Updates Beginning 30 November 2025

Today:  It's Advent again, and you may notice that the scripture readings for worship for the next few weeks will be heavily concerned about prophesy. And this raises perennial questions: What is prophecy? Who are the prophets? Was Jesus a prophet? Is there still prophesy today? Join the Adult Faith Development class this Advent as we explore prophecy and prophets. The conversation will be stimulating, and we may even come up with some surprising answers. The class meets after the Sunday service on Nov. 30, Dec 14, and Dec. 21 (no class on Dec. 7 because of the congregational meeting). Bring your questions and curiosity. We'll take all of them seriously. ~Bob Matthews, for the AFD Team

Starting this week: Advent is a contemplative season preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, held in hopeful anticipation of his promised return.   Liturgically it is the four Sundays before Christmas, this year beginning today.  For these Sundays we’ll focus on SUMUD.  Firstly, it’s a single Arabic word that means steadfastness, resilience, enduring, and persevering through hardship and adversity.  Secondly, it’s our denomination’s response to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel.  Check out https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/sumud for more information.
For mid-week worship & fellowship we’ll join with our partners of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (211 Jefferson St. NE, ABQ).  On the 4th and 18th of December (Thursdays) at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Timothy’s.  On the 10th (Wednesday) also at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Paul.  The evening will begin with a brief worship service using the Salt Project’s resource MAGNIFY: Mary’s Song and the Magnificent Women of Advent, and followed with a soup supper.  So please bring your favorite soup or bread to share.  A sign-up board is in the Welcome Center. ~In peace, hope, love & joy, Pr. Koppel & Worship & Music

This week: First Tuesday is December 2nd at HOPS at 7222 4th Street, 4-6pm.  This is just a social time for anyone associated with St. Paul.  We had a great turnout last month so will meet again at the same place to catch up on the news and get to know each other a little better.  See you then! ~Nancy Matthews

Mark Your Calendars: Next Sunday, 7 December is our Congregational Meeting & Potluck in Fellowship Hall after worship. The main dish will be provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We will be voting on the 2026 budget. Please plan to attend. ~Pr. Koppel

Donations for the Parouse Family. A few weeks ago I called your attention to the announcement about the pastor in Madagascar whose house burned down (see in RMS/ELCA section below). If you are planning to give, go to the RMS website and click on the  giving button...then select Seeds of Hope and put Pastor Parouse in the message part. We would like to send those donations soon. ~Terry Cole for the RMS Companion Synod committee. 

Christmas Cards for our Homebound. In the weeks to come we will have several enlarged Christmas Cards in the Welcome Center for every congregation member to sign. These cards will go to our HOMEBOUND. A holiday greeting from folks known and unknown will be such a treat to the few homebound we have to honor. The picture of the sanctuary will bring them closer to the season with memories dear to each one. Please, even if you do not recognize or know the person the card is for, take a moment in the next few weeks to write a warm holiday greeting. The cards will be delivered by our Visitation Ministers in December when visits are scheduled. Thank you for your participation. ~Pr. Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Diane Remer-Thamert, Teresa Dubuque, Nancy Jenkins, Kay Fulton, Herb Korff.

Adopted Families Tree of Giving. It’s time again to do our Christmas helping project for adopted families. The tree is up and ready for you to pick special items or gift cards for our families. Sign the sheet with name and phone # so we can easily keep track. The recommended gift card/gift price range is $25.
          Please return all gifts (wrapped and labeled with the tracking tag attached) by Sunday Dec. 14th. That is only 4 weeks…. We add household necessities—(soap, detergent, toilet paper ) to further make a difference.
          This year we carry out this project in memory of Kay Schoenefeld who developed and led this for years. Let us remember her and make her proud. ~Dana M, Paula E, Cheri P

Kitchen Renovation Countertop Selection. Please select your choice for the new countertop from those on the table in the Welcome Center. There are four choices from which to select-please vote only once. ~Jolene Gallegos

Free Glassware from Kitchen Supply Room. Thanks to Julie Ambrogi and Dana Mullen we cleared out the Kitchen Supply Room in Fellowship Hall.  There were some extra items that we have plenty of already. These are free to take In the Welcome Center. Any remaining items will go to secondhand stores or given to Adopted Families. ~Jolene Gallegos

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

New Bible Study on the Book of Matthew Begins in January. Interested in learning more about the book of Matthew? Join other members of St. Paul and Pastor Kristi Koppel, who will lead a new hybrid Bible Study (available both via ZOOM and in person at St. Paul) based on the Books of Faith series by Augsburg Fortress. Bible Study participants will receive study guides.

When: 1:30 pm every Thursday from January 8 through February 26
Where: Online via ZOOM or in person at St. Paul

If you are interested in this Bible Study, please email or call the St. Paul office (info@stpaulabq.org or 505 242-5942) or email or message Sally Trigg (sallydtrigg@gmail.com or 575 613-3722). Please let us know by the end of November so we can order materials in early December. ~ Thanks, Sally Trigg

Food for those in need: Can you believe 25% of our population needs food?  When you shop, pick up some extra cans or dry goods and put them in the Storehouse barrels when you enter the sanctuary. Pet food is also needed. There is no better way to thank God for all we have been given. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Proceeds from the Peter Mayer concert will benefit First U’s community programs to better the lives of our neighbors. Hope you can join us. The QR codes for the tiered ticket links are on the flyer, or you can go to First U’s Giving Page at www.tinyURL.com/2fmuh7p4.

Dear St. Paul community,
As a thank you to the congregation Coro Lux would like to offer $5 off any ticket price for our upcoming holiday concert(s) titled "Go Out In Joy!" The concerts will take place in the sanctuary of St. Paul on Friday, December 12th at 7 pm and Saturday, December 13th at 4 pm. Both concerts are identical.
          The program will be a varied one, including the 50-voices of Coro Lux, the El Faro Youth Chorus, carol sing-alongs, selections from Handel's Messiah and readings of Christmas poetry.
          For more information, and to buy tickets, go here: https://abqcorolux.org and enter the code SPLC1225 to get $5 off any ticket.
          Thank you, as always, for your hospitality and we hope to see you there! ~Brad Ellingboe 

New Mexico Women’s Global Pathways and its fiscal sponsor the Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque needs support to continue to provide services for at very high risk families receiving skills training at the Ubuntu Village in a safe environment. The village serves immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, unhoused people street dwellers and at very high risk locals including the unhoused. To learn more and contribute: www.irrva.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From ELCA AMMPARO: Faithful Resistance: Fighting the Sin of Dehumanization.
They are hard to miss. “Invasion“, “Animals“, “Illegals” … We hear these words all the time, whether on the news or in the comment section, used to describe migrants and other marginalized groups.
          These words are used for a reason. They are designed to make us afraid, to make us numb, and to make us see a “problem” instead of a person. They build walls between “us” and “them.”
          As people of faith, we have to be honest: this isn’t just a political debate. It’s a spiritual one. The way we talk about and treat the marginalized is a gut-check for our faith. When we see people being systematically dehumanized, we are called to do more than just feel bad. We are called to resist.
Read the full blog post by Raed AbuJries, Program Manager, AMMPARO US Network, Education and Communications at:
https://blogs.elca.org/ammparo/faithful-resistance-fighting-the-sin-of-dehumanization/

Go to www.rmselca.org, scroll down to the lower right corner to the “Give” button, then select Seeds of Hope Fund from the dropdown menu.

Advent Resources:

ELCA World Hunger: Advent 2025-A Stable Lamp is Lighted. Calendar and study guide. https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent

Lutheran Summer Music Academy

Join us each day this Advent, from November 30 to December 24, for a musical meditation. Selections will be shared on LSM’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived at LSMacademy.org/acal.

Luther Seminary: Use this link to get your free Advent Devotional: https://www.luthersem.edu/resources/advent-devotional-2025/

Updates Beginning 23 November 2025

Today:  Immediately following worship, please return to the Sanctuary for our informational meeting on the proposed 2026 SPLC and Calico budgets. Please bring your refreshments along. Copies of the budgets will be available. We look forward to seeing you there. ~The Finance Team

Mark Your Calendars: Sunday, 7 December is our Congregational Meeting & Potluck in Fellowship Hall. The main dish will be provided. We will be voting on the 2026 budgets. Please plan to attend. ~Pr. Koppel

Advent is a contemplative season preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, held in hopeful anticipation of his promised return.   Liturgically it is the four Sundays before Christmas, this year beginning on 30 November.  For these Sundays we’ll focus on SUMUD.  Firstly, it’s a single Arabic word that means steadfastness, resilience, enduring, and persevering through hardship and adversity.  Secondly, it’s our denomination’s response to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel.  Check out https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/sumud for more information.
For mid-week worship & fellowship we’ll join with our partners of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (211 Jefferson St. NE, ABQ).  On the 4th and 18th of December (Thursdays) at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Timothy’s.  On the 10th (Wednesday) also at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Paul.  The evening will begin with a brief worship service using the Salt Project’s resource MAGNIFY: Mary’s Song and the Magnificent Women of Advent, and followed with a soup supper.  So please bring your favorite soup or bread to share.  A sign-up board is in the Welcome Center. ~In peace, hope, love & joy, Pr. Koppel & Worship & Music

Christmas Cards for our Homebound. In the weeks to come we will have several enlarged Christmas Cards in the Welcome Center for every congregation member to sign. These cards will go to our HOMEBOUND. A holiday greeting from folks known and unknown will be such a treat to the few homebound we have to honor. The picture of the sanctuary will bring them closer to the season with memories dear to each one. Please, even if you do not recognize or know the person the card is for, take a moment in the next few weeks to write a warm holiday greeting. The cards will be delivered by our Visitation Ministers in December when visits are scheduled. Thank you for your participation. ~Pr. Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Diane Remer-Thamert, Teresa Dubuque, Nancy Jenkins, Kay Fulton, Herb Korff.

Adopted Families Tree of Giving. It’s time again to do our Christmas helping project for adopted families. The tree is up and ready for you to pick special items or gift cards for our families. Sign the sheet with name and phone # so we can easily keep track. The recommended gift card/gift price range is $25.
          Please return all gifts (wrapped and labeled with the tracking tag attached) by Sunday Dec. 14th. That is only 4 weeks…. We add household necessities—(soap, detergent, toilet paper ) to further make a difference.
          This year we carry out this project in memory of Kay Schoenefeld who developed and led this for years. Let us remember her and make her proud. ~Dana M, Paula E, Cheri P

First Tuesday is December 2nd at HOPS at 7222 4th Street, 4-6pm.  This is just a social time for anyone associated with St. Paul.  We had a great turnout last month so will meet again at the same place to catch up on the news and get to know each other a little better.  See you then! ~Nancy Matthews

New Bible Study on the Book of Matthew Begins in January. Interested in learning more about the book of Matthew? Join other members of St. Paul and Pastor Kristi Koppel, who will lead a new hybrid Bible Study (available both via ZOOM and in person at St. Paul) based on the Books of Faith series by Augsburg Fortress. Bible Study participants will receive study guides.

When: 1:30 pm every Thursday from January 8 through February 26
Where: Online via ZOOM or in person at St. Paul

If you are interested in this Bible Study, please email or call the St. Paul office (info@stpaulabq.org or 505 242-5942) or email or message Sally Trigg (sallydtrigg@gmail.com or 575 613-3722). Please let us know by the end of November so we can order materials in early December. ~ Thanks, Sally Trigg

Thank you to all the folks that helped clean up the Church Campus on Saturday 15 November. We pulled weeds, picked up trash and worked on raking leaves that had fallen on the north and east sides of the church. So much trash and weeds that we filled up the trash receptacle. A great group of volunteers! We appreciate you: Jan Bowers, Peggy Burnett, Michael Chochol, Teresa Dubuque, Jim Graff, Casey Jelsema, Dave Kelly, Dana Mullen, and Matt Pettersen. ~Jolene Gallegos

Food for those in need: Can you believe 25% of our population needs food?  When you shop, pick up some extra cans or dry goods and put them in the Storehouse barrels when you enter the sanctuary. There is no better way to thank God for all we have been given. ~Nancy Matthews

Thank you to all who supported Luther House/Open Table’s Friendsgiving on Thursday! There were some 25 in attendance. Pastor Rhonda wrote: I’m so pleased at how it all went! Thank you so much for all the organizing, cooking, participating, advocating, and support! We brought 14 sides and desserts, thanks to: Jan, Kristi, Mandy, Molly, Peggy, Sharon and Teresa. A wonderful God’s Work Our Hands project for November! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

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:

Next Sunday:

Proceeds from the Peter Mayer concert will benefit First U’s community programs to better the lives of our neighbors. Hope you can join us. The QR codes for the tiered ticket links are on the flyer, or you can go to First U’s Giving Page at www.tinyURL.com/2fmuh7p4.

Dear St. Paul community,
As a thank you to the congregation Coro Lux would like to offer $5 off any ticket price for our upcoming holiday concert(s) titled "Go Out In Joy!" The concerts will take place in the sanctuary of St. Paul on Friday, December 12th at 7 pm and Saturday, December 13th at 4 pm. Both concerts are identical.
          The program will be a varied one, including the 50-voices of Coro Lux, the El Faro Youth Chorus, carol sing-alongs, selections from Handel's Messiah and readings of Christmas poetry.
          For more information, and to buy tickets, go here: https://abqcorolux.org and enter the code SPLC1225 to get $5 off any ticket.
          Thank you, as always, for your hospitality and we hope to see you there! ~Brad Ellingboe

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Sumud. As RMS Sumud continues to further our purpose, which is to respond to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel through accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising with our partners in the Holy Land and in the ELCA, we offer the following:

Participate in RMS Sumud: To attend an upcoming RMS Sumud planning session this Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. MDT, simply join us at: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09#success
***Please note that this one requires a passcode, which is Lutheran.
     Questions? Please call or text Rebecca Aardahl at (701) 527-4342.

From ELCA AMMPARO: Faithful Resistance: Fighting the Sin of Dehumanization.
They are hard to miss. “Invasion“, “Animals“, “Illegals” … We hear these words all the time, whether on the news or in the comment section, used to describe migrants and other marginalized groups.
          These words are used for a reason. They are designed to make us afraid, to make us numb, and to make us see a “problem” instead of a person. They build walls between “us” and “them.”
          As people of faith, we have to be honest: this isn’t just a political debate. It’s a spiritual one. The way we talk about and treat the marginalized is a gut-check for our faith. When we see people being systematically dehumanized, we are called to do more than just feel bad. We are called to resist.
Read the full blog post by Raed AbuJries, Program Manager, AMMPARO US Network, Education and Communications at:
https://blogs.elca.org/ammparo/faithful-resistance-fighting-the-sin-of-dehumanization/

Go to www.rmselca.org, scroll down to the lower right corner to the “Give” button, then select Seeds of Hope Fund from the dropdown menu.

Updates Beginning 16 November 2025

Today's Adult Faith Development is on Gaza. After the service, join iusti remer-thamert in conversation about the current situation in Gaza. There has been much speculation whether the current ceasefire will hold and whether the other phases of its implementation will move ahead. What are the ceasefire's implications on the West Bank which continues to be a site of increasing land theft and settler violence? iusti is in no way an expert but has been following the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and will update with what they know. Your own knowledge and analysis is equally appreciated. ~The AFD Team

Today: Kitchen Mini-Makeover.  We have been working on an estimate to do a Mini-Makeover in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen.  Initially we thought "just replace the counters".  But one thing has led to another!  Please, if you are interested in this project, grab your refreshments right after worship today and return to the Sanctuary.  Learn about the plan, the 3 estimates (with different cabinet options), and plan for funding.   Consider too giving a special gift towards this project.  See you soon!  ~Jolene Gallegos & Pr. Koppel

November’s God’s Work Our Hands project: helping with Luther House/ Open Table’s Friendsgiving event this Thursday, November 20th, 5-7:30pm. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to provide sides or desserts (perhaps your special green bean casserole??). Please drop off your food item by 4:30 that day; hot dishes should come ready to serve. We will transport them to Luther House. They anticipate needing 30 servings and are providing the turkey.
And a big “Thank You!” to our office volunteers (Sharon Hamilton, Nancy Jenkins and Molly Kraft) who helped provide Thursday’s Open Table meal at Luther House! ~Deborah Ash

Advent is a contemplative season preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, held in hopeful anticipation of his promised return.   Liturgically it is the four Sundays before Christmas, this year beginning on 30 November.  For these Sundays we’ll focus on SUMUD.  Firstly, it’s a single Arabic word that means steadfastness, resilience, enduring, and persevering through hardship and adversity.  Secondly, it’s our denomination’s response to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel.  Check out https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/sumud for more information.
For mid-week worship & fellowship we’ll join with our partners of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (211 Jefferson St. NE, ABQ).  On the 4th and 18th (Thursdays) at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Timothy’s.  On the 10th (Wednesday) also at 6pm we’ll meet at St. Paul.  The evening will begin with a brief worship service using the Salt Project’s resource MAGNIFY: Mary’s Song and the Magnificent Women of Advent, and followed with a soup supper.  So please bring your favorite soup or bread to share.  A sign-up board is in the Welcome Center. ~In peace, hope, love & joy, Pr. Koppel and the Worship & Music Team

Christmas Cards for our Homebound. In the weeks to come we will have several enlarged Christmas Cards in the Welcome Center for every congregation member to sign. These cards will go to our HOMEBOUND. A holiday greeting from folks known and unknown will be such a treat to the few homebound we have to honor. The picture of the sanctuary will bring them closer to the season with memories dear to each one. Please, even if you do not recognize or know the person the card is for, take a moment in the next few weeks to write a warm holiday greeting. The cards will be delivered by our Visitation Ministers in December when visits are scheduled. Thank you for your participation. ~Pr. Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Diane Remer-Thamert, Teresa Dubuque, Nancy Jenkins, Kay Fulton, Herb Korff.

Adopted Families Tree of Giving. It’s time again to do our Christmas helping project for adopted families. The tree is up and ready for you to pick special items or gift cards for our families. Sign the sheet with name and phone # so we can easily keep track. The recommended gift card/gift price range is $25.
          Please return all gifts (wrapped and labeled with the tracking tag attached) by Sunday Dec. 14th. That is only 4 weeks…. We add household necessities—(soap, detergent, toilet paper ) to further make a difference.
          This year we carry out this project in memory of Kay Schoenefeld who developed and led this for years. Let us remember her and make her proud. ~Dana M, Paula E, Cheri P

Kitchen Storage Cleanup. Dana Mullen, Julie Ambrogi and Jolene Gallegos assisted in cleaning out the Kitchen Supply Room in Friendship Hall.  It is currently being cleaned out due to need for multi-use space.  Items to consider to take, or if you have stake in any items that have been stored for years include: dishware, reception plates, punch bowls, cake platters, glass cups. Our intention is save the quantity necessary for use and re-home / donate excess items not being used. Please contact Jolene by November 20th. ~Respectfully, The Clean up Crew

Fellowship Hall Closets. Items from the far southwest corner kitchen supply closet will be moved to the closet near the Kitchen, as that room has mostly cleared out.  Calico Butterfly School is running out of storage space downstairs for Pre-K training supplies and various miscellaneous items and will be utilizing the southwest closet for storage.
          Again, If you are looking for toilet paper, soap, paper towels, cleaning items, as well as the portable PA system, please know that these will be now stored in the Kitchen Supplies room next to the kitchen by November 20th. ~Thank you, Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

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

New Bible Study on the Book of Matthew Begins in January. Interested in learning more about the book of Matthew? Join other members of St. Paul and Pastor Kristi Koppel, who will lead a new hybrid Bible Study (available both via ZOOM and in person at St. Paul) based on the Books of Faith series by Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Bible Study participants will receive study guides.

When: 1:30 pm every Thursday from January 8 through February 26
Where: Online via ZOOM or in person at St. Paul 

If you are interested in this Bible Study, please email or call the St. Paul office (info@stpaulabq.org or 505 242-5942) or email or message Sally Trigg (sallydtrigg@gmail.com or 575 613-3722). Please let us know by the end of November so we can order materials in early December. ~ Thanks, Sally Trigg

Would it be possible to fill both barrels before Thanksgiving?? There are two barrels belonging to The Storehouse waiting to be filled with food items for those who need help with shopping. Thanksgiving is coming and many folks will not have enough food for the day, much less for a celebration. We have more than we need. Why don't we fill those barrels with canned fruits, canned vegetables, pastas, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned soups - anything that is shelf safe? Don't forget a treat or two! Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Prayer Shawls. Thank you to everyone who has been helping to fill up our prayer shawl basket! Shawls will be blessed in December. ~Sharon Hamilton

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
          St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
          Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

From Local Partner Organizations

Tomorrow:

For more information, contact Ivan Westergaard, 505-903-2351, or Mary Graves, 651-894-2743.

This Thursday:

Next Sunday:

Dear St. Paul community,
As a thank you to the congregation Coro Lux would like to offer $5 off any ticket price for our upcoming holiday concert(s) titled "Go Out In Joy!" The concerts will take place in the sanctuary of St. Paul on Friday, December 12th at 7 pm and Saturday, December 13th at 4 pm. Both concerts are identical.
          The program will be a varied one, including the 50-voices of Coro Lux, the El Faro Youth Chorus, carol sing-alongs, selections from Handel's Messiah and readings of Christmas poetry.
          For more information, and to buy tickets, go here: https://abqcorolux.org and enter the code SPLC1225 to get $5 off any ticket.
          Thank you, as always, for your hospitality and we hope to see you there! ~Brad Ellingboe

Proceeds from the concert will benefit First U’s community programs to better the lives of our neighbors. Hope you can join us, and share this invitation with your congregations. The QR codes for the tiered ticket links are on the flyer, or you can go to First U’s Giving Page at www.tinyURL.com/2fmuh7p4.

Time To Order Your Luminarias! Every season since 1981, Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program students and families fold, assemble, and sell thousands of dozens of luminarias across the Albuquerque metro area. Proceeds support AYSP's symphonic music education programs in our vibrant community that serve approximately 450 students annually in grades 4-12 from the Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties. They are priced at $12 per dozen.
          Order your luminarias online by November 22 for delivery to your home or business on December 6 (minimum order for delivery is 4 dozen). You may purchase fewer than 4 dozen and simply pick them up on December 13 at the AYSP building. Either way, you may place your order online at: www.aysmusic.org/luminarias/. If you would rather place your order by phone, you may call the AYSP office during business hours at (505) 875-1319.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Go to www.rmselca.org, scroll down to the lower right corner to the “Give” button, then select Seeds of Hope Fund from the dropdown menu.

RMS Sumud. As RMS Sumud continues to further our purpose, which is to respond to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel through accompaniment, advocacy and awaren ess-raising with our partners in the Holy Land and in the ELCA, we offer these special opportunities:

• Participate in RMS Sumud: To attend an upcoming RMS Sumud planning session on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. MDT, simply join us at: 
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09#success
  ***Please note that this one requires a passcode, which is Lutheran.
  Questions? Please call or text Rebecca Aardahl at (701) 527-4342.

• Weekly Advent Devotions from our ELCJHL Siblings. Open this weekly Advent gift of devotion and prayer as Lutheran siblings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) lead us in meditation and prayer. All of the sessions are available here with accompanying discussion questions for your congregation's consideration, for your family's time of devotion or for your own personal prayer life. https://resources.elca.org/sumud/advent-devotional/

Youth musicians are invited to LSM 2026 at St. Olaf College! Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Young musicians come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in joyful music-making and build a supportive and welcoming community, living together on a college campus. During the day, students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles (Festival Choir, Band and Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and elective classes (such as conducting, composition, church music, jazz band, musical theatre, handbells). In the evenings, students attend recitals, Evening Prayer services, and social events with their friends. LSM 2026 takes place June 21-July 19 (Full Session) or June 21-July 3 (Half Session) and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Priority Enrollment is offered now through December 1 with a $50 discount. Standard Enrollment is offered through March 1. General financial aid options are available. Program Info: LSMacademy.org/program

From AMMPARO:
Refugee Resettlement Action Alert: https://act.elca.org/page/88334/action/1?chain
Sign up for daily or weekly updates on immigration policy from:
National Immigration Forum: https://forumtogether.org/article/stay-informed/ and Church World Service: https://churchworldservices.quorum.us/CWSStateofPlay/

This Week: AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment 1-Hour Webinar. Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m. Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c3f5a93567304f368b0f71702f5ba1f8 

This Week: Bread for the World West, Southwest, and Midwest Combined Regional Online Meetings, Hosted by David Gist, Ken Fujimoto, and Nicole Schmidt. November 18 at 7:00 p.m. EST or November 19 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Join Bread for the World staff and advocates in your area in a few weeks for our fall regional online meetings. Now more than ever, we need to come together for encouragement, updates, timely action steps, and planning for the next year!
          As we have pressed on through this turbulent year, we will continue to be a faithful witness, calling on our members of Congress—and ourselves—to love our neighbors and to pursue an end to hunger. Will you join us?
          Register at: https://www.bread.org/event/2025-fall-regional-online-meetings/

This Week: Lutherans Restoring Creation’s November Connections Call. Calling Conscientious Consumers, November 18th, 6pm MT. As we enter the season of gratitude… and are relentlessly beckoned by the marketplace; let us consider the opportunities we have to be conscientious consumers and re-imagine an economy with equity at the center. Learn about global food systems and alternatives to the corporate supply chain from Equal Exchange and join friends from our ELCA World Hunger Ministries in conversation and collaboration. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eR7Hp-LdSwCJ_YIcFrKs0A#/registration

Updates Beginning 9 November 2025

For Adult Faith Development Today, I invite you to join me for some post-sabbatical ponderings!  The conversation will center on the question (asked of us the Sunday I returned) "What would it look like to do more ministry together?".  More specifically, thinking about the 8 ELCA congregations in ABQ, our staffing and building resources!  We'll get started ASAP after worship and wrap-up by 12:25pm, so grab refreshments on your way to the Conference Room.   ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

Property Fall Clean Up Scheduled for 11/15/25, Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. There are lots of falling leaves, then weeds that have overgrown with a hot summer, then rainy end of summer.  We'd love to have your help outside only to clean up the surrounding property.  We need about 8-10 Volunteers to show up.  Please reach out to me after services if you are willing to assist.  We will have pizza and sodas available after our hard work in Friendship Corner.

What to bring:  Rakes, brooms, gloves, shovels

Focus areas for Clean Up:

• Leaf clean up

• Pull weeds

• Pick up trash

• Sweep areas around the parking lot close to curbs, rocks, sticks and other debris

• Any light trimming

• Clean debris off drainage grate on east side of entry driveway

We appreciate your assistance and hope you can join us. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

A Big Thank You! to the volunteers who gathered at the church on October 25th to help assemble the new Coffee Hutch. We worked for a good five hours putting it together.  Everyone is so appreciated for helping!  Here's a call out to the volunteers: Omar & Penny Durant, Nancy Jenkins, Matt Pettersen, and Michael Chochol. ~Jolene Gallegos

Thank You to the Visual Choir! Thank you to the entire team for all their hard work decorating the Sanctuary, creating the ofrenda, and making All Saints Sunday so meaningful for all here at St. Paul. ~Deborah Ash

Prayer Shawls. Thank you to everyone who has been helping to fill up our prayer shawl basket! Shawls will be blessed in December. ~Sharon Hamilton

Kitchen Storage Cleanup. Dana Mullen, Julie Ambrogi and Jolene Gallegos assisted in cleaning out the Kitchen Supply Room in Friendship Hall.  It is currently being cleaned out due to need for multi-use space.  Items to consider to take, or if you have stake in any items that have been stored for years include: Dishware, reception plates, punch bowls, Cake platters, glass cups.
The popcorn machine is being donated to On Conditional Love, an organization helping individuals dealing with addiction. They hold movie nights two nights a week so this is a perfect new home!
Our intention is save the quantity necessary for use and re-home / donate excess items not being used.
If you have a stake in any of these items, please contact Jolene by November 20th. ~Respectfully, The Clean up Crew

November’s God’s Work Our Hands project: helping with Luther House/ Open Table’s Friendsgiving event on Thursday, November 20th, 5-7:30pm. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to provide sides or desserts (perhaps your special green bean casserole??). Please drop off your food item by 4:30 that day; hot dishes should come ready to serve. We will transport them to Luther House. They anticipate needing 30 servings and are providing the turkey.
A big Thank You! to everyone who generously donated senior supplies to Adopted Families through our October God’s Work Our Hands project. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Christmas Cards for our Homebound. In the weeks to come we will have several enlarged Christmas Cards in the Welcome Center for every congregation member to sign. These cards will go to our HOMEBOUND. A holiday greeting from folks known and unknown will be such a treat to the few homebound we have to honor. The picture of the sanctuary will bring them closer to the season with memories dear to each one. Please, even if you do not recognize or know the person the card is for, take a moment in the next few weeks to write a warm holiday greeting. The cards will be delivered by our Visitation Ministers in December when visits are scheduled. Thank you for your participation. ~Pr. Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Diane Remer-Thamert, Teresa Dubuque, Nancy Jenkins, Kay Fulton, Herb Korff.

Food Resources. Abbey Reed, Director of Neighboring at Central United Methodist Church, has compiled lists of food resources in our community in light of the SNAP funding issue. Please see the board on the north side of the Welcome Center; copies are also available on the desk. The list was updated this past week, so you may wish to have the new copy. ~Deborah Ash

Would it be possible to fill both barrels before Thanksgiving?? There are two barrels belonging to The Storehouse waiting to be filled with food items for those who need help with shopping. Thanksgiving is coming and many folks will not have enough food for the day, much less for a celebration. We have more than we need. Why don't we fill those barrels with canned fruits, canned vegetables, pastas, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned soups - anything that is shelf safe? Don't forget a treat or two! Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
          St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

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 Rio Grande Food Project (RGFP) and US Eagle FCU's ARNIA Foundation for a night of fun and laughter to benefit 4 local nonprofits including RGFP! Tickets at: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/comedy-night-fundraiser-3

Time To Order Your Luminarias! Every season since 1981, Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program students and families fold, assemble, and sell thousands of dozens of luminarias across the Albuquerque metro area. Proceeds support AYSP's symphonic music education programs in our vibrant community that serve approximately 450 students annually in grades 4-12 from the Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties.
          AYSP luminarias are traditionally constructed with high-quality materials, with a double-fold on the top of each bag and long-burning votive candles. They come fully assembled on sturdy cardboard flats and ready to put out on your lawn or driveway. They are priced at $12 per dozen.
          Order your luminarias online by November 22 for delivery to your home or business on December 6 (minimum order for delivery is 4 dozen). You may purchase fewer than 4 dozen and simply pick them up on December 13 at the AYSP building. Either way, you may place your order online at: www.aysmusic.org/luminarias/. If you would rather place your order by phone, you may call the AYSP office during business hours at (505) 875-1319.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Go to www.rmselca.org, scroll down to the lower right corner to the “Give” button, then select Seeds of Hope Fund from the dropdown menu.

Bishop Meghan’s All Saints Sunday Message from the Border Immersion Program is at: https://vimeo.com/1133871738.

This Saturday:

November is Native American Heritage Month. ELCA Racial Justice Ministries seeks to lift up the voices and work of our Indigenous siblings. Visit the ELCA website to learn about the many opportunities to learn, raise awareness and engage in other ways to impact hearts and lives across this church:
https://www.elca.org/our-work/congregations-and-synods/ministries-of-diverse-cultures-and-communities/indigenous-ministries-and-tribal-relations

This Week: AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment 1-Hour Webinars.
Wednesday November 12, 7:00 p.m., Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.
Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum. 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c3f5a93567304f368b0f71702f5ba1f8

Bread for the World: West, Southwest, and Midwest Combined Regional Online Meetings, Hosted by David Gist, Ken Fujimoto, and Nicole Schmidt.

• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EST (4:00 p.m. PST)

• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m. PST)

Join Bread for the World staff and advocates in your area in a few weeks for our fall regional online meetings. Now more than ever, we need to come together for encouragement, updates, timely action steps, and planning for the next year!
          As we have pressed on through this turbulent year, we will continue to be a faithful witness, calling on our members of Congress—and ourselves—to love our neighbors and to pursue an end to hunger. Will you join us?
          Register at: https://www.bread.org/event/2025-fall-regional-online-meetings/

 Global Refuge Weekly: A Sad Day for Refugee Resettlement. The Trump Administration has formally announced a refugee admissions ceiling of just 7,500 people for Fiscal Year 2026 — the lowest in U.S. history — while primarily using those limited slots for Afrikaners from South Africa.
Global Refuge continues to express serious concerns that the new framework represents a serious break from policy guided by humanitarian need, as opposed to identity. As countless international crises continue to persist, concentrating the vast majority of admissions on one group severely undermines the program’s purpose and credibility. Simultaneously, federal support has been significantly diminished for new Americans. Cash and medical assistance has been limited, and Congress recently restricted access to key programs like SNAP and Medicaid—ending decades of guaranteed access to food and health coverage for lawfully-admitted refugees.
The FY26 ceiling draws away from the United States' longstanding role as a global humanitarian leader, and violates both the spirit of the Refugee Act of 1980 and the ancient moral calling shared across religious traditions to welcome the stranger and protect those fleeing persecution.
          Read the press release at: https://www.globalrefuge.org/press-room/

Updates Beginning 2 November 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Today's Adult Forum will be on the Council of Nicea which met in A.D. 325, 1700 years ago this year.  We will consider the theological issues which led to the Council, the Nicene Creed which emerged from the event, and  the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 which expanded the Creed.  ~Hal Nilsson, for the AFD Team

This week: First Tuesday heads north!  Tuesday, November 4th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, we'll meet at Hops Brewery & Restaurant, 7222 4th Street NW.  It is on the east side of the street and set way back from the street, so look for the sign.  Good food, good drink, but if you just want your snack, bring it along.  Lots of parking in front and also outside seating for when the weather is fine.  Let's try it out.  For those who don't know, this is just a social time, to catch up on the news and an opportunity to get to know each other better.  See you then!~Nancy Matthews

Property Fall Clean Up Scheduled for 11/15/25, Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. There are lots of falling leaves, then weeds that have overgrown with a hot summer, then rainy end of summer.  We'd love to have your help outside only to clean up the surrounding property.  We need about 8-10 Volunteers to show up.  Please reach out to me after services if you are willing to assist.  We will have pizza and sodas available after our hard work in Friendship Corner.

What to bring:  Rakes, brooms, gloves, shovels

Focus areas for Clean Up:

• Leaf clean up

• Pull weeds

• Pick up trash

• Sweep areas around the parking lot close to curbs, rocks, sticks and other debris

• Any light trimming

• Clean debris off drainage grate on east side of entry driveway

We appreciate your assistance and hope you can join us. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

Prayer Shawls. Thank you to everyone who has been helping to fill up our prayer shawl basket! ~Sharon Hamilton

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

November’s God’s Work Our Hands project: helping with Luther House/ Open Table’s Friendsgiving event on Thursday, November 20th, 5-7:30pm. Please see the signup sheet in the Welcome Center to provide sides or desserts (perhaps your special green bean casserole??). Please drop off your food item by 4:30 that day; hot dishes should come ready to serve. We will transport them to Luther House. They anticipate needing 30 servings and are providing the turkey. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Christmas Cards for our Homebound. In the weeks to come we will have several enlarged Christmas Cards in the Welcome Center for every congregation member to sign. These cards will go to our HOMEBOUND. A holiday greeting from folks known and unknown will be such a treat to the few homebound we have to honor. The picture of the sanctuary will bring them closer to the season with memories dear to each one. Please, even if you do not recognize or know the person the card is for, take a moment in the next few weeks to write a warm holiday greeting. The cards will be delivered by our Visitation Ministers in December when visits are scheduled. Thank you for your participation. ~Pr. Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, Diane Remer-Thamert, Teresa Dubuque, Nancy Jenkins, Kay Fulton, Herb Korff.

Adopted Families: Because of your contributions to Adopted Families, we were able to help a young man who showed up at the church office door this week. He was cold from spending the night on the street and wanting to find a way to get back to his home in a small town in Nebraska. He spoke with Pastor and was offered a hot cup of tea and time to get warm. After hearing his story, the office reached out to Adopted Families about funds for a bus ticket. For a little more than $100, this young man got a bus ticket in hand and a handmade quilt from our St. Paul quilters. He was grateful that someone listened to his plea and made it possible for him to return to safety in his hometown with family. ~Paula Eglinton

Food Resources. Abbey Reed, Director of Neighboring at Central United Methodist Church, has compiled lists of food resources in our community in light of the SNAP funding issue. Please see the board on the north side of the Welcome Center; copies are also available on the desk. ~Deborah Ash

Storehouse sends thanks! Two full barrels, including pet food, were picked up this week. The driver said giving is up 60% this week alone in light of the SNAP funding issue. When you read the following message, perhaps we could find a way to fill both barrels twice more before Thanksgiving? Thank you for giving so generously to help our hungry neighbors! ~Deborah Ash

Would it be possible to fill both barrels before Thanksgiving?? There are two barrels belonging to The Storehouse waiting to be filled with food items for those who need help with shopping. Thanksgiving is coming and many folks will not have enough food for the day, much less for a celebration. We have more than we need. Why don't we fill those barrels with canned fruits, canned vegetables, pastas, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned soups - anything that is shelf safe? Don't forget a treat or two! Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
          St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

From Local Partner Organizations

This Friday: Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for their Human Rights Day celebration on November 7th at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE.  The theme is “Help Others at All Times.” The guest speaker will be Anna Trillo, Director of Community Engagement, at the Immigrant Law Center.  They will also be the recipient of our CWU Human Rights Award.  Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:00.  A collection of feminine hygiene items for St. Timothy Lutheran’s "Period Cupboard" will be taken.  Come, and bring a friend!  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657.

Save the Dates:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Bishop Meghan’s October Message is at: https://vimeo.com/1131570574.

Go to www.rmselca.org, scroll down to the lower right corner to the “Give” button, then select Seeds of Hope Fund from the dropdown menu.

This week: Bread for the World’s A Special Update on Our Work Together. Zoom on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). The call will be a candid conversation about our work together to end hunger. We’ll share updates with you on the impact of recent legislation and policy changes. Bread for the World’s new Vice President for Development, Vila-Sheree Watson will be introduced on the call. Vila-Sheree brings years of experience leading high-performing fundraising programs for faith-based, development nonprofits. Registration is free, but you must register ahead of time. When you register, you can also submit a question for the panel. https://www.bread.org/

Bread for the World: West, Southwest, and Midwest Combined Regional Online Meetings, Hosted by David Gist, Ken Fujimoto, and Nicole Schmidt.

Two options:

• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EST (4:00 p.m. PST)

• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m. PST)

Join Bread for the World staff and advocates in your area in a few weeks for our fall regional online meetings. Now more than ever, we need to come together for encouragement, updates, timely action steps, and planning for the next year!
          As we have pressed on through this turbulent year, we will continue to be a faithful witness, calling on our members of Congress—and ourselves—to love our neighbors and to pursue an end to hunger. Will you join us?
          Register at: https://www.bread.org/event/2025-fall-regional-online-meetings/

Bread for the World’s Advent Devotional: Advent People in Uncertain Times. Copies are available in the Welcome Center or you can request the document via email to info@stpaulabq.org

AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment 1-Hour Webinars:

Wednesday November 12, 7:00 p.m., Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.

Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum. 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c3f5a93567304f368b0f71702f5ba1f8

Hurricane Melissa is a massive Category 5 storm, and many families in its path live in very fragile homes. High winds, heavy rains and flooding are especially devastating to those who already live in poor conditions.
Your gift today will reach families affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters with urgently needed food, water, shelter and essential supplies.
Our team is working quickly to assess the needs and prepare our emergency response. They are counting on your support so that families can get the help they need as quickly as possible.
Thank you for putting your faith into action to care for families affected by disasters around the world. You are an answer to prayer! https://lwr.org/

Updates Beginning 26 October 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Come learn more about the history of the Reformation and Martin Luther. After the service, the Adult Faith Development Group will discuss the reasons for the Reformation, the beliefs and fates of early reformers, and the history and effect of Martin Luther. We will also take a quick look at next hundred years of Reformation and Counter Reformation events. We hope to see you there! ~Sally Trigg, for the AFD Team

The Hat Project wraps up today! If you are still working on hats for our Calico Butterfly donation project, please let me know ASAP via the Church Office so they can be included in the basket the first week of November. Thank you. ~Julie Ambrogi

Today is the deadline for Nov 2 Remembering the Saints photos. If you still wish to submit a photo, please be in touch with me ASAP at janobowers68@gmail.com so it can be included. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Starting next Sunday we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8

October’s God’s Work Our Hands project: collecting senior supplies for Adopted Families. We are collecting the following items, which are always in high demand: adult diapers (such as Depends)-both male and female, all sizes; disposable bed pads; adult wet wipes; and no-rinse bathing wipes. There is a bin in the Welcome Center, or you can make a check out to St. Paul with the note: Senior Supplies. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

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

This Friday:

First Tuesday heads north!  Tuesday, November 4th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, we'll meet at Hops Brewery & Restaurant, 7222 4th Street NW.  It is on the east side of the street and set way back from the street, so look for the sign.  Good food, good drink, but if you just want your snack, bring it along.  Lots of parking in front and also outside seating for when the weather is fine.  Let's try it out.  For those who don't know, this is just a social time, to catch up on the news and an opportunity to get to know each other better.  See you then!~Nancy Matthews

Prayer Shawls. Our basket is low! I am putting out a call for all prayer shawl makers. If you are able, we would appreciate it if you could get your knitting or crochet needles out and make some more prayer shawls. If you need yarn, we have lots in the sewing room. Check at the front desk for the key and take what you need to make a shawl or two. I am counting on all you talented people to fill up our prayer shawl basket! ~Sharon Hamilton

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Would it be possible to fill both barrels before Thanksgiving?? There are two barrels belonging to The Storehouse waiting to be filled with food items for those who need help with shopping. Thanksgiving is coming and many folks will not have enough food for the day, much less for a celebration.  We have more than we need.  Why don't we fill those barrels with canned fruits, canned vegetables, pastas, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned soups - anything that is shelf safe?  Don't forget a treat or two!  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
          Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, October 26, 2pm: ABQ Chamber Soloists Season Opener at St. Paul. There is a pre-concert talk starting at 1:15 in Fellowship Hall.

W.A. Mozart: Quintet in C Major for Strings, K.515
Tchaikovsky: Sextet for Strings, "Souvenir de Florence"

Tickets at the door or at: https://www.ticketleap.events/events/albuquerque-chamber-soloists

This Tuesday:

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for their Human Rights Day celebration on Friday, November 7th at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE.  The theme is “Help Others at All Times.”  The guest speaker will be Anna Trillo, Director of Community Engagement, at the Immigrant Law Center.  They will also be the recipient of our CWU Human Rights Award.  Coffee fellowship will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:00.  A collection of feminine hygiene items for St. Timothy Lutheran’s "Period Cupboard" will be taken.  Come, and bring a friend!  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657.

Save the Dates:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

We have an outstanding line-up of guest speakers, including two legislators, Rep. Sarah Silva and Sen. Angel Charley, who will speak to seeking justice in our state's public policy. 
          In addition, please put on your calendars our 2026 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. We had to change our original date, and the event will now be held on Wednesday, February 4th.  In hopes of making the event accessible to even more participants (last year was our largest event since before the pandemic, with 140 joining us), we are moving the start time back one hour (9:30 instead of 8:30), and we will be working to expand opportunities to ride the Methodist bus and potentially carpool and van options from various congregations in Albuquerque. ~Kurt A. Rager, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

Bread for the World: A Special Update on Our Work Together. Zoom on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). The call will be a candid conversation about our work together to end hunger. We’ll share updates with you on the impact of recent legislation and policy changes. Bread for the World’s new Vice President for Development, Vila-Sheree Watson will be introduced on the call. Vila-Sheree brings years of experience leading high-performing fundraising programs for faith-based, development nonprofits.

Registration is free, but you must register ahead of time. When you register, you can also submit a question for the panel. https://www.bread.org/

Bread for the World: West, Southwest, and Midwest Combined Regional Online Meetings, Hosted by David Gist, Ken Fujimoto, and Nicole Schmidt.

