First Presbyterian Church
Las Cruces, NM
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First Presbyterian Church |
This VERY large page contains most of the 2002 report to the congregation presented on February 2, 2003. 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.
First Presbyterian Church
200 E. Boutz Road
Las Cruces, NM 88005
505-526-5559; FAX: 647-5910
e-mail: fpc1@zianet.com
Annual Report For 2002
Presented to the Congregation on February 2, 2003
Church Staff
August Schmitt, Jr., Interim Pastor
Dr. Marcus L. Burr Jr., Parish Associate
David Sallee, Director of College Ministry
Bo Rogers, Chancel Choir Director
Linda V. Ramirez, Office Secretary
Kathy Tucker, Financial Secretary/Office Manager
Brian McPherson, Sexton
Mike McClanahan, Custodian
Judi Ferguson, Nursery Attendant
Beth Borchert-Thomas, Youth Choir
What an exciting, challenging, fun year this has been for me as your Interim Pastor. In a very real sense I believe my “year” started November 1, 2001, a very busy time in the life of any congregation: stewardship season, election of officers, budget making time, Advent and Christmas, officer training, etc. I had to hit the road running.
As an Interim, I did not come here with a pre-conceived plan for this church’s journey for the interim time. However, it did not take too long to discover what needed to happen to prepare the way for your new pastor. You had recently lost your Sr. Pastor and your Director of Christian Education. During the first two months of this year you lost your Director of Music and Director of Youth Ministries. You were accustomed to their leadership and adjusting to the void was difficult. You adjusted very well and you are to be commended.
God has blessed you this past year in many ways. You have experienced a large increase in attendance at worship along with a significant increase in Sunday School attendance.
There has been a significant increase in church membership and a significant increase in giving. Two events stand out in my mind: the Easter Sunrise Service led by the young people and the annual Hamburger Fry put on by the Deacons. Both events experienced record-breaking attendance.
The Pastor Nominating Committee you elected is by far the finest I have ever worked with and I have worked with many as Presbytery liaison over the years. You really need to commend them. They are truly dedicated to the task and have worked hard.
In preparation for the coming of your new pastor the following has been completed: Job Descriptions for all session committees have been re-written; a new Employee Manual has been prepared; a new Facilities Use Manual has been prepared; and Job Descriptions for staff have been up-dated.
Most exciting for me as your Interim is the positive, can-do spirit that exists among you.
I have felt the Spirit moving in more ways this past year than I can place in this report. Actually, I don’t have to because I know you have felt it too. Enthusiasm is high and excitement about the future is strong.
In closing, while I am reluctant to mention names, I feel I must express my sincere appreciation to Marcus Burr, your Parish Associate. Without his dedication and his ministry among us, it would have been extremely difficult for me to do what I have done. Thanks, Marc!
Respectfully submitted:
August Schmitt, Jr.
Interim Pastor
Presbyterian Campus Ministry - NMSU at the Bridge
David Sallee, Director of Campus Ministry
Phone: 505-522-6404, e-mail: presbyte@nmsu.edu
Not available
- MEMBERSHIP: as of January 1, 2002 402
ADDITIONS:
Received on Profession of Faith 7
Received by Church Letter 13
Received by Reaffirmation of Faith 7
Restored to Active Roll 7
REMOVALS:
Transferred by letter 5
Removed due to death 11
Transferred to Inactive Roll 0
MEMBERSHIP: as of December 31, 2002 420
Adult Baptisms 1
Infant and Youth Baptism 4
- MEETINGS:
Congregational meeting One (1)
Called Congregational Two (2)
Annual Congregational One (1)
Stated Session Eleven (11)
Called Session Eight (8)
- SESSION MEMBERS:
Class of 2002 Class of 2003 Class of 2004
Judith Ames Barbara Aikin Randy Farmer
Ray Carter Ruth Ford Nancy French
Ralph Miller LaVerne Guice Steven Hardin
Bobby Rankin Gene Hood Steve Loman
Marianne Day-Watson Tommy Matkin John Tomlin
Bruce White Bryce Brisbin Fred Yanker
- COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Clerk of Session Larry Cooper
Administration Building & Grounds Christian Education
Bobby Rankin - Ch Bruce White – Ch Judith Ames - Ch
Bryce Brisbin Gene Hood Ray Carter
Steve Hardin Randy Farmer Nancy French
Congregational Life/Outreach Worship & Music Missions
Ralph Miller – Ch Marianne Day-Watson Tommy Matkin
Barbara Aiken Steve Loman LaVerne Guice
Fred Yanker Ruth Ford John Tomlin
BOARD OF DEACONS
CLASS OF 2002 CLASS OF 2003 CLASS OF 2004
Kathi Becker Lon Anderson Aaron Dinwiddie
Alice Cooper Joy Miller-Bell Adele LaVerne
Ruth Ann Hurab Sylvia Burns Max Loman
Mel Parish Maggie Burr Johanna Miller
Betty Starkey Phyllis Daniels Martha Mitchell
Kathy Walker Kate Puckett Patricia Tomlin
The Board of Deacons works to aid the sick and needy of the congregation and the local community, and its members help serve the congregation in its worship services. The communion offerings, gifts designated to the Deacons and their special projects, and one-half of the loose change offerings provide the funds for our benevolences and associated expenses.
