First Presbyterian Church
Las Cruces, NM
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First Presbyterian Church |
This VERY large page contains most of the 2001 report to the congregation presented on January 27, 2002. Complete copies can be obtained from the church office. The Index is a list of bookmarks which will take you to the desired section of the report. At the end of that section, there is another book mark which will take you back to here if you wish. To return to the home page, scroll to the end and click the appropriate link.
Not available
Director of Youth Ministries
Looking back, 2001 was a good year that provided strong faith-building opportunities for our youth. Through Christian education, fellowship events, and camps we have watched God continue to work in the lives of our youth. God also continues to bless us with an incredible team of youth sponsors and a very supportive congregation that greatly helps us build a healthy youth ministry program.
Once again this year we had our annual Sr. High and Mid-School youth retreats at Lone Tree. The Sr. High did a study based on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book The Cost Of Discipleship. In this study they learned how to live as sincere disciples of Jesus Christ. The Mid-School studied Jesus Christ, learning about him and what he did while he was here on earth.
Our Christian Education programs include, The Salt & Light Co., Sunday School, and Sunday Night Bible Study. The Sr. High has had an intense Salt & Light year that started with a study on important topics such as friends, parents, and self esteem, etc. They concluded the year with a study taught by Karen Diener on Human Sexuality. We have had a regular attendance of 14 High School youth. Martha Mitchell has taught our Sr. High Sunday School classes on First and Second Corinthians and "Heroes in the Old Testament." Currently, the Sunday Night Bible Study topic is the Book of Revelations. The Jr. High started the Salt & Light year with Randy Farmer, who taught a course on the basics of the Christian faith. We ended the year with a study on various popular topics. We have had a regular attendance of eight to ten Mid-School youth. In Sunday School we have done some heavy-duty Bible study including studies of prayer, Philippians, and Galatians.
The summer started with three back-to-back Sr. High trips. They took us to Gunnison, Montreat, Dallas. In June, seven Mid-School youth, Laurie Norman, and Dan Yetter attended The Great Escape in the Rockies in Gunnison, CO., where the youth learned how to survive as Christians through Mid-School and High School. Seven of our Sr. High youth went with Howard Daniels, Linda Daniels, and Dan Yetter to Montreat West in Fort Collins, Colorado. This was an incredible conference with an amazing speaker from Columbia Seminary. Our youth had a great time and left the conference on a serious spiritual high. Finally, the Sr. High concluded the summer trips with a mission trip to Dallas, Texas. We worked with First Presbyterian Church in Dallas and a soup kitchen called the Stew Pot. We served lunch to homeless people, helped out with a day camp for inner city kids, and worked at various other service centers. It was a great trip that provided good opportunities for our youth to learn about service to the needy.
In His Grip
Dan Yetter
Director of Education
not available
Presbyterian Campus Ministry - NMSU at the Bridge
David Sallee, Director of Campus Ministry
Phone: 505-522-6404, e-mail: presbyte@nmsu.edu
IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Celia Gutierrez completed her 10th Year of volunteer work for us and was honored during the annual Christmas Party at First Presbyterian for her 2000+ hours of volunteer service. Thank you Celia for all your time and efforts, but mostly for your friendship.
I an still enjoying the dozens of cards that are still trickling in from several celebrations for my 15 years of responding to God's Call into lay ministry. In addition to a plaque, a bonus, a gift certificate to a favorite wood worker's store, I really enjoyed reminiscing about 15 years of ministry at the PCM / BRIDGE. A special thanks, to Nancy who made the 15 years possible and was always there when I needed her.
Many of our supporters sending cards were alumni of our programs who continue to light up our lives with their weddings, baptisms, births, and visits. Congratulations to Taylor and Keri Gardner, who's Aurra is almost 1, Warren and Michelle Langley who just had daughter Shaylen, this fall, and Erika, our daughter, and John Ives proud parents of John Phaelan born Aug 4. Many will remember Warren, Erika, and Taylor as the core of our Pressing On Band that produced our CD. All are now proud parents! I was delighted to co-officiate Wendy Sattler (Pres. for 2 yrs) and Chris Kassler's wedding before Christmas. We have a new board with four representatives from First Presbyterian, (Ralph Miller, Dan Yetter, Lyn Ames, and Rev. Gus Schmitt), and we have grown to four divisions and reached even more people this year. There continue to be many opportunities to volunteer. Give us a call! We especially are in the need for office and bookkeeping help.