Two options:

• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EST (4:00 p.m. PST)

• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m. PST)

Join Bread for the World staff and advocates in your area in a few weeks for our fall regional online meetings. Now more than ever, we need to come together for encouragement, updates, timely action steps, and planning for the next year!

          As we have pressed on through this turbulent year, we will continue to be a faithful witness, calling on our members of Congress—and ourselves—to love our neighbors and to pursue an end to hunger. Will you join us?

          Register at: https://www.bread.org/event/2025-fall-regional-online-meetings/

Bread for the World’s Advent Devotional: Advent People in Uncertain Times. Copies are available in the Welcome Center or you can request the document via email to info@stpaulabq.org

AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment 1-Hour Webinars:
Wednesday November 12, 7:00 p.m., Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.

Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum. 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c3f5a93567304f368b0f71702f5ba1f8

Lutheran World Relief: Many of our blog posts going forward will include an option to “listen to this article.” Now you can listen in the car, on a walk or while you make dinner. lwr.org

Updates Beginning 19 October 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Adult Faith Development wraps up its look at Flannery O’Connor, a vibrant and weird American author (who was also a fervent Christian). Her short stories deal with major themes of Christian life, such as grace, how God is revealed, and how a human life is redeemed. Sally Trigg, college literature instructor and project manager, will lead the discussions. Today we will discuss her story “Revelation.” Copies are available at the church office. Come join us in the St. Paul Conference Room after the service to explore the life and work of this fascinating American writer. For more information, email me at sallydtrigg@gmail.com. ~Sally Trigg, for the AFD Team

This Saturday, Oct 25th: New Coffee Hutch Assembly, 10am! The new coffee hutch has arrived here at the church, located in two boxes in my office. This will be replacing both tables in Friendship Corner, accommodating all coffee needs, mugs, condiments and coffee dispensers. We will need some folks who are good at reading directions and putting things together and a bit of muscle too. Bring some tools to make sure we have enough folks working on several parts. I don't anticipate this collective effort lasting more than an hour. Coffee and donuts will be served. Please contact me at the Office to reserve a spot for assembly.  I am assuming we could use about  three to four folks. With appreciation and enthusiasm! ~Jolene Gallegos

Hat Project wraps up next Sunday! If you have been working on hats for our Calico Butterfly donation project, please let me know. We would like to have all hats turned in by October 26. The hats will be divided into infants ( 20 hats needed), toddler (25 needed) and adults (17 needed ) for a total of at least 67 hats. We still have time, but we need to check our inventory. It would be lovely to have a basket of hats to deliver to Calico Butterfly the first week of November. Thank you. ~Julie Ambrogi

Next Sunday, October 26 is Reformation Sunday, and we are encouraged to wear red. Red is a bold color—and Martin Luther acted boldly. In 1517, he wrote the Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, more commonly known as The 95 Theses.  As legend has it, he dramatically nailed it to the church door.  In essence circumventing an extremely rigid process whereby only including formally trained theologians, behind closed doors, to debate such issues.  Luther challenged this practice by publicly posting church issues, inviting lay people to enter the debate. 
In this document Luther listed all the ways he felt the church should be reformed.  For example indulgences were sold, which promised the remission of sins for money; the clergy lived in luxury while their congregations suffered in poverty; and people who were related to those in power obtained positions of authority whether qualified or not. In short, Luther objected to these malfeasances and urged the church to change.
Red has long been associated with the Holy Spirit at work in our church, as a reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to reform the church still today.  Thus, wearing red is a reminder that the fire of the Spirit, which burns in our hearts, inspires us to boldly confront the challenges that we now face. ~Karin Urbin, Worship and Music Team

Deadline is next Sunday for Nov 2 Remembering the Saints. 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 will be displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide. You will have your photo returned to you unharmed.
There is a box in the Welcome Center for you to submit them (or hand them to me, Jo Browning, Karen Bunch, Kathy Callahan, Teresa Dubuque, Paul Gallegos, Shirley Nilsson, or Matt Pettersen) or email them to: janobowers68@gmail.com by Sunday, October 26. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

October’s God’s Work Our Hands project: collecting senior supplies for Adopted Families. We are collecting the following items, which are always in high demand: adult diapers (such as Depends)-both male and female, all sizes; disposable bed pads; adult wet wipes; and no-rinse bathing wipes. There is a bin in the Welcome Center, or you can make a check out to St. Paul with the note: Senior Supplies. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Would it be possible to fill both barrels before Thanksgiving?? There are two barrels belonging to The Storehouse waiting to be filled with food items for those who need help with shopping. Thanksgiving is coming and many folks will not have enough food for the day, much less for a celebration.  We have more than we need.  Why don't we fill those barrels with canned fruits, canned vegetables, pastas, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, canned soups - anything that is shelf safe?  Don't forget a treat or two!  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Starting on All Saints Sunday (2 Nov) we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8

First Tuesday heads north!  Tuesday, November 4th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, we'll meet at Hops Brewery & Restaurant, 7222 4th Street NW.  It is on the east side of the street and set way back from the street, so look for the sign.  Good food, good drink, but if you just want your snack, bring it along.  Lots of parking in front and also outside seating for when the weather is fine.  Let's try it out.  For those who don't know, this is just a social time, to catch up on the news and an opportunity to get to know each other better.  See you then!~Nancy Matthew

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
          Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

Prayer Shawls. Our basket is low! I am putting out a call for all prayer shawl makers. If you are able, we would appreciate it if you could get your knitting or crochet needles out and make some more prayer shawls. If you need yarn, we have lots in the sewing room. Check at the front desk for the key and take what you need to make a shawl or two. I am counting on all you talented people to fill up our prayer shawl basket! ~Sharon Hamilton

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

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, October 26, 2pm: ABQ Chamber Soloists Season Opener at St. Paul. There is a pre-concert talk starting at 1:15 in Fellowship Hall.

W.A. Mozart: Quintet in C Major for Strings, K.515
Tchaikovsky: Sextet for Strings, "Souvenir de Florence"

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

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

ReconcilingWorks Oct - Dec 2025 Newsletter is posted in the Welcome Center. Read reflections on the installation of the ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, updates to the ReconcilingWorks website, recent staff connections throughout the country, RIC Sunday 2026 information, and more.

This Tuesday, October 21st, 6pm MT: At the monthly Lutherans Restoring Creation Connections Call we will share our Season of Creation highlights with one another and offer a special virtual Blessing of the Animals! Pastors Carmen & Kaylie will guide us through a liturgy centered on our gratitude to the other-than-human creatures in our midst. We invite all to come. If you have a pet who would like to make an appearance (or just uplift a photo), each will be blessed (without fear of interspecies conflict!) The blessing is free (of course!) and if you can’t join us then, we invite you to send in your photo of your special creature connection to add to our bountiful gallery. https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/fuzzy-fellowship/
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OPo9df3WRfuec1hN5r7r0w#/registration

From RMS AMMPARO: This Wednesday, October 22 at 10am MT join Acacia Witness for Justice for a conversation with former Immigration Judges Ilyce Shugall and Chloe Dillon, who will offer rare insight into the realities of immigration court, the urgent need for transparency, and why public observation plays a critical role in protecting due process and accountability.
          This webinar is presented by Acacia’s Witness for Justice court observation project and is open to anyone interested in shedding light on immigration court proceedings and hearing directly from those who once served on the bench. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/WFJ-IJ-panel

AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment 1-Hour Webinars:
Wednesday November 12, 7:00 p.m., Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.
Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum. 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c3f5a93567304f368b0f71702f5ba1f8

We have an outstanding line-up of guest speakers, including two legislators, Rep. Sarah Silva and Sen. Angel Charley, who will speak to seeking justice in our state's public policy. 
          In addition, please put on your calendars our 2026 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. We had to change our original date, and the event will now be held on Wednesday, February 4th.  In hopes of making the event accessible to even more participants (last year was our largest event since before the pandemic, with 140 joining us), we are moving the start time back one hour (9:30 instead of 8:30), and we will be working to expand opportunities to ride the Methodist bus and potentially carpool and van options from various congregations in Albuquerque. ~Kurt A. Rager, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

From ELCA AMMPARO Migrant Ministry: Guide for Immigrant Parents. In partnership with the National Parents Union and Little Justice Leaders, the Children Thrive Action Network and fiercely passionate advocates have published “A Love Letter and Support Guide for Families Navigating Harmful Immigration Raids and Policies.” This guide was created for immigrant parents, and shaped by the insights and experiences of families impacted by immigration enforcement throughout the country. The guide highlights their experiences and offers advice, providing parents with mental health resources for themselves and their children. This love letter to immigrant parents invites parents to reflect on their own mental health, guides them through safety planning, and offers tips on how to talk to and support their children. Available in English and Spanish. https://childrenthriveaction.org/2025/10/staying-whole-a-love-letter-to-immigrant-parents/

This urgent response to emergencies is only possible because kind people like you share their blessings. A gift to our Emergency Response Campaign immediately goes to work to help deliver a nourishing meal, comforting quilt or clean water to a neighbor who lost everything. We never know when the next war, natural disaster or storm will hit. But we do know that when these tragic events occur, we need to be ready. You can help us be prepared to act! https://lwr.org/

Updates Beginning 12 October 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Adult Faith Development continues to look at Flannery O’Connor, a vibrant and weird American author (who was also a fervent Christian). Her short stories deal with major themes of Christian life, such as grace, how God is revealed, and how a human life is redeemed. Sally Trigg, college literature instructor and project manager, will lead the discussions. On October 12, we will discuss her short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” and, on October 19, O’Connor’s story “Revelation.” Copies of these stories will be available at the church office. You can also request that they be emailed to you. Come join us in the St. Paul Conference Room after the service to explore the life and work of this fascinating American writer. For more information, email me at sallydtrigg@gmail.com. ~Sally Trigg, for the AFD Team

A Thank You! to everyone who helped make Carol Ann Sorensen's Celebration of Life so special on Thursday. We had many hands assisting, for which we are so grateful! ~Deborah Ash

October 26 is Reformation Sunday, and we are encouraged to wear red. Red is a bold color—and Martin Luther acted boldly. In 1517, he wrote the Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, more commonly known as The 95 Theses.  As legend has it, he dramatically nailed it to the church door.  In essence circumventing an extremely rigid process whereby only including formally trained theologians, behind closed doors, to debate such issues.  Luther challenged this practice by publicly posting church issues, inviting lay people to enter the debate.

In this document Luther listed all the ways he felt the church should be reformed.  For example indulgences were sold, which promised the remission of sins for money; the clergy lived in luxury while their congregations suffered in poverty; and people who were related to those in power obtained positions of authority whether qualified or not. In short, Luther objected to these malfeasances and urged the church to change.

Red has long been associated with the Holy Spirit at work in our church, as a reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to reform the church still today.  Thus, wearing red is a reminder that the fire of the Spirit, which burns in our hearts, inspires us to boldly confront the challenges that we now face. ~Karin Urbin, Worship and Music Team

Remembering the Saints, November 2. 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 will be displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide. You will have your photo returned to you unharmed.

There is a box in the Welcome Center for you to submit them (or hand them to me, Jo Browning, Karen Bunch, Kathy Callahan, Teresa Dubuque, Paul Gallegos, Shirley Nilsson, or Matt Pettersen) or email them to: janobowers68@gmail.com by Sunday, October 26. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

October’s God’s Work Our Hands project: October’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting senior supplies for Adopted Families. We are collecting the following items, which are always in high demand: adult diapers (such as Depends)-both male and female, all sizes; disposable bed pads; adult wet wipes; and no-rinse bathing wipes. There is a bin in the Welcome Center, or you can make a check out to St. Paul with the note: Senior Supplies. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Starting on All Saints Sunday (2 Nov) we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8 

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.

St. Paul is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.

Thank you for all you do for St. Paul and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text)

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

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

Prayer Shawls. Our basket is low! I am putting out a call for all prayer shawl makers. If you are able, we would appreciate it if you could get your knitting or crochet needles out and make some more prayer shawls. If you need yarn, we have lots in the sewing room. Check at the front desk for the key and take what you need to make a shawl or two. I am counting on all you talented people to fill up our prayer shawl basket! ~Sharon Hamilton

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

$5 Discount for St. Paul Members on the website: use code SPLC25.

This Week:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Welcome Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. When Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Elizabeth Eaton, the former presiding bishop, led the assembly in welcoming Curry. “Yehiel, bishop in the church of God, we have looked forward to your coming with great joy,” she exclaimed to a diverse, colorfully dressed and enthusiastic assembly at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

“With all my heart,” Curry began before pausing emotionally. After Eaton went to his side and placed a hand on his arm, he continued. “I thank you for your welcome. I hope to serve among you in Christ’s name. And in the joy of the Spirit, may the peace of God be upon this house and this assembly.”

Read more at: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2025/10/answering-the-call/

New this year, we will have a satellite viewing location in Las Cruces at Peace Lutheran Church.  One of our featured speakers, Rep. Sarah Silva, will also speak from there.  Complete details are located at the registration site and on our website, LutheranAdvocacyNM.org.  

We have an outstanding line-up of guest speakers, including two legislators, Rep. Sarah Silva and Sen. Angel Charley, who will speak to seeking justice in our state's public policy. 

In addition, please put on your calendars our 2026 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. We had to change our original date, and the event will now be held on Wednesday, February 4th.  In hopes of making the event accessible to even more participants (last year was our largest event since before the pandemic, with 140 joining us), we are moving the start time back one hour (9:30 instead of 8:30), and we will be working to expand opportunities to ride the Methodist bus and potentially carpool and van options from various congregations in Albuquerque. ~Kurt A. Rager, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 

This Week: Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Sumud. Save the date for…Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine: Accompany. Advocate. Raise Awareness. October 16 @ 7:00-8:30 PM MDT. Register for this Zoom session at: https://rmselca.org/peace-not-walls

On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the memorial, “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine”. Join guests Ralston Deffenbaugh (Former Lutheran World Federation Asst. General Secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights), Maddi Froiland (ELCA Sumud), Rev. Gabi Aelabouni (ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk) and RMS Sumud on zoom Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm to learn more about this resolution and the doors it opens, an update on events in Palestine and Israel, ELCA resources for engagement, and how you can connect.

A link to the approved Memorial is found at: https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-content/uploads/toward_ending_occupation_of_palestine_SPR25_CA25-03-13.pdf

El Paso & Juarez Border Immersion. Join Bishop Meghan Aelabouni for a Rocky Mountain Synod El Paso & Juarez Immersion November 1–7, 2025. Registration deadline is October 15, or when capacity is reached.

Questions? Ask Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson, Synod Minister for Rostered Ministry (dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org) This immersion is led by AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment. Learn more at: https://www.rmselca.org/event/el-paso-juarez-border-immersion

From ELCA World Hunger: We are so pleased to share with you that "Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners," our short documentary is live on YouTube. We hope you will enjoy the film and celebrate together our collective ministries to end poverty. You can view the full feature here: https://youtu.be/WNc0z6EJbvE?si=HxxQj195BEQl2Gxf

World Food Day is right around the corner! This special day is celebrated annually on October 16 to raise awareness for people struggling with hunger, wherever they may be, and encourages global collaboration in creating a peaceful, sustainable, and food-secure future.

This year’s World Food Day theme is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” At Bread, we wholeheartedly believe in this message. Hunger is not inevitable — that’s why it makes sense to advocate for good policy decisions that enable everyone to have access to food. https://www.bread.org/

Global Refuge’s October 2025 Advocacy Update: In this edition, we discuss recent developments in immigration policy, share insights on our advocacy efforts, and highlight key ways you can make an impact. 
https://mailchi.mp/25add2011e9c/our-new-advocacy-policy-newsletter-9322505?e=2f360c0226

You're invited to nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music 2026. St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, June 21-July 19 (Full Session), June 21-July 3 (Half Session), Grades 8-12. LSM is the nation's premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Each year, young musicians come together from around the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community, sharing musical gifts in performance and in worship. https://www.lsmacademy.org/

Updates Beginning 5 October 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: On October 5, 12, and 19, Adult Faith Development will look at Flannery O’Connor, a vibrant and weird American author (who was also a fervent Christian). Her short stories deal with major themes of Christian life, such as grace, how God is revealed, and how a human life is redeemed. Sally Trigg, college literature instructor and project manager, will lead the discussions. On October 5, we will learn about O’Connor’s life and work. On October 12, we will discuss her short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” and, on October 19, O’Connor’s story “Revelation.” Copies of these stories will be available at the church office at the October 5 session. You can also request that they be emailed to you. Come join us in the St. Paul Conference Room after the service to explore the life and work of this fascinating American writer. For more information, email me at sallydtrigg@gmail.com. ~Sally Trigg, for the AFD Team

Carol Ann Sorensen's Celebration of Life is set for 9 October @1pm with a reception to follow. Should you like to help with the reception please be in touch with Sharon (sharonh0223@yahoo.com).

October’s God’s Work Our Hands project: October’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting senior supplies for Adopted Families. We are collecting the following items, which are always in high demand: adult diapers (such as Depends)-both male and female, all sizes; disposable bed pads; adult wet wipes; and no-rinse bathing wipes. There is a bin in the Welcome Center, or you can make a check out to St. Paul with the note: Senior Supplies. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Remembering the Saints, November 2. 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 will be displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide. You will have your photo returned to you unharmed.
There will be a box in the Welcome Center for you to submit them (or hand them to me, Jo Browning, Karen Bunch, Kathy Callahan, Teresa Dubuque, Paul Gallegos, Shirley Nilsson, or Matt Pettersen) or email them to: janobowers68@gmail.com by Sunday, October 26. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Starting on All Saints Sunday (2 Nov) we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
St. Paul’s is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
Thank you for all you do for St. Paul’s and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text preferred)

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

Prayer Shawls. Our basket is low! I am putting out a call for all prayer shawl makers. If you are able, we would appreciate it if you could get your knitting or crochet needles out and make some more prayer shawls. If you need yarn, we have lots in the sewing room. Check at the front desk for the key and take what you need to make a shawl or two. I am counting on all you talented people to fill up our prayer shawl basket! ~Sharon Hamilton, Prayer Shawl Chairperson

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~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

Don't miss this life-changing event! An evocative and compassionate commentary on the life and tragic killing of the young gay man in 1998, this dynamic musical experience leaves audiences hopeful and joyous. Premiered in 2016, the piece has now been performed by hundreds of choirs across the world, spreading a powerful message of unity and understanding. $5 Discount for St. Paul Members on the website: use code SPLC25.

Vigil for Immigrants Detained at Torrence: A vigil and demonstration in Estancia on Saturday, October 11 will make a noise to raise the spirits of those who need to hear it the most - the immigrant men detained inside TCDF. Please join the Dignity Not Detention New Mexico coalition to honor those detained at the Torrance County Detention Facility in Estancia, NM. We will be gathering at Arthur Park in Estancia at 11am and will listen to powerful stories from detained individuals and voices advocating for immigrant justice. The vigil will end at approximately 1pm. Please bring any signs of support and/or noise makers! 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Theological Conference '25

Over 80 leaders, Bishop Meghan Johnston-Aelabouni, the Synod Staff and guests gathered this past week in Colorado Springs at First Lutheran Church for the Fall Theological Conference. The gathering brings together rostered and lay leaders for theological reflection, renewal, and connection. Dr. Michael Chan, VP for Mission & Inclusion at Concordia College, is leading sessions on how Biblical “story endings” point to new promise, focusing on Old Testament readings. View the opening worship service at: https://www.youtube.com/live/U-MbU3uBx0o

Gathering at the Gate Reflection by Pastor Kristin Schultz, All Saints Lutheran: “Feed us with hunger for justice…thirst for peace.” At “Gathering at the Gate” in Washington, we prayed, sang, and stood up for vulnerable people—supported by my home church in Albuquerque. We asked our senators to protect SNAP and Medicaid, using empty plates to symbolize those who’ll go hungry. We lifted symbols of loss—plates, chairs, first‑aid kits—to remember those denied food, health care, disappearance. I watched a stark vote split (every Republican vs. every Democrat) and felt the weight of division. Still, faith holds fast. Much like the 400‑year‑old Peace Tree that survived Hiroshima, our small acts of hope endure. Grateful for this gathering: protesting, learning, and trusting in God’s future.
About Gathering at the Gate: Gathering at the Gate happened September 16-17 in Washington D.C. It was a gathering for Lutheran Christians (both rostered leaders and laypeople) in response to rising injustices—especially toward refugees, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, people in poverty, and others marginalized by systems. The event is grounded in the biblical call from Amos 5:15 (“hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate”).

New this year, we will have a satellite viewing location in Las Cruces at Peace Lutheran Church.  One of our featured speakers, Rep. Sarah Silva, will also speak from there.  Complete details are located at the registration site and on our website, LutheranAdvocacyNM.org.  
          We have an outstanding line-up of guest speakers, including two legislators, Rep. Sarah Silva and Sen. Angel Charley, who will speak to seeking justice in our state's public policy. 
          In addition, please put on your calendars our 2026 Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon. We had to change our original date, and the event will now be held on Wednesday, February 4th.  In hopes of making the event accessible to even more participants (last year was our largest event since before the pandemic, with 140 joining us), we are moving the start time back one hour (9:30 instead of 8:30), and we will be working to expand opportunities to ride the Methodist bus and potentially carpool and van options from various congregations in Albuquerque. ~Kurt A. Rager, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 

Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Sumud. Save the date for…Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine: Accompany. Advocate. Raise Awareness. October 16 @ 7:00-8:30 PM MDT.
On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the memorial, “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine”. Please join RMS Sumud on zoom Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm to learn more about this memorial, the doors it opens for engagement, ELCA resources that support our engagement, and how you can connect. Details and Registration coming soon!
A link to the approved Memorial is found at: https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-content/uploads/toward_ending_occupation_of_palestine_SPR25_CA25-03-13.pdf

You're invited to nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music 2026:
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, June 21-July 19 (Full Session), June 21-July 3 (Half Session), Grades 8-12.
          Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation's premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Each year, young musicians come together from around the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community, sharing musical gifts in performance and in worship. https://www.lsmacademy.org/

Bread for the World: The Violence of Hunger. This summer, the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report gave us the most current look at hunger across the globe. The numbers are sobering—and yet they tell a story that is both deeply troubling and cautiously hopeful.
In 2024, 673.2 million people faced hunger—meaning they didn’t have enough food to live a normal, healthy life. It’s a staggering number. And while that figure represents a slight global decrease in hunger—8.5 percent lower than the year before—it’s still far worse than it was before the pandemic. We haven’t recovered.
Progress has been uneven. Asia has made significant strides, and Latin America has improved slightly. But in Western Asia and especially in Africa, hunger is rising. In Africa alone, more than one in five people—nearly 307 million—faced hunger this year.
The data on food insecurity—which includes those uncertain about where their next meal is coming from—is even more staggering. In 2024, 28 percent of the world’s population faced food insecurity. 828 million of them experienced severe food insecurity—going days without eating.
Even more alarming, 295 million people in 53 countries faced acute food insecurity—people who were either in crisis, emergency, or even famine conditions. That’s nearly 14 million more than the year before.
And in five regions—Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali—nearly 2 million people were in "Catastrophe" phase: on the edge of death from hunger. That’s the highest number ever recorded since such tracking began—and more than double from the previous year. In Sudan, famine is no longer a threat, it’s a present reality. In the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, famine was confirmed, and it has been detected or projected in multiple other regions. What’s driving this? One word: conflict.
Conflict destroys harvests, markets, supply chains, and homes. It displaces people and prevents humanitarian aid from reaching those who need it most. It turns food into a weapon and hunger into a tool of war. The violence of armed conflict begets the violence of hunger.
Violence not only threatens lives and dignity—it erodes institutions, trust, and the social cohesion necessary for justice. Violence erodes the fabric of our society and prevents human flourishing. Peace is essential for human dignity.
At Bread for the World, we believe that every human being—created in the image of God—has inherent dignity. That dignity includes the opportunity to live in right relationship with God, self, neighbor, and the environment. It includes the right to have enough nutritious food for good health. It includes the right to flourish.
That’s why we must feed souls as we work to feed people. bread.org

Updates Beginning 28 September 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Anne Morawski is the former Lutheran campus pastor at UNM and CNM. Since retirement, she has moved to Hungary and is leading an English-language congregation in Budapest under the auspices of the local Lutheran bishop. She is also a long-time friend of St. Paul. This Sunday, Anne is in the U.S. and will be visiting the adult class. She will be prepared to discuss what she has been up to lately, where she believes we should be applying ourselves these days, what it is like living in a different--and challenging--political environment, and much more. Bring your questions for Anne and prepare for a stimulating, entertaining discussion. In the Conference Room after the service at 11:15 a.m. All are welcome!! ~Bob Matthews, for the AFD Team

Join Us This Saturday, 4 October, at St. Paul to participate in the installation of ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. The installation will take place in Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and is available to us online. Bishop Curry was elected to the six-year term on July 30 at the ELCA Assembly in Phoenix. We will gather at St. Paul at 1pm.
          Bishop Curry, currently Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, began his ministerial career as a lay mission developer after connecting with what became Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Illinois. He participated in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries program of the ELCA, was called as Pastor of Shekinah in 2012, and got his MDiv degree in 2013 from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He was elected Synod Bishop in 2019.
          This is a very special time for the ELCA. Join us for this unique event. Snacks will be available.
          For those who may want to learn more: Presiding Bishop Installation https://share.google/TcJU9KHfzRhQg9HM1
~Ivan Westergaard 

Carol Ann Sorensen's Celebration of Life is set for 9 October @1pm with a reception to follow. Should you like to help with the reception please be in touch with Sharon (sharonh0223@yahoo.com).

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

Remembering the Saints, November 2. 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 will be displayed on our "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda, in color or as you provide. You will have your photo returned to you unharmed.
There will be a box in the Welcome Center for you to submit them (or hand them to me, Jo Browning, Karen Bunch, Kathy Callahan, Teresa Dubuque, Paul Gallegos, Shirley Nilsson, or Matt Pettersen) or email them to: janobowers68@gmail.com by Sunday, October 26. Thank you! ~Jan Bowers

Starting on All Saints Sunday (2 Nov) we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel
setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8

September’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on October 2nd at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF October in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Spreading the Word about St. Paul’s Ministry Groups. Are you ever frustrated when trying to remember the names of all the vibrant ministries at St. Paul for yourself or for an interested newcomer? Beyond the name of each ministry, what are its purpose, activities, and information contact? We are working to provide answers to these questions.
St. Paul’s is launching a new project to gather information about our ministries and to create a booklet/brochure with essential information, such as each ministry’s purpose, meeting times, activities, etc. We will be reaching out to leaders in each group to gather information, so you may soon be asked for a short online or in-person meeting to tell your ministry’s story. We hope to have a new booklet or brochure ready in early 2026.
          Thank you for all you do for St. Paul’s and for helping us to SPREAD THE WORD! ~Sally Trigg, sallydtrigg@gmail.com, 575 613 3722 (email or text preferred)

 Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Parking Update: Bradbury-Stamm will continue to use our parking lot weekdays through November 15. This includes the green curbs and the spots from the Choir Room door up to the blue curbs. Please, if you come on a weekday, come around the corner to the south side parking. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

HELP…we need help counting the weekly offering. We have 4 teams who serve once a month. Whenever someone is unable to count on their Sunday, we need a substitute. Could we count on you? You will never do it alone. Talk to Roger Hein or Sharon Hamilton or Kathie Boissiere or Jan Bower or Hal Schultz or Hal or Shirley Nilsson or Paula Eglinton or Herb Korff or Sig Stocking……someone, PLEASE. ~Paula Eglinton

From Local Partner Organizations

Special Ally Request for Volunteers: Santa Fe Witnessing for Gaza event. A group of JVP's allies in Santa Fe will be holding an event starting on Wed 10/1/25 to read aloud the names of the tens of thousands of people killed in and around Gaza since October 1, 2023. The reading of names will begin at sunset on October 1, 2025, and will continue day and night until all the known names are read, likely until the evening of October 6, 2025. Please sign up to read names and/or volunteer for other roles at https://witnessforgaza.wordpress.com/join-us/.

$5 Discount for St. Paul Members on the website: use code SPLC25.

 
From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Sumud. Save the date for…Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine: Accompany. Advocate. Raise Awareness. October 16 @ 7:00-8:30 PM MDT.
On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the memorial, “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine”. Please join RMS Sumud on zoom Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm to learn more about this memorial, the doors it opens for engagement, ELCA resources that support our engagement, and how you can connect. Details and Registration coming soon!
A link to the approved Memorial is found at: https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-content/uploads/toward_ending_occupation_of_palestine_SPR25_CA25-03-13.pdf

New Beginnings, a prison ministry inside Denver Women's Correctional Facility, accepts new and unused greeting cards for donation, as their residents use these to keep in touch with their loved ones. Cards can be sent to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. https://www.newbeginningswc.org

Bread for the World (bread.org) is pleased to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025. Throughout the month our reflections and prayers will focus on the challenges faced by Latino communities. People of Latino/Hispanic heritage are a huge benefit to the United States and add almost 4 trillion dollars annually to the economy. Many Latino families are proud immigrants having come to the U.S. to work and build a better life. Despite their hard work, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that in 2023, nearly 22 percent of Latino/a households had at least one member who experienced food insecurity.
Since 2016, immigration has remained an important part of Bread’s advocacy agenda and now more than ever we acknowledge that immigration is a hunger issue. In many Latino immigrant communities, churches report that families are now afraid to walk to the food pantry and falling deeper into hunger. Guided by our faith we look to scripture, and I invite us to learn from the words of the prophet Micah. We are challenged in the midst of adversity to focus on what God asks of us. Even as we recognize struggle, God calls us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly.     

He has told you, O mortal, what is good,
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

As we enter the final months of the year, join Global Refuge to learn more about the latest changes in immigration policy and what they mean for those we serve. President and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah and representatives from across the organization will share more about the state of our programming, advocacy efforts, and beyond. Supporters will then have an opportunity to ask questions during an extended Q&A session.
Thanks to your support, we can #StillWelcome our refugee and other immigrant neighbors. You make this work possible. Thank you. 
Thursday, 2 October, 12pm ET.
Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_an3aY_9USi627Ni_EqgcmQ?mc_cid=f309d85065&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Updates Beginning 21 September 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: Did you know that the ELCA held its church-wide assembly in Phoenix last month? Did you know a new ELCA presiding bishop was elected at the assembly? And did you know that TWO St. Paul people were official participants in the assembly? Terry Cole, voting member from the Rocky Mountain Synod, and Rindra Josoa, member of the ELCA Church Council, will join Adult Faith Development this Sunday to talk about their experiences and answer your questions about the assembly, what's happening in the ELCA, and how you can be involved. This is a can't-miss opportunity, and everyone is invited. Conference Room, beginning after the service at 11:15. Grab some refreshments and join us down the hall! ~Bob Matthews, for the AFD Team

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 today & next Sunday.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship 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

Carol Ann Sorensen's Celebration of Life is set for 9 October @1pm with a reception to follow. Should you like to help with the reception please be in touch with Sharon (sharonh0223@yahoo.com).

Starting on All Saints Sunday (2 Nov) we'll switch to ELW Setting 6.  It's been some time since we've used this setting.  So a bunch of us made some recordings to help all of us get reacquainted! These are posted on our home page in the Worship Section, https://www.stpaulabq.org/ or see the direct YouTube links below.  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

setting 6, kyrie - https://youtu.be/0CohNq3Uxeg
setting 6, this is the feast - https://youtu.be/vmK0B5_4NyE
setting 6, gospel acclamation - https://youtu.be/GzitIpNBT0c
setting 6, holy, holy, holy - https://youtu.be/lT16It_sGFc
setting 6, lamb of God - https://youtu.be/90_BKipwys8

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

Sound Equipment Team. We have a lovely collection of portable Sound Equipment (digital piano, amplifier, speakers, mics, etc.).  One of my favorite uses is for our 5pm Christmas Eve Service on the Labyrinth (with fire pits and hot chocolate!).  Interested in learning how to set it up and/or like to schlep somewhat heavy components?  Please let me know soon and we'll gather all interested and have a few practice sessions!  ~Pr. Koppel

Parking Update: Bradbury-Stamm will continue to use our parking lot weekdays through November 15. This includes the green curbs and the spots from the Choir Room door up to the blue curbs. Please, if you come on a weekday, come around the corner to the south side parking. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash

September’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on October 2nd at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF October in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

HELP…we need help counting the weekly offering. We have 4 teams who serve once a month. Whenever someone is unable to count on their Sunday, we need a substitute. Could we count on you? You will never do it alone. Talk to Roger Hein or Sharon Hamilton or Kathie Boissiere or Jan Bower or Hal Schultz or Hal or Shirley Nilsson or Paula Eglinton or Herb Korff or Sig Stocking……someone, PLEASE. ~Paula Eglinton

A Note from Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless to Adopted Families:

From Local Partner Organizations

Special Ally Request for Volunteers: Santa Fe Witnessing for Gaza event. A group of JVP's allies in Santa Fe will be holding an event starting on Wed 10/1/25 to read aloud the names of the tens of thousands of people killed in and around Gaza since October 1, 2023. The reading of names will begin at sunset on October 1, 2025, and will continue day and night until all the known names are read, likely until the evening of October 6, 2025. Please sign up to read names and/or volunteer for other roles at https://witnessforgaza.wordpress.com/join-us/.

Raven Chacon: Tiguex. Join Coro Lux at the Albuquerque Volcanic Fields at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 27th to bring a portion of this Pulitzer Prize-winning composer's large-scale work to life! Other events will take place all day throughout the Albuquerque area. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://www.tiguex.com

$5 Discount for St. Paul Members on the website: use code SPLC25.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni shares her greetings and September Rocky Mountain Synod updates on 16 September from Faith Lutheran Church in Golden, Colorado: https://vimeo.com/1119170295

A Message from Bishop Eaton on Political Violence, September 11, 2025: As presiding bishop of this church, I want to address yesterday’s shooting in Utah. Charlie Kirk, known by millions for his views and videos supporting right-wing ideas, died by another senseless act of political violence. He was exercising his First Amendment right of free speech when he was shot and killed. This continues a long streak of political violence that shows no sign of subsiding. We’ve witnessed an attack on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, two attempts to assassinate President Donald Trump during last year’s campaign, the murder of two Minnesota state lawmakers, an arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania’s governor, a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor, and too many more.
                As I wrote last year, after the attempt on President Trump’s life in Butler, Pa., “God calls this church to say a definitive ‘no’ to political violence now and in the future. Political violence has a long history but no place in democracy. This church belongs to God, and our unity in Christ is a grace-filled and healing gift in a fractured society.”
                This church teaches that disagreement is healthy and can lead to greater understanding and cooperation. But we have lost that sense of respectful debate and have degenerated into a society that treats differing opinions as personal attacks, erasing the humanity of some and abandoning the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must recommit ourselves to reflecting what Christ taught us through acts of forgiveness, healing and new life. I continue to hold that “God’s resolve for peace in human communities is unshakable.”
                In this moment, I urge all of us in this church to embrace God’s call, to hear and embody the good news of Jesus Christ and to fulfill our roles as peacemakers through active civic engagement.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA 

New Beginnings, a prison ministry inside Denver Women's Correctional Facility, accepts new and unused greeting cards for donation, as their residents use these to keep in touch with their loved ones. Cards can be sent to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. https://www.newbeginningswc.org

Global Refuge's Camino a Casa program serves youth who return to their home countries after attempting to migrate to the United States, helping them reintegrate and thrive with tailored plans that support their personal and professional goals. Meet three of these incredible young people—Luz, Jonathan, and Yoni—and hear more about how they're building a brighter future at home with the help of our dedicated local staff. Learn more about the program at: globalrefuge.org/caminoacasa

Bread for the World: A Message from Rev. Cho. Malnutrition is a quiet killer. Its impact can be devastating, especially for children. It stunts growth, weakens immune systems, impairs cognitive development, and can lead to death. Yet, for all its devastation, malnutrition is often reversible – if help arrives in time. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world today, not enough help is not arriving. Read more from Bread president and CEO Rev. Eugene Cho about this urgent problem and what you can do to help: https://www.bread.org/article/malnutrition-is-a-quiet-killer/

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 14 September 2025

Adult Faith Development Today: We are living in discombobulated times for our government, politics, and society!  How have you stayed grounded, or do you feel pretty ungrounded?  Come and share and learn some strategies.  When we stay connected, things generally go much better.  We will meet in the Conference Room at 11:15am. ~Jane Voelkel, for the AFD Team

Starting Next Sunday: 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 21 & 28 September.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship 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

This Week: Women Rowing North. Where did the summer go? September is here and next week will be the beginning of Women Rowing North Gatherings’ fourth year at St. Paul.

September Meeting Dates:
Tuesday        9/16/25      1:00PM-3:00PM
Thursday      9/18/25      9:00AM-11:00AM 

September Gathering: Because several individuals have expressed an interest in joining our monthly get-togethers and we have not met for 3 months, we are going to spend intentional time sharing stories and connecting with one another in September. Please bring your favorite poem or prayer to the gathering. If you can not decide which one is your favorite, bring them both or all. They will be read in the months to come. *For those who have not had a chance to get your books or read Part 1 in David Brooks book, beginning our discussions in October will give you a little more time. 

Books:
October 2025 through January 2026:
How To Know A Person by David Brooks

February 2025 through March 2026:
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

April 2025 through May 2026:
The Story of Arthur Trulux by Elizabeth Berg

Refreshments: Sign-up Sheets will be available in September. 

As always, blessings to all. ~Nancy Jenkins and Linda Fitzgerald

Our Adopted Families ministry has been reminded that there is a great need for household items, specifically furniture, like chairs, tables, lamps and dressers. Call us at home, 505-897-4916 if you have something to contribute. ~Paula and Bill Eglinton

September’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on October 2nd at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF October in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~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

ECM Donation Drive Today: The Hook Up harm reduction collective celebrates its 5th birthday this month and is collecting donations to support its monthly event to resource unsheltered communities. Requested items include sleeping bags, tents, tarps, bungees, backpacks, travel size hygiene items, shaving razors, wet wipes, lip balm, menstrual products, ibuprofen/aspirin, bandaids and other wound care products, new underwear and socks, AA batteries, candy, dog food, stuffed animals, makeup and jewelry. Clothing is also welcome (particularly masculine) but often easier to come by than the other requested items. Feel free to either give it to Diane at church on 9/14 or to bring it that day between 10-1:30pm to our event at ECM (123 Vermont St NE). ~iusti remer-thamert

Dear friends of Coro Lux:

As we enter our second decade of existence, we want to announce the first and second concerts of our 11th season-- the premiere of Tiguex: Volcano Chorus  by the Pulitzer Prize-winning native composer Raven Chacon, and the life-changing Considering Matthew Shepard conducted by the composer himself and including narration by Ali MacGraw and Spencer Beckwith. 
                Tiguex: Volcano Chorus is one part of a twenty movement composition that takes place all across the Albuquerque area (originally known as "Tiguex" by the Tewa people) on Saturday, the 27th of September. Our portion takes place at the center volcano on the west side of the city, beginning at 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://www.tiguex.com
                Then, on October 11th and 12th, we'll perform the Grammy-nominated Considering Matthew Shepard, conducted by its Grammy-winning composer, Craig Hella Johnson. Incorporating a multitude of musical styles, including blues, hymns, cowboy songs, Motown and modern choral writing, the Washington Post had this to say about the premiere: “’Considering Matthew Shepard’ demonstrates music’s capacity to encompass, transform and transcend tragedy. Powerfully cathartic, it leads us... to a higher understanding of the human condition, enabling us to endure.” 
                Considering Matthew Shepard takes place during Balloon Fiesta, and with hundreds of thousands of visitors in town, tickets will go fast. See below to get yours now! 

Thanks for being a part of the Coro Lux family. 
Bradley Ellingboe, Founder and Artistic Director
https://abqcorolux.org/tickets/

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Word from Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni on 10 September:

Dear friends in Christ,

Like many of you, I am heartbroken today to learn of two school shootings right here in the Rocky Mountain Synod: a shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, CO that injured three young people under 18, including the shooter who died of self-inflicted injuries; and a shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT that has killed 31-year-old Charlie Kirk in what appears to be a targeted act of political violence.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

I have spoken with our Utah conference dean, Pastor Brigette Weier, and with the pastor of Evergreen Lutheran Church, Pastor Terry Schjang; please read their wise and powerful words offered in this special issue. I have shared with them that the prayers of our whole synod are with all those affected: in relief and gratitude for those who are safe; in fervent hope of recovery for injured victims; in sorrow for the death of Mr. Kirk, that God’s loving presence may comfort his wife, young children, and loved ones; and in grief for the widespread trauma that is rippling out into these communities and beyond. I know that for too many of us, today’s shootings are also a terrible echo of past violence in Littleton, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and many other communities in our synod. Our hearts are with you. I encourage all who are struggling with this news to reach out to your pastor or deacon, to a mental health professional, or to a trusted friend or family member. You are not alone.

In the wake of yet more gun violence and yet more political violence in our nation, we are bound to find ourselves surrounded by arguments about causes and solutions. Each of these tragic events has its own story; and I implore us as members of the body of Christ to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15) by remembering that every child and adult whose life is impacted or ended by violence is a beloved child of God. I ask us to remember that today’s pain is not just another statistic, but a fresh and deep wound for our neighbors, and a resurfacing of trauma for many who have endured and survived other acts of violence. Let us be tender with one another, and bear with one another in love.      

At the same time, as people of faith called to speak the truth in love, we cannot ignore that school shootings and political violence are no longer isolated events. Our neighbors in Minnesota are still reeling from the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School just two weeks ago, and the killing earlier this summer of MN Rep Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in another politically-motivated attack. I know that many of us are grieving, not only each incident of violence, but all of them together—and grieving the political systems that seem to trap our country in a loop where “thoughts and prayers,” however heartfelt and faithful, do not lead to meaningful action or real solutions.

As Christians, we pray for God to act; and we also pray for God to empower us to act. As we pray for God to bind up, restore, heal, comfort, and embrace those left wounded in body, mind, and spirit by these attacks, we also pray for God to empower us to change and advocate for the world God intends: a world in which schools are a place of safety, and the loved ones we send out into the world each day come home safely to us each night. As we pray for an end to gun violence and political violence, let us also pray for the strength and courage to do the hard work that can prevent and lessen this violence.

We pray these things not because we alone are able to do them, but because our hope and trust—the source of all we are able to do—is the God of Jesus Christ. As Jesus healed the wounds of others, accepted the wounds of the world on the cross, and rose to new life in resurrection, so now Jesus lives and is present in every place of woundedness: including classrooms where children and teachers crouch in fear, hallways where medical staff work tirelessly to tend to injuries and save lives, and all places where our voices cry out on behalf of the suffering of our neighbors.

May we persist in prayer, in compassion, and in action, for the sake of the world God so loves that God sent Jesus not to condemn the world but to save it. Come quickly, Lord; and show us the way.

In Christ,
Bishop Meghan

Bishop Eaton’s ELCA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling That Allows Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement:
I am deeply troubled by incidents of racial profiling* that are happening across this country in the name of law enforcement and national security. Such inhumane treatment is being employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in wanton immigration stops, targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, language, occupation or location. In particular, I and many in this church lament the Supreme Court action of Sept. 8 in which the court granted a stay of a lower court’s restraining order that had limited such enforcement practices in Los Angeles while judicial action is pending.
          My concern is grounded in Scripture, ELCA social teaching and care for our neighbors. Scripture is clear: every human being is created in the image of God. Racial profiling denies that image and violates the dignity it confers. It is not only unjust — it is inhumane. This church’s teaching is also clear, having expressed grave objections to patterns of racial, ethnic and religious profiling because it “stigmatizes those who are innocent of any offense” (ELCA social statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, p. 40). Every neighbor, regardless of immigration status, deserves safety, dignity and equal protection under the law. Racial profiling, a legacy of white supremacy, is rooted in the sin of racism (ELCA social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, p. 5).
          As your presiding bishop, I want to speak directly to the Latiné community. I want you to know that I and other leaders of this church see what is happening and join you in calling out this injustice. In particular, the Supreme Court’s reversal of the stay is a dangerous shift, exposing the Latiné community and other vulnerable communities to discriminatory treatment that threatens civil liberties and undermines constitutional protections. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her response to the ruling, sounded this urgent alarm: “We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.”
          I want to be clear that, though this ruling effectively singles out the Latiné community, it also sets a precedent that will erode constitutional safeguards for all of us. I am reminded of the poem “First They Came,” derived from a speech by German Pastor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.” This famous quotation illustrates how the systematic targeting of marginalized groups can escalate when people fail to defend others’ rights, as happened when most people remained silent during the rise of Nazi persecution in Germany. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of quietism and inaction in the face of injustice.
          To meet this moment, God calls us to advocacy. Guided by God’s law in the Scriptures, which demand justice and seek the well-being of all, the ELCA calls upon policymakers and community leaders to:

• Honor or restore constitutional safeguards against racial and ethnic profiling.