Our services and responsibilities to the congregation include ushering, greeting those arriving at the worship services, providing transportation to service for those who need it, visiting the sick and homebound, providing flowers to hospital patients, providing family aid in emergencies, and serving on Session committees. Within the community, we focus on emergency assistance to the needy through both contributions to worthy charitable organizations and occasional assistance directly to the individuals. This year the Deacons were able to help three local agencies; Full Speed Ahead $1000.00, St. Lukes Health $500.00 and First Step $500.00. In coordination with the office staff, the Deacons fund one-time-only gasoline vouchers and / or sack lunches for travelers with emergencies.
We conducted three special projects this year. The annual Hamburger Fry benefited from a record attendance and record donations of approximately $1400.00. We may have to revise our planning estimates upward, which is a wonderful challenge to have! The Deacons worked with the Senior High Youth Group to collect and deliver 40 bags of groceries to the Gospel Rescue Mission. This was a response to a surge of need that overwhelmed the local resources, and the Mission published a request for help. Once again, the Deacons conducted a Christmas project for those in bereavement with the Mesilla Valley Hospice. Thirteen families were provided laundry baskets filled with food, gift certificates for each family according to number, and spiritual messages. Almost 60 people in dire need were aided this way. Thanks to the congregation for your generous support and to the Lord for making it all possible.
Mel Parish, Moderator
Session Committee: ADMINISTRATION
Members of the committee were: Bobby Rankin, chair; Bryce Brisbin; Stephen Hardin; Lyn Ames; Max Loman; and Gus Schmitt, ex-officio. The committee met monthly to oversee staff functions of the church. Major responsibilities for stewardship and personnel management were delegated to subcommittees. Reports of those activities will follow. Other actions included: 1) prepared an Employee Manual, 2) prepared a Facilities and Equipment Use Policy Manual, 3) arranged for a professional review of church financial records by Beasley Mitchell & Co., 4) developed a proposal to contract for additional custodial services for facilities to be provided on a regular schedule, 5) extended the contract for our interim pastor, Gus Schmitt by six months, until April 30, 2003, with a five percent increase in salary, 6) agreed to reimburse Dr. Marcus Burr for use of a cell phone and travel to presbytery meetings. 7) developed a 2003 budget proposal for personnel, administration, and stewardship, 8) conducted budget planning meeting and submitted the 2003 budget to session.
Submitted by,
Bobby Rankin
STEWARDSHIP Subcommittee
Members included: Bobby Rankin, chair; Margie Rankin; Matt Holt; Nora Yaryan; Mel Parish; and Gus Schmitt, ex-officio. The season of emphasis on giving included: sermons by our pastor, short talks by members, children’s sermons, letters to the congregation, pledge cards, articles in the Lantern, bulletin announcements, a day of prayer, phone calls to members inviting then to the Celebration Sunday services, a time and talent survey, and thank you letters. Our congregation responded faithfully, with 152 pledges for $303,295. Based on past experience, we expect approximately $75,000 of income from gifts which were not pledged.