2001 Highlights for our core division, Campus Ministry included our kick off pizza party, work camp at Chimney Spring, progressive dinners, Cans for Christ mission work, Christmas Party, and our new officers elected in October; Jenny Monroe, President, Lea Flores, Vice President, Alanna Jentgen, Secretary, Marcus Hopkins, Treasurer. It has been an honor to labor in the shadow of our Lord's cross, knowing He is leading our ministry as we grow and expand. May we continue to make Christ central to our vision, mission, our daily thoughts and deeds.
NMSU House endorsed by President of NMSU, Northern Florida or Bust, Spring Break College Challenge is Planned. The NMSU Student Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is busy helping build houses in Las Cruces and last year in Alabama! The purpose of Habitat for Humanity, is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by working in cooperation with God's people in need to create a better habitat in which to live and work. Please contact Tiff West, our current president @ 647-1587 for information!
Compeer Student Chapter: The Student Chapter is a student directed organization providing through our Compeer Program a one-to-one friendship and mentoring to at-risk and emotionally disturbed children and adolescents (Compeer Friends). Student volunteers commit to spending at least four hours per month for at least two semesters with their Compeer Friend. It is amazing what the power of friendship can accomplish in the lives of these youth in need! About 90% of all of our volunteers are NMSU students. Non-Students can be a Compeer Volunteer. Call Adrianne at the BRIDGE for information. "Making a Difference One Child at a Time. . ."
Christians in Social Work - The NMSU chapter of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) is committed to assisting its members to grow in their ability to actively integrate their Christian faith and social work practice. Students have the opportunity to grow spiritually, have fun and fellowship, and enhance their organizational skills. Students majoring in other helping professions (Counseling, Marriage and Family Sciences, Nursing) are encouraged to attend. A special thanks, to Professor Larry Lucero, Faculty Sponsor for many years for his faith, example and love of students. Jennifer Polluck and David presented papers in San Antonio in October. Jennifer's presentation was very well received and we look forward to her being published soon. For more information contact Lydia Sanchez, President at carreon1@hotmail.com or David Sallee, Staff Advisor, at the BRIDGE, 505-522-6404 or contact our international headquarters (Email: NACSW@aol.com)
David Sallee
A. MEMBERSHIP: as of January 1, 2001 436
ADDITIONS:
Received on Profession of Faith 1
Received by Church Letter 12
Received by Reaffirmation of Faith 4
Restored to Active Roll 5
+22
REMOVALS:
Transferred by letter 5
Removed due to death 15
Transferred to Inactive Roll 36
-56
MEMBERSHIP: as of December 31, 2001 402
Adult Baptisms 1
Infant and Youth Baptism 5
B. MEETINGS:
Stated Congregational Two (2)
Called Congregational One (1)
Special Congregational One (1)
Stated Session Eleven (11)
Called Session Eleven (11)
Special Session One (1)
Joint of Elders and Deacons One (1)
C. SESSION MEMBERS:
Class of 2001 Class of 2002 Class of 2003
Arden Baltensperger Judith Ames Barbara Aikin
Alex Burr Ray Carter Ruth Ford
Gary Gemoets Ralph Miller LaVerne Guice
Fred Lemon Bobby Rankin Gene Hood
Jim Parks Marianne Day-Watson Tommy Matkin
Charlie Yaryan Bruce White Bryce Brisbin
D. COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Clerk-of-Session Ruth Ford
Administration Building and Grounds Christian Education
Jim Parks - Ch Charlie Yaryan - Ch Judith Ames - Ch
Bobby Rankin Bruce White Arden Baltensperger
Congregational Life/Outreach Worship and Music Missions
Ralph Miller - Ch Marianne Day-Watson - Ch Tommy Matkin - Ch
Fred Lemon Gary Gemoets Alex Burr
Barbara Aikin Paul Vaughan
Gene Hood
Deacon's
not available
Session Committee: ADMINISTRATION
The Administration Committee is comprised of Bobby Rankin, Lyn Ames, Robert McPherson, Mel Parish and Jim Parks. The committee is responsible for many of the routine administrative activities of the church. Through previous policies and with only a few restrictions, the staff is empowered, pursuant to Session approved protocols, to respond quickly to requests for the use of the church facilities.
