We are a gathering of spiritual pilgrims in Albuquerque, New Mexico, connected by a journey to discover the deep beauty and joy of Jesus’ love. Jesus is transforming us into a new kind of people who live courageously, embrace others, and practice compassion. About Beliefs & Values Church Experience Meet Pastor Testimonies & Reviews Outreach Socials Plan Your Visit About Us We are embarking on a shared journey of real faith, purpose, and community, as we walk this path together. Together, we navigate life's challenges with honesty, transparency, and faith, seeking to grow spiritually and impact the world around us in a meaningful way. Our methods of living out our Mission and Vision have evolved over the years, but our mission has always been to encourage people to follow Jesus in a real and authentic way. St. Paul's United Methodist Church was founded in 1958 with the vision of building a loving church for those outside its walls. Since its inception, St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM has grown from a small gathering to a community that reaches many locally, nationally and with our partnership with non-profits, globally. Every week, a few dozen or so people attend either our Classic or Contemporary Worship Service in person or online in the Northeast Heights Neighborhood and beyond. Our sermons and hope-filled messages are viewed each month through our website and on YouTube. Our methods of living out our Mission and Vision have evolved over the years, but our mission has always been to encourage people to follow Jesus in a real and authentic way. We do so through our Fresh Expression Ministries, Community Connections, Small Groups and Virtual gatherings, our partnering with local non-profits, or through our many online digital offerings. Along the way, by sharing what we've learned, we're committed to being real people, real church and real Jesus. We exist to embody faith and community by being authentic people and a genuine church, sharing the real Jesus. Our Beliefs We invite you to explore our understanding of God, faith, and the Bible, and see how God's Word shapes and guides our beliefs, Church Life, community connections and more. Read More Our Values As United Methodists, we cherish a distinctive heritage and focus on key areas such as understanding grace, serving communities locally, and cultivating our growth as devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Watch Video Find the right experience here, for you. Wherever you are, you can participate in all that God is doing—whether online or in person— by joining us for worship and connecting with our church community. Live in Albuquerque? We invite you to Worship with us In-Person! You'll hear a practical message for today, uplifting worship music and enjoy a special time of gathering. Start here. Live outside Albuquerque? If you're unable to join us In-Person, we want to be helpful, resourceful and encouraging in your spiritual journey. Start here. Meet Pastor Joe and Anna Marshall Pastor Joe joined the United Methodist Church in 1987 and raised his family in a small rural church in North East Ohio. He received his call to ministry in 1995 and has served in the East Ohio Conference since 2000. A proud “Buckeye Born & Bread,” he relocated to New Mexico in 2018, where he now serves in the New Mexico General Conference . Alongside his wife, Anna, he has three adult children and six grandchildren. In Pastor Joe and Anna's free time, they enjoy hiking, exploring the landscapes and vibrant cultures of New Mexico. Pastor Joe relishes opportunities to perform on stage in the area's community theater. So keep a lookout! Pastor Joe firmly believes in the Truth of Scripture—that God's love and forgiveness are for all people, and his desire is that everyone comes to know the Real Jesus. Romans 8:31-39 reminds us that nothing separates us from the Love of God, emphasizing that there is truly nothing we can do to cause God to love us less. Nothing. As imperfect people, we are all longing for the perfect love that only God provides, and Pastor Joe and Anna warmly welcome you to experience that love through worship and community at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, here in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque, NM. Everyone is invited to join St. Paul's for worship this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. for our Classic (Traditional) Worship Service or at 11:30 a.m. for our Contemporary Worship. Start your journey with us by planning your visit, joining us for worship or by filling out a Connect Card to connect with us: Plan Your Visit Worship with Us Connect Card New to the UMC? Lay Leaders and compassionate volunteers are the heart of who we are as a church. Anna Marshall Flame Worship Leader Donna Hestwood Administrative Assistant Gemma Strong Director of Precious Possibilities Kerry Antonsen Financial Administrator Martha Dalager Accompanist/Organist Rose Smith Family Connect Ministry Trinity Frostad Classic Worship Service Leader Yvonne Boron Director of Dinner Church and Kids Connection Director We're making a real difference Outreach is an