Submitted by,
Bobby Rankin
PERSONNEL subcommittee
- All full-time and Part-time employees of First Presbyterian Church received both mid-year and final job evaluations.
- Evaluations were performed by the employee’s immediate supervisor, the Interim Pastor, and a representative of the Personnel Sub-committee.
- Evaluations were written, discussed with the respective employee, a chance for rebuttal provided, and signed by all involved.
- Evaluations were basis for performances bonuses awarded at the end of the calendar year.
- All employees received a cost of living raise of 1.5% based on Department of Labor’s assigned value.
Stephen F. Hardin, Elder
Session Committee: BUILDING AND GROUNDS
MEMBERS: Elder Bruce White, Elder Gene Hood, Elder Randy Farmer,
Deacon Max Loman
I would first like to thank all those who have provided assistance with the many projects which have been completed this year.
1. A very successful Spring Church work day.
2. New electrical power transformer.
3. Steam heat and refrigerated air conditioning in the sanctuary.
4. Completion of the bricking on the kitchen water heater closet.
5. Wheel chair ramps to the choir loft.
It was my intention to have a Fall Church work day. I apologize for allowing it to slip through that well known crack.
There are many projects which have been delayed, as they are included in the current Church Facilities Renewal (CFR) project.
1. New exterior locks on all buildings, providing improved security.
2. Door repairs on Branigan.
3. Roof leaks in all buildings.
4. Heating in Branigan.
I believe the most significant charge this year will not be visible for several years. That is the increases in Budget items for Capital Improvements and Maintenance. These in conjunction with carryover on these two line items should provide the needed funds which has been lacking for many years.
I would like to request your continued support for the Building and Grounds Committee and CFR Project. It is through these, that the image of FPC Las Cruces will become more recognized in our Community.
I would like to thank the members of this committee for their support during the past year and thank you for the opportunity you have given me in allowing me to serve my LORD in this way.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce White
Chairman
Session Committee: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us.” John 1:3
Members serving as the year ended are Judith Ames, Elder and Co-Chairperson; Lon Anderson, Deacon: Ray Carter, Elder and Co-Chairperson; Nancy French, Elder; Carol Goss, Congregation Member; David Sallee, Campus Ministry; Linda Seaton, Congregation Memger; Marsha Topley, (part of the year as Congregation Member, then as CE/Youth Director); and Nora Yaryan, Congregation Member Joyce Gemoets, Margie Rankin, and Dan Yetter (ex-offocio as Youth Director) also served earlier in the year.
Sunday School
On Sunday mornings, Bible-based classes are offered for all ages at 9:00 A.M. Church School classes did not meet on the Sunday between Christmas and New Years, and the members of the two adult classes decided upon a 10-week hiatus during the summer. In addition to a Bible study class for adults led by Dick Dale, a video class using various series that covers both Bible and contemporary topics led by Blaine Goss is also conducted at this time. Various dedicated teachers and co-ordinators, too many to name, plan and conduct the classes for children and teens.
This fall, a separate Nursery for babies and toddlers ages birth to two years was added under the leadership and direction of Janet Loman. It is staffed by our professional childcare worker, Judi Ferguson, during the 9:00 AM hour, and by Judi and volunteers during Worship. The Worship Service is transmitted to the Nursery, so that the workers can hear the service. The Worship Committee make sure that those adults who care for our Nursery and Preschool children receive Communion on the Sundays when it is served.
Disciples’ Avenue Library
An addition to our program for elementary students and for preschool children is a fine lending library of Christian and other wholesome books. Children and those who love them are welcome to check books out from the library in Branigan Hall.
Vacation Bible School
A very successful one-week program was conducted in June for children age three through fifth grade. The theme of the excellent curriculum from Gospel Light Publishers was “Son Canyon”. (See separate report.)
LOGOS Program
Our church has a Wednesday after-school program for first grade through high school called The Salt and Light Company. (See separate report.)
