Deborah Ash

First Tuesday is coming soon!  May 7th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm we'll meet at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE.  There is beer to purchase but if that is not your preference, bring your own beverage.  They have chips to buy, but most folks bring a snack to share.  This is just a time to visit and catch up on news.  Come join us! For those who are still working at this time, we urge you to find a time and place that will work for you and your families.  Church friends are often friends we keep for life, no matter where in the world we end up going. ~Nancy Matthews

Calico Preschool Announces Earth Day Family Recycling Contest. Made out of recycled or reusable items from around the home, families can be as creative as they'd like and surprise us with their projects!  On May 5, the projects will be on display in the Welcome Center, and St. Paul members can vote for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. ~Marisol Flores-Gutierrez, Director

Albuquerque Pride Parade-Save the Date! 8 June. St. Paul is registered for the Pride Parade! If you would like to participate in any way, be it marching, riding, or helping to decorate our float, please be in touch with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We will be meeting 5 May after worship to discuss the many details. Please attend! ~Jan Bowers

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will be celebrating May Friendship Day on Friday, May 3rd at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. SE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 a.m. with brunch.  The program will begin at 10:00 and focus on Health and Wellness.  State Representative Natalie Figueroa will speak on health issues in New Mexico.  Hygiene items will be collected for Haven House, a domestic violence shelter in Rio Rancho.  For those wishing to carpool, be at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot at 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE by 8:30 a.m.  Come join us and bring a friend!  Questions?  Contact Marilyn Stoops at mstoops@swcp.com or call at 505-265-8358.

Lutherhaven Lodge at Fenton Lake Spring Event.  May 4, 9am-2pm.
What are we doing? Seasonal start up at the Lodge.
What is involved? Various activities including cleaning inside, external ground clearing, initial seasonal startup duties, general maintenance, and anything else needing attention.
How can you help? Consider coming up to help with any needed activities and or to learn about becoming a member and how to reserve/utilize the lodge. (Please RSVP via contact options below.) Lunch provided!
Are there other ways to help? Absolutely! We accept monetary donations, and please pray for us!
280 Lake Fork Road, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
(505) 275-2436, lutherhavennm@gmail.com, www.nmlutherhaven.com
[More information is available in the Welcome Center.]

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Civic Life and Faith: The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, or by participating in a hearing in your synod, if available. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. Visit https://elca.org/civicsandfaith to download the draft statement.

Bread for the World. On May 2 at 8pm ET, the Interfaith Campaign for Food and Nutrition Security invites you to unite in spirit and action with members of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths, along with all other faith communities. During this National Day of Prayer, we will collectively commit to eradicating food and nutrition insecurity throughout the United States.
          The virtual event will feature religious leaders, anti-hunger activists, and public health advocates from around the country who will discuss these critical issues as we pray for an end to hunger and nutrition insecurity. Mobilizing communities of faith is critical to the success of these efforts. https://www.bread.org/

Updates Beginning 14 April 2024

Starting Today: St. Paul 101!  Want to know more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole?  Want to meet more people in our faith community and get connected?  Then St. Paul 101 is for you! The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 14 & 28 April (skipping 21 April for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 5 May.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship each of those Sundays for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions.  Looking forward to seeing you there! ~ Pr. Koppel

Today, April 14: St. Paul is hosting the monthly Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative, the last of the school year, with FaithWorks presenting an experiential program on poverty for attendees. Thank you to everyone who donated disinfecting wipes for FaithWorks! ~Pr. Koppel

Next Saturday,  20 April at Noon: 2024 Madagascar Girls Camp Fundraiser Luncheon. Join us for Malagasy food, music, and games in Fellowship Hall! Come and learn about St. Paul's impact in Madagascar Education through the Girls' stories and aspirations from the 2023 Girls Camp. A portion of the cost is already provided by St. Paul from the 2023 Benevolence Disbursement Fund, and the remainder still needs to be raised. Your attendance and support is really appreciated! (An RSVP would be helpful, but not required, to: rijakik@yahoo.fr) ~Rijasoa Andriamanana
Note: This month’s God’s Work Our Hands support is toward this project. Hope you can attend! If you wish to make a gift, please place it in the offering, made out to St. Paul and note it is for the Girls Camp. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash
Background: The Girls Camp is an opportunity for 24 elementary school girls  and 6 teachers from rural remote areas of Madagascar to come to the Capital City of Antananarivo and learn about possibilities for the future (most of them have never left their villages and have limited knowledge about what women can do for professions). All expenses are covered, as the girls and their teachers come from high poverty communities with no clean water, electric power, or adequate food.

Thank You! We appreciate everyone who came out yesterday for the Outdoor Campus Cleanup. We are spruced up for Spring! ~Deborah Ash

Mark Your Calendars for Next Sunday, 21 April, 11am: Spring Congregational Meeting & Ice Cream Social. Please join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for this year’s Spring meeting. ~Pr. Koppel

Albuquerque Pride Parade-Save the Date! 8 June. St. Paul is registered for the Pride Parade! If you would like to participate in any way, be it marching, riding, or helping to decorate our float, please be in touch with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We will be meeting 5 May after worship to discuss the many details. Please attend! ~Jan Bowers

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, 14 April at St. Paul: ABQ Chamber Soloists in Concert at 2pm. Pre-concert talk starting at 1:15 in Fellowship Hall.

Program: Benjamin Britten: Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings, Trevor Weston: Verve Music (NM premiere), Dvořák: Piano Trio in E minor, "Dumky".

Kevin Vigneau, oboe: Judith Gordon, piano; Jesse Tatum, flute; Megan Holland, violin; Kimberly Fredenburgh, viola; James Holland, cello

Tickets at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/albuquerque-chamber-soloists/april1424

Today, 14 April, 1-4pm at Luther House: Campus Ministry Sunday Open House. We will highlight the work of our campus ministry and provide information and opportunities to support the ministry. Luther House is the home base for Lutheran Campus Ministries of UNM and CNM. It provides:

·        Welcome for all
·        Faith exploration
·        Service to the greater world and community
·        Spiritual growth
·        Justice engagement
·        Community together

Visit and learn more at the open house, 1805 Lomas Rd NE, 87106.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The Bishop Election Process: The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. The discernment process for the next bishop began in fall 2023 at Conference Gatherings and the RMS Theological Conference. The process will conclude at Assembly April 25-27, 2024 with the final ballot for the election of a bishop. Discerning who will be called to be the next Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod is something that should be undertaken with prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Expectations for a Bishop, both in their gifts and in their character, are many. The hub for all information and documents surrounding the discernment and election of a new bishop is this website: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-bishop-election-process

Civic Life and Faith: The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, or by participating in a hearing in your synod, if available. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. Visit https://elca.org/civicsandfaith to download the draft statement.

From RMS AMMPARO: The Spring 2024 ELCA Service and Justice Update is now available! You will find a copy posted in the Welcome Center. More on AMMPARO at: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/AMMPARO

Updates Beginning 7 April 2024

 Today at Adult Faith Development: Plan on joining us for a presentation by a representative of the Labyrinth Society about labyrinths, where they come from, and how to use them. It should be an outstanding occasion. Meet us after church at 11:15 in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

This Wednesday, 10 April at 1pm: Ice Cream Social Hour at Dairy Queen, 4104 Louisiana Blvd NE, 87109. We meet for an hour-join us! ~Herb Korff

This coming Saturday, April 13, 9am-Noon: Outdoor Campus Cleanup. There is a signup sheet in the Welcome Center. Dana Mullen will be coordinating assignments that day. Bring your work gloves and be ready for a busy and fun time outdoors! Please let us know if you are coming so we have a head count for pizza. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

Next Sunday, April 14: St. Paul is hosting the monthly Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative, the last of the school year, with FaithWorks presenting an experiential program for attendees. If you would like to support our youth in collecting disinfecting wipes for FaithWorks, there is a box in the Welcome Center. Thanks! ~Pr. Koppel

Starting Next Sunday: Save the dates for the next St. Paul 101!  Want to know more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole?  Want to meet more people in our faith community and get connected?  Then St. Paul 101 is for you! The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 14 & 28 April (skipping 21 April for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 5 May.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship each of those Sundays for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions.  Looking forward to seeing you there! ~ Pr. Koppel

2024 Madagascar Girls Camp: Dear St. Paul family, the 2023 Madagascar Girls Camp was a huge success thanks to the generous support of the St. Paul community! In July 2024, we are doing it again. The Girls Camp is an opportunity for elementary school girls from rural remote areas of Madagascar to come to the Capital City of Antananarivo and learn about possibilities for the future (most of them have never left their villages and have limited knowledge about what women can do for professions). For five days, led by Rijasoa, 24 Girls and 6 female teachers will visit universities, listen to Church and Community leaders’ talks, and participate in Camp activities such as Bible stories, arts and crafts, songs and dances, and English language learning. All the expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, accommodation, and camp materials will be covered, as the girls and their teachers come from high poverty communities with no clean water, electric power, or adequate food. A portion of the cost is already provided by St. Paul from the 2023 Benevolence Disbursement Fund, and the remainder still needs to be raised.

A fundraiser luncheon featuring Malagasy food, music, and games is scheduled on Saturday April 20th at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come and learn about St. Paul's impact in Madagascar Education through the Girls' stories and aspirations from the 2023 Girls Camp. Your attendance and support is really appreciated! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

[Note: April’s God’s Work Our Hands support is toward this project. Hope you can attend! ~Deborah Ash]

Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, 21 April, 11am: Spring Congregational Meeting & Ice Cream Social. Please join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for this year’s Spring meeting. ~Pr. Koppel

Stephen Ministers continue to work at becoming better care givers by doing continuing education.  We have studied several books these last couple of years and thought we would offer them to the congregation.  We have a lending library in the foyer.  If you see a book that sparks your interest, just sign it out on the notebook.  There is no time limit for returning.  We ask you to write your name, the book title, and the date you are borrowing it. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Koppel, Terry Cole or Nancy Jenkins. ~Stephen Ministry

Albuquerque Pride Parade-Save the Date! 8 June. St. Paul is registered for the Pride Parade! If you would like to participate in any way, be it marching, riding, or helping to decorate our float, please be in touch with me. ~Jan Bowers

Adopted Families: We learned of another client at Healthcare for the Homeless who needed a bus ticket to a place where he has a support system (including his daughter). I couldn't understand everything the client told me but he said there had been a giant information breach that led to his taking improper medication which introduced all sorts of health issues. He is finally getting things corrected and just needs to get to a place that gives him more stability. He and his client advocator at Healthcare for the Homeless were very grateful when we bought the $125 ticket. Thank you for supporting our efforts to help those who are trying to help themselves. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The Bishop Election Process: The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. The discernment process for the next bishop began in fall 2023 at Conference Gatherings and the RMS Theological Conference. The process will conclude at Assembly April 25-27, 2024 with the final ballot for the election of a bishop. Discerning who will be called to be the next Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod is something that should be undertaken with prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Expectations for a Bishop, both in their gifts and in their character, are many. The hub for all information and documents surrounding the discernment and election of a new bishop is this website: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-bishop-election-process

Civic Life and Faith: The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, or by participating in a hearing in your synod, if available. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. Visit https://elca.org/civicsandfaith to download the draft statement.

Watch Bishop Eaton’s 2024 Easter message. In her Easter message to the church, Bishop Eaton focuses on three words that describe what the women at the tomb experienced when the angel announced that Jesus had been raised from the dead: fear, amazement and feeling seized by: the Spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PcfM141gIQ

Updates Beginning 31 March 2024

This Week: First Tuesday on April 2nd will be the usual gathering to visit and share snacks and drinks at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, 4:00 - 6:00pm.  We should have all the dishes washed up by then so we can share our Easter stories and snacks. ~Nancy Matthews

Next Sunday: There is no Adult Faith Development class today. It's Easter, for heaven's sake, and the celebration won't wait for the adult class. Next week (April 7), however, plan on joining us for a presentation by a representative of the Labyrinth Society about labyrinths, where they come from, and how to use them. It should be an outstanding occasion. Meet us after church at 11:15 in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

On Sunday, April 14: St. Paul is hosting the monthly Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative, the last of the school year, with FaithWorks presenting an experiential program for attendees. If you would like to support our youth in collecting disinfecting wipes for FaithWorks, there is a box in the Welcome Center. Thanks! ~Pr. Koppel

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Save the dates for the next St. Paul 101!  Want to know more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole?  Want to meet more people in our faith community and get connected?  Then St. Paul 101 is for you! The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 14 & 28 April (skipping 21 April for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 5 May.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship each of those Sundays for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions.  Looking forward to seeing you there! ~ Pr. Koppel

Sunday, 21 April, 11am: Spring Congregational Meeting & Ice Cream Social. Please join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for this year’s Spring meeting. ~Pr. Koppel

2024 Madagascar Girls Camp: Dear St. Paul family, the 2023 Madagascar Girls Camp was a huge success thanks to the generous support of the St. Paul community! In July 2024, we are doing it again. The Girls Camp is an opportunity for elementary school girls from rural remote areas of Madagascar to come to the Capital City of Antananarivo and learn about possibilities for the future (most of them have never left their villages and have limited knowledge about what women can do for professions). For five days, led by Rijasoa, 24 Girls and 6 female teachers will visit universities, listen to Church and Community leaders’ talks, and participate in Camp activities such as Bible stories, arts and crafts, songs and dances, and English language learning. All the expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, accommodation, and camp materials will be covered, as the girls and their teachers come from high poverty communities with no clean water, electric power, or adequate food. A portion of the cost is already provided by St. Paul from the 2023 Benevolence Disbursement Fund, and the remainder still needs to be raised.
A fundraiser luncheon featuring Malagasy food, music, and games is scheduled on Saturday April 20th at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come and learn about St. Paul's impact in Madagascar Education through the Girls' stories and aspirations from the 2023 Girls Camp. Your attendance and support is really appreciated! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Hygiene Kits Available in the Church Office: Both men’s and women’s; please pick up one or two, if you would like to keep them in your car to share with our neighbors in need. ~Deborah Ash

Altar Project Update: The ad hoc committee for the altar project has been moving forward towards the realization of the work. A contractor has been identified, Brian O’Connell, to perform the work and give input as the project design proceeds. The primary components of the project, the infill between the two raised platforms of the altar area and the provision of ramp for accessibility have been located. (See below, plus additional images are in the Welcome Center.) One concept being explored is to have Chris Sandoval, husband of Angela Robbins and an accomplished woodworker, look at providing a decorative screen for the ramp, sympathetic to original wood elements. Chris has had experience with many churches providing similar features, and it turns out that he is a cousin of Max Chavez, who did the original wood elements for our church. We are targeting sometime after Easter to begin the construction, most likely June. One idea being considered is having the congregation participate in the demolition phase as a means of involvement (and saving some money, too!). ~Jim Graf

Stephen Ministers continue to work at becoming better care givers by doing continuing education.  We have studied several books these last couple of years and thought we would offer them to the congregation.  We have a lending library in the foyer.  If you see a book that sparks your interest, just sign it out on the notebook.  There is no time limit for returning.  We ask you to write your name, the book title, and the date you are borrowing it. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Koppel, Terry Cole or Nancy Jenkins. ~Stephen Ministry

Albuquerque Pride Parade-Save the Date! 8 June. St. Paul is registered for the Pride Parade! If you would like to participate in any way, be it marching, riding, or helping to decorate our float, please be in touch with me. ~Jan Bowers

Adopted Families: A patient advocate at Healthcare for the Homeless contacted St. Paul, asking for help for a client who had recently been released from prison and had walking pneumonia and COVID. He needed the fare to take a bus to a neighboring state where he would be on parole. The advocate's supervisor and I worked out the logistics and when the client heard that we had secured his ticket, he was very thankful. I can't remember his exact words but he said having strangers care enough about him to help him was a real boost and just further encouraged him to try to help others. He is determined to stay away from drugs and that world, and he plans to use his experience in some way to counsel others. Also, we recently paid $240 toward a PNM bill for a single father to avoid disconnection. He was laid off from his job and is actively seeking another job. He heartily thanked me multiple times for our help. Thank you for helping us help others. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Opportunities to Donate:

• Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.

• We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.

• We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.

Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Thank You for Supporting Friends Feeding Friends! We delivered a $600 check to HopeWorks for the First Thursday meal in April. We so appreciate your support of our God’s Work Our Hands monthly projects! ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Nancy Jenkins

From Local Partner Organizations

ABQ FaithWorks New Executive Director Announced. ABQ FaithWorks is excited to announce and welcome its new Executive Director, Hannah Albee! Since moving to Albuquerque in 2021, Hannah continues her lifelong work serving individuals experiencing economic hardship here at ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. Trained in School Counseling and Consultation, she has supported and advocated for students in the juvenile justice system as well as in schools. She has led fundraising and development programs at the largest soup kitchen in NYC, a community behavioral clinic in Connecticut, and most recently at Barrett Foundation here in Albuquerque, where she served as Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director. Having completed part of an MFA in Professional and Creative Writing, she continues to hone her craft with special memories from teaching a writers’ workshop at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. The mother of 3 grown children she is tremendously proud of, Hannah has found fulfillment with her new friendships and community in Albuquerque.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Easter Message: View at https://vimeo.com/928165765

Nominate a Student for LSM: Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts. Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at: LSMacademy.org/nominate.

Updates Beginning 24 March 2024

Today: We are delighted to welcome Kurt Rager, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry—New Mexico to the adult class this week. He will offer his insights on the recent legislative session—what was done, what was left undone, and how we can be involved in the interim before the next session in 2025. Bring your questions for Kurt and join us for a fascinating discussion. We meet after the Sunday service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone (and we do mean everyone) is welcome.​~Bob Matthews

The Visual Choir is introducing a Cross of Flowers on Easter Sunday, 31 March, and we need your help! You are invited to bring cut flowers of any kind and color to tuck into the chicken wire-wrapped cross (in the Welcome Center) before the service begins.  The cross will be moved into the Sanctuary during the opening of the worship service. Members of the Visual Choir Team will be there to assist you with placing the flowers.  ~Jan Krakow, Visual Choir

On Sunday, April 14: St. Paul is hosting the monthly Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative, the last of the school year, with FaithWorks presenting an experiential program for attendees. If you would like to support our youth in collecting disinfecting wipes for FaithWorks, please drop them off in the Church Office. Thanks! ~Pr. Koppel

2024 Madagascar Girls Camp: Dear St. Paul family, the 2023 Madagascar Girls Camp was a huge success thanks to the generous support of the St. Paul community! In July 2024, we are doing it again. The Girls Camp is an opportunity for elementary school girls from rural remote areas of Madagascar to come to the Capital City of Antananarivo and learn about possibilities for the future (most of them have never left their villages and have limited knowledge about what women can do for professions). For five days, led by Rijasoa, 24 Girls and 6 female teachers will visit universities, listen to Church and Community leaders’ talks, and participate in Camp activities such as Bible stories, arts and crafts, songs and dances, and English language learning. All the expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, accommodation, and camp materials will be covered, as the girls and their teachers come from high poverty communities with no clean water, electric power, or adequate food. A portion of the cost is already provided by St. Paul from the 2023 Benevolence Disbursement Fund, and the remainder still needs to be raised.
A fundraiser luncheon featuring Malagasy food, music, and games is scheduled on Saturday April 20th at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come and learn about St. Paul's impact in Madagascar Education through the Girls' stories and aspirations from the 2023 Girls Camp. Your attendance and support is really appreciated! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

This month’s God’s Work Our Hands project: For our regular Friends Feeding Friends’1st Thursday meal at HopeWorks, we are asking for financial contributions toward that meal in April. We will provide those funds to them at the start of the month so that they can prepare the meal. As we have Holy Week the last week of March, we are choosing this option rather than preparing the food here. We aim for 30 serving pans each month; each pan runs approx. $20. Please note FFF on your check and place in the offering basket. We appreciate your support! Thank you! ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Altar Project Update: The ad hoc committee for the altar project has been moving forward towards the realization of the work. A contractor has been identified, Brian O’Connell, to perform the work and give input as the project design proceeds. The primary components of the project, the infill between the two raised platforms of the altar area and the provision of ramp for accessibility have been located. (See below, plus additional images are in the Welcome Center.) One concept being explored is to have Chris Sandoval, husband of Angela Robbins and an accomplished woodworker, look at providing a decorative screen for the ramp, sympathetic to original wood elements. Chris has had experience with many churches providing similar features, and it turns out that he is a cousin of Max Chavez, who did the original wood elements for our church. We are targeting sometime after Easter to begin the construction, most likely June. One idea being considered is having the congregation participate in the demolition phase as a means of involvement (and saving some money, too!). ~Jim Graf

Thank you to everyone who supported our midweek Lenten supper services with soup and bread and fellowship! And a thank you to everyone who came out Saturday to help with our Indoor Campus Cleanup! Stay tuned for Outside Campus Cleanup, 9am-Noon, on Saturday, April 13. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Hygiene Kits Available in the Church Office: Both men’s and women’s; please pick up one or two, if you would like to keep them in your car to share with our neighbors in need. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, 24 March, 3pm: Bach and Tango. Performance by Dr. Chip Miller (St. Paul’s piano technician!). The first of a series, featuring tangos by Ernesto Nazareth, Eduardo Suoto, Astor Piazzolla, Marcelo Tupinambá, Carlos Gardel, and music from Bach’s Second Well-Tempered Clavier. Held at: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, 87102.

 HopeWorks Volunteer Opportunities:

 Looking Ahead to 2024: Community Lunches + Tours: Interested in learning more about HopeWorks and the work that we do? Please consider joining us for one of our upcoming free Community Luncheons & Tours in 2024. We will be holding these tours every second Wednesday (April 10, May 8, etc.). Over a home-cooked meal, hear about our current work and campus expansion plans. Stay for a tour of campus, including Hope Village. RSVP are required; please contact Development Manager William Townley at wtownley@hopeworksnm.org or (505) 242- 4399 ext. 8213.

Donation Drive Opportunity: We are always in need of various supplies for our Day Shelter and other programs, and we are looking for groups to host donation drives! We are in need of the following: jeans (men’s size), socks and shoes, underwear, hats, jackets, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, hot cocoa packets and travel size hand sanitizer. If you are interested in hosting a Donation Drive, please reach out to William, and he can send you a list of current needs and discuss further details, and help support your efforts. Items we accept:
·        Men's clothing
·        Cleaning supplies
·        Pre-packaged, non-perishable food
·        Meals from commercial-grade kitchens (arranged in advance)

Request for Gift Card Donations: HopeWorks is also seeking community donations of gift cards as a way to provide support to our loyal volunteers! We have a dedicated set of volunteers who consistently do what they can to provide quality services to our clients, so we are hoping to provide them support as well! Please contact William for more information.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Update from the Bishop Election Committee:
There are seven Ministers of Word and Sacrament who have indicated their openness to the call to be Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Those who are voting members at the upcoming Synod Assembly are encouraged to read their biographical forms at https://www.rmselca.org/leaders-in-discernment-24 and pray for all those who have submitted them.
            The first ballot at the Assembly is an Ecclesiastical Ballot, meaning that anyone who has submitted a biography must still be nominated on that ballot in order to be considered. Other Word & Sacrament Ministers in the ELCA who have not submitted a biography may also be nominated on the first ballot, so voting members are not limited to the names listed on this page. (Please see the “timeline” at https://www.rmselca.org/2024-bishop-election-processon for more information regarding the process.)
            The Bishop Election Committee joins the entire synod in praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this process, and thanks all those who have discerned, and are still discerning, their openness to this call.

RMS Synod Assembly – On Our Way, Together”:
The Synod Council includes the 4 officers of the synod and 17 other members elected by the Synod Assembly; Synod Council members shall be voting members of an RMS congregation. The 17 members, other than the officers, are designated as 1 per conference (either lay or rostered leader) plus 7 at-large positions with 1 each for lay male, lay female, rostered leader, youth (under the age of 18), young adult (18-30 years of age), and 2 people of color and/or whose primary language is other than English; terms are 4 years except for the youth member who is elected in even numbered years for 2 years; terms are limited to 2 consecutive terms and begin on August 15. Officers’ terms begin on August 1. There are 10 positions on the Synod Council to be filled by the 2024 Synod Assembly:

• Secretary 

• Metro South Conference representative

• Boulder/Broomfield Conference representative

• Southeast Colorado Conference representative

• Border Conference representative

• Wyoming Conference representative

• Youth (under the age of 18)

• Young Adult (18-30 years of age)

• At-Large Rostered Leader

• One Person of color or whose primary language is other than English

Committee positions to be filled:
The Congregational Ministries Committee, recognizing that the church is always being reformed, gives ear to the Holy Spirit to determine ways to invite and equip congregations to effectively and creatively participate in God’s mission in their diverse contexts. The Congregational Ministries Committee will relate to the Synod Council and collaborate with other synod ministries as well as churchwide ministries as appropriate. The Congregational Ministries Committee has at least 6 members either elected by the Synod Assembly or appointed by the Synod Council for 4-year terms (ideally staggered among the members). Attention will be given to inviting a diversity of perspective and gifts.

Positions to be filled:

• Two lay or rostered leaders

The Discipline Committee consists of 12 persons, of whom 6 are rostered leaders and 6 are lay leaders elected for a term of 6 years without consecutive reelection. The functions of the Committee on Discipline are set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod Council shall fill vacancies on the Committee on Discipline for any unexpired term.

Positions to be filled:

• One lay leader

• Three rostered leaders

 The Mission Outreach Committee is responsible for promoting, extending and coordinating the mission outreach activity of the synod, both on its own territory and throughout the world. To accomplish this end, the Mission Outreach Committee will relate to the appropriate Churchwide unit. Members serve 4-year terms.

Position to be filled:

• One lay or rostered leader

 The Global Church Network promotes and supports connection between Rocky Mountain Synod ministries and individuals and the global church through communication, education, and immersion opportunities. The Network is composed of 6 voting members: 3 members who are appointed by the Synod Council for a term of four years with the possibility of one consecutive reelection, and 3 at-large members who are elected by the Synod Assembly for a four-year term with the possibility of reelection.

Position to be filled:

• One lay or rostered leader

2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members will represent the RMS at the triennial Churchwide Assembly, which is scheduled to be held July 28-August 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rocky Mountain Synod has been allocated ten voting members plus two additional voting members. CWA Voting Members to be elected (twelve total, reflecting the representational principles of the ELCA):

• Six lay leaders including youth (under the age of 18) or young adult (18-30 years of age): One spot is designated for the RMS Vice-President and One spot is designated for a youth or young adult with 4 additional spots.

• Four rostered leaders including the RMS bishop:  One spot is designated for the RMS bishop with 3 additional spots.                

• One additional person of color or person whose primary language is other than English

• One additional youth or youth adult

Links to nominate someone or yourself for any of these opportunities are at: https://www.rmselca.org/synod-assembly-2024-our-way-together

Nominate a Student for LSM: Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts. Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at: LSMacademy.org/nominate.

World Hunger 50th Anniversary: ELCA World Hunger is this church’s ministry to end hunger and poverty. For 50 years we have joined together as Lutherans to address the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world through ELCA World Hunger. Part of our church’s long tradition of meeting human needs, ELCA World Hunger testifies to our hope for and commitment to God’s promise of a time when we will hunger and thirst no more. In 2024 we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of this ministry. We have made great strides, but once again we face a startling increase in global hunger. See 50th anniversary resources at: https://elca.org/wh50.

The next few months will be especially critical for Bread’s work as we strive to live our faith and effectively advocate for those who are suffering. With the election approaching this fall, we have a limited time frame to ensure that we are able to advance our legislative priorities.
When you join other compassionate Bread members to further the progress we’re making to help children and families get the food they need to survive and thrive, you’re part of this critical work. Thank you so much for your support! ~Lauren Stuber, Giving Manager,  https://www.bread.org/

Updates Beginning 17 March 2024

Today: Adult Faith Development wraps up a Lenten series entitled “Why Church?”. The series, originally developed by The Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry Committee, asks congregations a number of questions about what God is calling the church to become. In particular, it asks, "Why does the world need [St. Paul] church today and into the future." We'll be led by Scripture and prayer as we discuss these and other questions. Join Adult Faith Development after the service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

This Wednesday: Final Midweek Lent Soup, Song, and Scripture in Fellowship Hall. 6pm meal, 6:45 service.  Link to the resource: https://saintpaul-lutheranchurch.squarespace.com/s/Why-Church-Lent-booklet.pdf

Next Saturday, 23 March: Indoor Campus Cleanup, 9am-Noon! A sign-up sheet is in the Welcome Center, so we have a head count (for pizza when we wrap up!) Bring cleaning gloves, we have the supplies. Thank you for helping to buff and polish our Church for the Easter Season! ~Deborah Ash

The Visual Choir is introducing a Cross of Flowers on Easter Sunday, 31 March, and we need your help! You are invited to bring cut flowers of any kind and color to tuck into the chicken wire-wrapped cross (in the Welcome Center) before the service begins.  The cross will be moved into the Sanctuary during the opening of the worship service. Members of the Visual Choir Team will be there to assist you with placing the flowers.  ~Jan Krakow, Visual Choir

This month’s God’s Work Our Hands project: For our regular Friends Feeding Friends’1st Thursday meal at HopeWorks, we are asking for financial contributions toward that meal in April. We will provide those funds to them at the start of the month so that they can prepare the meal. As we have Holy Week the last week of March, we are choosing this option rather than preparing the food here. We aim for 30 serving pans each month; each pan runs approx. $20. Please note FFF on your check and place in the offering basket. We appreciate your support! The health & wellness kits for FaithWorks (last month’s project) were dropped off and were very much appreciated. Thank you! ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

2024 Madagascar Girls Camp: Dear St. Paul family, the 2023 Madagascar Girls Camp was a huge success thanks to the generous support of the St. Paul community! In July 2024, we are doing it again. The Girls Camp is an opportunity for elementary school girls from rural remote areas of Madagascar to come to the Capital City of Antananarivo and learn about possibilities for the future (most of them have never left their villages and have limited knowledge about what women can do for professions). For five days, led by Rijasoa, 24 Girls and 6 female teachers will visit universities, listen to Church and Community leaders’ talks, and participate in Camp activities such as Bible stories, arts and crafts, songs and dances, and English language learning. All the expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, accommodation, and camp materials will be covered, as the girls and their teachers come from high poverty communities with no clean water, electric power, or adequate food. A portion of the cost is already provided by St. Paul from the 2023 Benevolence Disbursement Fund, and the remainder still needs to be raised.
A fundraiser luncheon featuring Malagasy food, music, and games is scheduled on Saturday April 20th at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come and learn about St. Paul's impact in Madagascar Education through the Girls' stories and aspirations from the 2023 Girls Camp. Your attendance and support is really appreciated! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

A “Thank You” to St. Paul:
Your gift of $1,600 designated for Refugee Albuquerque is an open door to a new life. Like you, we are “rooted in the values of kindness, dignity, and social justice. Lutheran Family Services-Rocky Mountains strengthens communities by providing support, guidance, and resource coordination to individuals and families throughout the region.” Our clients have experienced many closed doors. Your support is a portal to a new life made possible by your generosity.
Sincerely, Margo Hatton, CFRE, LFS-RM VP, Resource Development
P.S. One world, one family. Thank you for joining us in our mission to serve. 

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Next Sunday: Bach and Tango, 24 March, 3pm. Performance by Dr. Chip Miller (St. Paul’s piano technician!). The first of a series, featuring tangos by Ernesto Nazareth, Eduardo Suoto, Astor Piazzolla, Marcelo Tupinambá, Carlos Gardel, and music from Bach’s Second Well-Tempered Clavier. Held at: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, 87102.

HopeWorks Volunteer Opportunities:

Tomorrow: Volunteers Needed on March 18th!
We are holding a client BBQ on March 18th, and we need your help! We need volunteers to help provide surveys to our clients in either paper or electronic formats. Can you join us on March 18th? We will provide food and beverages to those in attendance. Please contact William (see info below) to volunteer!

Donation Drive Opportunity
We are always in need of various supplies for our Day Shelter and other programs, and we are looking for groups to host donation drives! We are in need of the following: jeans (men’s size), socks and shoes, underwear, hats, jackets, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, hot cocoa packets and travel size hand sanitizer. If you are interested in hosting a Donation Drive, please reach out to William, and he can send you a list of current needs and discuss further details, and help support your efforts. Items we accept:
·        Men's clothing
·        Cleaning supplies
·        Pre-packaged, non-perishable food
·        Meals from commercial-grade kitchens (arranged in advance)

Please contact Development Manager William Townley at wtownley@hopeworksnm.org or (505) 242- 4399 ext. 8213.

Request for Gift Card Donation
HopeWorks is also seeking community donations of gift cards as a way to provide support to our loyal volunteers! We have a dedicated set of volunteers who consistently do what they can to provide quality services to our clients, so we are hoping to provide them support as well! Please contact William if you would like more information.

Looking Ahead to 2024: Community Lunches + Tours
Interested in learning more about HopeWorks and the work that we do? Please consider joining us for one of our upcoming free Community Luncheons & Tours in 2024. We will be holding these tours every second Wednesday (April 10, May 8, etc.). Over a home-cooked meal, hear about our current work and campus expansion plans. Stay for a tour of campus, including Hope Village. RSVP are required; contact William Townley at wtownley@hopeworksnm.org or (505) 242- 4399 ext. 8213. 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From the AMMPARO Team: The Conference of Bishops of the ELCA have issued a statement of support “in solidarity with people of faith who respond to God’s call to serve their neighbor.” In the statement, the body said they “are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general’s office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years.”

• Conference of Bishops Statement of Solidarity with Migrants in Texas here: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8218

• Living Lutheran article here: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2024/03/elca-conference-of-bishops-issues-statement-in-solidarity-with-migrants-in-texas/

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. See: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8217

Update from the Bishop Election Committee:
There are seven Ministers of Word and Sacrament who have indicated their openness to the call to be Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Those who are voting members at the upcoming Synod Assembly are encouraged to read their biographical forms at https://www.rmselca.org/leaders-in-discernment-24 and pray for all those who have submitted them.
            The first ballot at the Assembly is an Ecclesiastical Ballot, meaning that anyone who has submitted a biography must still be nominated on that ballot in order to be considered. Other Word & Sacrament Ministers in the ELCA who have not submitted a biography may also be nominated on the first ballot, so voting members are not limited to the names listed on this page. (Please see the “timeline” at https://www.rmselca.org/2024-bishop-election-processon for more information regarding the process.)
            The Bishop Election Committee joins the entire synod in praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this process, and thanks all those who have discerned, and are still discerning, their openness to this call.

RMS Synod Assembly – On Our Way, Together”:

The Synod Council includes the 4 officers of the synod and 17 other members elected by the Synod Assembly; Synod Council members shall be voting members of an RMS congregation. The 17 members, other than the officers, are designated as 1 per conference (either lay or rostered leader) plus 7 at-large positions with 1 each for lay male, lay female, rostered leader, youth (under the age of 18), young adult (18-30 years of age), and 2 people of color and/or whose primary language is other than English; terms are 4 years except for the youth member who is elected in even numbered years for 2 years; terms are limited to 2 consecutive terms and begin on August 15. Officers’ terms begin on August 1.

There are 10 positions on the Synod Council to be filled by the 2024 Synod Assembly:

• Secretary 

• Metro South Conference representative

• Boulder/Broomfield Conference representative

• Southeast Colorado Conference representative

• Border Conference representative

• Wyoming Conference representative

• Youth (under the age of 18)

• Young Adult (18-30 years of age)

• At-Large Rostered Leader

• One Person of color or whose primary language is other than English

Committee positions to be filled:
The Discipline Committee consists of 12 persons, of whom 6 are rostered leaders and 6 are lay leaders elected for a term of 6 years without consecutive reelection. The functions of the Committee on Discipline are set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod Council shall fill vacancies on the Committee on Discipline for any unexpired term.

Positions to be filled:

• One lay leader

• Three rostered leaders

The Mission Outreach Committee is responsible for promoting, extending and coordinating the mission outreach activity of the synod, both on its own territory and throughout the world. To accomplish this end, the Mission Outreach Committee will relate to the appropriate Churchwide unit. Members serve 4 year terms.

Position to be filled:

• One lay or rostered leader

The Global Church Network promotes and supports connection between Rocky Mountain Synod ministries and individuals and the global church through communication, education, and immersion opportunities. The Network is composed of 6 voting members: 3 members who are appointed by the Synod Council for a term of four years with the possibility of one consecutive reelection, and 3 at-large members who are elected by the Synod Assembly for a four-year term with the possibility of reelection.

Position to be filled:

·        One lay or rostered leader

The Congregational Ministries Committee, recognizing that the church is always being reformed, gives ear to the Holy Spirit to determine ways to invite and equip congregations to effectively and creatively participate in God’s mission in their diverse contexts. The Congregational Ministries Committee will relate to the Synod Council and collaborate with other synod ministries as well as churchwide ministries as appropriate. The Congregational Ministries Committee has at least 6 members either elected by the Synod Assembly or appointed by the Synod Council for 4-year terms (ideally staggered among the members). Attention will be given to inviting a diversity of perspective and gifts.

Positions to be filled:

• Two lay or rostered leaders

2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members will represent the Rocky Mountain Synod at the triennial Churchwide Assembly, which is scheduled to be held July 28-August 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rocky Mountain Synod has been allocated ten voting members plus two additional voting members.

CWA Voting Members to be elected (twelve total, reflecting the representational principles of the ELCA):

• Six lay leaders including youth (under the age of 18) or young adult (18-30 years of age): One spot is designated for the RMS Vice-President and One spot is designated for a youth or young adult with 4 additional spots.

• Four rostered leaders including the RMS bishop:  One spot is designated for the RMS bishop with 3 additional spots.                

• One additional person of color or person whose primary language is other than English

• One additional youth or youth adult

Links to nominate someone or yourself for any of these opportunities are at: https://www.rmselca.org/synod-assembly-2024-our-way-together

World Hunger 50th Anniversary: For 50 years we have joined together as Lutherans to address the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world through ELCA World Hunger. Part of our church’s long tradition of meeting human needs, ELCA World Hunger testifies to our hope for and commitment to God’s promise of a time when we will hunger and thirst no more. In 2024 we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of this ministry. We have made great strides, but once again we face a startling increase in global hunger. See 50th anniversary resources at: https://elca.org/wh50.

Updates Beginning 10 March 2024

Today: Adult Faith Development continues a Lenten series entitled “Why Church?”. The series, originally developed by The Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry Committee, asks congregations a number of questions about what God is calling the church to become. In particular, it asks, "Why does the world need [St. Paul] church today and into the future." We'll be led by Scripture and prayer as we discuss these and other questions. Join Adult Faith Development after the service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

Today: Are you a technology guru? Do you enjoy social media? Do you know what the following acronyms mean...SEO, WWW, URL, UX? Or, are you curious? Join the newly energized technology team directly after service today - let's meet in the church office to exchange contact information and schedule our first meeting! ~Sara Love

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

The Visual Choir is introducing a Cross of Flowers on Easter Sunday, 31 March, and we need your help! You are invited to bring cut flowers of any kind and color to tuck into the chicken wire-wrapped cross (in the Welcome Center) before the service begins.  The cross will be moved into the Sanctuary during the opening of the worship service. Members of the Visual Choir Team will be there to assist you with placing the flowers.  ~Jan Krakow, Visual Choir

This month’s God’s Work Our Hands project: For our regular Friends Feeding Friends’1st Thursday meal at HopeWorks, we are asking for financial contributions toward that meal in April. We will provide those funds to them at the start of the month so that they can prepare the meal. As we have Holy Week the last week of March, we are choosing this option rather than preparing the food here. We aim for 30 trays each month; each tray runs approx. $20. Please note FFF on your check and place in the offering basket. We appreciate your support! The health & wellness kits for FaithWorks were dropped off this past week and were much appreciated. Thank you! ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Save the dates for the next St. Paul 101!  Want to know more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole?  Want to meet more people in our faith community and get connected?  Then St. Paul 101 is for you! The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 14 & 28 April (skipping 21 April for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 5 May.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship each of those Sundays for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions.  Looking forward to seeing you there! ~ Pr. Koppel

Hold the Date: Saturday, 20 April - Fundraising Luncheon for the Madagascar Girls’ Camp! Details to come soon. ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Else Tasseron is moving! For her new address and phone number, please contact Nancy Jenkins. ~Deborah Ash

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families: One of our "old" adoptees volunteers at an organization that is helping refugees from Central and South America. She was working with three men from Venezuela who were to start construction work but they needed work boots. We gave her $200 in cash and gift cards left from Christmas so she could take them to buy the boots. She also used a little of the money to buy toiletries and cleaning supplies for a family that had just moved into an apartment. There is no end to the need out there - we'll just keep trying to help where we can. Thanks for your support. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Prayer Walk. In this Lenten season, Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ (GACC) and St. Paul are partnering in a Prayer Walk along the hallway leading to Fellowship Hall. You will find a table with sticky notes and pens to write your prayers and post them on the long sheet of contact paper on the wall.  Our goal is to share our prayers amongst both congregations. You can take a prayer with you to incorporate into your daily prayers and return it the next time. (Or take a picture.) Take a prayer and leave a prayer! Our hope is that our mutual Prayer Walk will reveal to each of us the power of prayer in our daily lives.
James 5:16b – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
~Pr. Koppel & Karen Waggoner, GACC Board Member

A “Thank You” to St. Paul:
Thank you for your generous gift to the Center for Civic Policy for the New Mexico Dream Team! We have much work to do as we create the information needed to change the hearts and minds of New Mexicans. Thank you for your commitment as we strive for the values of family, honesty, and respect. Your gift will directly impact New Mexico. Thanks for supporting our work! Sincerely, Oriana Sandoval, Chief Executive Director

From Local Partner Organizations

Bach and Tango, Sunday, 24 March, 3pm. Performance by Dr. Chip Miller (St. Paul’s piano technician!). The first of a series, featuring tangos by Ernesto Nazareth, Eduardo Suoto, Astor Piazzolla, Marcelo Tupinambá, Carlos Gardel, and music from Bach’s Second Well-Tempered Clavier. Held at: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, 87102.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From the AMMPARO Team: The Conference of Bishops of the ELCA have issued a statement of support “in solidarity with people of faith who respond to God’s call to serve their neighbor.” In the statement, the body said they “are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general’s office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years.”

