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.

I love this time of year. When the leaves begin to change and the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds begin to dance with even the simplest breeze, I am reminded of all of the possibilities that come with a new season. I look forward to the fun parts of fall such as carving pumpkins, attending festivals, drinking apple cider, and watching football games, but I also look forward to the inspiration the new season offers as I become more contemplative and reflect on the changes in God’s creation all around us. I recently read the quote above: “The trees are about to show us how lovely it can be to let things go.” Although I don’t know who to credit for the quote, it serves as a beautiful reminder of how healing it can be to move forward and release the things of the past. In Celebrate Recovery, we focus on this process by trusting Jesus, our higher power, to bring healing and wholeness to our lives. This starts with our choice to come out of denial and offer forgiveness to ourselves and others. Forgiveness is not always an easy thing to offer, but it is an exceptionally important part of our walk with Christ. When we harbor unforgiveness, it produces the fruit of bitterness, hostility, and division, which only brings harm to ourselves and those around us. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to earnestly repent of our sin and seek to live in peace with one another, as we are reminded every time we celebrate Communion. This is rooted in Paul’s epistle to the Romans: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:9-18 When we harbor unforgiveness, it produces the fruit of bitterness, hostility, and division, which only brings harm to ourselves and those around us. Paul’s challenge is not an easy one, but it is the path that brings forth the fruit of the Spirit. As the leaves change around us, may we remember how lovely it can be to let things go and live in peace with ourselves and others. God is with us in all things, including the process of forgiveness, healing, and growth. Looking to join others who are on the path of intentional healing? Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. with a free meal beforehand at 5:45. These confidential groups are geared toward healing from all kinds of hurts, habits, and hang-ups, and are open to all people over the age of eighteen. Join us! “May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26 Pastor Mary

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB) Have you ever had a hard time being thankful? Sometimes people make it sound as though it should be so easy to be grateful and that if you're not it's because you're sinning or have a horrible attitude. But what do you do when you're tired and hurting when you look around and are saddened by the sin and destruction in our world? What does it mean to, as 1 Thessalonians says, give thanks in everything? I'm a small town, nature loving girl. Being outdoors, immersed by God's creation refreshes me like nothing else. Unhindered views of land and sky remind me of how vast, present, and beautiful God is. I feel joyful, free, and so very connected to Him. My worries and fears fade, replaced by a steady confidence that God is working all things to His good. But now I live in Albuquerque, a city where I often feel like I'm suffocating in a prison of nameless people, never-ending traffic, and countless buildings. This environment spiritually wears me down, and there are days when I can't find anything to appreciate about this place. So, what does it mean to give thanks in everything? Do I have to be happy about the crime? Or the frequent traffic accidents? Or the greater difficulty in finding a steady, consistent community? Must I now rejoice in not being able to bask in the sight of open land and sky? What did Paul mean? As I pondered this question, another passage came to mind. Romans 5:3-5 says. " And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. " (NASB) Paul's hope and his thankfulness were founded firmly in the love of God that flooded his heart through the Holy Spirit. Paul understood discomfort and how it felt to suffer and land in situations where we would think there was no earthly way for him to be thankful. Was he grateful for the sin and evil of the world that brought about those incidents? Probably not. But he still discovered how to have hope and give thanks. He did this by recognizing that in every circumstance. God was with him, strengthening and providing for him. Paul's hope and his thankfulness were founded firmly in the love of God that flooded his heart through the Holy Spirit. I don't think I will ever enjoy the city as much as small towns and an open countryside. But I am learning to recognize and appreciate the gifts God has brought me while I've lived here. I met my husband and gave birth to three healthy daughters. Amid the numerous, faceless people, God introduced me to some wonderful friends and directed me to an excellent Christian school for my girls to attend. While part of me would still love to live elsewhere, I can no longer deny the blessings God has showered me with in the place where I'm at. What about you? (Share your thoughts below!) Are there circumstances in your life for which you struggle to be thankful? Where can you see God's goodness in the midst of your challenges? With God's Love, Jenny Fulton Fresh Expressions Writing Group Leader