The volunteers and supporters who love the Lord and give their time to teach, plan, and pray for the Christian Education programs of our church make it possible for First Presbyterian to carry out its mission to provide nurture in our faith to both members and others who come.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Ames, Co-Chairperson
Ray Carter, Co-Chairperson
Schedule of Sunday School
for Elementary, Jan 02 – 03
January – Temple and Tabernacle
February – The Good Shepherd (children learned to sign Psalm 23, and they did it for the Congregation.
March – One Great Hour of Sharing
April – Armor of God
May – Pentecost
Summer – Videos of PRAIRIE DOG TOWN which helped the children to learn how we must not let pride, prejudice and holding grudges be a part of our life.
September – Abraham & Sarah, “Learning to trust in God”.
October – Stewardship of our time, talents and money.
November – thanksgiving to God for all he gave us.
December – Preparing for Christmas, “God is Faithful” Christmas Around the World,
Los Posados
January 2003 - Epiphany
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Gospel Lights Son Canyon River Adventure VBS was held mornings June 10 –14 and 52 children registered. The more than 30 helpers included Mid-School youth through Senior Adults. Betsy Holt and Nora Yaryan headed the project. Our mutigenerational staff and partnering directorship worked very well. Having all ages as workers not only sets a good example for the children but also for the helpers. This is the second year that we have made an exerted effort to have our staff multigenerational and I would recommend staffing any future VBS program the same way. We ran four days of rotating centers for ages 1st grade through 5th. Storytelling, Music and Crafts. PreK and Kindergarten are not assimilated into the rotating centers but are in classroom settings and run the same VBS theme at their age level. We always opened and closed VBS with prayer, announcements, music, offering and the daily Bible verse. Notices, i.e. the special Friday program and the daily Bible verse along with copies of pertinent Bible stories, were sent home at the end of each day. The Friday program consisted of the whole VBS reviewing the daily Bible verses and music, dedication of the mission offering, and a special visitor for the Bible story. The PreK and Kindergarten were only present for the music and offering portion after which they retreated to their classrooms until the picnic and Water Madness started about 10:30.
This is the second year we have held a Water Madness Adventure and picnic. This year was more successful than last because it was more organized and better staffed. It is essential that anytime we have water activities that it be well staffed. The children love Water Madness and it is a relatively easy program to conduct.
We do not have an end of VBS special program for parents, but do invite them to attend any or all of the Friday morning session. Perhaps if we ever go to evening VBS, and we hold a two week VBS, then we would have “real” time to develop a quality “show” for parents. As it presently is, five days are not enough time and most parents work during the day.
The mission project, CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN: FULL SPEED AHEAD was a huge success. The best way to teach children to bring offering for service besides teaching them the principals is to give them a receptacle that they take home every day and return the next with their offering. Everyday we added up and posted the daily offering and grad total so that the children could see their progress.
The date for VBS needs to be calendared by early January and staffed with a director(s) by the end of February. It is important to plan early so that curriculum can be ordered and staffing can begin. Even through our VBS is known to occur within the first two weeks of June, it still needs to be announced as people plan vacations early in the year.
Respectfully submitted, Nora Yaryan
Session Committee: CONGREGATIONAL LIFE/OUTREACH
The committee membership included the following members: Ralph Miller, chairman, Barbara Aikin, Vice-chair, Fred Yanker, Phyllis Daniels, Maggie Burr, Janet McPherson and Gus Schmitt.
The committee served as host to the congregational annual meeting luncheon in addition to numerous other luncheons. It also hosted other evening snacks during missionary reports on Sundays during the year.
Church advertisements continue to be placed in yellow pages of the telephone directory which has shown a 20 % increase for the coming year. Weekly ongoing announcements of sermon titles, Salt and Light activities, Sunday School classes and church sponsored Boy Scout information are shown each Friday in the Las Cruces Sun News.
A Blue Brochure was designed and distributed throughout the church pews showing visitors various church activities to get acquainted with at First Presbyterian.
The after church coffee hour continues to enhance opportunities for getting together in Christian fellowship. A sign-up chart is located in Jones Hall awaiting your preferred sign up date for 2003. There were over sixty people participating for 2002. Please make every effort to do your share of volunteering for Sundays in 2003. It is a great way to serve your fellow Christians and get to know your neighbors. All materials are provided. Just a little elbow grease and perspiration are needed. Why not share your time and talents and get to know more of your fellow worshipers?