• Reverse policies and practices that normalize discrimination or exclusion.

• Reaffirm a shared commitment to justice that upholds the worth of every neighbor.

• Work for an immigration system that protects the dignity of all.

* Racial profiling: “The use, typically by law enforcement, of a person’s racial or ethnic characteristics in the decision to detain or question the person about potential criminal activity” (ELCA social statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, p. 51).

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/elca-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-that-allows-racial-profiling-in-immigration-enforcement

Please pray for our companion synod partners in the Malagasy Lutheran Church - Sofia Synod, Mahajanga Synod, Avarata Antsinanana Synod, Antsiranana Synod, Betela Seminary, female theologians seeking ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA Global Missionary to Madagascar.

Gracious and Loving God, we lift up our siblings in the Malagasy Lutheran Church—from the Sofia, Mahajanga, Avarata Antsinanana, and Antsiranana Synods, to Betela Seminary, the female theologians pursuing ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom. Open ministry doors, inspire boldness in sharing Your Word, and protect their bodies, minds, and spirits. May their faith flourish, their unity strengthen, and Your light shine brightly through their witness. In Jesus’ name—Amen.

New Beginnings accepts new and unused greeting cards for donation, as their residents use these to keep in touch with their loved ones. If you have cards for donation, you may send them to the following address: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. New Beginnings is a prison ministry inside Denver Women's Correctional Facility: https://www.newbeginningswc.org

Global Refuge's Camino a Casa program serves youth who return to their home countries after attempting to migrate to the United States, helping them reintegrate and thrive with tailored plans that support their personal and professional goals. Meet three of these incredible young people—Luz, Jonathan, and Yoni—and hear more about how they're building a brighter future at home with the help of our dedicated local staff. Learn more about the program at: globalrefuge.org/caminoacasa

Bread for the World: A Message from Rev. Cho. Malnutrition is a quiet killer. Its impact can be devastating, especially for children. It stunts growth, weakens immune systems, impairs cognitive development, and can lead to death. Yet, for all its devastation, malnutrition is often reversible – if help arrives in time. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world today, not enough help is not arriving. Read more from Bread president and CEO Rev. Eugene Cho about this urgent problem and what you can do to help: https://www.bread.org/article/malnutrition-is-a-quiet-killer/

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 7 September 2025

A couple weeks ago I wrote:  What would it look like to do more ministry together?  Of the 8 ELCA churches in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area, none of us are full on Sunday mornings.  However, we all have our own clergy, our own administrative and music staff, and our own buildings (though many of us are struggling with the affordability of all of this).  Let me just name that Spirit's work is not hindered, amazing ministry is happening!  At the same time, to be rather blunt, I believe we are being terrible stewards of our finances.  Or put in a more positive way, we could be so much more creative!  And that's where the bolded question above comes into play.  While I don't know where this will lead or if it will produce anything at all, I do feel at the very least, it is worth reaching out to our partners and facilitating conversation.
I'm excited to add:  a small group has formed and we met this past week.  Stay tuned as the Spirit does her thing, especially as we keep asking What would it look like to do more ministry together?  ~Peace, Pr. Koppel

September’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on October 2nd at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF October in the memo line. Thanks! ~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 21 & 28 September.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship 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

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

Adopted Families Update: Since 1991, our St. Paul congregation has participated in a ministry of sharing and its creator was Kay Schoenefeld. With Kay’s death in late July we realize this ministry may evolve, but its spirit remains the same. We invite you to plug into some facet of it. We especially need some strong arms and backs to load our pickup truck when someone has furniture to give away. Here is a brief summary of what has been done in the past:

1.   Receiving and distributing household goods: requires strength ( we have the moving vehicle)

2.   Handling requests from calls made to St. Paul for help: vetting authenticity of request

3.   Coordinating with Healthcare for the Homeless to purchase bus tickets

4.   Adopted Families Christmas tree: organization of process for month long collection of gifts followed by distribution

5.   Regular article in church bulletin to share activities that have happened

If you want more information or a way to participate, call me at 505-897-4916 (home). ~Thank you, Paula Eglinton

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

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

This Friday:

Tickets available at www. Eventbrite.com

From Local Partner Organizations

This afternoon: You are Invited to the Dedication of CommonSpirit St. Joseph’s Children’s newest program, St. Joseph’s Sobriety Program. Dear Friend and Colleague, it is with great joy that we write today to invite you to participate in the dedication of CommonSpirit St. Joseph’s Children’s newest program, “St. Joseph’s Sobriety Program”  at 4pm on Sunday, September 7th.
          Beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025, we will be offering an intensive outpatient treatment program for alcohol and substance addiction. The Sobriety Program offers universal access for adults;  all are welcome to participate and there is no cost to the participants.
The Board of Directors of CommonSpirit St. Joseph’s Children has responded to the need in our community by adding the Sobriety Program to the scope of work of our organization.  Our Home Visiting Program for First Time Parents continues to experience great success for our enrolled families and we will incorporate the core values of compassion, inclusion, collaboration, integrity and excellence into the new program.
Please join us at 4pm on Sunday, September 7th for the dedication of the new Sobriety Program and to enjoy a matanza-style meal with us at our facility, 1516  5th Street NW, in Albuquerque.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and partnership in the community. Allen Sánchez, President and Mission Leader

This afternoon:

ECM Donation Drive: The Hook Up harm reduction collective celebrates its 5th birthday this month and is collecting donations to support its monthly event to resource unsheltered communities. Requested items include sleeping bags, tents, tarps, bungees, backpacks, travel size hygiene items, shaving razors, wet wipes, lip balm, menstrual products, ibuprofen/aspirin, bandaids and other wound care products, new underwear and socks, AA batteries, candy, dog food, stuffed animals, makeup and jewelry. Clothing is also welcome (particularly masculine) but often easier to come by than the other requested items. Feel free to either give it to Diane at church on 9/14 or to bring it that day between 10-1:30pm to our event at ECM (123 Vermont St NE). ~iusti remer-thamert

Raven Chacon: Tiguex. Join Coro Lux at the Albuquerque Volcanic Fields at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 27th to bring a portion of this Pulitzer Prize-winning composer's large-scale work to life! Other events will take place all day throughout the Albuquerque area. FREE and open to the public!

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Please pray for our companion synod partners in the Malagasy Lutheran Church - Sofia Synod, Mahajanga Synod, Avarata Antsinanana Synod, Antsiranana Synod, Betela Seminary, female theologians seeking ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA Global Missionary to Madagascar.

Gracious and Loving God, we lift up our siblings in the Malagasy Lutheran Church—from the Sofia, Mahajanga, Avarata Antsinanana, and Antsiranana Synods, to Betela Seminary, the female theologians pursuing ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom. Open ministry doors, inspire boldness in sharing Your Word, and protect their bodies, minds, and spirits. May their faith flourish, their unity strengthen, and Your light shine brightly through their witness. In Jesus’ name—Amen.

This Wednesday:

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 31 August 2025

Next Sunday, 7 Sept: Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Sunday. Joint worship with Caminemos Juntos and Chapel of the Holy Spirit will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall, with the main dish provided. Join us for fun and fellowship! ~Deborah Ash 

This Tuesday 9/2: First Tuesday! Everyone, members of the congregation, friends of the congregation, extended family members, etc. are invited to come. We have no agenda except to catch up on what is new in our lives. You might think we could do that on Sunday morning but as soon as we leave the sanctuary, we scatter off to class, meetings, etc. Sometimes the best we can do is just wave to each other across a room.
          We will meet at Bow & Arrow Brewery, 602 McKnight NW, between 4:00 - 6:00pm. You are welcome to bring a snack to share. We received mixed reviews on our first visit there in August so we will stay there for a few more months and then see if we want to change. ~Nancy Matthews

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 21 & 28 September.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship 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

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

Adopted Families Update: Since 1991, our St. Paul congregation has participated in a ministry of sharing and its creator was Kay Schoenefeld. With Kay’s death in late July we realize this ministry may evolve, but its spirit remains the same. We invite you to plug into some facet of it. We especially need some strong arms and backs to load our pickup truck when someone has furniture to give away. Here is a brief summary of what has been done in the past:

1.   Receiving and distributing household goods: requires strength ( we have the moving vehicle)

2.   Handling requests from calls made to St. Paul for help: vetting authenticity of request

3.   Coordinating with Healthcare for the Homeless to purchase bus tickets

4.   Adopted Families Christmas tree: organization of process for month long collection of gifts followed by distribution

5.   Regular article in church bulletin to share activities that have happened

If you want more information or a way to participate, call me at 505-897-4916 (home). ~Thank you, Paula Eglinton

Sabbatical ponderings:  What would it look like to do more ministry together? Of the 8 ELCA churches in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area, none of us are full on Sunday mornings.  However, we all have our own clergy, our own administrative and music staff, and our own buildings (though many of us are struggling with the affordability of all of this).  Let me just name that Spirit's work is not hindered, amazing ministry is happening!  At the same time, to be rather blunt, I believe we are being terrible stewards of our finances.  Or put in a more positive way, we could be so much more creative!  And that's where the bolded question above comes into play.  While I don't know where this will lead or if it will produce anything at all, I do feel at the very least, it is worth reaching out to our partners and facilitating conversation.  Interested in being a part of this?  Let's chat!  ~Pr. Koppel

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

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

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

Next Week:

Tickets available at www. Eventbrite.com

From Local Partner Organizations

This Week, 5 Sept: Church Women United - World Community Day. Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s fellowship, will gather for their World Community Day celebration on Friday, September 5th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6901 Wyoming NE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee fellowship, followed by the program at 10:00.  Rev. Anne Morawski will be our featured speaker.  She was the Lutheran Campus Pastor at UNM/CNM for 15 years.  Since her retirement in 2017, she has been volunteering  with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Budapest, Hungary.  She is “home” now but has plans to return to Hungary in November.  She will share what it is like living in Hungary, being well aware of it being an authoritarian country, as well as the story of her journey, knowledge, and experience around this and how it might relate to what’s happening in America today.  In addition, CWU women will collect school supplies for those children needing them.  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657. 

Next Sunday afternoon:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support of “our Jewish-American and Israeli siblings who have suffered because of the Oct. 7 attacks,” yet voicing “profound horror regarding the catastrophe in Gaza and the wider crisis in the Holy Land.”
“The lives of 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza depend in part on the decisions you will make in the coming weeks and months,” Eaton wrote.
“For the love of God, the sake of our shared humanity and the future of our Palestinian siblings of all faiths, your swift action may be the best and perhaps only way to stop the Israeli government from continuing its war and genocide in Gaza, and to plant seeds of peace and well-being for all in the Holy Land.” Link to the full letter is at: https://www.elca.org/

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 24 August 2025

Mark Your Calendars! Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Sunday is 7 Sept. Joint worship with Caminemos Juntos will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall, with the main dish provided. Join us for fun and fellowship! ~Deborah Ash

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 21 & 28 September.  We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship 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

Are you missing the hat making? Some have said they are missing making hats. We have a new project opportunity that will continue September through October. Calico Butterfly has about 38 children enrolled and 17 adults. Of the children, 20 are infants (good for the small loom in our kit), 17 are ages 3-5, (perfect for the two smaller looms of our kits!). The winter months are coming and to have a basket of hats for the children to select for winter would be a sweet treat. We still have lots of the thin yarns in the church stash that when doubled make a lovely, warm hat and we have a few looms to loan out. If you are interested in participating in this project, to supply winter hats for our littles, ask me or at the Office how to make a loom hat or tell us if you are making them at home. We will plan on an end date of October 26 for all hats to be in the basket. Thank you in advance for this treasure given! ~Julie Ambrogi

Adopted Families Update: Since 1991, our St. Paul congregation has participated in a ministry of sharing and its creator was Kay Schoenefeld. With Kay’s death in late July we realize this ministry may evolve, but its spirit remains the same. We invite you to plug into some facet of it. We especially need some strong arms and backs to load our pickup truck when someone has furniture to give away. Here is a brief summary of what has been done in the past:

1.   Receiving and distributing household goods: requires strength ( we have the moving vehicle)
2.   Handling requests from calls made to St. Paul for help: vetting authenticity of request
3.   Coordinating with Healthcare for the Homeless to purchase bus tickets
4.   Adopted Families Christmas tree: organization of process for month long collection of gifts followed by distribution
5.   Regular article in church bulletin to share activities that have happened

If you want more information or a way to participate, call me at 505-897-4916 (home). ~Thank you, Paula Eglinton

First Tuesday: Jan B. asked me to explain what First Tuesday is as some folks were not around to read the reminders about this social gathering. Everyone, members of the congregation, friends of the congregation, extended family members, etc. are invited to come. We have no agenda except to catch up on what is new in our lives. You might think we could do that on Sunday morning but as soon as we leave the sanctuary, we scatter off to class, meetings, etc. Sometimes the best we can do is just wave to each other across a room.
          So, the next first Tuesday of a month will be September 2nd. We will meet at Bow & Arrow Brewery, 602 McKnight NW, between 4:00 - 6:00pm. You are welcome to bring a snack to share. We received mixed reviews on our first visit there in August so we will stay there for a few more months and then see if we want to change. ~Nancy Matthews

Sabbatical ponderings:  What would it look like to do more ministry together? Of the 8 ELCA churches in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area, none of us are full on Sunday mornings.  However, we all have our own clergy, our own administrative and music staff, and our own buildings (though many of us are struggling with the affordability of all of this).  Let me just name that Spirit's work is not hindered, amazing ministry is happening!  At the same time, to be rather blunt, I believe we are being terrible stewards of our finances.  Or put in a more positive way, we could be so much more creative!  And that's where the bolded question above comes into play.  While I don't know where this will lead or if it will produce anything at all, I do feel at the very least, it is worth reaching out to our partners and facilitating conversation.  Interested in being a part of this?  Let's chat!  ~Pr. Koppel

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

Office Equipment Update:  The Lanier copier and folding machine will be picked up by Eco Recyclers tomorrow. We can no longer purchase ink or other equipment for that copier as it is outdated, and our Toshiba printer has folding capacity. We will be looking for a prep-type table for that area of the kitchen. If you would like to learn how to use the Toshiba printer, please stop by the Office on a weekday and staff will be glad to show you! ~Jolene Gallegos

Worship and Music Committee. As chair of Worship and Music I would like to lift up several ways you can get more involved in our worship life: 

• We have a Worship and Music Committee that currently meets in the conference room the first Thursday of each month at 2 pm. We are always looking for new members and would certainly adjust our meeting time for anyone wanting to be on the committee if necessary. 

• Visual Choir is a subcommittee of W & M that plans all visual enhancements to worship such as banners, seasonal decorations and the like. If you are interested in this please contact Jo Browning. 

• Communion Assistants help serve the communion (usually the wine and juice) along with the presiding minister and assisting minister. 

• Assisting Ministers assist with leading the worship, including the kyrie, prayers, and serving communion.

• Our current schedule ends on August 31. I am in the process of creating the next schedule which will run until the end of the year. 

• We would love to have more assisting ministers and communion assistants. Communion assistants serve around 4-5 times per schedule and assisting ministers around 2-3. Training is available for both. Please let me know if you are interested. ~Peace, Terry Cole

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. Thank you for all we have received to date! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

My Trip To New York, Gabriel Rabezanany, May 2025:
Day 1: We took the High Line which is a park in New York City that is 1.45 miles long. We saw a bunch of cool skyscrapers all with different designs. Afterwards another group from Texas came, they were going to be with us for the rest of the week. Then for lunch we went around the Rockefeller Plaza and found some places to eat. Afterwards we explored midtown and visited places like Grand Central Terminal, Fifth Avenue, The Rockefeller Center, and the New York Public Library. After that we ate dinner and went to the top of the Empire State Building and took pictures. Many people stuck their heads out of the fence on the balcony of the 86th floor to look down. We then went to bed.

Day 2: We took a cruise around the Statue of Liberty and visited many places in New York such as Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Little Italy and SoHo (South Houston). After walking around and visiting these places we went to the Harry Potter store and got some souvenirs since there isn’t one in New Mexico. Towards the end of the day we saw a play called ‘Boop! The Musical.’

Day 3: Today we went on a tour of Lincoln Center and visited the David Geffen Hall, David H. Koch Theatre, and the Metropolitan Opera House. Afterwards we ate lunch and went to the Drama Book Shop which has music, scripts, and books all related to theater. Afterwards we took a tour of the Radio City Music Hall which is one of the biggest Theatres in the world, there we met one of the Rockettes which is a group of dancers that dance in perfect sync and perform at the Christmas Special every single year since 1925. Radio City Music Hall is also where many popular events take place such as the Tony Awards and America's Got Talent.  Afterwards we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral which is a massive church. For dinner we went to a restaurant called Schnippers before going to Times Square and exploring the shops and other places.

Day 4: On day 4 we met two Broadway professionals and they did some activities with us. They were also actors in the play that we would be seeing later which was ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.’ Afterwards we walked through Central Park while we were on our way to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We ate dinner in Times Square before seeing the play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Day 5: The final day was much shorter than the other days since we had to leave for the airport to go home. We toured the Financial District where we went to Wall Street and saw the Charging bull sculpture, Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and the 9/11 Museum. Afterwards we ate lunch at a park near the 9/11 memorial before getting on the plane and driving home.

Fun Fact: The names on the 9/11 memorial aren't placed in a random order. For the people on the planes, if you sat next to another person on the plane, your name would be next to them on the memorial. If you were in the buildings, and you shared an office with another person your names would be on the memorial together. On top of that, if it is your birthday, a white rose is put next to your name on the memorial.

Once again, thank you to everyone who donated to me and prayed for me on my trip, I greatly appreciate your gratitude and generosity!

Tickets available at www. Eventbrite.com

From Local Partner Organizations

APS Education Foundation Golf Tournament, Wednesday, August 28, Santa Ana Golf Club. We are excited to host our annual Superintendent’s Cup Golf Tournament! This fun-filled event will feature raffles, a golf ball drop, player drawings, and more—all to raise funds for APS students and staff. We are seeking:

• Prize donations (items or gift cards)

• In-kind donations

• Volunteers to help during the event

All proceeds support our upcoming Grant Cycle, funding innovative programs, student clubs, classroom projects, professional development, and more. Last year, we raised over $700,000 for grants and scholarships—let’s make this year even bigger!
          For more information or to get involved, contact Rado Josoa, Development & Marketing Manager, cell :505-305-8054, email: rado.josoa@aps.edu.

Church Women United: World Community Day, September 5, 9:30am. Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s fellowship, will gather for their World Community Day celebration on Friday, September 5th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6901 Wyoming NE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee fellowship, followed by the program at 10:00.  Rev. Anne Morawski will be our featured speaker.  She was the Lutheran Campus Pastor at UNM/CNM for 15 years.  Since her retirement in 2017, she has been volunteering  with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Budapest, Hungary.  She is “home” now but has plans to return to Hungary in November.  She will share what it is like living in Hungary, being well aware of it being an authoritarian country, as well as the story of her journey, knowledge, and experience around this and how it might relate to what’s happening in America today.  In addition, CWU women will collect school supplies for those children needing them.  For more information, contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

August Greetings from the Bishop: Bishop Meghan sends warm greetings this August, along with updates from the recent Churchwide Assembly and a preview of what’s ahead this fall in the Rocky Mountain Synod. View at: https://vimeo.com/1111427278

Retreat in a Box. Imagine the guidance of a discernment retreat delivered right to your mailbox. With “Retreat in a Box,” we’ve created a way for you to experience the reflection and clarity of a personal retreat without leaving home. Through our thoughtfully chosen devotional practices, reflection prompts, and meaningful artifacts you will explore questions of discernment and vocation on your own time, at your pace, and in your own place. Request a Box for you or a loved one to encourage them in their discernment journey. https://elcaseminaries.org/dis%C2%B7cern%C2%B7ment-noun/retreat-in-a-box/

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 17 August 2025 

Mark Your Calendars! Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Sunday is 7 Sept. Joint worship with Caminemos Juntos will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall, with the main dish provided. Join us for fun and fellowship! ~Deborah Ash

Worship and Music Committee. As chair of Worship and Music I would like to lift up several ways you can get more involved in our worship life: 

• We have a Worship and Music Committee that currently meets in the conference room the first Thursday of each month at 2 pm. We are always looking for new members and would certainly adjust our meeting time for anyone wanting to be on the committee if necessary. 

• Visual Choir is a subcommittee of W & M that plans all visual enhancements to worship such as banners, seasonal decorations and the like. If you are interested in this please contact Jo Browning. 

• Communion Assistants help serve the communion (usually the wine and juice) along with the presiding minister and assisting minister. 

• Assisting Ministers assist with leading the worship, including the kyrie, prayers, and serving communion.

• Our current schedule ends on August 31. I am in the process of creating the next schedule which will run until the end of the year. 

• We would love to have more assisting ministers and communion assistants. Communion assistants serve around 4-5 times per schedule and assisting ministers around 2-3. Training is available for both. Please let me know if you are interested. ~Peace, Terry Cole

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

Friends Feeding Friends: Thank you all for the food and giving so we could furnish the August meal at HopeWorks. We had 23 pans of spaghetti and meat sauce as well as salad, tomatoes, dressing, bread, parmesan cheese, cookies, fruit, and drinks. They were very excited to see the food in my car. I am so thankful to all of you for all you do to support this ministry! If you would like to join this ministry, contact me at njenkins12@comcast.net ~Nancy Jenkins

Mowing Volunteers: Thank you to the three members who have volunteered to help with mowing! We are still looking for one more volunteer, so that the task can be shared and allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please reach out if you can help: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

Thank You’s to St. Paul:
Pastor, Deb, and the entire St. Paul Church, we are so grateful for your love of our mother and for faithfully loving her until the Lord called her home. Bless you and thank you! Marlys Weinhold’s Family

Thank you for your generous gift of $605 to the Storehouse New Mexico. Your support is deeply appreciated, especially during a time when the need in our community has reached unprecedented levels. Your support of the Storehouse continues to make a huge difference for our families. We are so grateful. Sincerely, Amy Lavender, VP of Development.

From Local Partner Organizations

APS Education Foundation Golf Tournament, Wednesday, August 28, Santa Ana Golf Club. We are excited to host our annual Superintendent’s Cup Golf Tournament! This fun-filled event will feature raffles, a golf ball drop, player drawings, and more—all to raise funds for APS students and staff. We are seeking:

• Prize donations (items or gift cards)

• In-kind donations

• Volunteers to help during the event

All proceeds support our upcoming Grant Cycle, funding innovative programs, student clubs, classroom projects, professional development, and more.
          Last year, we raised over $700,000 for grants and scholarships—let’s make this year even bigger!
          For more information or to get involved, contact Rado Josoa, Development & Marketing Manager, cell :505-305-8054, email: rado.josoa@aps.edu.

Church Women United: World Community Day, September 5, 9:30am. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6901 Wyoming NE. The speaker is Rev. Anne Morawski. Many of you remember her as an active participant in CWU in the past. Anne was the Lutheran Campus Pastor at UNM/CNM for 15 years. She has been volunteering with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary since her retirement in 2017. Anne currently serves the English Lutheran Ministry in Budapest.
          We start with coffee hour first at 9:30 while everyone registers and gets a name tag.  Then at 10am we will move into the sanctuary for worship and the reflection/sermon/presentation. Everything should be finished by about 11:15.
          The theme for this year is "Be Kind at All Times" based on Ephesians 4:32: “Be generous to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.”

Grand Opening: New Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity Donation Drop-off Center. Come one, come all, August 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We will have a ribbon cutting ceremony with VIP’s, balloons for the kids and a food truck. Receive a 10% off at our ReStore coupon for all donations received.
          Located at: GAHH Rio Rancho Donation Center, 1525 Stephanie Road SE, Unit 207, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Our new Donation Center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We will have a worker on-site during business hours.
          Bring your gently used household items, construction supplies, tools, windows and doors, flooring, etc. to our new Donation Drop-off Center to be sold at our Menaul ReStore. Proceeds from these purchases support our various programs including New Construction, Preservation Repair and Critical Systems Replacement.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Gathering at the Gate is an opportunity Sept. 16-17, 2025 for ELCA leaders, rostered and lay, to demand God's justice, grace and mercy from our elected leaders in Washington D.C. for our neighbors who are hungry, sick, and poor. We will engage in advocacy learning from the ELCA Advocacy Office, meet with our members of Congress, and participate in the Empty Plates, Empty Promises action on Sept. 17, in the Upper Senate Park where we will stand in solidarity together with all people who need food, housing, healthcare and ethical immigration policy. Learn more and register at: https://gatheringatthegate.betterworld.org/events/april-2025

World Humanitarian Day is this Tuesday, August 19th. Lutheran World Relief is celebrating Tamara Demuria, our Chief Humanitarian Officer who has been braving the front lines in Ukraine. Since the war began in 2022, you have been there with her, delivering emergency aid to children and their families who are terrified and desperately hoping this relentless war will end. Despite years of suffering, humanitarians like Tamara have remained alongside your neighbors in Ukraine. Show our humanitarian workers you're by their side as we honor them this month: https://lwr.org/

This Tuesday, August 19th, 6pm MT,  ELCA World Hunger & Food Ministry Teams join in conversation and conspiring with Creation Care folks! Does it feel like “there are too many things to care about” right now? Those with power try to divide and conquer, making us fight for time, attention and resources for “our” social justice issue against “other” social justice issues. But it’s a made up fight. We get stronger together!
          This call will integrate a Lutherans Restoring Creation “Connection Call” with ELCA World Hunger leaders, some of whom are gathering soon to revitalize their efforts to “do justice, love kindness, and [move] humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8) We’ll meet people who work for justice across multiple sectors and manifestations: migrant, economic, racial, gender or environmental (MERGE). We’ll ask each other what we’re seeing in our communities and how we can work together for a world aligned with God’s just, kind vision. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ntXbuzE5SFqP7IMU4fbFMA#/registration

Border Immersion: Hi St. Paul folks, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Church Network I would like to encourage you to consider attending the immersion trip to the border that we have planned for November 1 through 7. I have participated in similar immersions and can tell you it is definitely a worthwhile, spiritually challenging experience. During this challenging time in our country when our neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty, we wonder what we can do. Visiting the border and seeing in real time what is happening there is a jumpstart to being allies. It would be great if a small group from St. Paul would attend. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. See the flyer below.  ~Peace, Terry Cole

Updates Beginning 10 August 2025 

Margo Nicholson’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul this Tuesday, 12 August at 11am, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. ~Pr. Koppel

Mark Your Calendars! Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Sunday is 7 Sept. Joint worship with Caminemos Juntos will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall, with the main dish provided. Join us for fun and fellowship! ~Deborah Ash

Dignity Mission Thank You: A note of thanks came from Jack and Cheryl Ferrel who represented Dignity Mission on our Hat Sunday – they write:

“… thank you for sharing your beautiful, knitted hats for Dignity Mission. Knowing the warmth you bring and the loving support are such a blessing. The absolutely extraordinary way you presented was so clever and thoughtful. We are beyond grateful for your time and effort in this project which will bring warmth, hope and dignity to our brothers and sisters.“
          Thank you for all the ways you contributed, participated and helped to make this project  a congregation project. Watch for further ideas and ways to continue to offer “hat warmth.” St. Paul Sabbatical Team: Pastor Van de Motter, Pastor Koppel, Hal Neilsen, Julie Ambrogi, Sara Love, Deb Ash.

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

Mowing Volunteers: Thank you to the three members who have volunteered to help with mowing! We are still looking for one more volunteer, so that the task can be shared and allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please reach out if you can help: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

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

A Thank You to St. Paul’s Sewing Group:
On behalf of the Albuquerque-NM VA HCS (501) patients and staff, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for your donation of 12 lap robes.
          It is through the efforts of community partners like you that allow us to continue the quality care and services that we seek to provide for our deserving Veterans. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again for future events.
          Thank you for your continued support and advocacy. Sincerely, Karla Mcghan Barthel, Chief, Center for Development and Civic Engagement

From Local Partner Organizations

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lutheran Summer Music Academy: The majority of LSM concerts, recitals, and services were all professionally livestreamed and are now available to view at any time through LSMacademy.org/on-demand. Student performances and musical offerings during Festival Week include:

    Bach Cantata Eucharist
    Chamber Music Extravaganza
    Festival of Hymns
    Musical Theatre Showcase
    Festival Band Concert
    Jazz Ensemble Concert
    Festival Choir Concert
    Festival Orchestra Concert
    Closing Festival Eucharist

At Global Refuge, our mission is to stand with and advocate for immigrants and refugees. But what does it really mean to advocate?
          We know that behind every immigration policy debate, there are thousands of people in the United States and beyond whose lives will be affected. The Global Refuge Advocacy and Policy team lives out our mission by engaging with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, encouraging participation in state, local, and national government, and shaping and promoting humane policy for immigration and refugee resettlement in the United States.
          But we can't do it alone. That's why we work to encourage and empower supporters like you to raise your voices and ensure that your lawmakers know why you support the work of welcome.
          Learn more about the team and how you can get involved! Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy-hwHQoRQ

From ELCA AMMPARO & Global Refuge: Faith Groups File New Lawsuit on Protecting Sensitive Locations: On July 28, Democracy Forward and co-counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of a large coalition of faith groups that challenges the Administration’s sweeping policy that allows immigration enforcement actions in and around houses of worship and other “sensitive locations.” Plaintiffs in the case include members of the Lutheran, Protestant, Baptist, and Quaker faiths. Read the press release at: https://www.gilbertlegal.com/news/religious-groups-sue-trump-vance-administration-over-immigration-raids-at-houses-of-worship/
[Note: 5 ELCA Synods are part of this.]
          Global Refuge has endorsed the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, introduced in the House and Senate, which would codify guidance on limiting enforcement in and near sensitive locations.

Through August 15, every Bread for the World gift you make up to $173,000 will be tripled! That means your generosity will go 3X as far to advocate for life-saving food programs for millions of people experiencing hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
          Earlier this year, our collective voice was able to secure $500 million to fund WIC for the rest of this fiscal year. WIC provides vital nutrition assistance to low-income women and infants. And despite the devastating closing of USAID, together we were able to get the Administration to set aside $100 million for the International Development Commission.
          Our work is far from done. No matter the obstacles, we will continue to advocate for an end to hunger. We are called to this work and to have faith that it will make a difference. And thanks to this limited-time match, your gift will go even further — helping us engage lawmakers, rally faith communities, and create meaningful, lasting change.
          Every dollar matters. And when we come together, we can make sure no one is left behind. Give at: bread.org 

2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly: The playlist of 42 videos capturing events throughout the Assembly is found at:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNDmVwhz-M37Gdl_V2jXSZ2e2E-I_LPBK

Updates Beginning 3 August 2025 

Today: We welcome Pastor Koppel back with a coffee hour hosted by the Sabbatical Team after worship. Please join us! ~Deborah Ash

This Tuesday, 5 August: Must all good things come to an end?  Our friends at SW Grape and Grain are closing up shop this weekend at the Candelaria location and can only afford to move the brewing supplies to a new site at this time.  Hopefully, they will soon be able to start up a little brewery at the new location.
          So, for the August gathering, Terry Cole suggested we try Bow & Arrow at 602 McKnight Ave NW.  The tap room looks great but there are only approximately 6 parking spots on the property.  We'll meet at the usual time, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.  Bring your snacks!

Margo Nicholson’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul on Tuesday, 12 August at 11am, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. ~Pr. Koppel 

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

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

Mowing Volunteers: Thank you to the three members who have volunteered to help with mowing! We are still looking for one more volunteer, so that the task can be shared and allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please reach out if you can help: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Announcing Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA!

We are pleased to announce the election of the Rev. Yehiel Curry as presiding bishop of the ELCA! Bishop-elect Curry was elected on the fifth ballot with 70.34% of the vote.
Bishop Curry was elected in 2019 to a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Earlier this year the Conference of Bishops elected him as chair. Among his many responsibilities in the synod is to preach, teach and administer the sacraments. He ordains, installs, and provides pastoral care for this synod’s rostered ministers of Word and Sacrament and Word and Service, and for our 165 congregations. Bishop Curry leads the process for resolution of controversies and the discipline of rostered ministers and congregations. In addition to interpreting and advocating the mission and theology of this church, he fosters an awareness of, and engagement with, churches throughout the Lutheran world communion and Christian leaders within our synod.
Prior to this call, he served as pastor and mission developer of Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Chicago. He received his BA from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., and his MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He and his wife, LaShonda, are the parents of three daughters.
      Service: From 2013-2019, Bishop Curry served as pastor of Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church, where he also served as mission developer from 2007 to 2012.
          Education: Bishop Curry received a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois in 1995, and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2013.

Updates Beginning 27 July 2025

Today: Join us after worship today for the coffee hour hosted by the Sabbatical Team, as we thank Pastor Van De Motter for his 3 months of service with us. We welcome Cheryl and Jack Ferrell from Dignity Mission, who will be accepting the hats made by St. Paul as our Sabbatical project during this time. ~Deborah Ash

Next Sunday: We welcome Pastor Koppel back with a coffee hour hosted by the Sabbatical Team after worship. Her birthday is coming up. Please take a moment to sign the birthday card for her in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

This Thursday, July 31st: You are invited to Calico Butterfly Preschool’s Annual Picnic, 5:30-7pm.

Margo Nicholson’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul on Tuesday, 12 August at 11am, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. ~Pr. Van De Motter

GoFundMe Page: Pastor Van De Motter’s niece’s son, Callen, 15 months, has been diagnosed with leukemia. The family has created a GoFundMe page. Visit https://www.gofundme.com and search for Klingler. ~Deborah Ash

Deadline Tomorrow: St. Paul Fall Semester 2025 Scholarship Applications. Applications for St. Paul scholarships administered by the St. Paul Scholarship Committee for the benefit of members of St. Paul will be available beginning July 6, 2025 for those who wish to apply.
Application forms may be downloaded from the St. Paul website, www.stpaulabq.org, or picked up in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church Office. Completed applications must be received by mail in the St. Paul church office not later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 (or sent by the same deadline in PDF format to info@stpaulabq.org).
The St. Paul Endowed Scholarship fund is comprised of donations from the Meuli and Mutschmann families and includes additional funding from the Voida family. Available funds for this year will be dispersed by the scholarship committee according to the number of qualified applicants. The Olson Scholarship is available only to those members attending a Lutheran or Baptist college or seminary; the amount of this specific category of scholarships will be granted to qualifying students according to available funds.
For more information please contact me at omardurant@yahoo.com. Thank you. ~Omar Durant

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

From Council: Last month Council approved the latest version of the ICE guidelines. It gives information on public and private areas of the church and what to do if law enforcement, ICE or media agents are on the campus.  These agencies are not allowed to enter any areas marked PRIVATE.  There are posted signs in all areas.  The guidelines are posted on the website and in the office.  Staff, congregants and users of the facility will be instructed about Know Your Rights, use of this guideline and the report forms.  We will covenant to maintain confidentiality regarding the documentation status of staff, congregation members, preschool students and families and the neighbors we serve.  Do not prop open exterior doors unless someone stays by the door.
          This is a short summary of the guideline; copies are available in the Welcome Center.  Please become familiar with it, be aware of people around and be safe. ~Nancy Jenkins, Secretary

Our Congregational Project during the time of Sabbatical growing has been to make hats to be given out in the cold months of winter to children, moms, dads, and anyone needing warmth. Our congregation has worked together to use yarn, give time, learn a new project, donate to the cause through materials and/or money to make this project a great success. These hats come from our congregation and outside our congregation by people who just wanted to participate in the mission we chose to commit. From Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, from vacations, from lazy summer days, from family and friends who do not know us but wanted to share, we say thank you, thank you, thank you.
          Over 250 hats, in four sizes for infants through large adults, knitted and crocheted, will be donated to Dignity Mission. Two weeks ago, 12 of our hats went with the donation group to the border to support their 44th trip of donations. This humanitarian support is going to shelters like Casa del Migrante and Resoettrabs in Juarez where migrant families are being housed. Our hats will be transported for sharing in the fall.
          Thank you to the St. Paul Congregation for their support and for the joy that is found in color, size, and warmth that each hat will bring. God’s Work, Our Hands is a mighty way to reach beyond our walls and into the need that lives close to all of us. Blessings and prayers continue that each stitch gives hope and that together, as people of faith, we hold dear that we share love with our neighbors near and far.
         This project can continue as members desire, yarn and looms are available. Hats to be passed out on the streets of Albuquerque during the winter months will be appreciated. The Sabbatical Team: Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Pr. Patrick Van de Motter, Pr. Kristi Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, and Sara Love

Mowing Volunteers: Thank you to the two members who have volunteered to help with mowing! We are still looking for a few more, so that the task can be shared and allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please reach out if you can help: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

August’s God’s Work Our Hands project is gathering diapers for National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15-21), the Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization’s Fall Gathering project. Here in Albuquerque, the diapers will be delivered to the Junior League of ABQ Diaper Bank. You can place your donations in the bin in the Welcome Center or bring them to the office. It is exciting that this is occurring throughout the Synod benefiting local organizations. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins (Secretary, RMSWO)

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

This Tuesday, registration still open:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

This week, a faithful group of twelve from our Rocky Mountain Synod will join 845 voting members of the ELCA in Phoenix, AZ, for the Churchwide Assembly—“For the Life of the World.” Rooted in worship and prayer, the assembly will:

• Elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary

• Consider a new social statement on Civic Life and Faith, plus editorial changes to the Social Statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust

• Examine proposed Churchwide budgets for the next three years

• Receive the report and recommendations from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church

• Discuss and vote on memorials from synod assemblies—like the Rocky Mountain Synod’s memorial, Stand up for Human Rights, an End to the Occupation of Palestine, and Recognition of Palestinian Statehood, passed by our Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly in May 2025 in Albuquerque, NM.

We appreciate your prayers for our synod delegation and the assembly as a whole! For candidate info, agenda details, and a livestream of the event, visit elca.org/cwa.

Your support for Bread for the World has been critical so far this year — and we wanted to share where we stand at this halfway point in 2025.
          Thanks to you, our collective advocacy is making a difference. Together, we’ve worked alongside communities experiencing hunger and urged policymakers to take meaningful action, despite many challenges.
          Your actions, words and prayers have made a huge impact! Since the beginning of January, Bread advocates have taken 25,663 actions to help end hunger. These actions have resulted in 53,246 letters to Congress.
          Your voice and generosity are driving this progress — and together, we’re building momentum for what’s ahead.
Thank you for joining us in this movement to end hunger. We’ll continue to share more news in the months to come.
With gratitude, Justice H. Randolph, Deputy Director of Membership Giving, bread.org

Updates Beginning 20 July 2025

Margo Nicholson’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul on Tuesday, 12 August at 11am, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. ~Pr. Van De Motter

Bruce Muggenburg, a long-time member of St. Paul, passed away on June 24th  at the age of 88. Graveside services will be private. See the full obituary at www.frenchfunerals.com. ~Deborah Ash

GoFundMe Page: Pastor Van De Motter’s niece’s son, Callen, 15 months, has been diagnosed with leukemia. The family has created a GoFundMe page. Visit https://www.gofundme.com and search for Klingler. (Support for 15-Month-Old's Leukemia Battle.) ~Deborah Ash

Deadline Next Week: St. Paul Fall Semester 2025 Scholarship Applications. Applications for St. Paul scholarships administered by the St. Paul Scholarship Committee for the benefit of members of St. Paul will be available beginning July 6, 2025 for those who wish to apply.
Application forms may be downloaded from the St. Paul website, www.stpaulabq.org. Completed applications must be received by mail in the St. Paul church office not later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 (or sent by the same deadline in PDF format to info@stpaulabq.org).
The St. Paul Endowed Scholarship fund is comprised of donations from the Meuli and Mutschmann families and includes additional funding from the Voida family. Available funds for this year will be dispersed by the scholarship committee according to the number of qualified applicants. The Olson Scholarship is available only to those members attending a Lutheran or Baptist college or seminary; the amount of this specific category of scholarships will be granted to qualifying students according to available funds.
Applications will be available from St. Paul website beginning July 6, 2025 or in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church Office. For more information please contact me at omardurant@yahoo.com. Thank you. ~Omar Durant

From Council: Last month Council approved the latest version of the ICE guidelines. It gives information on public and private areas of the church and what to do if law enforcement, ICE or media agents are on the campus.  These agencies are not allowed to enter any areas marked PRIVATE.  There are posted signs in all areas.  The guidelines are posted on the website and in the office.  Staff, congregants and users of the facility will be instructed about Know Your Rights, use of this guideline and the report forms.  We will covenant to maintain confidentiality regarding the documentation status of staff, congregation members, preschool students and families and the neighbors we serve.  Do not prop open exterior doors unless someone stays by the door.
          This is a short summary of the guideline; copies are available in the Welcome Center.  Please become familiar with it, be aware of people around and be safe. ~Nancy Jenkins, Secretary

Our Congregational Project during the time of Sabbatical growing has been to make hats to be given out in the cold months of winter to children, moms, dads, and anyone needing warmth. Our congregation has worked together to use yarn, give time, learn a new project, donate to the cause through materials and/or money to make this project a great success. These hats come from our congregation and outside our congregation by people who just wanted to participate in the mission we chose to commit. From Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, from vacations, from lazy summer days, from family and friends who do not know us but wanted to share, we say thank you, thank you, thank you.
          Over 250 hats, in four sizes for infants through large adults, knitted and crocheted, will be donated to Dignity Mission. Two weeks ago, 12 of our hats went with the donation group to the border to support their 44th trip of donations. This humanitarian support is going to shelters like Casa del Migrante and Resoettrabs in Juarez where migrant families are being housed. Our hats will be transported for sharing in the fall.
          Thank you to the St. Paul Congregation for their support and for the joy that is found in color, size, and warmth that each hat will bring. God’s Work, Our Hands is a mighty way to reach beyond our walls and into the need that lives close to all of us. Blessings and prayers continue that each stitch gives hope and that together, as people of faith, we hold dear that we share love with our neighbors near and far.
          This project can continue as members desire, yarn and looms are available. Hats to be passed out on the streets of Albuquerque during the winter months will be appreciated. The Sabbatical Team: Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Pr. Patrick Van de Motter, Pr. Kristi Koppel, Julie Ambrogi, and Sara Love

Adopted Families: We recently helped two folks in need. A man called St. Paul needing help with a gas bill. There had been a lot of costs involved with the passing away of a close relative, plus the man was still helping his grandmother. He was very grateful when we paid his $190 bill. In the second case, a woman needed help with her PNM bill to avoid being disconnected. She had lost her previous job (which didn't pay enough to cover her bills) because her employer cut her hours and let her go instead of working things out. She is doing paper work for a new job but that takes time. She also has a daughter about to give birth. She was in tears when we paid $250 toward her entire PNM bill. Thank you for helping to ease the burdens in other people's lives. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Reminder re Parking Lot: Bradbury Stamm, the construction company working on the UNM Cancer Center project next door, is leasing additional parking spaces weekdays through September 15. These are along the east side of the church, from the choir room door up to the blue curbs. We are waiting for that stretch of curb to be painted green. On weekdays, please drive around to the parking spaces on the south side by the labyrinth. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Jolene Gallegos

Mowing Volunteers: Thank you to the two members who have volunteered to help with mowing! We are still looking for a few more, so that the task can be shared and allow for flexibility in scheduling. Please reach out if you can help: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

July’s God’s Work Our Hands project is also the last month of our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. This is our big push toward July 27th, when the hats will be blessed by Pr. Van De Motter on his last Sunday with us! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

We are excited to share a milestone moment with you! This year, HopeWorks marks its 40th anniversary of dedicated service to the homeless community in Albuquerque. Since our inception in 1985, our mission has been to provide essential shelter and supportive services to those in need, and we are proud to celebrate four decades of impactful work.
          Join Us for a Night of Celebration and Support! We cordially invite you to our 40th Anniversary Gala, an evening dedicated to commemorating our achievements and raising funds to continue and expand our efforts.
          The gala will feature heartfelt stories of hope, entertaining performances, and a vibrant display of community spirit. It's a perfect opportunity to see firsthand the impact of your support and to contribute to the future of HopeWorks.
          We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of many. Save the date and join us in making this gala a memorable event!
          For more information on sponsorships or ticket sales, please reach out to Mitchie at mbenavidez@hopeworksnm.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Prayer Cycle: Each month we pray for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod and our Churchwide expression. In July, we pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the North New Mexico Conference.