A Technology Subcommittee has been added this year. It was chaired by Robert McPherson. This committee is in charge of keeping the computers, telephones, sound equipment and other electronic equipment of the church working and upgraded. The committee also supervises the procuring and accepting by donation any new hardware or software. During this year they continued the upgrading and expanding of the computer system for the church staff. This was done to ease the burden on the staff while at the same time making them more responsive to the needs of the members.
The Stewardship Subcommittee continued to function very successfully this year. A separate report on it follows.
Through community outreach the church facilities are used for a wide variety of purposes. Some groups meet on a regular basis including:
- Girl Scouts - A girl scout troop under the leadership of Susan Grandle and Cheryl Ray;
- Los Colcheras - a quilt circle which meets weekly;
- The National Alliance for the Mentally ill - A support and education group which meets several times monthly; and,
additionally, the facilities are used on an "as needed" basis by a number of other people and groups:
- Community groups on a one-time "as needed" basis;
- The American Guild of Organists uses the facilities for meetings and concerts;
- The Las Cruces Public Schools uses the church facilities for teacher workshops, conferences, and the Picacho Middle School Christmas concert;
- Regular piano recitals are held at the church;
- Music students at New Mexico State University use our organ for practice and for part of their class;
- Weddings / non members
The policy of the Session as carried out by the Administration Committee is to allow use of the church's facilities as part of the church's outreach program when it does not interfere with scheduled church activities and where there are no additional costs incurred by the church.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Parks, Chairman
Session Committee: BUILDING AND GROUNDS
I want to recognize and thank Bruce White and LaVerne Guice for serving with me on the Building and Grounds Committee. Additionally, I'd like to thank all of those in our church congregation who attended and worked on one or both of the workdays held during 2001 or simply assigned an improvement or repair project to themselves, and just got it done!
I'd especially like to recognize and thank Randy and Cindy Farmer for improving the Sanctuary lighting for so many of our church members.
Next, I want to thank the members of the Church Facility Renewal Committee (CFRC) who have graciously agreed to share their special talents and experience with us to develop and execute a plan to at a minimum, replace and repair our roofs, air conditioning and heating systems. These people are Randy Farmer, Chairman, Art Garcia, Tommy Matkin, Barry Prahl, Yvonne Rawson and Marsha Topley. I will also assist.
And finally, I want to encourage you to provide your input to this committee and / or agree to serve on the Church Facility Assistance Committee who will be providing advice, counsel and assistance to the CFRC during the entire process. If you are willing to serve on this committee, please contact a Session Elder, or Randy Farmer so that you can be appointed.
Thank you for your support during the past two years; it's been an honor to serve our church in this capacity.
Sincerely,
Charlie Yaryan
Building & Grounds Chairman
Session Committee: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Members: Judith Ames, Elder and Chairperson; Lon Anderson, Deacon; Arden Baltensperger, Elder; Ray Carter, Elder; Joyce Gemoets, Sunday School Superintendent; Margie Rankin; David Sallee, Campus Ministry; Betty Starkey, Deacon; Marsha Topley; Dan Yetter, Staff.
Sunday School
Each Sunday, excepting a six-week break in July and early August, and the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day, Bible-based classes are offered for all ages at 9:00 AM. There are two adult classes. One is a Bible study conducted by Dick Dale, assisted by Bruce Griffith; this group has studied Exodus and 1 Corinthians. The other adult class has viewed and discussed various Christian video series that covered Bible, church history, and contemporary topics. The spring semester was led by Marsha Topley. Their studies were, "Great Men and Women Of the Bible," R. C. Sproul, and "What's So Amazing About Grace," Phillip Yancey. The fall semester was led by Blaine Goss. The series used were "The Trials and Tribulations Of the Early Church, From Christ To Constantine," and "Candle In the Dark," about missionary William Carey. In December, Bob Taylor led "Bibles For the World".
To learn about the studies perused by our youth classes, please refer to the Youth Director's Report.