Two in-home sit down dinners were held for new church members allowing them to get acquainted and blend into church membership surroundings. A special thank you to Barbara and Bob Aikin for hosting these events which were very well received.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph Miller, Chairman
Chairman, Congregational Outreach Committee
Session Committee: MISSION COMMITTEE
Committee Members: Tommy Matkin, Chairman, LaVerne Guice and John Tomlin, Elders; Kate Puckett, Deacon; Beverly Briggs, Sylvia Burns, Alex Burr, Phil Faircloth, Allan Savage and Robert Taylor, congregational members. Beverly Briggs and Sylvia Burns resigned mid-term due to other commitments.
Missionaries and Missions, 2002 Budget, totaling $52,526.00:
General Assembly:
Harvey – Singapore $2575 Priscilla School – Mexico 2205
Haspels – Ethiopia (Surma) 1575 Waguespack – LAM, Mexico 2205
Green – Brazil 2940 Pontier – AIM, Africa 2205
Soldwisch – Mexico 1655 – Global Outreach/China 2205
Prasad – India (Dalit) 2205
Surma Project 50
Dalit Project 50 Synod/Presbytery:
National & International: Synod 800
Patton – Campus Crusade, CA 2205 Presbytery of Sierra Blanca 7200
Barron – Campus Crusade, CA & Latin America 2205 Camp Chimney Spring 2501
Diebold – ARTA, Mexico 2205 Local:
Evans – Wycliffe, Indonesia 2205 Gospel Rescue Mission 1100
Trudell – Wycliffe, Africa 2205 Presbyterian Campus Ministry 2200
Pickering – Navigators, Mongolia 2205 Christian Day Nursery 2200
Stephens – Navigators, USA/Japan 2205 St. Luke’s Health 220
Discretionary Fund $ 1000
(This represents a 4.4% increase over the 2001 budget; the first increase in recent years.)
Visiting Missionaries:
In March Doug & Sherry Barron, who serve with the Jesus Film Project of Campus Crusade for Christ, shared their experiences with the congregation.
In June Dr. Charles Diebold and Carol Murray of ARTA, an agricultural project in Mexico, gave a report on agricultural work in rural Mexico.
Also in June Bob & Donna Waguespack, with Latin American Missions in Mexico, visited. Bob presented the Minute for Mission during Worship and a program in the evening.
Don & Kim , Global Outreach, visited in July. They filled the pulpit during the Worship Service in the absence of the pastor. They also presented a program in the evening.
In November Lu Stephens of The Navigators spoke during the Sunday School hour and presented Minute for Mission during the Worship Service on her work in Japan. Lu will retire at the end of 2002.
Members Robert & Janet McPherson presented an evening program to the congregation on their medical mission trip to Kenya, Africa.
The Committee took over the responsibility of administering the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Marge Rankin coordinated the Sunday School campaign. Allan Savage of the Mission Committee and Erin Watson from children’s Sunday School spoke of OGHS programs for the Focus on Mission during Worship Services. Total of gifts collected was $11,552.
Bob Taylor of the Committee faithfully continues to prepare the monthly Lantern article Beyond our Walls to keep the congregation informed of missionary activities and needs. One article was a profile of deceased church member Charlie Stone on his work in local missions.
During the year numerous requests for funding from various Christian organizations were denied due to budget restraints.
The new Missions Directory for the church, including all missionaries and missions supported by our church budget, were distributed by mail to all members of the congregation. Copies were also placed in the pews in the Sanctuary. Bob Taylor and Phil Faircloth prepared the directory.
The Committee prepared a job description for Committee members, as directed by the Session, which mostly consists of our mission statement.
The Proposed Budget for 2003 reflects no increases for missionaries and missionary programs except for the Surma and Dalit projects, increased by $250.00 each.
Mission Goals for 2003:
Become more involved in border ministry.
Investigate the possibility of an adult mission trip.
Review every missionary and project supported by our budget to see if they are still complying with their original mission statements and if they still need our assistance. A report of the review will be made to the Session during the 2004 budget preparation.