• Conference of Bishops Statement of Solidarity with Migrants in Texas here: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8218

• Living Lutheran article here: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2024/03/elca-conference-of-bishops-issues-statement-in-solidarity-with-migrants-in-texas/

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. See: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8217

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey. SUMUD means "resilience" in Arabic (formerly Peace Not Walls). This Lenten video series consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Available in both English and Arabic. For additional information and to watch the video: https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/peace-not-walls

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins! More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

Updates Beginning 3 March 2024

Today: Adult Faith Development continues a Lenten series entitled “Why Church?”. The series, originally developed by The Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry Committee, asks congregations a number of questions about what God is calling the church to become. In particular, it asks, "Why does the world need [St. Paul] church today and into the future." We'll be led by Scripture and prayer as we discuss these and other questions. Join Adult Faith Development after the service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

This Week: First Tuesday on March 5th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE.  It seems like we just gathered there! Sometimes we just chat and other times we dive deeper.  All are welcome.  Bring your own snack if you want and if you don't drink beer, bring your beverage of choice.  First Tuesday is a good way to get to know others. ~Nancy Matthews

Thank You, St. Paul, for all your cards and calls. You made my heart feel good. ~Carol Ann Sorensen

Else Tasseron is moving! For her new address and phone number, please contact Nancy Jenkins. ~Deborah Ash

Are you a technology guru? Do you enjoy social media? Do you know what the following acronyms mean...SEO, WWW, URL, UX? Or, are you curious? Join the newly energized technology team directly after service on Sunday, March 10th - let's meet in the church office to exchange contact information and schedule our first meeting! ~Sara Love

Save the dates for the next St. Paul 101!  Want to know more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole?  Want to meet more people in our faith community and get connected?  Then St. Paul 101 is for you! The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 14 & 28 April (skipping 21 April for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 5 May.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship each of those Sundays for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions.  Looking forward to seeing you there! ~ Pr. Koppel

Thank You for your recent gift of $250 to Church Women United in New Mexico. Your caring support is crucial to the CWU mission of working towards unity in diversity, and building a world of peace and justice.
~Ruth Tribou, Treasurer

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome. (A full load was just picked up!)
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins! More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey. SUMUD means "resilience" in Arabic (formerly Peace Not Walls). This Lenten video series consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Available in both English and Arabic. For additional information and to watch the video: https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/peace-not-walls

Updates Beginning 25 February 2024

Today: Adult Faith Development continues a Lenten series entitled “Why Church?”. The series, originally developed by The Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry Committee, asks congregations a number of questions about what God is calling the church to become. In particular, it asks, "Why does the world need [St. Paul] church today and into the future." We'll be led by Scripture and prayer as we discuss these and other questions. Join Adult Faith Development after the service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

Today: After service we will be packing up the health & wellness kits for FaithWorks. Thank you for your donations in support of this month’s God’s Work Our Hands project! ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Nancy Jenkins

First Tuesday will be March 5th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE.  It seems like we just gathered there! Sometimes we just chat and other times we dive deeper.  All are welcome.  Bring your own snack if you want and if you don't drink beer, bring your beverage of choice.  First Tuesday is a good way to get to know others. ~Nancy Matthews

Metamorphosis. Our hungry caterpillar gorged on massive amounts of leaves in preparation for metamorphosis. With the proper conditions, this radical transformation can happen in a month, but can take up to 3 years if the food and water conditions are not adequate. Now look at the cocoon (chrysalis) hanging on the tree at the front of the Sanctuary. Watch the cocoon each Sunday as it journeys to the completion of its transformation.
          Think about your journey during these 40 days of Lent and give yourself spiritual food and contemplation time. What transformation is occurring in your life? ~Jo Browning, Visual Choir

Restored today, we remember that all life is represented in our Lenten Journey. Thanks to Worship and Music for their creative work to represent this journey and to their contribution to center our hearts on the work God has given and keeps alive. Paul Gallegos created the work of art that stands in our narthex, visible as we enter and exit the Sanctuary. The tree that has become a cross was a live Christmas tree saved from years ago, used at St. Paul. When you study it, note the crack that has formed along the long portion of this simple symbol of God’s abounding love. Leonard Cohen reminds us that, “there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” As we walk these forty days, may we pause with awe, pray with intention and serve in every way possible. ~Julie Ambrogi

Greetings St. Paul Community,
This note is in light of a missed opportunity on my part to follow-up with pastoral care for a dear soul, which prompted Council conversations and deep discernment for me.  Here's a written summary of our conversations outlining our model of Pastoral Care:   

First, we are a community who strives for the best and who also practices forgiveness when we miss the mark.  Second, as the priesthood of believers, I am not the funnel through which all pastoral care needs are made known and/or tended to.  (If we desire a central person for pastoral care, we might consider a Visiting Pastor to do this ministry.  All Saints recently contracted with a retired pastor for this purpose.)   And third, our Behavioral Covenant (or Community Covenant) is crucial in our interactions with one another. [See page 23 of this bulletin.]

When a St. Paul member hears about a potential pastoral care-giving need, the following ministries are encouraged:
·        Member to Member Care - the person receiving the request may offer a listening ear and/or pray directly with the requester.
·        Pastoral Care Visits - typically provided by me, but others are experienced and available, especially when I am out of the office.
·        Visitation Team Visits - home and hospital visits, typically include Communion and/or oil blessings.  Our Visitation Team: Julie Ambrogi, Kay Fulton, Sharon Howard, and Diane Remer-Thamert.
·        Stephen Minister Visits - meetings with a specifically trained minister who comes alongside someone (for a few visits or long-term) who might be grieving, going through a difficult situation, or experiencing a crisis of some sort.  Our Stephen Ministers:  Terry Cole, Paula Eglinton, Linda FitzGerald, Nancy Jenkins, Jan Krakow, and Jeff Peterson.
·        Addition to the Prayer Chain - an email group who receives prayer requests and offers intercessory prayer (honoring privacy as indicated by the requester).  Prayer Chain:  Julie Ambrogi, Kathy Callahan, Terry Cole, Paula Eglinton, Jenny Galasso, Sharon Howard, Nancy Jenkins, Herb Korff, Nancy Matthews, and Cheryl Schultz.
·        Addition to the Sunday bulletin - a weekly prayer list, with first names or situations only, included in the bulletin (also honoring privacy as indicated by the requester).

Please know that I meet regularly with the Visitation Team, and in March will begin meeting regularly with Stephen Ministers.  I also receive the Prayer Chain prayer requests, holding them and all of you in prayer.  I personally respond/reach-out to known pastoral care needs via scheduled and unscheduled visits, conversations at church and in the community, phone calls, cards, emails, instant messaging, texts, etc.  Should I fail to miss a cue or come alongside a need, please make that need known directly with me.

Peace be with you.  Peace be with us.
Pr. Koppel

Adopted Families: One of our "old" adoptees volunteers at an organization that is helping refugees from Central and South America. She was working with three men from Venezuela who were to start construction work but they needed work boots. We gave her $200 in cash and gift cards left from Christmas so she could take them to buy the boots. She also used a little of the money to buy toiletries and cleaning supplies for a family that had just moved into an apartment. There is no end to the need out there - we'll just keep trying to help where we can. Thanks for your support. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Prayer Walk. In this Lenten season, Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ (GACC) and St. Paul are partnering in a Prayer Walk along the hallway leading to Fellowship Hall. You will find a table with sticky notes and pens to write your prayers and post them on the long sheet of contact paper on the wall.  Our goal is to share our prayers amongst both congregations. You can take a prayer with you to incorporate into your daily prayers and return it the next time. (Or take a picture.) Take a prayer and leave a prayer! Our hope is that our mutual Prayer Walk will reveal to each of us the power of prayer in our daily lives.
James 5:16b – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
~Pr. Koppel & Karen Waggoner, GACC Board Member

2023 Giving Statements.  It is once again the time of year when you may want a copy of your giving statement for the 2023 tax year. I am happy to send one to anyone who made a contribution in this past year. All you need to do is request one using my email address (finsec@stpaulabq.org) or text (or call) me on my cell phone (505-363-2284). I will send an electronic copy or a paper copy, whichever you prefer. ~Paula Eglinton 

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate:
·        Donations of nonperishable foodstuffs to the Storehouse (barrels in the Narthex). Pet food is also welcome.
·        We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
·        We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office.
Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

This Friday, 1 March at 9:15am, Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for the World Day of Prayer service at Manzano del Sol, 5201 Roma NE. The service was prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Palestine and the WDP USA Committee. Our speaker will be Lamia Faruki who serves on the board of Tomorrow’s Women, a group that brings together Palestinian and Jewish young women for a six-week experience in learning about each other's culture one on one. Lamia and Holly, the Director of the group, will introduce us to their group’s mission and show interviews with some of the young women who have been part of the experience in the past. Please join us and bring a friend! For more information, contact Marilyn Stoops at 505-265-8358 or mstoops@swcp.com. ~Marilyn Stoops, CWU Communications Committee

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Seeks Your Input. The Commission is tasked with collecting information about what is working and what is not working at the church wide, synod, and congregational levels. It will present its findings to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
          The Commission wants to hear from you through a brief survey that asks about the purpose of congregations, synods, and the churchwide office. The survey also asks, “What should the future church look like?”
          Along with information received at listening sessions across the church, this survey will inform the commission’s recommendations.
          The survey is available in Spanish and English. More information regarding the survey and the work of CRLC is available here: https://www.elca.org/CRLC.

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins! More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

Updates Beginning 18 February 2024

Beginning this Wednesday:

Today after service, Adult Faith Development begins a Lenten series entitled "Why Church?”. The series, originally developed by The Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry Committee, asks congregations a number of questions about what God is calling the church to become. In particular, it asks, "Why does the world need [St. Paul] church today and into the future." We'll be led by Scripture and prayer as we discuss these and other questions.
          Note that this series will also be used at the mid-week Soup, Song, and Scripture sessions. You are welcome to attend either one or both! We anticipate that the discussions will be different in the two venues, and taking the two together may yield important insights.
          Join Adult Faith Development after the service at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

Prayer Walk. In this Lenten season, Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ (GACC) and St. Paul are partnering in a Prayer Walk along the hallway leading to Fellowship Hall. You will find a table with sticky notes and pens to write your prayers and post them on the long sheet of contact paper on the wall.
          Our goal is to share our prayers amongst both congregations. You can take a prayer with you to incorporate into your daily prayers and return it the next time. (Or take a picture.) Take a prayer and leave a prayer! Our hope is that our mutual Prayer Walk will reveal to each of us the power of prayer in our daily lives.
James 5:16b – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
~Pr. Koppel & Karen Waggoner, GACC Board Member

February’s God’s Work Our Hands project will be health & wellness kits for FaithWorks. They have need of specific items that St. Paul can buy in bulk and have delivered to the church (more cost effective). We need to raise about $300, order the items and then we will, together, pack and deliver these kits on February 25 after service. We are collecting donations for the next 3 weeks to order the kits. These kits run about $20. Please put your donations in the offering, marked for Health & Wellness Kits or see one of us if you have questions. As we continue to work together, we can make a difference! Thank you. ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Nancy Jenkins

2023 Giving Statements.  It is once again the time of year when you may want a copy of your giving statement for the 2023 tax year. I am happy to send one to anyone who made a contribution in this past year. All you need to do is request one using my email address (finsec@stpaulabq.org) or text (or call) me on my cell phone (505-363-2284). I will send an electronic copy or a paper copy, whichever you prefer. ~Paula Eglinton

A Thank You to St. Paul:
Dear Friends, thank you for your gift of $100.00 to Bread for the World. Thank you for responding to Rick Steves’ matching gift offer. We are so grateful for your generous contribution. Your support is crucial and especially impactful, as Bread for the World begins the launch of the Nourish Our Future advocacy campaign. Your gift helps children all over the world have access to the food they need to grow and thrive.
With gratitude, Rev. Eugene Cho, President

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Outreach Team Announcements:  The following are outcomes from our meeting this past week:
1.   Recommending to Council that St. Paul: Increase our Albuquerque Interfaith membership to $2500 (from $2000), and increase our Bread for the World membership to $300 (from $200).

2.   Bread for the World annual letter writing campaign in May.

3.   St. Paul participation in the 2024 Pride Parade, Saturday, June 8, Nob Hill.

4.   Faith Development class sharing in the last Sunday of the month service project during Fall 2024.
~Will Hoffman for the Outreach Team

Adopted Families: I received some thank you notes from the counselor and her clients for the Christmas gifts we gave them. Here are some quotes from the clients:
"Thank you, thank you so much for being so kind and generous."
"Thank you so much for the gifts that you gave me I really appreciate it a lot I really hope God blesses you every day."
"Thank you for all you do! I really appreciate it. God bless you all. Thank you for making our children happy this Christmas."
"The only gifts my brother & I got this year were from St Paul. I appreciate so much to you."
"Thank You for all our goodies cause our parents are broke & struggling!"
And a quote from the counselor:
"I do not know how long your folks have been supporting my clients for your Christmas gift-giving. It's been many years now and the results are quite amazing because the families I choose really need the love and support these gifts provide...I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making all this happen. The quilts are my favorite because I am able to tell family members that your quilters pray for families while sewing together these pieces of fabric and ask God for blessings of the receivers!"
Life does go on after Christmas. Our "movers" delivered two donated beds to a family in the International District; the mom was very grateful to have a nice place to sleep for herself and her husband and their kids. And thanks to your generous donations, we were able to pay the $500 deposit for a refugee family from Venezuela so they could move into an apartment. The father is working construction and had enough for the first month's rent, but they needed help with the deposit. Now the father, mother, and two young daughters have a place to call home in this country. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator 

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate: I was reading that when we give something away (like food, for instance) it activates the brain to release oxytocin. This neuropeptide does all sorts of things like making us feel connected to other humans, even if we don't know them. So, if you want more of the good feelings that come from oxytocin, why not bring a donation for the Storehouse barrels in the Narthex?  Pet food is also welcome.
We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today: Coro Lux cordially invites you to join us for our first concert of 2024, “Music in the Air.” As Black History Month is upon us, we strive to strengthen our community by honoring the significant contributions that African-American composers and conductors have made to choral music. This concert, taking place at the African-American Performing Arts Center (310 San Pedro NE) seeks to do just that. As we perform music that enlivens the soul and gladdens the heart, we hope you join us for a joyous musical experience, February 18th at 4pm.  Featuring special performances from soloist and UNM professor Stevie Springer and UNM’s Gospel Choir, as well as appearances by our youth chorus, El Faro Youth Chorus, and select group, Coro Lux Chamber Chorus, this concert will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Black History Month, and enjoy a truly multi-cultural musical occasion! Tickets at: https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/ ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

La Mesa Presbyterian Church Concert Series. We are excited about doing a “new thing” at La Mesa, hosting live concerts of wonderful musicians in our sanctuary. Our first live concert is by the fabulous folk singer, Deidre McCalla, next Sunday, February 25th at 3pm. Read more about her at: https://deidremccalla.com/. To reserve a “free will donation” seat for $20, go to LMPCTICKETS.BPT.ME. Thank you in advance for your support of this new venture. ~Rev. Dr. Brett Mitchell

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for the World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 1st at 9:15 at Manzano del Sol, 5201 Roma NE. The service was prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Palestine and the WDP USA Committee. Our speaker will be Lamia Faruki who serves on the board of Tomorrow’s Women, a group that brings together Palestinian and Jewish young women for a six-week experience in learning about each other's culture one on one. Lamia and Holly, the Director of the group, will introduce us to their group’s mission and show interviews with some of the young women who have been part of the experience in the past. Please join us and bring a friend! For more information, contact Marilyn Stoops at 505-265-8358 or mstoops@swcp.com. ~Marilyn Stoops, CWU Communications Committee

Ethos Literacy, a community-based adult education program in Albuquerque, serves adult students who need basic literacy support, as well as ESL students through connecting them to volunteer tutors. Many of our students are immigrants or asylum seekers but many others grew up in New Mexico without the support they need to learn to read, some even graduating high school without this basic skill. We are always looking for volunteers to support our students who are eager to learn and get connected to a tutor. ~Meg Peralta-Silva (formerly with Border Servant Corps), Admin. Assistant, 505-321-9620, https://www.ethosliteracy.org/

Coat Donations (Adult & Child). If you have a new or used coat, please consider donating to the Dignity Mission for asylum seekers. Coats can be old but must be clean! New hats, scarves and gloves are also being collected. All items will be taken to the border on an ongoing basis. Children’s coats are especially needed! Questions, contact Rae and Patrick VanDeMotter, All Saints, 216-633-6362. (They travel to the border once a month to deliver collected items.) ~Pr. Koppel

Lutheran Family Services in Albuquerque contacted the office regarding an urgent need for certain items of furniture: sofas, and dining tables with chairs. They had a large influx of clients (refugees and asylees) at the end of the year and the approx. 30 families are made up of 5-10 people each. Cash donations are also welcome. Call 505-933-7032 and they can arrange for pickup. Address: 230 Truman St NE. ~Deborah Ash

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins! More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Seeks Your Input. The Commission is tasked with collecting information about what is working and what is not working at the church wide, synod, and congregational levels. It will present its findings to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
          The Commission wants to hear from you through a brief survey that asks about the purpose of congregations, synods, and the churchwide office. The survey also asks, “What should the future church look like?”
          Along with information received at listening sessions across the church, this survey will inform the commission’s recommendations.
          The survey is available in Spanish and English. More information regarding the survey and the work of CRLC is available here: https://www.elca.org/CRLC. 

Lutheran World Relief: Our 2024 Hunger Challenge to Save Lives has begun. Our goal is to raise $250,000 by March 15 to rush emergency food to your neighbors who need it most. Thank you for extending your caring hand. With your gift today, you are feeding empty tummies and warming weary hearts. Give at: https://lwr.org/.
In Christ always, Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, President & CEO

Updates Beginning 11 February 2024

This Sunday we celebrate Jesus leading Peter, James, and John to the “high” mountain where Jesus appears radiantly transformed. A voice came to them from a cloud declaring, “This is my Son, Jesus whom I love. Listen to him!”
For me, this declaration makes God ‘s wish for hope and healing come alive through Jesus’ teachings. We have included white paper cranes in the banner today. I think of these cranes as another symbol of Christ’s love and care for all his children, as well as a powerful symbol of peace.
“O flock of heavenly cranes
Cover my children with your wings.”
~Jo Browning, for the Visual Choir

Today after the service: When we say "Jesus is Lord" we deny the claims of any other power--be it political, religious, commercial, or otherwise--to appropriate lordship for itself. St. Paul is the first of the New Testament authors to make this claim explicitly, and it was in the context of the Roman Empire, where the Emperor claimed to be the "Lord of lords." Join us in the adult class to explore Paul's extraordinary claim and consider what it means for us. We meet in the Conference Room after the service at 11:15. Everybody is welcome. ~Bob Matthews

Prayer Walk. As we enter the Lenten season, Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ (GACC) and St. Paul are partnering in a Prayer Walk along the hallway leading to Fellowship Hall. You will find a table with sticky notes and pens to write your prayers and post them on the long sheet of contact paper on the wall.
          Our goal is to share our prayers amongst both congregations. You can take a prayer with you to incorporate into your daily prayers and return it the next time. (Or take a picture.) Take a prayer and leave a prayer! Our hope is that our mutual Prayer Walk will reveal to each of us the power of prayer in our daily lives.
James 5:16b – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
~Pr. Koppel & Karen Waggoner, GACC Board Member 

Harald N. Sorensen Memorial Services will be held at French-Wyoming this Tuesday, February 13 at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The New Mexico Heart Association. lnurnment will be at a later date at the Kronborg cemetery of St. John's Lutheran Church in Marquete, NE. See the full obituary at: https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituaries/harald-sorensen

Ice Cream Social Hour is This Wednesday! Bring your love for ice cream to socialize and laugh. February 14, 1pm at Dairy Queen on Louisiana and Montgomery. We meet for an hour, share stories, laugh at fun things, and just enjoy some down time. Better yet, put the second Wednesday of the month as a constant for ice cream. ~Herb Korff

February’s God’s Work Our Hands project will be health & wellness kits for FaithWorks. They have need of specific items that St. Paul can buy in bulk and have delivered to the church (more cost effective). We need to raise about $300, order the items and then we will, together, pack and deliver these kits on February 25 after service. We are collecting donations for the next 3 weeks to order the kits. These kits run about $20. Please put your donations in the offering, marked for Health & Wellness Kits or see one of us if you have questions. As we continue to work together, we can make a difference! Thank you. ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Nancy Jenkins

2023 Giving Statements.  It is once again the time of year when you may want a copy of your giving statement for the 2023 tax year. I am happy to send one to anyone who made a contribution in this past year. All you need to do is request one using my email address (finsec@stpaulabq.org) or text (or call) me on my cell phone (505-363-2284). I will send an electronic copy or a paper copy, whichever you prefer. ~Paula Eglinton

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

A Thank You to St. Paul:
Dear St. Paul Lutheran Church, thank you for your generous contribution to ABQ FaithWorks. We appreciate you all so much! Thanks again, Abbey Reed, Interim Executive Director

Adopted Families: I received some thank you notes from the counselor and her clients for the Christmas gifts we gave them. Here are some quotes from the clients:
"Thank you, thank you so much for being so kind and generous."
"Thank you so much for the gifts that you gave me I really appreciate it a lot I really hope God blesses you every day."
"Thank you for all you do! I really appreciate it. God bless you all. Thank you for making our children happy this Christmas."
"The only gifts my brother & I got this year were from St Paul. I appreciate so much to you."
"Thank You for all our goodies cause our parents are broke & struggling!"
And a quote from the counselor:
"I do not know how long your folks have been supporting my clients for your Christmas gift-giving. It's been many years now and the results are quite amazing because the families I choose really need the love and support these gifts provide...I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making all this happen. The quilts are my favorite because I am able to tell family members that your quilters pray for families while sewing together these pieces of fabric and ask God for blessings of the receivers!"
Life does go on after Christmas. Our "movers" delivered two donated beds to a family in the International District; the mom was very grateful to have a nice place to sleep for herself and her husband and their kids. And thanks to your generous donations, we were able to pay the $500 deposit for a refugee family from Venezuela so they could move into an apartment. The father is working construction and had enough for the first month's rent, but they needed help with the deposit. Now the father, mother, and two young daughters have a place to call home in this country. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Opportunities to Donate: I was reading that when we give something away (like food, for instance) it activates the brain to release oxytocin. This neuropeptide does all sorts of things like making us feel connected to other humans, even if we don't know them. So, if you want more of the good feelings that come from oxytocin, why not bring a donation for the Storehouse barrels in the Narthex?  Pet food is also welcome.
We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Coro Lux cordially invites you to join us for our first concert of 2024, “Music in the Air.” As Black History Month is upon us, we strive to strengthen our community by honoring the significant contributions that African-American composers and conductors have made to choral music. This concert, taking place at the African-American Performing Arts Center (310 San Pedro NE) seeks to do just that. As we perform music that enlivens the soul and gladdens the heart, we hope you join us for a joyous musical experience, February 18th at 4pm.  Featuring special performances from soloist and UNM professor Stevie Springer and UNM’s Gospel Choir, as well as appearances by our youth chorus, El Faro Youth Chorus, and select group, Coro Lux Chamber Chorus, this concert will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Black History Month, and enjoy a truly multi-cultural musical occasion! Tickets at: https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/ ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

Valentine's Day Raffle! ABQ FaithWorks is selling tickets for their Valentine's Day Raffle. The FaithWorks' staff has collected many exciting and unique prizes donated by local artisans and businesses. You can purchase tickets by contacting the office at 505-457-1728. Tickets are $5.00 each! Drawing will be on February 14. You can also find more information regarding the raffle by visiting their website at www.abqfaithworks.org. Together we are all ABQ FaithWorks! ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

La Mesa Presbyterian Church Concert Series. We are excited about doing a “new thing” at La Mesa, hosting live concerts of wonderful musicians in our sanctuary. Our first live concert is by the fabulous folk singer, Deidre McCalla, on Sunday, February 25th at 3pm. Read more about her at: https://deidremccalla.com/. To reserve a “free will donation” seat for $20, go to LMPCTICKETS.BPT.ME. Thank you in advance for your support of this new venture. ~Rev. Dr. Brett Mitchell

Coat Donations (Adult & Child). If you have a new or used coat, please consider donating to the Dignity Mission for asylum seekers. Coats can be old but must be clean! New hats, scarves and gloves are also being collected. All items will be taken to the border on an ongoing basis. Children’s coats are especially needed! Questions, contact Rae and Patrick VanDeMotter, All Saints, 216-633-6362. (They travel to the border once a month to deliver collected items.) ~Pr. Koppel

Lutheran Family Services in Albuquerque contacted the office regarding an urgent need for certain items of furniture: sofas, and dining tables with chairs. They had a large influx of clients (refugees and asylees) at the end of the year and the approx. 30 families are made up of 5-10 people each. Cash donations are also welcome. Call 505-933-7032 and they can arrange for pickup. Address: 230 Truman St NE. ~Deborah Ash

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins! More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days. There is still time to join Kurt and other volunteer LAM-NM advocates to work the Round House by lobbying legislators and potentially offering public comment during committee meetings on priority bills for our advocacy agenda. You are also invited to come and watch the process and activity of our state's legislature. This Tuesday, February 13th is the last opportunity. Please email or call if you plan to be there, to add your name to the list and receive instructions. ~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org, 505-269-6470 (c)

The Young Adult Border Immersion, April 24 – 28 is now accepting applications (apply by February 16th)! A collaboration between ELCA Young Adults, AMMPARO, ELCA Witness in Society, and Global Refuge, the border immersion brings young adults to the border to encounter migration issues through a faith-based lens. A $50 deposit and travel to Las Cruces, NM (or El Paso) is required, but programming, accommodations, food, and local transport are covered. Travel assistance is available. Applicants must be 18 - 35 by the time of immersion.
https://yabordertrip.my.canva.site/yabordertrip?mc_cid=9733bc0248&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Updates Beginning 4 February 2024

Today after the service: Did you ever wonder why Paul seems to argue both sides of some questions? In one place he says males and females are equal and in another he says women should be subject to men. In one place he argues that slaves should be freed and in another he says slaves should obey their masters in all things. The answer to this puzzle may surprise you. Come to the Adult Faith Development class this Sunday morning at 11:15 as we examine the multiple "Pauls" we encounter in the New Testament. Grab some refreshments and join us in the Conference Room. ~Bob Matthews

This week: First Tuesday is February 6th, 4:00 pm at SW Grape & Grain at 3401 Candelaria NE.  This is a time to settle down with drink and snacks and catch up on news of any type, which we usually don't have time for on Sunday morning.  Come join us!  Bring a snack to share. ~Nancy Matthews

Harald N. Sorensen Memorial Services will be held at French-Wyoming on Tuesday, February 13 at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The New Mexico Heart Association. lnurnment will be at a later date at the Kronborg cemetery of St. John's Lutheran Church in Marquete, NE. See the full obituary at: https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituaries/harald-sorensen

Ice Cream Social Hour is Coming Up! Bring your love for ice cream to socialize and laugh. February 14, 1pm at Dairy Queen on Louisiana and Montgomery. We meet for an hour, share stories, laugh at fun things, and just enjoy some down time. Better yet, put the second Wednesday of the month as a constant for ice cream. ~Herb Korff

A Thank You to St. Paul:

Dear St. Paul Lutheran Church, thank you for your gift of $500 to Lutheran Disaster Response. Your spirit-filled generosity helps families and communities reeling from disasters. No matter the variety of disaster, no matter the variety of need, your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response enable people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods now and far into the future. Thank you for your gracious gifts. The glory of God shines through you.
In Christ, Amanda White, Director, Congregational Generosity

Thank You to all who participated by giving money, hygiene items and to all who helped pack the bags for HopeWorks. This week 18 women’s kits and 15 men’s kits were delivered. These kits were full of lovely items, prayers and hope for happier times to those who will be getting them. God’s Work Our Hands is our project-oriented action to reach beyond to those in need. There are lots of ways to get involved, continually help and always give.
          February’s God’s Work Our Hands project will be health & wellness kits for FaithWorks. They have need of specific items that St. Paul can buy in bulk and have delivered to the church (more cost effective). We need to raise about $300, order the items and then we will, together, pack and deliver these kits on February 25 after service. We are collecting donations for the next 3 weeks to order the kits. These kits run about $20. Please put your donations in the offering, marked for Health & Wellness Kits or see one of us if you have questions. As we continue to work together, we can make a difference! Thank you. ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Nancy Jenkins

Mark Your Calendars! Easter is early this year, so we have split our Campus Cleanup to accommodate the weather: Saturday, March 23 (day before Palm Sunday) for cleanup inside, and Saturday, April 13 for cleanup outside. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. ~Deborah Ash

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate: I was reading that when we give something away (like food, for instance) it activates the brain to release oxytocin.  This neuropeptide does all sorts of things like making us feel connected to other humans, even if we don't know them.  So, if you want more of the good feelings that come from oxytocin, why not bring a donation for the Storehouse barrels in the Narthex?  Pet food is also welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

Coat Donations (Adult & Child). If you have a new or used coat, please consider donating to the Dignity Mission for asylum seekers. Coats can be old but must be clean! New hats, scarves and gloves are also being collected. All items will be taken to the border on an ongoing basis. Children’s coats are especially needed! Questions, contact Rae and Patrick VanDeMotter, All Saints, 216-633-6362. (They travel to the border once a month to deliver collected items.) ~Pr. Koppel

Lutheran Family Services in Albuquerque contacted the office this week regarding an urgent need for certain items of furniture: sofas, and dining tables with chairs. They had a large influx of clients (refugees and asylees) at the end of the year and the approx. 30 families are made up of 5-10 people each. Cash donations are also welcome. Call 505-933-7032 and they can arrange for pickup. Address: 230 Truman St NE. ~Deborah Ash

Valentine's Day Raffle! ABQ FaithWorks is now selling raffle tickets for their Valentine's Day Raffle.  The FaithWorks' staff has collected many exciting and unique prizes donated by local artisans and businesses.  You can purchase tickets by contacting the office at 505-457-1728. Raffle tickets are $5.00 a ticket! Drawing will be on February 14. You can also find more information regarding the raffle by visiting their website at www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ABQFaithWorksCollab
Together we are all ABQ FaithWorks! ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

Don’t Miss Our Next Concert, “Music in the Air.” Hello friends, mark your calendars for Coro Lux’s February concert of Spirituals and Gospel music, "Music In The Air." It will be held on February 18 at 4 pm and will be the first time we'll perform in the lovely African-American Performing Arts Center. Stevie DeJuan Springer will be our featured soloist. Tickets at: https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/ ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The Young Adult Border Immersion, April 24 – 28 is now accepting applications! A collaboration between ELCA Young Adults, AMMPARO, ELCA Witness in Society, and Global Refuge, the border immersion brings young adults to the border to encounter migration issues through a faith-based lens. A $50 deposit and travel to Las Cruces, NM (or El Paso) is required, but programming, accommodations, food, and local transport are covered. Travel assistance is available. Applicants must be 18 - 35 by the time of immersion. Submit applications by February 16th at:
https://yabordertrip.my.canva.site/yabordertrip?mc_cid=9733bc0248&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Introducing the Bishop Transition Team. The Synod Relations Committee of the ELCA Conference of Bishops determined that it would be beneficial to have a resource to guide the transitional actions and conversations that occur between an outgoing bishop and a bishop elect.

          With this official guideline in hand, we introduce you to the newly formed Bishop Transition Team of the Rocky Mountain Synod. This team of five rostered and lay leaders from our synod were recruited and appointed by the RMS Synod Council to serve through the installation and “settling in” period of the synod bishop to be elected at the 2024 Synod Assembly.
          Their role is distinct and separate from those who are tasked with facilitating the election of our new bishop. It is intended to help provide a more efficient orientation and caring welcome for the new bishop as we begin a new chapter in the history of our synod. The Transition Team members are: Deb Elstad (Chair), Nolan Bly, Dr. Jack Lindsey, Rev. Ruth Ann Loughry, and Rev. Kate Schlechter. 
          We prayerfully invite you as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod to join them in their efforts and participate when requested as they prepare for a smooth transition and good beginning for the new bishop elect. Email for additional information: Deb Elstad, deb.elstad@gmail.com 

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to benefit ELCA World Hunger! In honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry, the 5 synods in ELCA Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent, 2024. The synod with the most participants wins!
          More than 820 million people, about 11% of the world’s population today, are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. Individuals can sign up here: https://www.lentenchallenge.org/

 Veteran Servant Corps Project. The November/December 2023 issue of Living Lutheran included an article about Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP): https://www.livinglutheran.org/2023/11/serving-those-who-served/. 
          VSCP (a self-funded ministry of the RMS) is currently providing Veteran worship services in Denver, Florence and Rifle (Colorado). Pastors providing these worship services are paid a stipend and mileage by VSCP ($600.00 a month). Your continued donations allow these worship opportunities for Veterans to happen. 
To donate, go to https://www.rmselca.org/, and look for the GIVE button. Thank you! For info, email:  director@veteranservantcorps.org

Updates Beginning 28 January 2024

Today after the service: The Adult Faith Development class continues our study of Paul with a deep dive into the shortest book in the Bible. Join us as we look at Paul's epistle to Philemon. It's a short letter, but it covers a lot of territory. We meet in the Conference Room at 11:15. Grab some refreshments and come on down! ~Bob Matthews

Today after the service: We are assembling the hygiene kits for HopeWorks in the Library. Please come help package all of the items that go into each kit. We have a good assembly line system, and many hands make light work! ~Julie Ambrogi & Nancy Jenkins

First Tuesday will be on Tuesday, February 6th, 4:00 pm at SW Grape & Grain at 3401 Candelaria NE.  This is a time to settle down with drink and snacks and catch up on news of any type, which we usually don't have time for on Sunday morning.  Come join us!  Bring a snack to share. ~Nancy Matthews

Opportunities to Donate: I was reading that when we give something away (like food, for instance) it activates the brain to release oxytocin.  This neuropeptide does all sorts of things like making us feel connected to other humans, even if we don't know them.  So, if you want more of the good feelings that come from oxytocin, why not bring a donation for the Storehouse barrels in the Narthex?  Pet food is also welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Sign up for Flowers and/or Refreshments for 2024! It’s a new year and updated charts are available in Friendship Corner. We hope you will join us in providing coffeetime treats for after service and take the opportunity to recognize loved ones and events with flower dedications. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Lutheran Family Services in Albuquerque contacted the office this week regarding an urgent need for certain items of furniture: sofas, and dining tables with chairs. They had a large influx of clients (refugees and asylees) at the end of the year and the approx. 30 families are made up of 5-10 people each. Cash donations are also welcome. Call 505-933-7032 and they can arrange for pickup. Address: 230 Truman St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. ~Deborah Ash

Valentine's Day Raffle! ABQ FaithWorks is excited to announce that they are now selling raffle tickets for their Valentine's Day Raffle.  The FaithWorks' staff has collected many exciting and unique prizes donated by local artisans and businesses.  You can purchase tickets by contacting the ABQ FaithWorks office at 505-457-1728 or by contacting staff members, board members, and volunteers.  Raffle tickets are $5.00 a ticket! You can also find more information regarding the raffle by visiting their website at www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ABQFaithWorksCollab
Together we are all ABQ FaithWorks! ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

Don’t Miss Our Next Concert, “Music in the Air.” Hello friends, mark your calendars for our February concert of Spirituals and Gospel music, "Music In The Air." It will be held on February 18 at 4 pm and will be the first time we'll perform in the lovely African-American Performing Arts Center. Stevie DeJuan Springer will be our featured soloist. Tickets at: https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/ ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days: The legislature opened January 16th and will conclude on February 15th. Legislators are currently able to pre-file legislation. This year's session is a short session lasting just 30 days with the primary task being to pass the FY'25 budget for New Mexico. Similar to last year, anticipated new revenue for FY'25 will be nearly $3.5 billion.
          There are a variety of options for you to participate both online and in person. I hope you will also consider joining us on one of our three Lutheran Advocacy Days, January 30th, February 6th, and 13th. This will be an opportunity for you to join us in person at the Roundhouse, to attend committee meetings, visit legislators’ offices, and speak out on priority legislation for LAM-NM. (Note: A copy of the LAM-NM 2024 Advocacy Agenda is posted in the Welcome Center.)