Our children's classes take place both on Sunday mornings and on Wednesdays, as the Bible Study strand of the Salt & Light Co. LOGOS program. The following is a report from the Children's Curriculum Planning Committee, a C. E. sub-committee:
Christian Education: Disciples' Avenue workshop rotation for the year 2001.
As Christian educators we enjoy the goal of helping young people to learn God's word and be able to apply it in their lives. At First Presbyterian we think that the most effective way to bring this about is through "workshop rotation" which uses the multiple intelligence theory. Research in the past 10-15 years is helping educators know how to meet the different learning styles of each child, for each person has strengths by which he/she can learn best.
Disciples' Avenue is a rotation workshop style in which a theme is chosen, from a two-week to a six-week time period. Children rotate among the workshops in the given time period with an opportunity to learn through storytelling, drama, temple, games, music, cinema, etc. This gives a child multiple times and opportunities to learn a given theme.
For Sundays this years' Disciples' Avenue used the Presbyterian Curriculum, New Covenant People, in the fall to help children learn how Jesus fulfilled scripture and called disciples. During Lent and Easter, the emphasis was on "Communion and breaking bread together". The year finished in May with a study of Pentecost. This was followed by VBS and summer classes in June and August. Fall began with more about how the Covenant community celebrates Communion and worships God. November emphasized being thankful and helping others, using the story of the Good Samaritan. December focused on the Christmas Story, culminating in a Posada Celebration.
On Wednesdays in Salt and Light Co. Disciples' Avenue, spring was a study on how God revealed His plan of salvation through history and the lives of the people in the Bible. Children learned the time-line and eras of the Bible. The fall of 2001 took into consideration what was happening in our nation, and two weeks of workshops focused on worries and fears and how we could depend on God to help us in these areas. In November mission was emphasized, highlighted by a presentation from the McPhersons after their return from Africa. Christmas and giving were the themes for December. Many teachers volunteered their time and talents to make for a successful year and the education committee is especially thankful and grateful to all of them.
Submitted by,
Margie Rankin
Vacation Bible School
This year's very successful VBS had as its theme "Walk With Jesus". Directed by Nora Yaryan, it was truly an intergenerational effort, with attendance and help from age three through seniors. Approximately fifty children were enrolled.
LOGOS Program
Our church has a Wednesday after-school program for first grade through high school called the Salt & Light Company (from Matthew 5:13-16). Please refer to the separate report.
Computer Lab
Our Computer Lab is used during Sunday School and Salt & Light Co. by the Disciples Avenue children. It was an integral part of the Vacation Bible School program. Plans are being made for it to be used more fully by Mid-School and High School classes, and by adults. A workshop on using computers for religious education was held in the Lab as part of the Presbytery meeting at our church in September.
It is not possible to name the many volunteers and supporters who enable our church to carry out its Christian Education programs and fulfill its commission to provide nurture in our faith to both members and others who come, but the Christian Education Committee and our congregation are grateful to them.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Ames, Chairperson
Session Committee: CONGREGATIONAL LIFE/OUTREACH
The after church coffee hour has been aided by eighty (80) church volunteers who covered forty six (46) Sundays during 2001. A new sign up chart for the entire year of 2002 is currently located in Jones Hall awaiting your preferred date. Please make your selection early.
The committee was also responsible for hosting numerous luncheons and / or suppers for special missionary reports. Several receptions after memorial services were held for families in the church facilities.
A special churchwide farewell luncheon was held for departing John and Jackie Poling and family. Maximum seating capacity and attendance of 268 persons was accomplished.
A very fine updated church picture directory was published this year, the first since 1995. Over 200 participating church members family pictures were included. All groups within the church, church officers and staff were photographed.
Church advertisements were continued with Riley Marketing Inc. in a new Las Cruces city map. These are available in the office. First Presbyterian maintains an ongoing advertising and weekly updating with the Las Cruces Sun newspaper and the weekly Bulletin.
Blue colored visitor identification cards were distributed throughout the church pews seeking information for the outreach program.