Check out all that’s happening across our Synod this month! From welcoming new congregations to concerts by emerging musicians and meaningful film screenings, there's a lot of amazing ministry happening. For a complete list of upcoming events across Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, El Paso, and Colorado visit: https://www.rmselca.org/calendar-list.

How your compassion is helping in Texas. When disaster strikes, we can always count on our generous donors to love your neighbors as Christ. Thanks to your quick compassion, hundreds of families affected by the recent flooding in Texas had emergency supplies in their hands within 12 hours.
          The full scope of the damage is still unknown. What we do know is hundreds of families are in urgent need of basic supplies as they clean up, recover and navigate immense grief and loss.
          In these early days, your compassion is providing Lutheran World Relief Quilts and Kits as well as distributing emergency food, water, tarps, clean up kits, hygiene supplies and clothing to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
          LWR and our partners continue to assess needs and — with your generous support — will expand our response as we are able. Give at: https://lwr.org/.

We cannot be silent now. Over the past several months, Bread advocates around the country sent tens of thousands of emails, held hundreds of congressional meetings, and made hundreds more phone calls urging their members of Congress to reject the cuts – but Congress made the cuts anyway, knowing the harm they will bring to their districts and states and knowing how many of their constituents were against them.
If you’re feeling discouraged and dismayed...you’re not alone. I am feeling it, too. Our staff and board are also feeling it. Needless to say, this is a challenging time.
          Though we lament the dramatic cuts to critical anti-hunger programs, this is not the time to back down or give up. We mustn’t give up...because we can’t give up. As you read this message from me, Bread has been actively engaged in critical legislation that Congress is taking up now. We can’t do this work alone. We need you. We need the entire Bread movement to keep advocating.
God has called us to be faithful. So, let’s be faithful. Let’s keep praying, keep writing letters, keep organizing our neighbors, keep advocating to Congress.
          There is a saying: pray every day – and when you’re busy, pray more. We must pray every day – and right now, we must pray more. Let us pray for our leaders, that they will hear the needs of people experiencing hunger. Let us pray for each other, that we may not grow weary in acting to change the circumstances that allow hunger to persist. Let us pray for people experiencing hunger, that they may be fed.
          And as Harriet Tubman once wrote, may we also “pray with our feet.” In other words, let’s pray and speak up, contact, write, call, organize, fund...and persevere.
          By working together, by raising our choir of voices ever louder, we can – and will – address hunger. I hold you in prayer and lift my heart in hope alongside you. Prayerfully, Rev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO

Updates Beginning 13 July 2025

Marlys Weinhold’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul on Saturday, 9 August at 1pm, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. ~Pr. Van De Motter

Cindy Nicholson has let us know that her mother, Margo, passed away on June 26th, ten days after her 102nd birthday. August services at St. Paul are pending. ~Deborah Ash

Bruce Muggenburg, a long-time member of St. Paul, passed away on June 24th  at the age of 88. Graveside services will be private. See the full obituary at www.frenchfunerals.com. ~Deborah Ash

GoFundMe Page: Pastor Van De Motter’s niece’s son, Callen, 15 months, has been diagnosed with leukemia. The family has created a GoFundMe page. Visit https://www.gofundme.com and search for Klingler. (Support for 15-Month-Old's Leukemia Battle.) ~Deborah Ash

St. Paul Fall Semester 2025 Scholarship Applications: Applications for St. Paul scholarships administered by the St. Paul Scholarship Committee for the benefit of members of St. Paul will be available beginning July 6, 2025 for those who wish to apply.
Application forms may be downloaded from the St. Paul website, www.stpaulabq.org. Completed applications must be received by mail in the St. Paul church office not later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 (or sent by the same deadline in PDF format to info@stpaulabq.org).
The St. Paul Endowed Scholarship fund is comprised of donations from the Meuli and Mutschmann families and includes additional funding from the Voida family. Available funds for this year will be dispersed by the scholarship committee according to the number of qualified applicants. The Olson Scholarship is available only to those members attending a Lutheran or Baptist college or seminary; the amount of this specific category of scholarships will be granted to qualifying students according to available funds.
Applications will be available from St. Paul website beginning July 6, 2025 or in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church Office. For more information please contact me at omardurant@yahoo.com. ~Thank you.  Omar Durant

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

Parking Lot Update: Bradbury Stamm, the construction company working on the UNM Cancer Center project next door, has begun leasing an additional 19 parking spaces weekdays through September 15. These are along the east side of the church, from the choir room door up to the blue curbs. That stretch of curb will be painted green shortly to indicate it is for their workers’ use. On weekdays, please drive around to the parking spaces on the south side by the labyrinth. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Jolene Gallegos

Mowing Volunteers: Dear Congregation! We are searching for some volunteer help for mowing the grass areas at Calico Preschool. After twenty years, Holger Schulz has retired from this position. His hard work has been appreciated over the years. While mowing has been done weekly, it can also be done every other week. The lawn mower is held in a storage closet next to the school downstairs and is an electric mower. We are looking for a volunteer, or volunteers, to continue mowing.  Please reach out: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

July’s God’s Work Our Hands project is also the last month of our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. This is our big push toward July 27th, when the hats will be blessed by Pr. Van De Motter on his last Sunday with us! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up in the Office. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes , so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today: Navajo Code Talkers Presentation July 13. St Luke Lutheran Church has arranged to have Zonnie Gorman come to our church and talk about the Navajo Code Talkers. She is a recognized historian on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and has served as a consultant to numerous documentaries, museum exhibitions and magazine and book authors. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Carl Gorman, artist, teacher and one of the original “first twenty-nine” Navajo Code Talkers, the pilot group that devised the initial Navajo code. She is also the youngest sister to the legendary and renowned Navajo artist, the late R.C. Gorman.
          We would like to invite anyone who would be interested in hearing about this subject. Zonnie will be at St Luke’s on Sunday, July 13th at 1:30. We will be meeting in our Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions you can get in touch with me at 505-264-5444. We hope to see you there. ~Diane Quarles

We are excited to share a milestone moment with you! This year, HopeWorks marks its 40th anniversary of dedicated service to the homeless community in Albuquerque. Since our inception in 1985, our mission has been to provide essential shelter and supportive services to those in need, and we are proud to celebrate four decades of impactful work.
          Join Us for a Night of Celebration and Support! We cordially invite you to our 40th Anniversary Gala, an evening dedicated to commemorating our achievements and raising funds to continue and expand our efforts.
          The gala will feature heartfelt stories of hope, entertaining performances, and a vibrant display of community spirit. It's a perfect opportunity to see firsthand the impact of your support and to contribute to the future of HopeWorks.
          We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of many. Save the date and join us in making this gala a memorable event!
          For more information on sponsorships or ticket sales, please reach out to Mitchie at mbenavidez@hopeworksnm.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

July Greetings from the Bishop: 

Dear siblings in Christ, Blessed July in this season after Pentecost!
          I’ve always found it striking that this stretch of summer is called “Ordinary Time”—even though it’s often filled with extraordinary moments of joy, challenge, and change. I pray this season brings you rest, renewal, and time with loved ones.
          In June, many of our ministries participated in Pride events, including a meaningful screening of Mama Bears hosted by St. Paul, Denver and Rocky Mountain Public Media Center. Thank you to all who shared photos, stories, and the ongoing work of living into our Reconciling in Christ commitments—not just this month, but always.
          My family and I were grateful to travel in June, including a Footsteps of Paul pilgrimage through Greece and Turkey. Plans to attend a wedding in the Holy Land were interrupted by conflict in the region, and while we returned with heavy hearts, I remain thankful for your prayers for peace and justice.
          This week we mourn the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country, including the tragic loss of young lives at Camp Mystic. ELCA Disaster Response is at work on the ground—please join me in supporting their efforts, as you are able: https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response/our-impact/us-flooding.
          Meanwhile, our ministry in the Office of the Bishop continues! We are continuing to accompany rostered and lay leaders and congregations in transition, planning ahead for Theological Conference and Synod Assembly, preparing elected synod voting members for Churchwide Assembly, and much more. This month we gave thanks for Pastor Katie Emery at the conclusion of her call as Synod Minister for Transitions and we are grateful for her continued faithful work with Excellence in Leadership. Her ministry has blessed many—including each of us at the Office of the Bishop.
          Our synod council also officially welcomed Ray Ferry as our new Synod Vice President—with gratitude and excitement for his willingness to serve and lead in this role on behalf of our whole synod. Finally, our plans for the future location of the Office of the Bishop have also been developing in exciting and Spirit-led ways—watch this space for an official announcement coming very soon! One thing is certain: in these days, as always, there is no such thing as ordinary time.
          And thanks be to God that Dios está aquí (God is here) in it all—siempre (forever)! ~Bishop Meghan

RMS Prayer Cycle: Each month we pray for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod and our Churchwide expression. In July, we pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the North New Mexico Conference.

Check out all that’s happening across our Synod this month! From welcoming new congregations to concerts by emerging musicians and meaningful film screenings, there's a lot of amazing ministry happening. For a complete list of upcoming events across Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, El Paso, and Colorado visit: https://www.rmselca.org/calendar-list.

At any given moment, there’s a disaster striking somewhere. Right now, it’s in Texas, where violent flash floods are ravaging communities and claiming more lives with each passing day.
          Here’s the good news: Because your love was hard at work before these floods broke out, it took mere hours to get emergency LWR aid into the hands of those who needed it most.
          Whether it’s happening in your own community, halfway across the country, or on the other side of the globe, there are neighbors in crisis who need immediate support.
As people of faith, we can all agree that no one should suffer when we have the calling, resources and knowledge to help. Give at: https://lwr.org/.

From AMMPARO: USAHello has released its newly updated “Multilingual Immigration Guide,” which is now easier to use—with more resources, better filtering, and translations in 9 languages. It brings together resources created specifically for impacted immigrant communities with actionable, plain language, and mobile-friendly information. Already used by over 100,000 people since its launch in November, the guide is updated weekly to help immigrants stay safe and informed.
What’s inside: Latest immigration policy updates, Legal status options, Guidance on raids, detention, and deportation, Know Your Rights info, Help finding legal and local support.
Visit: https://usahello.org/safety/

Right now, millions of migrants around the world long for a place to call home. When you support the ELCA’s accompaniment of migrants (AMMPARO), you walk alongside migrants and refugees all over the world — toward rest, safety and belonging. According to the U.N., over 122 million people worldwide have been driven from their homes. Can we count on your support to help people on the move? Your gift today will be DOUBLED until we reach $50,000: https://give.elca.org/page/78084/donate/1?ea.url.id=3725984&forwarded=true

This Week: At Bread for the World’s July regional meetings, we will bring you up to speed on the stories and impact of this year’s Advocacy Summit and how we can build on it. We will also share an update on critical legislation in Congress and our progress in this year’s Offering of Letters (letter-writing campaign). And we will present strategies and opportunities to maximize our collective advocacy this summer and fall.

Midwest, Southwest, and West Combined Regional Online Meetings
-      Option 1: Wednesday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
-      Option 2: Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. EDT

Register at: https://go.bread.org/page/84757/survey/1?_gl=1*r57shs*_gcl_au*MTkxMzA4MzA4Ni4xNzQ1NTk1MzM1

2025 marks 50 years since Bread for the World was founded — and we’re taking a moment to say thank you.
          What began as a small network of faithful champions has grown into a nationwide, bipartisan movement for change. Since then, supporters like you have initiated more than 6.4 million advocacy actions, helping make hunger a priority for our elected leaders and creating real change for hungry people.
          You can learn more in our newly released Annual Report, which details Bread’s work in 2024. (Posted in Welcome Center or download at: https://www.bread.org/impact-report/).
          And while we have much to celebrate, we also face serious challenges. In 2025, program freezes and deep cuts to critical anti-hunger programs and life-saving assistance have left even more of our neighbors at risk.
          But thanks to your advocacy, Bread has remained present and persistent. We continue to be a trusted voice in the halls of Congress, fighting for policies that provide food, nutrition, and hope for those who need it most.
          With caring people like you standing beside us and fueling our work, we can speak up alongside and on behalf of hungry families everywhere.
          We hope you’ll take a few moments to read the full report as we look to Bread’s next 50 years.
          This isn’t just our story — it’s yours. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just joined, this moment belongs to you.
          Thank you for your generosity and care as we work together to end hunger.

Updates Beginning 6 July 2025

Today:

Today: Girl Scout Troop 10192, which meets at St. Paul on Saturdays, will be here selling painted pots and plants after worship in the Welcome Center. They are raising money for a trip to Carlsbad Caverns to complete their outdoor adventure and hiking badges. Please stop by to encourage them in their next outdoor adventure! ~Deborah Ash

Mowing Volunteers: Dear Congregation! We are searching for some volunteer help for mowing the grass areas at Calico Preschool. After twenty years, Holger Schulz has retired from this position. His hard work has been appreciated over the years. While mowing has been done weekly, it can also be done every other week. The lawn mower is held in a storage closet next to the school downstairs and is an electric mower. We are looking for a volunteer, or volunteers, to continue mowing.  Please reach out: facilities@stpaulabq.org or 505-242-5942. Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

Cindy Nicholson has let us know that her mother, Margo, passed away on June 26th, ten days after her 102nd birthday. August services at St. Paul are pending. ~Deborah Ash

St. Paul Fall Semester 2025 Scholarship Applications: Applications for St. Paul scholarships administered by the St. Paul Scholarship Committee for the benefit of members of St. Paul will be available beginning July 6, 2025 for those who wish to apply.
Application forms may be downloaded from the St. Paul website, www.stpaulabq.org. Completed applications must be received by mail in the St. Paul church office not later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 (or sent by the same deadline in PDF format to info@stpaulabq.org).
The St. Paul Endowed Scholarship fund is comprised of donations from the Meuli and Mutschmann families and includes additional funding from the Voida family. Available funds for this year will be dispersed by the scholarship committee according to the number of qualified applicants. The Olson Scholarship is available only to those members attending a Lutheran or Baptist college or seminary; the amount of this specific category of scholarships will be granted to qualifying students according to available funds.
Applications will be available from St. Paul website beginning July 6, 2025 or in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church Office. For more information please contact me at omardurant@yahoo.com. ~Thank you.  Omar Durant

July’s God’s Work Our Hands project is also the last month of our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. This is our big push toward July 27th, when the hats will be blessed by Pr. Van De Motter on his last Sunday with us! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up in the Office. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes , so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

Next Sunday: Navajo Code Talkers Presentation July 13. St Luke Lutheran Church has arranged to have Zonnie Gorman come to our church and talk about the Navajo Code Talkers. She is a recognized historian on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and has served as a consultant to numerous documentaries, museum exhibitions and magazine and book authors. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Carl Gorman, artist, teacher and one of the original “first twenty-nine” Navajo Code Talkers, the pilot group that devised the initial Navajo code. She is also the youngest sister to the legendary and renowned Navajo artist, the late R.C. Gorman.
We would like to invite anyone who would be interested in hearing about this subject. Zonnie will be at St Luke’s on Sunday, July 13th at 1:30. We will be meeting in our Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions you can get in touch with me at 505-264-5444. We hope to see you there. ~Diane Quarles

LFS has moved! We are excited to announce we have moved to a new location. Our new address is 1700 Louisiana Blvd. Ste 240, Albuquerque 87110.  We are centrally located on the South East corner of Louisiana and Constitution (immediately south of I40) in the uptown area. The new location is easily accessible for our clients and allows us to continue to provide services dedicated to helping newcomers rebuild their lives by equipping them to achieve self-sufficiency and fostering integration into their new community in Albuquerque.
          If you haven't had a chance to volunteer with us lately, we continually have a variety of ways you can get involved - contact us at 505.933.7032 to learn more.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

ELCA Bishop Eaton Statement on OBBBA's Passage. Bishop Eaton responds to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, calling the scope of the bill "generation-defining and life-altering for many, with provisions that will harm the well-being of local communities and the lives of many individuals for decades to come." A copy of the full statement is posted in the Welcome Center. Visit: https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/bishop-eaton-statement-on-obbbas-passage

Next Saturday: RMS Creation Care Team Zoom Discussion on green burial. On Saturday, July 12, the Creation Care team is hosting a discussion on green burial at 10am on Zoom (us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316).

Our team is already responding, but they need support from compassionate and faithful people like you.
          Families in the flood zone — and beyond — need food, water, shelter and essential supplies. Your gift now will help ensure no one goes without the care and support they need.  We are also preparing quilts and kits to comfort families affected by floods.
God bless you for caring for families affected by disasters here at home and around the world.
To our neighbors affected by the floods, please know you are surrounded by love and prayers, and that help is on the way from your Lutheran sisters and brothers.
Give at: https://lwr.org/

From AMMPARO: USAHello has released its newly updated “Multilingual Immigration Guide,” which is now easier to use—with more resources, better filtering, and translations in 9 languages. It brings together resources created specifically for impacted immigrant communities with actionable, plain language, and mobile-friendly information. Already used by over 100,000 people since its launch in November, the guide is updated weekly to help immigrants stay safe and informed.
What’s inside: Latest immigration policy updates, Legal status options, Guidance on raids, detention, and deportation, Know Your Rights info, Help finding legal and local support.
Visit: https://usahello.org/safety/

Right now, millions of migrants around the world long for a place to call home. When you support the ELCA’s accompaniment of migrants (AMMPARO), you walk alongside migrants and refugees all over the world — toward rest, safety and belonging. According to the U.N., over 122 million people worldwide have been driven from their homes. Can we count on your support to help people on the move? Your gift today will be DOUBLED until we reach $50,000: https://give.elca.org/page/78084/donate/1?ea.url.id=3725984&forwarded=true

At Bread for the World’s July regional meetings, we will bring you up to speed on the stories and impact of this year’s Advocacy Summit and how we can build on it. We will also share an update on critical legislation in Congress and our progress in this year’s Offering of Letters (letter-writing campaign). And we will present strategies and opportunities to maximize our collective advocacy this summer and fall.
Midwest, Southwest, and West Combined Regional Online Meetings

-      Option 1: Wednesday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
-      Option 2: Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. EDT

Register at: https://go.bread.org/page/84757/survey/1?_gl=1*r57shs*_gcl_au*MTkxMzA4MzA4Ni4xNzQ1NTk1MzM1

This Tuesday:

Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X1Z2AcC5TOSUCLEjOj5ygQ?mc_cid=9a91e95aa7&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Updates Beginning 29 June 2025

Today and next Sunday:

Next Sunday: Girl Scout Troop 10192, which meets at St. Paul on Saturdays, will be here selling painted pots and plants after worship in the Welcome Center. They are raising money for a trip to Carlsbad Caverns to complete their outdoor adventure and hiking badges. Leader Francesca Apodoca wrote that, thanks to the church’s support (the tamales and biscochitos sale at Christmas) they were able to take the girls skiing at Pajarito Ski Area which was the first time skiing for all the girls! They also completed their community service project which was to send Easter cards and gifts to elders living on the Navajo reservation. They thank St. Paul for all the support and love. Please stop by to encourage them in their next outdoor adventure! ~Deborah Ash

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

Mowing Volunteers: Dear Congregation! We are searching for some volunteer help for mowing the grass areas at Calico Preschool.  After twenty years, Holger Schulz has retired from this position. His hard work has been appreciated over the years. While mowing has been done weekly, it can also be done every other week. The lawn mower is held in a storage closet next to the school downstairs and is an electric mower. We are looking for a volunteer, or volunteers, to continue mowing.  Please reach out via email  (facilities@stpaulabq.org) or office phone (505-242-5942). Thank you! ~Jolene Gallegos

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up in the Office. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes , so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Navajo Code Talkers Presentation July 13. St Luke Lutheran Church has arranged to have Zonnie Gorman come to our church and talk about the Navajo Code Talkers. She is a recognized historian on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and has served as a consultant to numerous documentaries, museum exhibitions and magazine and book authors. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Carl Gorman, artist, teacher and one of the original “first twenty-nine” Navajo Code Talkers, the pilot group that devised the initial Navajo code. She is also the youngest sister to the legendary and renowned Navajo artist, the late R.C. Gorman.
          We would like to invite anyone who would be interested in hearing about this subject. Zonnie will be at St Luke’s on Sunday, July 13th at 1:30. We will be meeting in our Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions you can get in touch with me at 505-264-5444. We hope to see you there. ~Diane Quarles

Come Sing With Us! We need your voice! Audition for Coro Lux, and help fulfill our mission of "doing good as we do well," bringing high quality choral music to New Mexico and giving back to our community.
          Our 11th season kicks off in September with an event featuring Pulitzer Prize winning Diné composer and artist, Raven Chacon. A highlight of the season, October will feature performances of Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson, conducted by the composer. Handel's Messiah, an audience favorite, will be performed in December, followed by FebFest, our annual celebration of gospel music and spirituals featuring guest clinician Dr. Phillip Schoultz.
Don't miss your chance to sing with Albuquerque's premier choral ensemble! Visit https://abqcorolux.org/ for more information and to sign up for an audition.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Pride Guide: Visit https://www.rmselca.org/synod-pride-guide to see what is going on around the Synod for Pride month, including St. Paul’s participation in the June 7th Pride Parade!

RMS Creation Care Team: Zoom Discussion on green burial. On Saturday, July 12, the Creation Care team is hosting a discussion on green burial at 10am on Zoom (us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316).

Right now, millions of migrants around the world long for a place to call home. When you support the ELCA’s accompaniment of migrants (AMMPARO), you walk alongside migrants and refugees all over the world — toward rest, safety and belonging. According to the U.N., over 122 million people worldwide have been driven from their homes. Can we count on your support to help people on the move? Your gift today will be DOUBLED until we reach $50,000: https://give.elca.org/page/78084/donate/1?ea.url.id=3725984&forwarded=true

God is so good! A group of loving donors who are inspired by the good work you’re doing have offered to provide an additional $25,000 for our Love Thy Neighbor Matching Gift Challenge! The total match is now $155,000. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X1Z2AcC5TOSUCLEjOj5ygQ?mc_cid=9a91e95aa7&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Neighbor Kits: At Global Refuge, we're committed to the long welcome. That's why we created Neighbor Kits, a new way to show refugees and other immigrants that they are a critical part of our communities. Pack one (or many!) to support both new arrivals and those in need of a helping hand and demonstrate your commitment to the work of welcome. For kit details, visit: https://www.globalrefuge.org/neighbor-kits/. Options:
·         Youth Mentorship Kit: Assist a child with back-to-school needs
·         Garden Kit: Support the refugee-focused community garden in Fargo
·         Home and Kitchen Kit: Help make a house a home for refugee and other immigrant families
·         Health & Wellness Kit: Ensure our neighbors have access to essential hygiene items

Updates Beginning 22 June 2025

Continuing Today:

Today in Friendship Corner after Worship: Anyone interested in meeting as a group to learn how or to help others learn to make a Loom Hat is welcome. Grab your refreshments and join us for an hour or more if you wish. Bulky yarn will be available, limited looms will be available, instructions for knitting and looming will be available, and good company will be available. We will get you started and send you home to complete one or more hats. If you have bulky yarn to donate or share with others, please bring it. If you do not want to make a hat, learn to make pom-poms for hats, you can donate to the cause – the money raised will be used to purchase more bulky yarn. The warmth provided for a cold head will begin with one simple stitch of love……. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

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

A Huge Thank You to All Rummage Sale Helpers! A big shout out to everyone who donated items for the sale, pitched in with setup, sales and clean up last Saturday. We netted $1,000 towards the Roof Project and we couldn’t have done it without you! ~Jolene Gallegos

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up in the Office. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes , so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Come Sing With Us! We need your voice! Audition for Coro Lux, and help fulfill our mission of "doing good as we do well," bringing high quality choral music to New Mexico and giving back to our community.
          Our 11th season kicks off in September with an event featuring Pulitzer Prize winning Diné composer and artist, Raven Chacon. A highlight of the season, October will feature performances of Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson, conducted by the composer. Handel's Messiah, an audience favorite, will be performed in December, followed by FebFest, our annual celebration of gospel music and spirituals featuring guest clinician Dr. Phillip Schoultz.
Don't miss your chance to sing with Albuquerque's premier choral ensemble! Visit https://abqcorolux.org/ for more information and to sign up for an audition.

Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque & New Mexico Women's Global Pathways: Refugee girls and adult women stitch hope for the unhoused, using needles, thread, and heart to sew essential items for Albuquerque's unhoused individuals. The  goal is to provide comfort and dignity by creating waterproof body friendly pillows, bags, and head coverings, so they don't have to sleep on the cold hard concrete floor.
          You can support their efforts by donating at www.irrva.org or mailing donations to P.O. Box 93445, Albuquerque, NM 87199. Funds will be used to:
- Provide stipends to seamstresses
- Hire a program coordinator, administrative assistant and director
- Purchase waterproof fabrics and sewing machines
- Create hygiene packs and essential items for the unhoused
In honor of world refugees/displaced between June 20 and July 30, artisans and volunteers will distribute these items to unhoused individuals in Albuquerque.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Pride Guide: Visit https://www.rmselca.org/synod-pride-guide to see what is going on around the Synod for Pride month, including St. Paul’s participation in the June 7th Pride Parade!

Recommit to Pride: Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge: https://secure.everyaction.com/tlDXr7QMXkmNtsELjtTigw2

RMS Creation Care Team: Zoom Discussion on green burial. On Saturday, July 12, the Creation Care team is hosting a discussion on green burial at 10am on Zoom (us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316).

At Global Refuge, we're committed to the long welcome. That means that we receive new neighbors with compassion and dignity, providing them with the basic necessities they need to rebuild their lives—but we don't stop there.
We work with partners across the country to ensure that our newest neighbors continue to feel supported and are able to connect with their communities.
That's why we created Neighbor Kits, a new way to show refugees and other immigrants that they are a critical part of our communities. Pack one (or many!) to support both new arrivals and those in need of a helping hand and demonstrate your commitment to the work of welcome.
For full details, including instructions for building each type of kit, visit: https://www.globalrefuge.org/neighbor-kits/

Options include…

• Youth Mentorship Kit: Assist a child with back-to-school needs

• Garden Kit: Support the refugee-focused community garden in Fargo

• Home and Kitchen Kit: Help make a house a home for refugee and other immigrant families

• Health & Wellness Kit: Ensure our neighbors have access to essential hygiene items

God is so good! A group of loving donors who are inspired by the good work you’re doing have offered to provide an additional $25,000 for our Love Thy Neighbor Matching Gift Challenge! The total match is now $155,000. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Lutheran Summer Music 2025 Is Almost Here—Don’t Miss a Note! From June 22–July 20 at Valparaiso University, enjoy 30+ free concerts, recitals, and worship services—or watch online via Live from LSM: https://www.lsmacademy.org/live) Highlights include the Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week with the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Experience the transformational power of LSM from the comfort of your home!

Updates Beginning 15 June 2025

Continuing Today:

Today: Our sister in Christ, Margo, will be 102 on June 16! St. Paul would like to fill a Bucket of Birthday Greetings to Margo. Please take time to fill out a birthday card, to write a greeting, to send love and let Margo know we are thinking of her on this special day of hers. We have today, June 15 to bring cards, write cards, messages and prayers. Cards will be delivered by her daughter Cindy or by Visitation close to or on her birthday. Thank you for your good wishes and thoughtful messages. ~Julie Ambrogi for Visitation Ministry

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up in the Office. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes, so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

Next Sunday: June 22 in Friendship Corner after Worship: Anyone interested in meeting as a group to learn how or to help others learn to make a Loom Hat is welcome. Grab your refreshments and join us for an hour or more if you wish. Bulky yarn will be available, limited looms will be available, instructions for knitting and looming will be available, and good company will be available. We will get you started and send you home to complete one or more hats. If you have bulky yarn to donate or share with others, please bring it. If you do not want to make a hat, learn to make pom-poms for hats, you can donate to the cause – the money raised will be used to purchase more bulky yarn. The warmth provided for a cold head will begin with one simple stitch of love……. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque & New Mexico Women's Global Pathways: Refugee girls and adult women stitch hope for the unhoused, using needles, thread, and heart to sew essential items for Albuquerque's unhoused individuals. The  goal is to provide comfort and dignity by creating waterproof body friendly pillows, bags, and head coverings, so they don't have to sleep on the cold hard concrete floor.
You can support their efforts by donating at www.irrva.org or mailing donations to P.O. Box 93445, Albuquerque, NM 87199. Funds will be used to:
- Provide stipends to seamstresses
- Hire a program coordinator, administrative assistant and director
- Purchase waterproof fabrics and sewing machines
- Create hygiene packs and essential items for the unhoused
In honor of world refugees/displaced between June 20 and July 30, artisans and volunteers will distribute these items to unhoused individuals in Albuquerque.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Call for the body of Christ to affirm every body. See ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Pride Month message at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igxir5JTZSQ

Recommit to Pride: Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge: https://secure.everyaction.com/tlDXr7QMXkmNtsELjtTigw2

RMS Pride Guide: Visit https://www.rmselca.org/synod-pride-guide to see what is going on around the Synod for Pride month, including St. Paul’s participation in the June 7th Pride Parade!

An Overview of the 2025 RMS Synod Assembly is posted in the Welcome Center. Or visit:
https://rmselca.org/sites/rmselca.org/files/media/2025_synod_assembly_overview.pdf
Other resources from the Assembly, including videos shown, are at:
https://rmselca.org/synod-assembly-2025-dios-est%C3%A1-aqu%C3%AD-god-here
           The 2025 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly theme was “Dios esta aqui. God is here.” We know that God is always with us and we invite you to share your story of how God is present in your life and in your ministries. Go to the link below to share with a corresponding picture:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ea68c075fa02415d949b54d686f9c602
(With your permission, your stories and photos may be featured online and in Synod communications.)

RMS Creation Care Team: Zoom Discussion on green burial. On Saturday, July 12, the Creation Care team is hosting a discussion on green burial at 10am on Zoom (us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316).

God is so good! A group of loving donors who are inspired by the good work you’re doing have offered to provide an additional $25,000 for our Love Thy Neighbor Matching Gift Challenge! The total match is now $155,000. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Join Global Refuge for a special World Refugee Day webinar on Tuesday, June 17 at 12 p.m. ET! Rep. Yassamin Ansari and Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah will provide opening remarks, followed by our Advocacy & Policy team's presentation on the history of World Refugee Day and the U.S. resettlement program—as well as updates on the current state of resettlement and related legislation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Email advocacy@globalrefuge.org to register.

Bread for the World’s 2025 Advocacy Summit: Right now, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates are on Capitol Hill as a part of summit. They are urging their members of Congress to protect and preserve vital domestic and international nutrition programs from unprecedented funding cuts. Help amplify their voices by emailing your members of Congress now. Urge them to protect, preserve, and fully fund vital domestic and international nutrition programs: https://www.bread.org/

Lutheran Summer Music 2025 Is Almost Here—Don’t Miss a Note! From June 22–July 20 at Valparaiso University, enjoy 30+ free concerts, recitals, and worship services—or watch online via Live from LSM: https://www.lsmacademy.org/live) Highlights include the Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week with the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Experience the transformational power of LSM from the comfort of your home!

NPNA Pathways is an online platform designed to connect immigrants across the United States to trusted resources and organizations, making it easier for individuals and community organizations to find the support they need. Pathways is a versatile tool that can provide additional resources and navigation for communities that your organization works with. 
NPNA Pathways provides essential information on immigration topics, including legal rights, asylum, TPS, and policy updates. The platform also offers access to local resources nationwide—such as legal aid, workforce programs, housing, and healthcare—through trusted NPNA partners. Users can request a personalized Navigation Page to receive resources by email, along with follow-up support from NPNA staff. https://npnapathways.org/

Know Your Remedies: Learn About Immigration Legal Options & Make a Plan. Justicia Lab, Ready to Stay Coalition, and the National Partnership for New Americans launched a new comprehensive 5-minute preliminary legal screening tool for immigrants to explore potential immigration relief options.
          The 5-minute online interview is free and anonymous and all answers are secure and private. It is designed to quickly connect you with tools and actionable information, not to provide legal advice. This legal screening tool complements an updated make a plan tool that supports immigrants protecting themselves and their families amidst increased enforcement. https://readytostay.org/know-your-options

Updates Beginning 8 June 2025

Continuing Today:

Today: Our sister in Christ, Margo, will be 102 on June 16! St. Paul would like to fill a Bucket of Birthday Greetings to Margo. Please take time to fill out a birthday card, to write a greeting, to send love and let Margo know we are thinking of her on this special day of hers. We have today, June 8 to bring cards, write cards, messages and prayers. Cards will be delivered by her daughter Cindy or by Visitation close to or on her birthday. Thank you for your good wishes and thoughtful messages. ~Julie Ambrogi for Visitation Ministry

Thank You! to Our PRIDE Parade Participants. Many thanks to everyone who participated in yesterday’s parade. We were thrilled to be among the Lutheran congregations who were a part of this important community event! ~Bryan Harold & Jim Hatfield

A Thank You! from Gabriel Rabezanany, who travelled to NY this past week: Thank you to everyone who contributed to my funding to go to New York. At the beginning of my fundraising, I had a total of $300, but thanks to your contributions, I now have $2881.35/$3000 raised towards funding my trip to New York City. The two shows we’re seeing are: 'Boop! The Musical', and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'. On top of that, I am also visiting other famous places in New York. I am leaving on Tuesday, June 3rd, and am returning on June 8th. Once again, thank you to everyone who donated to help me. I ask for your prayers on my trip to help keep me safe along the way.

This Saturday, June 14th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm: St. Paul Rummage Sale. See details below. I will be here at the Church by 7:00 am to help set up.

• Please have your items in boxes or bags.

• We could use help setting up tables and a tent. We are still taking items for staging in the library until the day before the Rummage Sale.

• If you have items you are selling, please be at the sale, unless otherwise unable. Call me at church: 505-242-5942 or on my cell phone: 505-264-6456.

• We will be advertising the Rummage Sale on the marquee (outside the church) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for passersby. We will also put signs at Indian School Rd  and Broadway, and University and Indian School Rd. 

• We are putting an ad on Facebook / Market Place to advertise the Sale.

• I will have a cash bag with some change and can help with change and funds coming in, as well as an assistant helping with sales.

• I would like to order pizza, lemonade and salad for those attending to be delivered to the church around Noon for all helpers, served in the Welcome Center.  Other snacks are welcome as well if you want to bring anything. 

• Please bring your sun protection gear, water and sunscreen.  We can get you into the church if needed for the bathroom, liquids and snacks.

• If you have suggestions or details, please contact me prior to the sale. 

• All proceeds will be going to help pay for the Roof Project.

• We will have a truck to pick up leftover items Monday the 16th. As we found out, most places don’t have trucks running on weekends, i.e. Salvation Army, Joy Junction, Give ABQ or Humane Association.  We will need to move leftover items into the church main hallway after the sale. 

• Please see me after service to confirm your participation.  Again, we will need assistance with set up/breakdown and folks to be here for the sale.

Thank you for your participation! ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

St. Paul Tshirts Are Still Available! If you ordered a shirt, you can pick yours up after worship. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes, so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! ~Deborah Ash

Save the Date: June 22 in Friendship Corner after Worship: Anyone interested in meeting as a group to learn how or to help others learn to make a Loom Hat is welcome. Grab your refreshments and join us for an hour or more if you wish. Bulky yarn will be available, limited looms will be available, instructions for knitting and looming will be available, and good company will be available. We will get you started and send you home to complete one or more hats. If you have bulky yarn to donate or share with others, please bring it. If you do not want to make a hat, learn to make pom-poms for hats, you can donate to the cause – the money raised will be used to purchase more bulky yarn. The warmth provided for a cold head will begin with one simple stitch of love……. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

From First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland, OR: We have word that Pastor Aaron is undergoing surgery this week. Please pray for his quick and complete recovery, as well as release from discomfort. Hold Pastor Melinda and the entire family in your hearts during this time. Cards and letters of love may be sent to Pr. Aaron and Pr. Melinda at 7837 SW 4th Avenue, Portland OR 97219. (Pastor Melinda was formerly at St. Paul.)

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

June 2025 Finance Committee Report:

Income and Expense

As of April 30, SPLC had total expenses of $36,278 against total income of $19,145. That has us operating at a deficit of $17,133. The 2025 Budget projected a net loss of $9,725, which put us $7,409 over Finance projections of the SPLC deficit. Unbudgeted maintenance and repairs and a 3-payroll month account for the bulk of the deficit.

Calico recently received a $1,084,320 grant from the State of NM for 3 and 4 year olds.  The grant is for 4 years and is a free program designed to help pre-K children develop the social, emotional and academic skills necessary for kindergarten. We are so proud of Marisol and the diligent Calico Board!

The Sanctuary Project

The original estimate for the Sanctuary Project of $75,541 was brought in $1,862 under budget. The endowment funds of $32,721 set aside for the sanctuary project did not need to be used and have been allocated to the Roof Project. (See below for full Sanctuary Project accounting.)

Other SPLC Funds

SPLC is blessed to have 4 fully invested funds, governed by policies that determine usage and distribution.  SPLC has, in recent years, taken $40-50,000 to meet annual obligations.

The 4 funds are:

          Mission Investment Fund                   $82,000

          Investment                                        $257,832

          Scholarship                                     $1,888,187

          Endowment                                   $1,073,698

The Roof Project

We expect the final 3 bids by the end of the summer.  The most recent bid was $260,000. With a 10% contingency, the projected cost is $286,000. The anticipated carry forward of Sanctuary Project funds and 2024 endowment distributions reduces the cost to $253,279.

The Finance Committee, with Congregational approval at its November 2024 meeting, plans to use the Endowment Fund to pay for the roof replacement.  We intend to use the accrued interest, plus a portion of the corpus, to cover the roof costs. Endowment Fund, after roof costs, is projected to be $803,702.

It was also decided at the November Congregational Meeting to forgo all benevolent donations in 2025 (e.g. Albuquerque Interfaith, Bread for the World, Faith Works, Rocky Mountain Synod and others). The congregation is encouraged to direct donations to operational expenses but, of course, may still make special donations to benevolences of their choice.  We, like you, want to be good stewards of our funds. We have an obligation to both mission and maintaining a church we all love.

Final Sanctuary Report May 2025:

Expenses

Renaissance Man (original estimate)                    $62,050

Artisans of the Desert (original estimate)               $  6,839

Pace Audio                                                               $  6,562

Total Original Estimate                                              $75,451

Less savings                                                               -$  8,252

Total Project Cost                                                       $67,199

Income

Total congregation donations (2023-’24)              $33,061

Bradbury-Stamm Parking rental
June14, 2024-June 14, 2025                                     $36,000

Total income thru 6/15/25                                        $69,061

Project savings                                                             $1,862

This accounting squares with the original Roadmap with 2 exceptions:  No endowment funds were used and we had $10,000 more in member donations than anticipated.  The Project came in at $1,862 under budget, due to lower project costs than originally estimated.   $32,721 in 2024 endowment funds have been allocated to the Roof Project. 

From Local Partner Organizations

ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative Update: Dear Friends and Partners of ABQ FaithWorks, I have sad news about FaithWorks that I need to share with you.  You may already be aware that Hannah Albee, Executive Director, who has kept the organization going almost single-handedly the past year, has unfortunately resigned for health reasons. The Board debated about beginning the hiring process, but then were informed at the end of last week that FW City contracts were not renewed. The City is even apparently reassessing their approach to Eviction Prevention, one of our key programs. Although we have a viable budget throughout 2025, we could not offer a competitive full-time salary.
          The Board of Directors met June 1 and decided to cease operations effective immediately. Hannah and the board are currently working with grantors, the landlord and attorneys on the legalities of shutting down. Hannah will stay on board through the sunset process. Our intention is to keep the hard-won 501(c)(3) under the name of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative for future use by member congregations. FaithWorks clergy support this approach and have agreed to sustain a dormant legal entity if we can keep it. 
          In the meantime, please accept the gratitude of the Board for your support and partnership over the years. We are a great force in the community when we all work together. And it's been a pleasure.
          Don't hesitate to be in touch with Hannah or me if you have any questions. Jane McGuire, 505 220 5667.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton Responds to Trump administration’s travel ban scheduled to go into effect June 9. The ban restricts entry into the United States from 12 countries, several of which are majority Muslim countries.
          “As Lutherans, we should be concerned by these actions,” Eaton writes. “Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God has set us free from ourselves to serve our neighbor. This expanded policy separates families from loved ones already here. Further, it prevents people — especially those escaping perilous or life-threatening situations in several of these nations — from coming to safety in the U.S. It does not enhance our safety or reflect our vocation as Christians.” Read the full statement at: https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/bishop-eaton-issues-statement-on-travel-ban

Bishop Meghan's Video June Update-Pride Guide and Synod Assembly: Visit https://vimeo.com/1089589984.

An Overview of the 2025 Synod Assembly is posted in the Welcome Center. See:
https://rmselca.org/sites/rmselca.org/files/media/2025_synod_assembly_overview.pdf

Other resources from the Assembly, including videos shown, are at:
https://rmselca.org/synod-assembly-2025-dios-est%C3%A1-aqu%C3%AD-god-here

The 2025 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly theme was “Dios esta aqui. God is here.” We know that God is always with us and we invite you to share your story of how God is present in your life and in your ministries. Go to the link below to share with a corresponding picture:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ea68c075fa02415d949b54d686f9c602
(With your permission, your stories and photos may be featured online and in Synod communications.)

God is so good! A group of loving donors who are inspired by the good work you’re doing have offered to provide an additional $25,000 for our Love Thy Neighbor Matching Gift Challenge! The total match is now $155,000. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Global Refuge: Harvesting Hope: Refugee Agriculture in Fargo-This Wednesday. Join us for our next Mobilization and Faith Relations Webinar on June 11 at 2 p.m. Eastern, where we will hear directly from our Fargo Field Office Staff about the impact of the Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program on the lives of our clients. Join us to hear stories of hope and learn about our thriving community garden and ways you can be part of our growth!  Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uYgT6HjCQNyTm_q-iBqNdQ?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Updates Beginning 1 June 2025

Starting Today:

Today: St. Paul Tshirts Have Arrived! For those who ordered, you can pick yours up in the Narthex. Cost is $25. There are extras in various sizes, so if you didn’t order ahead, you can still purchase one! We will be wearing them for the PRIDE Parade this Saturday. ~ Bryan Harold & Jim Hatfield

Candy & Cards: We need a few people to come by the office this week to help staple wrapped candy to St. Paul business cards. There is a signup sheet in the Welcome Center. Please indicate which day you can be available, and we will plan a work session to get them ready to give out at the Parade Saturday! Thank you. ~ Bryan Harold & Jim Hatfield

The PRIDE Parade is this Saturday, June 7th! There is still time to sign up to participate with the St. Paul float. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center. Come out and show your support! We will meet at the church at 7am to take the float over to line up and decorate. We are working on having the four Lutheran churches participating line up together. The parade will be over by Noon. ~ Bryan Harold & Jim Hatfield

St. Paul Rummage Sale Details, Saturday, June 14th: Here are some details regarding the St. Paul Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th/ Saturday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (updated times). I will be here at the Church by 7:00 am to help set up on the day of sale.