Key Areas of Focus:
Affordable Housing & Homelessness                      Care of Creation      
Criminal Justice          Family-Sustaining Income  Good Governance
Health Care                 Hunger                                  Tax Policy                             

Additional Special Days this week! You are invited to participate with some of our key partner organizations and coalitions on special days of emphasis:
·        January 25th: New Mexico Food & Farms Day
·        January 26th: New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness Lobby Day (Contact Sonia Salazar at Sonia-s@nmceh.org by January 16th.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. ~Kurt Rager, Director

Update from the Bishop Election Committee: Thank you to everyone who suggested nominees for the election at the Assembly in April. Those suggested by the community in this way have been contacted by the Bishop Election Committee and will have the opportunity to fill out a biographical form if they are open to discerning a call as bishop.
          Any Word and Sacrament Minister who is open to being nominated for bishop may complete and submit biographical information by filling out a form on the synod website January 22-March 1. Anyone who submits biographical information must still be nominated on the first ballot at the Synod Assembly to be considered. Biographical forms received from all potential nominees will be available on the synod website after March 1.
          More information - including a helpful timeline and the form to self-nominate -- is available on the RMS website https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election

Updates Beginning 21 January 2024

Today after the service: The adult class continues its study of the life and writings of St. Paul (and of others claiming to be St. Paul!). Do you find Paul to be appealing or appalling? Bring your questions and curiosity about this most towering figure in the history of Christianity and we'll look for answers together. We meet in the Conference Room at 11:15. Grab some refreshments and come join us! ~Bob Matthews

Our next God’s Work Our Hands Project: Hygiene Kits for HopeWorks. We are collecting items now through Sunday, January 28, when we will assemble the kits after service in Fellowship Hall. A collection box is in the Welcome Center with copies of the list of items needed. The kits run approximately $20 each if you wish to make a donation toward the project. Please note “Hygiene Kits” and place in the offering basket. We hope to make 50 kits, 25 each men’s & women’s, as we did Rally Sunday. Thank you for all of the donations thus far! ~Julie Ambrogi & Nancy Jenkins

New socks
New underwear
Bar soap (travel size)
Feminine products
Deodorant (travel size)
Mini shampoo
Mini conditioner
Wet wipes
Chap stick
Razors
Lotion (travel size) 

Thank Yous to St. Paul:

Thank you for your support of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains! Marge Hatton, CFRE, VP Resource Development

Thank you for your support of Albuquerque Interfaith in their community organizing to make Albuquerque and New Mexico a better place for all who live here. Your generous support contributes to improving our schools, our behavioral health services, and public safety. Sincerely, Bob Edgar, Treasurer

On behalf of HopeWorks, thank you so much for your dedicated mission partnership during the past calendar year as a member of the Circle of Hope. Your generosity paves a welcoming path for our clients, and your committed giving provides lighting for our agency’s future. Gratefully, Leon S. Dixon Jr. CEO

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

The new Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization Newsletter is posted in the Welcome Center. Lots of photos from the Just Love Gathering in Phoenix and the RMSWO Fall Gathering in Colorado! ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate: I was reading that when we give something away (like food, for instance) it activates the brain to release oxytocin.  This neuropeptide does all sorts of things like making us feel connected to other humans, even if we don't know them.  So, if you want more of the good feelings that come from oxytocin, why not bring a donation for the Storehouse barrels in the Narthex?  Pet food is also welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

Valentine's Day Raffle! ABQ FaithWorks is excited to announce that they are now selling raffle tickets for their Valentine's Day Raffle.  The FaithWorks' staff has collected many exciting and unique prizes donated by local artisans and businesses.  You can purchase tickets by contacting the ABQ FaithWorks office at 505-457-1728 or by contacting staff members, board members, and volunteers.  Raffle tickets are $5.00 a ticket! You can also find more information regarding the raffle by visiting their website at www.abqfaithworks.org/blog ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

Don’t Miss Our Next Concert, “Music in the Air.” Hello friends, mark your calendars for our February concert of Spirituals and Gospel music, "Music In The Air." It will be held on February 18 at 4 pm and will be the first time we'll perform in the lovely African-American Performing Arts Center. Stevie DeJuan Springer will be our featured soloist. Tickets at: https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/ ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico: As many of you know, our 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon is scheduled for January 23. Getting registration into your hands for this annual event should have happened already. Unfortunately, we unexpectedly lost our planned space for this year's event, forcing us to scramble a bit over the last several weeks to secure new venues. While our hope of having both events at the same location was no longer possible, we are quite happy with the resulting solution.
          We are very grateful that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregations group, quickly stepped forward to host the morning Issue Briefing. It took longer, but we have secured the La Posada de Santa Fe Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 8:45-9:15 a.m. Check-in, refreshments, and fellowship time at First Presbyterian

• 9:15 a.m. Welcome and opening reflection

• 9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers

• 11:00 a.m. Bishop Jim Gonia

• 11:15 a.m. Legislative Issue Briefing

• Noon - 12:15 p.m. Arrive at La Posada

• 12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins

• 2:00 p.m. Luncheon concludes

The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, the week prior to the event and beginning on January 16th, the registration cost is $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-legislative-issue-briefing-and-bishops-luncheon-tickets-781183539997?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge simply covers the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)
          These events are always special and well worth your attendance. This year's events will however be the final ones for our current Bishop, Jim Gonia. Bishop Gonia has been a true champion of our synod's state-level advocacy work here in New Mexico as well as in Colorado and Utah. I hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude for his support and involvement over the last 12 years at the Luncheon. I am excited and truly looking forward to seeing you at the 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon!

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days: Ready or not, the Second Session of the 56th Legislature gets underway next week. The legislature opens at noon on Tuesday, January 16th, and will conclude at noon on February 15th. Legislators are currently able to pre-file legislation. This year's session is a short session lasting just 30 days with the primary task being to pass the FY'25 budget for New Mexico. Similar to last year, anticipated new revenue for FY'25 will be nearly $3.5 billion.
          There are a variety of options for you to participate both online and in person. I hope you will also consider joining us on one of our three Lutheran Advocacy Days, January 30th, February 6th, and 13th. This will be an opportunity for you to join us in person at the Roundhouse, to attend committee meetings, visit legislators’ offices, and speak out on priority legislation for LAM-NM. (Note: A copy of the LAM-NM 2024 Advocacy Agenda is posted in the Welcome Center.)

Key Areas of Focus:
Affordable Housing & Homelessness                      Care of Creation
Criminal Justice          Family-Sustaining Income  Good Governance
Health Care                 Hunger                                  Tax Policy                             

Additional Special Days! You are invited to participate with some of our key partner organizations and coalitions on special days of emphasis:
·        January 25th: New Mexico Food & Farms Day
·        January 26th: New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness Lobby Day (Contact Sonia Salazar at Sonia-s@nmceh.org by January 16th.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. ~Kurt Rager, Director

Update from the Bishop Election Committee: Thank you to everyone who suggested nominees for the election at the Assembly in April. Those suggested by the community in this way have been contacted by the Bishop Election Committee and will have the opportunity to fill out a biographical form if they are open to discerning a call as bishop.
          Any Word and Sacrament Minister who is open to being nominated for bishop may complete and submit biographical information by filling out a form on the synod website January 22-March 1. Anyone who submits biographical information must still be nominated on the first ballot at the Synod Assembly to be considered. Biographical forms received from all potential nominees will be available on the synod website after March 1.
          More information - including a helpful timeline and the form to self-nominate -- is available on the RMS website https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election

Updates Beginning 14 January 2024

Today after the service: The adult class continues its study of the life and writings of St. Paul (and of others claiming to be St. Paul!). Do you find Paul to be appealing or appalling? Bring your questions and curiosity about this most towering figure in the history of Christianity and we'll look for answers together. We meet in the Conference Room at 11:15. Grab some refreshments and come join us! ~Bob Matthews

Today at Noon: St. Paul is hosting the Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative for a PB&J lunch bar before the group visits Beehive Homes and therapy dogs in action! Please welcome the youth as they come in midday. ~Pr. Koppel

Thank Yous to St. Paul:

Dear St. Paul Lutheran, thank you for your generous gift of $250! It will be put to good use supporting the Reconciling in Christ Program. Blessings, Aubrey Thonvold, Executive Director, Reconciling Works: Lutherans for Full Participation

Thank you, St. Paul, for donating pet supplies in addition to other foodstuffs. The third Friday, when pet food is distributed, is the busiest day each month! ~Rob, Warehouse Driver, The Storehouse

Dear St. Paul Lutheran Community, we are so grateful for your gift of $1,700! It is helping us feed many families. Your support allows us to honor our commitment to our community and ensure that families facing food insecurity always have a place to turn. Happy New Year! Amy Lavender, VP of Development, The Storehouse of New Mexico

Our next God’s Work Our Hands Project: Hygiene Kits for HopeWorks. We are collecting items now through Sunday, January 28, when we will assemble the kits after service in Fellowship Hall. A collection box is in the Welcome Center with copies of the list of items needed. The kits run approximately $20 each if you wish to make a donation toward the project. Please note “Hygiene Kits” and place in the offering basket. We hope to make 50 kits, 25 each men’s and women’s, as we did on Rally Sunday. Thank you! ~Julie Ambrogi & Nancy Jenkins

Hygiene Kits:

• New socks

• New underwear

• Bar soap (travel size)

• Feminine products

• Deodorant (travel size)

• Mini shampoo

• Mini conditioner

• Wet wipes

• Chap stick  

• Razors

• Lotion (travel size)

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Men’s and Women’s Hygiene Kits are available in the Office if you would like to keep one or two in your car to share with a neighbor in need. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Next Sunday:

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

ABQ FaithWorks is excited to launch its Valentine's Day Raffle! The FaithWorks' staff has collected many exciting and unique prizes donated by local artisans and businesses.  Starting on January 15th, you can purchase tickets by contacting the ABQ FaithWorks office at 505-457-1728 or by contacting staff members, board members, and volunteers.  Raffle tickets are $5.00 a ticket or 3 tickets for $10.00.  We will have more information on the raffle prizes and donors, in the days to come on our website: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog. Thank you for your support! ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico: As many of you know, our 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon is scheduled for January 23. Getting registration into your hands for this annual event should have happened already. Unfortunately, we unexpectedly lost our planned space for this year's event, forcing us to scramble a bit over the last several weeks to secure new venues. While our hope of having both events at the same location was no longer possible, we are quite happy with the resulting solution.
          We are very grateful that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregations group, quickly stepped forward to host the morning Issue Briefing. It took longer, but we have secured the La Posada de Santa Fe Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 8:45-9:15 a.m. Check-in, refreshments, and fellowship time at First Presbyterian

• 9:15 a.m. Welcome and opening reflection

• 9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers

• 11:00 a.m. Bishop Jim Gonia

• 11:15 a.m. Legislative Issue Briefing

• Noon - 12:15 p.m. Arrive at La Posada

• 12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins

• 2:00 p.m. Luncheon concludes

The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, the week prior to the event and beginning on January 16th, the registration cost is $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-legislative-issue-briefing-and-bishops-luncheon-tickets-781183539997?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge simply covers the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)
          These events are always special and well worth your attendance. This year's events will however be the final ones for our current Bishop, Jim Gonia. Bishop Gonia has been a true champion of our synod's state-level advocacy work here in New Mexico as well as in Colorado and Utah. I hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude for his support and involvement over the last 12 years at the Luncheon. I am excited and truly looking forward to seeing you at the 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon!  

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days: Ready or not, the Second Session of the 56th Legislature gets underway next week. The legislature opens at noon on Tuesday, January 16th, and will conclude at noon on February 15th. Legislators are currently able to pre-file legislation. This year's session is a short session lasting just 30 days with the primary task being to pass the FY'25 budget for New Mexico. Similar to last year, anticipated new revenue for FY'25 will be nearly $3.5 billion.
          There are a variety of options for you to participate both online and in person. I hope you will also consider joining us on one of our three Lutheran Advocacy Days, January 30th, February 6th, and 13th. This will be an opportunity for you to join us in person at the Roundhouse, to attend committee meetings, visit legislators’ offices, and speak out on priority legislation for LAM-NM. (Note: A copy of the LAM-NM 2024 Advocacy Agenda is posted in the Welcome Center.)
Key Areas of Focus:
Affordable Housing & Homelessness   Care of Creation
Criminal Justice                                       Family-Sustaining Income
Health Care                Hunger               Tax Policy                               

Additional Special Days! You are invited to participate with some of our key partner organizations and coalitions on special days of emphasis:

• January 18th: Dignity Not Detention Day of Action (Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2CSwY-BSADE7xCu1KcDj2RFTThNKCTmbZQ70Ly8z0wPO80w/viewform)

• January 25th: New Mexico Food & Farms Day

• January 26th: New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness Lobby Day (Contact Sonia Salazar at Sonia-s@nmceh.org by January 16th.)

May the peace of Christ be with you. ~Kurt Rager, Director

It is with gratitude for your partnership that we share with you our new name: Global Refuge. This name embodies the essence of our work, casting a spotlight on the diverse communities we serve and emphasizing the expansive nature of our God-given mission. We believe that this new identity will provide greater visibility to the people we serve and that it will act as a beacon of hope and welcome on a global scale.
          Our organization has always been molded by our Lutheran DNA, and we are proud to say that our faith remains steadfast in shaping our work of welcome. Our relationships with Lutheran communities, congregations, and other ecumenical and interfaith partners are essential, and they will continue to be an integral part of who we are.
          For more information, read the full press release at: https://files.constantcontact.com/bbca2826001/07b930a0-ffe0-4c09-ae1a-cacb9da1df5b.pdf. f you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to us: workofwelcome@globalrefuge.org 

The ELCA starts the new year with a newly formed Vision team. The Rev. Louise Johnson is now the Executive for Vision, a new position in the churchwide organization. Johnson will lead a small team in a new effort that will emanate from the ELCA's vision, purpose, goal, and priorities, which call for the church to work together to share the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
          "The Spirit is alive and at work in our church, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. But there are still so many who have not experienced the difference God's love in Christ makes," stated Johnson. "We are embarking on a journey with our church to discover new ways to tell the old, old story to a world longing to hear. I am grateful and humbled to lead this team as we listen for the leading of God, who is "about to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:19)."
          "The churchwide organization continues to build teams and strategies that seek to foster and support our shared mission of proclaiming the good news of God's love in Christ. Inspired by a vision of the world being more and more aware that we are caught in the grip of this saving love, we are determined to be mutually supportive and increasingly innovative in the ways that we work together as faithful partners throughout the ELCA," said the Rev. Michael Burk, Presiding Bishop Pro Tem. https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8213

Updates Beginning 7 January 2024

Today: Adult Faith Development invites you to the kick-off of a multi-week series devoted to the study of our "patron saint" St. Paul. Paul is one of the most beloved and, at the same time, most controversial figures in Christian history. We'll have the chance to look into both sides of his legacy. You might be surprised. Begin your search for Paul at 11:15 this Sunday morning in the Conference room. ~Bob Matthews

Next Sunday, 14 Jan, St. Paul is hosting the Love God Love Neighbor ABQ Youth Collaborative for a PB&J lunch bar before the group visits Beehive Homes and therapy dogs in action! We anticipate 20 or so. If you would like to donate sandwich fixings, chips, fruit, or beverages, please let the Office know. ~Pr. Koppel

Thank you to those who helped with ALL of the big and small details that helped make this year's Christmas Eve service on the Labyrinth warm, welcoming, and meaningful! ~Pr. Koppel

Men’s and Women’s Hygiene Kits are available in the Office if you would like to keep one or two in your car to share with a neighbor in need. ~Deborah Ash

Thank you to all who helped with preparation and donations for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal at HopeWorks! This was our first God’s Work Our Hands (GWOH) service project for 2024. We will start collecting for our next GWOH service project shortly, which will be kits for FaithWorks; kits will run approximately $20 each.  Look for a list of items and a sample in the Welcome Center next week, or you can make a donation.  Kit assembly will be after service on January 28th. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

First Quarter 2024 Devotionals are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

 Today! Albuquerque Chamber Soloists Concert at St. Paul, 2pm: Program includes Ingolf Dahl: Concerto a Tre; Mozart: Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, K. 581; and Shostakovich: Quintet for Piano and Strings in g minor, op. 57. Musicians are: Jeffrey Brooks, clarinet; Judith Gordon, piano; Ruxandra Marquardt, Megan Holland,  violins; Laura Chang, violas; James Holland, cello. There is a pre-concert talk starting at 1:15 in Fellowship Hall. ~James Holland, Director

This Saturday, 13 Jan, St. Paul is hosting Church Women United for their annual retreat here at St. Paul. The theme will be “Reset, Refresh, Restore” and will be led by Susan Brumbaugh, a licensed mental health counselor.  Susan will focus on reflection, acceptance, and intentionality. Coffee fellowship (hosted by St. Paul Hospitality) will begin at 9:30am and the retreat will be until 12:00.  Please join us and bring a friend!  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-884-2467. ~Marilyn Stoops, CWU Communications Committee

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a (now) monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative is looking for an Executive Director! If you or someone you know might be that dynamic, big hearted individual, go to this link to find out more about the organization, the position and how to apply!  https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico: As many of you know, our 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon is scheduled for January 23. Getting registration into your hands for this annual event should have happened already. Unfortunately, we unexpectedly lost our planned space for this year's event, forcing us to scramble a bit over the last several weeks to secure new venues. While our hope of having both events at the same location was no longer possible, we are quite happy with the resulting solution.
          We are very grateful that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregations group, quickly stepped forward to host the morning Issue Briefing. It took longer, but we have secured the La Posada de Santa Fe Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 8:45-9:15 a.m. Check-in, refreshments, and fellowship time at First Presbyterian

• 9:15 a.m. Welcome and opening reflection

• 9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers

• 11:00 a.m. Bishop Jim Gonia

• 11:15 a.m. Legislative Issue Briefing

• Noon - 12:15 p.m. Arrive at La Posada

• 12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins

• 2:00 p.m. Luncheon concludes

The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, the week prior to the event and beginning on January 16th, the registration cost is $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-legislative-issue-briefing-and-bishops-luncheon-tickets-781183539997?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge simply covers the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)
          These events are always special and well worth your attendance. This year's events will however be the final ones for our current Bishop, Jim Gonia. Bishop Gonia has been a true champion of our synod's state-level advocacy work here in New Mexico as well as in Colorado and Utah. I hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude for his support and involvement over the last 12 years at the Luncheon. I am excited and truly looking forward to seeing you at the 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon!

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days: LAM-NM is planning a day each week for you to join Kurt and other volunteer LAM-NM advocates to work the Round House by lobbying legislators and potentially offering public comment during committee meetings on priority bills for our advocacy agenda. Please join us on the three consecutive Tuesdays of January 30th, February 6th, and 13th. May the peace of Christ be with you. ~Kurt Rager, Director

The ELCA starts the new year with a newly formed Vision team. The ELCA recently announced the Rev. Louise Johnson, Executive for Administration, has accepted the Executive for Vision, a new position in the churchwide organization.
          Starting in January 2024, Johnson will lead a small team in a new effort that will emanate from the ELCA's vision, purpose, goal, and priorities, which call for the church to work together to share the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
          "The Spirit is alive and at work in our church, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. But there are still so many who have not experienced the difference God's love in Christ makes," stated Johnson. "We are embarking on a journey with our church to discover new ways to tell the old, old story to a world longing to hear. I am grateful and humbled to lead this team as we listen for the leading of God, who is "about to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:19)."
          "The churchwide organization continues to build teams and strategies that seek to foster and support our shared mission of proclaiming the good news of God's love in Christ. Inspired by a vision of the world being more and more aware that we are caught in the grip of this saving love, we are determined to be mutually supportive and increasingly innovative in the ways that we work together as faithful partners throughout the ELCA," said the Rev. Michael Burk, Presiding Bishop Pro Tem. https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8213

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains had a great year! We are proud to highlight some of our work in 2023.
We have helped resettle nearly 300 refugees from around the world over the last year from over a dozen different countries. Thanks to all of the wonderful donors and volunteers who have supported our efforts.
Our Reception and Placement (R&P) team is directly responsible for new refugee arrivals as soon as they step off the plane at the Sunport. R&P provides vital services such as cultural orientation, in-home visits, securing access to community resources, and setting up apartments for our new families. It assists refugees in securing affordable housing before they first arrive, despite having no record of employment or credit history. R&P team members and case managers remain an important point of contact for these new families months and even years after arrival to the U.S.
R&P successfully secured housing in Albuquerque for dozens of new families over the last year, and the numbers will only keep growing!
          Cash donations go a long way towards helping a refugee family find their footing. Many of our new families struggle to manage expenses on such a tight and limited budget.
Apartment setups are often a collaboration between R&P team members and volunteers to move supplies into a family’s first apartment before they move in. This part of the process requires the most time and energy, so any help is appreciated!
          Furniture donations are used to furnish a new family’s apartment. This allows more funds out of a family’s initial 90-day budget to go back to them instead of having to be spent on beds, bed frames, kitchen items, etc. https://www.lfsrm.org/Basket-Bins-Donations-for-Refugees
Our Education Department has worked relentlessly to ensure every refugee child in Albuquerque is enrolled in school immediately after arrival. Over the last year, we enrolled over 100 students into Albuquerque Public Schools, and nearly 30 participants in our youth mentoring program.
Tutors are essential in helping both refugee children and adults become confident in their English-speaking abilities and find greater success in the classroom.
Our Employment Services have worked diligently this year to help refugees find ‘basic survival’ jobs to build their skills and find better work after getting back on their feet. They are a vital part of the workforce here in Albuquerque. You may even meet them working at local businesses!
          Career mentors go a long way in helping our clients get accustomed to the American workforce and set both short- and long-term goals.
LFSRM is constantly working to put our refugee families on the road to economic prosperity. We offer Individual Development Accounts (IDA) where refugee clients can grow their savings in preparation to purchase a home, tuition, a business asset, or a vehicle. Through this program, LFSRM has added over $1 million in assets to the local economy since 2021!
Business mentors can make an incredible difference in helping new refugee-owned businesses establish themselves. If you have any business experience at all and would like to work with a refugee entrepreneur, feel free to reach out! ~Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, 230 Truman Street, NE, 87108, 505.933.7032

Updates Beginning 31 December 2023

Today: The first of our Twelve Months of God’s Work Our Hands Service Projects (see the last page of the bulletin)! Join us in the Fellowship Hall kitchen after service, where we will be prepping the First Thursday Friends Feeding Friends meal for HopeWorks (approx. 1.5 hours). Or you can pick up a recipe for the chicken & rice dish plus baking pan(s) in the Welcome Center to cook at home and return to the church office by Noon on Wed, Jan 3. (We hope to deliver 30 pans.) Other options: make a donation (note Friends Feeding Friends on your check or envelope), or bring bread, rolls, bags of salad, tomatoes, cookies or canned fruit by the 3rd. We provide a complete meal for HopeWorks to serve to our neighbors in need, a tradition here at St. Paul for some 50 years!
We will repeat this project at the start of each quarter—there are two other St. Paul teams that provide First Thursday meals so that we cover every month, feeding approximately 200 people each time. If you would like to assist one of those other teams as well, please contact Nancy Jenkins at 505-269-0855. Thanks, we look forward to having you join us in the kitchen-let’s start 2024 off right! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

First Quarter 2024 Devotionals are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

A “Thank You” to St. Paul:
Dear Members of St. Paul, what a gift your pastor and community have been and continue to be to NMCC. With your gifts and care, we can continue to do ecumenical work across the state. Thank you for your donation and your many acts of kindness and support. ~In the peace of Christ, Lynne Hinton, Director, New Mexico Conference of Churches

From Local Partner Organizations

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a (now) monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). Next service is January 4.
          NMCC has received a $1,065,608 grant from Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, to help establish The Journey Project, in support of local churches throughout the state. NMCC is one of 105 organizations that has received grants through this Initiative. ~Lynne Hinton

Church Women United, an ecumenical women’s group, will meet for their annual retreat on Saturday, January 13th at St. Paul. The theme will be “Reset, Refresh, Restore” and will be led by Susan Brumbaugh, a licensed mental health counselor.  Susan will focus on reflection, acceptance and intentionality.  Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m and the retreat will be until 12:00.  Please join us and bring a friend!  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-884-2467. ~Marilyn Stoops, CWU Communications Committee

ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative is looking for an Executive Director! If you or someone you know might be that dynamic, big hearted individual, go to this link to find out more about the organization, the position and how to apply!  https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico: As many of you know, our 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon is scheduled for January 23. Getting registration into your hands for this annual event should have happened already. Unfortunately, we unexpectedly lost our planned space for this year's event, forcing us to scramble a bit over the last several weeks to secure new venues. While our hope of having both events at the same location was no longer possible, we are quite happy with the resulting solution.
          We are very grateful that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregations group, quickly stepped forward to host the morning Issue Briefing. It took longer, but we have secured the La Posada de Santa Fe Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 8:45-9:15 a.m. Check-in, refreshments, and fellowship time at First Presbyterian

• 9:15 a.m. Welcome and opening reflection

• 9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers

• 11:00 a.m. Bishop Jim Gonia

• 11:15 a.m. Legislative Issue Briefing

• Noon - 12:15 p.m. Arrive at La Posada

• 12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins

• 2:00 p.m. Luncheon concludes

The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, the week prior to the event and beginning on January 16th, the registration cost is $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-legislative-issue-briefing-and-bishops-luncheon-tickets-781183539997?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge simply covers the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)
          These events are always special and well worth your attendance. This year's events will however be the final ones for our current Bishop, Jim Gonia. Bishop Gonia has been a true champion of our synod's state-level advocacy work here in New Mexico as well as in Colorado and Utah. I hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude for his support and involvement over the last 12 years at the Luncheon. I am excited and truly looking forward to seeing you at the 2024 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon!

2024 Legislative Advocacy Days: LAM-NM is planning a day each week for you to join Kurt and other volunteer LAM-NM advocates to work the Round House by lobbying legislators and potentially offering public comment during committee meetings on priority bills for our advocacy agenda. Please join us on the three consecutive Tuesdays of January 30th, February 6th, and 13th. May the peace of Christ be with you. ~Kurt Rager, Director

Anti-Racism Book Study. Using “Ashes to Action” as the backdrop, we gather for the weaving of story and study in this four-part anti-racism workshop. We are thrilled that this series will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown who serves as Anti-racism Accountability Consultant for EDLARJ! (Visit www.JiaStarrBrown.com to learn more about Jia.) You will get a chance to hear from Shari Seifert, current EDLARJ president and author of Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising. EDLARJ board member Kinna Nordstrom Kemp will serve as host. The cost for participating in this 4-part series is $40. 50% of proceeds will go to Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and 50% will go to continuing the work of EDLARJ. Thursdays, January 11 & 25, February 8 & 22, 11:30-12:30 Mtn: edlarj.org

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains: Lutheran Family Services had a great year! We are proud to share this end-of-the-year newsletter to highlight some of our work in 2023.
We have helped resettle nearly 300 refugees from around the world over the last year from over a dozen different countries. Thanks to all of the wonderful donors and volunteers who have supported our efforts.
Our Reception and Placement (R&P) team is directly responsible for new refugee arrivals as soon as they step off the plane at the Sunport. R&P provides vital services such as cultural orientation, in-home visits, securing access to community resources, and setting up apartments for our new families. It assists refugees in securing affordable housing before they first arrive, despite having no record of employment or credit history. R&P team members and case managers remain an important point of contact for these new families months and even years after arrival to the U.S.
R&P successfully secured housing in Albuquerque for dozens of new families over the last year, and the numbers will only keep growing!
          Cash donations go a long way towards helping a refugee family find their footing. Many of our new families struggle to manage expenses on such a tight and limited budget.
Apartment setups are often a collaboration between R&P team members and volunteers to move supplies into a family’s first apartment before they move in. This part of the process requires the most time and energy, so any help is appreciated!
          Furniture donations are used to furnish a new family’s apartment. This allows more funds out of a family’s initial 90-day budget to go back to them instead of having to be spent on beds, bed frames, kitchen items, etc. Link for more info:  https://www.lfsrm.org/Basket-Bins-Donations-for-Refugees
Our Education Department has worked relentlessly to ensure every refugee child in Albuquerque is enrolled in school immediately after arrival. Over the last year, we enrolled over 100 students into Albuquerque Public Schools, and nearly 30 participants in our youth mentoring program.
Tutors are essential in helping both refugee children and adults become confident in their English speaking abilities and find greater success in the classroom.
Our Employment Services have worked diligently this year to help refugees find ‘basic survival’ jobs to build their skills and find better work after getting back on their feet. They are a vital part of the workforce here in Albuquerque. You may even meet them working at local businesses!
          Career mentors go a long way in helping our clients get accustomed to the American workforce and set both short and long term goals.
LFSRM is constantly working to put our refugee families on the road to economic prosperity. We offer Individual Development Accounts (IDA) where refugee clients can grow their savings in preparation to purchase a home, tuition, a business asset, or a vehicle. Through this program, LFSRM has added over $1 million in assets to the local economy since 2021! 
Business mentors can make an incredible difference in helping new refugee-owned businesses establish themselves. If you have any business experience at all and would like to work with a refugee entrepreneur, feel free to reach out! ~Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, 230 Truman Street, NE, 87108 505.933.7032

Updates Beginning 24 December 2023

This morning: As you leave our worship, we ask that you pick up a tray of luminarias (12 on a tray) and place them outside. One of the Worship & Music Committee members will direct you where to place them.

This afternoon: At 4:15pm we will light the luminarias and need a few people to help. The church can provide some lighters but if you have one, please bring it. Several people have volunteered but more volunteers are always needed. Also, let us know if you have a portable firepit, and if you’d like to help welcome people and distribute handheld candles! Remember what your mom and your 3rd grade teacher said to you, “Many hands make light work!” ~Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Terry Cole, Karin Urban

Next Sunday, December 31: The first of our Twelve Months of God’s Work Our Hands Service Projects (see the last page of the bulletin)! Join us in the Fellowship Hall kitchen after service, where we will be prepping the First Thursday Friends Feeding Friends meal for HopeWorks (approx. 1.5 hours). Or you can pick up a recipe for the chicken & rice dish plus baking pan(s) in the Welcome Center to cook at home and return to the church office by Noon on Wed, Jan 3. (We hope to deliver 30 pans.) Other options: make a donation (note Friends Feeding Friends on your check or envelope), or bring bread, rolls, bags of salad, tomatoes, cookies or canned fruit by the 3rd. We provide a complete meal for HopeWorks to serve to our neighbors in need, a tradition here at St. Paul for some 50 years!
We will repeat this project at the start of each quarter—there are two other St. Paul teams that provide First Thursday meals so that we cover every month, feeding approximately 200 people each time. If you would like to assist one of those other teams as well, please contact Nancy Jenkins at 505-269-0855. Thanks, we look forward to having you join us in the kitchen-let’s start 2024 off right! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Adopted Families: Cheri and Ted Parson got many smiles and hugs last Sunday when they gave two families their Christmas gifts. The rest of the gifts plus the beautiful quilts made by the St. Paul sewing group were given to the counselor who passes them along to her clients. I heard from the counselor that she already gave one single man his gifts; she said "he was so happy that he became teary." She also said "St Paul folks are angels!" Thank you all so much for brightening the lives of the families during the holidays and beyond. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

First Quarter 2024 Devotionals are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Join us on Christmas Day to help serve meals to our clients and neighbors. Thanks to generous donors, HopeWorks will be open and serving a warm meal on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25th) from 10am-12pm. Lasagna, salad, and delicious desserts, especially prepared by our Kitchen Manager, Julie Yung, are on the menu! We invite you to volunteer for shifts to help prepare, serve, and clean up. (*Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.) If you would like to volunteer on Christmas Day, please email or call William Townley (wtownley@hopeworksnm.org; 505-242-4399 x8213). Christmas Day Volunteer Shifts: 9-11 am: Prep and Serve;11 am-1 pm: Serve and Clean Up.

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a (now) monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). Next service is January 4, 2024. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative is looking for an Executive Director! If you or someone you know might be that dynamic, big hearted individual, go to this link to find out more about the organization, the position and how to apply!  https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog ~Dora Gallegos, Bookkeeper 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Anti-Racism Book Study. Using “Ashes to Action” as the backdrop, we gather for the weaving of story and study in this four-part anti-racism workshop. We are thrilled that this series will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown who serves as Anti-racism Accountability Consultant for ELDARJ! (Visit www.JiaStarrBrown.com to learn more about Jia.) You will get a chance to hear from Shari Seifert, current EDLARJ president and author of Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising. EDLARJ board member Kinna Nordstrom Kemp will serve as host. The cost for participating in this 4-part series is $40. 50% of proceeds will go to Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and 50% will go to continuing the work of ELDARJ.

Updates Beginning 17 December 2023

At today’s Adult Faith Development we welcome New Mexico Conference of Churches’ Director, Lynne Hinton. St. Paul has been a supporting member of NMCC for decades, and we have been graced with Rev. Hinton's presence and preaching in our worship. It will be good to have her with us to discuss the Conference and plans for its future. Please bring your coffee and snacks along to the Conference Room and join us at 11:15. ~Bob Matthews

Midweek Advent Services wrap up this Wednesday, 20 December at 6pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of contemplation using Holden Evening Prayer. The service will be streamed on St. Paul’s Facebook page (see link at: https://www.stpaulabq.org). The Advent Devotionals we are using as part of these services are available in the Welcome Center. ~Pr. Koppel

Adopted Families: All of the tags have been taken off of our "Giving Tree" in the Welcome Center. Please wrap the gifts you have gotten and return them before the service today, December 17. It's very helpful if you can loosely attach (e.g., with masking tape) the tag from the tree so we know which gift you are returning, but then also attach a traditional tag that will stay with the gift when it is given. Thank you very much! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

First Quarter 2024 Devotionals are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Christmas Eve: The Worship and Music committee continues to prepare for our outdoor Christmas Eve service, on the Labyrinth at 5:00 pm. That Sunday, December 24, is also the last Sunday in Advent and for those who are attending the morning service we have a special favor to ask. That evening we will have 192 lighted luminarias. As you leave our worship in the morning, we ask that you pick up a tray of luminarias (12 on a tray) and place them outside. One of us on the committee will tell you where to place them. At 4:15 we will light them and need a few people to help. The church can provide some lighters but if you have one, please bring it. At this time, several people have volunteered but more volunteers are always needed. Also, let us know if you have a portable firepit, and if you’d like to help welcome people and distribute handheld candles! Remember what your mom and your 3rd grade teacher said to you, “Many hands make light work!” ~Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Terry Cole, Karin Urban

Congratulations to Rindra Josoa, our current Council youth representative! Rindra graduated from UNM on Friday, December 15. All our very best! ~Deborah Ash

Youth Selection of ELCA Good Gifts for 2023. One of the ministries that our St. Paul Youth has continued over the years is collecting aluminum can donations from our St. Paul congregation.  Bob and Nancy Matthews have supported this ministry by taking and selling the cans to a local recycling facility.  During the 2023 calendar year, $110 was raised.  Gabriel Rabezanany, one of our youth, thoughtfully selected the following ELCA Good Gift items from the 2023 Christmas ELCA Good Gifts catalog: 10 chicks; 1 hive of honeybees; 1 water filter; 1 Feed a refugee family for one week. The order was submitted to ELCA on Dec. 7th.  The funds raised will be matched by ELCA through their end-of-year campaign.  Thank you to everyone who participates by bringing in aluminum cans for recycling.  We hope to double these efforts in 2024. ~Peggy Burnett

A Thank You to the St. Paul Prayer Shawl Ministry Team: “I am the grateful recipient of one of your shawls. I am going through a difficult time, and it means so much to me to have a comforting, tangible, snuggly shawl to lift my spirits. I also very much appreciate that someone was thinking of me while creating my shawl. Thank you again, Lori

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

New Mexico Brass Quintet Christmas Concert at St. Paul today, 17 December at 3pm. The NM Brass Quintet invites you to a free Christmas program at St. Paul for the community. Come sing carols and hear NMBQ, who has recorded several CDs, and toured extensively worldwide. Bring a friend and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music! ~Jeffrey Piper, Director

Today: A Music Celebration of The Season! We hope you will join us at Monte Vista Christian Church on December 17th at 3:00 pm, for a Musical Celebration of the Season, complete with Monte Vista's church choirs (vocal & bells) and other local artists. The concert is free! They will be accepting donations to benefit ABQ FaithWorks and our work to improve the lives of the precariously housed & asylum seekers. ~Dora Gallegos

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a (now) monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). Next service is January 4, 2024. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. Rocky Mountain Synod congregations, councils, and members have the opportunity through January 15, 2024, to suggest potential nominees to the office of Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Those suggested by the community in this way will be contacted by the Bishop Election Committee and will have the opportunity to fill out a biographical form if they are open to discerning a call as bishop. Any Word and Sacrament Minister who is open to being nominated for bishop may complete and submit biographical information on the synod website beginning in late January. Anyone who submits biographical information must still be nominated on the first ballot at the Synod Assembly to be considered. Information received about potential nominees will be disseminated to voting members prior to the Assembly April 25-27, 2024. The link to make a nomination is: https://q0ka70yk7.supersurvey.com/

Updates Beginning 10 December 2023

Today: Fall Congregational Meeting after service. Please come directly to Fellowship Hall after service ends. Coffee and refreshments will be served. ~Roger Hein, President & Pr. Koppel

On the second Sunday of every month we pray for our homebound and bless our visitation ministers and communion kits. This Sunday we add the poinsettias you see. Our St. Paul Visitation Ministers will visit our homebound, offer communion, conversation, and blessings for Christmas. This year our visitation list and continued prayers reach out to Becky, Eileen, Millie, Barbara, Betty Ann, Margo, and Karen.

Midweek Advent Services continue this Wednesday, 13 December at 6pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of contemplation using Holden Evening Prayer. The services are streamed on St. Paul’s Facebook page (see link at: https://www.stpaulabq.org). The Advent Devotionals we are using as part of these services are available in the Welcome Center. ~Pr. Koppel

You are invited to Calico Preschool’s 3rd Winter Land Celebration this Friday, 15 December, 5-7pm in the Sanctuary. We will have dinner in Fellowship Hall after the children’s performance. ~Marisol Flores, Calico Director

At next Sunday’s Adult Faith Development we will welcome New Mexico Conference of Churches’ Director, Lynne Hinton. St. Paul has been a supporting member of NMCC for decades, and we have been graced with Rev. Hinton's presence and preaching in our worship. It will be good to have her with us to discuss the Conference and plans for its future. Please bring your coffee and snacks along to the Conference Room and join us at 11:15. ~Bob Matthews

Adopted Families: All of the tags have been taken off of our "Giving Tree" in the Welcome Center. Please wrap the gifts you have gotten and return them before the service next Sunday, December 17. It's very helpful if you can loosely attach (e.g., with masking tape) the tag from the tree so we know which gift you are returning, but then also attach a traditional tag that will stay with the gift when it is given. Thank you very much! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Christmas Eve: The Worship and Music committee continues to prepare for our outdoor Christmas Eve service, on the Labyrinth at 5:00 pm. That Sunday, December 24, is also the last Sunday in Advent and for those who are attending the morning service we have a special favor to ask. That evening we will have 192 lighted luminarias. As you leave our worship in the morning, we ask that you pick up a tray of luminarias (12 on a tray) and place them outside. One of us on the committee will tell you where to place them. At 4:15 we will light them and need a few people to help. The church can provide some lighters but if you have one, please bring it. At this time, several people have volunteered but more volunteers are always needed. Also, let us know if you have a portable firepit, and if you’d like to help welcome people and distribute handheld candles! Remember what your mom and your 3rd grade teacher said to you, “Many hands make light work!” ~Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Terry Cole, Karin Urban

First Quarter 2024 Devotionals are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex. Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

New Mexico Brass Quintet Christmas Concert at St. Paul next Sunday, 17 December at 3pm. The NM Brass Quintet invites you to a free Christmas program at St. Paul for the community. Come sing carols and hear NMBQ, who has recorded several CDs, and toured extensively worldwide. Bring a friend and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music! ~Jeffrey Piper, Director

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a (now) monthly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes on the first Thursday of each month at Noon, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, 87102 (park on the church’s north side). ~Lynne Hinton, Director

In recent months, we have seen a dramatic increase in calls for assistance, averaging 130 calls per month. We believe this is due to the city housing crisis, which is impacting costs of living. Time is critical when serving these clients. One more day can mean closer to eviction or incurring more late-payment fees. We strive to provide clients with essential resources, so their need can be addressed as quickly as possible.
In our Rapid ReHousing Program, we hit a milestone 15 families, all of whom were displaced. Our Housing Case Manager has worked hard to help families stabilize. These highly challenged families’ resilience to move forward is inspiring.
The Asylum Program has seen several months of work to build a more collaborative response to helping asylum seekers and immigrants in our communities. When trying to address bigger social needs, working collaboratively with other community partners is essential.
Our Heartbeat is your support. Your generosity empowered us to help our city’s most vulnerable, foster community, and make impactful strides in 2023. Please consider financially supporting ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative in 2024 to sustain and expand our mission. This year we launched the 365 Campaign. We believe that making one everyday decision, we can collectively make a huge impact for the most vulnerable people in our city. Please become one of the 365 individuals we are looking for to give $1 per day ($30/month) to help us see all people safely housed and integrated into healthy communities of their choice. You can send checks to: ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative, PO Box 40482, Albuquerque, NM 87196.
Thank you for helping support ABQ FaithWorks. Together we can help make small everyday decisions that can make big changes in someone else’s everyday! ~Abbey Reed, Interim Executive Director/ Director of Housing Program

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. If you were unable to attend your conference meeting in October, you are invited to participate in a Bishop Election Zoom Discussion this  Monday, December 11, 6:30-8pm. Discussion during the Zoom meeting will be similar to the conference discussions and information about the logistics of the bishop election will be shared. Questions? contact Pr. Ann Hultquist at: native2615@gmail.com. Sign-up at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8cb09e9a0fda436399951f94fde2204b
Rocky Mountain Synod congregations, councils, and members have the opportunity through January 15, 2024, to suggest potential nominees to the office of Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Those suggested by the community in this way will be contacted by the Bishop Election Committee and will have the opportunity to fill out a biographical form if they are open to discerning a call as bishop. Any Word and Sacrament Minister who is open to being nominated for bishop may complete and submit biographical information on the synod website beginning in late January. Anyone who submits biographical information must still be nominated on the first ballot at the Synod Assembly to be considered. Information received about potential nominees will be disseminated to voting members prior to the Assembly April 25-27, 2024. The link to make a nomination is: https://q0ka70yk7.supersurvey.com/

RMS AMMPARO: New Webinar Series, The Reality at the Border. Elected officials and the media are ramping up talk about the U.S. southern border as we move closer to the 2024 elections. Would you like to be informed about the reality of the situation? Join the American Immigration Council for a three-part webinar series that will cut through the noise and examine the truth about what’s happening at the border.
On December 12 at 2pm ET, experts from the Council will share insights from recent trips to the border, where they interviewed migrants and spoke with local organizations to uncover the nuances of the current situation. Then, in January, join us for a panel discussion with people who’ve recently tried to access the asylum system at the border who will share their firsthand experiences and describe the challenges they faced. That will be followed in February by a talk with representatives of local organizations examining the efforts of receiving communities.
Register for the first webinar in the series at:  https://aila-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_34OXWrW5T8qkVq78fo9j1w#/registration

Updates Beginning 3 December 2023

Today’s Adult Faith Development wraps up our series using Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Bring your treats and coffee to the Conference Room at 11:15. Join us! ~Happy Disciple-ing, Pr. Koppel

This Wednesday: Midweek Advent Services begin, 6 December at 6pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of contemplation using Holden Evening Prayer. The Advent Devotionals we are using as part of these three services (Dec. 6, 13, and 20) are available in the Welcome Center. ~Pr. Koppel

You are invited to Calico Preschool’s 3rd Winter Land Celebration! Friday, 15 December, 5-7pm in the Sanctuary. We will have dinner in Fellowship Hall after the children’s performance. ~Marisol Flores, Calico Director

Adopted Families: Our "Giving Tree" is now in the Welcome Center; it has tags that represent the wishes we got from some of our families. You can choose a gift tag (or more); be sure your name and phone number get recorded on our master list for each tag you take. The wrapped gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 17. You can also make a monetary donation by making a check payable to St. Paul, marking it for Adopted Families-Christmas, and placing it in the Sunday offering or church office. Thank you in advance for thinking of these folks during the holiday season. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Christmas Eve: The Worship and Music committee is preparing for our outdoor Christmas Eve service, on the Labyrinth at 5:00 pm. That Sunday, December 24 is also the last Sunday in Advent and for those who are attending the morning service we have a special favor. That evening we will have 192 lighted luminarias. As you leave our worship in the morning, we ask that you pick up a tray of luminarias (12 on a tray) and place them outside. One of us on the committee will tell you where to place them. At 3:00 we will light them and need a few people to help. The church can provide some lighters but if you have one, please bring it. At this time several  people have volunteered but more volunteers are always needed. Remember what your mom and your 3rd grade teacher said to you, “Many hands make light work!” ~Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Terry Cole, Karin Urban

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex . Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, 3 December:

Get Involved with Luther House!