The reception rooms in Jones Hall were painted and new carpet extended this year. Cupboards were transferred, a serving board installed and new sink fixtures added. Many hours of volunteer labor were donated toward this project. Special thanks to Fred Lemon who chaired a special committee towards the accomplished project.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph Miller
Chairman, Congregational Outreach Committee
Session Committee: MISSION COMMITTEE
The Great Commission: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. -Matthew 28:18,
Committee Members: Tommy Matkin, Chairman, Elder; Alex Burr, Elder; Sylvia Burns, Deacon; Phil Faircloth, Deacon; Beverly Briggs, Allan Savage and Robert Taylor, congregational members.
Missionaries and Missions, 2001 Budget, totaling $49,750.00:
General Assembly:
Harvey – Singapore $2450 Priscilla School – Mexico 2100
Haspels – Ethiopia (Suri) 1575 Waguespack – LAM, Mexico 2100
Green – Brazil 2800 Pontier – AIM, Africa 2100
Soldwisch – Mexico 1575 – Global Outreach/China 2100
Prasad – India (Dalit) 2100 Synod/Presbytery:
National & International: Synod 800
Patton – Campus Crusade, CA 2100 Presbytery of Sierra Blanca 7200
Barron – Campus Crusade, CA & Latin America 2100 Camp Chimney Spring 2450
Diebold – ARTA, Mexico 2100 Local:
Evans – Wycliffe, Indonesia 2100 Gospel Rescue Mission 1000
Trudell – Wycliffe, Africa 2100 Presbyterian Campus Ministry 2000
Pickering – Navigators, Mongolia 2100 Christian Day Nursery 2000
Stephens – Navigators, USA/Japan 2100 St. Luke’s Health 200
Discretionary Fund $ 500
Visiting Missionaries:
The Trudells, with Wycliffe Bible Translators serving in Africa, visited in March. Joel spoke from the pulpit on Sunday morning. A potluck was held in the evening and Joel & Barbara presented a program on their mission work. Barbara also spoke to Prebyterian Women. The couple is now on furlough at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland furthering their education.
John Haspels, working with the Suri tribe in Ethiopia, filled the pulpit on Labor Day weekend, and presented a program that evening following a potluck.
In October Donna Evans, with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Indonesia, presented a minute for mission during worship and presented a program following a potluck in the evening.
The Waguespacks, with Latin American Missions in Mexico; and Lu Stephens with the Navigators in USA & Japan had to cancel visits due to illnesses.
Doug Barron, with Campus Crusade for Christ working in California and Latin America, also visited the congregation during the year.
Robert McPherson, of our congregation, spoke from the pulpit regarding the medical mission trip to Africa he and his wife Janet would be taking in October.
The Committee assisted Jackie Poling in administering the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
Bob Taylor of the Committee faithfully prepared the monthly Lantern article Beyond our Walls to keep the congregation informed of missionary activities and needs.
The Committee was represented by Tommy Matkin at the annual Wycliffe Banquet held in Las Cruces in November.
During the year numerous requests for funding from various Christian organizations were denied due to budget restraints.
Mission Goals for 2001:
New Missions Directory for the church to include all missionaries and missions supported by our congregation. The directory has been completed by Bob Taylor and Phil Faircloth and will be available for distribution at the Annual Meeting.
Adult Mission Trips. Possible trips discussed: Mexico for new church development sponsored by Sierra Blanca Presbytery; Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, various border ministries, and Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska for maintenance, repair and evangelism.
Increase Funding for current missions and add new projects if funds are available.
In preparing the Proposed Budget for 2002, the Committee requested a 10% increase for General Assembly, National and International Missionaries.
Submitted for the Committee by
Thomas Matkin, Chairman
Session Committee: NOMINATING
The members of the 2001 Nominating Committee were Jerry Grandle, Chair, Sue Carter, Ruth Ford, Matt Holt, Fred Lemon and Arnold McMillan.
This committee supplied nominees for the class of 2004 with 6 elders and 6 deacons and 1 elder for 2003. The committee also nominated 9 individuals from the congregation to serve on the Pastoral Nominating Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Grandle
Session Committee: WORSHIP AND MUSIC
These have been the best of times and worst of times for the Worship Committee. Nevertheless, by the Grace of our Lord, change happened. In addition, functions of the committee have been met.
With the changing of the year to 2001, committee member Gary Gemoets focused on personnel issues, completing by year's end job descriptions and informal evaluations for Music Department employees monitored by this committee.