Submitted for the Committee by
Thomas Matkin, Chairman
Session Committee: NOMINATING
The Committee met in November and supplied nominees for the Class of 2005, six Elders and six Deacons. The committee wishes to thank those who accepted the call to serve as Deacons and Elders. We wish to thank all who gave prayerful consideration, yet were unable to serve at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Loman, Chairman
Session Committee: WORSHIP AND MUSIC
The committee completed a successful year of service to the congregation of First Presbyterian Church. Under the leadership of our Interim Pastor, Gus Schmitt, we were able to assist in the creation of a meaningful Worship service full of wonderful music and great preaching.
We were proud to be able to help the Choir obtain new robes, and bring Bo Rogers in as our new Choir Director. We would also like to acknowledge the many hours of effort by those who choose to serve our Church by singing in the Choir. Bless you each and every one.
The responsibility of providing a liturgist each week was assumed by Robert Watkins; he wishes to thank the many participants who were willing to assist in leading the service.
Pauline Farmer was ever faithful in her efforts to maintain proper décor in the sanctuary. Thank you Pauline for your watchful eye.
As is always the case the committee relies on the willingness of many of the Elders and Deacons as we accomplish our task. We are grateful to the generous spirit with which they offer to do their duties.
Most of all, we appreciate the patience of the Congregation during this interim period.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Loman, Chairman
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 2002. These included: “Older Adult Ministry: Video on Bill Crosby; Words from Gus Schmitt; “Building the Flag”; and “The Cup Bearer” by Carl Shuster.
Membership is open to all. The dues are $2.00 per person a year. With a free-will offering, combined with dues, we provide funds for different organizations.
The officers for 2002 are as follows:
Skippers, Marc and Maggie Burr
Logger, Jean Hiers and
Purser, Tom Whelan.
Respectfully submitted,
Marc and Maggie Burr, Co-Skippers.
The In-Betweeners is a fellowship of “empty nesters” that usually meet the 4th Friday of each month. We met at the church, restaurants, and homes. We had lots of fun, food and Christian fellowship. Please join us in 2003.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim and Jacque Parks
The Vine and Branches did not meet this year due to poor response of the “under 60” families in our church. Only the few families that made up the backbone of the group would attend last year’s events. When an event was publicized a small portion of people attended and very few even bothered to RSVP, which is a disappointment. Until more interest is given this group is officially retired.
Yours in Christ,
Patricia 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 started its 2002 –2003 season in September. 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, craft, games, and very enjoyable mealtime fellowship, as well as serious study of the Bible and the principles of living Christian lives. The choirs that often highlight our worship services are part of the worship skills strand of Salt and Light.
The Computer Lab provides high-interest Bible based programs for students to use.
The 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 and Light wonderfully by volunteering countless hours as kitchen crews, teachers, recreation leaders, and table parents, as well as with special gifts.
Everyone is invited to visit and see the program in operation and to have dinner.
Respectfully submitted,
Adele LaVerne, Director
Board Members
Judith Ames
Lon Anderson
Howard and Linda Daniels
Gary and Joyce Gemoets
Susan Grandle
Matt and Betsy Holt
Martha Mitchell
Laurie Norman
Jacque Parks
Tammy Prahl
Kate Puckett
Beth Borchert-Thomas
Marsha Topley
Kathy Tucker
Peggy White
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 for 2002 consisted of Lynford Ames (president), James Parks (secretary), Jack Curry, Arlyn Kriegel and Robert McPherson. McPherson will serve through 2004, Curry and Kriegel through 2003, and Ames and Parks through 2002. The Session needs to elect two new members to replace Ames and Parks.
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, 2002, the balance in the Foundation Schwab account was $31,120.00, while that in the second account was $14,709.00. These amounts are down approximately 30 % 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 2002:
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….
2002
Norma Ceroky Don Ragan
William H. DeBoy Charles P. Stone
Gordon B. Hoff M. A. Thomas
Mary Hood Pat Wells
Helma Keil Bernice Wright
John Julia McMahan
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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Last update
2006-01-10 21:35:42