·        Meal Train Campaign-We love home cooking and free food. Please consider providing a meal for our Wednesday night gathering. You can e-mail Rhonda at Lcmunmcnm@gmail.com to reserve a Wednesday or you can join our meal train schedule at https://mealtrain.com/lqmdlm

·        Support our Remodeling-Please consider supporting our remodeling efforts of our residential home. Luther House provides affordable housing and intentional community for students and young adults within our community. Our 1940's home needs a variety of renovations including bathroom upgrades and floor refinishing. Please donate directly to Luther House and note "remodel" in the memo section.

·        Financial Support-Consider supporting us financially. You can donate directly to Luther House on our website at www.LutherHouseNM.org or send a check to Lutheran Campus Ministries of NM, Inc. 1805 Las Lomas Rd NE Albuquerque, NM. 87106

Guns to Gardens. We would love to spread the word about the amazing work of these young adults! It was such an honor to host them at Luther House for a prayer vigil and anti-gun violence memorial on November 29 (see the Albuquerque Journal for coverage). ~Blessings, Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres, Luther House UNM & CNM
https://www.newmexicanstopreventgunviolence.org/guns-to-gardens/

In recent months, we have seen a dramatic increase in calls for assistance, averaging 130 calls per month. We believe this is due to the city housing crisis, which is impacting costs of living. Time is critical when serving these clients. One more day can mean closer to eviction or incurring more late-payment fees. We strive to provide clients with essential resources, so their need can be addressed as quickly as possible.
In our Rapid ReHousing Program, we hit a milestone 15 families, all of whom were displaced. Our Housing Case Manager has worked hard to help families stabilize. These highly challenged families’ resilience to move forward is inspiring.
The Asylum Program has seen several months of work to build a more collaborative response to helping asylum seekers and immigrants in our communities. When trying to address bigger social needs, working collaboratively with other community partners is essential.
Our Heartbeat is your support. Your generosity empowered us to help our city’s most vulnerable, foster community, and make impactful strides in 2023. Please consider financially supporting ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative in 2024 to sustain and expand our mission. This year we launched the 365 campaign. We believe that making one everyday decision, we can collectively make a huge impact for the most vulnerable people in our city. Please become one of the 365 individuals we are looking for to give $1 per day ($30/month) to help us see all people safely housed and integrated into healthy communities of their choice. You can send checks to: ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative, PO Box 40482, Albuquerque, NM 87196.
          Thank you for helping support ABQ FaithWorks. Together we can help make small everyday decisions that can make big changes in someone else’s everyday! ~Abbey Reed, Interim Executive Director/ Director of Housing Program

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Musical Advent Calendar. Join Lutheran Summer Music, December 3-24 for our third-annual Musical Advent Calendar -- a daily moment of music and reflection on the LSM website: https://www.lsmacademy.org/acal

The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. If you were unable to attend your conference meeting in October, you are invited to participate in a Bishop Election Zoom Discussion on Monday, December 11, 6:30-8pm. Discussion during the Zoom meeting will be similar to the conference discussions and information about the logistics of the bishop election will be shared. If you're interested, this meeting is for you! Questions? contact Pr. Ann Hultquist at: native2615@gmail.com. Sign-up at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8cb09e9a0fda436399951f94fde2204b

Lutheran World Relief has announced its 2023 Christmas Matching Gift Challenge: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World Founder Rev. Arthur “Art” Simon died on November 15. His vision, knowledge, and foresight established Bread for the World as one of the foremost organizations advocating for the end of hunger, impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. On December 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET, a memorial service will be held online to celebrate Art’s life and legacy. The link to attend is at: https://www.bread.org/artsimon/

Bethany College Receives a $500,000 Matching Fund for every contribution made to the annual fund before December 31st. These crucial donations will be funneled directly into scholarships, greatly benefiting Bethany students. As partners in ministry, your support is vital to Bethany College’s enduring mission. Together, we can ensure that our students have the opportunities to discern their vocational callings and find the path to their purpose. To give as part of this challenge you can: mail a check, noting “Annual Fund for $500,000 Challenge” on the subject line or visit our donation portal at http://www.bethanylb.edu/give. Should you need any guidance or have questions, please call Jacob Spilker at 785-227-3311 Ext. 8622. Go Swedes!

Updates Beginning 26 November 2023

Today’s Adult Faith Development continues with our series using Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Bring your treats and coffee to the Conference Room at 11:15. Join us! ~Happy Disciple-ing, Pr. Koppel

Today, please pick up your Congregational Meeting packet in the Welcome Center, in preparation for 10 December. ~Deborah Ash

Today, come help dress the Sanctuary in blue for the season of Advent! After church we will put up the Christmas tree with its decorations and place candles and bows throughout.  Whether you can climb a ladder or not, we need help with this lovely tradition. ~Worship & Music Committee

Outdoor Christmas Eve Service is December 24 at 5:00. The fire pits have been popular and we would like two more.  If you have one to lend, please let one of us know.  We hope to arrange the seating so that more people can take advantage of their warmth. We will have 192 luminarias lighting the way Christmas Eve.  We will need help setting these up and lighting them on December 24. ~Worship & Music Committee: Pastor Koppel, Terry Cole, Jo Browning, Karin Urban

Midweek Advent Services begin Wed, 6 December at 6pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of contemplation using Holden Evening Prayer. The Advent Devotionals we will be using as part of the three midweek services (Dec. 6, 13, and 20) are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Pr. Koppel

You are invited to Calico Preschool’s 3rd Winter Land Celebration! Friday, 15 December, 5-7pm in the Sanctuary. We will have dinner in Fellowship Hall after the children’s performance. ~Marisol Flores, Calico Director

Adopted Families: Our "Giving Tree" is now in the Welcome Center; it has tags that represent the wishes we got from some of our families. You can choose a gift tag (or more); be sure your name and phone number get recorded on our master list for each tag you take. The wrapped gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 17. You can also make a monetary donation by making a check payable to St. Paul, marking it for Adopted Families-Christmas, and placing it in the Sunday offering or church office. Thank you in advance for thinking of these folks during the holiday season. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

2023 Benevolence Disbursements. After disbursements to Rocky Mountain Synod Benevolence, Honor Native Land Tax, and several others, this year’s Benevolence Team (Deborah Ash, Sharon Hamilton, Nancy Jenkins, Sara Love, Mino Rakotoarijaona) was charged with allocating $28,000 from the Endowment Fund earnings. Their recommendations were approved by Council on 11/19/23. These include all entities that received funds last year, plus one new project, the Girls’ Camp in Madagascar:

Special Request for Automatic Givers. If you give to St. Paul by automatic withdrawal from your bank account or credit card, the financial secretary requests that you submit a Giving Intention card, especially if you intend to change (increase!) your giving this year. In any case, please fill out a Giving Intention card and write “RENEWAL” somewhere on it. This will make life much easier for the financial secretary. Thanks! ~Bob Matthews on behalf of the Stewardship Team

Sanctuary Infill & Ramp Project Update:  Here's a projected timeline for the last of our 2023 congregational goals.  We're projecting a $40 - $50K price tag, and with everyone's generosity we are nearing the halfway point (for the low end of the estimate).  If you haven't given yet, would you consider contributing?  Do you have questions about the project?  The congregational meeting, after worship on Sunday 10 December, will include time to ask questions/discuss the project.  Or ask Jim Graf, Paul Thompson, Ryan Millis, or me!  Peace ~ Pr. Koppel

Stewardship Walk: please stroll down the hallway to see the stewardship posters. If you have any questions about giving methods, please contact me: finsec@stpaulabq.org or 505-363-2284. ~Paula Eglinton, Financial Secretary

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex . Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

This Wednesday, 29 November:

St. Paul is a member of Albuquerque Interfaith and this workshop is part of the Albuquerque Interfaith ongoing series on how to build community power for the common good. Jorge Montiel has been teaching these workshops in Albuquerque over the past few months. Please contact Ivan Westergaard or Mary Graves with questions.

Next Sunday, 3 December:

Get Involved with Luther House!

·        Meal Train Campaign-We love home cooking and free food. Please consider providing a meal for our Wednesday night gathering. You can e-mail Rhonda at Lcmunmcnm@gmail.com to reserve a Wednesday or you can join our meal train schedule at https://mealtrain.com/lqmdlm

·        Support our Remodeling-Please consider supporting our remodeling efforts of our residential home. Luther House provides affordable housing and intentional community for students and young adults within our community. Our 1940's home needs a variety of renovations including bathroom upgrades and floor refinishing. Please donate directly to Luther House and note "remodel" in the memo section.

·        Financial Support-Consider supporting us financially. You can donate directly to Luther House on our website at www.LutherHouseNM.org or send a check to Lutheran Campus Ministries of NM, Inc. 1805 Las Lomas Rd NE Albuquerque, NM. 87106

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

This Friday, 1 December, is World AIDS Day. It is a day of solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV.  This is a day for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost, and standing together in the fight against HIV.  While great strides have been made over the four decades since the first known reported cases of AIDS, this disease remains a public health challenge. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for every community and each individual to honor the more than 32 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. Visit: https://www.unaids.org/en/World_AIDS_Day

Lutheran World Relief has announced its 2023 Christmas Matching Gift Challenge: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World has announced a matching gift opportunity up to $500,000: https://www.bread.org/

This Thursday, 30 November, 6-8pm Mtn: Indigenous Thought & Theology. Indian people have unique and beautiful ways of understanding the world. Indigenous wisdom – as it relates to living in relationship with Creator, Mother Earth, and other created beings – should be centered if we want to provide better care for our home and all our relatives. Indigenous Thought and Theology provides an introduction to this wisdom and examines Indigenous ways of understanding, respecting, and interacting with this wondrous world we inhabit. No pre-registration is required to participate. Visit https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement and click "join the class" to attend.

The focus of the 2024 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will be the election of a new bishop. For more info, visit: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election

Companion Synod Visit 2024. The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting the presidents from our four companion synods in Madagascar September 28-October 6, 2024! Our hope is to introduce the presidents to different areas and ministries of the synod as they make their way from El Paso, TX to Denver, CO for the installation of our new bishop on Saturday, October 5th. If you would like to be part of a planning team for the visit, please contact St. Paul member Terry Cole, Companion Synod rep on the Global Church Network, at tecole51@comcast.net. If you are interested in meeting and providing hospitability for our guests, please contact Terry, as well!

The Church Council of the ELCA appointed Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. Burk, former bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, will care for the responsibilities of the presiding bishop during her leave of absence. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12. https://www.livinglutheran.org/2023/11/elca-church-council-appoints-michael-burk-as-presiding-bishop-pro-tempore/

Updates Beginning 19 November 2023

Today’s Adult Faith Development continues with our series using Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Bring your treats and coffee to the Conference Room at 11:15. Join us! ~Happy Disciple-ing, Pr. Koppel

From the Worship and Music Committee: Next Sunday, November 26, come help dress the Sanctuary in blue for the season of Advent.  After church we will put up the Christmas tree with its decorations and place candles and bows throughout.  Whether you can climb a ladder or not, we need help with this lovely tradition.
          We are planning for our outdoor Christmas Eve service December 24 at 5:00. The fire pits have been popular and we would like two more.  If you have one to lend, please let one of us know.  We hope to arrange the seating so that more people can take advantage of their warmth.
          Finally, we will have 192 luminarias lighting the way Christmas Eve.  We will need help setting these up and lighting them on December 24. ~ Pastor Koppel, Terry Cole, Jo Browning, Karin Urban

St. Paul Across the Community—and the World! Your contributions to St. Paul affect not just our congregation, but also a wide range of partner organizations across Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the world. We cooperate with other congregations in service to our neighbors with special needs, and we join with partners across the Christian community in ecumenical activities, including advocacy for people in need before the New Mexico legislature. Through our membership in the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA, we extend our ministry across the region, nation, and world. It is amazing how much we can accomplish when we gather together with people around us in proclaiming the Gospel of peace and compassion. Your gifts make this possible, and we are all grateful for them. ~Bob Matthews, on behalf of the Stewardship Team

Midweek Advent Services begin Wednesday, 6 December at 6pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of contemplation using Holden Evening Prayer. The Advent Devotionals we will be using as part of the three midweek services (Dec. 6, 13, and 20) are now available in the Welcome Center. ~Pr. Koppel

Adopted Families: Our "Giving Tree" is now in the Welcome Center; it has tags that represent the wishes we got from some of our families. You can choose a gift tag (or more); be sure your name and phone number get recorded on our master list for each tag you take. The wrapped gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 17. You can also make a monetary donation by making a check payable to St. Paul, marking it for Adopted Families-Christmas, and placing it in the Sunday offering or church office. Thank you in advance for thinking of these folks during the holiday season. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Special Request for Automatic Givers. If you give to St. Paul by automatic withdrawal from your bank account or credit card, the financial secretary requests that you submit a Giving Intention card, especially if you intend to change (increase!) your giving this year. In any case, please fill out a Giving Intention card and write “RENEWAL” somewhere on it. This will make life much easier for the financial secretary. Thanks! ~Bob Matthews on behalf of the Stewardship Team

Stewardship Walk: please stroll down the hallway to see the stewardship posters. If you have any questions about giving methods, please contact me: finsec@stpaulabq.org or 505-363-2284. ~Paula Eglinton, Financial Secretary

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex . Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Sanctuary Infill & Ramp Project Update:  Here's a projected timeline for the last of our 2023 congregational goals.  We're projecting a $40 - $50K price tag, and with everyone's generosity we are nearing the halfway point (for the low end of the estimate).  If you haven't given yet, would you consider contributing?  Do you have questions about the project?  The congregational meeting, after worship on Sunday 10 December, will include time to ask questions/discuss the project.  Or ask Jim Graf, Paul Thompson, Ryan Millis, or me!  Peace ~ Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Today!

St. Paul is a member of Albuquerque Interfaith and this workshop is part of the Albuquerque Interfaith ongoing series on how to build community power for the common good. Jorge Montiel has been teaching these workshops in Albuquerque over the past few months. Please contact Ivan Westergaard or Mary Graves with questions.

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Companion Synod Visit 2024. The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting the presidents from our four companion synods in Madagascar September 28-October 6, 2024! Our hope is to introduce the presidents to different areas and ministries of the synod as they make their way from El Paso, TX to Denver, CO for the installation of our new bishop on Saturday, October 5th. If you would like to be part of a planning team for the visit, please contact St. Paul member Terry Cole, Companion Synod rep on the Global Church Network, at tecole51@comcast.net. If you are interested in meeting and providing hospitability for our guests, please contact Terry, as well!

Lutheran World Relief has announced its 2023 Christmas Matching Gift Challenge: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World has announced a matching gift opportunity up to $500,000: https://www.bread.org/

Draft Social Message on Gun Violence and Trauma. How is the ELCA called to respond to gun-related violence? A new draft social message on this urgent and polarizing problem is now available. This message seeks to move past the impasse of gun rights vs. gun control by offering a more constructive proposal. Share your feedback by January 31, 2024. Learn more at: https://elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Gun-Trauma

ELCA Federal Policy Priorities – 2023. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) maintains a robust office in our nation's capital that works diligently on impacting federal policy in several key areas. Our national office is led by Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, Witness in Society, for our ELCA. Learn more about advocacy in the ELCA and find ways to engage at https://www.elca.org/advocacy

From RMS AMMPARO: Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in El Paso, Texas, celebrates 22 years in ministry to feed, house and attend to the basic needs of a multitude of refugees. Many of those served are families who have fled their homes in countries such as Guatemala, Venezuela, Haiti, and Mexico due to violence, corruption, and food shortages.
          To honor their years of service on behalf of some of the poorest of the poor across the globe, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in El Paso is sponsoring an offering for Cristo Rey Lutheran on Sunday, November 19. If you would like to participate with:
● A cash or check donation of $22 (or more) made out to Cristo Rey Lutheran Church
● Or by contributing a pre-purchased Walmart or Target card of any amount
These can be mailed to: Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, 1010 Yandell Drive, El Paso, TX 79902. (in memo, write: SOV FUNDRAISER)

Special Bulletin Insert:

Updates Beginning 12 November 2023

For today’s Adult Faith Development, we continue our 5-part series using Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Bring your treats and coffee to the Conference Room at 11:15. There are 2 extra books, or it's available for download to your electronic reading device. Join us! ~Happy Disciple-ing, Pr. Koppel

Stewardship Walk: please stroll down the hallway to see the stewardship posters. If you have any questions about giving methods, please contact me: finsec@stpaulabq.org or 505-363-2284. ~Paula Eglinton

Movie Night is this Wednesday, 15 Nov at 6pm. Enjoy a holiday movie, with popcorn and ice cream! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Calico Butterfly Preschool is hosting a small hot air balloon glow Thursday, Nov. 16 starting at 5:30pm! You are invited to come and have a fun time with the children. There will be games in the grass area. The preschool is asking for donations of drinks and snacks. ~Marisol Flores

Adopted Families: We will again be doing our Christmas thing - i.e., getting wish lists from some of our families and putting the wishes on our paper tree in the foyer. The tree should be up next Sunday (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). You will be able to choose a gift (or two) to buy; the wrapped gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 17. You can also make a monetary donation by making a check payable to St. Paul, marking it for Adopted Families-Christmas, and placing it in the Sunday offering or church office. Thank you in advance for supporting our families during the holiday season. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets. The Storehouse barrels are in the Narthex . Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world. Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans for Ronald McDonald House. Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the office. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Melinda J. Wagner is Retiring. Melinda served here at St. Paul for many years. She and husband Aaron J. Couch are retiring at the end of 2023 from First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, where they have served jointly as pastors for 22 ½ years! If you would like to send a card, the church address is: 1816 N.W. Irving Street, Portland, OR 97209. ~Deborah Ash

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

Today, 12 Nov at 4pm: Chamber Concert to Benefit ABQ FaithWorks!
A chamber music concert to benefit the work of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. An afternoon of classical music featuring many distinguished former principals of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Featured musicians include Joan Zucker (cello), Krzysztof Zimowski (violin), Peter Bond (trumpet) and Luis Baez (clarinet). Tickets:  $25.00/ $40.00. Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd NE, 87110. For Tickets visit: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or contact Peggy at (505) 252-5218 for more information! ~Dora Gallegos

Learn more about how HopeWorks is helping heal homelessness through our free Community Lunches and Tours. RSVP for November 15 via email at rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org or phone (505-242-4399 x. 8210). ~Rachel N. Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

Luther House Board of Directors is looking for new members. Do you know anyone who may be interested in serving on the Luther House Board? Some skills we are seeking in new board members are: energy for young adults and campus ministry, fundraising experience, bookkeeping/church treasury experience, inclusive mindset, and building maintenance knowledge.

Luther House Board of Directors Description: Luther House is a Christian campus ministry that is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni at UNM and CNM and surrounding communities. We focus on helping one another understand and grow in our faith through text study, prayer, worship, service, intentional community, and action for justice and peace.  Luther House is a Reconciling in Christ Community and welcomes believers, seekers, the curious, doubters, and all people, regardless of religious background. We welcome all people regardless of (and in celebration of) gender identity, sexual orientations, race, ethnicity, immigration status, or other life circumstances.

Luther House Board of Directors: A community of leaders who represent the interests of Luther House, provide guidance and advice to the Director of Luther House and the Executive Team, and provide general oversight of operations.

Luther House Board of Directors Expectations:

●     Value and support the vision and ministry of Luther House and campus ministry.

●     Participate in monthly meetings

●     Currently: every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm

●     Potentially serve on subcommittee(s) of their interest and expertise

●     Provide guidance and advice to leadership of Luther House based on their interest and expertise

●     Participate in the development of the budget and funds allocation.

●     Contribute to the financial health of Luther House through participation in fundraisers, networking, monetary donations or other means.

●     Commit to serve a 3-year term

~Stephanie Schick, 505-615-2688, LcmUnmCnm@gmail.com

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Join the RMS Hunger Network’s Water in the West, Tuesday, November 14 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Darell D. Zimbelman, long time water resources engineer speaking on: water resources, especially in Colorado. An update on the Colorado River Basin and impact on towns and farms. Zoom Link is: us06web.zoom.us/j/88388180465

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – NM: 2023 Fall Advocacy. Please join us on Saturday, November 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church on Albuquerque's westside for the 2023 Fall Advocacy Conference. Check-in and morning refreshments will start at 8:30 a.m.
          We welcome you to join us for this wonderful ecumenical event! The conference is open to everyone interested in learning more about advocating public policies impacting our many neighbors living in poverty and hunger, as well as the other key advocacy areas prioritized by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico.
          The morning will begin with honoring Rep. Garratt as one of our "Legislators of the Year", as she was unable to attend our 2023 Bishop's Luncheon. Rep. Garratt will also take time to outline her priorities for the 2024 Session and answer questions. Katy Anderson will provide a timely and important update on hunger in New Mexico and how our state's five major Food Banks are responding, as well as talk about how the state can meet the challenge. Denali Wilson joins us again this year to share the success of last session's SB64 legislation and what has happened since the bill was signed by the governor. You can also look forward to additional guest speakers as well as training on in-person advocacy during the session and on establishing advocacy committees within your own congregation.
           Though we highly recommend in-person attendance for the most impactful experience, an online Zoom option will also be available. Zoom links will be sent the week of the event to those who register for that option.
           Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. In-person registration is $20 and online participation is $15.
          A few more volunteers are needed to help the day of the event. If you would like to join the effort, please contact Diana Lewis at: dlewis4117@msn.com
          Purchase tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-lam-nm-fall-advocacy-conference-tickets-748660442537?aff=oddtdtcreator
          Another date to add to your calendar is January 23rd, 2024. That is the date of the 2024 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. Planning is already underway. For both our Lutheran and ecumenical partners, this session's event will be especially important as it will be the final Bishop's Luncheon hosted by the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, Jim Gonia. Bishop Jim has been unmatched in his support of advocacy in our Synod for almost 10 years now. I have no doubt that if you have attended these events in the past, you would agree that his presentations are always a highlight of the day.
          If you would like to volunteer for the event, help is always needed and is greatly appreciated. Please email me with your interest.
          The LAM-NM advocacy agenda is currently being developed. It will be approved by our Policy Committee in late November and by the NM Conference of Churches in early December. An agenda briefing will be planned prior to the January 16th opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The 2024 Session will take place over 30 days. ~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org

Draft Social Message on Gun Violence and Trauma. How is the ELCA called to respond to gun-related violence? A new draft social message on this urgent and polarizing problem is now available. This message seeks to move past the impasse of gun rights vs. gun control by offering a more constructive proposal. Share your feedback by January 31, 2024. Learn more at: https://elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Gun-Trauma

ELCA Federal Policy Priorities – 2023. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) maintains a robust office in our nation's capital that works diligently on impacting federal policy in several key areas. Our national office is led by Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, Witness in Society, for our ELCA. Learn more about advocacy in the ELCA and find ways to engage at https://www.elca.org/advocacy

Bishop Jim Gonia’s Reflections on his Ecumenical Pilgrimage. From October 16-29, a group of 32 pilgrims – made up of Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics – traveled together to walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in Greece, and to journey to both Rome and Assisi. The Bishop reflects on the legacies of Lydia, Paul, Francis of Assisi, and Martin Luther. Bishop Gonia’s fascinating reflections are posted in the Welcome Center and can be downloaded at: https://files.constantcontact.com/bbca2826001/cb9d593b-18c6-4d8b-b973-d40dfa07ca44.pdf

From RMS AMMPARO: Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in El Paso, Texas, celebrates 22 years in ministry to feed, house and attend to the basic needs of a multitude of refugees. Many of those served are families who have fled their homes in countries such as Guatemala, Venezuela, Haiti and Mexico due to violence, corruption and food shortages.
          To honor their years of service on behalf of some of the poorest of the poor across the globe, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in El Paso is sponsoring an offering for Cristo Rey Lutheran on Sunday, November 19.

If you would like to participate with:
● A cash or check donation of $22 (or more) made out to Cristo Rey Lutheran Church
● Or by contributing a pre-purchased Walmart or Target card of any amount
These can be mailed to: Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, 1010 Yandell Drive, El Paso, TX 79902. (in memo, write: SOV FUNDRAISER) 

ELCA Truth & Healing Movement Class: Indigenous Thought & Theology.  Thursday, November 30, 7 - 9 p.m. Central time. Indian people have unique and beautiful ways of understanding the world. Indigenous wisdom – as it relates to living in relationship with Creator, Mother Earth, and other created beings – should be centered if we want to provide better care for our home and all our relatives. Indigenous Thought and Theology provides an introduction to this wisdom and examines Indigenous ways of understanding, respecting, and interacting with this wondrous world we inhabit. Presented by Vance Blackfox. No pre-registration is required to participate. Visit: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement

New RMS Synod Champion for 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, July 16-20, 2024. We are “Church Better Together"! As we plan and prepare for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans we are putting together a Synod-wide team of youth and adults who will help plan our Synod Day at the Gathering. I recently agreed to serve as the Synod Champion for the RMSELCA so I am inviting you to get involved and connected in these months of preparing for the Gathering. Please contact me if you are interested in helping serve on the Gathering Synod Day planning team, or have questions: Pastor Margot Wright, pastor@lordofthehills.org or text or call my cell phone 720-427-8352. I look forward to hearing from you!

Special Bulletin Insert:

Updates Beginning 5 November 2023

All Saints Sunday

Today! Girl Scout Troop #10192 is holding a fundraiser lunch in Fellowship Hall immediately after service. Enjoy pozole, drinks and dessert. 3 yummy flavors of pozole will be available (red chile w/pork, no chile w/pork, green chile vegan). All proceeds will go for robotics badges, rock climbing badges, and a Santa Fe treehouse trip. Thank you, St. Paul, for supporting our girls! ~Francesca Apodaca, Troop Leader

For today’s Adult Faith Development, we begin a 5-part series using a book called Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Grab your Girl Scout Fundraiser lunch & coffee in Fellowship Hall then head to the Conference Room. There are 2 extra books, or it's available for download to your electronic reading device. ~Happy Disciple-ing, Pr. Koppel

Stewardship Walk: please stroll down the hallway towards Fellowship Hall to see the posters from last week’s stewardship moment. If you have any questions about giving methods, please contact me: finsec@stpaulabq.org or 505-363-2284. ~Paula Eglinton

First Tuesday is this week, 7 November 4-6pm at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE.  This is the time for members and friends of St. Paul to meet for conversation over snacks and beer (made in house) or whatever you want to bring.  Come join us! ~Nancy Matthews

This Wednesday, 8 November 1pm: Ice Cream Social Hour at Dairy Queen, 4104 Louisiana Blvd NE, 87109 (note: new location!). ~Herb Korff

Adopted Families: A  woman called St. Paul looking for a little financial help. She had been befriending a senior gentleman who had been homeless for a year. She helped him through the process of getting an apartment and he is now moved in and should be fine going forward. But he had an immediate need for food and toiletries, and the woman indicated that she had used up a lot of gas money assisting him and she was just worn out. She was very grateful when we gave her $100. It sounds like she will continue to help him, as she mentioned she was taking him to the doctor later in the week. Thank you for helping us help others. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Calico Butterfly Preschool is hosting a small hot air balloon glow Thursday, Nov. 16 starting at 5:30pm! You are invited to come and have a fun time with the children. There will be games in the grass area. The preschool is asking for donations of drinks and snacks. ~Marisol Flores

Melinda J. Wagner is Retiring. Melinda served here at St. Paul for many years. She and husband Aaron J. Couch are retiring at the end of 2023 from First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, where they have served jointly as pastors for 22 ½ years! If you would like to send a card, the church address is: 1816 N.W. Irving Street, Portland, OR 97209. ~Deborah Ash

Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets.  The Storehouse barrels in the Narthex, between the Welcome Center and Sanctuary, will take both.  Any sort of dry goods is welcome. 
          We still collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world.  Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
          We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans.  These go to Ronald McDonald House.  Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the volunteer box.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

Chamber Concert to Benefit ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative! Nov. 12, 4pm.
A chamber music concert to benefit the work of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. An afternoon of classical music featuring many distinguished former principals of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Featured musicians include Joan Zucker (cello), Krzysztof Zimowski (violin), Peter Bond (trumpet) and Luis Baez (clarinet). Tickets:  $25.00/ $40.00. Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
For Tickets visit: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or contact Peggy at (505) 252-5218 for more information!
~Dora Gallegos

Learn more about how HopeWorks is helping heal homelessness through our free Community Lunches and Tours. RSVP for November 15 via email at rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org or phone (505-242-4399 x. 8210). ~Rachel N. Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

Luther House Board of Directors is looking for new members. Do you know anyone who may be interested in serving on the Luther House Board? Some skills we are seeking in new board members are: energy for young adults and campus ministry, fundraising experience, bookkeeping/church treasury experience, inclusive mindset, and building maintenance knowledge.

Luther House Board of Directors Description: Luther House is a Christian campus ministry that is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni at UNM and CNM and surrounding communities. We focus on helping one another understand and grow in our faith through text study, prayer, worship, service, intentional community, and action for justice and peace.  Luther House is a Reconciling in Christ Community and welcomes believers, seekers, the curious, doubters, and all people, regardless of religious background. We welcome all people regardless of (and in celebration of) gender identity, sexual orientations, race, ethnicity, immigration status, or other life circumstances.

Luther House Board of Directors: A community of leaders who represent the interests of Luther House, provide guidance and advice to the Director of Luther House and the Executive Team, and provide general oversight of operations.

Luther House Board of Directors Expectations:

●     Value and support the vision and ministry of Luther House and campus ministry.
●     Participate in monthly meetings
●     Currently: every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm
●     Potentially serve on subcommittee(s) of their interest and expertise
●     Provide guidance and advice to leadership of Luther House based on their interest and expertise
●     Participate in the development of the budget and funds allocation.
●     Contribute to the financial health of Luther House through participation in fundraisers, networking, monetary donations or other means.
●     Commit to serve a 3-year term

~Stephanie Schick, 505-615-2688, LcmUnmCnm@gmail.com

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Environmental Advocacy, Saturday, November 11 at 10am. Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Colorado, and Kurt Rager, Director of New Mexico Advocacy, will join us to inform us about upcoming environmental issues at the state capitals and share with us ways that we can engage with our representatives.
Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

Join the RMS Hunger Network’s Water in the West, Tuesday, November 14 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Darell D. Zimbelman, long time water resources engineer speaking on: water resources, especially in Colorado. An update on the Colorado River Basin and impact on towns and farms. Zoom Link is: us06web.zoom.us/j/88388180465

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – NM: 2023 Fall Advocacy. Please join us on Saturday, November 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church on Albuquerque's westside for the 2023 Fall Advocacy Conference. Check-in and morning refreshments will start at 8:30 a.m.
          We welcome you to join us for this wonderful ecumenical event! The conference is open to everyone interested in learning more about advocating public policies impacting our many neighbors living in poverty and hunger, as well as the other key advocacy areas prioritized by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico.
          The morning will begin with honoring Rep. Garratt as one of our "Legislators of the Year", as she was unable to attend our 2023 Bishop's Luncheon. Rep. Garratt will also take time to outline her priorities for the 2024 Session and answer questions. Katy Anderson will provide a timely and important update on hunger in New Mexico and how our state's five major Food Banks are responding, as well as talk about how the state can meet the challenge. Denali Wilson joins us again this year to share the success of last session's SB64 legislation and what has happened since the bill was signed by the governor. You can also look forward to additional guest speakers as well as training on in-person advocacy during the session and on establishing advocacy committees within your own congregation.
           Though we highly recommend in-person attendance for the most impactful experience, an online Zoom option will also be available. Zoom links will be sent the week of the event to those who register for that option.
           Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. In-person registration is $20 and online participation is $15.
          A few more volunteers are needed to help the day of the event. If you would like to join the effort, please contact Diana Lewis at: dlewis4117@msn.com
          Purchase tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-lam-nm-fall-advocacy-conference-tickets-748660442537?aff=oddtdtcreator
          Another date to add to your calendar is January 23rd, 2024. That is the date of the 2024 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. Planning is already underway. For both our Lutheran and ecumenical partners, this session's event will be especially important as it will be the final Bishop's Luncheon hosted by the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, Jim Gonia. Bishop Jim has been unmatched in his support of advocacy in our Synod for almost 10 years now. I have no doubt that if you have attended these events in the past, you would agree that his presentations are always a highlight of the day.
          If you would like to volunteer for the event, help is always needed and is greatly appreciated. Please email me with your interest.
          The LAM-NM advocacy agenda is currently being developed. It will be approved by our Policy Committee in late November and by the NM Conference of Churches in early December. An agenda briefing will be planned prior to the January 16th opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The 2024 Session will take place over 30 days. ~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org

ELCA Truth & Healing Movement Class: Indigenous Thought & Theology.  Thursday, November 30, 7 - 9 p.m. Central time. Indian people have unique and beautiful ways of understanding the world. Indigenous wisdom – as it relates to living in relationship with Creator, Mother Earth, and other created beings – should be centered if we want to provide better care for our home and all our relatives. Indigenous Thought and Theology provides an introduction to this wisdom and examines Indigenous ways of understanding, respecting, and interacting with this wondrous world we inhabit. Presented by Vance Blackfox. No pre-registration is required to participate. Visit: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement

Updates Beginning 29 October 2023

Reformation Sunday - wear red!

Today, we observe the 506th anniversary of Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg. It seems like a good time to gather to discuss how the church has changed since those days and how it has stayed the same. What is the state of the church today? Bring your thoughts and questions to the Adult Faith Development class for some stimulating conversation. We will also be sharing information about the process for selecting a new bishop for the Rocky Mountain Synod, which has already begun. The adult class starts as usual at 11:15 a.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome. ~Bob Matthews

From Calico Butterfly Preschool: Come and help us make a special day for our Calico children as they parade in their Halloween costumes. We will gather at 10:00 on Tuesday, October 31st on the sidewalk at the south side of the building. You will enjoy their excitement and will be delighted by their costumes. All you need to do is to wish them Happy Halloween as they parade by you! If you would like to bring candy to hand out, please, no hard candies or ones with nuts. Thanks! ~Paula Eglinton

1st Wednesday Book Group meets online November 1st, 6pm. Join us to read and discuss Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber! Nadia gives us insight into ourselves, our lives, our God, and grace in a world where we are all simultaneously sinner and saint. We will be discussing the book in thirds (1/3, about 75 pages) over three months before beginning a new one. Zoom login info – ID: 862 2262 1120 & Passcode: 457116. ~Pr. Koppel

First Tuesday gathering will be on November 7th at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, 4-6pm.  This is the time for members and friends of St. Paul to meet for conversation over snacks and beer (made in house) or whatever you want to bring.  Come join us! ~Nancy Matthews

Adopted Families: A single woman called St. Paul looking for help with her rent. She was employed and had lived in her apartment for several years but she recently lost her job and was short of funds. She found another job and was in training for it but wouldn't get paid right away. The apartment complex has pretty strict rent rules but they were willing to work with her some; we helped with $200, for which she was very grateful. We have two other specific needs: a single mom needs a double bed and a good-sized man needs a large wheelchair. If you have either of these items to donate, please give me a call or let the office know. Thank you for your help. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Other Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets.  The Storehouse barrels in the Narthex, between the Welcome Center and Sanctuary, will take both.  Any sort of dry goods is welcome.
          We still collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world.  Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
          We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans.  These go to Ronald McDonald House.  Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the volunteer box.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

NM Conference of Churches: You are invited to a weekly Service of Lament, Here is Where I Come to Grieve, a time of sharing our grief about violence and war. We will gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102. ~Lynne Hinton, Director

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for the World Community Day celebration on Friday, November 3rd at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Ave. NE. (2nd block north of Central Ave.)  Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30, followed by the program at 10:00.  The theme is “Labor With Love—Hands to Help”.  The speaker will be Rev. Lynne Hinton, Director of the NM Conference of Churches.  Parking is limited so carpool if possible.  For more information contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-884-2467 or Marilyn Stoops at 505-265-8358.  Come, and bring a friend! ~Marilyn Stoops, CWU Communication Comm.