Communion Service, scheduled for the first Sunday of each month and Holy Thursday, averaged 257 communicants. On World Communion Sunday, the children participated by making the communion wafers. To encourage participation in serving Communion, past and present Elders were surveyed for ability to participate. For those able Elders, training in the service was provided.
The Seasons of the Church year were followed. In an effort to control the air quality during the Easter service, a blend of artificial and live Easter lilies decorated the front of the church. With good results, this blend will be continued.
Recognizing a need to provide musical education for all the school children enrolled in Salt and Light, and Disciples' Avenue, Beth Carter-Borchert was retained in August for ten months as director of the children's music ministry. This would encompass grade school to high school.
The greatest change was the departure of the Senior Pastor, John Poling. The committee would like to thank all who graciously stepped forward to fill the pulpit and other worship service duties during the transitional time from his departure and Interim Pastor, Gus Schmitt's arrival. Marcus Burr scheduled the sermons, provided input on hymns and music and contributed to the children's sermons. Bill McMillan and Howard Smolleck provided stability in the Music department. Judith Ames provided stability with children sermons.
What is now ahead for the Worship Committee? More change will and has happened. Bill McMillan, Director of Music, tendered his resignation December 24. The committee has decided to first, retain and Interim Choir Director, second, determine what characteristics are needed for a Director of Music, and thirdly, search for that person. In addition, a search for an assistant organist for Howard Smolleck shall be initiated. With Interim Pastor Gus Schmitt's guidance, music in the worship service is changing to include more hymns of praise.
As the Worship Committee is not only responsible for the spiritual portion of the worship service, changes in the physical portion have occurred as well. The most notable is the placement of increased lighting. For these, gracious thanks go to the Building and Grounds Committee. The future holds changes that are of a more physical nature with the Church Renewal Committee dealing with replacement of the sound system, the roof and the maintenance of the organ.
Respectfully submitted,
Marianne Day Watson
ORGANIZATIONS
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
The Desert Cruisers is a group of retired people (but still going full "blast" singles and couples, who meet for fellowship at noon on the 4th Monday of each month in Watkins Hall. After a potluck lunch, a variety of interesting programs have been presented in 2001.
Membership is open to all who are interested. The dues are $2.00 per person, a year. A free-will offering, combined with our treasury, provides funds for different organizations.
The officers for 2001 are as follows:
Skipper, Marcus/Maggie Burr
First Mate, Bernice Wright
Logger, Jean Hiers
Purser Tom Whelan who followed Maurice D. Hiers.
Respectfully submitted,
Marc and Maggie Burr, Co-Skippers
The In-Betweeners is a fellowship group of "empty nesters" that usually meet the 4th Friday of each month. During 2001 our activities included a Bobby Burns Night, potlucks, a picnic in the park, dinner and barber-shop quartet concert in El Paso, and a progressive dinner Christmas party. We met at the church, restaurants, and homes. We had lots of fun, food and Christian fellowship. Please join us in 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim and Jacque Parks
The Vine and Branches is a fellowship group of parents and young couples that tries to meets monthly for great fun and food. This past year we only did a few things such as a St. Patrick's Day get together and swim party but hope to plan many activities this year. If you would like to join in on the fun or have an activity that you would like to host (or just participate in), let me know. You are encouraged to join the fun and fellowship we enjoy throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia and Joel Tomlin
Presbyterian Women
Only part of the report is available now
MEMORIAL STUDENT AID FUND
This first manse for First Presbyterian Church was built by funds raised by the Ladies Aid Society about 1935. Eventually it was sold and the $2000.00 received was turned over to the College Circle. In 1969 the Memorial Student Aid Fund was established with the provision that the principal would remain intact and only the interest would be used for college scholarship aid. Through the years the principal has increased through memorial donations and funds transferred from Presbyterian Women. The Market Value of the fund, as of December 31, 2001 is $6978.00 and is invested through the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation.
Scholarships from the Memorial Student Aid Fund have been awarded to 74 students since the fund was established in 1969.