extension of our ministry that collaborates with organizations to address needs within local communities and globally. We actively support both local and global communities in areas such as Education, Emergency Response, Family Empowerment, Hunger Relief, and beyond. Outreach and Community Care form the core of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the broader United Methodist Church, reflecting our dedication to making a meaningful impact through strategic partnerships worldwide and locally. Whether it's aiding local schools or providing food to those who need a little help, we are committed to serving our communities with generosity, consistency, and strategic collaboration, all inspired by God's love for all. Everyone is invited to participate— join us in demonstrating Christ’s love to those in need and helping create lasting change. Volunteer & Serve socials Let's be friends. We want you to stay updated on current news, events and happenings at St. Paul's. We invite you to connect with us on your favorite socials! We post Bible verses, photos from community connections, small groups, sermon clips, updates to Sunday Worship and more! We hope to see you there! Ready to Plan Your Visit? Join us this Sunday morning at 9:15 or 11:30—mark your calendar! Get Started

We at St. Paul's United Methodist Church are a gathering of spiritual pilgrims in Albuquerque, New Mexico, connected by a journey to discover the deep beauty and joy of Jesus’ love. Jesus is transforming us into a new kind of people who live courageously, embrace others, and practice compassion. Welcome Home No matter where you may be, you're welcome here. Learn More Come and Worship What to expect when you worship with us in person. Join us In Person Recent Messages Watch or listen to a recent message. Watch Now What's Your Next Step? Find your next step through Gather, Grow and Give. Get Started We’re glad you’re here! Welcome! We warmly invite you to join us for worship, connect with a caring community, and enjoy genuine fellowship with fellow believers here in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque, NM. Since 1958, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has been a welcoming place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to respond to God’s Grace through Jesus Christ. No matter where you are on your faith journey, you are truly welcome here! Sundays at St. Paul's UMC CLASSIC 9:15 am CONTEMPORARY (The Flame): 11:30 am Get Directions Plan Your Visit Join a Small Group for Every Life Stage Small Groups provide support, community, and spiritual growth , no matter your life stage or schedule. Children's Ministry Supporting Parents. Empowering Kids. Nurturing Faith. Learn More Youth Ministry Living Faith. Leading Change. Youth in Action. Learn More Young Adult Ministry Living authentically. Loving boldly— faith in action. Learn More Groups Building Community. Embracing Growth. Living Fully Together. Learn More Volunteering Building Bridges, Embracing Community, Serving with Heart. Learn More Get connected We are a real church filled with real people . At St. Paul's, a diverse community of individuals from all walks of life - including Christians, non-Christians, seekers, and skeptics - gather every week to explore the transformative message of Jesus' invitation to a new life , fostering a sense of connection and growth among those who are fired up, burned out, and everything in between. Plan Your Visit Recent Messages Would you like to revisit a previous message? Watch it anytime, anywhere! Watch Now

Get involved and build meaningful relationships with your neighbors through one of our Community Groups. Whether you're looking to connect with others who share your interests or simply want to get to know those around you better, Community Groups provides a platform for you to engage with and contribute to your local community. Join today and start building a stronger, more connected faith community in and outside the church walls. Volunteer & Serve Together in Faith and United in Service; we are connecting people and transforming lives, one heart at a time. Get Involved Utilize your talents by joining a volunteer team! Volunteering is a wonderful way to become engaged at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in the Northeast Heights in Albuquerque, NM and beyond! Whether by welcoming visitors in person, moderating online chats on socials, or supporting behind-the-scenes activities. God has blessed you with unique talents to strengthen His church, and we're here to help you discover the ideal team to utilize those gifts and make a meaningful impact locally and nationally. Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Fostering Community through Engagement Making a Real Impact Fostering a Warm and Inviting Space Serving the local church through time and talent is a meaningful way to foster community, nurture faith, and demonstrate love in action. Whether welcoming guests as part of the Welcome Team, guiding newcomers, or helping to maintain the church grounds by pulling weeds, every act of service contributes to creating a warm, inviting environment where everyone feels valued and connected. Cheery hearts and willing hands are essential in strengthening the church’s mission, inspiring others to engage, and building a vibrant church family that reflects Christ’s love through active participation and generosity. Discovering your calling to serve the local church! We're excited to see how God will utilize your talents, passions, and gifts. Simply follow the steps below to discover volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and availability. Explore Teams Discover more about the various teams and identify the one that best matches your unique talents. Sign Up or Register Sign up with a Volunteer Team to learn more about your responsibilities and a Volunteer Leader will reach out to you. Begin to Serve Witness God's Love at work through your talents as you start serving with your team, creating a meaningful and lasting impact. Sign Up & Serve! Featured Volunteer Opportunities Let's fill those backpacks! Help us make a difference by volunteering for our Back to School Backpack Drive! We’re collecting essential school supplies for our students to start the year off right. Please consider donating items such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other school essentials. You can drop off your contributions in the designated box in the Lobby. Join us in preparing our kiddos for a successful school year! Reach out with Questions! Learn More ↗ Join the Welcome Team! Join the Welcome Team and be the warm, smiling face that greets everyone on Sundays, offering a cup of coffee or guiding them to check-in their children for Kid's Church – it's a wonderful way to make a first impression and serve our community! Learn More ↗ Got Snacks? Join us in making our services extra special by volunteering at our Coffee & Snack Bar during the second, third, and fourth Sundays each month for our Classic or Contemporary Service! We need some snacks! Click "Learn More" to connect with Cheri by phone if you're interested in helping out. Learn More ↗ Make a Difference Find where your passions align with the needs of our church community—whether it’s connecting with others, managing operations, or expressing your creativity—there’s a role for you to make a meaningful difference. Volunteering at St. Paul's UMC offers opportunities to develop new skills, take on leadership, and be part of a greater purpose. Welcome Team Show our visitors and guests what being real Church is all about! Be the first to welcome our guests and visitors to church! Y ou'll warmly welcome guests and help them feel comfortable, from assisting with parking to greeting them at the door, leading the way to Sunday School or guiding first-time visitors to their saved seat. Your role is key in ensuring each person feels noticed, appreciated, and prepared to encounter God's transformative presence. Media & Sound Team Create Worship Experiences with the Media & Sound Team Become a part of the Media & Sound team and contribute to crafting impactful worship experiences for your community. Whether you're managing worship slides, setting up sound equipment, or selecting videos, your efforts will directly influence how attendees connect with God at St. Paul's. No prior experience is required. ST. PAUL'S KIDS Shape the next generation with KIDS Team Help shape the next generation by volunteering with St. Paul's KIDS, where you can connect with children from newborns to 5th grade through engaging Bible lessons, worship, and activities that foster a solid faith foundation. Whether directly working with the kids or supporting behind the scenes, your efforts will create a nurturing environment where children develop a deeper relationship with God and look forward to attending church. ONLINE Serve our online community from wherever you are Join our online team and make an impact from anywhere! You'll unite the St. Paul's Church Family virtually by creating engaging content, offering prayer, providing follow-up support, or simply making someone feel recognized and heard. Your efforts will help people encounter God in real time, no matter where they are tuning in from. OUTREACH Make a real difference in your community By volunteering with outreach, you'll partner with non-profit organizations to make a positive impact in your community, whether by assisting local schools or assembling disaster relief kits for people worldwide, witnessing firsthand the powerful ways God can work through your efforts. FRESH EXPRESSIONS Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Fresh Expressions is more than just an outreach ministry; it's a transformative way of embodying the love and compassion of Jesus in everyday life. It involves actively being the hands and feet of Christ, demonstrating His presence through genuine relationships and meaningful actions within our communities. By engaging authentically in the places we live, work, and play, Fresh Expressions seek to make a real and lasting difference, reflecting the heart of Jesus and bringing His light into the world around us. PRAISE & WORSHIP Welcome in God's Presence on Sunday Each weekend, our church's worship teams—comprising talented