Join the First Congregational Green Justice team on Saturday, Nov. 4 for a morning of Celebrating Cranes at the Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW. The event will start at 9:30 AM with a crafting table and time to see the nature-themed art in the center. We’ll spend time inside learning about The Private Lives of Cranes from our own Caryl McHarney, and outside seeing the cranes in person! People will have time to hike to the bosque, offer a prayer for Oak Flat, or visit the nature garden. This is a family-friendly, free activity, and all are invited—bring your friends! Please register using the QR code. ~Ruth Striegel

Composers of Mountainair Concert, November 5, 2pm. Manzano Mountain Arts Council Building, Mountainair. James Albert Yeager Compositions. Musicians: Hyorim Kim – Flute, Natalia Tikhovidova – Piano, Lee Harvey – Violin 1, Eric Sewell – Violin 2, Grant Hanner – Viola, Lisa Donald – Cello. Concert supported in part by Manzano Mountain Arts Council, New Mexico Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Mexico Humanities. https://manzanomountainartcouncil.org ~James Yeager

 Chamber Concert to Benefit ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative! Nov. 12, 4pm.
A chamber music concert to benefit the work of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. An afternoon of classical music featuring many distinguished former principals of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Featured musicians include Joan Zucker (cello), Krzysztof Zimowski (violin), Peter Bond (trumpet) and Luis Baez (clarinet).
Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Tickets:  $25.00/ $40.00 
For Tickets visit: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or contact Peggy at (505) 252-5218 for more information!
~Dora Gallegos

Learn more about how HopeWorks is helping heal homelessness through our free Community Lunches and Tours. RSVP for November 15 via email at rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org or phone (505-242-4399 x. 8210). ~Rachel N. Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

From Luther House: Beloved Friends, thank you for partnering with us! We take seriously our mission to live out God’s love, justice, and inclusion in our community. Luther House UNM & CNM practices radical love and hospitality for the college campuses of the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and young adults across the metro.
          We are deeply committed to providing safe and brave space for young adults to explore, experience, reflect upon, and express their unique and vital theological perspectives in a variety of ways.
·         We offer an “Open Table” free dinner each Wednesday at 5pm followed by theological and spiritual practices. 
o    We currently have a rotating group of about 22 students who participate on Wednesday evenings. 
o    Our current theme is “Poetry as Theology.” We are working with local Slam Poets to provide writing workshops to our community to help us dive deep into our theological imagination and create powerful poetry that we will share with congregations through our “Refractions” Co-Preaching series. 
·         Beginning in November, we will host our “Queer Theology” series in the Student Union Building at UNM. This 6-week series highlights clergy and religious leaders who have experience in Queer Theology and invites students, staff, and community to ask hard questions and explore progressive theology. 
o    We intersect with 100’s of students through this ministry of presence and connect with dozens of new folks each session.   
·         We strengthen both young adults and our wider church by providing a platform for young adult perspectives using our “Refractions” Co-Preaching methods. 
          We need your help to keep investing in the young adults in our community! Please prayerfully consider contributing to Luther House UNM & CNM on a monthly or annual basis. Every gift matters! ~Blessings, Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

ELCA Presiding Bishop issues statement on Israel-Hamas war. Read Bishop Eaton’s statement at: https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8207

RMS Environmental Advocacy, Saturday, November 11 at 10am. Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Colorado, and Kurt Rager, Director of New Mexico Advocacy, will join us to inform us about upcoming environmental issues at the state capitals and share with us ways that we can engage with our representatives.
Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

Join the RMS Hunger Network’s Water in the West, Tuesday, November 14 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Darell D. Zimbelman, long time water resources engineer speaking on: water resources, especially in Colorado. An update on the Colorado River Basin and impact on towns and farms. Zoom Link is: us06web.zoom.us/j/88388180465

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – NM: The 2023 Fall Advocacy Conference takes place on Saturday, November 18th, from 9am-2pm. Again this year, the conference will be hosted by All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque. The format for this year's conference will be very similar to last year's. Our guest speakers will represent several of our key advocacy priorities this coming year. We are hoping to have a guest legislator or two as well.
          Another date to add to your calendar, is January 23rd, 2024. That is the date of the 2024 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. Planning is already underway. For both our Lutheran and ecumenical partners, this session's event will be especially important as it will be the final Bishop's Luncheon hosted by the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, Jim Gonia. Bishop Jim has been unmatched in his support of advocacy in our Synod for almost 10 years now. I have no doubt that if you have attended these events in the past, you would agree that his presentations are always a highlight of the day.
          If you would like to volunteer at either of these two events, help is always needed and is greatly appreciated. Please email me with your interest.
          The LAM-NM advocacy agenda is currently being developed. It will be approved by our Policy Committee in late November and by the NM Conference of Churches in early December. An agenda briefing will be planned prior to the January 16th opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The 2024 Session will take place over 30 days.
~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org

Updates Beginning 22 October 2023

Today! Join Adult Faith Development as we welcome Rachel Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer of HopeWorks. She will talk about their work with unhoused and underhoused people in Albuquerque, and, as usual, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about how you can be involved. It should be an interesting session. AFD meets after church at 11:15 in the Conference Room, so grab some refreshments and come on down. Everyone is welcome! ~Bob Matthews

Remembering the Saints November 5. All Saints will be upon us before we know it! The Visual Choir will once again be hanging our All Saints photo banners. Many of you have loved ones (Our Saints) represented on these memorial collages. They have proven to be very effective in remembering those who have gone before us! For anyone who would like to add a photo of someone who has died this year, please bring or email your photo with all of the pertinent information. Your photos will be printed in black and white for the banners and displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide.
Your photo will be returned unharmed. Place in the Welcome Center box, hand to Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Jan Krakow, Karen Bunch, Shirley Nilsson, or Kathy Callahan, or email to: janobowers68@gmail.com by October 22. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Reformation Sunday is the 29th of October! In addition to wearing red that day, would you also take a few moments (or more) to ponder the following questions and submit a written (short or long) thought to me?  It can be via email, text, or even a scrap piece of paper.  Just be sure to sign it so I can ask questions if needed or give credit if I use it that day!  

• Indeed God is speaking.  The world is speaking.  Is the church listening?

• How might the church (local, regional, global) be reforming now? 

• What are things you think need to change?  

Happy pondering. ~Pastor Koppel

Next Sunday we will celebrate Reformation! We will be welcoming a surprise guest, so come and see who that might be! Don't forget to wear your red! ~Jan Bowers

Halloween Candy-contribute a bag for Martineztown Children: St. Paul joins with 2nd Presbyterian Church and San Ignacio Catholic Church to offer our neighbors in Martineztown trick-or-treat sites and a party the evening of Oct. 31. Our role is to provide the wrapped candies that the children get at the homes designated for "Trick or Treat" by the organizers. A Halloween decorated box is located in the Welcome Center to receive your bags of candy between now and Oct. 29. Your gifts of candy will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ~Ivan Westergaard

From Calico Butterfly Preschool: Come and help us make a special day for our Calico children as they parade in their Halloween costumes. We will gather at 10:00 on Tuesday, October 31st on the sidewalk at the south side of the building. You will enjoy their excitement and will be delighted by their costumes. All you need to do is to wish them Happy Halloween as they parade by you! If you would like to bring candy to hand out, please, no hard candies or ones with nuts. Thanks! ~Paula Eglinton

1st Wednesday Book Group meets online November 1st, 6pm. Join us to read and discuss Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber! Nadia gives us insight into ourselves, our lives, our God, and grace in a world where we are all simultaneously sinner and saint. We will be discussing the book in thirds (1/3, about 75 pages) over three months before beginning a new one. Zoom login info – ID: 862 2262 1120 & Passcode: 457116. ~Pr. Koppel

Adopted Families: A single woman called St. Paul looking for help with her rent. She was employed and had lived in her apartment for several years but she recently lost her job and was short of funds. She found another job and was in training for it but wouldn't get paid right away. The apartment complex has pretty strict rent rules but they were willing to work with her some; we helped with $200, for which she was very grateful. We have two other specific needs: a single mom needs a double bed and a good-sized man needs a large wheelchair. If you have either of these items to donate, please give me a call or let the office know. Thank you for your help. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Other Opportunities to Donate: Food is always needed for people and pets.  The Storehouse barrels in the Narthex, between the Welcome Center and Sanctuary, will take both.  Any sort of dry goods is welcome. 
          We still collect aluminum so our children can spend that money on ministries that support families around the world.  Place your donations in the blue bin in Friendship Corner.
          We also collect the pop-tops from all aluminum cans.  These go to Ronald McDonald House.  Place your donation in the basket under the clock in the volunteer box.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

From Luther House: Beloved Friends, thank you for partnering with us! We take seriously our mission to live out God’s love, justice, and inclusion in our community. Luther House UNM & CNM practices radical love and hospitality for the college campuses of the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and young adults across the metro. 

•           We are deeply committed to providing safe and brave space for young adults to explore, experience, reflect upon, and express their unique and vital theological perspectives in a variety of ways. 

• We offer an “Open Table” free dinner each Wednesday at 5pm followed by theological and spiritual practices. 

  o    We currently have a rotating group of about 22 students who participate on Wednesday evenings. 

  o    Our current theme is “Poetry as Theology.” We are working with local Slam Poets to provide writing workshops to our community to help us dive deep into our theological imagination and create powerful poetry that we will share with congregations through our “Refractions” Co-Preaching series. 

• Beginning in November, we will host our “Queer Theology” series in the Student Union Building at UNM. This 6-week series highlights clergy and religious leaders who have experience in Queer Theology and invites students, staff, and community to ask hard questions and explore progressive theology. 

  o    We intersect with 100’s of students through this ministry of presence and connect with dozens of new folks each session.   

• We strengthen both young adults and our wider church by providing a platform for young adult perspectives using our “Refractions” Co-Preaching methods. 

          We need your help to keep investing in the young adults in our community! Please prayerfully consider contributing to Luther House UNM & CNM on a monthly or annual basis. Every gift matters! ~Blessings, Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres

I believe that homelessness does not need to exist in our community – it is not a “given” – but, rather, it is something that we, collectively, allow. As such, we, collectively, are called to take action to help heal our community through doing what we can to heal homelessness.

• Make a financial gift in support of our critical work. Donors like you help make our work possible. Donate online at hopeworksnm.org.

• Learn more about how HopeWorks is helping heal homelessness through our free Community Lunches and Tours. RSVP for November 15 via email at rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org or phone (505-242-4399 x. 8210).

• Volunteer. Your time, energy, and love for others is needed. To learn more about serving meals at our Day Shelter, sorting donations in our warehouse, providing meals, or preparing hygiene kits or snack packs, contact William Townley at wtownley@hopeworksnm.org or 505-242-4399 x. 8213.

Together, we can address the complex challenges and trauma so many of us face, offering healing, safety, and support through love and community.

~Rachel N. Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

Join the First Congregational Green Justice team on Saturday, Nov. 4 for a morning of Celebrating Cranes at the Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW. The event will start at 9:30 AM with a crafting table and time to see the nature-themed art in the center. We’ll spend time inside learning about The Private Lives of Cranes from our own Caryl McHarney, and outside seeing the cranes in person! People will have time to hike to the bosque, offer a prayer for Oak Flat, or visit the nature garden. This is a family-friendly, free activity, and all are invited—bring your friends! Please register using the QR code. ~Ruth Striegel 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

ELCA Presiding Bishop issues statement on Israel-Hamas war. Read Bishop Eaton’s statement at: https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8207

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has published its 2022 Annual Report at: https://www.lutheranworld.org/news/lwf-annual-report-2022-published

Join the RMS Hunger Network’s Water in the West, Tuesday, November 14 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Darell D. Zimbelman, long time water resources engineer speaking on: water resources, especially in Colorado. An update on the Colorado River Basin and impact on towns and farms. Zoom Link is: us06web.zoom.us/j/88388180465

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024-Update. The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term. This Saturday you are invited (both laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation.

Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement: Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the life of the world.

North New Mexico Conference, October 28, 9:30 am, All Saints, ABQ

Please visit the Rocky Mountain Synod website for more general information about the Bishop Election: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – NM: The 2023 Fall Advocacy Conference takes place on Saturday, November 18th, from 9am-2pm. Again this year, the conference will be hosted by All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque. The format for this year's conference will be very similar to last year's. Our guest speakers will represent several of our key advocacy priorities this coming year. We are hoping to have a guest legislator or two as well.
          Another date to add to your calendar, is January 23rd, 2024. That is the date of the 2024 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. Planning is already underway. For both our Lutheran and ecumenical partners, this session's event will be especially important as it will be the final Bishop's Luncheon hosted by the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, Jim Gonia. Bishop Jim has been unmatched in his support of advocacy in our Synod for almost 10 years now. I have no doubt that if you have attended these events in the past, you would agree that his presentations are always a highlight of the day.
          If you would like to volunteer at either of these two events, help is always needed and is greatly appreciated. Please email me with your interest.
          The LAM-NM advocacy agenda is currently being developed. It will be approved by our Policy Committee in late November and by the NM Conference of Churches in early December. An agenda briefing will be planned prior to the January 16th opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The 2024 Session will take place over 30 days.
~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org

Updates Beginning 15 October 2023

Today! Join Adult Faith Development as we welcome Rachel Rodriquez of HopeWorks. She will talk about their work with unhoused and underhoused people in Albuquerque, and, as usual, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about how you can be involved. It should be an interesting session. AFD meets after church at 11:15 in the Conference Room, so grab some refreshments and come on down. Everyone is welcome! ~Bob Matthews

Reformation Sunday is the 29th of October! In addition to wearing red that day, would you also take a few moments (or more) to ponder the following questions and submit a written (short or long) thought to me?  It can be via email, text, or even a scrap piece of paper.  Just be sure to sign it so I can ask questions if needed or give credit if I use it that day!  

• Indeed God is speaking.  The world is speaking.  Is the church listening?

• How might the church (local, regional, global) be reforming now? 

• What are things you think need to change?  

Happy pondering. ~Pastor Koppel

Fellowship this Wednesday, October 18 at 1pm. Summer is officially over but we can still scream for ice cream. Join us for this monthly ice cream social at the Dairy Queen, 6600 Holly Ave NE. ~Herb Korff

This week: 3rd Wednesday Fellowship, October 18, 6pm. We start up again with a showing of Coco – a terrific film to watch as we approach All Saints! Join us in Fellowship Hall for popcorn and beverages. You are welcome to bring a treat to share. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Remembering the Saints November 5. All Saints will be upon us before we know it! The Visual Choir will once again be hanging our All Saints photo banners. Many of you have loved ones (Our Saints) represented on these memorial collages. They have proven to be very effective in remembering those who have gone before us! For anyone who would like to add a photo of someone who has died this year, please bring or email your photo with all of the pertinent information. Your photos will be printed in black and white for the banners and displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide.
Your photo will be returned unharmed. Place in the Welcome Center box, hand to Jan Bowers, Jo Browning, Jan Krakow, Karen Bunch, Shirley Nilsson, or Kathy Callahan, or email to: janobowers68@gmail.com by October 22. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Asylum Seekers: How to be a "Good Samaritan." If you have been keeping up with the news, you are aware that immigrants are seeking entry to the US by any means possible, and the process for obtaining asylum is overwhelmed.  We don't have accurate information very much ahead of time regarding when buses from our southern border are scheduled to arrive.  However a bus did come in several weeks ago with just a couple days' notice, and two more are tentatively expected the week of October 22.  Patrick Van De Motter has indicated that "we have been called to help our brothers and sisters by welcoming them to this country as their asylum status moves toward court proceedings."  It's great to have Mary Graves back.  She has already jumped right in.
          And Lutheran Family Services (LFS) is coordinating services for immigrants from many places throughout the world.  Volunteers are needed to help set up apartments and provide assistance to these refugees in many ways.  If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact Simren Cyril, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, LFS-Rocky Mountains, 230 Truman St NE, ABQ 87108, simren.cyril@lfsrm.org, Office: 505.355.5345, Cell: 505.315.3748, www.lfsrm.org. To get on the email distribution list coordinated by Rae VandeMotter (All Saints Lutheran Church), send a request to: revdm1950@gmail.com. Thanks to all who have or will be helping with these Good Samaritan efforts. ~Hal Schultz

Halloween Candy-contribute a bag for Martineztown Children: St. Paul joins with 2nd Presbyterian Church and San Ignacio Catholic Church to offer our neighbors in Martineztown trick-or-treat sites and a party the evening of Oct. 31. Our role is to provide the wrapped candies that the children get at the party. A Halloween decorated box is located in the Welcome Center to receive your bags of candy between now and Oct. 29. Your gifts of candy will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ~Ivan Westergaard

1st Wednesday Book Group meets online November 1st, 6pm. Join us to read and discuss Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber! Nadia gives us insight into ourselves, our lives, our God, and grace in a world where we are all simultaneously sinner and saint. We will be discussing the book in thirds (1/3, about 75 pages) over three months before beginning a new one. Zoom login info – ID: 862 2262 1120 & Passcode: 457116. ~Pr. Koppel

The Storehouse - Smiths has cases of food products on sale.  You might want to pick up a flat of goods to put in The Storehouse barrels for those in our community who are hungry. We also collect pet food. ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

A Thank You from Rijasoa!

Dear families and friends, I hope all is well, and everyone is ready to start fresh after the summer break!
I am very glad to share with you that the first GIRLS CAMP that I designed, organized, and led was a success! Each of you played an important role in its accomplishment, your generous contributions covered the different expenses such as the travel costs, clothing, toiletries, food, medicine, and travel insurance. So, on behalf of the campers and the staff, THANK YOU VERY MUCH from the bottom of my heart! Without your donations, this initiative would have remained a dream in my mind! Your support made it a reality! Most of all, you are now part of a movement that brings HOPE to rural communities through the girls and their teachers! The camp opened the girls’ mind and shifted their perspectives about the future. That’s why the theme this year was entitled “Exploring Possibilities”.
          I also put the pictures and information on my Facebook profile, and some of you might have already seen and read them. For those who are not connected to me on social media and / or prefer email communications, I make this document for you. [Note: this is posted here and in the Welcome Center.] I hope you will enjoy it! And I look forward to your involvement again next year for the second round of Girls Camp! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

From Local Partner Organizations

Today! Chamber Concert to Benefit ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. Sunday, November 12 at 4pm, Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Boulevard NE. An afternoon of classical music featuring many distinguished former principals of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Featured musicians include Joan Zucker (cello), Krzysztof Zimowski (violin), Peter Bond (trumpet), Luis Baez (clarinet). Tickets:  $25.00/ $40.00. Visit: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or contact Peggy at (505) 252-5218 for more information! ~Dora Gallegos, Office Administrator

Luther House: "Poetry as Theology" Slam Poetry Workshop Series, Wednesdays, through November 8 at 5:00pm. Please join Luther House and First Congregational United Church of Christ for our free series of Slam Poetry workshops designed to develop and express Young Adult Theological Perspectives. Please join us for the following events!

·        Wednesday, October 18 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring award winning Slam Poet Mercedez Holtry! Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

·        Wednesday, October 25 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring local slam poets. Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

·        Wednesday, November 1 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop and Performance Practice! Comic-Con themed event for Halloween! Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

·        Wednesday, November 8 from 5pm-9pm. Burque Revolt Open Mic and Poetry Slam. Support our folx who want to perform! Canvas Artistry: 1 Central Ave. NW. Free drinks and snacks!

Please reach out to Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres with questions at Lcmunmcnm@gmail.com or at (505) 615-2688.

This week: Southeast Area Command Coffee with a Cop., October 17, 10-11am. Starbucks, 111 Eubank Blvd SE.

3rd Annual Bennie Hargrove Giving Tree-donation boxes now available at both the Triangle Substation (2901 Central Ave. NE) and University Substation (1009 Bradbury Dr. SE). Our Criminal Investigations Division is seeking donations of gift cards to support 10 families nominated by detectives at CID. Walmart, Smith’s, Amazon, Target, Visa, or food gift cards for places out to eat or entertainment; no cash will be accepted.  It’s our way of helping give back to families who have been victim to violent crimes. Please consider this opportunity to honor Bennie’s memory (shot and killed at Washington Middle School while defending a classmate,) and support families in need when you begin your holiday shopping. The deadline for all donations is December 1. ~Laura Kuehn, NCPS, ICPS, Crime Prevention/Crime Free Programs

Bread for the World.  Every year, World Food Day is held on October 16th. As people of faith, it is a time for us to reflect on our calling to help people struggling with hunger wherever they may be. Bread for the World has set a goal to raise $25,000 for World Food Day to support our advocacy to end hunger. This year’s World Food Day theme is Leave No One Behind. We know that hunger is not inevitable and that good policy decisions can put food on the table for every family. No one needs to go hungry. That is why we are advocating tirelessly to end hunger.
          Please help us celebrate World Food Day by making a gift to help end hunger once and for all. Your generosity will support our work to advocate for life-saving legislation around the world. Justice Randolph, Deputy Director of Membership Giving, bread.org

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024-Update. The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term. You are invited (both laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation.
Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement: Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the life of the world.
North New Mexico Conference, October 28, 9:30 am, All Saints, ABQ

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – NM: The 2023 Fall Advocacy Conference takes place on Saturday, November 18th, from 9am-2pm. Again this year, the conference will be hosted by All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque. The format for this year's conference will be very similar to last year's. Our guest speakers will represent several of our key advocacy priorities this coming year. We are hoping to have a guest legislator or two as well.
          Another date to add to your calendar, is January 23rd, 2024. That is the date of the 2024 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. Planning is already underway. For both our Lutheran and ecumenical partners, this session's event will be especially important as it will be the final Bishop's Luncheon hosted by the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, Jim Gonia. Bishop Jim has been unmatched in his support of advocacy in our Synod for almost 10 years now. I have no doubt that if you have attended these events in the past, you would agree that his presentations are always a highlight of the day.
          If you would like to volunteer at either of these two events, help is always needed and is greatly appreciated. Please email me with your interest.
          The LAM-NM advocacy agenda is currently being developed. It will be approved by our Policy Committee in late November and by the NM Conference of Churches in early December. An agenda briefing will be planned prior to the January 16th opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The 2024 Session will take place over 30 days.
~Kurt A. Rager, LAM-NM Director, krager@rmselca.org

AMMPARO stories in Living Lutheran. This article highlights inspiring examples of migrant ministry in the US network:
https://www.livinglutheran.org/2023/09/ammparo-congregations-practice-hospitality/

Future Church: God’s Love Made Real: The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! The ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit https://lovemadereal.elca.org/ where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

Updates Beginning 8 October 2023

Today, Adult Faith Development welcomes Simren Cyril from Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains to discuss their Refugee and Asylee Program. The program is “dedicated to helping those vulnerable individuals and families rebuild their lives by equipping them to achieve self-sufficiency within their first year in the United States and fostering integration into their new communities” (from the LFS-RM website). Simren will talk about the various services LFS provides in Albuquerque and how we can be involved in the work. It should be a thought-provoking session. We start at 11:15, so pick up some refreshments after church and join us in the Conference Room. Everyone is invited! ~Bob Matthews

Halloween Candy-contribute a bag for Martineztown Children: St. Paul joins with 2nd Presbyterian Church and San Ignacio Catholic Church to offer our neighbors in Martineztown trick-or-treat sites and a party the evening of Oct. 31. Our role is to provide the wrapped candies that the children get at the party. A Halloween decorated box will be located in the church entry area to receive your bags of candy between now and Oct. 29. Your gifts of candy will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ~Ivan Westergaard

Another opportunity for fellowship on Wednesday, October 18 at 1pm. Summer is officially over but we can still scream for ice cream. Join us for this monthly ice cream social at the Dairy Queen, 6600 Holly Ave NE. ~Herb Korff

3rd Wednesday Fellowship, October 18, 6pm. We start up again with a showing of Coco – a terrific film to watch as we approach All Saints! Join us in Fellowship Hall for popcorn and beverages. You are welcome to bring a treat to share. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Online Opportunities:

This week! Logos and its various forms are used more than a thousand times in the New Testament. We know this Greek word as message or teaching or most poetically as Word, as in the Word became flesh and dwelled among us.  This weekly online gathering is a first glance at the scripture passages for the upcoming Sunday.  After we begin with a brief time of connecting and praying with one another, we read the logos and listen for where and how the Word is speaking to us today.  Join us on Monday evenings at 6pm (new time!) or Tuesday mornings at 9am.  Login info above and on our website.
and
1st Wednesday Book Group-next meeting November 1st, 6pm. Join us online for reading and discussing Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber! Nadia gives us insight into ourselves, our lives, our God, and grace in a world where we are all simultaneously sinner and saint. We will be discussing the book in thirds (1/3, about 75 pages) over three months before beginning a new one. ZOOM login info – ID: 862 2262 1120 & Passcode: 457116. ~Pr. Koppel

Remembering the Saints November 5. All Saints will be upon us before we know it! The Visual Choir will once again be hanging our All Saints photo banners. Many of you have loved ones (Our Saints) represented on these memorial collages. They have proven to be very effective in remembering those who have gone before us! For anyone who would like to add a photo of someone who has died this year, please bring or email your photo with all of the pertinent information. Your photos will be printed in black and white for the banners and displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide.
Your photo will be returned unharmed. Place in the Welcome Center box, hand to me, Jo Browning, Jan Krakow, Karen Bunch, Shirley Nilsson, or Kathy Callahan, or email to: janobowers68@gmail.com by October 22. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Asylum Seekers: How to be a "Good Samaritan." If you have been keeping up with the news, you are aware that immigrants are seeking entry to the US by any means possible, and the process for obtaining asylum is overwhelmed.  We don't have accurate information very much ahead of time regarding when buses from our southern border are scheduled to arrive.  However a bus did come in several weeks ago with just a couple days' notice, and two more are tentatively expected the week of October 22.  Patrick Van De Motter has indicated that "we have been called to help our brothers and sisters by welcoming them to this country as their asylum status moves toward court proceedings."  It's great to have Mary Graves back.  She has already jumped right in.
          And LFS is coordinating services for immigrants from many places throughout the world.  Volunteers are needed to help set up apartments and provide assistance to these refugees in many ways.  If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact: Simren Cyril, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, 230 Truman St NE, ABQ 87108, Email: simren.cyril@lfsrm.org, Office: 505.355.5345, Cell: 505.315.3748, www.lfsrm.org. To get on the email distribution list coordinated by Rae VandeMotter (All Saints Lutheran Church), send a request to: revdm1950@gmail.com.
          Thanks to all who have or will be helping with these Good Samaritan efforts. ~Hal Schultz

The Storehouse - Smiths has cases of food products on sale.  You might want to pick up a flat of goods to put in The Storehouse barrels for those in our community who are hungry. We also collect pet food. ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Luther House: "Poetry as Theology" Slam Poetry Workshop Series, Wednesdays, October 11-November 8 at 5:00pm. Please join Luther House and First Congregational United Church of Christ for our free series of Slam Poetry workshops designed to develop and express Young Adult Theological Perspectives. Please join us for the following events!

• Wednesday, October 11 from 5pm-9pm. Burque Revolt Open Mic and Poetry Slam. Canvas Artistry: 1 Central Ave. NW. Free drinks and snacks!

• Wednesday, October 18 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring award winning Slam Poet Mercedez Holtry! Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

• Wednesday, October 25 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring local slam poets. Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

• Wednesday, November 1 from 5pm-7:30pm. Slam Poetry Writing Workshop and Performance Practice! Comic-Con themed event for Halloween! Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE. Free parking in back. Free dinner at 5pm!

• Wednesday, November 8 from 5pm-9pm. Burque Revolt Open Mic and Poetry Slam. Support our folx who want to perform! Canvas Artistry: 1 Central Ave. NW. Free drinks and snacks!

Please reach out to Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres with questions at Lcmunmcnm@gmail.com or at (505) 615-2688.

3rd Annual Bennie Hargrove Giving Tree-donation boxes now available at both the Triangle Substation (2901 Central Ave. NE) and University Substation (1009 Bradbury Dr. SE). Our Criminal Investigations Division is seeking donations of gift cards to support 10 families nominated by detectives at CID. Walmart, Smith’s, Amazon, Target, Visa or food gift cards for places out to eat or entertainment; no cash will be accepted.  It’s our way of helping give back to families who have been victim to violent crimes. Please consider this opportunity to honor Bennie’s memory (shot and killed at Washington Middle School while defending a classmate,) and support families in need when you begin your holiday shopping. The deadline for all donations is December 1.

Bread for the World Southwest Regional Online Meeting (AZ, NM, OK, TX)
Hosted by Matt Gross on Thursday, October 26 at 4 pm (CT). Regional organizers hold quarterly regional online meetings to update and equip our members and to introduce Bread to those who are new. In these meetings you will receive updates on the farm bill and other legislative priorities and progress on the 2023 Offering of Letters. You will also hear from and connect with Bread members in your region and consider timely action steps you and your group can take to advocate for a world without hunger. https://www.bread.org/event/2023-october-regional-online-meetings/

Join the Every Day Campaign! Every day in our city, people are dealing with unimaginable hardships that could lead to them experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks envisions all people safely housed and integrated into healthy communities of their choice.  One everyday decision can help make a difference in the everyday lives of asylum seekers and those experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks calls 365 compassionate souls to give $1/day ($30/month).  Together, we can work and impact our community, providing crucial support and resources to those in need.  For more information, contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Brave Experiments, Monday, October 9, 6:30pm. The world has changed, and the church is adapting. Do you have questions about setting a ministry strategy in this new world? Do you wonder how best to use your church building beyond Sundays? Are you curious about creative partnerships to reach new people? Some congregations have already taken risks in these areas and learned some things that will help us.
          Join fellow congregational leaders around the Rocky Mountain Synod for a 90-minute zoom event exploring some inspiring ministry experiments. We will hear from three leaders who have taken some chances in ministry and gained insights they will share with us. After the short presentations we will enter into the small group of our choice for further conversation before returning back for a final debrief. Produced by the RMS Church Ministries Committee.
Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85471053136
Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7105 3136
Please register ahead of time for this free event:
flccs1.elexiochms.com/external/form/1d59c04b-b15b-4b42-a132-1101220fda82

Our Farm Workers & Racism Webinar, October 10, 2pm EST. Join National Farm Worker Ministry and Community to Community Development for this important webinar. The webinar will be offered in English and Spanish. Can’t attend live? You should still register! We will send out the recording after the webinar to all registrants. Register at: https://nfwm.org/.
          Our agricultural system is rooted in racism and today’s farm workers continue to face challenges connected to this legacy. From exclusionary labor laws and beyond, farm workers experience exploitative social and economic systems that impact their daily lives. To upend the unjust and racist agricultural system, farm workers are organizing to change their inhumane working and living conditions. This webinar will focus on the way racism impacts farm workers and will include topics such as historical context, environmental racism, modern-day slavery, discriminatory practices against farmers of color, and more. We will also include ways you can take action to make a positive difference for farm workers. ~RMS AMMPARO

Congregations Creatively Welcoming Neighbors! Working Poor Families…Single Unhoused Persons. Tuesday, October 10, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network for Housing and Homelessness: What Can Congregations Do? Join us to learn and dream! Panel Members are:
Pastor Joel Pancoast – Safe Lot, Zion Lutheran in Loveland, CO
Pastor Joene Herr – Safe Outdoor Spaces, Christ Lutheran in Santa Fe, NM
Mr. Craig Tamminga – Habitat for Humanity, Augustana Lutheran in Denver, CO
Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/87461345638?pwd=5lbaYyu91oK1Zuvjyc404DDvShUZCA.1

Church World Service announces Partner with Us: Faith, Compassion, and Transformative Action Series. 2nd Wednesdays starting October 11, 2-3pm EST via Zoom through December 2024. The series is carefully crafted to equip and empower faith communities, faith leaders, community members, and pastors to take meaningful action within their communities in partnership with CWS. To register for the event, interested attendees can simply visit https://cwsglobal.org/partnerwithCWS. The webpage has the learning objectives for each session as well as a registration link for attendees to select the sessions that align with their interests and availability. Guided by Church World Service's mission, this series provides a unique opportunity to explore topics that highlight the power of faith, compassion, and collective efforts in bringing about positive change in communities worldwide. ~RMS AMMPARO

Learn How to be a Citizen Scientist, RMS Creation Care Team, Oct 14, 10:00am. Join Joy Sherlock from Rocky Mountain Wild to learn about being a citizen scientist. She works with the Colorado Pika Project and with Boreal Toad conservation. She will talk about the Pika as indicator species and the Boreal Toad as an endangered species of the Rocky Mountains, and explain the work she does and how you can get involved doing citizen science where you live. Although she is in Colorado, this will be a great talk for everyone in the synod. See https://www.rmselca.org/creation for the Zoom link.

Future Church: God’s Love Made Real: The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! The ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit https://lovemadereal.elca.org/ where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024-Update. The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term. You are invited (both laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation.
Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement: Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the life of the world.

North New Mexico Conference, October 28, 9:30 am, All Saints, ABQ
Conference Dean: Pastor Joene Herr (pastor.joene@christlutheransantafe.org)

Updates Beginning 1 October 2023

Today! We are delighted to welcome as our guest preacher this Sunday Abbey Reed, Director of Housing and Homelessness at Albuquerque FaithWorks. FaithWorks is an interfaith ministry, of which St. Paul is a member, that supports asylum seekers and the unhoused or at risk of becoming so. We’ll have a chance to meet Abbey and hear about her fascinating background and work at FaithWorks at the Adult Faith Development class after the service. Pick up some refreshments and meet us in the Conference Room beginning at 11:15. Everyone is welcome!

This week! First Tuesday gathering will be on October 3rd at SW Grape & Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, 4:00 - 6:00pm.  This is the time for members and friends of St. Paul to meet for conversation over snacks and beer (made in house) or whatever you want to bring.  Come join us! ~Nancy Matthews

Thank You to the St. Paul Congregation and Community for the items donated and cash donations used to fill our Hygiene Kits for the homeless. Last Sunday was an amazing day of God’s Work Our Hands as we shared worship, a meal of fine favorites and packed 50 bags, 25 women’s and 25 men’s. The bags were boxed and delivered to HopeWorks by Hal Schultz (thank you for making this delivery). In the large scope of things many more bags, items, needs are out in the world waiting for giving hands to help reach the need, we did what we could on this day and all was received with gratitude. More projects of outreach will challenge our giving as the need is always out in the world. As the need comes, may we respond with the grace that is ours and the generous gifts we have to offer. May the people say, Amen! ~Sarah Love and Olivia, Kait Kennedy, Jan Bowers, Deb Ash, Julie Ambrogi, Pastor Koppel, HopeWorks

A Big Thank You to everyone who helped out with our Rally Sunday Potluck!  Thank you for bringing so many delicious salads and desserts to accompany our enchiladas and beans from Garcia’s.  And a shout out to all who pitched in on kitchen cleanup, so we were ready to turn Fellowship Hall over to our partner ABQ Chamber Soloists for their pre-concert talk, the first they had held since before COVID. All efforts were greatly appreciated! ~Deborah Ash

Asylum Seekers: How to be a "Good Samaritan." If you have been keeping up with the news, you are aware that immigrants are seeking entry to the US by any means possible, and the process for obtaining asylum is overwhelmed.  We don't have accurate information very much ahead of time regarding when buses from our southern border are scheduled to arrive.  However a bus did come in last week with just a couple days' notice, and two more are tentatively expected the week of October 22.  Patrick Van De Motter has indicated that "we have been called to help our brothers and sisters by welcoming them to this country as their asylum status moves toward court proceedings."  It's great to have Mary Graves back.  She has already jumped right in.
          And LFS is coordinating services for immigrants from many places throughout the world.  Volunteers are needed to help set up apartments and provide assistance to these refugees in many ways.  If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact: Simren Cyril, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, 230 Truman St NE, ABQ 87108, Email: simren.cyril@lfsrm.org, Office: 505.355.5345, Cell: 505.315.3748, www.lfsrm.org. To get on the email distribution list coordinated by Rae VandeMotter (All Saints Lutheran Church), send a request to: revdm1950@gmail.com.
          Thanks to all who have or will be helping with these Good Samaritan efforts. ~Hal Schultz

Seeking fresh ideas, invigorating energy. Calico Butterfly Preschool is thriving. The Federal Stimulus money has enabled us to renew and refresh our preschool inside the building and outside in the playground with a whole new look! Now the Calico Board is asking that you consider joining us in this journey. We are looking for 2 board members who could commit to one 2-hour meeting each month with us, our director, Marisol Flores and Pastor Koppel. We just completed a strategic planning session that has resulted in our commitment to seek to offer a NM Pre-K program. As a Board member, you would also have the joyful opportunity to attend 2 or 3 yearly celebrations with the children, families, and staff—Halloween Parade, Christmas music evening program and May graduation. The program has a bounty of children, families who love the care their children receive, and a director and staff who are committed to these children we serve. We would all benefit from your fresh ideas and invigorating energy. Please give this invitation your  consideration. ~Paula Eglinton, on behalf of the Calico Board

The Storehouse - Smiths has cases of food products on sale.  You might want to pick up a flat of goods to put in The Storehouse barrels for those in our community who are hungry. We also collect pet food. ~Nancy Matthews

Name tags really help us to learn the names of those who have been coming lately.  If you don't have one already, please put your name on the clipboard in the Welcome Center.  Long-time members and friends - our recent visitors want to learn your names too!  Look in the cabinet in the Narthex that holds our name tags before you go into worship.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Join the Every Day Campaign! Every day in our city, people are dealing with unimaginable hardships that could lead to them experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks envisions all people safely housed and integrated into healthy communities of their choice.  One everyday decision can help make a difference in the everyday lives of asylum seekers and those experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks calls 365 compassionate souls to give $1/day ($30/month).  Together, we can work and impact our community, providing crucial support and resources to those in need.  For more information, contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org.

Front Desk Volunteer Administrator. Would you like to help with the day-to-day operations at ABQ FaithWorks?  We are looking for people willing to help us answer phones, input data, and more.  For more information, please contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email at hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org
~Dora Gallegos

National Coffee with a Cop Day, Wednesday, October 4th.  The University Area Command event will be hosted at Weck’s, 5115 Central NE, 7AM – 9AM; the Southeast Area Command event will be hosted at Kap’s Coffee Shop & Diner, 5801 Central NE, 9:30AM – 11:30 AM. Please join us! ~Laura Kuehn, NCPS, ICPS, Crime Prevention/Crime Free Programs, Albuquerque Police

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Gift to Pacifica Synod for Hawai'i Fire Relief. RMS has sent a gift of $5,000 from our Disaster Response Fund to the Pacifica Synod to aid their direct response to the wildfires in Maui (the state of Hawai’i is part of the Pacifica Synod). The synod’s Disaster Response Team recommended the gift amount to the Synod Council, which approved sending the gift at their September 12 meeting. Given our synod’s experience with major wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico in recent years, the gift is a natural extension of sharing God’s love and caring for our neighbors in Pacifica Synod that have been so impacted by the disaster in Maui. We are Christ’s church, better together!

Lutheran World Relief Disaster Response: Libya and Morocco. Your emergency gift will meet families’ urgent needs in Morocco, Libya, and other disaster zones. Food, water, shelter, hope-whatever they need most. Thank you for showing your neighbors that even in the depths of despair, they are loved: lwr.org

Bread for the World. The U.S. Census Bureau released some upsetting – but sadly unsurprising – news: last year the U.S. saw poverty rates spike, with child poverty more than doubling to 12.4%. This means more people are struggling to make ends meet and going hungry as a result. With your help – and the help of other Bread for the World members – we can continue urging our leaders to support policies that will end hunger.
Thank you – as always – for your faithful commitment to our mission. Please know that your donations are put to work right away, helping make a better and more just world for our neighbors in need. Visit bread.org to donate. ~Justice Randolph, Deputy Director of Membership Giving

Holden Village Jubilee Auction. Holden Village is excited to announce that our biggest fundraiser event is back for the fourth year! We invite people to join us for the all-online Jubilee Auction from Wednesday, October 4 – Sunday, October 8 at https://e.givesmart.com/events/xd7/
Holden Village is a year-round remote wilderness retreat center, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington.
          Holden Village relies on donations to help cover costs of daily operations and programs. Help support our mission to welcome all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.
          You will also have the opportunity to fund other special projects and funds including supporting the Indigenous Artist-In-Residence program, new mattresses, and a portable cardiac monitor for the Holden medic station.
          We are excited to feature stays and retreats at several Lutheran and Christian camps in the Pacific Northwest and West in our auction.
          Whether you live close by or far away, whether you’ve recently visited or it has been a long time or you have never visited Holden, you can connect with the Holden community far and wide by participating in the Jubilee Auction.
          All proceeds will support Holden Village, so you can enjoy bidding on fun items and experiences for yourself or as gifts, all while sustaining Holden's mission.

Brave Experiments, Monday, October 9, 6:30pm. The world has changed, and the church is adapting. Do you have questions about setting a ministry strategy in this new world? Do you wonder how best to use your church building beyond Sundays? Are you curious about creative partnerships to reach new people? Some congregations have already taken risks in these areas and learned some things that will help us.
          Join fellow congregational leaders around the Rocky Mountain Synod for a 90-minute zoom event exploring some inspiring ministry experiments. We will hear from three leaders who have taken some chances in ministry and gained insights they will share with us. After the short presentations we will enter into the small group of our choice for further conversation before returning back for a final debrief. Produced by the RMS Church Ministries Committee.

Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85471053136
Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7105 3136
Please register ahead of time for this free event:
flccs1.elexiochms.com/external/form/1d59c04b-b15b-4b42-a132-1101220fda82 

Congregations Creatively Welcoming Neighbors! Working Poor Families…Single Unhoused Persons. Tuesday, October 10, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network for Housing and Homelessness: What Can Congregations Do? Join us to learn and dream!

Panel Members are:
Pastor Joel Pancoast – Safe Lot, Zion Lutheran in Loveland, CO
Pastor Joene Herr – Safe Outdoor Spaces, Christ Lutheran in Santa Fe, NM
Mr. Craig Tamminga – Habitat for Humanity, Augustana Lutheran in Denver, CO

Zoom:
us06web.zoom.us/j/87461345638?pwd=5lbaYyu91oK1Zuvjyc404DDvShUZCA.1

Learn How to be a Citizen Scientist, RMS Creation Care Team, Oct 14, 10:00am. Join Joy Sherlock from Rocky Mountain Wild to learn about being a citizen scientist. She works with the Colorado Pika Project and with Boreal Toad conservation. She will talk about the Pika as indicator species and the Boreal Toad as an endangered species of the Rocky Mountains, and explain the work she does and how you can get involved doing citizen science where you live. Although she is in Colorado, this will be a great talk for everyone in the synod.
See https://www.rmselca.org/creation for the Zoom link. 