• Please have your items in boxes or bags.

• We could use help setting up tables and a tent. We are still taking items for staging in the library until the day before the Rummage Sale.

• If you have items you are selling, please be at the sale, unless otherwise unable. Call me at the church:  505-242-5942 or on my cell phone:  505-264-6456.

• We will be advertising the Rummage Sale on the marquee (outside the church) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for passersby. We will also put signs at Indian School Rd  and Broadway, and University and Indian School Rd. 

• We are putting an ad on Facebook / Market Place to advertise the Sale.

• I will have a cash bag with some change and can help with change and funds coming in, as well as an assistant helping with sales.

• I would like to order pizza, lemonde and salad for those attending to be delivered to the church around Noon for all helpers, served in the Welcome Area during breaks.  Other snacks are welcome as well if you want to bring anything. 

• Please bring your sun protection gear, water and sunscreen.  We can get you into the church if needed for the bathroom, liquids and snacks.

• If you have suggestions or details, please contact me prior to the sale. 

• All proceeds will be going to help pay for the Roof Project.

• We will have a truck to pick up leftover items Monday the 16th. As we found out, most places don’t have trucks running on weekends, i.e. Salvation Army, Joy Junction, Give ABQ or Humane Association.  We will need to move leftover items into the church main hallway after the sale. 

• Please see me after service to confirm your participation.  Again, we will need assistance with set up/breakdown and folks to be here for the sale.

Thank you for your participation! ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Our sister in Christ, Margo, will be 102 on June 16! St. Paul would like to fill a Bucket of Birthday Greetings to Margo. Please take time to fill out a birthday card, to write a greeting, to send love and let Margo know we are thinking of her on this special day of hers. We have this Sunday, June 1 and next Sunday June 8 to bring cards, write cards, messages and prayers. Cards will be delivered by her daughter Cindy or by Visitation close to or on her birthday. Thank you for your good wishes and thoughtful messages. ~Julie Ambrogi for Visitation Ministry

Save the Date: June 22 after our Worship Service in Friendship Corner: Anyone interested in meeting as a group to learn how or to help others learn to make a Loom Hat is welcome. Grab your refreshments and join us for an hour or more if you wish. Bulky yarn will be available, limited looms will be available, instructions for knitting and looming will be available, and good company will be available. We will get you started and send you home to complete one or more hats. If you have bulky yarn to donate or share with others, please bring it. If you do not want to make a hat, learn to make pom-poms for hats, you can donate to the cause – the money raised will be used to purchase more bulky yarn. The warmth provided for a cold head will begin with one simple stitch of love……. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

Today, 1 June at 2pm: ABQ Chamber Soloists Concert at St. Paul: The final concert of their season features:

Javier Alvarez: Metro Chabacano
Henri Dutilleux: Ainsi la Nuit
Felix Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings, Op. 20

A pre-concert talk with the musical director will take place at 1:15pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets at: https://www.abqcs.com/

Today: Migration with Dignity Pilgrimage Vigil. June 1 at 7pm (carpool at 5:45pm from St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montaño Rd NW 87107). St. Michael’s will help host a vigil in Arthur Park in Estancia. As part of the Vigil, we will drive by the Torrance County Detention Facility to honk our horns and let immigrants detained inside know they are not alone. Carpool from St. Michael’s or you can meet us at Arthur Park in Estancia at 7pm.
Coordinated by the Episcopal Migration Caucus, the vigil will include Christian prayers, Scriptures, and songs, and personal stories from detained or formerly detained persons. We will gather for no more than one hour as a peaceful, reverential presence. All are welcome to bear witness to the cruelty and injustice of the immigrant detention system and stand up in spirit for the dignity of every human being. 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church: The final report and recommendations of the commission, including the response of the ELCA Church Council to the report are available at: https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/church-council/crlc

A group of compassionate donors has come together to kick off a $130,000 Love Thy Neighbor matching gift challenge. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Lutheran World Relief mobilizes response for neighbors in Midwest & South. For weeks, tornadoes and flash flooding have caused dozens of weather-related deaths and billions in catastrophic damage throughout the southern and midwestern US. Because of faithful supporters like you, our multi-state emergency response is underway: https://lwr.org/

Global Refuge: Harvesting Hope: Refugee Agriculture in Fargo. Join us for our next Mobilization and Faith Relations Webinar on June 11, where we will hear directly from our Fargo Field Office Staff about the impact of the Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program on the lives of our clients. Join us to hear stories of hope and learn about our thriving community garden and ways you can be part of our growth!  Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uYgT6HjCQNyTm_q-iBqNdQ?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Global Refuge, in partnership with Paraclete Post, a ministry of the Southern Ohio Synod, ELCA, has developed an educational resource for families to talk to children about immigration. You will find a discussion of a children’s book on immigration, prompts and further reading recommendations for family conversation, and suggestions for spiritual play.  Download the resource to talk to your kids about the work of welcome:
https://globalrefuge.tfaforms.net/123?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Global Refuge Statement: Termination of Protections for Aghans in the U.S. https://www.globalrefuge.org/news/global-refuge-condemns-termination-of-protections-for-afghans-in-the-u-s/?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Updates Beginning 25 May 2025

A Heartfelt Thank You! to everyone who helped make the Immigration Summit and opening worship for the Synod Assembly such successes here at St. Paul! We welcomed the Bishop, as well as folks from throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod this past week. St. Paul also loaned banners to decorate the Assembly space.
          And Hats Off! to Ruth Hoffman, who wrapped up her term as Synod Vice President, and was recognized for her service at the Assembly! Please see the monitors for pictures from the events. ~Deborah Ash

A Thank You from RMS: Dear St. Paul Volunteers, thank you so very much for your presence and hard work during the RMS Immigration Accompaniment Summit and opening worship. You are truly an amazing group of humans and you made such a difference in how smoothly the Summit ran and how welcome all the participants and leaders felt. Thank you so very much! Diana Linden-Johnson, Minister for Rostered and Lay Leadership

From RMS Assembly’s Ministry Magazine:

Adopted Families:  We recently helped two people. One is a single woman with 40 years of federal working experience. Someone fraudulently changed her banking info which resulted in her not receiving her pension for three months; so she needed help with her water bill of almost $212. Her water was about to be shut off. She was very grateful when we paid her bill. The other person is a single man we heard about through a client advocate at Healthcare for the Homeless. The man had arranged a stay with his family in Phoenix where he plans on finding better job options for himself. We worked with the client advocate to pay about $69 to get the man the bus ticket he needed. The man was very excited to get the ticket. Thank you for helping us help others.  ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

June’s God’s Work Our Hands project is collecting funds for Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks in July. Please indicate “FFF July” on your check to St. Paul. Thanks! We also continue with our Sabbatical project making hats for Dignity Mission. ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Mark Your Calendars: This year’s PRIDE Parade is Saturday, June 7th! The Signup sheet is in the Welcome Center for participating in the parade. Come out and show your support! Thanks to Bryan Harold and Jim Hatfield for captaining our efforts this year. ~Deborah Ash

Reminder for Rummage Sale scheduled June 14th: If you would like to participate in the Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th, Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm, you are able to stage items in the library on the left-hand side of the room for now. Please price your items according to what you think is the value.  We will also have a Salvation Army Truck scheduled to arrive close to 4:00 pm and they will take away any unwanted items.  Please reach out to me on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9am to 2pm via call to the Office or email (facilities@stpaulabq.org).
I will be able to assist you in bringing items into the library if help is needed.  Please keep items organized in boxes, or bags with your name on them.  If you have larger furniture items, we ask that you bring them the day prior to the Rummage Sale.  If you have smaller furniture items, there should be room in the library. 
I hope this idea is a success in raising money to assist the Roof expenses, as all sales will go to the Roof Fund as a donation. Thank you for your participation. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation is participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms,  ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and donations will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing…. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

Scam Alert! An email is circulating about purchasing gift cards—this time around it has Pastor Van De Motter’s signature line rather than Pastor Koppel’s! If you receive this email, please report it as spam. ~Deborah Ash

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

Luther House: Please see Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres’ newsletter entitled Legacy, posted in the Welcome Center. It describes the recent baptism of Ezra Baslios, and the several generations of his family, members of St. Paul, who have been part of the Luther House community over a 20-year span!

From Witness to Resistance: Desert Shrine. You are invited on Saturday, May 31, 3-5 PM at First Congregational(Lomas/Girard) for the benefit of partner organization New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) to stand with fellow advocates. A shrine has been created by Ted Martinez calling to mind migrants' arduous journeys through the Chihuahuan Desert. Speakers are from the City, El Centro, NMILC, Nahalat Shalom, and St Therese. Refreshments. Parking at Jefferson Middle School.

ABQ Chamber Soloists Concert at St. Paul next Sunday, 1 June at 2pm: The final concert of their season features:

Javier Alvarez: Metro Chabacano
Henri Dutilleux: Ainsi la Nuit
Felix Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings, Op. 20

A pre-concert talk with the musical director will take place at 1:15pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets at: https://www.abqcs.com/

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

May Update: Advocacy Connections from the D.C. ELCA Advocacy Office. Visit the link below for information on these topics and why they matter to the ELCA:

·        Budget reconciliation advances via committee
·        FEMA threats
·        Advocacy with companion churches
·        Humanitarian aid to Gaza
·        Tax reforms
·        Migration policy Updates

blogs.elca.org/advocacy/may-update-advocacy-connections-2025/

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church: The final report and recommendations of the commission, including the response of the ELCA Church Council to the report are available at: https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/church-council/crlc

A Draft Social Message on Child Protection: The prevalence of child maltreatment in the U.S. is staggering. The ELCA’s draft social message on child protection outlines the church’s sacred responsibility to protect and nurture children. To strengthen this draft, share your suggestions during the public comment period by June 30: https://www.elca.org/faith/faith-and-society/current-social-writing-projects/child-protection

Discover the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) Season. LSM is thrilled to announce its 43rd season, featuring over 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services open to the public. Hosted at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, this season offers a vibrant lineup of musical experiences that will also be shared online via Live from LSM—bringing this summer's transformational experience to audiences around the world.

          Highlights include the Music and Worship Series, featuring the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the inspiring Festival of Hymns, and the debut of the Faculty Organ Recital. During Festival Week, experience the culmination of the summer through powerful performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Live from LSM access: LSMacademy.org/2025.

Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA, cultivating a community of dedicated stewards of earth and neighbor who proclaim God’s promise of hope and healing for all. A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

A group of compassionate donors has come together to kick off a $130,000 Love Thy Neighbor matching gift challenge. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

Global Refuge: Harvesting Hope: Refugee Agriculture in Fargo. Join us for our next Mobilization and Faith Relations Webinar on June 11, where we will hear directly from our Fargo Field Office Staff about the impact of the Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program on the lives of our clients. Join us to hear stories of hope and learn about our thriving community garden and ways you can be part of our growth!  Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uYgT6HjCQNyTm_q-iBqNdQ?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

Global Refuge, in partnership with Paraclete Post, a ministry of the Southern Ohio Synod, ELCA, has developed an educational resource for families to talk to children about immigration. In this resource, you will find a discussion of a children’s book on immigration, prompts and further reading recommendations for family conversation, and suggestions for spiritual play. Download the resource to talk to your kids about the work of welcome: https://globalrefuge.tfaforms.net/123?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Global Refuge Statement on the Termination of Protections for Aghans in the U.S. Read the full statement at:  https://www.globalrefuge.org/news/global-refuge-condemns-termination-of-protections-for-afghans-in-the-u-s/?mc_cid=39e8aa1f8e&mc_eid=2f360c0226

Updates Beginning 18 May 2025

Today after Worship: Ministry Fair, a chance for the various St. Paul ministries to show what they do and, importantly, show how you can be involved. Tables will be set up in the narthex after worship, and you'll be able wander among them at your own pace. ~Bob Matthews, Adult Faith Development

Scam Alert! An email is circulating about purchasing gift cards—this time around it has Pastor Van De Motter’s signature line rather than Pastor Koppel’s! If you receive this email, please report it as spam. ~Deborah Ash

A Thank You to St. Paul: Dear St. Paul Family, the fundraiser for the 2025 Madagascar Girls Camp was a resounding success! Thank you so much to all the families and friends at St. Paul who participated. Your generous donations will make a significant difference in the lives of 21 girls and seven female teachers from rural communities in Madagascar.
Continuing the tradition of the past two years, this year's week-long residential camp, themed "Cultivating Hope," will provide these girls with transformative opportunities. By visiting universities and historic sites, learning Basic English, engaging in arts and crafts, listening to inspiring talks from educated and professional women, and connecting with peers from other rural communities facing similar challenges, the camp aims to instill hope. Instead of viewing their current circumstances as a dead end, the Girls Camp will empower these girls and their teachers to see education as a pathway to a brighter personal, professional, and economic future.
Most importantly, the Girls Camp offers a unique opportunity to foster a better future for rural communities in Madagascar, where 80% of the population lives and works. The hope is that through education, these girls will be equipped to work in various fields and actively contribute to the development of their communities. The continued growth of rural schools depends on the education of the local future generation. These girls represent that future, and St. Paul plays a crucial role in shaping it for our neighbors across the globe.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, support, and care! Words cannot adequately express my gratitude. May God's gracious blessings be upon you and your loved ones.
Appreciatively, Rijasoa Andriamanana

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

Mark Your Calendars: This year’s PRIDE Parade is Saturday, June 7th! Details to come regarding St. Paul’s float for the parade and participating in the event. Come out and show your support! Thanks to Bryan Harold and Jim Hatfield for captaining our efforts this year. ~Deborah Ash

Reminder for Rummage Sale scheduled June 14th: If you would like to participate in the Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th, Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm, you are able to stage items in the library on the left-hand side of the room for now. Please price your items according to what you think is the value.  We will also have a Salvation Army Truck scheduled to arrive close to 4:00 pm and they will take away any unwanted items.  Please reach out to me on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9am to 2pm via call to the Office or email (facilities@stpaulabq.org).
I will be able to assist you in bringing items into the library if help is needed.  Please keep items organized in boxes, or bags with your name on them.  If you have larger furniture items, we ask that you bring them the day prior to the Rummage Sale.  If you have smaller furniture items, there should be room in the library. 
I hope this idea is a success in raising money to assist the Roof expenses, as all sales will go to the Roof Fund as a donation. Thank you for your participation. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

May’s God’s Work Our Hands Project is: Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation is participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms,  ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and donations will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing…. ~Julie Ambrogi, for the Sabbatical Team

Adopted Families is seeking a wheelchair. If you can provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. ~Deborah Ash

The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community. Whatever you can give will be most welcome. Donation barrels are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed. ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Offered by NM Conference of Churches:

ABQ Chamber Soloists Concert at St. Paul Sunday, 1 June at 2pm: The final concert of their season features:

 Javier Alvarez: Metro Chabacano
Henri Dutilleux: Ainsi la Nuit
Felix Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings, Op. 20 

A pre-concert talk with the musical director will take place at 1:15pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets at: https://www.abqcs.com/

ABQ FaithWorks Update:

• Good Immigration News! Two asylum seekers in our program have been granted asylum in 2025 from an El Paso immigration judge! This is rare and unexpected!

• ID Clinics continue monthly at the Cathedral of St John and weekly at Central United Methodist. These assist both the precariously housed and immigrant populations.

• Thank you to St Terese Catholic and St Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal for hosting recent New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) clinics that FaithWorks coordinates monthly with NMILC.

• Volunteer? FaithWorks has volunteer opportunities to support our eviction prevention program, to work directly with asylum-seeking families, and in general administration. Contact exec@abqfaithworks.org to get oriented, trained and assigned!

 FaithWorks’ Annual Report is posted in the Welcome Center.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

 RMS Synod Assembly is this Week! St. Paul is excited to be hosting the 2-day Immigration Summit Wednesday and Thursday, as well as the Assembly opening worship on Thursday evening. St. Paul’s voting members to the Assembly are: Deborah Ash and Sharon Hamilton.

May Update: Advocacy Connections from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. Visit the link below for information on these topics and why they matter to the ELCA:

• Budget reconciliation advances via committee

• FEMA threats

• Advocacy with companion churches

• Humanitarian aid to Gaza

• Tax reforms

• Migration policy Updates

blogs.elca.org/advocacy/may-update-advocacy-connections-2025/

A Draft Social Message on Child Protection: The prevalence of child maltreatment in the U.S. is staggering. The ELCA’s draft social message on child protection outlines the church’s sacred responsibility to protect and nurture children. To strengthen this draft, share your suggestions during the public comment period by June 30: https://www.elca.org/faith/faith-and-society/current-social-writing-projects/child-protection

In the 2025 Global Mission Directory, meet current ELCA missionaries and see the ways in which God is calling us along the journey of accompaniment with our siblings in Christ throughout the world. This resource gives an overview of the ELCA’s global engagement.
https://resources.elca.org/global-mission/2025-global-mission-directory-pdf/ (A copy is posted in the Welcome Center).

Discover the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) Season. LSM is thrilled to announce its 43rd season, featuring over 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services open to the public. Hosted at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, this season offers a vibrant lineup of musical experiences that will also be shared online via Live from LSM—bringing this summer's transformational experience to audiences around the world.
          Highlights include the Music and Worship Series, featuring the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the inspiring Festival of Hymns, and the debut of the Faculty Organ Recital. During Festival Week, experience the culmination of the summer through powerful performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Live from LSM access: LSMacademy.org/2025.

Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA, cultivating a community of dedicated stewards of earth and neighbor who proclaim God’s promise of hope and healing for all. A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

A group of compassionate donors has come together to kick off a $130,000 Love Thy Neighbor matching gift challenge. Any gift you can make by June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar! Thank you for sharing your blessings with your neighbor today. Visit: https://lwr.org/

This week with Bread for the World: Join a special strategy briefing via Zoom May 19, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). The call will be a candid Q&A on domestic and international policy issues. Rev. Cho, President and CEO, will be joined by Sakeenah Shabazz, Deputy Director of the Policy and Research Institute department, and Dr. Christine M. Sequenzia, Senior International Policy Analyst of the Government Relations department. We are in unprecedented times. Inflation, program changes and cuts, food shortages, armed conflict, and extreme weather have pushed millions into chronic hunger and some to the brink of famine. Our leaders are grappling with what is America’s role in providing food and lifesaving aid at home and abroad. Registration is free, but you must register ahead of time. You can also submit a question for the panel when you sign up. Register at: https://go.bread.org/page/82418/-/1

This week with Global Refuge: You are invited to a virtual conversation between Rev. Eric Shafer, Global Refuge pastor in residence, and Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse, author of the newly published book ‘A Journey Called Hope.’ (Both are ELCA pastors.) During this time to learn more about the stories of resiliency of new Americans featured in the book, you will also have the chance to ask questions of the speakers. ‘A Journey Called Hope’ is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the lives of refugees and other immigrants. May 20, 7pm EDT/4pm PT. Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gU0dD8XGTHqeB5PckP-ZGQ?_ics=1744658639611&irclickid=#/registration

Updates Beginning 11 May 2025

Today after Worship: We are delighted to welcome an old friend of St. Paul, Kurt Rager, of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry--NM. He will share his wrap-up of the recently concluded, 60-day legislative session and progress they made, if any, in areas of concern to LAM and Christians in New Mexico congregations. He may also be able to discuss the future of advocacy ministry in New Mexico and plans for next year's session. His discussion begins after the service at 11:15 in the Conference Room. Bring your refreshments and your questions. It should be a good discussion.
            Keep an eye out next Sunday for the Ministry Fair, a chance for the various St. Paul ministries to show what they do and, importantly, show how you can be involved. Tables will be set up in the narthex after worship, and you'll be able wander among them at your own pace. Watch for it next week! ~Bob Matthews, for the Adult Faith Development Team

This Thursday, 15 May at 6pm: El Faro Concert at St. Paul. The youth choir of Coro Lux will be performing in the Sanctuary. Please come and enjoy this amazing choir! Free and open to the public. ~Deborah Ash

33 Bread for the World letters from St. Paul members will be delivered to our members of Congress this week and next, along with over 700 letters written in Albuquerque area congregations (Presbyterian, Methodist, Mennonite, UCC, Lutheran and Roman Catholic). If you haven't written your letters, information and addresses are available and the letters will be combined with several congregations who have yet to hold their Offering of Letters effort. They will be delivered later to the local offices of our members of Congress. Hungry children and mothers around the world thank you for your work in combating nutrition problems. ~Paul Gallegos and Ivan Westergaard

Reminder for Rummage Sale scheduled June 14th: If you would like to participate in the Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th, Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm, you are able to stage items in the library on the left-hand side of the room for now. Please price your items according to what you think is the value.  We will also have a Salvation Army Truck scheduled to arrive close to 4:00 pm and they will take away any unwanted items.  Please reach out to me on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9am to 2pm via call to the Office or email (facilities@stpaulabq.org).
I will be able to assist you in bringing items into the library if help is needed.  Please keep items organized in boxes, or bags with your name on them.  If you have larger furniture items, we ask that you bring them the day prior to the Rummage Sale.  If you have smaller furniture items, there should be room in the library.
I hope this idea is a success in raising money to assist the Roof expenses, as all sales will go to the Roof Fund as a donation. Thank you for your participation. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Adopted Families has an older gentleman in need of a wheelchair. If you are able to provide one, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. A shower chair was donated. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash

May’s God’s Work Our Hands Project is: Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation is participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms,  ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and donations will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing ……. ~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

1. Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)              

2. Canned vegetables

3. Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors.   Pet food is also needed. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

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

From Local Partner Organizations

ABQ FaithWorks Update:

• Good Immigration News! Two asylum seekers in our program have been granted asylum in 2025 from an El Paso immigration judge! This is rare and unexpected!

• ID Clinics continue monthly at the Cathedral of St John and weekly at Central United Methodist. These assist both the precariously housed and immigrant populations.

• Thank you to St Terese Catholic and St Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal for hosting recent New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) clinics that FaithWorks coordinates monthly with NMILC.

• Volunteer? FaithWorks has volunteer opportunities to support our eviction prevention program, to work directly with asylum-seeking families, and in general administration. Contact exec@abqfaithworks.org to get oriented, trained and assigned!

FaithWorks’ Annual Report is posted in the Welcome Center.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From Bishop Meghan:
Dear friends in Christ, good news! I am overjoyed to share that our Office of the Bishop team is complete. This month, we are introducing two new directors for Evangelical Missions, Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM)–North and DEM–South. We welcome Rev. Quirino Cornejo (QC) as DEM-South, and Rev. Chris Davis as DEM-North and Synod Minister for Generosity.
          Father QC, DEM–South, ordained in the Episcopal Church (USA), is well known to many in our synod as our Minister for Multicultural Witness and former mission developer pastor for Cristo Rey/Christ the King in Denver, CO. Last fall, Father QC stepped into the role of acting DEM, accompanying many of our SAWCs (Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities) and other strategic ministries. In the DEM-South role, Father QC will continue serving half time with the Rocky Mountain Synod and half time with our partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. His portfolio will include New Mexico, El Paso, and part of Colorado.
          Pastor Chris begins his call as DEM-North and Synod Minister for Generosity on May 15. Pastor Chris has served as a mission developer and pastor in three congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod, most recently at Trinity, Loveland, CO. Pastor Chris will be serving half time as DEM with a portfolio including Utah, Wyoming, and part of Colorado; the other half of his call as Synod Minister for Generosity will focus on supporting stewardship, mission support, grants, and other efforts to build financial capacity throughout the synod.
          The role of the Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) focuses on new and revitalized ministries. DEMs work to create partnerships between congregations, and equip synod members to share the Gospel in their communities. DEMs also serve as a bridge between synods and the wider church. The role of the Director for Evangelical Mission is a grant-supported partnership between the ELCA Churchwide Office and synods. 

Equipping the Saints:

“But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7, 12)

As our RMS synod staff team met last week for a retreat to pray, build relationships, and ponder our “why,” one word came up more than any other: equip. Many have been asking, “what is the role of the synod, and the synod office, in this time?” The verse above from Ephesians offers a clear vision: the grace we have received, and our variety of gifts and roles, is for a purpose: to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
          It is our hope and prayer that this team continues to grow in our capacity to accompany the people and ministries of our Rocky Mountain Synod with the support, connection, and resources we need to be equipped to follow Jesus and the call of the Holy Spirit in love and service to our neighbors.

Today: Share Your Story—All Are Welcome! The 2025 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly theme is” Dios está aquí. God is here.” We know that God is everywhere and we invite you to share your story of how God is present in your life and in your context. To share a few sentences and if you'd like, a corresponding picture of how God is with you, submit your story by May 11:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ea68c075fa02415d949b54d686f9c602
[With your permission, your stories and photos may be featured during the Assembly in Albuquerque, May 22–24, and in Synod communications like the eConnection and social media.]

Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002 (held at St. Paul)

ELCA Church Council Takes Action for 2025 Churchwide Assembly. The Church Council gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 3-6. The council serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly. The council’s work, grounded in faith in Jesus Christ, focused on actions that will go before the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 26-Aug. 2. (Note: Rindra Josoa is a Council member!)
https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/elca-church-council-takes-action-for-2025-churchwide-assembly

A Draft Social Message on Child Protection: The prevalence of child maltreatment in the U.S. is staggering. The ELCA’s draft social message on child protection outlines the church’s sacred responsibility to protect and nurture children. To strengthen this draft, share your suggestions during the public comment period by June 30: https://www.elca.org/faith/faith-and-society/current-social-writing-projects/child-protection

North America-Holy Land Solidarity Visit Statement: Read a statement from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan Johnson on a visit of solidarity to the Holy Land: https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/north-america--holy-land-solidarity-visit-statement

In the 2025 Global Mission Directory, meet current ELCA missionaries and see the ways in which God is calling us along the journey of accompaniment with our siblings in Christ throughout the world. This resource gives an overview of the ELCA’s global engagement.
https://resources.elca.org/global-mission/2025-global-mission-directory-pdf/
(A copy is posted in the Welcome Center).

ELCA is hosting a donor immersion trip to Argentina and Chile Oct. 3-13. Donors will meet with local partners and learn more about the ministries that the ELCA supports, including Educación Popular en Salud, the United Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. Learn more at: https://resources.elca.org/leadership-circle/argentina-chile-donor-immersion-trip-2025/

Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA, cultivating a community of dedicated stewards of earth and neighbor who proclaim God’s promise of hope and healing for all. A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

This week: Bread for the World May Regional Online Meetings. You’ll receive critical updates on hunger-related legislation and funding—some of which hangs in the balance with Congress right now. Our meetings will feature an update on Bread for the World’s 2025 Offering of Letters and other hunger-related legislation, as well as information about the upcoming Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. You will also hear from and connect with Bread members in your state or region and consider timely actions you can take to advocate for a world without hunger.
West, Southwest, and Midwest Combined Regional Online Meetings

• Option 1: Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. EDT (4:00 p.m. PDT)

• Option 2: Wednesday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT (11:00 a.m. PDT)

There’s too much at stake to sit this out. Register at:
https://go.bread.org/page/81573/survey/1?_gl=1*1ul7wti*_gcl_au*MTkxMzA4MzA4Ni4xNzQ1NTk1MzM1

Bread for the World: Join a special strategy briefing via Zoom May 19, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). The call will be a candid Q&A on domestic and international policy issues. Rev. Cho, President and CEO, will be joined by Sakeenah Shabazz, Deputy Director of the Policy and Research Institute department, and Dr. Christine M. Sequenzia, Senior International Policy Analyst of the Government Relations department. We are in unprecedented times. Inflation, program changes and cuts, food shortages, armed conflict, and extreme weather have pushed millions into chronic hunger and some to the brink of famine. Our leaders are grappling with what is America’s role in providing food and lifesaving aid at home and abroad. Registration is free, but you must register ahead of time. You can also submit a question for the panel when you sign up. Register at: https://go.bread.org/page/82418/-/1

Global Refuge: You are invited to a virtual conversation between Rev. Eric Shafer, Global Refuge pastor in residence, and Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse, author of the newly published book ‘A Journey Called Hope.’ (Both are ELCA pastors.) During this time to learn more about the stories of resiliency of new Americans featured in the book, you will also have the chance to ask questions of the speakers. ‘A Journey Called Hope’ is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the lives of refugees and other immigrants. May 20, 7pm EDT/4pm PT. Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gU0dD8XGTHqeB5PckP-ZGQ?_ics=1744658639611&irclickid=#/registration

Updates Beginning 4 May 2025

Today after Worship: Exploration of “The Beatitudes” continues. We will meet after worship in the conference room from 11:15am to 12:15pm. We’ll explore and discuss and learn from each other. What are the Beatitudes? How do they relate to us today? What is the meaning of “blessed are”? The facilitators don’t have the complete answers to these and other questions, but we invite the discussion. We need your input, and we look forward to seeing you for this study. ~The Adult Faith Development Team: Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, Jane Voelkel, Teresa Dubuque

Today: CPR Training at 11:30am. Project Heart Start (Albuquerque Academy students) will be providing a one-hour training on CPR. Pick up your coffee and snacks after worship then head to Fellowship Hall. We hope you can attend this important training! ~Patrick Rabezanany

Today: Letters to Congress in conjunction with Bread for the World: St. Paul is a long-time member of Bread for the World and every year we have participated in writing letters to our members of Congress regarding hunger in the U.S. and around the world. This year's effort is particularly important due to proposed changes in the Farm Bill, WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Food Stamps and other programs that reduce or discontinue the assistance that they provide to struggling families and children. You are invited today to write your Senators and Representative and express your concern. We will have draft letters, addresses, etc. available for you to write after worship or take home to write. We will gather the letters for a "blessing" and get them to Carlos Navarro, who will deliver them, with letters from other participating congregations, directly to the local offices of our Congress members. ~Ivan Westergaard

El Faro Concert at St. Paul 15 May at 6pm. The youth choir of Coro Lux will be performing in the Sanctuary. Please come and enjoy this amazing choir! Free and open to the public. ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families has an older gentleman in need of both a shower bench and a wheelchair. If you are able to provide either or both, please drop off at the church office or pickup can be arranged. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash

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

Reminder for Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th: If you would like to participate in the Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th, Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm, you are able to stage items in the library on the left-hand side of the room for now. Please price your items according to what you think is the value.  We will also have a Salvation Army Truck scheduled to arrive close to 4:00 pm and they will take away any unwanted items.  Please reach out to me on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9am to 2pm via call to the Office or email (facilities@stpaulabq.org).
I will be able to assist you in bringing items into the library if help is needed.  Please keep items organized in boxes, or bags with your name on them.  If you have larger furniture items, we ask that you bring them the day prior to the Rummage Sale.  If you have smaller furniture items, there should be room in the library. 
I hope this idea is a success in raising money to assist the Roof expenses, as all sales will go to the Roof Fund as a donation. Thank you for your participation. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

May’s God’s Work Our Hands Project is: Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing ……. ~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

1. Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)              

2. Canned vegetables

3. Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors.   Pet food is also needed. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan: Dear friends in Christ, sometime during the past week—filled with a trip to Arizona for our first call pastors and deacons retreat, plans for this week’s staff retreat and our upcoming synod assembly, phone calls and meetings with rostered ministers, and many emails—I suddenly realized that it has been one year since my election as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. In the first nine months serving in this call, I have been humbled, awed, and overwhelmed with joy (and emails!) by the blessing of being your bishop. I am excited to see our Office of the Bishop team coming together and to be turning our energy and attention to how God is calling us into the future. In all the troubles and the joys of the world, and this ministry, two things have continued to be true: Dios está aquí—God is here! And we are not alone.
          God is here, in the people and ministries of this synod. God is with us, in all that we face. And we are not required, expected, or designed to go it alone. God calls us into community. As we look ahead to our calling as this part of Christ’s church to proclaim and embody that good news for the sake of the world, we need the diverse gifts that this community brings.
I hope you know that I’m praying for you and for your community too, for the ways you live out that Gospel call where you are. In Christ, +Bishop Meghan

Share Your Story—All Are Welcome! The 2025 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly theme is” Dios está aquí. God is here.” We know that God is everywhere and we invite you to share your story of how God is present in your life and in your context. To share a few sentences and if you'd like, a corresponding picture of how God is with you, submit your story by May 9:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ea68c075fa02415d949b54d686f9c602
[With your permission, your stories and photos may be featured during the Assembly in Albuquerque, May 22–24, and in Synod communications like the eConnection and social media.]

Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002 (held at St. Paul)

Lutherans Restoring Creation Network Events: A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

This week: Next Coffee with Christine is May 7th: Join Christine Moffett, ELCA’s Program Director for Environment and Energy Policy for coffee and discussion! Feel free to ask your questions about Federal policy, especially environment. Knowledge is power! bit.ly/coffee-christine

ELCA is hosting a donor immersion trip to Argentina and Chile Oct. 3-13. Donors will meet with local partners and learn more about the ministries that the ELCA supports, including Educación Popular en Salud, the United Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. Learn more at: https://resources.elca.org/leadership-circle/argentina-chile-donor-immersion-trip-2025/

Bread for the World: I am writing to invite you to join a special strategy briefing via Zoom on Monday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). The call will be a candid Q&A on our domestic and international policy issues. I’ll be joined by Bread for the World’s Sakeenah Shabazz, Deputy Director of the Policy and Research Institute department, and Dr. Christine M. Sequenzia, Senior International Policy Analyst of the Government Relations department.
We are in unprecedented times. Inflation, program changes and cuts, food shortages, armed conflict, and extreme weather have pushed millions into chronic hunger and some to the brink of famine. Our leaders are grappling with what is America’s role in providing food and lifesaving aid at home and abroad. Registration is free, but you must register ahead of time. You can also submit a question for the panel when you sign up. Register today at: https://go.bread.org/page/82418/-/1

Global Refuge: You are invited to join us for a virtual conversation between Rev. Eric Shafer, Global Refuge pastor in residence, and Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse, author of the newly published book ‘A Journey Called Hope.’ Both are ELCA pastors. During this time to learn more about the stories of resiliency of new Americans featured in the book, you will also have the chance to ask questions of the speakers. ‘A Journey Called Hope’ is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the lives of refugees and other immigrants, and can be a great resource for your congregation, book club, or small group. Join us. When: Tuesday, May 20, 7pm EDT/4pm PT. Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gU0dD8XGTHqeB5PckP-ZGQ?_ics=1744658639611&irclickid=#/registration

Updates Beginning 27 April 2025

Today after Worship: You are invited to participate in a two-part exploration of “The Beatitudes,” the upcoming offering by the Adult Faith Development team. We will meet after worship in the conference room on April 27th and May 4th, from 11:15am to 12:15pm. We’ll explore and discuss and learn from each other. What are the Beatitudes? How do they relate to us today? What is the meaning of “blessed are.” The facilitators don’t have the complete answer to these and other questions, but we invite the discussion. We need your input, and we look forward to seeing you for this study. ~The Adult Faith Development Team: Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, Jane Voelkel, Teresa Dubuque

Letters to Congress in conjunction with Bread for the World: St. Paul is a long-time member of Bread for the World and every year we have participated in writing letters to our members of Congress regarding hunger in the U.S. and around the world. This year's effort is particularly important due to proposed changes in the Farm Bill, WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Food Stamps and other programs that reduce or discontinue the assistance that they provide to struggling families and children. You are invited today and next Sunday (April 27 and May 4), to write your Senators and Representative and express your concern. We will have draft letters, addresses, etc. available for you to write after worship or take home to write. On May 4, we will gather the letters for a "blessing" and get them to Carlos Navarro, who will deliver them, with letters from other participating congregations, directly to the local offices of our Congress members. For more information, the first few minutes of today’s Adult Faith Development class in the Conference Room will be about this. ~Ivan Westergaard

Today: Do you feel strongly about social justice issues? Do you often think, "I'm just one person, what can I do to turn this situation around?" If you said yes to one or both of these questions; you might want to come to an orientation for SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). We will have a new member orientation followed by a social gathering on Sunday, April 27. Register at bit.ly/4jTxVqH.
SURJ meets every fourth Sunday of the month, beginning with a potluck at noon at Nahalat Shalom 3606 Rio Grande NW. So if you are interested please fill out the link or RSVP to Diane Remer-Thamert 505/362-4134. Hope to see you there! Thanks. ~iusti Remer-Thamert

Next Sunday: CPR Training being held at St. Paul, 4 May, 11:30am. Project Heart Start (Albuquerque Academy students) will be providing a one-hour training on CPR. Pick up your coffee and snacks after worship then head to Fellowship Hall. We hope you can attend this important training! ~Patrick Rabezanany

April’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Madagascar Girls Camp. On your check to St. Paul, please note Girls Camp in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Congratulations to Patrick Rabezanany! Patrick, who received a scholarship from St. Paul in Fall 2024, graduates May 16 with his doctoral degree in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg. All the very best from all of us, Patrick! ~Deborah Ash

Reminder for Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th: If you would like to participate in the Rummage Sale scheduled for June 14th, Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, you are able to stage items in the library on the left-hand side of the room for now. Please price your items according to what you think is the value.  We will also have a Salvation Army Truck scheduled to arrive close to 4:00 pm and they will take away any unwanted items.  Please reach out to me on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9am to 2pm via call to the Office or email (facilities@stpaulabq.org).
I will be able to assist you in bringing items into the library if help is needed.  Please keep items organized in boxes, or bags with your name on them.  If you have larger furniture items, we ask that you bring them the day prior to the Rummage Sale.  If you have smaller furniture items, there should be room in the library. 
I hope this idea is a success in raising money to assist the Roof expenses, as all sales will go to the Roof Fund as a donation. Thank you for your participation. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

1)   Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)               2) Canned vegetables

3)   Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. 
Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle) .  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing ……. ~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

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

From Local Partner Organizations

This week: Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s fellowship, will be celebrating May Friendship Day this Friday, May 2nd at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona Ave NE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 with coffee fellowship, followed by the program whose theme is ”God’s Daughters Living Powerful Lives”. Ruth Tribou, of CWU in NM, will speak on “The Qualities That Make Us Loving Friends.”  The Fellowship of the Least Coin offering will be taken.  St. John’s has asked that we use the “West” parking lot off Arizona Ave. Please join the celebration and bring a friend!  Questions?  Contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657 or email her at sfnils@swcp.com.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Video Greetings from the young adults of Palestine. Hear how Dios está aquí, God is here, in the midst of struggle, hope, and faith. Mr. Simon Awad, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Center, visited the Synod March 28–31, where he and two young adults from the ELCJHL presented about their work at the EEC, and the Palestinian Christian experience in relation to indigenous land rights and environmental justice. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, a direct partner of the ELCA, serves in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Jordan. One of their commitments to their Lutheran faith is to answer our call to be stewards of the land. Visit https://vimeo.com/1075896868?share=copy

Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002 (held at St. Paul)

Lutherans Restoring Creation Network Events: A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

Next Coffee with Christine is May 7th: Join Christine Moffett for coffee and discussion! Feel free to ask your questions about Federal policy, especially environment. Knowledge is power! bit.ly/coffee-christine

This week: Global Refuge: The First 100 Days: Our Work of Welcome Continues. Join Global Refuge to discuss how the first 100 days of the new administration have impacted immigration policy, our work, and the families we serve. We’ll discuss our next steps as an organization, how we are forging ahead in the work of welcome, and ways you can continue to support those who seek refuge. The webinar will include a Q&A.  Wednesday, April 30, 1pm ET on Zoom. Register at: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NdulsENQ4u1tBWjcCZTtw?mc_cid=b20c972c6e&mc_eid=2f360c0226#/registration

From Bread for the World: Easter Reflection on Hope and Hunger. It is easy to feel confused, angry, afraid, discouraged, and devastated when we see devastating cuts to USAID funding and staff, budget proposals that cut funding to vital programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and executive orders that push the limits of our democracy. However, it is important to remember that we are not alone. Read (President & CEO) Rev. Eugene Cho’s reflection at: https://www.bread.org/article/my-easter-reflection-on-hope-and-hunger/

Updates Beginning 20 April 2025

From Adult Faith Development: You are invited to participate in a two-part exploration of “The Beatitudes,” the upcoming offering by the Adult Faith Development team. We will meet after worship in the conference room on April 27th and May 4th, from 11:15am to 12:15pm. We’ll explore and discuss and learn from each other. What are the Beatitudes? How do they relate to us today? What is the meaning of “blessed are.” The facilitators don’t have the complete answer to these and other questions, but we invite the discussion. We need your input, and we look forward to seeing you for this study. ~The AFD Team: Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, Jane Voelkel, Teresa Dubuque

Letters to Congress in conjunction with Bread for the World: St. Paul is a long-time member of Bread for the World and every year we have participated in writing letters to our members of Congress regarding hunger in the U.S. and around the world. This year's effort is particularly important due to proposed changes in the Farm Bill, WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Food Stamps and other programs that reduce or discontinue the assistance that they provide to struggling families and children. You are invited these next two Sundays (April 27 and May 4), to write your Senators and Representative and express your concern. We will have draft letters, addresses,etc. available for you to write after worship or take home to write. On May 4, we will gather the letters for a "blessing" and get them to Carlos Navarro, who will deliver them, with letters from other participating congregations, directly to the local offices of our Congress members. For more information, the first few minutes of Adult Faith Development class (April 27, after worship, in the Conference Room) will be about this. ~Ivan Westergaard

Do you feel strongly about social justice issues? Do you often think, "I'm just one person, what can I do to turn this situation around?" If you said yes to one or both of these questions; you might want to come to an orientation for SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). We will have a new member orientation followed by a social gathering on Sunday, April 27. Register at bit.ly/4jTxVqH
SURJ meets every fourth Sunday of the month, beginning with a potluck at noon at Nahalat Shalom 3606 Rio Grande NW. So if you are interested please fill out the link or RSVP to Diane Remer-Thamert 505/362-4134. Hope to see you there! Thanks. ~iusti Remer-Thamert

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

CPR Training being held at St. Paul, Sunday, 4 May, 11:30am. Project Heart Start (Albuquerque Academy students) will be providing a one-hour training on CPR. Pick up your coffee and snacks after worship then head to Fellowship Hall. We hope you can attend this important training! ~Patrick Rabezanany

April’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Madagascar Girls Camp. On your check to St. Paul, please note Girls Camp in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle) .  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing ……. ~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

1)   Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)  
2) Canned vegetables
3)   Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. 
Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Food is Free Albuquerque's 10th Annual Seed Share at Rio Grande Food Project: 600 Coors Blvd NW, ABQ, NM 87121, Saturday, April 26th, 1:00 - 4:00pm. Our long-time partner, Food is Free Albuquerque, is celebrating their Annual Seed Share event at Rio Grande Food Project! Food is Free gleans fruit from home orchards and rescues plants and vegetables from local growers and delivers the bounty to the nearest food pantry - Wow!
          Join us in the RGFP garden area and chat with 25+ vendors including ABQ-BERNCO Seed Library, Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardeners, Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters, Alameda Greenhouse, CABQ Animal Welfare, NMSU's ICAN, the Sierra Club, a beekeeper, an arborist, and many more! Enjoy acoustic music from Old Time Fiddlers, play in the Kids Art area, and engage with a local author's story time and Poetry Slam, and of course, worm races! Word on the street is you can even tie the knot. Plus, don't forget the main event – free seeds & plants! RSVP for free at: https://www.fifabq.org/event-info/2025-seed-share

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s fellowship, will be celebrating May Friendship Day on Friday, May 2nd at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona Ave NE.  The morning will begin at 9:30 with coffee fellowship, followed by the program whose theme is ”God’s Daughters Living Powerful Lives”. Ruth Tribou, of CWU in NM, will speak on “The Qualities That Make Us Loving Friends”.  The Fellowship of the Least Coin offering will be taken.  St. John’s has asked that we use the “West” parking lot off Arizona Ave. Please join the celebration and bring a friend!  Questions?  Contact Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657 or email her at sfnils@swcp.com.