Respectfully submitted by the Committee:
Betsy Holt, Coordinator
Sue Carter, Advisor
Kathy Tucker, Treasurer
Lynda Garcia, Advisor
Sunny Parish, Advisor
MEMORIAL STUDENT AID FUND
FUNDS INVESTED WITH NEW COVENANT FUNDS
THROUGH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)
Market Value 1/1/01 6790.46
Deposits 400.00
Interest 162.68
Decline in Market Value 375.14
Market Value 6975.00
THE SALT AND LIGHT COMPANY
Our Wednesday after-school program celebrated its 10th anniversary in early January, 2002. It is affiliated with LOGOS Associates International. The four areas of worship skills, recreation, Bible study, and family-style dinners make up the content each week. The children and teens participate in choirs, crafts, games, and very enjoyable mealtime fellowship, as well as serious study of the Bible and the principles of living Christian lives.
The Computer Lab, provides high-interest Bible-based programs for students to use.
The choirs that often highlight our worship services are parts of the Worship Skills strand of Salt & Light.
Forty-six are enrolled. Their families contribute to the program with volunteer service and with tuition. Students are encouraged to bring their friends, so there are sometimes guests.
Congregation members support Salt & Light wonderfully by volunteering countless hours as kitchen crew, teachers, recreation leaders, and table parents, as well as with special gifts. Everyone is invited to visit and to see the program in operation and to have dinner.
Respectfully submitted,
Adele LaVerne, Director
Board Members:
Judith Ames, Assistant director
Lon Anderson
Howard Daniels
Linda Daniels
Joyce Gemoets
Susan Grandle
Martha Mitchell
Jacque Parks
Kathy Tucker, Treasurer
Peggy White, Assistant dirctor
Dan Yetter, ex officio
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OF LAS CRUCES FOUNDATION, INC.
Our local Foundation is a tax exempt corporation which was established to provide long-term financial support for the Church, while allowing members to take advantage of the tax benefits that are possible through donations to the Foundation. The Foundation can accept gifts of marketable securities (stocks, bonds, etc.), real estate, or other appreciated property with significant tax advantages to the donor.
The membership of the Board of Directors of the Foundation consists of Lynford Ames (president), James Parks (secretary), Joel Tomlin, Jack Curry and Arlyn Kriegel. Curry and Kriegel will serve through 2003, Ames and Parks through 2002, while Tomlin served through 2001.
The Board manages both those funds donated to the Foundation and certain memorial funds and other designated gifts that the Session has placed under the management of the Board. The eventual expenditure of any of these funds will continue to reflect the wishes of the original donors. The Church Financial Secretary keeps a record of the designated gifts in the Foundation.
Two Foundation investment accounts have been established with Charles Schwab, one for the Foundation funds and a second with the other funds that the Board manages for the Church. On December 31, 2001 the balance in the Foundation Schwab account was $38,929, while that in the second account was $26,685. These amounts are down approximately 25% from last year due to the general decline in the stock markets.
In addition to the funds invested with Charles Schwab, the Foundation has several pieces of real property: two lots in Deming (for which there is currently not much of a market) and a home in Las Cruces. The home, which is currently rented, was mortgaged in 1999 for 10 years at less than one-half its market value to help provide funds for paving the parking lots. The current rent of $875/month covers the $649.97/month mortgage payments as well as taxes and maintenance.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynford L. Ames, President
NECROLOGY REPORT
Remembering members of First Presbyterian Church who died in 2001:
The Responsive Reading (based on 1 Peter 1:3-4)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
whose great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!
The inheritance to which we are born
is one that nothing can destroy or spoil or wither.
Thanks be to God!
The Prayer
Eternal God, we bless you for the great company
of all those who have kept the faith,
finished their race,
and who now rest from their labor.
we praise you for members of our congregation
whom we name before you. . . .
Geraldine Weir 12-20-00
2001
Earl Jacobi Walter Cort
Margaret Burak Pat VanWart
Leon Fitzhugh Carl Cogar
Elizabeth Bennett Helen Cogar
Dorothy Sloan Geraldine Cherye
Ruth McDonald Thelma Mae Thomas
John Davis Vera Hoover
We also thank you for friends and family from all
over the world whom we name in our hearts…
We thank you for your good promises to us and for
the reassurance that these beloved ones we miss
are now received into your presence.
Help us to believe where we have not seen,
trusting you to lead us through our years.
Bring us at last with all your saints
into the joy of your home,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.
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