Our Christian faith is formed by the Easter Surprise. Christ's resurrection was a surprise for the world. St. Paul's is once again facing a change of pastors. This is occurring in the midst of celebrating the new covenant creation found in the resurrection. However, because of the resurrection of our Lord we are not afraid but embrace the future without fear. St. Paul's is called to be the church which Christ created and will continue to lead through the Holy Spirit. I know that when we follow Jesus together, hearts will be filled, neighbors will be loved and all who call out will be transformed. ...because of the resurrection of our Lord we are not afraid but embrace the future without fear. Victoria and I will be beginning the next phase of our lives with part of our hearts left at St. Paul's and we cannot thank you enough for your love, support, and encouragement. We part ways as the family of God, but no goodbyes, just as our clown friends in the circus say, "See you Down the Road." May God continue to bless and fill you with His Grace, Pastor Vernon and Victoria

A Special Message from Pastor Vernon After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. "There he was transfigured before them . His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Matthew 17 This moment on the mountain when three of Jesus disciples witnessed the divinity of Jesus Christ, is what we know as The Transfiguration. They immediately wanted to do something to honor this moment and the place. They wanted to conform the experience to their understanding of this event. Jesus did not let them do this as the goal was the transforming of their heart, minds, and souls. We are called to allow Jesus to transform us, rather than form Jesus into what we think is right. We are called to introduce Jesus to our neighbors so that they may be transformed also. It is the greatest gift we can give. The St. Paul's mission statement is, "Connect People, Transform Lives." February 19th is Transfiguration Sunday when we will take time to consider the event found in in Matthew 17. This then set us up for Ash Wednesday on the 22. On Ash Wednesday we will be offering the imposition of ashes to our Precious Possibilities Childcare families as they pickup their children from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Then we will welcome you and our neighbors for the Eat, Pray, Love Dinner Church at 6:00 pm followed by an Ash Wednesday Worship at 6:30 pm. Just as a note, on February 12th we will be welcoming the scouting units, Troop 285 and Cub Scout Pack 442 as we celebrate and worship together for Scout Sunday. This is one more way for us to connect people as we continue to build relationships with these families. By the way, the Troop 285 just approved their 228 and 229 Eagle Awards to two great young men. In the Grace of Christ, Pastor Vernon

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love . Make ever effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4. On Sunday September 25th we gathered as one Body of Christ. We celebrated our One Lord through our worship, we loved others as we shared our faith with each other, and we broke bread together through our actions of the Love Feast. Also, we were blessed and greatly enjoyed an amazing spread of Brunch items as we celebrated being together. Our world has been stressed with a devastating pandemic, political and cultural divisions which continue from the past or have been newly created, economic struggles, and personal mental health stressors which have become overwhelming for many. We enter St. Paul's as many and become one Body of Christ through our sharing of a common faith in Jesus Christ. This is where our Lord and the church which He created shines. This is where we come as we are but turn our focus away from ourselves towards a common worship of the God of all creation, the Savior of our souls, and the Spirit which guides our path. We enter St. Paul's as many and become one Body of Christ through our sharing of a common faith in Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 4 continues, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 'one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." St. Paul's is a great place to join with our fellow sinners as those who are living out our faith toward sanctification and eternal life. This promise is not only a future ideal, but also our present "to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." God will judge us someday but is also calling us to live as Christ followers ready for that judgement today. May we all seek the Spirit, which is guiding us in unity, that is under God's direction and not on any of our own selfish paths. Also, may we "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." In the Grace of Christ, Pastor Vernon

Tips on how to take care of yourself from the virus. We haven't posted much in form of updates on our Covid-19 response. We've been communicating periodically during our Sunday Service Announcements and bulletins. Below is a short video to help prepare you for the holidays ahead and share some tips when you tackle those errands! Continue to stay updated by clicking below:

I was born in Nordin, OK and my husband Eugene was born in Corbin, KS. We met through our softball teams. We moved to Albuquerque when Gene took a job at Sandia Labs. I worked in APS cafeterias. We had two children, Patricia and Gary. They both live in the Albuquerque area. We joined St. Paul's in 1960. Patricia was active in Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) and Gary participated in Boy Scouts. I have 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. I served on St. Paul's Outreach Committee. Marilyn Bevan began Family Promise at St. Paul's and I also served with her. At that time, the families stayed in "the little house" which later was known as the Ministry Annex. It is now a rental property for the church. At one time we had 17 people staying there with only one bathroom. I also worked with Roadrunner Food bank, Project Share, and helped sort clothes that went to the Clothing Bank. I was on St. Paul's Board of Trustees when the garage was built. "At one time we had 17 people staying there with only one bathroom." Because I was working, I joined Mary Circle of Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) which met in the evening. I retired in 1989 and joined a daytime Circle. WSCS is now called United Methodist Women (UMW). I am currently serving on the Executive Committee as Chair of Education and Interpretation. I am a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. Also, although it is not under any Committee, I have spent hours straightening up the books and papers in the Sanctuary's pews. I am still active in Nursing Home Auxiliary which only has two members now: Dottie Phillips and me. We go to Genesis on Constitution and assist with Bingo games and providing prizes for them. My favorite song is The Old Rugged Cross. #UMW #SPUMCAbq #ConnectPeopleTransformLives #SpotlightSundays

I was born in Springfield, IL and married my childhood friend, Jack. He was a welder. Jack served in the U.S. Navy for six years during WWI on the USS Hudson. Albuquerque became our home in 1959, as Jack accepted a job as a welding engineer for the American Car & Foundry (AFC) an Atomic Energy Company. Rev. Robert Love came knocking on our door to let us know he was building a Methodist Church which we joined in 1959. In 1963-64, I served as the first paid secretary for St. Paul's in the house on Aztec that the church purchased in 1962. Rev. Melvin Prather, then Rev. Hollis Shook served as pastors. My son, Larry was Custodian. My office was in the kitchen and the minister's office was in the back room. I served as the first paid secretary for St. Paul's in the house on Aztec that the church purchased in 1962. My favorite hymn is In The Garden and my favorite food is chicken, any way you cook it! I love watching NFL football, and was a Cheerleader in High School.Larry and his wife Katherine (now both retired teachers) have two sons, Bill and Kevin. Our daughter Judith has two sons, Jeremy and Aaron. Both boys were baptized by Dr. Thigpen at St. Paul's. Judith's second husband is Jim Baxter. Grandson Jeremy (wife Ashley) lives in Tulsa, OK. They have three daughters and a stepson. He is a Minister and served in a large church in Oklahoma City and attended his church. Later, Jeremy participated in the Memorial services for Dr. Thigpen. He currently is the CEO for a homeless ministry. Aaron lives in Albuquerque and works as a school psychologist for the Albuquerque Public Schools. I am lucky to have one of my children living in Albuquerque. Larry and his family have moved to Corvallis, OR. I now live with my daughter Judy and my son-in-law, Jim. #spotlightsundays #SPUMCAbq

Lorraine's birthday is June 26, 1923 making her 95 years young. She was born on a farm outside of Belmond, Iowa. She attended a small country school and graduated from Belmond High School. Her parents moved into town, and Lorraine moved to Mason City, IA, and went to work at J. C. Penny's. It was there she met the love of her life, Jerry Jordan. Two years later, on June 21st, 1948 they were married in Belmond. Lorraine and Jerry moved from Iowa to Denver and then to Albuquerque in 1956. Two daughters were born to the couple: Cindy and Peggy. The family joined St. Paul's in 1975. Lorraine worked for Albuquerque Public Schools for 25 years, and retired as the Cafeteria manager. After her retirement, she became the Kitchen Coordinator at St. Paul's and was active in many other areas of the Church, including many Craft Fairs for she baked many, many pies (probably hundreds!). Her favorite pie is Strawberry-Rhubarb. (You really need to try some of her yeast rolls, Yum!). ...many Craft Fairs, for she baked many. many pies (probably hundreds!). Lorraine's husband Jerry passed away in 2004, and her daughter Cindy passed away in 2013. She now spends her time with her daughter Peggy and her son-law Albert. She stays very busy with different functions at St. Paul's. Lorraine's favorite song is The Old Rugged Cross, and Chinese is her favorite food. She loves her Church and the people of St. Paul's have been very supportive. She belongs to the United Methodist Women (Ruth Circle). #spotlightsundays #SPUMCAbq