Storehouse New Mexico in need of volunteers. Employees with Storehouse New Mexico say the more financial stress on New Mexicans, the longer the lines get in the pantry. “We have a very small team here at the storehouse, so volunteers are very crucial to what we do as an organization. Volunteers help us pack boxes of food, they pack grocery carts when families come to the food pantry, and they even help sort donations that come in,” said Jill Beats, a Storehouse New Mexico marketing representative. 
          As the demand grows, so does the need for more volunteers. Just in 2024 Storehouse topped their annual record. “In the last year, the Storehouse has seen a big increase in the numbers of people we are supporting. We have been averaging the last five to six years about 55,000 people a year and last year in 2024 we topped over 79,000,” said Beats.
          With less than two months left in the school year, the lines are only getting longer. “We see a lot more families in the summer because children that get free meals at school, either breakfast or lunch, all of a sudden their families need to feed them, and they also have to pay for additional daycare and things. So a lot of additional families usually turn to us in the summer.”
          They hope New Mexicans can help them get through this busy period. “So far we have been really blessed to be able to continue to feed as many people as we can, but those numbers are always really tight for a food pantry,” said Beats. Volunteers meet at Storehouse Tuesday through Saturday. Folks interested in volunteering can call (505)842-6491or visit https://storehousenm.org/home/volunteer/ (from ABQ Journal)

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan:
Dear friends in Christ, as we enter Holy Week and prepare for Easter once again, I am pondering a question that faces all preachers of the Gospel this week: how does the sacred story of Jesus’ death and resurrection speak anew into our lives and our world this year?
          Last year in Jerusalem, my Palestinian Lutheran colleague Pastor Sally Azar and I led our English-speaking congregation through Holy Week and Easter. We began with a Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem, journeying with pilgrims who carried palms—and signs listing the names of the Christian churches in Gaza. Many churches had by then been damaged, with members killed by bombs or sniper rifles. Even before the war, the Christians of Gaza and the West Bank were rarely allowed to enter Jerusalem for Holy Week; and last year was no exception. So we carried them with us: in name, in prayer, and in recognition of what another local colleague, Pastor Munther Isaac, had preached at Christmas: because Jesus went to the cross, we know that “God is in the rubble.” A week later, early on Easter morning, we returned to the Mount of Olives and gathered for worship that began by candlelight and ended with the sunrise. In song and scripture, prayer and proclamation, and bread and cup, we proclaimed: Jesus is risen!
          This year, much in the world is different—and much is the same. War and suffering continue in Gaza, Ukraine, and around the world. Here in the U.S., amid increased deportations and efforts to discredit and dismantle work toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, many of our members and neighbors are heartbroken, angry, and afraid. Many also come to this week weighed down by anxiety or the grief of losing loved ones, relationships, jobs, or homes. All of us may wonder: what will the future bring?
          And yet, across our Rocky Mountain synod this week, people will also come together in song and scripture, prayer and proclamation, and bread and cup to mark this holy week. In large congregations and small ones; in campus ministries and prison ministries; in many languages and with many different traditions; with new babies and teens and elders; in our worship and in our service to our neighbors and the world; we will proclaim: Jesus is risen!
          It is always this way. Holy Week reminds us that the places of the cross—injustice, suffering, pain and death—are not places of God’s absence but of God’s steadfast presence. In our worst moments, God has not abandoned us. God is with us in the love of Jesus, who experienced suffering and death in a human body. And Easter reminds us that even when all looks bleak and final, this is not the end of the story. God is at the tomb, bringing new life out of death. In moments of resurrection—renewed hope, grace, and reconciliation—God is with us too, in the risen Christ. We are not alone: God is here.
          Wherever this week finds you, know that this promise is for you, too. You are not alone. Dios está aqui. God is here. And you are loved by God beyond measure, through life and death and into new life, now and forever.
In Christ, +Bishop Meghan

Video Greetings from the young adults of Palestine. Hear how Dios está aquí, God is here, in the midst of struggle, hope, and faith. Mr. Simon Awad, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Center, visited the Synod March 28–31, where he and two young adults from the ELCJHL presented about their work at the EEC, and the Palestinian Christian experience in relation to indigenous land rights and environmental justice. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, a direct partner of the ELCA, serves in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Jordan. One of their commitments to their Lutheran faith is to answer our call to be stewards of the land. Visit https://vimeo.com/1075896868?share=copy

Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002 (being held at St. Paul)

From AMMPARO:  The Trump Administration begins enforcing the Alien Registry Requirement on April 11, 2025. While this practice could potentially be halted by ongoing legal challenges, at the present time it is effective on April 11. A federal judge allowed the registration requirement to take effect pending a lawsuit. It is important to understand the consequences of registering and failing to register. It is highly recommended people speak to a lawyer about their specific case. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and any potential legal risks.

1. Signing up to register could be legally risky for undocumented immigrants. It could lead to detention, deportation, and possibly criminal prosecution. (Source: NILC)

2. Criminal charges could apply if someone covered fails to register, fails to carry proof of registration, or fails to update their address within 10 days of changing their address. 

Ultimately information is power and that is what some immigrant siblings may need most of all. Knowledge to make informed decisions.

• Here is an AMMPARO Facebook post for amplification: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15GKdfbX63/ and another that goes into greater detail: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQVbULU15/

• A pastoral message from the ELCA Latine Association regarding the registration requirement is posted in the Welcome Center.

Lutherans Restoring Creation Network Events: A variety of events are listed in the community calendar (local to global, in-person and virtual): https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/events/

Young Adult Climate Alliance- First meeting April 21st! A gathering of young adults (18-35) consisting of quarterly zoom calls, community space for resource sharing, and monthly advocacy action. Complete interest form here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/CzWGDAPQVqQlQKCkdy593g

 Next Coffee with Christine is May 7th: Join Christine Moffett for coffee and discussion! Feel free to ask your questions about Federal policy, especially environment. Knowledge is power! bit.ly/coffee-christine

Global Refuge Easter Gift Match: As our work continues to be impacted by policy changes, your financial support ensures that families in our care continue to receive services. Your generous gift provides hope and empowerment to children and families as they seek a new life in America. This Holy Week, we turn to you in the spirit of love. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $70,000! Visit https://www.globalrefuge.org/. See the Easter Hope with Global Refuge video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq5_whaR_gE

Updates Beginning 13 April 2025

Quick Updates for Holy Week:

• Monday’s Healing Service will be held in the Chapel.

• Maundy Thursday’s Dinner Church at First Congregational UCC is a potluck, so please bring something to share!

• Members of First will join us here for Good Friday service.

Easter Cross of Flowers. We will, once again, fill our wooden cross with flowers on Easter morning, 20 April! Bring some cut flowers to add as you enter. We will also have some available and someone there to assist. The cross will then be carried into the Sanctuary to be displayed! It will be a lovely addition to our Easter service! Arrive early enough to take part! Thank you! ~Jan Bowers, Visual Choir team

April’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Madagascar Girls Camp. On your check to St. Paul, please note Girls Camp in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

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

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle) .  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the Welcome Center.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing ……. ~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

1)   Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)            
2) Canned vegetables
3)   Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. 
Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

From Church Women United: My longtime work as a volunteer for ABQ Habitat for Humanity leads me to this effort to reach out to you and/or your faith communities to find out if we can restore the ecumenical participation of churches in Habitat’s work of constructing affordable homes for families in need. I guess this is an “invitation” to join in the work…and fun! If there are questions and/or you would like more information, you can contact Liz Vincent, Director of Development, directly at liz@habitatabqrr.org.
Another way to help is to attend the annual Raising the Roof 2025 event on May 17th from 6:00-9:00 at the Sandia Resort and Casino. The evening will include dinner, a raffle and live music provided by the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra.  Consult https://habitatabqrr.org/raising-the-roof/ for ticket prices and to reserve your space! ~Marilyn Stoops, Church Women United Communications, and Habitat volunteer

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From Lutheran World Relief: Earthquake Emergency. By now, you’ve heard about the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. Our team reports that the devastation is even worse than the initial reports you see in the news. When you rush aid now, our team can deliver emergency support — like water, medical care, shelter and essential supplies to families affected by the earthquake. To give, go to the red bar at the top of this page: https://lwr.org/

Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002 (being held at St. Paul)

Bread for the World:  Senators may soon vote on their budget reconciliation bill that could result in a $230 billion or more cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other domestic nutrition programs. These proposed funding cuts would greatly affect the ability of the 41 million people who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families.
As food prices continue to rise and are expected to get even higher, Congress should not cut funding for America’s most important domestic nutrition program. SNAP is one of the most effective, efficient, and low-fraud government programs. Most people only receive SNAP benefits for a short period during difficult times. With food banks and church pantries now reeling from cuts to food deliveries and the loss of locally grown produce at a time of almost unprecedented need for their services, many families will have nowhere to turn. The bill could also result in hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. Studies show that households with children who participate in Medicaid experience significant reductions in food insecurity. Please act now and urge your members of Congress to oppose funding cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Visit https://www.bread.org/

From ELCA AMMPARO: As people of faith, we have a moral responsibility to take prophetic action to denounce hateful rhetoric and accompany our immigrant neighbors at risk of deportation, family separation and/or discrimination. Please sign the Pledge for Sanctuary and Accompaniment to commit to the work of solidarity and hope — to provide protection for those targeted by hate and to work alongside communities, friends, families, and neighbors, to uphold the dignity and human rights of all. By signing this pledge we can come together to mobilize and organize as faith communities and people of conscience in strategic ways across the country in the continued effort to stop deportations, build inclusive communities and keep families together. This pledge also includes a space for welcoming congregations!
          (This pledge was put together by a table of faith leaders and faith organizations including, but not limited to, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, the United Church of Christ National Collaborative on Immigration, Sojourners, New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, and others. No information gathered will be shared publicly without permission other than total numbers of Sanctuary Congregations.) ~Rev. Noel Andersen and Mary B. Campbell, Director, ELCA AMMPARO
https://cryptpad.fr/form/#/2/form/view/dJtCddSxePtS6qeITW2a9gD1YsPqmF6N2bDX8txAgSI/

From ELCA AMMPARO: The following are resources that are relevant and could be beneficial during this challenging period.

• A webinar on Tuesday, April 15th at 2:30 pm CENTRAL via ZOOM, organized by the Border Collaboration Network about Interfaith Responses to Federal Immigration Policy Changes. The presenter will be Giovana Oaxaca (Program Director for Migration Policy with ELCA) who will provide high-level overviews of some of the executive orders and cover resources that have been created for faith communities to engage on these pressing issues. Register at: https://riotexas.zoom.us/meeting/register/P8h2JPscTzeGISHluoUBwg#/registration

• A toolkit produced by the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law based on a training they held on 4th Amendment Rights for Organizations to help empower advocates and organizations that support and work alongside immigrants. The toolkit outlines essential definitions that you and your organization can learn from to protect yourself if you encounter immigration officials at your office or workplace. It also includes actionable items to help execute your organization’s protection plan. Download at: https://www.centerforhumanrights.org/post/fourth-amendment-toolkit-for-organizations

Updates Beginning 6 April 2025

Today: St. Paul 101 continues!  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul. We’ll meet in the Conference Room after worship today for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions. ~Pr. Koppel

Easter Cross of Flowers. We will, once again, fill our wooden cross with flowers on Easter morning, 20 April! Bring some cut flowers to add as you enter. We will also have some available and someone there to assist. The cross will then be carried into the Sanctuary to be displayed! It will be a lovely addition to our Easter service! Arrive early enough to take part! Thank you! ~Jan Bowers, Visual Choir team

April’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Madagascar Girls Camp. On your check to St. Paul, please note Girls Camp in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! There will be a signup sheet in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

Rummage Sale June 14th. Greetings Congregation! I was thinking about ways to fund the Roof Project beginning in May.  How would you like to clean out goods you have at home that are no longer needed?   It would be a fun way to sell unwanted things and donate the funds to the Roof Project.  I am sure if we all pitched in, we could make it a successful and fun event.  I would invite food and refreshments we could stage in the Welcome area, to take breaks and get out of the heat. 
While I know we all love our weekends, I was anticipating that we plan for one day in June on a Saturday.  What do you think about June 14th, Saturday, from 8:00 am (drop off and set up), and advertise from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm?  What I need is to start planning and welcome your feedback and volunteers to assist in helping with the Rummage Sale.  I would even invite your friends, relatives, and children to bring items to sell for donation. We cannot accept clothing to sell at the Rummage sale. 
I would love to hear back from any of you who might be interested in participating in this Roof Fundraiser.  Please give me a call or stop in to let me know if you want to participate and your ideas.  We may need to have folks pick up and take leftover items or have a truck here to pick up items that did not sell and donate them. Please give me a call or make an appointment to stop in for a chat about your ideas.  I would love to meet more of you in person! Thank you and look forward to hearing back from you. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

From Gabriel Rabezanany: I am writing to share an exciting opportunity and to ask for your support in making this opportunity a reality. I have recently been given a chance to travel to New York to experience different shows on Broadway and visit historical sites with my middle school theatre class. This trip is incredibly important to me because it will provide an invaluable experience and enhance my knowledge about acting and the history of acting. However, as you can imagine, such an opportunity comes with significant costs such as transportation, accommodation, and program fees. To help cover these costs, I am reaching out to family, friends, and community members for support. My goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of May 2025. So far, I have raised $450. Your contribution, no matter what size, will make a tremendous difference. Here are some ways you can support me:

• Cash or check donation

• Share with friends and family

• Prayers from the congregation

Thank you for considering my request. If you need more information, feel free to message me at (505) 369-8755 or Grabezanany@gmail.com

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle) .  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the entry way under the Hat table.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing …….
~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

• Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)

• Canned vegetables

• Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. 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 coming Saturday: The final concert of Coro Lux’s 10th anniversary season. Don't miss the New Mexico premiere of A PLACE CALLED HOME, text by Tony Silvestri and music by Coro Lux artistic director, Bradley Ellingboe. Written for chorus, chamber ensemble, and four soloists, A Place Called Home is a plea for us to care more deeply for the environment and our home, the Earth, told as an impactful semi-staged dramatic cantata.
          On April 12th at 4pm in the historic Lensic Theater in downtown Santa Fe, the performance includes a pre-concert panel discussion about care for the earth and our environment at 2:30pm. Panel members will include the composer, Bradley Ellingboe, librettist, Charles Anthony Silvestri, and  Dr. Mary Hasbah Roessel, Larry Rasmussen, and Reverend Talitha Arnold. Tickets range from $15 to $40 and are on sale now at the Lensic Box Office.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From ELCA AMMPARO: The following are resources that are relevant and could be beneficial during this challenging period.

• A webinar organized by the Border Collaboration Network about Interfaith Responses to Federal Immigration Policy Changes. The presenter will be Giovana Oaxaca (Program Director for Migration Policy with the ELCA) who will provide high-level overviews of some of the executive orders and cover resources that have been created for faith communities to engage on these pressing issues. The webinar will be on Tuesday, April 15th at 2:30 pm CENTRAL via ZOOM. You can register for the webinar at the following link:  https://riotexas.zoom.us/meeting/register/P8h2JPscTzeGISHluoUBwg#/registration

• A toolkit produced by the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law based on a training they held on 4th Amendment Rights for Organizations to help empower advocates and organizations that support and work alongside immigrants. The toolkit outlines essential definitions that you and your organization can learn from to protect yourself if you encounter immigration officials at your office or workplace. It also includes actionable items to help execute your organization’s protection plan. https://www.centerforhumanrights.org/post/fourth-amendment-toolkit-for-organizations 

Immigration Summit before the RMS Synod Assembly: 8:30am 21 May–Noon May 22 at St. Paul, $40 registration. Rostered and lay leaders are invited to attend a pre-Synod Assembly Immigration Summit to deepen our understanding of the immigration challenges as well as strategize how to faithfully accompany our immigrant siblings. Using the framework of accompaniment, we will learn from each other, share our knowledge, plan how to engage in this important issue and network across the synod for the flourishing and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002

From Lutheran World Relief: Earthquake Emergency. By now, you’ve heard about the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. Our team reports that the devastation is even worse than the initial reports you see in the news. When you rush aid now, our team can deliver emergency support — like water, medical care, shelter and essential supplies to families affected by the earthquake. To give, go to the red bar at the top of this page: https://lwr.org/

April 10 is Step Up LSM, a 24-hour student scholarship drive for Lutheran Summer Music. This year, we've received a record number of applications, and have even added more spots to meet demand! With over 70% of students requesting financial support, we are committed to making LSM accessible to every student. Our goal is to raise $44,000—and your gift can make the difference in ensuring that all students can attend: lsmacademy.org/news/2025/stepup

Bread for the World: Programs like SNAP provide essential help to American families struggling to make ends meet as they face ever increasing prices. Cuts to SNAP means more families will go hungry. And international aid makes up less than 1 percent of the total U.S. federal budget, but its impacts are outsized in that it saves millions of lives and strengthens U.S. national security. Since news of funding changes broke, our staff has continued to meet with members of Congress and the Senate nonstop — doing everything possible to protect SNAP and reinstate international aid programs. Please give to support our work: https://www.bread.org/ and email your members of Congress now and urge them to protect the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and global child nutrition programs.

Global Refuge: On March 7, Global Refuge President and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and other faith leaders in affirming our solidarity with and support of refugee and other immigrant communities, as well as calling for the reinstatement of the resettlement system. Read the statement at: https://www.globalrefuge.org/news/global-refuge-joins-interfaith-solidarity-statement-on-refugees-and-other-immigrants/

Updates Beginning 30 March 2025

Today: Spring Congregational Meeting & Potluck after worship in Fellowship Hall. The 2024 Annual Report is available here. ~Deborah Ash

Next Sunday: St. Paul 101 continues!  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul. We’ll meet in the Conference Room after worship today for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions. ~Pr. Koppel

This is not an April Fool’s Joke!  This Tuesday is First Tuesday and all are invited to gather together at SW Grape and Grain, 3401 Candelaria NE, between 4:00 - 6:00 pm for a time of visiting and sharing snacks.  The staff sells beer and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments if you want.  See you then! ~Nancy Matthews

Open house with the Hartwells! Former Director of Worship & Music Seth Hartwell and his family are visiting from Minneapolis during their spring break! Due to Seth’s current church musician duties, they won’t be able to attend a Sunday service at St. Paul. So, please drop in and see them at Sawmill Market (1909 Bellamah NW) this Tuesday, April 1 from 4 to 7 pm. Seth, Liz, Anna (sophomore, age 16), and Jacob (5th grade, age 11) would love to greet you! Please contact Liz (612-368-5544 or elizabeth.hartwell@gmail.com) with any questions. All are welcome!

Next Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

March’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF April in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! There will be a signup sheet in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

From Gabriel Rabezanany: I am writing to share an exciting opportunity and to ask for your support in making this opportunity a reality. I have recently been given a chance to travel to New York to experience different shows on Broadway and visit historical sites with my middle school theatre class. This trip is incredibly important to me because it will provide an invaluable experience and enhance my knowledge about acting and the history of acting. However, as you can imagine, such an opportunity comes with significant costs such as transportation, accommodation, and program fees. To help cover these costs, I am reaching out to family, friends, and community members for support. My goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of May 2025. So far, I have raised $450. Your contribution, no matter what size, will make a tremendous difference. Here are some ways you can support me:

• Cash or check donation

• Share with friends and family

• Prayers from the congregation

Thank you for considering my request. If you need more information, feel free to message me at (505) 369-8755 or Grabezanany@gmail.com

Rummage Sale June 14th. Greetings Congregation! I was thinking about ways to fund the Roof Project beginning in May.  How would you like to clean out goods you have at home that are no longer needed?   It would be a fun way to sell unwanted things and donate the funds to the Roof Project.  I am sure if we all pitched in, we could make it a successful and fun event.  I would invite food and refreshments we could stage in the Welcome area, to take breaks and get out of the heat. 
While I know we all love our weekends, I was anticipating that we plan for one day in June on a Saturday.  What do you think about June 14th, Saturday, from 8:00 am (drop off and set up), and advertise from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm?  What I need is to start planning and welcome your feedback and volunteers to assist in helping with the Rummage Sale.  I would even invite your friends, relatives, and children to bring items to sell for donation. We cannot accept clothing to sell at the Rummage sale.  
I would love to hear back from any of you who might be interested in participating in this Roof Fundraiser.  Please give me a call or stop in to let me know if you want to participate and your ideas.  We may need to have folks pick up and take leftover items or have a truck here to pick up items that did not sell and donate them. Please give me a call or make an appointment to stop in for a chat about your ideas.  I would love to meet more of you in person! Thank you and look forward to hearing back from you. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply u-tube hats on a loom/ u-tube for instructions and simple to follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms – SIMPLE – ask Julie to order your set OR order your own set through AMAZON.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle) .  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom – DONATE to the project! This will be our God’s Work, Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

• There is another way to be involved – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET, (Bless you!) feel free to knit or crochet hats for Dignity Mission. Finished hats can be placed in the gray bin located in the entry way under the Hat table.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3 -5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing …….

~Hal Nilsson, Deb Ash, Sara Love, Pastor Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor Koppel, Julie Ambrogi

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  Need more ideas for food donations?  Here are 3 more:

• Fruit (dried, canned or small cups)

• Canned vegetables

• Snack items (crackers, granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars, etc.)

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  Whatever you give will be most welcome. The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. 
Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. 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

RSVP at www.nmchurches.org

From Coro Lux: The final concert of our 10th anniversary season. Don't miss the New Mexico premiere of A PLACE CALLED HOME, text by Tony Silvestri and music by Coro Lux artistic director, Bradley Ellingboe. Written for chorus, chamber ensemble, and four soloists, A Place Called Home is a plea for us to care more deeply for the environment and our home, the Earth, told as an impactful semi-staged dramatic cantata.
          Taking place Saturday, April 12th at 4pm in the historic Lensic Theater in downtown Santa Fe, the performance includes a pre-concert panel discussion about care for the earth and our environment at 2:30pm. Panel members will include the composer, Bradley Ellingboe, and librettist, Charles Anthony Silvestri, as well as Doctor Mary Hasbah Roessel, Larry Rasmussen, and the Reverend Talitha Arnold. Tickets range from $15 to $40 and are on sale now at the Lensic Box Office.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Advocacy has been rescheduled for April 1 at 6pm. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09

Meeting ID: 494 372 9991             Passcode: Lutheran            720-707-2699

A Message from Bishop Meghan:
Dear friends, in my first seven months as bishop, among the countless joys and surprising blessings of this call has been the number of people in our synod who are curious to learn more about my former call: serving with my husband Gabi and our kids as missionaries accompanying the ELCA’s partner church in Israel/Palestine, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (the ELCJHL, for short). I am grateful that so many of you continue praying for our family there, and for all of the people who call the Holy Land home.
          I have learned so much from our Palestinian Christian siblings about faith, the heart of the Gospel, and what it means to be the church—especially in challenging times. I have often heard one of my former colleagues in Bethlehem, the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, take an old Lutheran adage and give it a Palestinian twist: “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would plant an olive tree today.” (This idea is all the more powerful when you consider that olive trees take several years to bear fruit, and can live for several thousand!)
          The theology of this statement of faith can be described in the Arabic word, sumud, that means “steadfastness” and “resilience.” And it’s no accident that many Palestinians understand their capacity for sumud as bound to the land and landscape: one where, for human reasons as well as climate reasons, life takes care and perseverance.
          I am deeply glad to share that over the next week, our Rocky Mountain Synod will welcome some leaders from the Environmental Education Center (EEC) of Beit Jala, Palestine, a ministry of the ELCJHL. From March 28-30, Director Simon Awad and two young adult staff from the EEC will be visiting the following congregations to share more about their work for justice and care for the environment in the midst of challenges. I warmly invite you to join us for any of these events if you are able (please see details for dates and locations below).
          As we continue in the season of Lent, may God’s grace renew us all in sumud: in the stubborn persistence of life and love even in places of destruction, loss, and fear; and in our calling to plant seeds (or olive trees) of compassion, mercy, and justice. In Christ, Bishop Meghan

Immigration Summit before the Albuquerque Assembly: 8:30am 21 May–Noon May 22, here at St. Paul, $40 registration. Rostered and lay leaders are invited to attend a pre-Synod Assembly Immigration Summit to deepen our understanding of the immigration challenges as well as strategize how to faithfully accompany our immigrant siblings. Using the framework of accompaniment, we will learn from each other, share our knowledge, plan how to engage in this important issue and network across the synod for the flourishing and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002

The ELCA Chaplaincy Fund for Leaders addresses the financial obstacle for women and men answering a call to federal chaplaincy ministry with our service members, veterans, staff, and those in federal correctional facilities. Currently we have 150 chaplains serving in these specialized ministries at military posts, VA hospitals, and federal prisons. It takes an average of $40,610 per year (tuition, books, fees, and living expenses) to support a seminarian. In 2024, faithful donations from individuals and congregations allowed us to support 4 seminarians with $25,000 scholarships. You can make an online gift at: https://www.elca.org/our-work/leadership/federal-chaplaincy-ministries, and select ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Scholarship from the dropdown menu. Or mail your gifts to: ELCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1806, Merrifield, VA 22116-8000, and reference E271994 on your check.

Updates Beginning 23 March 2025

Today: St. Paul 101 begins today!  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul. We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship today and 6 April (skipping 30 March for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!) for about an hour and a half.  Be sure to bring your coffee & goodies with you, as well as your curiosities and questions. ~Pr. Koppel

Next Saturday, March 29th at Noon: Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025. Dear St. Paul family, it is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games in Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana [Note: to read an interview with Rijasoa, visit: https://www.rmusentrymedia.com/news/a-journey-of-education-leadership-and-culture-reflections-of-a-rooney-scholar/]

Next Sunday: Spring Congregational Meeting & Potluck 30 March after worship in Fellowship Hall. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

March’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF April in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Open house with the Hartwells! Former Director of Worship & Music Seth Hartwell and his family are visiting from Minneapolis during their spring break! Due to Seth’s current church musician duties, they won’t be able to attend a Sunday service at St. Paul. So, please drop in and see them at Sawmill Market (1909 Bellamah NW) on Tuesday, April 1 from 4 to 7 pm. Seth, Liz, Anna (sophomore, age 16), and Jacob (5th grade, age 11) would love to greet you! Please contact Liz (612-368-5544 or elizabeth.hartwell@gmail.com) with any questions. All are welcome!

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families: A single man came to St. Paul looking for some temporary help. He was slated to get a settlement check in a case very soon , but he had some immediate needs that couldn't wait. We paid his $155 storage unit fee, another person got him a new tire for his vehicle, and some kind folks helped him with his laundry at the laundromat. He had been a driver for a freight company that went out of business and he finds now that his aging body has trouble handling physical labor. He was extremely grateful and has said he intends to repay the kind folks that helped him out when no one else would. Thank you for being among those "kind folks." ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! There will be a signup sheet in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

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

From Gabriel Rabezanany: I am writing to share an exciting opportunity and to ask for your support in making this opportunity a reality. I have recently been given a chance to travel to New York to experience different shows on Broadway and visit historical sites with my middle school theatre class. This trip is incredibly important to me because it will provide an invaluable experience and enhance my knowledge about acting and the history of acting. However, as you can imagine, such an opportunity comes with significant costs such as transportation, accommodation, and program fees. To help cover these costs, I am reaching out to family, friends, and community members for support. My goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of May 2025. So far, I have raised $450. Your contribution, no matter what size, will make a tremendous difference. Here are some ways you can support me:

·        Cash or check donation
·        Share with friends and family
·        Prayers from the congregation

Thank you for considering my request. If you need more information, feel free to message me at (505) 369-8755 or Grabezanany@gmail.com

Rummage Sale June 14th. Greetings Congregation! I was thinking about ways to fund the Roof Project beginning in May.  How would you like to clean out goods you have at home that are no longer needed?   It would be a fun way to sell unwanted things and donate the funds to the Roof Project.  I am sure if we all pitched in, we could make it a successful and fun event.  I would invite food and refreshments we could stage in the Welcome area, to take breaks and get out of the heat. 
While I know we all love our weekends, I was anticipating that we plan for one day in June on a Saturday.  What do you think about June 14th, Saturday, from 8:00 am (drop off and set up), and advertise from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm?  What I need is to start planning and welcome your feedback and volunteers to assist in helping with the Rummage Sale.  I would even invite your friends, relatives, and children to bring items to sell for donation. We cannot accept clothing to sell at the Rummage sale.  
I would love to hear back from any of you who might be interested in participating in this Roof Fundraiser.  Please give me a call or stop in to let me know if you want to participate and your ideas.  We may need to have folks pick up and take leftover items or have a truck here to pick up items that did not sell and donate them. Please give me a call or make an appointment to stop in for a chat about your ideas.  I would love to meet more of you in person! Thank you and look forward to hearing back from you. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply search on YouTube “hats on a loom” for instructions and simple-to-follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms, ask Julie to order your set or order your own set through Amazon.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom, donate to the project! This will be our God’s Work Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3-5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing…. ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Pr. Koppel, Sara Love, Hal Nilsson, Rev. Patrick Van De Motter

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  I was visiting a church in Georgia and saw a list of food items that would be useful for us when shopping for food for The Storehouse. Some of the suggestions were:
·         Canned protein items (fish, chicken, Spam, etc.)
·         Water - (perhaps also small packets of water flavoring or flavoring drops)
·         Soup packets or cans
I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors. 
Pet food is also needed and has been in short supply per their staff. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews 

From Local Partner Organizations

Next weekend: From First Congregational United Church of Christ (our Lenten partners). Rev. Tracy Howe (National UCC) is leading the following Peace & Justice Trainings here in Albuquerque:

• Rapid Response Sanctuary and Community Defense. Sat Mar 29th at First Congregational, 9:30am-12:30pm. Response training that teaches nonviolent techniques and practice strategies for activism today. People of all ages, experience, and abilities are welcome to attend. There is a role and place for everyone.

• Cultural Organizing and Liturgical Community Care. Sun Mar 30th at Church of the Good Shepherd, 12:30-3:30pm. This workshop will focus on how we care for ourselves and our community in times like these.

Reservations required: sjoiner@firstuccabq.org

From Coro Lux: The final concert of our 10th anniversary season. Don't miss the New Mexico premiere of A PLACE CALLED HOME, text by Tony Silvestri and music by Coro Lux artistic director, Bradley Ellingboe. Written for chorus, chamber ensemble, and four soloists, A Place Called Home is a plea for us to care more deeply for the environment and our home, the Earth, told as an impactful semi-staged dramatic cantata.
          Taking place Saturday, April 12th at 4pm in the historic Lensic Theater in downtown Santa Fe, the performance includes a pre-concert panel discussion about care for the earth and our environment at 2:30pm. Panel members will include the composer, Bradley Ellingboe, and librettist, Charles Anthony Silvestri, as well as Doctor Mary Hasbah Roessel, Larry Rasmussen, and the Reverend Talitha Arnold. Tickets range from $15 to $40 and are on sale now at the Lensic Box Office.  

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Rocky Mountain Synod Advocacy has been rescheduled for April 1 at 6pm.

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09

Meeting ID: 494 372 9991             Passcode: Lutheran            720-707-2699

Immigration Summit before the Albuquerque Assembly: 8:30am 21 May–Noon May 22, here at St. Paul, $40 registration. Rostered and lay leaders are invited to attend a pre-Synod Assembly Immigration Summit to deepen our understanding of the immigration challenges as well as strategize how to faithfully accompany our immigrant siblings. Using the framework of accompaniment, we will learn from each other, share our knowledge, plan how to engage in this important issue and network across the synod for the flourishing and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002

Lutheran World Relief: The 2025 Hunger Challenge to Save Lives deadline has been extended until March 31, granting more time to help starving children and their families: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World: Programs like SNAP provide essential help to American families struggling to make ends meet as they face ever increasing prices. Cuts to SNAP means more families will go hungry. And international aid makes up less than 1 percent of the total U.S. federal budget, but its impacts are outsized in that it saves millions of lives and strengthens U.S. national security. Since news of funding changes broke, our staff has continued to meet with members of Congress and the Senate nonstop — doing everything possible to protect SNAP and reinstate international aid programs. Please give to support our work: https://www.bread.org/

Updates Beginning 16 March 2025

Today: Aging Wisely and Well will conclude today with a discussion on how you would like to be remembered. Pr. Koppel will lead this conversation. Bring your beverage and snack to the conference room at 11:15 and participate in this important conversation. ~Jan Krakow for AFD Team

Next Sunday: I'd like to extend a personal invitation to St. Paul 101.  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul.  The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 23 March (skipping 30 March for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 6 April.  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. ~Pr. Koppel

Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025 Saturday, March 29th at Noon: Dear St. Paul family, it is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games in Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana [Note: to read an interview with Rijasoa, visit: https://www.rmusentrymedia.com/news/a-journey-of-education-leadership-and-culture-reflections-of-a-rooney-scholar/]

Mark Your Calendars! Spring Congregational Meeting & Potluck 30 March after worship in Fellowship Hall. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

From Gabriel Rabezanany: I am writing to share an exciting opportunity and to ask for your support in making this opportunity a reality. I have recently been given a chance to travel to New York to experience different shows on Broadway and visit historical sites with my middle school theatre class. This trip is incredibly important to me because it will provide an invaluable experience and enhance my knowledge about acting and the history of acting. However, as you can imagine, such an opportunity comes with significant costs such as transportation, accommodation, and program fees. To help cover these costs, I am reaching out to family, friends, and community members for support. My goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of May 2025. So far, I have raised $450. Your contribution, no matter what size, will make a tremendous difference. Here are some ways you can support me:

·        Cash or check donation
·        Share with friends and family
·        Prayers from the congregation

Thank you for considering my request. If you need more information, feel free to message me at (505) 369-8755 or Grabezanany@gmail.com

Open house with the Hartwells! Former Director of Worship & Music Seth Hartwell and his family are visiting from Minneapolis during their spring break! Due to Seth’s current church musician duties, they won’t be able to attend a Sunday service at St. Paul. So, please drop in and see them at Sawmill Market (1909 Bellamah NW) on Tuesday, April 1 from 4 to 7 pm. Seth, Liz, Anna (sophomore, age 16), and Jacob (5th grade, age 11) would love to greet you! Please contact Liz (612-368-5544 or elizabeth.hartwell@gmail.com) with any questions. All are welcome!

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

March’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF April in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Hats for Dignity Mission. During Pastor Koppel’s Sabbatical leave (May, June, July) our congregation will be participating in a collaborative effort to make hats to donate in the fall of 2025 to Dignity Mission. There are several ways you can participate in this Congregational Project:

• You can learn to make these loomed hats from yarn. A limited number of looms are available through our church to check out and share. Simply search on YouTube “hats on a loom” for instructions and simple-to-follow examples or ask Julie Ambrogi (903.602.6222) or Nancy Jenkins (505.269.0855) to teach and get you started.

• If you are interested in purchasing your own looms, ask Julie to order your set or order your own set through Amazon.com ($19.95 gets you 4 looms of various sizes, pompom makers for the various sizes, a looming pick and a needle).  We are using Readaer Round Knitting Looms.

• If you do not want to mess with the yarn and/or loom, donate to the project! This will be our God’s Work Our Hands project during these months and a check or cash will be used to purchase yarn or more looms.

St. Paul has lots of yarn to offer for making these hats or yarn can be purchased. One skein of yarn can make 3-5 hats depending on the size of the hat. We would love to have these hats being made and coming in with the last of the hats to come in at the end of July. In August we will welcome Pastor Koppel and Jan back, bless our project and send our hats to those needing warmth and encouragement in the harsh elements outside. We are blessed to be a blessing…. ~Julie Ambrogi, Deborah Ash, Pr. Koppel, Sara Love, Hal Nilsson, Rev. Patrick Van De Motter

Pre-order your St. Paul T-shirt! We will be selling St. Paul T-shirts as a way to raise funds for our Pride Parade presence! There will be a signup sheet in the Welcome Center so please get one ordered!  Perhaps we can arrange for a congregational group photo, sporting our colorful shirts! Thanks, in advance! ~Jan Bowers

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

Worship Assistants: Serving communion to others or assisting in leading worship are definitely ways to deepen your faith and connection with other people. I will be making new schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants soon. The next schedule will run from April 20 to August 31. Current worship leaders are asked to email me about any dates they cannot serve. New people are needed for this ministry as well. Training will be provided. If you would like to serve as a communion assistant or assisting minister, please contact me, Terry Cole, at tecole51@comcast.net.

Rummage Sale for June 14th. Greetings Congregation! I was thinking about ways to fund the Roof Project beginning in May.  How would you like to clean out goods you have at home that are no longer needed?   It would be a fun way to sell unwanted things and donate the funds to the Roof Project.  I am sure if we all pitched in, we could make it a successful and fun event.  I would invite food and refreshments we could stage in the Welcome area, to take breaks and get out of the heat. 
While I know we all love our weekends, I was anticipating that we plan for one day in June on a Saturday.  What do you think about June 14th, Saturday, from 8:00 am (drop off and set up), and advertise from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm?  What I need is to start planning and welcome your feedback and volunteers to assist in helping with the Rummage Sale.  I would even invite your friends, relatives, and children to bring items to sell for donation. It has been noted that we cannot accept clothing to sell at the Rummage sale.  
I would love to hear back from any of you who might be interested in participating in this Roof Fundraiser.  Please give me a call or stop in to let me know if you want to participate and your ideas.  We may need to have folks pick up and take leftover items or have a truck here to pick up items that did not sell and donate them.
Please give me a call or make an appointment to stop in for a chat about your ideas.  I would love to meet more of you in person! Thank you and look forward to hearing back from you. ~Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator

Thank You’s to St. Paul:

Thank you all for your wonderful dinner on Feb 20th. It was such a blessing! Thank you for all you do to support us. We appreciate you. Blessings, Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres, Luther House

On behalf of the Storehouse family, thank you St. Paul Community for your gift of $305. Your support is a blessing to our local families in need. Sincerely, Amy Lavender, VP of Development

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  I was visiting a church in Georgia and saw a list of food items that would be useful for us when shopping for food for The Storehouse. Some of the suggestions were:

·         Canned protein items (fish, chicken, Spam, etc.)
·         Water - (perhaps also small packets of water flavoring or flavoring drops)
·         Soup packets or cans

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

From First Congregational United Church of Christ (our Lenten partners). Rev. Tracy Howe (National UCC) is leading the following Peace & Justice Trainings here in Albuquerque:

• Rapid Response Sanctuary and Community Defense. Sat Mar 29th at First Congregational, 9:30am-12:30pm. Response training that teaches nonviolent techniques and practice strategies for activism today. People of all ages, experience, and abilities are welcome to attend. There is a role and place for everyone.

• Cultural Organizing and Liturgical Community Care. Sun Mar 30th at Church of the Good Shepherd, 12:30-3:30pm. This workshop will focus on how we care for ourselves and our community in times like these.

Reservations required: sjoiner@firstuccabq.org

From Coro Lux: The final concert of our 10th anniversary season. Don't miss the New Mexico premiere of A PLACE CALLED HOME, text by Tony Silvestri and music by Coro Lux artistic director, Bradley Ellingboe. Written for chorus, chamber ensemble, and four soloists, A Place Called Home is a plea for us to care more deeply for the environment and our home, the Earth, told as a semi-staged dramatic cantata.
          Taking place Saturday, April 12th at 4 pm in the historic Lensic Theater in downtown Santa Fe, the concert will be preceded by a panel discussion at 2:30 pm involving the composer and librettist, local clergy, a professor of ethics, and a Diné physician. Tickets range from $15 to $40 and are on sale now at the Lensic Box Office.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan
Dear friends, a few years ago, I finally learned the meaning of the word Lent. (In truth, I probably learned it in seminary first and forgot; but in my defense, my worship class was directly after lunch.) Having associated Lent with Jesus’ time in the wilderness and journey to the cross, and with practices of fasting, prayer, and reflection, I was surprised to know that the English word lent simply means “spring,” from an older word (lencten) linked to the lengthening of days in this season, at least in our northern hemisphere. Lent, then, is of the earth as well as the church. Lent is the change in daylight, weather, and landscape—incremental, but clear enough to notice and to feel—that heralds the season of growth and new life. Maybe this seasonal transition is part of what inspires us to contemplation in the first place.
          A few weeks ago, as the ELCA Conference of Bishops gathered together in Chicago, I learned a new word from Bishop Jim Dunlop of Lower Susquehanna Synod in Pennsylvania: senescence. Senescence refers, in general, to the aging of living things. In trees (and other plants) specifically, it’s a renewable process: each fall, trees withdraw nutrients from their leaves into their trunks and branches, conserving these resources to prepare for the new growth of the spring. The leaves flare in color, wither, and die—so that new leaves can grow. One NIH article on this process describes senescence in a way that sounds like a sermon: “Living to Die and Dying to Live.” As you likely guessed, Bishop Dunlop invited us to ponder leaf senescence as a metaphor for the church. What if the church is not dying or in decline, as many say, but instead changing, in the way that trees do?
          Every congregation I’ve known has a life cycle. Generations pass within communities: babies grow into toddlers, and then suddenly into teenagers; elders lead, pass the torch, are accompanied to the end of life, and blessed into the company of the saints. Some congregations likewise recognize that their particular community’s life has come to an end.
          Much of our culture treats aging and death, whether of people, programs, or institutions, as a kind of failure: with enough planning, savings, or products, we should be able to keep going indefinitely. But organic things don’t go on forever. None of the congregations of the apostle Paul are still around: there is no “First Church of Ephesus” (continuously operating since the year 30). Yet the Church, the body of Christ, is not dead. It is alive, all over the world; because Jesus Christ is living, and in the world! In this time, when the very heart of the Gospel—God’s grace shaping our love of God and neighbor—is being challenged, how might the church be called to take a deep breath, contemplate anew our identity and purpose, and exhale in proclamation and service in new and renewed ways? This is my Lenten prayer and hope for all of us in the Rocky Mountain Synod, and for our neighbors. In Christ, Bishop Meghan

Rocky Mountain Synod Advocacy has been rescheduled for April 1 at 6pm. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09
Meeting ID: 494 372 9991             Passcode: Lutheran            720-707-2699

Immigration Summit before the Albuquerque Assembly: 8:30am 21 May–Noon May 22, here at St. Paul, $40 registration. Rostered and lay leaders are invited to attend a pre-Synod Assembly Immigration Summit to deepen our understanding of the immigration challenges as well as strategize how to faithfully accompany our immigrant siblings. Using the framework of accompaniment, we will learn from each other, share our knowledge, plan how to engage in this important issue and network across the synod for the flourishing and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Register at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9846002

New RMS Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries. Pastor Sara Wirth has been called to the RMS Office of the Bishop. Pastor Sara's faith journey has been marked by a passion for bringing people together to grow spiritually and serve meaningfully. With over 23 years of pastoral experience serving congregations in Montana and Colorado, she has been blessed to witness how God works through periods of significant change. Through these experiences, she discovered her calling to help faith leaders and congregations navigate adaptive challenges with clarity and hope through intentional interim ministry and through Purposeful Pastor Coaching and Consulting. As a Leadership Team Member and Trainer for the Rocky Mountain Synod's Excellence in Leadership program, she has equipped leaders with tools for navigating church transitions.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Faith, fear, and the call to community. Bishop Eaton speaks to the church about the need to check in on one another during this time of great anxiety and fear for so many members. "We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we have each other. And we have the promise of a God who meets us in our fear, who walks with us in our struggles, and who calls us to be bearers of hope.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtJTieVzll8

Updates Beginning 9 March 2025

Today: After worship, Adult Faith Development continues with the series Aging Wisely and Well. Please bring your coffee and goodies to the Conference Room at 11:15. All are welcome! ~Jan Krakow, for AFD Team

St. Paul 101: I'd like to extend a personal invitation to St. Paul 101.  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul.  The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 23 March (skipping 30 March for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 6 April.  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. ~Pr. Koppel

Mark Your Calendars! Spring Congregational Meeting & Potluck 30 March after worship in Fellowship Hall. The signup sheet is in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

Worship Assistants: Serving communion to others or assisting in leading worship are definitely ways to deepen your faith and connection with other people. I will be making new schedules for assisting ministers and communion assistants soon. The next schedule will run from April 20 to August 31. Current worship leaders are asked to email me about any dates they cannot serve. New people are needed for this ministry as well. Training will be provided. If you would like to serve as a communion assistant or assisting minister, please contact me, Terry Cole, at tecole51@comcast.net.