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024-Update. The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term.
You are invited (both laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation. Speak with your pastor for more information about your conference's gathering.
Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement: Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the life of the world.
The webpage "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" is on the RMS website at: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election

North New Mexico Conference
October 28, 9:30 am, location TBD
Conference Dean: Pastor Joene Herr (pastor.joene@christlutheransantafe.org)

Updates Beginning 24 September 2023

Today! Come to Fellowship Hall directly after service for our Rally Day Potluck and help with the God’s Work Our Hands hygiene kit project. ~Pr. Koppel

A Huge Thank You to everyone who pitched in and made the RMS Theological Conference such a success this past week! St. Paul’s hospitality and welcome to the participants was mentioned over and over to Pr. Koppel. From helping hands, to cookie baking, to flowers, to the willingness to just make things happen, your kind and generous spirits made this a special time! ~Deborah Ash

Congratulations to Rhonda Newby-Torres on her ordination last Sunday and installation as Pastor at Luther House during the conference’s opening worship. ~Deborah Ash 

Adopted Families. More than 30 years ago two friends in two different churches had an idea. So many people have "stuff" in their lives that they don't need any more but that "stuff" could be valuable to someone whose needs are many. These two friends envisioned a joint ministry for their congregations and called it Adopted Families. You may know of this ministry. Our own Kay Schoenefeld at St. Paul was one of the original two whose dream was to help those less fortunate. She invited others in our congregation to participate. With a storage unit available to store donated items and volunteers to pick up and deliver the items to their new owners, Kay and her friend began building relationships with community service organizations in order to connect with individuals and families in need. Kay assembled a team of people to participate in this sharing ministry and she became the liaison, the coordinator, the muscle, the social worker, and the treasurer. Adopted Families and Kay Schoenefeld are one. Many of us have benefitted from this ministry. We found homes for our well-used furniture and useful household items. The need for these household items and cash is ongoing. Checks can be made to St. Paul with a note for Adopted Families. Bring small items to St. Paul or call the office if you have large items to donate.
We have learned generosity from an open-hearted giver. We have learned loving care from a selfless servant. Thank you, Kay. ~Paula Eglinton, on behalf of Stephen Ministry

Seeking fresh ideas, invigorating energy. Calico Butterfly Preschool is thriving. The Federal Stimulus money has enabled us to renew and refresh our preschool inside the building and outside in the playground with a whole new look! Now the Calico Board is asking that you consider joining us in this journey. We are looking for 2 board members who could commit to one 2-hour meeting each month with us, our director, Marisol Flores and Pastor Koppel. We just completed a strategic planning session that has resulted in our commitment to seek to offer a NM Pre-K program. As a Board member, you would also have the joyful opportunity to attend 2 or 3 yearly celebrations with the children, families, and staff—Halloween Parade, Christmas music evening program and May graduation. The program has a bounty of children, families who love the care their children receive, and a director and staff who are committed to these children we serve. We would all benefit from your fresh ideas and invigorating energy. Please give this invitation your  consideration. ~Paula Eglinton, on behalf of the Calico Board

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Resources from the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition are available in the Welcome Center.

Remember The Storehouse when you do your next grocery shopping.  We have barrels for human food and also for pet food in the Welcome Center.  We can help serve those who are hungry in our community.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Today! ABQ Chamber Soloists Season Opener at St. Paul, 2pm, ​preceded by a pre-concert chat at 1:15 PM in Fellowship Hall. With Special Guest Cellist Robert DeMaine, principal cellist of the LA Philharmonic. ​Carmelo de Los Santos, Megan Holland, violins; David Felberg, violin/viola; Kimberly Fredenburgh, viola; Robert DeMaine, James Holland, celli.

Program:
Luigi Boccherini: String Quintet in E Major
Anton Arensky: String Quartet no. 2, Op. 35
Brahms: String Sextet no. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18
Tickets: https://www.abqcs.com/

Jewish Voice for Peace ABQ and partners are excited about upcoming events in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, September 29, that focus on "Palestinian liberation and justice, equality and human rights in Israel/ Palestine.

ID Clinic. ABQ FaithWorks and The Central United Methodist Church on 201 University Blvd NE will hold an ID Clinic every Wednesday from 10 am-12 pm for anyone who needs IDs such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, etc. This free service is available for anyone, including our migrant and unhoused community.  ABQ FaithWorks is about to start a SECOND ID clinic, and we are looking for volunteers who would like to get involved. If you have any questions about this clinic or would like to volunteer, please contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email at hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org 

Front Desk Volunteer Administrator. Would you like to help with the day-to-day operations at ABQ FaithWorks?  We are looking for people willing to help us answer phones, input data, and more.  For more information, please contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email at hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org

Join the Every Day Campaign! Every day in our city, people are dealing with unimaginable hardships that could lead to them experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks envisions all people safely housed and integrated into healthy communities of their choice.  One everyday decision can help make a difference in the everyday lives of asylum seekers and those experiencing homelessness.  ABQ FaithWorks calls 365 compassionate souls to give $1/day ($30/month).  Together, we can work and impact our community, providing crucial support and resources to those in need.   For more information, contact Abbey Reed at 505-225-2752 or email at hhdirector@abqfaithworks.org

Volunteers Needed. ABQ FaithWorks has many opportunities for volunteering and we would love to talk about opportunities to serve.  Please reach out to info@abqfaithworks.org or call 505-457-1728 for more information.
~Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

Bread for the World. Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released some upsetting – but sadly unsurprising – news: last year the U.S. saw poverty rates spike, with child poverty more than doubling to 12.4%. This means more people are struggling to make ends meet and going hungry as a result. With your help – and the help of other Bread for the World members – we can continue urging our leaders to support policies that will end hunger.
Thank you – as always – for your faithful commitment to our mission. Please know that your donations are put to work right away, helping make a better and more just world for our neighbors in need. Visit bread.org to donate. ~Justice Randolph, Deputy Director of Membership Giving

 From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization Fall Gathering October 6-7. Meeting at First Lutheran Church-Peel House, Colorado Springs, with a full agenda including Bishop Gonia leading opening worship on Friday night. Come learn, share, meditate, hug, and sing with your sisters. Registration is $50 including meals. Contact Sharon Hamilton in the St. Paul Office for a registration form—due no later than Friday, Sept. 29th!

RMS Generosity Conference this week, Sept. 25-27, Messiah Mtn Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:
Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the RMS website. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead. See: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election.

Lutheran World Relief Disaster Response: Libya and Morocco. Your emergency gift will meet families’ urgent needs in Morocco, Libya, and other disaster zones. Food, water, shelter, hope — whatever they need most. Thank you for showing your neighbors that even in the depths of despair, they are loved. Donate at: https://lwr.org/

One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, the Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation, Krakow, Poland, was held 13-19 September, concluding with the communion’s member churches pledging to strengthen the bonds between them, celebrate the gift of unity in diversity, and serve the neighbor, “knowing that the center is always Christ.” 
Delegates to the weeklong gathering of LWF’s highest decision-making body said they were returning to their home countries “with a deeper sense of what it means to be churches in communion.” As churches in ongoing reformation, they stated, “we are called to work for peace in the world, between people, countries and with the whole creation.”
To read the press releases from the Assembly, view recorded sessions, and see photos, visit https://2023.lwfassembly.org/

National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, Saturday, Sept. 30. During September we remember the survivors and descendants of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. You can participate on September 30 by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself or members of your congregation or community on social media. Use the hashtags #ELCA #TruthAndHealing and #DayOfRememberance. If you would like to support the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), you can purchase an orange shirt with their logo. However, any orange shirt will work.
Throughout September the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement has provided opportunities to learn about Indian boarding schools, including conversations with boarding schools survivors and descendants of survivors, advocacy opportunities and more.
The ELCA is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Further, our learning and advocacy related to Indian boarding schools will not end Sept. 30 as our journey toward healing will continue – throughout the Truth and Healing Movement and beyond. To learn more and get involved, visit elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools.

Updates Beginning 17 September 2023

Next Sunday: Rally Sunday Potluck! Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to bring salads or desserts for our Rally Sunday lunch on the 24th. We are looking for some helping hands for setup and cleanup as well. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

This week! Theological Conference 2023: God's Refracted Love for the World. St. Paul is proud to be one of the four regional hosts for this year’s RMS Theological Conference! We welcome to our Campus Bishop Gonia, RMS staff member Yvonne Wilken, and 30 rostered leaders starting tomorrow. Thank you to the many who are volunteering their time (and baking cookies!) to make this a success. ~Deborah Ash

Next Sunday! God’s Work Our Hands Project on Rally Sunday, September 24th. Our goal is to build 50 kits after our potluck lunch. You can bring the following items that day or, if you do not want to shop but want to participate make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:

·        New socks and underwear
·        Bar soap (travel Size)
·        Feminine products
·        Deodorant (travel size)
·        Mini shampoos & conditioner
·        Wet wipes
·        Chapsticks
·        Razors
·        Lotion (travel size)

Adopted Families: We learned of a woman whose husband just passed away. She has a job and her daughter and two grandchildren live with her. Expenses connected with her husband's passing left her a bit short financially, so we paid her water bill (which was just over $42). She was very grateful. We also delivered a donated washer and dryer to a single mom who is living in an apartment. She thanked me several times and gave me two hugs. She is currently looking for a job and was hopeful of finding one soon. She has plenty of challenges in her life but she talked about a friend of hers who also has many challenges, and she kept saying how the two of them helped each other as much as they could. It was a good reminder of the objective of Adopted Families, which is to help people who are trying to help themselves.
As always, if you have large items to donate, call me to arrange for pickup; bring small items to the narthex coatroom. To donate money, make checks payable to St. Paul, mark them for Adopted Families and place them in the Sunday offering or church office. Thank you very much. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

Remember The Storehouse when you do your next grocery shopping.  We have barrels for human food and also for pet food in the Welcome Center.  We can help serve those who are hungry in our community.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Aluminum. Yes, we still do collect aluminum! Our children do a fine job deciding which ministries to support with the money from selling the metal.  Keep supporting our children as they support those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Resources from the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition are available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Nametags. Please remember to wear your name tags at church.  We do have new faces around and the name tags help them to learn our names.  If you come regularly and need a name tag, please look on the counter in the Welcome Center for the sign-up list.  Then we will know your names, too! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

This afternoon:

Online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stCongregationalUCCABQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Zoom gathering to watch the live stream starts 10 minutes before the service at
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6456846642
Meeting ID: 645 684 6642
One tap mobile +12532158782

Next Sunday, 9/24: ABQ Chamber Soloists Season Opener at St. Paul, 2pm.
With Special Guest Cellist Robert DeMaine, principal cellist of the LA Philharmonic. ​Carmelo de Los Santos, Megan Holland, violins; David Felberg, violin/viola; Kimberly Fredenburgh, viola; Robert DeMaine, James Holland, celli.

Program:
Luigi Boccherini: String Quintet in E Major
Anton Arensky: String Quartet no. 2, Op. 35
Brahms: String Sextet no. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18

Tickets: https://www.abqcs.com/

HopeWorks:

A Thank You to St. Paul from Storehouse: Thank you for your recurring donation. From January 1-June 30, you donated $1,080 helping the Storehouse family provide 5,400 meals to those struggling with food insecurity. We are grateful to the St. Paul community. Thank you for supporting our mission! ~Amy Lavender, VP of Development and Samantha Chavez, Development Coordinator 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran World Relief Disaster Response: Libya and Morocco. Your emergency gift will meet families’ urgent needs in Morocco, Libya and other disaster zones. Food, water, shelter, hope — whatever they need most. Thank you for showing your neighbors that even in the depths of despair, they are loved. Donate at: https://lwr.org/

The Faith Formation Network is an open community of people made of up volunteer, lay, and rostered leaders who are passionate about the ways in which the church supports faith at home, youth and family ministry, young adults, and the ongoing faith learning in older adults.

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. We will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:
Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Rocky Mountain Synod Forms New Property Committee. The Synod is organizing a new Property Committee with the primary function to advise on strategic planning, resource allocation, and procedural systems related to the care and management of RMS properties. This includes supporting the on-site work of managers at the Lutheran Center and Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.
The Synod is seeking three or four volunteers to serve as committee members for one- or two-year terms. This committee is best served by synod members who are lay or rostered individuals with the desire to share expertise related to one or more industries: property management, construction management, architecture, environmental issues, property inspection, real estate, or legal issues. Members do not need to live in the Denver area. Send inquiries or recommendations to treasurer@rmselca.org.

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the RMS website. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead. See: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election.

Updates Beginning 10 September 2023

Rally Sunday Potluck! Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to bring salads or desserts for our Rally Sunday lunch on the 24th. We are looking for some helping hands for setup and cleanup as well. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

Theological Conference 2023: God's Refracted Love for the World, 18-21 Sept. St. Paul is proud to be one of the four regional hosts for this year’s RMS Theological Conference! Our campus will be bustling with approximately 35 rostered leaders and RMS staff that week. We are looking for helping hands to assist with setup/breakdown of Fellowship Hall, serving dinner/kitchen cleanup Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus other opportunities to welcome and make our guests comfortable throughout this important event. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center or contact me in the Church Office. ~Deborah Ash

Another opportunity for fellowship this Wednesday, Sept 13th. Summer is officially over but we can still scream for ice cream. Join us for the first of what we hope to be a monthly ice cream social at the Dairy Queen,  6600 Holly Ave NE, at 1PM. ~Herb Korff

God’s Work Our Hands Project on Rally Sunday, September 24th. Help us collect over the next few weeks enough of these specific hygiene items so that on Rally Sunday we, as a congregation, can work our hands and hearts together to make Hygiene Kits to be shared in and around our community. Some will go to HopeWorks to be passed out, some will be used at St. Paul by Pastor for homeless seeking help, perhaps you would want to take one to a corner or area by you to share. Our goal is to build 50 kits on this particular day, which means that over the next few weeks we need to collect, collect, collect. Sample kits are available to see the items required to fill a kit. Please adhere to the size and product sample requested. If you do not want to shop but want to participate, make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. Help St. Paul Lutheran be the gift for others and attend on Sunday, September 24th to put this project together. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:

·        New socks and underwear
·        Bar soap (travel Size)
·        Feminine products
·        Deodorant (travel size)
·        Mini shampoos & conditioner
·        Wet wipes
·        Chapsticks
·        Razors
·        Lotion (travel size)

Remember The Storehouse when you do your next grocery shopping.  We have barrels for human food and also for pet food in the Welcome Center.  We can help serve those who are hungry in our community.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Aluminum. Yes, we still do collect aluminum! Our children do a fine job deciding which ministries to support with the money from selling the metal.  Keep supporting our children as they support those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Resources from the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition are available in the Welcome Center.

Nametags. Please remember to wear your name tags at church.  We do have new faces around and the name tags help them to learn our names.  If you come regularly and need a name tag, please look on the counter in the Welcome Center for the sign-up list.  Then we will know your names, too! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stCongregationalUCCABQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Zoom gathering to watch the live stream starts 10 minutes before the service at
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6456846642
Meeting ID: 645 684 6642
One tap mobile +12532158782

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Housing and Homelessness, September 12, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network to ponder this important topic for our life together! Ryan P Cumming, Ph.D., Director of Education and Networks/Building Resilient Communities Team, is our speaker for the Zoom event. He will talk about the current state of homelessness in the U.S. and share some stories from housing ministries supported by ELCA World Hunger.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4418378179?pwd=QldRZU5wMUZaSXBER0pRQmpOWk82QT09 / Meeting ID: 441 837 8179. Passcode: Lutheran

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Rocky Mountain Synod Forms New Property Committee. The Synod is organizing a new Property Committee with the primary function to advise on strategic planning, resource allocation, and procedural systems related to the care and management of RMS properties. This includes supporting the on-site work of managers at the Lutheran Center and Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.
The Synod is seeking three or four volunteers to serve as committee members for one- or two-year terms. This committee is best served by synod members who are lay or rostered individuals with the desire to share expertise related to one or more industries: property management, construction management, architecture, environmental issues, property inspection, real estate, or legal issues. Members do not need to live in the Denver area. Send inquiries or recommendations to treasurer@rmselca.org.

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can
participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

ELCA Truth and Healing Movement. Many upcoming events for Sept-Nov are listed at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement.

September is the month of remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools for the Truth and Healing Movement. There will be opportunities to learn about federal Indian Boarding School policies and to address the ongoing trauma those policies have caused. As a church, we are committed to understanding our role in this tragic and sinful history so that we can journey towards healing together.

Presentation: A Conversation With Indian Boarding School Survivors Sept 13. Save this date – We will have the honor of hosting a conversation with survivors of Indian Boarding Schools. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time.

Presentation: A Conversation With Descendants of Indian Boarding School Survivors Sept 18. We will also have the opportunity to hear from descendants of survivors of Indian Boarding Schools. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time.

Presentation: The ELCA’s Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative Sept 21. The Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is intended to organize Lutherans to seek and tell the truth about Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools in the United States and their impact on Native peoples. Hundreds of ELCA members have already participated in the Initiative during phase one this past year, and phase two has recently commenced. Join us to hear more about the Initiative, what we have learned, and how you can get involved. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time.

September 30: National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools-wear orange!

Updates Beginning 3 September 2023

Rally Sunday Potluck! Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to bring salads or desserts for our Rally Sunday lunch on the 24th. We are looking for some helping hands as well for setup and cleanup. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

Theological Conference 2023: God's Refracted Love for the World, 18-21 Sept. St. Paul is proud to be one of the four regional hosts for this year’s RMS Theological Conference! Our campus will be bustling with approximately 35 rostered leaders and RMS staff that week. We are looking for helping hands to assist with setup/breakdown of Fellowship Hall, serving dinner/kitchen cleanup Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus other opportunities to welcome and make our guests comfortable throughout this important event. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center or contact me in the Church Office. ~Deborah Ash

First Tuesday is this week! Sept. 5th at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.  There is no agenda, just time to visit and to get to know each other better.  Bring your own snack if you wish. Beer is available but if you don't drink beer, bring your own beverage of choice. ~Nancy Matthews

God’s Work Our Hands Project on Rally Sunday, September 24th. Help us collect over the next few weeks enough of these specific hygiene items so that on Rally Sunday we, as a congregation, can work our hands and hearts together to make Hygiene Kits to be shared in and around our community. Some will go to HopeWorks to be passed out, some will be used at St. Paul by Pastor for homeless seeking help, perhaps you would want to take one to a corner or area by you to share. Our goal is to build 50 kits on this particular day, which means that over the next few weeks we need to collect, collect, collect. Sample kits are available to see the items required to fill a kit. Please adhere to the size and product sample requested. If you do not want to shop but want to participate, make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. Help St. Paul Lutheran be the gift for others and attend on Sunday, September 24th to put this project together. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:

·        New socks and underwear
·        Bar soap (travel Size)
·        Feminine products
·        Deodorant (travel size)
·        Mini shampoos & conditioner
·        Wet wipes
·        Chapsticks
·        Razors
·        Lotion (travel size)

Remember The Storehouse when you do your next grocery shopping.  We have barrels for human food and also for pet food in the Welcome Center.  We can help serve those who are hungry in our community.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Aluminum. Yes, we still do collect aluminum! Our children do a fine job deciding which ministries to support with the money from selling the metal.  Keep supporting our children as they support those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

A Thank You from Madagascar! Many of you may know that my Jan's dad, Don Ciesielski, was a pastor.  When he passed away several years ago, Jan held on to his stoles.  They were lovingly made by her grandmother (Don's mother-in-law) and no doubt have many years left to serve.  We've wanted for some time to find a new home for them, but just haven't.  A wonderful God wink happened several weeks ago when Patrick asked me if we knew of any stoles that were not being used.  When Patrick and family went to Madagascar they surprised his brother Fred, who is also a pastor, with Jan's Dad's stoles!  Praise God for such far reaching joy! ~Pr. Koppel

Nametags. Please remember to wear your name tags at church.  We do have new faces around and the name tags help them to learn our names.  If you come regularly and need a name tag, please look on the counter in the Welcome Center for the sign-up list.  Then we will know your names, too! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Resources from the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition are available in the Welcome Center.

From Local Partner Organizations

Come Celebrate with FaithWorks! This Friday, September 8, 2023, please come celebrate with us as we say goodbye to Executive Director, Jessica Corley. There will be refreshments at the office at 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 4, Suite 120 from 2PM-4PM. Drop in to wish Jessica good luck!

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can
participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

Bread for the World Action Alert. Food for Peace is one of the U.S. government’s most important global food assistance programs. In the more than 60 years since it began, the program has reached approximately four billion people in 150 countries with both emergency support and resilience-building programs. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) are circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter asking Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the Food for Peace program in the 2023 Farm Bill. Please urge your representative to sign the letter. Food for Peace must be reauthorized as a part of the farm bill every five years. Its emergency programs save millions of lives around the world. Food for Peace also funds critical programs that strengthen communities’ ability to feed themselves and decrease dependency on U.S. foreign aid. Evidence shows that every $1 invested in these programs saves $3 in humanitarian aid. https://www.bread.org/act/

Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief partner to support farmers and families in newly liberated areas of Ukraine. Lutheran Disaster Response, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)'s ministry to provide short- and long-term recovery when disasters strike in the United States and around the world, is responding to urgent humanitarian needs and supporting agricultural livelihood recovery in Ukraine though a $1 million grant to Lutheran World Relief, a Corus International organization. The Supporting Farmers to Restore Resilient Livelihoods in Kharkiv (SPARRK) project will run through November 2024 and is centered in Kharkiv Oblast, one of the first regions targeted by the Russian offensive and where Ukrainian forces have reclaimed thousands of square kilometers of territory. The funding will significantly scale up existing Lutheran World Relief humanitarian response operations in Kharkiv, more than doubling the number of families that will receive critical support. https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8203

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Housing and Homelessness, September 12, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network to ponder this important topic for our life together! Ryan P Cumming, Ph.D., Director of Education and Networks/Building Resilient Communities Team is our speaker for the Zoom event. He will talk about the current state of homelessness in the U.S. and share some stories from housing ministries supported by ELCA World Hunger.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4418378179?pwd=QldRZU5wMUZaSXBER0pRQmpOWk82QT09 / Meeting ID: 441 837 8179. Passcode: Lutheran

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the Events section of the Rocky Mountain Synod website: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead.

ELCA Action Alert. The ELCA’s Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery includes our church’s commitment “to supporting the healing of survivors of Indian boarding schools, adoption, and foster care and their descendants while advocating for policies that will bring both truth and justice.”

While active in the Senate, the House must be urged to move forward the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act toward passage. Your voice is needed. Learn more and act here:
https://support.elca.org/site/SPageNavigator/elca_action_center.html

ELCA Truth and Healing Movement. Many upcoming events for Sept-Nov are listed at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement.

September is the month of remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools for the Truth and Healing Movement. There will be opportunities to learn about federal Indian Boarding School policies and to address the ongoing trauma those policies have caused. As a church, we are committed to understanding our role in this tragic and sinful history so that we can journey towards healing together.

Presentation: A Conversation With Indian Boarding School Survivors Sept 13. Save this date – We will have the honor of hosting a conversation with survivors of Indian Boarding Schools. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time. 

Presentation: A Conversation With Descendants of Indian Boarding School Survivors Sept 18. We will also have the opportunity to hear from descendants of survivors of Indian Boarding Schools. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time.

Presentation: The ELCA’s Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative Sept 21. The Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is intended to organize Lutherans to seek and tell the truth about Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools in the United States and their impact on Native peoples. Hundreds of ELCA members have already participated in the Initiative during phase one this past year, and phase two has recently commenced. Join us to hear more about the Initiative, what we have learned, and how you can get involved. You can also learn more at www.elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools. 7 - 8 p.m. Central time.

September 30: National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools-wear orange!

Updates Beginning 27 August 2023

Rally Sunday, September 24th. St. Paul Lutheran Church is not yet ready to wrap-up our summer, but we are getting excited about plans to come. This announcement is specific to a God’s Work Our Hands project that will begin immediately. In the weeks to come, you will find boxes placed in the entry for collection of hygiene items. Help us collect over the next few weeks enough of these specific hygiene items so that on Rally Sunday we, as a congregation, can work our hands and hearts together to make Hygiene Kits to be shared in and around our community. Some will go to HopeWorks to be passed out, some will be used at St. Paul by Pastor for homeless seeking help, perhaps you would want to take one to a corner or area by you to share. Our goal is to build 50 kits on this particular day, which means that over the next few weeks we need to collect, collect, collect. Sample kits are available to see the items required to fill a kit. Please adhere to the size and product sample requested. If you do not want to shop but want to participate, make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. Help St. Paul Lutheran be the gift for others and attend on Sunday, September 24th to put this project together. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:
·        New socks and underwear
·        Bar soap (travel Size)
·        Feminine products
·        Deodorant (travel size)
·        Mini shampoos & conditioner
·        Wet wipes
·        Chapsticks
·        Razors
·        Lotion (travel size)

Today is the last day to order a St. Paul Lutheran Church God’s Work Our Hands tshirt, as our order must go in by midweek. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center or send in your name and size to info@stpaulabq.org. ~Deborah Ash

First Tuesday will be September 5th at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.  There is no agenda, just time to visit and to get to know each other better.  Bring your own snack if you wish. Beer is available but if you don't drink beer, bring your own beverage of choice. ~Nancy Matthews

Theological Conference 2023: "God's Refracted Love for the World", Monday-Thursday, 18-21 September. St. Paul is proud to be one of the four regional hosts for this year’s RMS Theological Conference, along with Ascension - Cheyenne, WY; Zion - Salt Lake City, UT; and First - Colorado Springs, CO! Our campus will be bustling with approximately 35 clergy and RMS staff that week. We are looking for helping hands to assist with setup/breakdown of Fellowship Hall, serving dinner/kitchen cleanup Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus other opportunities to welcome and make our guests comfortable throughout this important event. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center or contact me in the Church Office with any questions. Thank you in advance for your assistance with hosting the Rocky Mountain Synod! ~Deborah Ash

July Financials. Our combined net income (including Calico) for July was better than expected at approximately $9K positive. But that still leaves us with a deficit for the year to date of nearly $19K, an amount roughly consistent with our budgeted $40K annual deficit. We have opened a new checking account, which we were required to do after our check written to the Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA (along with countless others) was intercepted and diverted in a fraudulent account. The previous account will be closed as soon as all online direct deposits and withdrawals can be reassigned to the new account. We expect to be reimbursed for the $2,925.11 stolen check once the bank's investigation is completed. A $55K withdrawal from the church investment account was necessitated in part to fund the new checking account but also to cover previous profit and loss deficits and recent expenditures from temporarily restricted funds. ~Paul Thompson, Treasurer

Send Cards to St. Paul Members. Greeting each other on Sunday morning is such a gift. We check in with each other, listen to stories from the week past or the weeks of travel and summer delight, and share in the ups and downs of everyday life. Our congregation has several who are homebound or unable to make it to church to share their weekly and daily journeys (Becky, Betty, Barbara, Margo, Eileen, Millie, Karen, Dave). These are precious folks remembered by our Visitation team who take communion, offer conversation and prayer, sometimes just sitting at peace and offering encouragement for the moment. How about reaching out and sending a card? Remind them we are thinking of them. Let them know that they are not without our thoughts and prayers and that we hold them in our community while they are unable to attend. Cards are available at the Welcome desk, and if you fill out a card and leave it in the church office, it will be mailed for you.  Addresses are available upon request, just contact Julie Ambrogi (fambrogi@comcast.net or text 903.602.6222). Let’s not miss this opportunity to reach out beyond our usual Sunday morning greetings. ~Visitation Team

Our dear Margo has moved but is still receiving her mail at her daughter's home.  She has difficulty hearing and seeing, but she would love to hear from us via cards, photos, and letters as her daughter visits frequently and reads them for her.  Please contact Deb Ash, M-F in the office (505 242 5942 or info@stpaulabq.org) for the mailing address. ~Pr. Koppel

Remember The Storehouse when you do your next grocery shopping.  We have barrels for human food and also for pet food in the Welcome Center.  We can help serve those who are hungry in our community.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Aluminum. Yes, we still do collect aluminum! Our children do a fine job deciding which ministries to support with the money from selling the metal.  Keep supporting our children as they support those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

Nametags. Please remember to wear your name tags at church.  We do have new faces around and the name tags help them to learn our names.  If you come regularly and need a name tag, please look on the counter in the Welcome Center for the sign-up list.  Then we will know your names, too! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Messages for our Electronic Sign. Have an idea for a message? Or two? You are invited to submit them to Pr. Koppel or info@stpaulabq.org. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

"Characteristics and Advantages of Broad Based Organizing" will be presented by Albuquerque Interfaith this Wednesday, August 30, 6 to 8 pm, at RFK Charter High School. Jorge Montiel, Regional Organizer of the Industrial Areas Foundation, will present the basics of building relationships and community to get at the issues that are causing discontent and struggle in our families and developing ways to deal with those issues (that are not just acts of charity, but changes to a system that creates the need for charity). Contact ivanwestergaard@comcast.net for more information and to attend. RFK School is at 4300 Blake Rd. SW (south on Coors, west on Blake). Come early for pizza and salad. ~Ivan Westergaard

Come Celebrate with FaithWorks! On Friday, September 8, 2023, please come celebrate with us as we say goodbye to Executive Director, Jessica Corley. There will be refreshments at the office at 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 4, Suite 120 from 2PM-4PM. Drop in to wish Jessica good luck!

High Desert Hospice Volunteer Program. High Desert Hospice has volunteer training available, with two options available for volunteer work: direct and indirect volunteer services.
If an individual would like to provide companionship directly for a patient, that option is certainly available.  The activities are solely based on the creativity of the volunteer and can range from casual conversation to reading, singing, playing music, playing games, or working puzzles.  The only limitations there are on direct patient contact for a volunteer are no transferring the patient and no feeding the patient.  Other than that, any comfort provided would be wonderful! 
Indirect volunteer services could include assisting with a volunteer recruiting event, spreading volunteer information within the community, or even coming into the office and assisting the administrative staff with administrative tasks.
          A High Desert Hospice Volunteer is considered an unpaid employee so is required to have current fingerprints and a background check paid for by High Desert Hospice.  Other than that, though there are no requirements other than a compassionate heart for the suffering and loneliness of our patients.
          Please reach out if you have any questions or would be interested in volunteering. ~Michelle Martin, Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, High Desert Hospice, (505) 205-3400, www.highdeserthospice.care

HopeWorks: Join Us! Community Lunch + Tours. Please join us for one of our upcoming events, Wed 9/20 or Wed 10/18. We provide lunch and lead a conversation about our current work before diving into our vision for the future, followed by a walking tour of the campus, including a brief visit to Hope Village, the first constructed single-site permanent supportive housing project in the state. Hear the latest about our renovation project that will allow us to expand our therapy services by 25%! In your RSVP to rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org, please let us know what date you would like to attend, how many guests you expect, and if you have any dietary restrictions. We welcome you to invite friends and family who might also be interested in ending homelessness. You can also call (505) 242-4399 x332 to let us know you would like to attend. ~Rachel Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

 
From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Relief for Wildfires on Maui. The Situation: Multiple wildfires have broken out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, these fires have destroyed homes, businesses and lines of communication. Thousands of people are under evacuation orders, some moving to other Hawaiian islands. Wildfires are also burning on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the islands remain vulnerable to more fires this season.
Our Response: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction. Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to accompanying recovering communities in the years ahead. Learn more at: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/US-Wildfires

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit the website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Housing and Homelessness, September 12, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network to ponder this important topic for our life together! Ryan P Cumming, Ph.D., Director of Education and Networks/Building Resilient Communities Team, is our speaker for the Zoom event. He will talk about the current state of homelessness in the U.S. and share some stories from housing ministries supported by ELCA World Hunger.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4418378179?pwd=QldRZU5wMUZaSXBER0pRQmpOWk82QT09
Meeting ID: 441 837 8179. Passcode: Lutheran

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the Events section of the Rocky Mountain Synod website: https://www.rmselca.org/2024-synod-assembly-bishop-election. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead.

The ELCA’s Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery includes our church’s commitment “to supporting the healing of survivors of Indian boarding schools, adoption, and foster care and their descendants while advocating for policies that will bring both truth and justice”.
While active in the Senate, the House must be urged to move forward the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act toward passage. Your voice is needed. Learn more and act here: https://support.elca.org/site/SPageNavigator/elca_action_center.html

Updates Beginning 20 August 2023

Rally Sunday, September 24th. St. Paul Lutheran Church is not yet ready to wrap-up our summer, but we are getting excited about plans to come. This announcement is specific to a God’s Work Our Hands project that will begin immediately. In the weeks to come, you will find boxes placed in the entry for collection of hygiene items. Help us collect over the next few weeks enough of these specific hygiene items so that on Rally Sunday we, as a congregation, can work our hands and hearts together to make Hygiene Kits to be shared in and around our community. Some will go to HopeWorks to be passed out, some will be used at St. Paul by Pastor for homeless seeking help, perhaps you would want to take one to a corner or area by you to share. Our goal is to build 50 kits on this particular day, which means that over the next few weeks we need to collect, collect, collect. Sample kits are available to see the items required to fill a kit. Please adhere to the size and product sample requested. If you do not want to shop but want to participate, make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. Help St. Paul Lutheran be the gift for others and attend on Sunday, September 24th to put this project together. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:

·        New socks and underwear
·        Bar soap (travel Size)
·        Feminine products
·        Deodorant (travel size)
·        Mini shampoos & conditioner
·        Wet wipes
·        Chapsticks
·        Razors
·        Lotion (travel size)

Send Cards to St. Paul Members. Greeting each other on Sunday morning is such a gift. We check in with each other, listen to stories from the week past or the weeks of travel and summer delight, and share in the ups and downs of everyday life. Our congregation has several who are homebound or unable to make it to church to share their weekly and daily journeys (Becky, Betty, Barbara, Margo, Eileen, Millie, Karen, Dave). These are precious folks remembered by our Visitation team who take communion, offer conversation and prayer, sometimes just sitting at peace and offering encouragement for the moment. How about reaching out and sending a card? Remind them we are thinking of them. Let them know that they are not without our thoughts and prayers and that we hold them in our community while they are unable to attend. Cards are available at the Welcome desk, and if you fill out a card and leave it in the church office, it will be mailed for you.  Addresses are available upon request, just contact Julie Ambrogi (fambrogi@comcast.net or text 903.602.6222). Let’s not miss this opportunity to reach out beyond our usual Sunday morning greetings. ~Visitation Team

Our dear Margo has moved but is still receiving her mail at her daughter's home.  She has difficulty hearing and seeing, but she would love to hear from us via cards, photos, and letters as her daughter visits frequently and reads them for her.  Please contact Deb Ash, M-F in the office (505 242 5942 or info@stpaulabq.org) for the mailing address. ~Pr. Koppel

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Food is always needed as is pet food!  There are barrels just to the right of Buzz on Sunday morning. Just leave your food donations in the appropriate barrel there. We send them on to The Storehouse, which provides free food to those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

Do you have a name tag to wear on Sunday mornings? They really help us to learn your names, now that our memories are dimming a little.  If you do not have one, request one on the clipboard just inside the Narthex. But check the name tags in the cabinet in front of clipboard, as there may already be one. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Messages for our Electronic Sign. Have an idea for a message? Or two? You are invited to submit them to Pr. Koppel or info@stpaulabq.org. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Come Celebrate with Us! On Friday, September 8, 2023, please come celebrate with us as we say goodbye to Executive Director, Jessica Corley. There will be refreshments at the office at 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 4, Suite 120 from 2PM-4PM. Drop in to wish Jessica good luck! Following the office goodbye party, please join us at Canvas Artistry at 1 Central Ave, third floor for live music and dancing. Canvas Artistry offers great food and beverages for purchase. We have reservations beginning at 5PM in Jessica’s name.

Dignity not Detention-New Mexico Coalition Day of Remembrance. August 24th at 6:00pm in front of the ABQ ICE Field Office (5441 Watson Drive SE, 87106). This event is to honor all those who have suffered in ICE detention: those currently or formerly in immigrant detention at facilities all over the country, and those who have died in detention, including Kesley Vial, who died tragically on August 24th, 2022. Speakers will include members of Kesley's family, survivors of New Mexico's ICE detention centers, and local advocates fighting to close these facilities. If you have any questions or would like to further support this Day of Remembrance, please contact NMILC Attorney Sophia Genovese at sgenovese@nmilc.org.