and dedicated musicians—lead the congregation in creating an environment where attendees can encounter God's presence and connect more deeply with their faith. All levels of talent and skill welcome. See what God can do through you. Volunteering and serving the local church offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact by leveraging your unique talents and skills to enrich the spiritual and community life of the congregation. Learn More VOLUNTEER FAQS 01 What volunteer opportunities are available at St. Paul's? At St. Paul's United Methodist Church, there are numerous ways to get involved! Whether you're interested in welcoming visitors on Sundays, volunteering with St. Paul's KIDS, or joining the Worship Team or Media & Sound Team, there's a serving opportunity suited for everyone with a heart to serve. We invite you to learn more on our Volunteer page! 02 Are there any requirements or prior experience needed? Inexperience should never prevent you from answering God's calling on your life; we are committed to offering comprehensive training and support to help you feel confident and empowered as you serve. Depending on the role, additional training or background checks may be required to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and we will work with you to find a role that matches your talents, interests and availability. To get started, we ask that you complete the Volunteer form on our Volunteer Page and one of our Volunteer Coordinators will reach out! 03 What is the time commitment? We recognize that everyone's schedule varies, and while we encourage Volunteer Team members to fulfill their commitments, we also strive to provide flexible ways to serve that fit your availability. You can find more details about each team's time requirements when you connect with your Volunteer Coordinator. Let's get you connected to do some good, together. Tell us About Yourself: First name* Last name Phone Email* Next

This inspiring image highlights the core mission of the United Methodist Church: to form disciples of Jesus Christ who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes three vital qualities—loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously—that define a committed follower of Christ. These principles serve as a guiding light for individuals and communities alike, reminding us that faith is active and transformative, not passive. The United Methodist Church focus on local engagement and global connections underlines its dedication to making a tangible difference in the world through love and service. The message invites us to reflect on our personal faith journey and our role within the larger community of believers. Are we living boldly in our love for others, regardless of circumstance? Do we approach our service with joy, seeing every act of kindness as a reflection of God's grace? Leading courageously calls for stepping out of comfort zones and advocating for justice and compassion. Each of these qualities is a call to action, urging us to embody Christ’s teachings in our daily lives and interactions. Moreover, the emphasis on empowerment by the Holy Spirit reminds us that faith is not solely based on our strength but on divine guidance. It challenges us to seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in every decision, conversation, and act of service. This reliance on spiritual empowerment fosters humility and dependence on God's grace, ensuring that our efforts are rooted in genuine love and purpose. Our faith then becomes a source of inspiration and strength, enabling us to face challenges with resilience and hope. This reliance on spiritual empowerment fosters humility and dependence on God's grace, ensuring that our efforts are rooted in genuine love and purpose. The new vision statement also prompts us to consider the importance of community—both local and global—in our spiritual walk. The church’s mission and vision extends beyond individual growth; it is about building connections that transcend borders and cultures. When we serve and lead with love and courage, we contribute to a more compassionate and just world. These actions ripple outward, inspiring others to join in the mission of Christ and creating a chain of hope and renewal. Leading courageously calls for stepping out of comfort zones and advocating for justice and compassion. As we reflect on this powerful message, let us ask ourselves: How am I embodying love, service, and courage in my daily life? In what ways can I deepen my reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide my actions? How am I contributing to my local community and the global church’s mission? And finally, how can I inspire others to join me in living out these core values of the United Methodist Church as a United Methodist? These questions challenge us to live intentionally and faithfully, making a difference one step at a time. You can learn more by visiting: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resources/vision-of-the-umc Or by watching this video: Explore Ways to Get Involved and Engage your Faith and be Empowered by The Spirit: NOTE: Links open in a new tab.