Adopted Families: A woman called St. Paul looking for rent help. Her wife is working but she is currently unable to because she needs to care for her one-year-old son who is struggling with severe health issues. They had some unexpected bills related to the cold spell we had, so they fell behind and had an eviction notice. With $600 from Adopted Families and more from another source, I was able to stave off the eviction. The woman was very grateful.

I know it's March, but I have a couple of anecdotes from our Christmas effort.

• The person who delivered the gifts told me that the mom said, "God is so good!" There was so much stuff and they were very happy.

• Another person wrote on a note card: "Yours were our only gifts & thank you so much. Plus we were able to buy family needs too."

So thank you again for supporting our efforts to help others. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025 Saturday, March 29th at Noon: Dear St. Paul family, it is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! Thanks to your incredible support, the 2024 Girls Camp was a resounding success! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games in Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

Devotionals: Both next quarter’s devotional and the new Lenten devotional are available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

March’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF April in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

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

Storehouse Food: The Storehouse provides food to many of the neediest in our community.  I was visiting a church in Georgia and saw a list of food items that would be useful for us when shopping for food for The Storehouse. Some of the suggestions were:

• Canned protein items (fish, chicken, Spam, etc.)

• Water - (perhaps also small packets of water flavoring or flavoring drops)

• Soup packets or cans

I hope this helps you when you're shopping!  The barrels for donations are just inside the Narthex doors.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks!  ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

HopeWorks Community Lunch + Tours: 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 behavioral health center, and get involved in raising up our most-vulnerable populations. Dates are: Wednesdays, 4/2 and 5/7, 12-1:30. RSVP to: info@hopeworksnm.org. In your RSVP, 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 and RSVP for friends and family who might also be interested in ending homelessness. You can also call (505) 273-8750 ext. 1052 to let us know you would like to attend. We hope to see you there. Michele Benavidez, Dev. Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan:

Dear Friends in Christ,
I know this is a time that feels overwhelming and complicated for many of us, for many reasons; and in this season, many aspects of our life together in the Rocky Mountain Synod also continue in an in-between space: in Office of the Bishop staffing, the RMS website, transitions and advocacy ministries, plans for Synod Assembly, property decisions, and more. I have appreciated your patience, your willingness to ask questions and share needs and concerns in direct, open, and gracious ways, and your many offers of help. Thank you!

          Recently I’ve been saying (tongue-in-cheek, but still!) that this time in our synod feels like a kitchen remodel. You go into it thinking, “This will be fine. We can still cook meals, and keep food in the fridge and cabinets, and carry on as normal. We’ll just work around it.” And as everyone who has ever remodeled a kitchen knows: you’re kidding yourself. It’s messy. It’s disruptive. It needs time. And you can’t work around it—just through it. So why do it? In this case, it’s because our OOB staff, synod council, staffing team, and other leaders are working to discern and create the team, the capacity, and the vision and direction for where God is calling us to go in the time ahead. My hope for the Rocky Mountain Synod is that we are finding ways to better accompany and support our people and ministries “for such a time as this,” as we proclaim and embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ where we are.   In that process, here’s some “construction” updates to share:

• Welcome, Deacon Mary Stoneback! Deacon Mary has been called to serve the Rocky Mountain Synod as Synod Minister for Strategic Communications and Events starting March 15.

• Colorado Advocacy: This year, in the absence of an RMS Advocacy director for Colorado, we’ve received a generous invitation from Together Colorado to join them for a Faith and Justice at the Capitol Lobby Day on March 18. We will also be convening a Zoom town-hall conversation and listening session on Thursday, March 13 at 6pm about the future of advocacy in our synod (Note: see info below).

• Watch Brave Experiments: On February 20, our Brave Experiments: Lay Leader edition webinar, coordinated by our congregational ministries committee, brought together leaders from St. Matthew (Taylorsville, UT), St. Paul (Calhan, CO), and Prairie Parish (Akron, Brush, and Sterling, CO) shared stories of how they are developing new models of ministry with lay synodically authorized ministries (SAMs) and/or shared lay and rostered ministry. You can catch up with this conversation recording here: https://www.rmselca.org/event/brave-experiments-lay-leader-edition. Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson and Pastor Katie Emery will also be leading follow-up listening sessions on lay leadership development in the RMS (Note: see info below).

Finally, I look forward to gathering with many of you May 22-24 in Albuquerque for our synod assembly, Dios está aquí / God is here! This will be an important time for members of our congregation throughout the synod to gather, worship, learn, and make decisions about our life together and our calling to our communities and the world.

Peace,
Bishop Meghan

Lay Leadership Development Listening Sessions March 10, 3pm, on Zoom. Healthy, well-equipped, and passionate lay leadership are central to the life of the church. Whether or not there is a rostered leader called to serve your current context, this fact remains. Across the RMS congregations and individuals are building skills and tools to equip lay leaders and we would love to bring you all together to hear what your congregation is currently doing or what needs are present that you wish you could be equipped for. RMS is hosting listening sessions for those who are interested in learning more about what is happening in our synod and to voice what the needs are in your contexts. All of the information will be gathered in hopes of creating relevant and formal training for lay leaders as we face the emerging future of the church together. Please register so we know how many people to expect:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f22794725d274df98c950f0ca70bde43

Rocky Mountain Synod Advocacy March 13, 6-7pm, Zoom. Join Bishop Aelabouni in a conversation about advocacy work in the Rocky Mountain Synod. As we move forward together we are looking at how we do advocacy work in all five of our states. We hope to put together a committee that will help design the future of advocacy for all of us. Prior to forming that committee, we would like to hear from you; what are your desires for advocacy work in the RMS? What questions do you have etc.?

Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4943729991?pwd=QStqR0VsRWJ5UGwzUlUycGQ5K29RZz09

Meeting ID: 494 372 9991   Passcode: Lutheran

One tap mobile: +17207072699, 4943729991# US (Denver)

+17193594580, 4943729991# US

Lutheran World Relief: The 2025 Hunger Challenge to Save Lives deadline has been extended until March 31, granting more time to help starving children and their families: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World: Programs like SNAP provide essential help to American families struggling to make ends meet as they face ever increasing prices. Cuts to SNAP means more families will go hungry. And international aid makes up less than 1 percent of the total U.S. federal budget, but its impacts are outsized in that it saves millions of lives and strengthens U.S. national security. Since news of funding changes broke, our staff has continued to meet with members of Congress and the Senate nonstop — doing everything possible to protect SNAP and reinstate international aid programs. Please give to support our work: https://www.bread.org/

Updates Beginning 2 March 2025

Today: After worship, Adult Faith Development continues with the series Aging Wisely and Well. Please bring your coffee and goodies to the Conference Room at 11:15. All are welcome! ~The AFD Team

Today: Girl Scout Cookies! Our resident Girl Scout Troop will have a table set up after service for you to purchase cookies. ~Deborah Ash

St. Paul 101: I'd like to extend a personal invitation to St. Paul 101.  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul.  The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 23 March (skipping 30 March for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 6 April.  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. ~Pr. Koppel

Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025: Dear St. Paul family, it is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! Thanks to your incredible support, the 2024 Girls Camp was a resounding success! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games on Saturday, March 29th at Noon in Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

Devotionals: Both next quarter’s devotional and the new Lenten devotional are available in the Welcome Center. ~Deborah Ash

March’s God’s Work Our Hands project: We are collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. On your check to St. Paul, please note FFF April in the memo line. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

A special thank you to Nancy's Friends Feeding Friends group who provided 29 pans of spaghetti and meatballs/meat sauce to HopeWorks for the meal on the first Thursday of February.  Along with the salad and dressing, cookies, fruit and bread, we were able to provide a complete meal to their clients. We have a total of three groups. Two of the groups are providing food. St. Paul supports the third group by sending money that has been donated for the First Thursday meal. The two groups providing food are Nancy Jenkins’ and Hal Schultz's. Nancy's group provides the meal in February, May, August and November. Hal's group provides the meal in March, June, September and December. If you would like to join a group, please contact me! ~Nancy Jenkins

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. 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: Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s movement, will observe the annual World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 7th at First Presbyterian Church (215 Locust Ave. NE). The women of Cook Islands, located near New Zealand and Australia, prepared the worship service, entitled “I Made You Wonderful.” It invites us to recognize that God created each one of us with great attention and loving care. The morning begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee, refreshments and good conversation, followed by the service at 9:30. There will be two offerings. One will go to the World Day of Prayer Committee, the second for CWU in NM. All women from St. Paul are invited to join us and bring a friend! Questions? Contact CWU President, Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657 or sfnils@swcp.com.

HopeWorks Community Lunch + Tours, starting this Wednesday. 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 behavioral health center, and get involved in raising up our most-vulnerable populations. Dates are: Wednesdays, 3/5, 4/2 and 5/7, 12-1:30. RSVP to: info@hopeworksnm.org. In your RSVP, 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 and RSVP for friends and family who might also be interested in ending homelessness. You can also call (505) 273-8750 ext. 1052 to let us know you would like to attend. We hope to see you there. Michele Benavidez, Dev. Director 

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lay Leadership Development Listening Sessions Mar. 3 & 10. Healthy, well-equipped, and passionate lay leadership are central to the life of the church. Whether or not there is a rostered leader called to serve your current context, this fact remains. Across the RMS congregations and individuals are building skills and tools to equip lay leaders and we would love to bring you all together to hear what your congregation is currently doing or what needs are present that you wish you could be equipped for. RMS is hosting listening sessions for those who are interested in learning more about what is happening in our synod and to voice what the needs are in your contexts. All of the information will be gathered in hopes of creating relevant and formal training for lay leaders as we face the emerging future of the church together. The sessions will be held on Zoom: March 3 at 7:00pm MT & March 10 at 3:00pm. Please register here so we know how many people to expect:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f22794725d274df98c950f0ca70bde43

The Office of the Bishop welcomes Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson as our new Synod Minister for Rostered and Lay Leadership! She began serving as the Assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Ministers in January 2022. In this role she worked with candidacy, first call leaders, and served as the staff liaison to the Global Church Network, and Campus Ministry Committee. In addition, she has been present in RMS congregations and ministries, assisted in developing a lay ministry pilot program, provided support for colleagues in crisis and transition, and generally sought to build supportive and positive relationships between the Office of the Bishop and the people and ministries of the RMS.  Prior to serving through the Office of the Bishop, Pastor Diana served in congregations in El Paso and Colorado. Her sense of call to ordained ministry was shaped in childhood through her family’s involvement at Zion Lutheran in Loveland, summer employment at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, and full-time volunteer service with the Border Servant Corps, serving at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso. Pastor Diana lives in Broomfield with her wife and two tween-age children.

Updates Beginning 23 February 2025

Today: After worship, Adult Faith Development continues with the series Aging Wisely and Well. Please bring your coffee and goodies to the Conference Room at 11:15. All are welcome! ~The AFD Team

Today: God’s Work Our Hands. After worship, we will put together hygiene kits for HopeWorks in Fellowship Hall. Please come be a part of that process! If you would like to donate to help us fill in any gaps, please indicate on your check “Feb GWOH Project.” March’s GWOH project will be collecting funds for the Friends Feeding Friends First Thursday meal on 3 April at HopeWorks. Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

St. Paul 101: I'd like to extend a personal invitation to St. Paul 101.  It's a great time to learn more about St. Paul (our congregation), our denomination (the Evangelical Church in America), and Christianity as a whole.  It's also a great time for new and current members to meet one another.  And a great way to help you decide if you'd like to join the rolls of St. Paul.  The next St. Paul 101 classes are scheduled for 23 March (skipping 30 March for our Spring Congregational Meeting - also a great way to get to know who we are and what we do!), and 6 April.  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. ~Pr. Koppel

Next Sunday: Girl Scout Cookies! Our resident Girl Scout Troop will have a table set up after service for you to purchase cookies. So, if your Thin Mints have run out, this will be a great opportunity to stock up! ~Deborah Ash

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

Devotionals: Both next quarter’s devotional and the new Lenten devotional are 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

Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025: Dear St. Paul family, it is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! Thanks to your incredible support, the 2024 Girls Camp was a resounding success! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games on Saturday, March 29th at Noon in Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there! ~Rijasoa Andriamanana

Update on Exterior Office Door: The new door is painted and installation is tomorrow! We have lots of folks to thank who have helped us at low or no cost with this project. It really did take a village! ~Deborah Ash

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

A Thank You to St. Paul:
On behalf of the Storehouse family, thank you for your gift of $305. Your donation will provide 1,525 meals for those in need. Across the board, higher food costs and inflation have impacted many people in our community. As a result, we’ve seen a substantial increase in the number of people visiting the pantry over the last several months. The Storehouse is committed to provide food to every person who walks through our doors. Your support allows us to honor our commitment to our community and ensure that families facing food insecurity have a place to turn. We are so grateful to the St. Paul community for your help in feeding our local families in need. Thank you.
Sincerely, Amy Lavender, VP of Development

From Local Partner Organizations

Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s movement, will observe the annual World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 7th at First Presbyterian Church (215 Locust Ave. NE). The women of Cook Islands, located near New Zealand and Australia, prepared the worship service, entitled “I Made You Wonderful.” It invites us to recognize that God created each one of us with great attention and loving care. The morning begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee, refreshments and good conversation, followed by the service at 9:30. There will be two offerings. One will go to the World Day of Prayer Committee, the second for CWU in NM. All women from St. Paul are invited to join us and bring a friend! Questions? Contact CWU President, Shirley Nilsson at 505-463-3657 or email her at sfnils@swcp.com.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Lay Leadership Development Listening Sessions Feb. 24, Mar. 3, & 10.
Healthy, well-equipped, and passionate lay leadership are central to the life of the church. Whether or not there is a rostered leader called to serve your current context, this fact remains. Across the Rocky Mountain Synod congregations and individuals are building skills and tools to equip lay leaders and we would love to bring you all together to hear what your congregation is currently doing or what needs are present that you wish you could be equipped for.
The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting 3 listening sessions over the next month for those who are interested in learning more about what is happening in our synod and to voice what the needs are in your contexts. All of the information will be gathered in hopes of creating relevant and formal training for lay leaders as we face the emerging future of the church together. The sessions will be held on Zoom:

Monday, February 24 at 10:00am MT
Monday, March 3 at 7:00pm MT
Monday, March 10 at 3:00pm

Please register here so we know how many people to expect:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f22794725d274df98c950f0ca70bde43
          If you have questions, contact Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org or Pastor Katie Emery kemery@rmselca.org.

Dear Friend,

Lent is a sacred time for deep personal and communal reflection—an opportunity to step away from the distractions of the world and draw closer to God. This season, Bread for the World invites you and your congregation to join us on a journey of spiritual preparation as we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and anticipate the hope of His resurrection.
The theme of our Lenten devotional guide is Come to the Table, and it provides tools for meditation on scripture, reflection, spiritual practices, and gathering around God’s table.
The devotional guide follows the Revised Common Lectionary and is an excellent resource for individual or small group reflection. A Spanish version is coming soon. https://www.bread.org/article/come-to-the-table-lenten-devotional/

Global Refuge Statement on Misinformation around our Humanitarian Work 2/2:
Global Refuge condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the false accusations lodged against our humanitarian work. As a faith-based nonprofit, we have faithfully walked alongside legally admitted refugees and immigrants for more than 85 years. This includes Afghan Allies who risked their lives to protect U.S. troops, as well as persecuted Christians, all of whom have been extensively vetted and approved by multiple U.S. government agencies before traveling to our country.
We also remain committed to caring for unaccompanied children forced to flee unimaginable circumstances in their home countries to seek safety in the United States. Across Democratic and Republican administrations, we have partnered with the U.S. government to protect vulnerable children, safeguard them against human trafficking, and safely reunify them with their parent(s) or guardian.
Rooted in our proud Lutheran heritage, Global Refuge and our dedicated network of providers stand ready to assist the new administration in welcoming families who need to resettle in our country, helping ensure they learn our language, secure jobs that help our economy grow, and quickly become vital contributors to communities. To do otherwise would run contrary to the spirit of our Christian faith, America’s identity as a nation of immigrants, and our role as a global humanitarian leader.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

 Lutheran World Relief’s 2025 Hunger Challenge to Save Lives. The goal is to raise $250,000 by February 28 to rush emergency food to your neighbors who need it most. LWR saves and improves lives in the poorest parts of the world. We will persist until your love reaches every neighbor.  Give at: https://lwr.org/

2025 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM): Friends in Christ and friends in music, enrollment is 75% full, but there is still time for you to nominate students, or for students to apply! Standard Enrollment is offered through March 1. Late Enrollment, with an increased application fee and pending final instrument area availability, is offered through May: lsmacademy.org/nominate

Updates Beginning 16 February 2025

Today: Please see the blue insert for information regarding today’s Adult Faith Development after worship. Please bring your coffee and goodies to the Conference Room at 11:15. All are welcome! ~The AFD Team

God’s Work Our Hands is This Week: Join us for the Luther House Meal Train Thursday, February 20th. We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening of fellowship and Bible study with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students!
Our February God’s Work Our Hands project will be putting together hygiene kits for HopeWorks on February 23rd after worship. Please come be a part of that process in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate to help us fill in any gaps, please indicate on your check “Feb GWOH Project.” Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Fundraiser for Madagascar Girls Camp 2025:

Dear St. Paul family,

It is that time of the year again to talk about the Girls Camp! With your support, we are hitting our third edition in July 2025! Thanks to your incredible support, the 2024 Madagascar Girls Camp was a resounding success! This life-changing camp brings girls from remote Malagasy villages to Antananarivo, the capital city, opening their eyes to future possibilities. Like in the two previous years, for five days, 24 girls and 6 teachers will explore universities, hear from inspiring leaders, and participate in enriching activities like Bible stories, arts and crafts, and English lessons. These girls come from communities facing extreme poverty, lacking even basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Your generosity will cover all camp expenses, including warm clothing, transportation, food, and accommodation. To make that happen, I need your help to raise the funds. Therefore, you are invited to join us for a Malagasy luncheon with food, music, and games on Saturday, March 29th at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. You will hear inspiring stories from the 2024 camp, and learn how your support empowers these girls. We hope to see you there!

Rijasoa Andriamanana

Campus Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 5th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to help us buff and polish St. Paul inside and out for Easter! We will have indoor and outdoor teams so you can choose where you prefer to work. We will plan for 9am-Noon with lunch provided when we wrap up. Many hands do make light work! ~Deborah Ash

Update from Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator:

Hello Congregation,

It’s been a little over a month since I have been hired as Facilities Coordinator here at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  I am happy to say that I have met some of the congregation but I’m getting familiar with lots of names within the Church.  With the help of Pastor Kristi and Deb, I am getting into the groove of what needs to happen on the Calendar, upcoming events and how it all gets done.  
I wanted to share some of the progress I’ve made.  Jan Bowers and I headed to the Blue Room to see how we could organize better.  We made room for the Chapel of the Holy Spirit who is using the Chapel for services on Sunday’s from 10:00-11:00 am, followed by fellowship in the Pastor Sacristy. So, say hello to them while walking into St. Paul services at 10:00. They have a doorman greeting their congregation.
I have started to make an inventory of things, with the advice of Pastor, that can be donated or thrown away.  I found out that the Youth Choir robes were up for grabs.  I called several local high schools, music and theatre directors.  I then called some folks with Albuquerque Little Theatre and Vortex. Well lo and behold, they wanted those robes. Those robes now have a home to be used in productions.  In addition, the stage prop guy also took the Puppet Show stand and puppets, as he mentioned they are looking at doing a puppet performance this summer.
I also had an idea of putting together a Garage Sale here at St. Paul for the end of May or early June with proceeds going to the roof fund.  I would love to hear your opinion on this idea.  We could all bring our unwanted stuff, advertise on Market Place in FB, and get the passersby to stop into the property to browse and buy.  If you have ideas, or would like to help organize, please reach out to me via email, phone or make an appointment with me.

Blessings,
Jolene Gallegos, Facilities Coordinator
St. Paul Lutheran Church
facilities@stpaulabq.org / O: 505-242-5942
Days of work:  M / T / Th from 9am-2pm

Girl Scout Cookies! Our resident Girl Scout Troop will have a table set up on March 2 after service for you to purchase cookies. So, if your Thin Mints have run out, this will be a great opportunity to stock up! ~Deborah Ash

Update on Exterior Office Door. We have the door now but have a few steps still to go before installation. Thanks for everyone’s patience! ~Deborah Ash

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. 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:

Next Saturday:

Contact iusti Remer-Thamert for more information: 505-307-2218.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan:

Dear friends,

As we approach Valentine’s Day, I’ve been thinking about bees. That may sound strange, given the frozen ground and frigid temperatures in much of our synod these days. But it just so happens that St. Valentine, whose life inspired a holiday about love, is also the patron saint of beekeepers.
          Admittedly, love and bees are not two things I normally put together. I was terrified of bees as a child, afraid of being stung. I had no idea how vital bees are to all life on earth, responsible for pollinating as much as 75% of cultivated global crops and 90% of wild plants (one estimate claims that we rely on bees and other pollinators for one out of every three mouthfuls of food!) Who knew so much depends on such tiny actors, whose movements from plant to plant often go unnoticed in a chaotic world.
          Beloved, I know many of us feel like we are in a whirlwind these days. Too much news to assimilate. Rapid, large-scale change all around us, with uncertain outcomes. Outright fear among immigrant and refugee communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of color. Many of our Lutheran ministries and partners who welcome and serve new arrivals to the U.S. are facing significant funding freezes or cuts—including Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains and Border Servant Corps, who have had to reduce staff and pause services.
          I also know that since “Lutherans” were named in social media by people connected to the current administration who accused our social services of illegal activity, a number of our congregations and ministries are anxious about increased risk. I am sad to report that this week, a rock was thrown forcefully through a front window of St. Stephen’s in Northglenn, CO, shattering glass over the narthex; and other congregations have reported unknown people disrupting worship or leaving angrily mid-service—including Christ in Highlands Ranch, CO, who welcomed Pr. Eric Shafer of Global Refuge last weekend (one of the Lutheran agencies that has been targeted and falsely accused of “money laundering.”)
          During the years I served in Jerusalem, incidents of harassment and vandalism against churches and Christians was not uncommon. In the first months of the war, our church debated about whether to lock the outside doors to prevent unknown visitors (a difficult choice, considering that unknown visitors often made up a large part of our congregation!) While this is not the same context, know that I am praying for all of our congregations and communities who seek to balance caution and courage; to be wise and prepared; and still to keep showing up to preach, pray, sing, and share the sacraments as the church.
Which brings me to love… and the bees. It is easy to see reasons for worry, grief, and anger. And yet, all around us, Dios está aquí—God is here!—in the kind of love that works like pollination: quietly, determinedly, moving from flower to flower, from person to person, in community after community. Love showing up in our congregations and ministries, in our people and our neighbors. Love that looks like public statements or organizing actions—and love that comes through gift cards and groceries, words of encouragement and education, calls to hold elected leaders accountable and to check on neighbors’ welfare. These actions, both the largest and smallest, absolutely matter. They are the essence of love, of the Gospel, and the very reign of God—which, like pollen (or yeast, or a mustard seed), defy all the powers of sin and death with God’s power of new life, justice, and mercy.
          This Valentine’s Day, let us give thanks for the bees, and all they have to give and teach us. Let us give thanks for those who have not given up on offering love to others, especially the most vulnerable among us. And let us give thanks to God, who tends us as lovingly and steadfastly as any beekeeper.

In Christ,
Bishop Meghan

This Week: 2025 Issue Briefing & Bishop's Luncheon.
Registration is open for the 2025 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon that will be held on Thursday, February 20th! We are pleased that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregation program, will return as host for the morning Issue Briefing. And, after a one-year hiatus, we will return to the La Fonda Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon.
This will be the first year for our new Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, the Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni. Bishop Johnson Aelabouni was elected last spring and began her service on July 1, 2024. We hope you will join us in offering a warm welcome to the Bishop as she hosts her first Bishop's Luncheon.
The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, on February 17th, it will increase to $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: www.lutheranadvocacynm.org/. (Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge covers only the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)

Kurt Rager
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico

Schedule

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 Check-in, refreshments & fellowship at First Presbyterian
(208 Grant Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Devotion
9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Bishop Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
11:15 a.m. Advocacy Agenda and Issue Briefing
Noon-12:15 p.m. Transition to La Fonda Hotel
(100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins
2:00 p.m. Lunch concludes

Lay Leadership Development Listening Sessions Feb. 24, Mar. 3, & 10
Healthy, well-equipped, and passionate lay leadership are central to the life of the church. Whether or not there is a rostered leader called to serve your current context, this fact remains. Across the Rocky Mountain Synod congregations and individuals are building skills and tools to equip lay leaders and we would love to bring you all together to hear what your congregation is currently doing or what needs are present that you wish you could be equipped for.
The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting 3 listening sessions over the next month for those who are interested in learning more about what is happening in our synod and to voice what the needs are in your contexts. All of the information will be gathered in hopes of creating relevant and formal training for lay leaders as we face the emerging future of the church together. The sessions will be held on Zoom:

Monday, February 24 at 10:00am MT
Monday, March 3 at 7:00pm MT
Monday, March 10 at 3:00pm

Please register here so we know how many people to expect:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f22794725d274df98c950f0ca70bde43
          If you have questions, contact Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org or Pastor Katie Emery kemery@rmselca.org.

From RMS AMMPARO: Virtual Advocacy Days for Refugees March 3-7.
Dear friends, now is the time to speak up on behalf of refugees seeking safety and a new life. As faith leaders and organizations, we are called to love our neighbor, welcome the sojourner, and care for the vulnerable. To that end, we invite you to participate in upcoming refugee advocacy days March 3-7th.
          The administration’s decision to fully suspend refugee resettlement has left thousands of refugees stranded overseas, while ongoing uncertainty following the stop-work order has further impacted core services to refugees who have already arrived in the United States.
          Join us in taking action by signing up to participate in Virtual Advocacy Days for Refugees March 3-7! Sign up by Feb 17 at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScu7FvFvL1gWwcYn7tLdqTwYylytiQqN7M34b5vq9SgTTIVVw/viewform

To participate, you must register to attend the Legislative Advocacy 101 Webinar training on Wednesday, Feb. 19 5-6 PM ET: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c7a9c8c1-cfaa-4c17-8afa-093c3bf207ac@1d0e7a65-80fa-4c0f-894e-6cc0f7cb5e43
What we bring: Participants will receive training, a folder with a leave-behind and talking points, and accompaniment in Hill meetings from ELCA or Global Refuge staff.
          What you bring: your self, stories of personal impact, and preparation.

Thank you for your commitment and support. All the best,
Giovana Oaxaca
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Insert:

AGING WISELY AND WELL

AN ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

When: Sunday mornings after worship

Feb. 16 – March 16, 2025

11:15am – 12:15pm

What: Discussions about issues of aging

How does spirituality enable aging well?
What are your family wishes as you age?
What important documents do you need to gather?
What financial issues and opportunities will you have?
How would you like your life to be remembered?
What resources are available?

Bring your experiences and hopes you have as you age and join in this important conversation. 
Bring your coffee and snacks along, too.
We look forward to having you join us in these important conversations.

Updates Beginning 9 February 2025

Today: Adult Faith Development will be led by seminarian Hannah Peterson.  She will lead a Community Cares Project which will look at Loneliness from an individual experiential level to a broader community engagement level. Bring your coffee and join us in the conference room for this timely topic.  We begin at 11:15 and end at 12:15.  We would enjoy having you join us. ~The AFD Team

Today: Love God Love Neighbor will meet at St. Timothy’s 12:30-2:30pm for sack lunch assembling for our neighbors in need. ~Pr. Koppel

Pastor Koppel is now a Co-Dean for the Northern New Mexico Conference! She and Pr. Kate Schlechter have been voted in as co-deans for three-year terms. The co-deans’ responsibilities include:

• Advocacy for ELCA identity and mission

• Communication between the Office of Bishop and the Conference

• Coordination of and participation in regular meetings of the Conference

• Attend meetings between the Office of Bishop and the Conference

• Promote avenues of collaboration between congregations and leaders within the Conference

• Facilitation of congregations in transition including welcomes and farewells to rostered leaders entering and leaving the Conference

• Connection with rostered leaders to facilitate pastoral care as an extension of the synod’s care and concern in times of challenge or difficulty.

As RMS Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni notes, “I appreciate your support and prayers in support of this important ministry. Together, with other Conferences and congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod, we are blessed to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the world, and I am grateful for your partnership in our ministry together.” ~Deborah Ash

Adopted Families: A counselor from Albuquerque Community Safety called St. Paul looking for help for a client. It was for a mother who recently had her teenage child pass away. The mother had difficulty keeping up with the usual bills because of the additional expenses related to the tragedy. The counselor had gotten help for some of the bills but was having trouble finding help for the gas bill. The counselor added his warm and hearty thanks to that of the family when we paid the nearly $270 that was owed.
Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

God’s Work Our Hands: Join us for the Luther House Meal Train Thursday, February 20th. We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening of fellowship and Bible study with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students! Our February God’s Work Our Hands project will be putting together hygiene kits for HopeWorks on  February 23rd after worship. Please come be a part of that process in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate to help us fill in any gaps, please indicate on your check “Feb GWOH Project.” Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Update on Exterior Office Door. We are still waiting on an installation date, hopefully this week. Thanks for everyone’s patience! ~Deborah Ash

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. 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

Contact iusti Remer-Thamert for more information: 505-307-2218.

Hello Albuquerque,

As we move forward into this busy new year, I hope you can take time to reflect on what makes Albuquerque such a unique and resilient place. This week, we reaffirmed our commitment as an immigrant-friendly city. We believe everyone in our city should be able to report crimes and take their kids to school, church, or the hospital without fear of having their family torn apart. APD officers will continue to arrest violent and repeat offenders–regardless of immigration status. We won’t turn our local police into immigration agents or target people because of their status or skin color. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties or has questions about your rights, our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) has resources available online at cabq.gov/OIRA.
          We’ve had cold January weather too, but we continue providing shelter, transportation, and resources to our unsheltered community. We have a warm bed ready for anyone who needs one. Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) continues to operate its after-hours transportation service. Between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., the public can call (505) 418-6178 to request transportation to shelter. ACS is also expanding its responder training, ensuring our teams are equipped to handle the evolving needs of our city.
          During the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session, we are prioritizing the issues that matter most to Albuquerque families: public safety, housing, and homelessness. Our capital priorities include funding for emergency vehicles, advanced crime-fighting technology, and fire station improvements to keep our community safe. We’re also advocating for expanded housing solutions, including more overnight beds in the Gateway Network, and micro-communities to combat homelessness. These initiatives are critical to building a safer, more stable Albuquerque for all residents.
          Looking ahead, our city continues breaking through on our biggest projects, investing in our people, and strengthening our community to make Albuquerque a better place to live, work, and grow. Let’s keep working together to build a stronger community.

Stay warm and stay safe,
Mayor Tim Keller

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

2025 Issue Briefing & Bishop's Luncheon

Registration is open for the 2025 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon that will be held on Thursday, February 20th! We are pleased that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregation program, will return as host for the morning Issue Briefing. And, after a one-year hiatus, we will return to the La Fonda Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon.

This will be the first year for our new Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, the Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni. Bishop Johnson Aelabouni was elected last spring and began her service on July 1, 2024. We hope you will join us in offering a warm welcome to the Bishop as she hosts her first Bishop's Luncheon.

The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, on February 17th, it will increase to $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: www.lutheranadvocacynm.org/. (Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge covers only the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)

Kurt Rager
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico

Schedule

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 Check-in, refreshments & fellowship at First Presbyterian (208 Grant Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Devotion
9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Bishop Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
11:15 a.m. Advocacy Agenda and Issue Briefing
Noon-12:15 p.m. Transition to La Fonda Hotel (100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins
2:00 p.m. Lunch concludes

From RMS AMMPARO: Faith Org/Leader Statement of Support for Refugee Resettlement (Deadline 2/13). The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (https://www.interfaithimmigration.org/) invites faith-based organizations and faith leaders to sign onto this letter urging the Trump Administration to resume refugee resettlement and restore humanitarian assistance to recently arrived refugees. 
          Why sign: Resuming refugee resettlement responds to core faith values and aligns with U.S. interests to promote peace and stability in the world. The “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program” executive order from Jan. 20, 2025, abruptly suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), pending review every 90 days. Soon after, on Jan. 24, the State Department issued a notice responding to the “Executive Order on Review of Foreign Assistance” which immediately began disrupting core services to recently admitted refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders . Faith communities have a long legacy of supporting this work and it comes from core understandings of faith teachings. If you have questions, please contact Giovana Oaxaca, giovana.oaxaca@elca.org. Sign here: https://forms.gle/y6vaTJh4yof93stz7

Friends in faith,

As many of you have seen, Lutheran service providers were attacked on social media over the weekend—with high-profile accounts making derogatory comments about our services and spreading lies about our work of welcome.
Global Refuge condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the false accusations lodged against our humanitarian work. Rooted in our proud Lutheran heritage, Global Refuge and our dedicated network of providers stand ready to continue our work of welcoming families who need to resettle in our country, helping ensure they learn our language, secure jobs that help our economy grow, and quickly become vital contributors to communities. To do otherwise would run contrary to the spirit of our Christian faith, America’s identity as a nation of immigrants, and our role as a global humanitarian leader. (Read our full statement: https://lirs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ba26e3c84448d9ea4814c790&id=c76e9ced9f&e=2f360c0226)
Proving that every cloud has a silver lining, we have been heartened by the response of Lutheran and other faith communities who support our work and our Biblical call to welcome the stranger. We know that many members of our community are fired up and ready to defend the work of Global Refuge and other Lutheran organizations that do so much good in their communities. That’s why we’d like to invite you to harness that energy and invite your congregations to take action today.
Our call to welcome transcends politics and policy—we are doing everything we can to support our newest neighbors. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, and we’ll be in touch with more opportunities as they arise. Visit: https://www.globalrefuge.org/

In solidarity,
Deacon Sarah Kretschmann
Congregational Engagement Specialist 

Dear Friend,

I write to you with a heavy heart. You’re aware of the recent executive orders and other directives that are impacting many of the hunger, poverty, and malnutrition policies and programs that Bread for the World has supported over the last five decades.
While adjustments are common with administration changes, and standard reviews of government programs are healthy, the immediate foreign assistance pause and sudden restructuring of USAID will significantly set back global hunger. I fear that much of the progress that Bread and our partners have made – which had already been halted by COVID, climate, conflict, and costs – may be impacted for generations to come.
The Secretary of State’s waiver for emergency food assistance gives us some hope. We are also grateful that some of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is exempted, too, allowing critical HIV medicine to proceed and prevent people dying from losing access to treatments (20 million HIV-positive people depend on PEPFAR).
But the impacts of the pause and work stop order are devastating. Maternal and child nutrition programs, therapeutic feeding centers, and programs for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers that are not covered under the waiver are being closed. The impacts of this are dire for, as an example, the 4.5 million children under the age of five who are facing acute malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
          The U.S. has established itself as a leader in development assistance, and the sudden absence of our investments will not only affect people’s ability to feed their families today – it will have long-term impacts. When two-thirds of the staff for the President’s Malaria Initiative were laid off, one said: “You could open the funding floodgates again tomorrow and you will still have children dying months from now because of this pause.”
          As a non-partisan organization, Bread has built strong relationships on both sides of the aisle. Being nonpartisan does not mean we remain silent when we believe certain actions are antithetical to our faith and our mission. We strive to embody a healthy political presence that emanates from our faith. One of our organizational commitments is to value courage and prophetic voice. In a spirit of wisdom and love, we intend to be bold in articulating and pursuing our vision of a world without hunger.
          To that end, Bread is doing everything we can to gather information, advocate directly to Congress, collaborate with partners to share news and impacts, and organize to raise voices of faith. We are committed to responding with reason, strength, and moral conviction. You can read Bread’s press release: “Bread for the World Urges End to the Pause on Foreign Aid”, and I’m quoted in these pieces from Devex and Food Tank.
          Bread is also moving forward with our 2025 advocacy campaign, Nourish our Future, which focuses on WIC, the Child Tax Credit, and global nutrition. I hope you will join the launch event tonight, February 4, beginning at 6:55 p.m. ET. Many people have reached out to ask what Bread members can do right now, and the truth is that continuing with this campaign is one of the best things we can do. In fact, there’s never been a more important time to organize and advocate for nutrition.
          For every $1 invested in addressing undernutrition, countries see $23 in returns. Fully funding proven nutrition programs is powerfully efficient and effective.
          Now more than ever, it is important that our congressional representatives hear voices advocating for the protection of nutrition programs. Please reach out to your elected officials and share this action alert with your circle.
          Please also consider a financial gift that will allow us to expand our advocacy, analysis, and organizing to fund domestic and international nutrition programs.
          Finally, please join us in prayer. While some may scoff, prayer, in itself, is action but let’s be sure that we put feet, hands, and advocacy to our prayers as well.

With hope,
Rev. Eugene Cho
President and CEO
bread.org

Lutheran World Relief’s 2025 Hunger Challenge to Save Lives. The goal is to raise $250,000 by February 28 to rush emergency food to your neighbors who need it most. LWR saves and improves lives in the poorest parts of the world. We will persist until your love reaches every neighbor.  Give at: https://lwr.org/

Updates Beginning 2 February 2025

Today: Adult Faith Development will discuss an article found in “Living Lutheran”, the magazine of the ELCA, about faith in these difficult times and how each of us, individually, live out our faith.  One prompt is “What was the most impactful way you connected with your faith this past year?”  You are invited to join us in the conference room after worship today.  Bring your refreshments along and participate in the conversation. ~The AFD Team

Adopted Families: A single woman in her sixties called St. Paul looking for help with her bills. She had lost her job in December and was very actively looking for another job. She said she had been doing OK and it was hard to ask for help. We were able to pay the nearly $250 she owed the gas company. She was very grateful and thanked me several times. So I want to pass that thanks along to you - there is no end to the need out there. Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Next Sunday:

Pastoral Messages from the Bishops of ELCA and RMS are posted in the Welcome Center and several sets of them are available. ~Deborah Ash

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

God’s Work Our Hands: Our January Luther House Meal Train has moved to Thursday, February 20th. We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening of fellowship and Bible study with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students! Our February God’s Work Our Hands project will be putting together hygiene kits for HopeWorks on  February 23rd after worship. We already have plenty of supplies on hand so please come be a part of that process in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate to help us fill in any gaps (need more razors, etc.) please indicate on your check “Feb GWOH Project.” Thanks! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Update on Exterior Office Door. The new door is in and we are looking at installation later this week (still waiting on scheduling). ~Deborah Ash

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

From Coro Lux:

Tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/corolux/1524289?

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

A Message from Bishop Meghan

Dear friends,

Last weekend in worship, many of us heard a reading from 1 Corinthians about Paul’s metaphor of the body of Christ: a unified body of diverse members with different gifts and roles, all important, intended to work in mutuality and harmony. This image of human community, both within the church and in general, is simple and profound—yet seems impossible in practice! Still, I return to it again and again, as I ask the question: how am I, and how are we, called to be and to live in these times? An answer: we are called as a body to live in community, in love and care for one another.
          Paul wrote of the body, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it” (1 Cor. 12:26). I am mindful of this call this week as we hear news about a tragic loss of life in the plane and helicopter crash in Washington, D.C.; as ministries and programs of support for immigrants and refugees receive “stop work” orders that withhold funding; as people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, and others receive news of a concerted effort to dismantle work that educates and advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; as grief and anxiety overwhelm so many, from a global scale to a personal one: in our families, among our loved ones and neighbors. Can we be bold in Christ to proclaim that where one member suffers, we all suffer?
          At the same time, God remains present and active in ways that invite us to rejoice! Last week, seven lay members of St. Paul, Calhan (CO) were commissioned as synodically authorized ministers to preach, preside, and offer pastoral care and leadership as a team in their congregation—only one example of many places where God is “doing a new thing” in our church. Congregations and ministries are welcoming new rostered ministers, working on call processes, having Spirit-led discernment conversations about your futures, and continuing to faithfully love and serve God and your neighbors through worship, service, and community. So many in the Rocky Mountain Synod, by the grace of God, are choosing mercy, kindness, justice, and hope, in ways big and small. Can we be bold in Christ to proclaim that where one member rejoices, we all rejoice?
I know, too, that many of us likely feel in-between: perhaps not suffering, perhaps not rejoicing, but wondering—worrying—questioning—waiting. In this, too, the spirit of Paul’s words applies. And it is worth saying that people don’t fit absolutely into these or any categories of experience. Sometimes suffering and joy coexist. Sometimes we are able to give help and support, and sometimes we need to receive it. The body of Christ also exists for that reason: to allow for the ebbs and flows of human life and need.
          Dear RMS community, my prayer this week is that God’s grace continues to renew and sustain the body of Christ: for all that we face and all that we strive for; for all who suffer and all who rejoice; for our calling and purpose as Jesus’ body in the world for such a time as this. May you know that God is with you, God is with us, and God is with our neighbors. And may the church continue to be re-formed into the body we were meant to be: a body that truly makes God’s presence and love known.

In Christ,
Bishop Meghan

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM: Week Two of the Legislative Session.

Dear Partners in Advocacy,

As I am sure you are aware, President Trump issued a flurry of Executive Orders within hours of his inauguration. A number directly impact immigrants - those seeking asylum, migrant workers, and other undocumented people living within our nation's borders. The Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Elizabeth Eaton, has issued a statement regarding these immigration orders this week. I invite you to read that statement at elca.org.

"God calls us to welcome the stranger and love the sojourner as we love ourselves. I pray for God’s grace to increase understanding of and mercy toward immigrants in these days."

 These developments make this Monday, February 3rd, all the more important. Monday marks the Immigrants and Workers' Day of Action. I hope you will join me and others from many organizations, including LAM-NM, as we learn, march, rally, and advocate on the issues with our legislators. A key component of that day includes advocacy for the Immigrant Safety Act. There will be more work as well, concerning the Border Servant Corps, so please stay tuned!
          I am aware of other statements and information put out by our denominational partners. For the many non-Lutherans engaged in our ministry, I encourage you to follow those as well from your specific denomination.
          Turning from immigration to hunger, I want to highlight another important event that takes place in early February. Bread for the World was started 50 years ago by Lutheran Pastor, Art Simon, and is now led by the Rev. Eugene Cho. Bread focuses on both hunger in the U.S. but also hunger around the world. Indeed, I know many of you have supported Bread for the World letter campaigns in your congregations. Bread is now launching a new initiative, Nourish Our Future. I encourage you to join an upcoming webinar if you would like to support this new advocacy effort. The webinar takes place on February 4th, beginning at 5 pm MT. Register at: https://www.bread.org/.
          A highlight of this past week was the Paid Medical Family Leave Day. There was a great turnout from many organizations and individuals supporting the passage of PMFL legislation this year and participants visited legislator's offices and held a rally in the Rotunda.
          As we move through the coming weeks I look forward to your support through awareness, direct participation, and in your prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need more information or have any questions about our work during the 2025 session.

Kurt Rager
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico

2025 Issue Briefing & Bishop's Luncheon

Registration is open for the 2025 Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon that will be held on Thursday, February 20th! We are pleased that First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a long-time member of our advocating congregation program, will return as host for the morning Issue Briefing. And, after a one-year hiatus, we will return to the La Fonda Hotel for the Bishop's Luncheon.
This will be the first year for our new Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, the Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni. Bishop Johnson Aelabouni was elected last spring and began her service on July 1, 2024. We hope you will join us in offering a warm welcome to the Bishop as she hosts her first Bishop's Luncheon.
The registration cost per person remains the same as last year at $40 per person. However, on February 17th, it will increase to $45 per person. Please register and buy your tickets at: www.lutheranadvocacynm.org/. (Please note, this is not a fund-raiser as the registration charge covers only the anticipated cost for the luncheon.)