High Desert Hospice Volunteer Program. High Desert Hospice has volunteer training available, with two options available for volunteer work: direct and indirect volunteer services.
If an individual would like to provide companionship directly for a patient, that option is certainly available.  The activities are solely based on the creativity of the volunteer and can range from casual conversation to reading, singing, playing music, playing games, or working puzzles.  The only limitations there are on direct patient contact for a volunteer are no transferring the patient and no feeding the patient.  Other than that, any comfort provided would be wonderful!
Indirect volunteer services could include assisting with a volunteer recruiting event, spreading volunteer information within the community, or even coming into the office and assisting the administrative staff with administrative tasks.
          A High Desert Hospice Volunteer is considered an unpaid employee so is required to have current fingerprints and a background check paid for by High Desert Hospice.  Other than that, though there are no requirements other than a compassionate heart for the suffering and loneliness of our patients.
          Please reach out if you have any questions or would be interested in volunteering. ~Michelle Martin, Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, High Desert Hospice, (505) 205-3400, www.highdeserthospice.care

HopeWorks: Join Us! Community Lunch + Tours. Please join us for one of our upcoming events, Wed 9/20 or Wed 10/18. We provide lunch and lead a conversation about our current work before diving into our vision for the future, followed by a walking tour of the campus, including a brief visit to Hope Village, the first constructed single-site permanent supportive housing project in the state. Hear the latest about our renovation project that will allow us to expand our therapy services by 25%! In your RSVP to rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org, please let us know what date you would like to attend, how many guests you expect, and if you have any dietary restrictions. We welcome you to invite friends and family who might also be interested in ending homelessness. You can also call (505) 242-4399 x332 to let us know you would like to attend. ~Rachel Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Relief for Wildfires on Maui. The Situation: Multiple wildfires have broken out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, these fires have destroyed homes, businesses and lines of communication. Thousands of people are under evacuation orders, some moving to other Hawaiian islands. Wildfires are also burning on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the islands remain vulnerable to more fires this season.
Our Response: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction. Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to accompanying recovering communities in the years ahead. Learn more at: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/US-Wildfires

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion! Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit the website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

ELCA Global Church Network: What can Faith Communities Do to Welcome Asylum Seekers? As a member of the Global Church, you are invited to watch this video about how the Lutheran church in migrants’ countries of origin are responding to realities of migration: Education opens doors for young women in Guatemala https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhP_XI4KeA8

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. Electing a bishop is one of the most important responsibilities in the life of a synod and a key responsibility of the Synod Assembly (April 25-27, 2024 - Loveland, CO). As an election, it is a process governed by the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of the synod; however, it is also a call process. As such, it involves discernment, from the perspective both of individual potential nominees and of the synod as a whole. This summer the Synod Council began the process which will lead to the election of a new Bishop at the Synod Assembly in April 2024. The first step in that process has been the appointment of a Bishop Election Committee, comprised of rostered leaders and lay people from around the synod. This committee has the responsibility of assuring that a fair and competent election is held, and also assuring that opportunities for feedback, discernment, and reflection are widely available prior to the 2024 Assembly. Along with the leadership of Conference Deans, the committee will organize gatherings for rostered leaders and laypeople this fall. Input from rostered leaders will also be invited at the fall Theological Gatherings. Watch the weekly eConnection and the Synod website for more information regarding the logistics of the election and the dates and locations of Conference Gatherings. The Committee members are: Pr. Ann Hultquist, Chair, Christian Mogren, Utah Conference, Elizabeth Mullins, Border Conference, Pam McClune, Metro West Conference, Pr. Carrie Baylis, Southeast Colorado Conference, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, North New Mexico Conference, Pr. John Knutson, Northern Colorado Conference

Housing and Homelessness, September 12, 6:30pm. Join the RMS Hunger Network to ponder this important topic for our life together! Ryan P Cumming, Ph.D., Director of Education and Networks/Building Resilient Communities Team

is our speaker for the Zoom event. He will talk about the current state of homelessness in the U.S. and share some stories from housing ministries supported by ELCA World Hunger.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4418378179?pwd=QldRZU5wMUZaSXBER0pRQmpOWk82QT09 / Meeting ID: 441 837 8179. Passcode: Lutheran

Updates Beginning 13 August 2023

Rally Sunday, September 24th. St. Paul Lutheran Church is not yet ready to wrap-up our summer, but we are getting excited about plans to come. Our Rally Sunday is scheduled for September 24th, more information will be coming out about that very special day, but this announcement is specific to a God’s Work Our Hands project that will begin immediately. In the weeks to come, you will find boxes placed in the entry for collection of hygiene items. Help us collect over the next few weeks enough of these specific hygiene items so that on Rally Sunday we, as a congregation, can work our hands and hearts together to make Hygiene Kits to be shared in and around our community. Some will go to HopeWorks to be passed out, some will be used at St. Paul by Pastor for homeless seeking help, perhaps you would want to take one to a corner or area by you to share. Our goal is to build 50 kits on this particular day, which means that over the next few weeks we need to collect, collect, collect. Sample kits are available to see the items required to fill a kit. Please adhere to the size and product sample requested. If you do not want to shop but want to participate, make a donation to this project. Each kit costs about $20. Help St. Paul Lutheran be the gift for others and attend on Sunday, September 24th to put this project together. If you have questions, talk to Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love & Olivia, Kait Kennedy, or Deb Ash. God’s Work Our Hands is our mission. Items for each kit:
New socks and underwear
Bar soap (travel Size)
Feminine products
Deodorant (travel size)
Mini shampoos & conditioner
Wet wipes
Chapsticks
Razors
Lotion (travel size)

Our dear Margo has moved but is still receiving her mail at her daughter's home.  She has difficulty hearing and seeing, but she would love to hear from us via cards, photos, and letters as her daughter visits frequently and reads them for her.  Please contact Deb Ash, M-F in the office (505 242 5942 or info@stpaulabq.org) for the mailing address. ~Pr. Koppel

Sanctuary Project. We have a concept drawing for the Sanctuary platform project and $1400 to date! To donate to our fund, indicate “Sanctuary Project” on the memo line of your check payable to St. Paul. ~Pr. Koppel

Send Cards to St. Paul Members. Greeting each other on Sunday morning is such a gift. We check in with each other, listen to stories fro

m the week past or the weeks of travel and summer delight, and share in the ups and downs of everyday life. Our congregation has several who are homebound or unable to make it to church to share their weekly and daily journeys (Becky, Betty, Barbara, Margo, Eileen, Millie, Karen, Dave). These are precious folks remembered by our Visitation team who take communion, offer conversation and prayer, sometimes just sitting at peace and offering encouragement for the moment. How about reaching out and sending a card? Remind them we are thinking of them. Let them know that they are not without our thoughts and prayers and that we hold them in our community while they are unable to attend. Cards are available at the Welcome desk and if you fill out a card and leave it in the church office, it will be mailed for you.  Addresses are available upon request, just contact Julie Ambrogi (fambrogi@comcast.net or text 903.602.6222). Let’s not miss this opportunity to reach out beyond our usual Sunday morning greetings. ~Visitation Team

Do you have a name tag to wear on Sunday mornings? They really help us to learn your names, now that our memories are dimming a little.  If you do not have one, request one on the clipboard just inside the Narthex. But check the name tags in the cabinet in front of clipboard, as there may already be one. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Food is always needed as is pet food!  There are barrels just to the right of Buzz on Sunday morning. Just leave your food donations in the appropriate barrel there. We send them on to The Storehouse, which provides free food to those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

Messages for our Electronic Sign. Have an idea for a message? Or two? You are invited to submit them to Pr. Koppel or info@stpaulabq.org. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Come Celebrate with Us! On Friday, September 8, 2023, please come celebrate with us as we say goodbye to Executive Director, Jessica Corley. There will be refreshments at the office at 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 4, Suite 120 from 2PM-4PM. Drop in to wish Jessica good luck! Following the office goodbye party, please join us at Canvas Artistry at 1 Central Ave, third floor for live music and dancing. Canvas Artistry offers great food and beverages for purchase. We have reservations beginning at 5PM in Jessica’s name.

“It has been an honor to lead this extraordinary group of volunteers and staff for the past two and ½ years. I will be joining the Board of Directors at ABQ FaithWorks after my departure. I look forward to watching us grow and achieve our vision that people are safely housed and integrated into communities of their choice! Please join us on September 8th”.

Volunteers Needed. ABQ FaithWorks is looking for a few volunteers to help us out in the office with basic office tasks, such as answering the telephone and taking messages and some light, easy typing. If you are able to commit to a few hours weekly, we would love to talk to you!  Please call our main line at 505-457-1728. ~ Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

 Join Us! Community Lunch + Tours. Please join us for one of our upcoming events, Wed 8/16, Wed 9/20, or Wed 10/18. We provide lunch and lead a conversation about our current work before diving into our vision for the future, followed by a walking tour of the campus, including a brief visit to Hope Village, the first constructed single-site permanent supportive housing project in the state. Hear the latest about our renovation project that will allow us to expand our therapy services by 25%! In your RSVP to rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org, please let us know what date you would like to attend, how many guests you expect, and if you have any dietary restrictions. We welcome you to invite friends and family who might also be interested in ending homelessness. You can also call (505) 242-4399 x332 to let us know you would like to attend. ~Rachel Rodriguez, Chief Development & Communications Officer

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024. Electing a bishop is one of the most important responsibilities in the life of a synod and a key responsibility of the Synod Assembly (April 25-27, 2024 - Loveland, CO). As an election, it is a process governed by the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of the synod; however, it is also a call process. As such, it involves discernment, from the perspective both of individual potential nominees and of the synod as a whole. This summer the Synod Council began the process which will lead to the election of a new Bishop at the Synod Assembly in April 2024. The first step in that process has been the appointment of a Bishop Election Committee, comprised of rostered leaders and lay people from around the synod. This committee has the responsibility of assuring that a fair and competent election is held, and also assuring that opportunities for feedback, discernment, and reflection are widely available prior to the 2024 Assembly. Along with the leadership of Conference Deans, the committee will organize gatherings for rostered leaders and laypeople this fall. Input from rostered leaders will also be invited at the fall Theological Gatherings. Watch the weekly eConnection and the Synod website for more information regarding the logistics of the election and the dates and locations of Conference Gatherings. The Committee members are: Pr. Ann Hultquist, Chair, Christian Mogren, Utah Conference, Elizabeth Mullins, Border Conference, Pam McClune, Metro West Conference, Pr. Carrie Baylis, Southeast Colorado Conference, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, North New Mexico Conference, Pr. John Knutson, Northern Colorado Conference

RMS Generosity Conference, September 25 – 27, Messiah Mtn. Retreat Center. The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible! The 2023 conference will focus on Stewardship and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions

• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices

• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

This is a hybrid event. Online registration is $25 per login code/per device. Questions, please contact Ms. Tina Kvitek, Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, tkvitek@rmselca.org / 720-238-3763

Updates Beginning 6 August 2023

Welcome to The Lonesome Sidewinders this morning! Thank you for sharing your musical gifts as part of our worship today! ~Pr. Koppel

After service today, we need a few helping hands to move chairs and risers out of the Choir Room to the back of the Sanctuary. The floors in the east halls and rooms are being stripped and waxed Mon-Tues. We will look to reset the room on Thursday—if you can stop by to help, please let me know! ~Deborah Ash

Another graduation to celebrate! Rijasoa has shared the happy news that son Rojo Josoa graduated from high school on June 17th. He attended Madagascar Christian Academy in Antananarivo. Rojo plans to attend CNM here beginning Spring 2024 to study accounting. Congratulations, Rojo, from your St. Paul family! ~Deborah Ash

Friends Feeding Friends. This past week, 30 trays of ready-to-serve spaghetti were prepared for the meal we provide at HopeWorks! Funds that were donated paid for the other parts of that meal. Thank you for your incredible generosity. St. Paul has been doing this meal on the first Thursday of each month for almost 50 years! ~Nancy Jenkins 

Sanctuary Project. We have a concept drawing for the Sanctuary platform project (below) and $1400 to date! To donate to our fund, indicate “Sanctuary Project” on the memo line of your check payable to St. Paul. ~Pr. Koppel

Do you have a name tag to wear on Sunday mornings? They really help us to learn your names, now that our memories are dimming a little.  If you do not have one, request one on the clipboard just inside the Narthex. But check the name tags in the cabinet in front of clipboard, as there may already be one. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Food is always needed as is pet food!  There are barrels just to the right of Buzz on Sunday morning. Just leave your food donations in the appropriate barrel there. We send them on to The Storehouse, which provides free food to those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Welcome Back, Teachers! The Department of Senior Affairs, Volunteers in Action (VIA) program is partnering with AmeriCorps Seniors, Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) which enables volunteers, 55 & up, to be mentors and tutors in local classrooms. To thank our educators, we would like to kick off the new school year with a care package containing extra school supplies and some additional goodies for them. What better way to recognize their hard work by donating the following self-care-oriented items:

• Reusable lunch tote

• Coffee mug/thermos

• Relaxing face masks / bath bombs, etc.

• Gift card to a car wash, local diner, or grocery store, etc.

• School supplies to supplement their budget: expo markers, tissues, kid scissors, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, etc.

Please bring donations to Barelas Senior Center or visit the link below to send an item from Amazon directly to us: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2K69JLUU6DQBG?ref_=wl_share

All materials must be received no later than Friday 08/11. Thank you! ~Natasha Montoya, Community Volunteer Engagement Manager

Asylum Program Backpack Drive. The Asylum Program will be having a back-to-school event on August 15 for the families in our program.  If you would like to donate a backpack with supplies in it, please drop it off at our office (2201 San Pedro Blvd. NE, Building 4, Suite 120, ABQ, NM 87110) between 8a-4p Monday-Thursday and 8a-12p on Fridays. Deadline to donate is August 11th.  Please contact Sarah Camp at (505)720-1707 or Odalys Marquez at (505)492-7248 if you have any questions. ~Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Leaders Join ELCA World Hunger and Witness in Society at the UN. In July 2023, four leaders from across the United States joined ELCA World Hunger and the Lutheran Office for World Community in New York City as delegates of the Lutheran World Federation at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. The forum was an opportunity for UN member states, agencies and organizations to share updates on progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. As our delegation learned, progress against the goals has been slow and, in some cases, has reversed. The delegation, representing the 149 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation, including the ELCA, was able to hear from leaders around the world, meet other advocates, connect with staff from the ELCA’s advocacy office in Washington, DC, listen to stories of changes and challenges, and consider together how each of us can be part of the work toward the Sustainable Development Goals in our communities.

          Those leaders, from Hawai’i, Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia, are sharing their reflections on that experience at: https://blogs.elca.org/worldhunger/

Check out the wide range of blogs found at: https://blogs.elca.org/:

• Administration Matters

• AMMPARO

• Blog Latino

• Congregational Vitality

• Disability Ministries

• Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Perspectives

• ELCA Advocacy

• ELCA Innovation Lab

• ELCA Racial Justice

• ELCA World Hunger

• ELCA Young Adults

• ELCA Youth Gathering

• Faith Lens

• Lutheran Disaster Response

• Peace Not Walls

• Worship

Updates Beginning 30 July 2023

Bluegrass Music Next Sunday, 6 August!  We will be welcoming a local bluegrass band as part of our worship that morning. Thanks, Janet, for organizing this musical treat! ~Pr. Koppel

First Tuesday will gather as usual at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria Road NE, this Tuesday, August 1st, 4 pm. This is a time to get in out of the heat and gather for conversation and to get to know each other better. Bring your own snack if you wish; homemade beer is for sale but bring your own drink if you prefer. It was suggested that we find a bigger place for us to gather. We’ll keep looking for a place that meets your needs! Otherwise, we'll see you at SW Grape and Grain! ~Nancy Matthews

Stewardship. “God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Cor 9:7) ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

Food is always needed as is pet food!  There are barrels just to the right of Buzz on Sunday morning. Just leave your food donations in the appropriate barrel there. We send them on to The Storehouse, which provides free food to those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

Midmonth Fellowship Gathering is taking a break in August, returning in the fall. Stay tuned for upcoming dates. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Do you have a name tag to wear on Sunday mornings? They really help us to learn your names, now that our memories are dimming a little.  If you do not have one, request one on the clipboard just inside the Narthex. But check the name tags in the cabinet in front of clipboard, as there may already be one. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Exciting News! We have a concept drawing for the Sanctuary platform project (below) and a $1000 pledge from ABQ Chamber Soloists, kicking off our fundraising efforts toward our congregational goal! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Welcome Back, Teachers! The Department of Senior Affairs, Volunteers in Action (VIA) program is partnering with AmeriCorps Seniors, Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) which enables volunteers, 55 & up, to be mentors and tutors in local classrooms. To thank our educators, we would like to kick off the new school year with a care package containing extra school supplies and some additional goodies for them. What better way to recognize their hard work by donating the following self-care-oriented items:

• Reusable lunch tote

• Coffee mug/thermos

• Relaxing face masks / bath bombs, etc.

• Gift card to a car wash, local diner, or grocery store, etc.

• School supplies to supplement their budget: expo markers, tissues, kid scissors, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, etc.

Please bring donations to Barelas Senior Center or visit the link below to send an item from Amazon directly to us: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2K69JLUU6DQBG?ref_=wl_share

All materials must be received no later than Friday 08/11. Thank you! ~Natasha Montoya, Community Volunteer Engagement Manager

Leadership Transition at Albuquerque FaithWorks Collaborative. Abbey Reed, currently the Director of the Housing and Homelessness Program at FaithWorks, will assume the position of Interim Executive Director effective September 11, 2023. Jessica Corley, the first Executive Director of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative, is stepping down on September 8, 2023, to pursue other professional interests. Jessica will serve on the FaithWorks Board of Directors. “It has been an honor to lead this organization and I plan to stay connected to the mission and vision of this extraordinary non-profit. In the past two years, we have grown from a two person staff to 7 full-time employees, in service to the most vulnerable families in our community. I am proud of this amazing team of professionals and all that we have accomplished!” Please go to our website to learn more about this transition: abqfaithworks.org. ~Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

Seeking Host Families for Exchange Students from Highly Competitive Merit-based Scholarship Programs. Americans are among the most generous people in the world, and a popular way of making positive impacts is to host a foreign High School Exchange Student. We invite your family to be a part of history by helping to shape the future leaders of countries such as Germany, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Morocco, and many more.

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is looking for local families to host boys and girls ages 15–18 arriving in the fall to attend community high schools, as participants in U.S. Department of State cultural exchange programs.

All Scholarship students have a proven drive to succeed as they participate in rigorous rounds of competition to be selected for the programs and are carefully chosen by trained evaluators based on their ability to adapt and thrive away from home in a new culture for a year. Each year, tens of thousands of top students compete for one of approximately 2,000 spots.

Whether you are a young family, retired, a single parent, or empty-nesters, and interested in bringing a part of the world to your home, hosting one of these youngsters is an extraordinary opportunity to learn firsthand about their countries and at the same time you have the chance to teach them about the United States, and the culture and values of your community.

Department of State Scholarship Students have pocket money from personal or scholarship funds, and they are covered by accident and illness insurance. They also give back to their American communities through volunteering and community service.

The students are grateful to you and the USA for giving them the opportunity to live with your family and in your community for a school year. It’s an honor for ASSE to have been awarded these prestigious grants since their inception, and our goal is to make each and every one of the students’ dreams come true. To get a glimpse of some of the hopeful students who are eagerly waiting to be matched with their host families, you can go to https://asse.com/meet_our_students/to view their profiles and read some of their captivating letters.

By generously opening your home to a young person from overseas, you can help us continue our global commitment to spreading the ideals of peace, love, and understanding.

To become a host family for one of these extraordinary young scholarship recipients please call me at (830) 570 0187 or (800) 473 0696 or go to www.host.asse.com to begin the process of welcoming your new son or daughter into your family today! Thank you so much! ~Elena Iannotti, ASSE Western Regional Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Prayer Cycle: July is North New Mexico Conference. Each month RMS prays for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout our Synod and our Churchwide expression. This week:

Community of Joy Lutheran Church
Rio Rancho, NM
Pastor Paul Schick

Christ Lutheran Church
Santa Fe, NM
Pastor Joene Herr

Lutheran Church of the Servant
Santa Fe, NM
Pastor Jason McSpadden

Presentation: United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous People, August 1, 6 pm Mtn. The United States is not the only country where Indigenous people of the land have been persecuted and have experienced genocide at the hand of colonizing forces. It is common for Indigenous peoples to be denied rights that are inherent and just around the world.

Thankfully, the U.N. has done the work to declare what these rights are and how countries should observe them to honor and protect Indigenous peoples. What is unique about the U.S. is that it has not made a commitment to this declaration – a declaration that was greatly influenced by the U.S.

Join Vance Blackfox, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and ELCA director for Indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and Dr. Rosalee Gonzalez to learn more about the U.N. Declaration on the Right of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

Dr. Gonzalez, Xicana-Kickapoo, has twenty-five years of international experience in the promotion and protection of Indigenous peoples, women's, and human rights. She is an elected leader of the Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas and is Co-Founder of Indigenous Women Rise--a convenor for the Women's March in the US (2017). Dr. Gonzalez's academic research is informed by her engagement in the international indigenous peoples' movement.

She is former faculty at Arizona State University where she taught human rights, critical race theory, social work/welfare, and criminal justice. She worked for two U.N. Secretariats in Geneva and New York Headquarters. Dr. Gonzalez is the former Executive Director of the US Human Rights Network, a member-based network building a people-centered human rights movement in the US. Just click "join the class" to attend: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement

Updates Beginning 23 July 2023

A Joyful Noise! It was great to hear the voices of the St. Luke’s, Middleton, WI and Peace, Waunakee, WI youth groups throughout St. Paul this past week. What a blessing it was to have had them in our midst! They worked on numerous projects throughout ABQ and helped clean up our campus in their spare time. Thank you for sharing St. Paul with them. ~Deborah Ash

Thanks to our Recycling Crew! Having had so many people here last week (with the corresponding amount of recycling they produced!) we realized it was time for a shout out to the folks who make recycling happen at St. Paul. ~Pr. Koppel

Aluminum – Nancy Matthews (proceeds go to the annual youth project!)
Cardboard & Paper – Nancy Jenkins
Glass – Deborah Ash
Plastic – Nancy Matthews

Food is always needed as is pet food!  There are barrels just to the right of Buzz on Sunday morning. Just leave your food donations in the appropriate barrel there. We send them on to The Storehouse, which provides free food to those in need. ~Nancy Matthews

Stewardship. After worship, visit with someone you do not know!  Expect a nice surprise! ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

First Tuesday will gather as usual at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria Road NE, on Tuesday, August 1st, 4 pm. This is a time to get in out of the heat and gather for conversation and to get to know each other better. Bring your own snack if you wish; homemade beer is for sale but bring your own drink if you prefer. It was suggested that we find a bigger place for us to gather. We’ll keep looking for a place that meets your needs! Otherwise, we'll see you at SW Grape and Grain! ~Nancy Matthews

Mark Your Calendars for August 6th!  We will be welcoming a bluegrass band as part of our Sunday worship that morning. ~Pr. Koppel

Midmonth Fellowship Gathering is taking a break in August, returning in the fall. Stay tuned for upcoming dates. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Adopted Families: We learned of a single mom with two kids who needed help with her PNM bill. She teaches at a day care and didn't get enough hours of work to cover all of her bills; she had a disconnect notice from PNM. She was quite grateful when we paid her bill for $175. Also last week, our "movers" picked up two truckloads of mostly bedroom furniture from a friend of mine who is moving soon. A friend of one of the movers also had a set of bunk beds to donate. All of these items were dropped off at the home of our former adoptee who knew of a family (mother, father, three kids) that could use everything. They had been in a bad car accident and the father had been in a coma for six months. He just got out of the hospital and they are now moving into an apartment. It was good timing - God provides! Thanks for your support. ~ Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Do you have a name tag to wear on Sunday mornings? They really help us to learn your names, now that our memories are dimming a little.  If you do not have one, request one on the clipboard just inside the Narthex. But check the name tags in the cabinet in front of clipboard, as there may already be one. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Visiting today? Please fill out a “Welcome” card in your pew so we can get to know you! ~Pr. Koppel

Thank Yous to St. Paul:

Dear Friends, thank you for your gift of $200 to Bread for the World. I’m pleased you have renewed your membership. Your financial support enables us to involve more people in our work together to end hunger. Your gift is especially helpful as you and other Bread for the World members urge Congress to improve SNAP and other programs that help American families put food on their tables. Thank you once again for your generous contribution.
With gratitude, Rev. Eugene Cho, President

The Girl Scouts had so much fun on our trip to Meow Wolf, and we wanted to thank the church for helping us meet that goal! Francesca Apodaca, Troop Leader

Exciting News! We have a concept drawing for the Sanctuary platform project (below) and a $1000 pledge from ABQ Chamber Soloists, kicking off our fundraising efforts toward our congregational goal! ~Pr. Koppel

From Local Partner Organizations

Luther House UNM & CNM Young Adult & Campus Ministry Town Hall Meeting. Friends, Colleagues, and Partners in Ministry, Luther House wants to hear from YOU! We want to connect with you and hear from you about your wants and desires around "Young Adult and Campus Ministry". You are invited to our ecumenical Town Hall Meeting today, July 23, 1-2:30 pm, at Rob's Place inside O'Neill's, 4310 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

We look forward to listening to your wisdom, wants, and desires for young adult and campus ministry in New Mexico. Please take this opportunity to join our Town Hall Meeting so that we may better serve you and the youth and young adults in our beloved community.

          Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might be interested. Questions? Contact Rhonda Newby-Torres, Pastor, Luther House, 505-615-2688 (cell), lcmunmcnm@gmail.com, www.LutherHouseNM.org

ID Clinic every Wednesday, 10 am-12 pm. FaithWorks provides free assistance in getting NM IDs, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and more. Held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd, NE, 505-226-3143.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Prayer Cycle: July is North New Mexico Conference. Each month RMS prays for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout our Synod and our Churchwide expression. This week:

St. Paul's/Peace Lutheran Episcopal Church
Las Vegas, NM
Pastor Madelynn Johnston                                                                          

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Los Alamos, NM
Pastor Nicolé Radu Ferry
Pastor Kathryn Schlechter

Valley Lutheran Church
Los Lunas, NM
Pastor Kenneth Vogler

Updates Beginning 16 July 2023

Visiting High School Group at St. Paul This Week! The group, approx. 35, is from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI, and arrives in Albuquerque this evening for a week-long mission trip. They will be using our Fellowship Hall, kitchen, and other rooms for their stay, and the nearby YMCA for their showers. Their work schedule includes RoadRunner Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, ABQ Department of Senior Affairs, and more. Here's to a great week of hospitality on our part to make for a great week of service for them! ~Pr. Koppel

Stewardship. St. Paul needs your weekly contributions to support our many ministries.  Thank you! ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

Luther House UNM & CNM Young Adult & Campus Ministry Town Hall Meeting. Friends, Colleagues, and Partners in Ministry, Luther House wants to hear from YOU! We want to connect with you and hear from you about your wants and desires around "Young Adult and Campus Ministry". You are invited to our ecumenical Town Hall Meeting next Sunday, July 23, 1-2:30pm at Rob's Place inside O'Neill's (4310 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108).

We look forward to listening to your wisdom, wants, and desires for young adult and campus ministry in New Mexico. Please take this opportunity to join our Town Hall Meeting so that we may better serve you and the youth and young adults in our beloved community.

          Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might be interested. Questions, contact Rhonda Newby-Torres, Pastor, Luther House, 505-615-2688 (cell), lcmunmcnm@gmail.com, www.LutherHouseNM.org

ID Clinic every Wednesday, 10am-12pm. FaithWorks provides free assistance in getting NM IDs, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and more. Held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd, NE, 505-226-3143.

The Storehouse New Mexico: Did You Know? The Storehouse also accepts pet food donations. In speaking with the driver who recently picked up our full barrel (with their appreciation!), they distribute pet food one day a month, and that is always their busiest day! There is a sign on our second barrel now for pet food donations. He also wanted to let us know that they are always looking for volunteers: https://storehousenm.org/. ~Deborah Ash

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Prayer Cycle: July is North New Mexico Conference. Each month RMS prays for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout our Synod and our Churchwide expression. This week:

Saint Timothy's Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Patricia Mohr-Kelly (Interim)

Christ the King Lutheran Church
Durango, CO
Pastor Tim Orlowski
Deacon Amanda Gardner

Mercy Regional Medical Center
Durango, CO
Pastor Joshua Magyar

Trinity Lutheran Church
Farmington, NM

Bread for the World Summer Match Alert: You can make your voice heard and now triple your impact when you make a gift! Through the end of July, any gift you give will now be matched 3 to 1 – up to $100,000 – by generous donors who care as much as you do about advocating for people who are struggling with hunger. Your gift today will help support our work together to urge Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. https://www.bread.org/

Equal Exchange Zoom Event this Tuesday, July 18, 5-6pm Mountain: Can the 2023 Farm Bill help transform our food system? Equal Exchange is excited to announce it is collaborating with Farm Action (https://farmaction.us/) in their work to make progressive changes to the 2023 Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill—a massive piece of US legislation that is revisited every five years—provides a unique opportunity to raise our voices and press our political leaders for change. It covers everything from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) to subsidies for corporate agribusiness, to many other programs that either help or hinder access to locally grown, healthy, sustainably sourced crops and humanely raised animals.

          We are fortunate to be joined at this event by our friend, Joe Maxwell, who presented at one of our summits several years ago. Joe will provide background on the farm bill and share Farm Action’s time-sensitive strategy to encourage meaningful change in this next bill. Collaborating with Farm Action, we have a unique opportunity to engage in this critical campaign to advocate for justice in a dangerously consolidated industrial food system. Together, we can make progress and build a more diverse and independent future that will work for farmers, workers, the planet, and you!

Please join us for this engaging and timely summer event that you do not want to miss! We hope we can count on your participation to win the reforms we all support. Register at: https://www.info.equalexchange.coop/events.

ELCA Class: “Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement” July 24, 6-7 Mtn. The ELCA has commenced its Truth and Healing Movement, inspiring us to grow in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. This workshop will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement.

ELCA Class: “Indian 101” July 26, 6-7 Mtn. The general population knows very little about the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are often grand mysteries. This is by design; for centuries the colonial project has prioritized the complete erasure of Native people. “Indian 101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression.

Both classes are presented by Vance Blackfox, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and ELCA director for Indigenous ministries and tribal relations. No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement.

          These classes will repeat in August and September. Look for a new class on Indigenous Thought & Theology beginning in October.

Updates Beginning 9 July 2023

Midmonth Fellowship Night This Wednesday, July 12th at 6pm. We will be watching “Up” and enjoying popcorn and ice cream. Please join us! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Stewardship. Thank someone at St. Paul for the volunteer work they do! ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

Luther House UNM & CNM Young Adult & Campus Ministry Town Hall Meetings. Friends, Colleagues, and Partners in Ministry, Luther House wants to hear from YOU! We want to connect with you and hear from you about your wants and desires around "Young Adult and Campus Ministry".

          You are invited to our ecumenical Town Hall Meeting on Young Adult and Campus Ministry. There are several ways to ensure that your voice is heard. We are hosting two in-person Town Hall Meetings:

• Northern New Mexico Churches-July 16, 2023: Please join us at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, NM from 1:00pm-2:30pm. (2390 N Rd., Los Alamos, NM 87544)

• Albuquerque Metro Churches- July 23, 2023: Please join us at Rob's Place inside O'Niell's in Albuquerque, NM from 1:00pm-2:30pm. (4310 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108)

We look forward to listening to your wisdom, wants, and desires for young adult and campus ministry in New Mexico. Please take this opportunity to join one of our Town Hall Meetings so that we may better serve you and the youth and young adults in our beloved community.

          Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might be interested. Questions, contact Rhonda Newby-Torres, Pastor, Luther House, 505-615-2688 (cell), lcmunmcnm@gmail.com, www.LutherHouseNM.org

The Storehouse New Mexico: Did You Know? The Storehouse also accepts pet food donations. In speaking with the driver who recently picked up our full barrel (with their appreciation!), they distribute pet food one day a month, and that is always their busiest day! There is a sign on our second barrel now for pet food donations. He also wanted to let us know that they are always looking for volunteers: https://storehousenm.org/. ~Deborah Ash

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Prayer Cycle: July is North New Mexico Conference. Each month RMS prays for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout our Synod and our Churchwide expression. This week:

Messiah Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Doug Mathison (retired)    

St. Luke Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Wayne Nieminen
Pastor Christa von Zychlin

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Kristi Koppel

Bread for the World Southwest Regional Online Meeting (AZ, NM, OK, TX): Thursday, July 13, 4 pm Central. This is a critical moment in our 2023 Farm Bill campaign. In recent weeks, we have seen new challenges and new opportunities arise in our advocacy for a faithful farm bill that builds healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food systems. We need to stay the course and prepare for what’s next.

Join your Bread organizer and other faithful advocates in your region for our quarterly online meetings in July. We are excited to brief you on Bread’s recent Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, and on your region’s progress in this year’s Offering of Letters. We also have important updates to share about the farm bill and its impact on our neighbors facing hunger here and around the world.

Most importantly, join us as we organize and prepare to engage our members of Congress when they are back home for the August recess. We can’t miss this opportunity to speak up together before the current farm bill expires at the end of September. Register now for your online regional meeting to be equipped and inspired to advocate for a world without hunger! https://www.bread.org/event/2023-july-regional-online-meetings/

Bread for the World Summer Match Alert: You can make your voice heard and double your impact when you make a gift! Through the end of July, any gift you give will be matched – up to $100,000 – by generous donors who care as much as you do about advocating for people who are struggling with hunger. Your gift today will help us meet the match and raise $200,000 to support our work together to urge Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. https://www.bread.org/

Remember: Respond by July 15 to Bishop Gonia's call to action! As a church called to public witness for the sake of the neighbor, we respond to Christ’s call to serve and to seek justice when we engage our elected legislators on matters of the common good. We advocate for the building of not walls but a fair and humane immigration system. My stated commitment in El Paso was to invite you to join me in reaching out to our elected officials for that precise purpose. At the link below, you will find specific information and an invitation to engage in this advocacy effort as Church, Better Together. Thank you in advance for your commitment to caring for God’s beloved people as we live out our baptismal promises."

          Learn how to contact your Senators and Representative. Follow the easy steps to share your story and commit to bipartisan reform! https://www.rmselca.org/assembly2023advocacy

Equal Exchange Zoom Event Tuesday, July 18, 5-6pm Mountain: Can the 2023 Farm Bill help transform our food system? Equal Exchange is excited to announce it is collaborating with Farm Action (https://farmaction.us/) in their work to make progressive changes to the 2023 Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill—a massive piece of US legislation that is revisited every five years—provides a unique opportunity to raise our voices and press our political leaders for change. It covers everything from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) to subsidies for corporate agribusiness, to many other programs that either help or hinder access to locally grown, healthy, sustainably sourced crops and humanely raised animals.

          We are fortunate to be joined at this event by our friend, Joe Maxwell, who presented at one of our summits several years ago. Joe will provide background on the farm bill and share Farm Action’s time-sensitive strategy to encourage meaningful change in this next bill. Collaborating with Farm Action, we have a unique opportunity to engage in this critical campaign to advocate for justice in a dangerously consolidated industrial food system. Together, we can make progress and build a more diverse and independent future that will work for farmers, workers, the planet, and you!

Please join us for this engaging and timely summer event that you do not want to miss! We hope we can count on your participation to win the reforms we all support. Register at: https://www.info.equalexchange.coop/events.

Updates Beginning 2 July 2023

Graveside Service for Nancy McAllister: Tomorrow, Monday, July 3, 10:30am, at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, 87107. Anyone is welcome. ~Jim & Dixie McAllister and Family

Remember, no First Tuesday this week! Stay tuned for information on our August gathering. ~Nancy Matthews

Midmonth Fellowship Night in 2 Weeks: July 12th at 6pm. We will be watching “Up” and enjoying popcorn and ice cream. Please join us! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Mark Your Calendars Now for Sept. 24: God’s work. Our hands./Rally Sunday! This program began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. We will be setting up teams to plan for GWOH activities that weekend, and our congregational lunch after service. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

Stewardship. Help St. Paul meet its budget for this year by adding to your weekly giving amount! ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

The Storehouse New Mexico: Did You Know? The Storehouse also accepts pet food donations. In speaking with the driver who recently picked up our full barrel (with their appreciation!), they distribute pet food one day a month, and that is always their busiest day! There is a sign on our second barrel now for pet food donations. He also wanted to let us know that they are always looking for volunteers: https://storehousenm.org/. ~Deborah Ash

Help AFS find host families for exchange students:

I am writing to ask for your help in finding host families for AFS international exchange students. As you may know, AFS is a non-profit organization that promotes intercultural understanding through student exchange programs.

          We are currently seeking host families for a group of international students who will be arriving in our community in the coming months. These students are eager to experience American culture, improve their English language skills, and make lifelong connections with their host families. High schools in and around Albuquerque embrace the opportunity to welcome AFS students, we just need caring homes for the students.

          Hosting an exchange student can be a rewarding experience for both the student and the host family. It provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures, develop new perspectives, and build lasting friendships. Host families are expected to provide a safe and welcoming home environment and come in all shapes and sizes. Families with kids of any age, empty nesters, single parents, LBGTQ+ families, and couples or single adults without kids are welcome to host.

We are reaching out to community churches because we believe that your members may be interested in hosting an exchange student. Your church community is likely to be welcoming, and committed to serving others, which are qualities that make a great host family.

          If you or someone you know is interested in hosting an exchange student, please contact me. I will provide you with more information about the program and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to working with you to provide a life-changing experience for our international exchange students. ~Hannah Brusewitz, hbrusewitz@afsusa.org, (646) 381-3303

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Bread for the World Summer Match Alert: You can make your voice heard and double your impact when you make a gift! Through the end of July, any gift you give will be matched – up to $100,000 – by generous donors who care as much as you do about advocating for people who are struggling with hunger. Your gift today will help us meet the match and raise $200,000 to support our work together to urge Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. https://www.bread.org/

Advocacy Action: 2023 RMS Assembly - Bishop Gonia's call to action!

"Our Synod Assembly in El Paso – Cruzando Fronteras, Crossing Borders – was an embodied reminder of the critical need for new ways of thinking and acting in our country with respect to immigration. Those of us who participated in the Assembly immersion experiences heard firsthand the depth of human suffering as well as the resiliency of the human spirit that accompanies those who leave their homeland due to fear, violence and persecution, in hopes of finding peace and a new life.

          "As a church called to public witness for the sake of the neighbor, we respond to Christ’s call to serve and to seek justice when we engage our elected legislators on matters of the common good. We advocate for the building of not walls but a fair and humane immigration system. My stated commitment in El Paso was to invite you to join me in reaching out to our elected officials for that precise purpose. In the material below, you will find specific information and an invitation to engage in this advocacy effort as Church, Better Together. Thank you in advance for your commitment to caring for God’s beloved people as we live out our baptismal promises."

          We invite the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod, especially our Assembly voting members, to reach out to their U.S. Senators and Representative by July 15. Follow the easy steps below to share your story and ask your members to commit to bipartisan reform!

If you were a voting member at Assembly:

1.   Identify your Representative and Senator and locate their contact information. If you're not sure, use this tool: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member(link is external).

2.   Decide how you want to contact your members of Congress. A phone call is often the quickest way to reach their office, but you may prefer e-mail if you find it easier to write down your stories and thoughts. You may call 1-844-332-6361 and follow the instructions to be connected to your member's office.

3.   When you contact your members of Congress: share a story of your experience at the border during the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. It could be a reflection on your immersion, on what you heard from one of our keynote speakers, or on anything else from our time together.

4.   Conclude your message by asking your Member of Congress to commit to supporting bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform efforts.

5.   Let us know who you contacted and how it went! Use this Google form: forms.gle/tHpgqA3Lxwjgo3Q99(link is external).

If you were not a voting member at Assembly:

1.   Identify your Representative and Senator and locate their contact information. If you're not sure, use this tool: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member(link is external).

2.   Decide how you want to contact your members of Congress. A phone call is often the quickest way to reach their office, but you may prefer e-mail if you find it easier to write down your stories and thoughts. You may call 1-844-332-6361 and follow the instructions to be connected to your member's office.

3.   When you contact your members of Congress: share a story about an experience you've had at the border, if you have traveled there; speak to the importance of immigration in your own family's story; or share about your congregation's or the ELCA's ministry related to immigration.

4.   Conclude your message by asking your Member of Congress to commit to supporting bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform efforts.

5.   Let us know who you contacted and how it went! Use this Google form: forms.gle/tHpgqA3Lxwjgo3Q99(link is external).

In the absence of specific current legislation, we invite you to ask your members of Congress to commit to bipartisan and comprehensive immigration reform. You may wish to underscore your advocacy ask with information related to the ELCA's current active work on immigration. As a church, we know that "immigration, refugee, and asylum policies express who we are as a nation, influence the nation’s future character, and affect the lives of millions of people" (ELCA Social Message on Immigration). We also believe in "a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants” (ELCA Social Statement, for Peace in God's World), and we “will advocate for just immigration policies, including fairness in visa regulations and in admitting and protecting refugees. We will work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them" (ELCA Social Statement, Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity & Culture).

Thank you for taking action! Your voice joins the chorus of faithful Christians throughout history who have advocated for welcome, hospitality, and refuge for newcomers. "For I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." (Matthew 25:35). [https://www.rmselca.org/assembly2023advocacy]

Note: As you read in our reports last Sunday, those of us who attended the Synod Assembly in El Paso last month were moved to consider what to do next. I urge everyone to read this call to action and to plan on contacting your legislators.  ~Terry Cole

Read ELCA-LIRS World Refugee Day Letter: ELCA Bishop Eaton’s letter for this annual June 20th event is found at: https://elca.org/News-and-Events/8201. She opens with:  ​"The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." —Leviticus 19:34.  The letter closes with: “We pray that you will join us in welcoming all who seek refuge in the United States.”

Updates Beginning 25 June 2023

First Tuesday Summer Schedule  We can't fight the 4th of July, so we won't gather next month for beer and conversation.  In August, it has been suggested by others that we take a field trip to another location to see if they have a little more room for us.  When we have a specific name and location, we will post it here.  Stay cool! ~Nancy Matthews

Midmonth Fellowship Nights at 6pm on July 12th and August 16th – mark your calendars! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Mark Your Calendars Now for Sept. 24: God’s work. Our hands./Rally Sunday! This program began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. We will be setting up teams to plan for GWOH activities that weekend, and our congregational lunch after service. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

Stewardship. “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.” (2 Cor. 9:11) ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

Help AFS find host families for exchange students

I am writing to ask for your help in finding host families for AFS international exchange students. As you may know, AFS is a non-profit organization that promotes intercultural understanding through student exchange programs.

          We are currently seeking host families for a group of international students who will be arriving in our community in the coming months. These students are eager to experience American culture, improve their English language skills, and make lifelong connections with their host families. High schools in and around Albuquerque embrace the opportunity to welcome AFS students, we just need caring homes for the students.

          Hosting an exchange student can be a rewarding experience for both the student and the host family. It provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures, develop new perspectives, and build lasting friendships. Host families are expected to provide a safe and welcoming home environment and come in all shapes and sizes. Families with kids of any age, empty nesters, single parents, LBGTQ+ families, and couples or single adults without kids are welcome to host.

We are reaching out to community churches because we believe that your members may be interested in hosting an exchange student. Your church community is likely to be welcoming, and committed to serving others, which are qualities that make a great host family.

          If you or someone you know is interested in hosting an exchange student, please contact me. I will provide you with more information about the program and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to working with you to provide a life-changing experience for our international exchange students. ~Hannah Brusewitz, hbrusewitz@afsusa.org, (646) 381-3303

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Bread for the World Summer Match Alert: You can make your voice heard and double your impact when you make a gift! Through the end of July, any gift you give will be matched – up to $100,000 – by generous donors who care as much as you do about advocating for people who are struggling with hunger. Your gift today will help us meet the match and raise $200,000 to support our work together to urge Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. https://www.bread.org/

Recap: 2023 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, El Paso

Bishop Gonia's call to action!