Hey there, friends and family of St. Paul's! So tell us, what does Easter mean to you as a United Methodist? In this Blog Post, we're going to speak about how Easter is not just about colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies, but a time of deep meaning for us as United Methodists. Get ready to uncover the beauty of renewal, reflection, and rejoicing during this special season! History of Easter for United Methodists Easter celebrations in the Methodist tradition go way back, with a rich history filled with meaning and significance. For us as United Methodists, Easter holds a special place in our faith, signifying renewal and rebirth. It's a time when we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for us and the hope that comes with the resurrection. Renewal and Revival Now let's talk about renewal and revival. Easter isn't just another holiday; it's a time of spiritual rejuvenation. It's like hitting the reset button and starting fresh. Easter reminds us that we have the chance to begin again, to renew our faith, and to grow closer to our Creator. Reflection and Contemplation During Easter, it's important to take a moment for reflection and contemplation. It's a time for looking inward, for connecting with our spiritual selves. Through prayer and meditation, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain new insights into our faith journey. Rejoicing and Celebration And of course, Easter is a time for joy and celebration! The Easter season is filled with hope and happiness, and as United Methodists, we embrace that joy wholeheartedly. From special services to festive gatherings, Easter is a time to spread the message of love and renewal. We hope you can join us for our Good Friday evening service and of course, Easter Sunday! Experiencing Easter: United Methodist Perspectives We love hearing personal stories and experiences of Easter from fellow United Methodists. It's incredible to see how this season impacts each of us uniquely. By sharing our insights and journeys, we can learn from one another and grow in our faith together. Easter Traditions in United Methodist Churches Let's take a peek at some Easter traditions in United Methodist churches. From beautiful worship services to community events, there's something special about coming together during Easter. It's a time to connect, to share, and to celebrate as a family of believers. Conclusion As we wrap up, remember that Easter is more than just a holiday—it's a time of deep significance for us as United Methodists. So, let's embrace the themes of renewal, reflection, and rejoicing as we journey through this Easter season together. May the spirit of Easter fill your hearts with joy and hope. Remember to spread kindness and love wherever you go! Some reflection questions: How can we embody the spirit of resurrection in our daily lives? How can we extend grace and love to others as Christ has shown us? How can we live out our faith with compassion and humility, following the example set by Jesus? As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the power of Christ's resurrection and strive to live more fully in his Light.

As the first female senior pastor at St. Paul's, it is important for me to offer relevant information about the ordination of women in light of scripture and our Methodist tradition. My hope is that this letter will bring further enlightenment to this important dialogue! Content courtesy of Ask The UMC , a ministry of United Methodist Communications. Clergywomen have been part of Methodism since John Wesley licensed Sarah Crosby to preach in 1761. Although women were ordained in the Methodist tradition as early as the late 1800s, it was the May 4, 1956 General Conference vote for full clergy rights that forever changed the face of ordained clergy. The United Methodist Church continues to declare its belief in the full equality of women and the importance of women in decision-making and leadership positions at all levels of the church. In her Commentary, Women in Ministry, Rev. Joy 3. Moore offers helpful insights related to the seemingly prohibitory scriptures against the leadership of women in the church: "In all of Christian scripture, the only text that explicitly sets the limit on all women to be silent is 1 Timothy 2:11. The verse, if taken literally, actually contradicts the chapter, which is addressing public prayer. Men are instructed to pray without anger and doubt, and women are similarly instructed to be decent and modest in appearance. While the instructions for public prayer to men refer to attitude, the directive to women specifies outward appearances (which reflects inner attitudes). I am inclined to consider this single limiting instruction in the context of the many directives throughout scripture encouraging believers to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ. In the context of first century Judaism, a directive to let women learn was not only counter-cultural, but a revolutionary notion that would effectively double the number of witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Whereas previously tradition forbade women from even being taught the scriptures, this text grants women the opportunity to learn in the same manner as men who previously had little knowledge of a subject. Some teachers then, such as Pythagoras (for those who know Greek teachers), even required long periods of silence probably as a form of moral discipline. The Greek word translated as silence used in 1 Timothy is otherwise used to mean respectful attention or quiet demeanor rather than imposing total silence. The same word is used in verse 2 of this same chapter to exhort the whole church to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. Most people consider the texts in Corinthians directing married women to wear head coverings as a specific cultural instruction. Similarly, the directive that married women cannot speak publicly at all seems excessive as an instruction for all times and all Christian assemblies. Silence in this portion of Scripture is related to ordering worship, not restricting half of the body of Christ to total public silence" To read the full commentary, visit https://www.umc.org/en/content/commentary-women-in-ministry Other resources are available at https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-why-does-the-united-methodist-church-ordain-women. I hope this content will initiate fruitful conversations about the calling of all believers to share the good news of the gospel, regardless of gender. I am continually blessed and grateful to serve as your Senior Pastor and look forward to the continued work of ministry alongside each one of you. Peace, Rev. Mary Ward