Schedule

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 Check-in, refreshments & fellowship at First Presbyterian (208 Grant Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Devotion
9:30 a.m. Guest Speakers
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Bishop Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
11:15 a.m. Advocacy Agenda and Issue Briefing
Noon-12:15 p.m. Transition to La Fonda Hotel (100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
12:30 p.m. Bishop's Luncheon Begins
 2:00 p.m. Lunch concludes

 This Wednesday:

Register at: https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/event/voices-of-faith-in-climate-action-cop29-and-beyond/

Lutheran World Relief Rushing Aid to California. Thank you to all who responded quickly and generously! Quilts and kits are on the way, and hot meals and other emergency supplies are being distributed to our neighbors affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Additional aid, including grants to support local recovery efforts, is also in progress. Learn more at: https://lwr.org/news.

Urgent Update for Faith Partners from Global Refuge:

Dear faith partners,

Though I’ve written the words “faith partner” many times before today, I’ve never felt the weight of that word “partner” in this context as heavily as I did just now. Dear partners…it is good to be writing you in these challenging days. We need you.
As many of you now know, this past Friday, Global Refuge received a stop-work order from the government calling for us to immediately stop serving the nearly 6,000 newly arrived refugees in our care. This stop-work order means that government funding that provides food, housing, education, job placement, healthcare, and basic needs has come to an immediate halt. These children and families fled war, violence, or persecution and came to the United States lawfully through the official U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. They arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs and now the support they rely on—the support they’d been promised—is being pulled out from under them. Food. Housing. Schooling. Healthcare. All stopped.
          With this abrupt and unprecedented cutoff of federal funding, we must now rely solely on the generosity of private donors and supporters to fill in the gaps. We must stand with these families to let them know that when promised protections for them fail, communities like ours rise. It is possible to continue supporting a number of these 6,000 refugee clients if we receive enough support to offset the cuts from the government. Please consider supporting and helping to spread the word.
          Lastly, with places of worship, schools and hospitals no longer being considered protected spaces, I want to make sure we share with you the most up-to-date resources we have to help your communities feel safe as you continue to welcome your neighbor.

• Support Refugees with a Gift –— If you or communities you’re connected with are willing to support financially, please use/share this link: www.globalrefuge.org

• Write your Representative — Ask representatives to pull back on this ban on supporting refugees.

• Learn more and Advocate — Explore resources with more information about executive orders and accompanying actions.

• Know Your Rights - Our partners at AMMPARO have a great resource for communities to read about their rights and those of immigrants in their care.

No matter what shape it takes, we are grateful for your support and solidarity. Global Refuge has been doing this work for 85 years, and it's thanks to partners like you that we’re able to be agile with grand changes like this. We can do this.

Thank you for your partnership,
Pastor Dan Beirne, Director for Mobilization & Faith Relations

Updates Beginning 26 January 2025

Today: With the recent activities at the southern border, the topic of this Sunday's Adult Faith Development session could not be more critical. Rae van de Motter will join us to talk about Project Dignity, a multi-faith effort to supply crucial aid to people living in trying conditions as they try to claim asylum in the United States. Some members of St. Paul are already involved in the project, and along with Rae, they will describe the work and how you can be involved. It's a gripping story, and we urge you to be present for it. It's this Sunday after the service at 11:15 in the Conference Room. ~The AFD Team

God’s Work Our Hands: Luther House Meal Train is moving to February 20th due to a scheduling conflict. We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening of fellowship and Bible study with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

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

Update on Exterior Office Door. A new door is being fabricated and we are looking at installation in approximately a week. In the interim, please use the doorbell to notify the Office to let you in the front doors. Those with key fobs can enter via the Choir Room door. However, if your fob doesn’t work on that door, let me know so I can update your access. ~Deborah Ash

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews 

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

From Coro Lux:

Tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/corolux/1524289?

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

2025 Legislative Session Now Underway (see underlined for event today).
Dear Partners in Advocacy,

Maybe like you, I am still working to make sense of Monday, January 20th. The day when we annually honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and yet, a day also marked by the inauguration of the new President this year. There are possibly no two polar opposite visions for our country and our world community than that represented and celebrated that day.
          One of my favorite statements made by Dr. King comes from his 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in which he said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico was established 41 years ago to respond to housing cuts made by the Reagan administration and quickly moved to focus as well on the staggering issue of poverty and hunger in our state and the myriad of other challenges faced by New Mexicans as a result. At its core, our mission centers on advocating for justice in our state's public policy. I invite and challenge all of you to recommit yourself to this effort, both here in New Mexico, as well as in exercising your voice in Washington. We must remain vigilant.
          The First Session of the 57th Legislature is now underway. The 60-day session will conclude at noon on March 22nd. This "long session" will be fast-paced and intense. At the end of opening day more than 200 bills, joint resolutions, and memorials had been filed. Legislators can continue to introduce legislation through the midpoint of the session, February 20th.
          I hope you will take the time to review a summary of our 2025 Advocacy Agenda [note: posted in the Welcome Center]. Legislative priorities for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico continue to focus on the core areas of addressing hunger and poverty, affordable housing and homelessness, and family-sustaining income, among others. Several legislative priorities include supporting key provisions of the Governor's Food Initiative, the Paid Medical and Family Leave Act, Medicaid for All, fair and just tax policy, the Green Amendment, the creation of an independent redistricting commission, and amendments to the state's constitution to modernize our legislature. I invite you to attend a more extensive review of our agenda and the upcoming session that will take place this Sunday afternoon, January 26th, beginning at 4 p.m. Link to register for Zoom meeting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej9-plgtYvnjWYCDyJ4HOeRgDEX8xVWTgCJLL8bbl61XSCbA/viewform
There are a variety of options for you to participate both online and in person during the legislative session. The highlight of the session remains the annual Legislative Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon on February 20th. Please find the registration link below. It takes a lot of volunteer support to pull off these two events and we can use more. If you would like to volunteer please contact Judy Messal at (575) 496-4754 or you can email her at judithmessal@comcast.net.
          In addition, consider joining us on one of our three Lutheran Advocacy Days. This will be an opportunity for you to join us in person at the Roundhouse, to attend committee meetings, visit legislator's offices, and speak out on priority legislation for LAM-NM. [Note: posted in the Welcome Center.]
          As we move through the coming weeks I look forward to your support through awareness, direct participation, and in your prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need more information or have any questions about our work during the 2025 session. May the peace of Christ be with you,

Kurt Rager
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico

Dear Partners in Ministry,

For over the past 50 years ReconcilingWorks has been committed to advocating for the acceptance, full participation, and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within the Lutheran Church. We do this holy work in all three expressions in the life of the church - in congregations, synods, and Churchwide.
          Over the past decades of ministry there have been many times when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, aromatic, plus (LGBTQIA+) people have been put at the center of conversation in the life of the church. 2025 will be no exception and will hold lasting impacts for LGBTQIA+ people and their families in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). As we prepare for this public conversation at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly this summer, ReconcilingWorks wants to remind our LGBTQIA+ siblings that we are here for you.

Your person and your love is made in the fullness of God.

You are named Beloved by God.

Your gifts and call make the Lutheran Church a truer reflection

of the Divine.

ReconcilingWorks will never stop working for the Church to see, name, and celebrate us as such.
          To read the entire letter, including reflections on feedback to the ELCA, go to our website: https://www.reconcilingworks.org/pastoral-letter-from-reconcilingworks-board-of-directors/. With gratitude to be doing ministry with you,

ReconcilingWorks Board of Directors           

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires and will work  with them to provide for immediate needs and long-term recovery amid the widespread destruction. Find more information, prayer resources, and ways to donate to LDR efforts at https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response/our-impact/us-wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.

Lutheran World Relief’s emergency response team reports that requests for support are growing by the hour. Each day that passes leaves more homes in ashes, more evacuations and more people in danger in California. The destruction and need are overwhelming — and only getting worse. For those most in need, donations help provide:

• hot meals, essential household supplies and support for transportation costs, so they can travel out of harm's way.

• You help deliver LWR Quilts and Kits to our partners in and around Los Angeles, so they can provide comfort for evacuees and families who have lost their homes.

• You make the long road to recovery and rebuilding possible.

To our neighbors affected by the wildfires, we continue to surround you with love, prayers and support. Give at: https://lwr.org/

Bread for the World’s Campaign Launch. The new campaign focused on child hunger—Nourish Our Future—launches online Tuesday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Bread staff and advocates in the Washington, D.C., area will gather in-person, along with hundreds of advocates participating online. Bread’s president and CEO, Rev. Eugene Cho, will share an inspiring word. Leaders who have helped shape the campaign, including college students and international partners, will discuss the Nourish Our Future priorities and why they matter to them.  Register at: https://www.bread.org/.

Updates Beginning 19 January 2025

Today: Jimmy Carter was the first President to call himself a “born again Christian.” The press often referred to him as a “progressive evangelical.” We’ll look at some key incidents in Carter’s life, then at what sense to we are to make of the phrase “born again.” Is coming to faith an act of our own free will or something God does for us? As to being a progressive evangelical, is there such a thing? What does the word evangelical even mean, and can we call ourselves evangelicals in today’s world? Come and explore this fascinating man as we seek to understand our faith in today’s world. Come to the Conference Room at 11:15! ~The AFD Team

Tomorrow on the Labyrinth: Labyrinth Walk,10am-Noon, January 20th.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Feeling a bit frustrated with upcoming events? It is more essential than ever that we focus on community in this time of division in our nation. Join us as we contemplate and pray together. In partnership with First UCC ABQ, led by Emmy Mullennix, M.Div., their Discernment Minister. ~Pr. Koppel

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank you to all who showed up to help decorate the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas! Our worship space looked beautiful and we could not have done it without you! De-decking the hall is never as fun, but you showed up for that too! Your efforts were greatly appreciated! ~Gratefully, Jan Bowers, for your Worship and Music team and your Visual Choir team

Great News from Rijasoa Andriamanana!
Dear St. Paul family,
I hope you are all doing well. I wish everyone a happy new year full of good health, joy, and success under God's grace. I would like to inform you that I received a fellowship at a university in Pittsburgh.  It is for the Spring 2025 and involves doing some research and guest lectures. I will be accompanied by Kikao as housing is also provided. We will go back to Madagascar in June to resume our different activities: teaching college courses, training teachers, and doing the Girls Camp. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continuous care and support in many ways.

I look forward to seeing you again!
Peace and love,
Rijasoa

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

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

God’s Work Our Hands in January: Luther House Meal Train on Thursday, 30 January at 5pm. We had such a great time sharing fellowship and Bible study at the start of Advent, we are doing it again! We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Update on Exterior Office Door. A new door is being fabricated and we will be looking at installation in approximately 2 weeks. In the interim, please use the doorbell to notify the Office to let you in the front doors. Those with key fobs can enter via the Choir Room door. However, if your fob doesn’t work on that door, please let me know so I can add it to your access. Since the break in, we have been blessed with outstanding assistance from the police, the K-9 unit, and multiple vendors/friends who graciously jumped in to assist us! It does take a village. ~Deborah Ash

From Local Partner Organizations

From ABQ JVP, Today:

This weekend:

Church Women United Retreat Next Saturday at St. Paul: Church Women United, an ecumenical Christian women’s group, will meet for a mini-retreat on Saturday morning, January 25th.  St. Paul will be hosting the retreat in our Fellowship Hall from 9am to Noon. All women of St. Paul are invited to attend.
The morning will begin at 9am with sign-in, a light breakfast and conversation. The theme is Women in the Old Testament Who Manage a Way When There is No Way. The Rev. Dr. Nancy Bowen will be leading the retreat which will begin at 9:30. She is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Earlham School of Religion and also an ordained United Methodist minister. Time will be spent reflecting on some of Nancy’s favorite stories of women in the Old Testament.
          Here at St. Paul, we will need help setting up the tables and chairs this Friday morning at 8am and taking them down after the retreat. We will need help before and after the retreat serving and cleaning up the kitchen. Also we will be serving quiches, cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, fresh fruit and any other sweet breakfast items you would be able to bring. If you can help, please contact me at sharonh0223@yahoo.com and let me know what you can bring or if you can help in the kitchen, etc. ~Sharon Hamilton

Next Sunday:

From Coro Lux: Sign Me Up!, a celebration of African American Sacred Music. Choral Workshop and Concert, on Saturday, February 9, United Church of Santa Fe. Nationally-known Composer and Conductor Brandon Boyd leads the 7th Annual FebFest Choral Workshop celebrating African American sacred music Saturday, Feb. 8 at United Church of Santa Fe. The all-day Choral Workshop also includes sessions with Soprano Amy Owens and KUNM’s “Train to Glory” host Cecilia Webb, and concludes with a free 4:00 pm concert. (The concert’s freewill offering benefits the new Santa Fe Symphony Children’s and Youth Choirs and UNM’s Gospel Choir “Fervent Praise.” Jointly sponsored by United Church and Albuquerque’s Coro Lux, the Saturday workshop is open to all singers (no audition needed) and is offered both in-person and online. For info or to register, please contact Rev. Talitha Arnold (505-988-3295) or Music Director Bradley Ellingboe (ellingboe@abqcorolux.org), or go to abqcorolux.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

This Tuesday: The National Day of Racial Healing is being celebrated by the ELCA on January 21, 10am-2pm CST. We are thrilled to be partners in this important online event as we work towards building a community, church, and world that celebrates all of its children without caveats or exceptions.
Hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), the National Day of Racial Healing builds on the work of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation community partners, who champion the knowledge that to have racial equity, one must first have racial healing. 
The ELCA is focusing its day in two areas: raising awareness of the need for racial healing and inspiring collective action to build common ground for a more just and equitable ELCA and world. The day will feature presentations and panels that center the voices of ELCA leaders of color. 
This free event is open to ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members of all ELCA synods, congregations, colleges, universities, seminaries, separately incorporated ministries and antiracism teams, as well as the church's affiliate organizations and ecumenical and inter-religious partners.  To register: https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/racial-justice-ministries/national-day-of-racial-healing

A Message from Bishop Meghan:

Dear friends in Christ,
Two Sundays ago, I worshiped with the people of Union Church in San Juan, Puerto Rico as part of the ELCA Bishops’ Academy, a continuing education event that introduced us to the rich history, theological contributions, ongoing ministries, and diverse cultures of Puerto Rican Lutherans and their neighbors. January 5 was Domingo de los tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings’/Magi Sunday), a joyful Epiphany celebration with deep significance for Christians in Puerto Rico who honor the tradition of the magi and share gifts with others. Less than a week later, Gabi and I were at lunch with Bishop Brenda Bos from the Southwest California Synod and her wife, Janis, when they received news that their house in Altadena had been destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires, along with the homes and businesses of so many of their neighbors. Bereft of any wise words or useful gifts to share, we offered what we could: presence, prayers, and love (and chocolate).
          Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) In this new year, the call to love sounds out again in the midst of wildfires and storms, grief and change, and joys and celebrations too. Love can be both the simplest and the most difficult thing to find, express, or receive. Yet we have the promise that “love is from God,” and “God is love.” May this love sustain and strengthen all of us and our neighbors in this season—and let us love one another, in word and deed.
In love,
Bishop Meghan

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires and will work with them to provide for immediate needs and long-term recovery amid the widespread destruction. Find more information, prayer resources, and ways to donate to LDR efforts at https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response/our-impact/us-wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.

Lutheran World Relief’s emergency response team reports that requests for support are growing by the hour. Each day that passes leaves more homes in ashes, more evacuations and more people in danger in California. The destruction and need are overwhelming — and only getting worse. For those most in need, donations help provide:

• hot meals, essential household supplies and support for transportation costs, so they can travel out of harm's way.

• You help deliver LWR Quilts and Kits to our partners in and around Los Angeles, so they can provide comfort for evacuees and families who have lost their homes.

• You make the long road to recovery and rebuilding possible.

To our neighbors affected by the wildfires, we continue to surround you with love, prayers and support. Give at: https://lwr.org/

Invitation to Nominate Students for Lutheran Summer Music 2025. Young musicians from across the country are headed to Valparaiso University this year for the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and welcomes them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship. You are invited to nominate students from your congregation!
          Standard Enrollment is offered now through March 1. Now is the perfect time to nominate students so their families can directly receive information about this opportunity. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today! https://www.lsmacademy.org/nominate

Kick off a new year of faithful advocacy with Bread for the World by signing the Nourish Our Future petition, calling on Congress to end childhood hunger! This campaign, which Bread is launching next month, champions essential nutrition programs for children, young adults, and families. As the 119th U.S. Congress begins, now is the time to recommit ourselves to the work of building relationships across party lines and speaking out boldly to our political leaders.  Sign the petition: https://www.bread.org/

Updates Beginning 12 January 2025

Today: Adult Faith Development will continue our discussion of Life After Doom. Last week we heard a presentation from Brian McLaren about his new book by that name, and this Sunday we will consider how his perspective might change the way we live going forward. Whether or not you were there for the presentation, we think the discussion may be of interest. Join us after the service at 11:15 in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome! ~The AFD Team

Adopted Families: Thanks to your generous donations I was able to pay over $165 for bus tickets for two clients from Healthcare for the Homeless, and then also help a woman with $500 toward her rent. The clients from Healthcare for the Homeless needed to travel out of state: one is homeless and has relatives in a warmer climate where he can go and sleep indoors in a bed for the winter; the other came here for a funeral and needed to get back to where he will be entering a sober living facility. The clients' advocate told me again how much she appreciates our help - it really makes a big difference in the clients' lives.
The husband of the woman we helped had helped us with the moving of some furniture in the past. Just before Christmas the woman's husband had a heart attack and passed away. The woman works but had taken some time off to be with her husband in the hospital and didn't have enough money to pay the rent. She is now dealing with the aftermath and reality of her loss. Thank you for having a hand in helping these folks. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

God’s Work Our Hands in January: Luther House Meal Train on Thursday, 30 January at 5pm. We had such a great time sharing fellowship and Bible study at the start of Advent, we are doing it again! We will be putting together the main dishes to take over hot that afternoon. If you are interested in supplying salads, fruit or desserts, please let us know. Or just come and be a part of a wonderful evening with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres and the students! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Update on Exterior Office Door. A new door is being fabricated and we will be looking at installation in approximately 3 weeks. In the interim, please use the doorbell to notify the Office to let you in the front doors. Those with key fobs can enter via the Choir Room door. However, if your fob doesn’t work on that door, please let me know so I can add it to your access. Since the break in, we have been blessed with outstanding assistance from the police, the K-9 unit, and multiple vendors/friends who graciously jumped in to assist us! It does take a village. ~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

Today at 3pm: John Garlisch Organ Program, St Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Menaul NE, 87112. Works by Krebs, Dupre, Buxtehude, Frahm, Heron, Pepping, and Bach.

Tomorrow:

This week, January 15th 1:00-2:30: ABQ Police’s Nob Hill – University Public Safety ECHO focuses on cases and issues in the area but the discussions and presentations benefit everyone across the community. Join us to discuss problems and concerns in the area and presentations. Register at: https://cabq.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gISlOiNaRcuLTfgtm6nNGg

From Coro Lux: Sign Me Up!, a celebration of African American Sacred Music. Choral Workshop and Concert, on Saturday, February 9, United Church of Santa Fe. Nationally-known Composer and Conductor Brandon Boyd leads the 7th Annual FebFest Choral Workshop celebrating African American sacred music Saturday, Feb. 8 at United Church of Santa Fe. The all-day Choral Workshop also includes sessions with Soprano Amy Owens and KUNM’s “Train to Glory” host Cecilia Webb, and concludes with a free 4:00 pm concert. (The concert’s freewill offering benefits the new Santa Fe Symphony Children’s and Youth Choirs and UNM’s Gospel Choir “Fervent Praise.” Jointly sponsored by United Church and Albuquerque’s Coro Lux, the Saturday workshop is open to all singers (no audition needed) and is offered both in-person and online. For info or to register, please contact Rev. Talitha Arnold (505-988-3295) or Music Director Bradley Ellingboe (ellingboe@abqcorolux.org), or go to abqcorolux.org.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

The National Day of Racial Healing is being celebrated by the ELCA on January 21, 10am-2pm CST. We are thrilled to be partners in this important online event as we work towards building a community, church, and world that celebrates all of its children without caveats or exceptions.
Hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), the National Day of Racial Healing builds on the work of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation community partners, who champion the knowledge that to have racial equity, one must first have racial healing. 
The ELCA is focusing its day in two areas: raising awareness of the need for racial healing and inspiring collective action to build common ground for a more just and equitable ELCA and world. The day will feature presentations and panels that center the voices of ELCA leaders of color. 
This free event is open to ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members of all ELCA synods, congregations, colleges, universities, seminaries, separately incorporated ministries and antiracism teams, as well as the church's affiliate organizations and ecumenical and inter-religious partners.  To register: https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-church/racial-justice-ministries/national-day-of-racial-healing

Updates Beginning 5 January 2025

Adult Faith Development begins our new semester today with a video presentation by Brian McLaren on his new book, Life After Doom. McLaren is a writer, speaker, and public theologian, and is dean of the faculty of the Center for Action and Contemplation. In his new book, he considers the multiple crises that face civilization in our time, and the ways we might respond to them. His is a timely and important message for people of faith, and all are welcome to join us in viewing his presentation. We'll be in the Conference Room after the service at 11:15 a.m. ~The AFD Team

Adopted Families: I'd like to give a huge thank you to all who participated in the Adopted Families Christmas effort:

• the three elves (Paula Eglinton, Dana Mullen, and Linda FitzGerald) who stood by the paper tree and oversaw things on Sundays as well as doing lots of work behind the scene to make sure the gifts got to the intended recipients,

• the sewing group who provided 21 quilts that are very much loved and appreciated, and

• the people of St. Paul who generously provided gifts for the members of the eight families that we helped.

Five of the families were recommended to us by a counselor I've known for some time now. When she came to pick up the items for them, she needed two vehicles to fit everything in. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for the barrels at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

A Thank You to St. Paul:

Dear Pr. Koppel, Scholarship Committee and St. Paul Congregation,

I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of a scholarship from St. Paul for this fall academic year. The generous support has significantly reduced the financial burden of my doctoral education. Thank you once again for your generosity and investment in my future!

Sincerely,
Patrick Rabezanany

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 at St. Paul, 2pm! ABQ Chamber Soloists invites you to start your 2025 with music for flute and strings by Mozart and American composer Andrew Norman, followed by Schumann’s majestic Piano Quintet. With a pre-concert chat at 1:15pm with musical director James Holland in Fellowship Hall. Purchase tickets at the door: $15 adult; $12 senior; $5 student.

New Zoom link:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

"Faithfulness in our time": a Christmas message from the ELCA bishops and synod vice presidents of Region 2

Dear friends in Christ,

In this Christmas season, we pray that you and your loved ones have found moments of true joy and peace in your celebrations. As the world prepares to greet a new year, we also turn to the days ahead in deep prayer and honest pondering. What will this time bring to our neighbors and communities, to our families and our own lives? What will it mean to be the church and engage in the “work of Christmas” now, in the places where we are?
          As bishops and elected leaders, we represent more than 500 Lutheran congregations and ministries in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The people of our synods live in cities and small towns, near mountain ranges and ocean tides, in deserts and on prairies. We speak many different languages and carry many different stories; and we are all part of the same body of Christ.
          As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we also share a common theological identity, as people who place our faith and trust in the grace offered freely to all people in Jesus Christ by the God who so loved the world that God become incarnate: sharing our humanity, standing in solidarity with the suffering and oppressed on the cross, and defeating all the powers of sin and death in his resurrection. The identity we share influences our approach to the secular world. In the words of the ELCA’s social statement The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, “Social structures and processes combine life-giving and life-destroying dynamics in complex mixtures and in varying degrees. This church, therefore, must unite realism and vision, wisdom and courage, in its social responsibility. It needs constantly to discern when to support and when to confront society’s cultural patterns, values, and powers.”
          As Lutheran followers of Jesus, we are concerned for many of our members and neighbors in our communities, nation, and around the world, who are experiencing a high degree of anxiety in these times, particularly those whose identities put them at risk or make them vulnerable as political targets. Knowing that our church includes people of every political affiliation, still as Christians we are called not simply to “agree to disagree”—but to seek, in faithful discernment, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in loving and serving God and our neighbor according to the example of Jesus. We do this as we gather to hear the Word proclaimed and share in the Sacraments; and we do this as we are sent out in service to use the gifts God has given us for the vocations to which God has called us: in our work, relationships, and communities. In all that we do—in worship and discipleship, in our striving to share and to be good news for our neighbors—we remember that we do not do this to earn or deserve God’s love: it is already abundantly given to us and to all people. In our worst moments, we ask for forgiveness; and in humility we learn that God’s grace remains. In our best moments, we rejoice; and we realize that it was not us alone, but God acting with and through us—grace upon grace.
          As “the work of Christmas begins,” We invite you to join us in participating in the liberating love of God for the world. Whether you are a long-time Lutheran, a first-time wonderer, or somewhere in between, you are welcome: to find life in the grace of God that we receive in the sharing of the Word, the communion table, and the baptismal font; to find belonging in God’s love for you, no matter who or where you are; and to find spaces of spiritual practice and life-giving purpose that can ground you and draw out your gifts for the sake of others.
          Our prayers for all the people of our synods, and for all our neighbors, are that we may come to more fully know, share, and embody the “good news of great joy for all people” that Jesus brings to our world. May this promised good news of justice, peace, and love truly come to all people in our time!

In Christ,

Bishop Deborah Hutterer
Barbara Carl, Vice President
Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA

Bishop Dave Nagler
Jeff Cours, Vice President
Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
Ruth Hoffman, Vice President
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Bishop Jeff Johnson
Simon Wong, Vice President
Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA

Bishop Brenda Bos
Lisa Curtis, Vice President
Southwest California Synod, ELCA

Updates Beginning 29 December 2024

Adult Faith Development is taking a vacation today! Please join us next week after worship. ~The AFD Team

St. Paul Youth: One of the ministries that our youth have continued over the years is collecting aluminum can donations from our congregation. The Matthews have supported this ministry by taking and selling the cans to a local recycling facility. $111 was raised this year. Noah and Gabriel Rabezanany, two of our youth, thoughtfully selected the following ELCA Good Gift items from the 2024 Christmas catalogue: 10 chicks; a share of a fish farm; 1 water filter; school supplies for a child; and stock a backpack with food. The order was submitted on Dec. 16th, and 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 2025. ~Peggy Burnett

God’s Work Our Hands: Thank you to all who have donated thus far for our December project: Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks on 2 January 2025. On your check to St. Paul, please put “FFF January” in the memo line. And stay tuned for info on GWOH in 2025! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for The Storehouse barrel at church.  Pet food is also needed. 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

ABQ Chamber Soloists invites you to start your 2025 with music for flute and strings by Mozart and American composer Andrew Norman, followed by Schumann’s majestic Piano Quintet. Next Sunday, January 5, 2pm at St. Paul. A pre-concert chat at 1:15pm with musical director James Holland will be held in Fellowship Hall. Tickets: $15 adult; $12 senior; $5 student. Available at the door, or at www.ticketleap.events/events/albuquerque-chamber-soloists.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

RMS Council approved two-year budget proposal. This week, the RMS Council approved a proposal from Bishop Meghan and Finance Director Jon Johnson to: pilot a two-year budgeting process for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 that would incorporate the input of synod council, finance committee, and voting membership in the presentation of a proposed two-year budget for approval at the 2025 Synod Assembly. This proposal comes out of conversations with rostered and lay leaders and members throughout the synod; our goal is to pilot a process that is more transparent, participatory and proactive. Read more about the rationale, planned timeline and steps, and other details at: https://files.constantcontact.com/bbca2826001/62e8d9ba-5e8c-4e7f-bac1-18b00c613955.pdf (and posted in the Welcome Center).

Lutheran World Relief Winter 2024 Special Report and Bread for the World Progress Against Hunger in 2024 are posted in the Welcome Center.

Updates Beginning 22 December 2024

Today: For Adult Faith Development this Advent season we are using The Weary World Rejoices, by Kate Bowler.  Scripture, conversation, and prayer will lead us through the promises of truth, compassion, restoration, and justice.  Right after worship, grab some refreshments and head to the Conference Room.  We look forward to our time together!  ~ Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, and Ivan Westergaard, the AFD Team

Today after worship, don’t forget to pick up your biscochito and tamale orders in Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support! ~The Girl Scouts

St. Paul Youth & ELCA Good Gifts: 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 2024 calendar year, $111 was raised.  Noah Rabezanany and Gabriel Rabezanany , two of our youth, thoughtfully selected the following ELCA Good Gift items from the 2024 Christmas ELCA Good Gifts catalog: 10 chicks; a share of a fish farm; 1 water filter; school supplies for a child; and stock a backpack with food. The order was submitted to ELCA on Dec. 16th.  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 2025. ~Peggy Burnett

God’s Work Our Hands: For our December project, we are collecting donations toward Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks on 2 January 2025. On your check to St. Paul, please put “FFF January” in the memo line. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for The Storehouse barrel at church.  Pet food is also needed. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

A “Thank You” to St. Paul:
Deborah and Nancy, what a blessing Thursday Dinner was! The food was so lovely and it was an honor to have you commune with us. Thank you so much. We enjoyed every minute of it. Advent blessings to you, Rhonda Newby-Torres, Pastor, Luther House UNM & CNM

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 Tuesday:

ABQ Chamber Soloists invites you to start your 2025 with music for flute and strings by Mozart and American composer Andrew Norman, followed by Schumann’s majestic Piano Quintet. Sunday, January 5, 2pm at St. Paul. A pre-concert chat at 1:15pm with musical director James Holland will be held in Fellowship Hall.

W.A. Mozart: Flute Quartet in C major, K. 285b
Andrew Norman: Light Screens
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44

Featuring: Jesse Tatum, flute; Judith Gordon, piano; Megan Holland, Nicolle Maniaci, violins; Laura Chang, viola; James Holland, cello.

Tickets: $15 adult; $12 senior; $5 student. Available at the door, or at www.ticketleap.events/events/albuquerque-chamber-soloists.

From ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative: Our newcomer friends seeking asylum, our clients who are newly housed, and our neighbors struggling to stay housed.... they are better off with your fellowship. Right now, thankfully, they are preparing holiday meals, wrapping presents, and anticipating the gift of giving and receiving with loved ones. During these longest nights of the year, your part as a giver means that our neighbors can celebrate the light of hope in a welcoming community. Dedicated ABQ FaithWorks volunteer family liaisons continue to support newcomers to find success and belonging here in Albuquerque.
          I need to tell you that we're getting more and more calls from folks facing eviction … panicked that they will be forced out to the streets. All for getting sick and losing hours at work, or having a surprise car repair, or losing their second job. By the end of the year, with your help, we will have provided over 40,000 dollars in rental, utility, and emergency fuel card assistance for nearly 100 neighbors.
          Our programs are now mostly volunteer-fueled but through mutual aid and the generosity of supporters like you we will continue helping neighbors find a safe home in the community of their choosing in 2025. Please donate at: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/. With joyful gratitude, Hannah Albee, Executive Director

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas from Bishop Meghan! Each year, as Advent draws close to Christmas, our northern hemisphere experiences the winter solstice: the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s a wonderful chance to ponder the holy darkness as a place of reflection, creativity, and new beginnings—and to give thanks for the holy light of Christ that guides us. Some congregations and ministries are hosting “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” services as an opportunity for prayer and contemplation for those who are grieving, anxious, or simply wanting a quiet space amid joyful celebrations. Whether or not you are offering or attending a service like this, I’ve been reminded these past few weeks that pain and grief are very present companions to many at the holidays. I’m grateful for the ways the people of this synod continue to surround and support one another and our neighbors with compassion.
          This first Christmas back in the U.S., I’m grateful for the time we will have with family here in Colorado to unplug and unwind a bit from a whirlwind summer and fall. I hope and pray you will find that same opportunity (knowing that for our pastors, deacons, musicians, church office staff, and many others, that opportunity will have to wait until sometime later on in the 12 days of Christmas—maybe by the time the six geese-a-laying arrive?)
          Yet while we celebrate together, my family and I also will be missing family and loved ones in the Holy Land who continue to struggle through times of incredible hardship; and we are thinking of all who live in grief or deep uncertainty during this time. Joy and grief, song and silence, celebration and contemplation… all can, and do, coexist in every season in our lives—as the Apostle Paul reminds us, urging the members of the body of Christ to “rejoice with those who rejoice [and] weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
          In our office, when our staff returns from some well-deserved vacation on January 2, we will be living in another kind of juxtaposition: the known and unknown of transition. Our synod staffing team will be working to finish the process of calling positions for our office of the bishop staff. This process has brought the gift of significant interest from candidates throughout the synod and discernment discussions with many gifted leaders. From the beginning, our staffing team had the goal of moving forward as quickly as we could while still taking the time to honor the commitment we made to an open hiring process; and the result has been that this process will continue into the new year. 
          In the meantime, the office of the bishop will begin the year short-staffed in some of our areas of ministry; and I ask for your patience and grace. We will endeavor to send out our e-Connections and other synod communications as frequently as we are able. Our transition coaches, along with bridge transition coordinator Pr. Will Johnson, are available for questions related to transition. Our conference deans and synod council members can also serve as great resources and as a point of contact for synod members. And, of course, please continue to reach out to me and to our office with questions and needs. We will do our very best to reply as soon as we’re able. I am grateful for your support in this, as I continue to believe that this discernment process has been faithful in inviting and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the sake of our shared ministry together into the future.
          As Advent moves us through the longest night, to the long-awaited arrival of Christmas, may we remember that in this and every time of waiting, anticipation, and unknowing, God has already arrived and is present with us in Jesus. In all that this next year will bring, this is certain: the child born in holy darkness also lights our way. The God who calls us into the future will not leave us, but will accompany us in every moment of joy and every moment of grief—and in every step.

In Christ, Bishop Meghan 

Updates Beginning 15 December 2024

Today: For Adult Faith Development this Advent season we are using The Weary World Rejoices, by Kate Bowler.  Scripture, conversation, and prayer will lead us through the promises of truth, compassion, restoration, and justice.  Right after worship, grab some refreshments and head to the Conference Room.  We look forward to our time together!  ~ Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, and Ivan Westergaard, the AFD Team

Continuing this Wednesday! Please consider joining us for midweek Advent service at 6pm in the Chapel. We are using the beautiful Holden Evening Prayer and will include reflections as we prepare for the birth of Christ. This will be a time of calm from our crazy world and from the hectic activity of the season. I know that my soul could use some calm and soothing from all the chaos. Hope to see you there! ~Jo Browning, Worship & Music 

Today stop by the Girl Scouts’ table in the Welcome Center to place an order for biscochitos and tamales! Delivery will be at church next Sunday, 22 December. ~Francesca Apodaca, Troop Leader

Calico Preschool This Friday:

Adopted Families: There may still be some tags available on our paper tree in the foyer if you would like to get a gift for someone. Just a friendly reminder - the Christmas gifts for our families will be picked up from St. Paul next Sunday some time soon after the service ends, so all gifts need to be returned before then. It so happens that Cheri and Ted Parson (who also do a lot on the Adopted Families project) were recently visiting an "old" adopted family that they have kept in touch with for many years. One of the daughters in that family is now grown up and just had her second baby. The daughter said she remembers the Christmases they had when she was little in Albuquerque. She said she is sure the project made them happen. She told Cheri how grateful she is for everything. Since she is grown she always goes to a giving tree and adopts a family as a way of giving back for what she was given. ~Kay Schoenefeld, Coordinator

God’s Work Our Hands: For our December project, we are collecting donations toward Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks on 2 January 2025. On your check to St. Paul, please put “FFF January” in the memo line. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for The Storehouse barrel at church.  Pet food is also needed. 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

2pm Today at St. Paul: The New Mexico Brass Quintet will be performing a Christmas program including a wide range of music from the Baroque works of Henry Purcell to the movie music of John Williams and Alexander Courage of Star Trek.  In addition to seasonal Christmas music, the group will perform audience requests of favorite carols and a new arrangement (per numerous children requests) of the Mr. Grinch song.  In addition to releasing four commercial CDs, NMBQ has toured through the U.S., Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, China, Canada, Australia and the Ukraine. The program is free to all as a gift to the community and the congregation of St. Paul. ~Jeffrey Piper, Director

Today:

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

An Advent Message from Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni

Dear friends in Christ,
For the eighteen years I have been a pastor, I have worn the same Advent stole—oatmeal-colored, with a blue pattern of words and crosses printed up one side and down another. It often takes onlookers a few moments to realize that the words are a list of names: Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Ruth, Naomi, Esther, Judith, Mary, Elizabeth, and Mary of Magdala. The stole was a gift, and comes in other liturgical colors, but I’ve always found it appropriate for Advent—which remembers and anticipates God’s arrival in the world in Jesus, a story in which faithful women play an integral role.
          Before Jesus was even born, his mother Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth; and both women rejoiced at the impending birth of their children, whose lives would be connected and filled with purpose: John the Baptist, as the one whose fierce devotion to the promises of God would prepare the way for the recognition of Jesus as God-with-us, and Jesus himself, Son of God and Savior of the world. In this moment, Mary sang a song of praise that was also a sermon, proclaiming that the God who chose her to bear the Christ child “has shown strength with his arm… scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts… brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly… filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:49-55). 
                Many years later, Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth—his home congregation—and echoed the song of his mother, recalling the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus then declared: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21).
                The words of Jesus, and his mother Mary before him, describe the promises and actions of God not as something that is about to happen, but as something God has already done! Even before Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection, the words of Isaiah had already been fulfilled in him, “today”! Even before Jesus’ arrival, God had already “done great things,” restoring justice by lifting up those the world treated as lowly—including Mary herself.
                Advent, we often hear, is a time of waiting: waiting for answers, waiting to know the way forward, waiting for signs of hope in a weary, war-torn, worrisome world. That’s why the wise words of Mary, and of Jesus, mean so much: because even as we wait, we proclaim in faith, in joy, and in defiant hope that God’s power of grace, love, and resurrection life are already real in our lives and in the world. God is already with the suffering, the oppressed, the fearful, the hungry. God is already working, in ways we cannot even recognize, to restore the world to justice, peace, and love. May the heart of Elizabeth and John, and the courage of Mary and Jesus, renew and sustain you in the waiting this Advent season.
In Christ,
Bishop Meghan

Updates Beginning 8 December 2024

Today: For Adult Faith Development this Advent season we are using The Weary World Rejoices, by Kate Bowler.  Scripture, conversation, and prayer will lead us through the promises of truth, compassion, restoration, and justice.  Right after worship, grab some refreshments and head to the Conference Room.  We look forward to our time together!  ~ Bob Matthews, Jan Krakow, and Ivan Westergaard, the AFD Team

Today: Welcome to our Come As You Are Choir! Thank you, Janet, for arranging this before caroling this afternoon. ~Deborah AshToday: Christmas Caroling! After church we will join together and carpool to Good Samaritan Society-Manzano del Sol Village and sing Christmas carols to the residents.  Janet has graciously offered to lead us and has  prepared song books for us to use. After caroling we will return to St. Paul to eat lunch (remember to bring a sack lunch).  At 1:45 we will go to the Morada Assisted Living and Memory Care facility near the church to sing. This joyful holiday tradition is welcome to all—family members, friends and neighbors. ~Jan Bowers, Karin Urban, Janet Vrudny

Continuing this week! Please consider joining us for midweek Advent services. We are using the beautiful Holden Evening Prayer and will include reflections as we prepare for the birth of Christ. This will be a time of calm from our crazy world and from the hectic activity of the season. I know that my soul could use some calm and soothing from all the chaos. The services are at 6pm on Dec 11 and 18 in the Chapel. Hope to see you there! ~Jo Browning, Worship & Music

 Today and next Sunday stop by the Girl Scouts’ table in the Welcome Center to place an order for biscochitos and tamales! Delivery will be at church on Sunday, 22 December. ~Francesca Apodaca, Troop Leader

1pm this Wednesday: Ice Cream Social Hour! At Dairy Queen, 4104 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 87109.

Luther House’s Meal Train: St. Paul provided the evening meal at Thursday’s Open Table Connection fellowship. What a wonderful student gathering, encompassing food, conversation and Bible study! We hope to do this again in 2025. ~Deborah Ash, Sharon Hamilton, Nancy Jenkins, & Molly Kraft

God’s Work Our Hands: For our December project, we are collecting donations toward Friends Feeding Friends’ First Thursday meal at HopeWorks on 2 January 2025. On your check to St. Paul, please put “FFF January” in the memo line. Thank you! ~Deborah Ash & Nancy Jenkins

From Calico Preschool:

Adopted Families: Our "Giving Tree" is now in the foyer; 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 22. 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

Advent Calendars from Lutheran World Relief are available in the Welcome Center. Please take one for you and one to share! ~Deborah Ash

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

Food Donations for The Storehouse. Food is always needed during the winter. Whenever you go shopping, please pick up an item or two of non-perishable foods for The Storehouse barrel at church.  Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

Have you noticed the name tags on some of our newest community? Help them learn our names too! Please wear your name tag - they are found in the display box just inside the narthex. Thanks! ~Nancy Matthews

From Local Partner Organizations

Today:

Next Sunday: The New Mexico Brass Quintet will be performing a Christmas program at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 15th at 2 pm.  The group will perform a wide range of music from the Baroque works of Henry Purcell to the movie music of John Williams and Alexander Courage of Star Trek.  In addition to seasonal Christmas music, the group will perform audience requests of favorite carols and a new arrangement (per numerous children requests) of the Mr. Grinch song.  In addition to releasing four commercial CDs, NMBQ has toured through the United States, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, China, Canada, Australia and the Ukraine. The program is free to all as a gift to the community and the congregation of St. Paul. ~Jeffrey Piper, Director

Next Sunday:

In thanks for St. Paul’s hospitality (and not least because Kristi is part of the program!) we'd like to offer congregation members a 20% discount to either of our holiday concerts, The Feminine Divine, on December 15th (2 and 5 pm). To claim this discount, enter the code SPLC24 when checking out at: tickettailor.com/events/corolux/1362592?
          The Coro Lux "family of choruses" presents their annual holiday program at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (4020 Lomas Blvd., NE in Albuquerque) on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2 pm and 5 pm. Both concerts are identical. The featured work will be J.S. Bach's Magnificat with full orchestra. Also appearing will be the El Faro Youth Chorus and the Coro Lux chamber chorus, called Luminare. An added bonus on this concert will be the world-premiere of "Luminous Night," a new Christmas work commissioned to celebrate Coro Lux's 10th anniversary season, written by the internationally-known composer Z. Randall Stroope. Musical selections will be interspersed with poetry and readings read by the Rev. Talitha Arnold and the Rev. Kristi Koppel. ~Brad Ellingboe, Artistic Director

The Storehouse New Mexico: Sandia Area Federal Credit Union is matching donations up to $25,000 to the Storehouse this season: StorehouseNM.org

This Thursday, 12 December, 5-6pm: ABQ Police are hosting a Pizza with Police event at Giovanni’s, 921 San Pedro Dr. SE.

From the Rocky Mountain Synod and ELCA

From Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM: Important Dates for your Calendar!

• Our annual Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon during the upcoming legislative session will take place on Thursday, February 20th. Events will be held at First Presbyterian Church and the La Fonda Hotel.

• A Hunger Action Day and Rally will be held on Friday, February 21st.

• An Action Day and Rally for the Paid Medical and Family Leave Act will take place on Tuesday, January 28th.

• The annual Disability Awareness Day at the capitol will be on Thursday, February 13th.

2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar. Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal. To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up at forms.gle/6Jw7DoDApTAgW4Uf6.

ReconcilingWorks is deeply committed to making the church and world a better place for all God has named and claimed as Beloved. The Board of Directors has created a $5,000 match this season! reconcilingworks.org

Bread for the World: Year-end donations doubled up to $500,000! Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of your generosity. Working together, we can make a big difference this Christmas. www.bread.org/

Border Servant Corps: BSC Good Gifts offers a meaningful way to support migrants in the borderlands. From cold-weather gear and essential care for newborns to kids’ kits and birthday celebrations, each gift brings hope to those in need in the U.S.-México border region. Share compassion and change lives this holiday season! https://www.borderservantcorps.org/shop (The catalogue is posted in the Welcome Center.)