"Our Synod Assembly in El Paso – Cruzando Fronteras, Crossing Borders – was an embodied reminder of the critical need for new ways of thinking and acting in our country with respect to immigration. Those of us who participated in the Assembly immersion experiences heard firsthand the depth of human suffering as well as the resiliency of the human spirit that accompanies those who leave their homeland due to fear, violence and persecution, in hopes of finding peace and a new life.

As a church called to public witness for the sake of the neighbor, we respond to Christ’s call to serve and to seek justice when we engage our elected legislators on matters of the common good. We advocate for the building of not walls but a fair and humane immigration system. My stated commitment in El Paso was to invite you to join me in reaching out to our elected officials for that precise purpose. In the material below, you will find specific information and an invitation to engage in this advocacy effort as Church, Better Together. Thank you in advance for your commitment to caring for God’s beloved people as we live out our baptismal promises."

Follow this link and learn how to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative by July 15. Follow the easy steps to share your story and ask your congregation members to join you in committing to bipartisan reform! https://www.rmselca.org/assembly2023advocacy

Bishop and Vice President’s Presentation is available at:

https://files.constantcontact.com/bbca2826001/35a800f4-ccba-4313-af2a-6f1172b8c08d.pdf

RMS Treasurer, Susan Sharkey's Assembly report is available at:

https://files.constantcontact.com/bbca2826001/85cbd23b-faa6-47ae-8faa-f1128b9d3c1c.pdf

For a taste of the El Paso Assembly, a short video is at: https://vimeo.com/832418602?share=copy

Assembly Offerings (including gift cards, online, and cash donations) totaled over $15,000! These donations primarily benefit Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey - El Paso, Milagro de la Frontera - El Paso/Juarez, and Border Servant Corps - Las Cruces as well as other partner ministries. Thank you for your generosity in supporting these vital ministries of hospitality and care.

Reflections on the Assembly from St. Paul’s voting members

Deborah Ash

Attending the Synod Assembly in El Paso was an intense experience for me. It was my first time at a synod assembly, there was all of the media swirl around the change in laws regarding immigration, and there was anticipation of our immersion experience, as I had volunteered to be a translator/driver.

          In advance of that week, I attended a couple of training/orientation sessions with Rose Mary Sánchez-Guzmán, Senior Pastor at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. What amazing work they do there! I encourage you to visit their website to learn more:  https://iglesiacristorey.wixsite.com/luterana.

          The two immersion groups I was with had another translator, so I had the opportunity to just be in the moment and focus on the words of the women working at Casa Papa Francisco, one of several hospitality sites that Annunciation House has in the area. A presentation by a young Venezuelan mother brought into sharp focus the dangers faced, the hard choices made, and the abiding hope of achieving a better life in the U.S. once people decide to travel north. Her presentation was followed by a local attorney, who spoke on the complexities of immigration policy—that was truly mindboggling....

          Members of Border Servant Corps were with us on the immersion trips, and musicians from Cristo Rey were a part of the worship services—hymns were sung in both Spanish and English throughout, and readings alternated between the two languages. The entire Assembly was emotionally charged, especially once we had returned from our immersions. What can we do? What are we called to do? Individuals placed footprints on a path outlined throughout the conference center on the last day, each one writing on their footprint what their “next steps” would be as we face the reality of our southern border and the complex issues there.

          I feel blessed to have attended on behalf of St. Paul, and to have met the people doing this work and walking alongside immigrants there. Thank you.

Terry Cole

Planning for this Assembly in El Paso began several years ago while I was still on Synod Council. Due to Covid, it was canceled and then postponed. I am grateful I was able to attend the Synod Assembly as a voting member from St. Paul to see the fruits of all those planning efforts.

Wednesday saw 20 groups visiting sites on the border. I traveled with the group that crossed the border into Mexico. We arrived in Anapra, a community just outside Juarez, Mexico, with two vans full of people and one van full of food and supplies. We visited Manos Amigos, the biblioteque (library) that was started by two amazing women, Bertha and Estella. This ministry started as an after-school program, served many additional needs during the pandemic: they kept kids connected to their learning, kept track of families, and provided meals. The ladies shared stories of graduates of the program who now are giving back to their community in Juarez. “Everybody can do something for someone else” is their guiding principle. We also served lunch at a refugee shelter, Esperanza para Todos (Hope for All), that housed many families. We listened to the stories of two families’ journeys and their frustrating efforts to apply for asylum. One woman walked from Venezuela, occasionally taking busses or riding on the top of trains, crossing rivers, and evading dangers. She was pregnant at the start of her journey, but she lost her baby.  We made a quick stop at the border wall to pray together. Everyone’s stories drove home the reality of how broken our system of immigration is and how everyone just wants a safe place to live.

Dr. David Vásquez-Levy and Ruben Garcia helped frame our experiences with stories from Exodus and political realities. Beginning way back in Exodus, we learn of God’s people as migrants, moving to escape famine and political threats. Today, all over the world, groups of people continue to migrate for safety and peace. One slide from Ruben Garcia’s presentation sticks with me. The slide pictured two signs side by side:  KEEP OUT! And HELP WANTED. Pretty straightforward. Currently the US allows 1,000 people per day to request asylum; 80,000 people are waiting. Refugees in Mexico told us of their frustration trying to apply for asylum. The1,000-person limit is reached in one hour, and people must apply online on a specific app. People want to comply—to find a way to enter legally.

So now what? I left with a short To Do list:  Reread Exodus. Write to my legislators asking for two things: a pathway for immigrants to enter legally and be able to work while their cases are being heard, and asking for our leaders to pursue relationships that support democracy with countries south of our border

Being with Lutherans from all over our synod, I felt a surge of great compassion and generosity. This is not the same as accompaniment. In walking together, sharing our strengths and weaknesses, we can use more than our advantage of money. We can work to change the system. The great strength of the migrant community is their strong, strong faith.

Hal Nilsson

Synod: from the Greek sýnodos; literally, “on the way together.”  For a brief time in May, people from congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod walked together with those seeking refuge in the U.S.  Why do they make the arduous journey often lasting months?  Amelia’s story, although typical, was painful to hear.  The young widow, in fear for her life and in search for a better future, left Venezuela last October with one of her three children.  Crossing jungle, walking hundreds of miles, robbed of her last cash by a gang, she finally made it to the border wall, only to severely gash a finger on its parapet.  In El Paso she received hospital care and a warm welcome at Casa Papa Francisco, one of several places of refuge related to Annunciation House, known for decades for its hospitality to the vulnerable.  Now Amelia faces the bewildering maze of U.S. immigration law, outlined in detail for synod voting members and visitors by an articulate immigration attorney.

          This year’s synod assembly was an immersion in life at the border.  The church is there every day in immigrant-friendly El Paso through the ministry of our congregations, especially Christo Rey, with which St. Paul has had a long-standing relationship.  The biblical and theological root for walking with refugees is in Exodus, among other texts, where God’s people journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in a new land, often only because courageous women acted at key moments.  Dr. José David Vásquez-Levy, an ELCA pastor and president of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, took us deep into this familiar text.  Worship centers the church’s life whenever it gathers.  It was fitting that the closing eucharist of this assembly was held at Sacred Heart Church that often figures in news stories about migrants at the border, graciously opened to us Lutherans by our Catholic sisters and brothers.

Shirley Nilsson
There were many times during the 2023 "Cruando Fronteras" Synod Assembly in El Paso when it was evident that there are many more borders to cross than the artificial ones that separate countries.  And most of those have to do with the relationships within our human family.  As a visitor to the Assembly, I was privileged to take part in every aspect other than the business proceedings.

The immersion in which I participated involved a visit to the cozy Mustard Seed Cafe where a nourishing lunch is served free of charge every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The proprietress was a gracious woman named Carmen who described the purpose of the cafe to "feed hungry people and care for their hearts."  We toured the garden that was tended by different persons and groups in the community and which provided some of the food for the cafe's health conscious menu.  But during the first hour and a half of our visit, we were listening to an amazing conversation between a young woman, also named Carmen, and an interpreter in our group.  This Carmen and her fourteen year old daughter had only recently crossed the border after a grueling walk through jungles, over mountainous terrain, and everything in between to get from Venezuela to the United States.  The story included tales of crossing the borders of pain, fraud, robbery, and hate; but also of finding friendship, companionship, caring and love from their fellow travelers.  In El Paso, they were being housed and cared for by some of the groups that work with Cristo Rey, and Carmen was working to help pay for the support she was receiving.  Her faith was evident in all she shared about their journey, from the difficult decision she made to leave her home and family to the joy she expressed in arriving safely across the border.  Although her future is still unknown, it became obvious that the journey she described could have only been embarked upon by someone who was desperately escaping a life without hope to seek a better way for her daughter and herself.

Even a drenching downpour on our first night's walk from the Convention Center to our hotel did not dampen our spirits for all we learned and for the joy of celebrating in a Mexican fashion what it means to truly cross borders.

Updates Beginning 18 June 2023

Welcome to Raul Manjarrez, our new organist! Today is his first Sunday here at St. Paul. Please introduce yourself to him when you have the chance. We are excited to have him here as a part of our team! ~Pr. Koppel

A huge Thank You! to James Yeager, our guest organist these last few months. What a delight it has been to have him support our worship experience with his musical gifts! ~Pr. Koppel

Thanks for coming to Wednesday’s Fellowship Night! We had a great time watching Luther and enjoying popcorn and ice cream. Mark your calendars for July 12th and August 16th! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Attention all assisting ministers, communion assistants, and anyone who is interested in helping out in worship in these roles. The current schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants end on June 25.  Now is the time to tell me of any dates you know you cannot serve during the July through October schedule.

If you would like to add your name to these ministries let me know. Training is provided. Also, if you would like to read the lessons, let me know and I will pass that on to the assisting ministers. Contact me at tecole51@comcast.net or just catch me at church.

PS Do you have ideas for enhancing our worship? The Worship and Music committee would love to have new members. ~Terry Cole, for Worship & Music

Birthday Card Shower for Margo Nicholson, who turns 100 in June! Please drop off or mail cards to the church office by midweek to be delivered to Margo. Thank you! ~Pr. Koppel

Mark Your Calendars Now for Sept. 24: God’s work. Our hands./Rally Sunday! This year marks the 10th anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” This program began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. We will be setting up teams to plan for GWOH activities that weekend, and our congregational lunch after service. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

Stewardship. Stewardship is a big word with many meanings. Supporting the St. Paul budget is one way your financial stewardship helps St. Paul.  How about increasing your giving amount? ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

Our Crimes Against Children Unit reached out regarding an opportunity to help the most vulnerable kids.

On Monday June 26th, APD will be partnering with other agencies around Albuquerque to meet with the top 52 most high-risk families in the area. We have named this Operation Safe Child, and our goal is to provide resources to these families, as well as check on the welfare of the children in these homes. While we are out with these families, we would also like to provide them with a care package that includes some nonperishable food and toiletries of any kind. Backpacks would also be great as school will be starting before we know it! Gift cards are always very helpful that way we can fill in some of the things we may be missing. At this time, I do not believe we need clothing or toys. Anything we can get would be incredibly helpful!

 If you are able to donate for the care packages, please let me know and I can pick up items or you can drop them off at the Triangle Substation at 2901 Central NE (Central/Dartmouth).  If you would like me to pick up your donation, please contact me at lkuehn@cabq.gov or 768-2006. Thank you for your consideration. ~ Laura Kuehn, Crime Prevention/Crime Free Program

Note: If you would prefer to bring your donation to the Church Office, please label for this purpose and drop off by Thursday, June 22. I will contact Laura for pick up. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Panel Presentation: National Indian Lutheran Board, this Wed. June 21, 6-7pm. There was a time in relatively recent history in our church when Lutherans were committed to leading and being in solidarity with Native people in the United States. One of the ways in which this was accomplished was by the formation of the pan-Lutheran organization known as the National Indian Lutheran Board.

Class: Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement, this Fri. June 23, 9-10am. The ELCA has commenced its Truth and Healing Movement, inspiring us to grow in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. This workshop, presented by Vance Blackfox, will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement.

Links to both sessions at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement#.

Updates to the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) application process:

1. Young adults ages 21-35 are welcome to apply for YAGM. This expands the previous age range of 21-29 to align more closely with ELCA Young Adult Ministry.

2. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, year-round. The timeline for decisions and the period of service for program participants will remain the same as in previous years:

• Jan. 15 — Priority deadline for the upcoming service year

• Feb. 1 — Final deadline for the upcoming service year

• August — YAGM participants depart for service.

Through YAGM young adults learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They become immersed in new communities and form deep relationships. And they confront issues of poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity, and globalization, all through the lens of faith.

We hope these changes will make YAGM more accessible across our church community, giving more young adults the opportunity to step out into the world. If you have questions, contact Mae Helen Jackson, Interim Program Director, Young Adults in Global Mission at MaeHelen.Jackson@ELCA.org.

Updates Beginning 11 June 2023

This Wednesday, 6/14 at 6pm—Summer Midmonth Fellowship Events begin! Join us in Fellowship Hall for a movie (it’s a surprise!) with popcorn, and an ice cream sundae/float bar! Come check it out and help us brainstorm for our July 12th and August 16th events (and maybe on into Fall??). See you there! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Thank you, St. Paul for your support of the fundraising dinner and silent auction on behalf of the Girls’ Camp in Madagascar! Your generosity is helping 24 teachers and girls to participate this August in an intensive 5-day  program in Antananarivo, including English classes, field trips, and other fun activities. I look forward to visiting Albuquerque again in 2024! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana, Director, Paul Minault Protestant University, and fellow St. Paul member

Attention all assisting ministers, communion assistants, and anyone who is interested in helping out in worship in these roles. The current schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants end on June 25.  Now is the time to tell me of any dates you know you cannot serve during the July through October schedule.

If you would like to add your name to these ministries let me know. Training is provided. Also, if you would like to read the lessons, let me know and I will pass that on to the assisting ministers. Contact me at tecole51@comcast.net or just catch me at church.

PS Do you have ideas for enhancing our worship? The Worship and Music committee would love to have new members. ~Terry Cole, for Worship & Music

Birthday Card Shower for Margo Nicholson, who turns 100 in June! Please drop off or mail cards to the church office to be delivered to Margo midmonth. Thank you! ~Pr. Koppel

Mark Your Calendars Now for Sept. 24: God’s Work Our Hands/Rally Sunday! We will be setting up teams to plan for GWOH activities that weekend, and our congregational lunch after service. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families. Our movers picked up a mattress and box springs along with some bedding; it soon found a home with a single mom who is a hard worker with some health issues. She was very appreciative. Thank you! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

Stewardship. Give thanks to our staff!  How about taking them to coffee or tea, or even lunch! ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

From Local Partner Organizations

This Friday, June 16, 7-9pm on the labyrinth at St. Paul: Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ (GACC) Juneteenth Weekend Community Gospel Concert! Come join GACC to celebrate and empower our community with a night of encouraging and uplifting contemporary gospel music. Bring your lawn chair!

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Panel Presentation: National Indian Lutheran Board, Wed. June 21, 6-7pm Mtn.

There was a time in relatively recent history in our church when Lutherans were committed to leading and being in solidarity with Native people in the United States. One of the ways in which this was accomplished was by the formation of the pan-Lutheran organization known as the National Indian Lutheran Board. No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend at webpage listed below.

Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights. The link to this documentary is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWa3iYpNAxw.

Class: “Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement”, June 23, 9-10am Mtn.

The ELCA has commenced its Truth and Healing Movement, inspiring us to grow in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. This workshop, presented by Vance Blackfox, will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement. No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend.

For both sessions, the links will be posted at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement#.

ELCA Young Adult Ministry: Announcing the new ELCA Young Adult Fellowship! The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover their calling while gaining valuable professional experience.  In partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations, all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.

The program has partnered with several sites for the 2023-2024 year, including The Dwelling, All Places Together, National Lutheran Communities & Services, Together Lab, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, The Hunger Advocacy Fellow Program, Building Resilient Communities with the ELCA Churchwide Organization, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and Capital University. This program truly embodies the ELCA's commitment to empowering young adults and building a brighter tomorrow. For more information about the program and these partner sites, please visit http://www.elca.org/Vocational-Fellowship.

Have a Blessed and Holy PRIDE!

Updates Beginning 4 June 2023

Please remember to bring your Bread For The World letters back to church this Sunday--
there will be a blessing during service.
Also, plan for breakfast after service in Fellowship Hall--a fundraiser for our resident Girl Scout Troop!

Today: Girl Scout Troop Fundraising Breakfast in Fellowship Hall! Following service, the Girls Scouts who meet weekly here at St. Paul will be serving up pancakes, bacon, and eggs—please plan to attend! $10 suggested donation (any donation amount is welcome!) toward a Troop field trip this summer to the Santa Fe area. ~Francesca Apodaca, Troop Leader

First Tuesday will be this Tuesday, June 6th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria Road, NE.  This is a time for casual conversation and getting to know each other better.  They seem to like having us around so it is OK to bring your own snack and soda if you will not be drinking their own beers.  Come join us!
Can't make the time frame due to other obligations?  Think of another time and place and advertise it in the announcements.  See who turns up!  It is a good time of the year for picnics.... ~Nancy Matthews

Next Sunday: St. Paul’s Reconciling in Christ/PRIDE Service, and
we will also be saluting our recent graduates, from preschool through college! ~Pr. Koppel

Attention all assisting ministers, communion assistants, and anyone who is interested in helping out in worship in these roles. The current schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants end on June 25.  Now is the time to tell me of any dates you know you cannot serve during the July through October schedule.
If you would like to add your name to these ministries let me know. Training is provided. Also, if you would like to read the lessons, let me know and I will pass that on to the assisting ministers. Contact me at tecole51@comcast.net or just catch me at church.
PS Do you have ideas for enhancing our worship? The Worship and Music committee would love to have new members. ~Peace, Terry Cole for Worship and Music

Stewardship. Do you know that volunteers keep St. Paul operating?  What gifts do you have that you can contribute? ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team 

Summer Midmonth Fellowship Events begin Wednesday, June 14th at 6pm! We will have an intergenerational gathering in Fellowship Hall on 6/14, with snacks and something fun to do! Come check it out and help us brainstorm for our July 12th and August 16th events (and maybe on into Fall??). Please mark your calendars. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Adopted Families: There is a current need for a wheelchair and a shower chair. If you have either (or both) to donate, please call Kay or the office. Thank you! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

From Local Partner Organizations

Asylum Program Updates:

·         Volunteer with us! Our program depends on our incredible volunteers! We are always looking for more people to help support asylum-seekers residing here in ABQ. Right now, we need people to sort food and transport food boxes on the 3rd Thursday and Friday mornings of each month. Interested? A 2-3 hour commitment! We are also always looking for Family Liaison Volunteers to walk alongside asylum-seeker/immigrant families for a year as they integrate into life in Albuquerque. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Odalys Márquez at vc@abqfaithworks.org. 

·         Host a Clinic! Our monthly Asylum and Work Permit Application Clinics, in partnership with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, are an amazing collaboration-in-action serving to meet the needs of asylum-seekers here in town. Please contact the Asylum Program Director, Sarah Camp at asylumdirector@abqfaithworks.org if your congregation would like to learn more about hosting one of these all-day Friday events.

Help the City Solve the ABQ Housing Crisis. The housing crisis is real! Rent prices have skyrocketed and there are not enough units for people living in Albuquerque. You can help solve this situation by advocating with your City Councilor. The next City Council meeting is June 5, 2023. Find out more at:  https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog. ~Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Film Screening: “Native Nations” June 7, 6:00-7:00pm MT. You are invited to join the screening of “Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights,” a one-hour documentary exploring the role of the Lutheran church in the American Indian civil rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s. In the documentary you will learn how Lutherans were first convinced by the American Indian Movement to respond, how Lutherans responded by standing in solidarity with the Movement and Indigenous people in the United States, and about the creation and work of the National Indian Lutheran Board. Link will be posted at: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement#
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the landmark federal law that governs U.S. policy to combat trafficking in persons both at home and abroad. Since 2000, Congress has reauthorized TVPA every two to four years to ensure the U.S. is implementing the best tools and strategies to combat human trafficking. Building off the TVPA of 2000, the International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023 directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to integrate anti-trafficking strategies into broader humanitarian and development assistance programs. The legislation also encourages inclusion of counter-trafficking strategies at multilateral development banks as part of risk assessment for provision of loans. In addition, the bill strengthens protections for domestic workers brought to the U.S. by diplomats and staff of international organizations. Lastly, this legislation authorizes additional funding for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. State Department and extends the End Modern Slavery Program, which is managed by the same office. Please ask your senators to support this bill!

Lutheran World Relief Summer Matching Gift Challenge. Through June 30, every dollar given will double, now up to $336,000, at https://lwr.org/. (More donors have stepped forward to increase the total!)

ELCA Young Adult Ministry: Announcing the new ELCA Young Adult Fellowship! The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover their calling while gaining valuable professional experience.  In partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations, all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.
The program has partnered with several sites for the 2023-2024 year, including The Dwelling, All Places Together, National Lutheran Communities & Services, Together Lab, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, The Hunger Advocacy Fellow Program, Building Resilient Communities with the ELCA Churchwide Organization, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and Capital University. This program truly embodies the ELCA's commitment to empowering young adults and building a brighter tomorrow. For more information about the program and these partner sites, please visit http://www.elca.org/Vocational-Fellowship.

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) consultation for counselors working with Ukrainian refugees. “He restores my soul” - a phrase taken from Psalm 23 - was the title of the May consultation held in Prague, Czech Republic. Participants mainly came from LWF member churches in Eastern European countries bordering on Ukraine that have received refugees from that armed conflict. Eighteen pastors, staff, and volunteers met to exchange experiences and receive practical and theoretical input. Many participants had worked very hard throughout the last 14 months to provide housing, food, jobs, administrative help, and psychological and spiritual support to Ukrainian refugees. With so much work taking place, those involved tend to become fatigued trying to keep up the commitment to support those who have experienced the trauma of fleeing from war and the challenges of settling in a new country. In view of the current political situation and the ongoing conflict, refugees have needed more than initial material help. This has placed new demands on those supporting them. To learn more, visit: https://www.lutheranworld.org/news.

Updates Beginning 28 May 2023

Today’s Adult Faith Development: Labyrinth practice with a field trip outside! ~Pr. Koppel

Next Sunday: Girl Scout Troup Fundraising Breakfast in Fellowship Hall! Following service, the Girls Scouts who meet weekly here at St. Paul will be serving up pancakes, bacon, and eggs—please plan to attend! ~Francesca Apodoca, Troop Leader

Stewardship. How can you increase your monetary giving to St. Paul this week? ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

Please remember to bring your Bread For The World letters to congresspeople back to church on Sunday or leave them in the office. ~Buzz Lenander

Summer Midmonth Fellowship Events begin Wednesday, June 14th at 6pm! We will have an intergenerational gathering in Fellowship Hall on 6/14, with snacks and something fun to do! Come check it out and help us brainstorm for our July 12th and August 16th events (and maybe on into Fall??). Please mark your calendars. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Adopted Families: Our "crew" picked up two truckloads of bedroom furniture and took it to our "old" adoptee's place that I wrote about last Sunday. The "old" adoptee reports that all but one dresser has already been taken by some very grateful families. In the same conversation, the "old" adoptee told me about a medium-sized woman with disabilities who has a need for a wheelchair and a shower chair. If you have either (or both) to donate, please call Kay or the office. Thank you! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

PRIDE is almost here! ReconcilingWorks is excited to be celebrating the diversity of our beloved LGBTQIA+ community with you all. PRIDE 2023 festivities will be officially beginning in June, so come join the fun by bookmarking the PRIDE 2023 webpage at ReconcilingWorks.org/PRIDE.

Albuquerque Pride Week ’23 is June 5-10: https://www.abqpride.com/.

St. Paul’s Reconciling in Christ/PRIDE Sunday will be June 11th. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

The 2023 Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Wish & Need List is posted in the Welcome Center. Please take a moment to see how you might assist. Pastor and St. Paul campers will be attending this summer. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Asylum Program Updates:

·         Volunteer with us! Our program depends on our incredible volunteers! We are always looking for more people to help support asylum-seekers residing here in ABQ. Right now, we need people to sort food and transport food boxes on the 3rd Thursday and Friday mornings of each month. Interested? A 2-3 hour commitment! We are also always looking for Family Liaison Volunteers to walk alongside asylum-seeker/immigrant families for a year as they integrate into life in Albuquerque. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Odalys Márquez at vc@abqfaithworks.org. 

·         Host a Clinic! Our monthly Asylum and Work Permit Application Clinics, in partnership with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, are an amazing collaboration-in-action serving to meet the needs of asylum-seekers here in town. Please contact the Asylum Program Director, Sarah Camp at asylumdirector@abqfaithworks.org if your congregation would like to learn more about hosting one of these all-day Friday events.

Help the City Solve the ABQ Housing Crisis. The housing crisis is real! Rent prices have skyrocketed and there are not enough units for people living in Albuquerque. You can help solve this situation by advocating with your City Councilor. The next City Council meeting is June 5, 2023. Find out more at:  https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog. ~Dora Gallegos, Office Manager

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

“Indian 101” presented by Vance Blackfox this Thursday, June 1, 9-11am Mtn. See: https://elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Indigenous-Ministries-and-Tribal-Relations/Truth-and-Healing-Movement. No preregistration, click the posted link to join.

Wear Orange June 2-4. Friday, June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and that weekend is known as Wear Orange Weekend. Virtual and in-person events are taking place around the country in this movement to understand and end gun violence. Visit: https://wearorange.org/. ~Women of the ELCA

Take action for asylum seekers. As a nation, we have the capacity to restore our asylum system for all seeking safety and to expand legal pathways for those who are fleeing persecution. Join Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) in calling our nation's leaders to welcome asylum-seekers with compassion instead of cruelty, and

Join us in celebrating World Refugee Day on June 20th. Each June, we step back to acknowledge the overwhelming adversity faced by the 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, as well as honor the incredible life-saving and life-restoring impact of refuge. At LIRS it is our deepest belief that these vulnerable individuals should be protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities. We celebrate the vibrancy and new beginning that refuge provides for so many when we lead with our values to ensure welcome in our communities. Visit https://www.lirs.org/

Lutheran World Relief Summer Matching Gift Challenge. Through June 30, every dollar given will double, up to $200,000, at https://lwr.org/. Gifts provide:

·        Families access to urgently needed food.

·        Resources for families to battle malnutrition by fortifying food with vitamin-rich foods and supplements.

·        A healthy start to life for children around the globe.

·        School kits packed with essential supplies, like crayons, pencils and more.

Holden Evening Prayer Around the World-Join Us In Spirit on June 3, 2023

Once a year Holden invites Villagers across the globe to come together through participation in the Holden Evening Prayer. Help us kick-off the first week of summer programming by joining us on the first night that Holden Evening Prayer will be sung in the Village for the summer. Marty Haugen wrote Holden Evening Prayer during a musical residency at Holden Village. A simple Lutheran vespers service that follows traditional form while using contemporary and inclusive language, this service has become beloved by many. Even though geography may separate us, by singing and saying the same words together, we connect in spirit.

See: https://www.holdenvillage.org/holden-evening-prayer-around-the-world/.

Updates Beginning 21 May 2023

Would You Like a Piece of Bread Today? Bread For The World is a collective Christian voice that urges our lawmakers in Washington to fund programs and the Farm Bill to help end hunger at home and abroad.
Malnutrition contributes to nearly half of all preventable deaths among children under age five around the world.  And one in four children under age five is severely malnourished.  But effective, low-cost solutions like fortifying foods with vitamins and minerals can make a huge difference during the 1,000 days between pregnancy and a child's second birthday.  
Here in the United States, there's been an explosion of hunger as more and more families struggle because of rising costs for food, housing, and other necessities.  Improving and expanding school meals, SNAP, and other nutrition programs will enable hard-working parents to feed their children.
Today, May 21st here at St. Paul is Bread For The World Sunday, and the Offering of Letters to our Congress members. Please take a few minutes after service to write/sign letters to our State Senators, and Representatives.  Sample Letter and information will be provided. Thank You. ~Buzz Lenander, Bread For The World Coordinator

Next Week’s Adult Faith Development: Labyrinth practice with a field trip out to our labyrinth! ~Pr. Koppel

Next Sunday: The Festival of Pentecost is upon us! Let's all wear red as we celebrate the birth of the church! Not everyone has a piece of red clothing, but a splash of red will do (i.e., scarf, tie). Thanks! ~Jan Bowers, for your Worship & Music Team

Stewardship. Summer vacations will soon be here. Yea! Don’t forget to keep your pledge to St. Paul up to date even when you are out of town. ~Hal Nilsson, for your Stewardship Team

Summer Midmonth Fellowship Events begin Wednesday, June 14th at 6pm! We will have an intergenerational gathering in Fellowship Hall on 6/14, with snacks and something fun to do! Come check it out and help us brainstorm for our July 12th and August 16th events (and maybe on into Fall??). Please mark your calendars. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins 

Adopted Families: For the 33+ years of the Adopted Families Project we have always had access to a commercial storage unit where we kept donated items and doled them out as needed. "Clients" would often come to "shop," finding things they needed and liked. Payment for this storage came from various "outside" sources, most recently from a generous couple at St. Paul. However, we finally decided to vacate our storage unit because it wasn't being used as it had been; that is, people weren't coming to the unit anymore, and we were using our connection with an "old" adoptee who knows many people in need and directly finds homes for donated items. She has also volunteered to pick up the donated items that are left at St. Paul in the coat room. So from the perspective of people who have things to donate, nothing has really changed: bring small things to St. Paul; to donate large items, call me to arrange for pickup; and to donate money, make checks payable to St. Paul, mark them for Adopted Families and place them in the Sunday offering or church office. We're still just trying to help others who are trying to help themselves, as I like to word it. Thank you! ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

PRIDE is almost here! ReconcilingWorks is excited to be celebrating the diversity of our beloved LGBTQIA+ community with you all. PRIDE 2023 festivities will be officially beginning in June, so come join the fun by bookmarking the PRIDE 2023 webpage at ReconcilingWorks.org/PRIDE.

Albuquerque Pride Week ’23 is June 5-10: https://www.abqpride.com/.

St. Paul’s Reconciling in Christ/PRIDE Sunday will be June 11th. Stay tuned for more details! ~Deborah Ash

The 2023 Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Wish & Need List is posted in the Welcome Center. Please take a moment to see how you might assist. Pastor and St. Paul campers will be attending this summer. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, Sun. May 21 at St. Paul! ABQ Chamber Soloists concludes its season at 2pm with an unforgettable program of two masterpieces for piano, clarinet, violin and cello. Peter Schickele is best known as the alter ego and musical satirist behind the hilarious PDQ Bach, but is a highly regarded composer in his own right. His Quartet, written in 1982 and dedicated to his father, is a delightful romp with hints of jazz and Celtic influences.
No piece in music history transcends the circumstances of its composition better than Olivier Messiaen’s celestial, otherworldly Quartet for the End of Time. Created and premiered in the brutal conditions of a German POW forced labor camp early in World War 2, it takes as its inspiration a passage from the Book of Revelation:
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire ... and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth .... And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever ... that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished ...
Messiaen used a variety of techniques to bring his vision of the Apocalypse to life – ancient Greek and Hindu rhythmic modes, transcribed birdsong, and chords bursting with color. Amid the eight movements are two extremely slow movements, one for cello and piano, the other for violin and piano praising Christ as both the Word, and the Man, respectively. ~James Holland, Artistic Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran World Relief Summer Matching Gift Challenge. Through June 30, every dollar given will double, up to $200,000, at https://lwr.org/. Gifts provide:

·        Families access to urgently needed food.

·        Resources for families to battle malnutrition by fortifying food with vitamin-rich foods and supplements.

·        A healthy start to life for children around the globe.

·        School kits packed with essential supplies, like crayons, pencils and more.

Listening Post on the Farm Bill, National Bilingual (Spanish/English) Focus, this Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 pm Mountain. Join the national advocacy office to explore how this critical piece of legislation impacts Hispanic communities. Speakers include John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy.
The ELCA federal advocacy team is asking for support from diverse sectors across the ELCA who may wish to participate in an informative session on Farm Bill advocacy. This legislation is key to addressing conservation and both hunger in the United States and globally. Listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences will provide input to Witness in Society team in Washington, DC. Your viewpoints, initiatives, concerns, and hopes for a future farm bill will inform our advocacy and help shape the final law that Congress passes. Let’s talk and act together!!
*Note: While all are welcome to register for all Listening Sessions, each session will feature some discussion specific to the region. This session will focus on listening from Spanish speaking community members. Registration: https://bit.ly/ELCAreunionLeyAgricola. More Information: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-farm-bill-listening-sessions/

Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Receives $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response for New Mexico wildfire relief. RMS is proud to share that a $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response has been awarded to St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal/Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for support of wildfire and flood recovery efforts. The LDR grant will support the direct needs of community members whose needs are not met by other resources.
If you would like to donate to support the members of this community even further, you may give online via Tithely (select "New Mexico Fires" on the drop-down menu): https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/64074. You may also send checks to: St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal/Lutheran Church, PO Box 2576, Las Vegas, NM 87701, Ref: Wildfire/Flood Recovery.

ELCA Advocacy May Update: This month’s Connections includes information from the ELCA Advocacy Office in Washington, DC, on: Debt Ceiling, Environmental Justice Executive Order, Human Trafficking, Proposed Asylum Rule Now in Effect, and Young Adult Border Trip. See: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/may-update-advocacy-connections-2023/.  Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network  http://elca.org/advocacy/signup.

Updates Beginning 14 May 2023

Today! Hunger Issues in New Mexico at Adult Faith Development. Presented by Carlos Navarro of NM Interfaith Hunger Coalition. The coalition is made up of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish congregations and St. Paul is a member. Get your coffee/tea and join us at 11:15 am in Fellowship Hall.  ~Buzz Lenander

Next Sunday, May 21, is our annual "Offering of Letters" for Bread for the World, a nationwide effort to flood our US Congress members with letters in support of hunger issues. This year is very important as Congress will be considering the "Farm Bill" which every five years comes up and supports many different food projects and efforts and, in particular, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - formerly Food Stamps). St. Paul is a 40-year member of Bread for the World, a large national organization organized by a Lutheran Pastor many years ago. Sample letters will be available for you to write Sen. Lujan, Sen. Heinrich, and Rep. Stansbury. ~Buzz Lenander

The Festival of Pentecost is upon us (May 28)! Let's all wear red as we celebrate the birth of the church! Not everyone has a piece of red clothing, but a splash of red will do (i.e., scarf, tie). Thanks! ~Jan Bowers, for your Worship & Music Team

Stewardship. What is your favorite ministry at St. Paul?  Give the price of a hamburger or Starbucks to St. Paul to help support it! ~Stewardship Team

Adopted Families: A caseworker we've known for some time emailed me about a woman she knew who is finally going to be able to move into her own apartment after years of living with various relatives after a divorce. She's rebuilding her life and working at a local non-profit agency full-time helping others. She had saved money for her apartment deposits and rent but still needed help with deposits for PNM ($165) and NM Gas ($65). When I paid these deposits, the caseworker wrote back, "Thank you so much! This is such a huge blessing!" Also, one of our "old" adoptees told me about a single mom with two kids; she had been in unemployment and just started working. She was very grateful when we paid her NM Gas bill of just over $215. Thank you for helping us help these folks.  ~Kay Schoenefeld, Adopted Families Coordinator

This is a great time to join the choir! Can you carry a tune?  Have you done any singing in the past in school or church choirs?  Are you familiar with reading music?  Would you like to interact, be in fellowship with, and offer glorious praises to God in song with a fabulous group of people?  If so, I would like you to consider joining the Choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church! You can come and sing with us during rehearsal and try it out with no pressure. My guess is you might really enjoy it! We rehearse on Sunday mornings for an hour before worship starting at 8:45 a.m. You may just drop into the choir room at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, or you could email me, and I will give you a pep talk as to why it is a good idea! I look forward to hearing from you! ~Janet Vrudny, Choir Director, janetvrudny@gmail.com 

From Local Partner Organizations

HopeWorks. Join us for one of our free Community Luncheons & Tours in 2023 (May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16). We provide lunch, and our CEO Annam leads a conversation about our current work before diving into our vision for the future, followed by a walking tour of the campus, including a brief visit to Hope Village. RSVP to Rachel Rodriguez at rrodriguez@hopeworksnm.org or 505-242-4399 x332. ~hopeworksnm.org 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Cruzando Fronteras, May 16-18, 2023, El Paso, TX. Please pray for the Assembly this week – for safe travel and easy accommodations. Please pray for El Paso – for border communities, leaders, and law enforcement. Please pray for our border ministries, partners, and all the refugees and immigrants that they serve. Thank you for your prayers!

Assembly Voting Members from St. Paul: Pastor Koppel, Deborah Ash, Terry Cole

Listening Post on the Farm Bill, National Bilingual (Spanish/English) Focus, Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 pm Mountain. Join the national advocacy office to explore how this critical piece of legislation impacts Hispanic communities. Speakers include John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy.

The ELCA federal advocacy team is asking for support from diverse sectors across the ELCA who may wish to participate in an informative session on Farm Bill advocacy. This legislation is key to addressing conservation and both hunger in the United States and globally. Listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences will provide input to Witness in Society team in Washington, DC. Your viewpoints, initiatives, concerns, and hopes for a future farm bill will inform our advocacy and help shape the final law that Congress passes. Let’s talk and act together!!

 *Note: While all are welcome to register for all Listening Sessions, each session will feature some discussion specific to the region. This session will focus on listening from Spanish speaking community members. Registration: https://bit.ly/ELCAreunionLeyAgricola. More Information: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-farm-bill-listening-sessions/

Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Receives $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response for New Mexico wildfire relief. RMS is proud to share that a $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response has been awarded to St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal/Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for support of wildfire and flood recovery efforts.

St. Paul’s Peace is working with the Mora San Miguel Long Term (MSMLTRG) Recovery Group, Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), several area churches, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to implement a Case Management program and set up an Unmet Needs Table. Currently, over 1,000 cases have been registered with the immediate needs program through NHN. While the daily emergency needs for food, water and everyday supplies have diminished, approximately 120 cases are registered with the LTRG Unmet Needs Table. 40 cases have been referred to another agency and/or have been funded while 65 cases are pending. The MSMLTRG has currently funded about $102K for 16 cases. The LDR grant will support the direct needs of community members whose needs are not met by other resources.

If you would like to donate to support the members of this community even further, you may give online via Tithely (select "New Mexico Fires" on the drop-down menu): https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/64074. You may also send checks to: St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal/Lutheran Church, PO Box 2576, Las Vegas, NM 87701, Ref: Wildfire/Flood Recovery.

“Indian 101” June 1, 10am-12pm Central. The general population knows very little about the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are often grand mysteries. This is by design; for centuries, the colonial project has prioritized the complete erasure of Native people. “Indian 101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression. Led by Vance Blackfox, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the ELCA director for Indigenous ministries and tribal relations. Go to https://elca.org/indigenous and click the “More Information” button for the workshop link. No pre-registration required.

Support for Veterans Homes in our synod. Each area of the Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) has at least one Veterans Home. The Vision Statement of one of these homes is “Working together to provide the highest quality of care and the best quality of life for veterans and their families.”

          The Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP), a ministry of RMS, is currently offering regular worship services at three of these homes. VSCP pays $200 plus expenses to ordained clergy for each of these services. VSCP is a self-funded ministry of the RMS. As such, a minimum of $600 in monthly donations is needed to enable VSCP to continue offering these worship services. There are more of these Veterans Homes desiring worship services. At this point, VSCP can add no more worship services until supporting donations are received.

          Please prayerfully consider donating to help us expand our ministry. This is a marvelous opportunity to honor a Military Member and/or Veteran in your life as Memorial Day 2023 approaches.

Go to: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/64074 and select "Veterans Servant Corps Project" from the dropdown list. Checks can be mailed to RMS, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221, noting it is for VSCP.

Climate Care. The ELCA has adopted a social message about climate care entitled "Earth's Climate Crisis." Drawing from existing social teaching, social messages provide theological rationale and social analysis to foster discernment and engagement on a relatively narrow social issue. You can access the official message at https://www.elca.org/climatecare. A study guide will be available shortly.