First Presbyterian Church
Las Cruces, NM
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First Presbyterian Church |
This VERY large page contains most of the 2003 report to the congregation presented on February 8, 2004. 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 link 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 2003
Presented to the Congregation on February 8, 2004
Church Staff
Rev. Norm Story, Pastor
Dr. Marcus L. Burr Jr., Minister of Pastoral Care
David Sallee, Director of College Ministry
Dori Branch, Youth Director
Beth Borchert-Thomas, Youth Choir Director
Bo Rogers, Chancel Choir Director
Howard Smolleck, Organist
Linda V. Ramirez, Office Secretary
Kathy Tucker, Financial Secretary/Office Manager
Brian McPherson, Sexton
Mike McClanahan, Custodian
Judi Ferguson, Nursery Attendant
Presbyterian Campus Ministry
Session / Clerk of Session
Board of Deacons
Session Committees:
Financial Report Phase 1/ Facility Renewal 2003
Organizations:
The Year In Review
What a year this has been. A year ago, I was just starting the process of
seeking a new call and I don't think I even knew that there was a Las Cruces,
New Mexico, or that the Presbyterian Church was looking for a new pastor.
Consider how far we have come since then! Last year was a year of some fairly
significant changes for all of us, wouldn't you agree?
As I have reviewed the reports of your accomplishments this past year, clearly
God has blessed this church abundantly. Each of the committees and boards have
faithfully carried out their mission and the work of the church has gone on
without break or interruption. It is really amazing how well this church has
done. Today, the state of the church is healthy, growing, joyfully optimistic
and forward looking. And surely the best is still yet to come, for we are poised
to step out boldly in faith according to God's will and the plans that the Lord
has for us.
This is a wonderful church, with a rich history of Christian service, worship
and outreach. God has always been steadfast and faithful in the past, and so we
look forward to a wonderful future together. This year let us seek to hear God's
voice and guidance anew, and claim for our church this promise that God spoke
through the prophet Jeremiah.
(Jeremiah 29:11-14a NRSV) For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the
LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you
search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let
you find me, says the LORD.
Presbyterian Campus Ministry - NMSU at the Bridge
The Bridge Campus Ministry Annual Report
to Our Extra Commitment Churches
(1st Pres. – Las Cruces, United Church of Los Alamos, 1st Pres. – Tucumcari,
Northminster Presbyterian, and Iglesia Congregational Unida – UCC)
Over the years, many students have come to regard the PCM (Presbyterian Campus Ministry) and the Bridge as well as David (Campus Pastor) and Nancy Sallee, as their home away from home. The relationships that students build with each other and with God creates the sense of community and belongingness that makes the Bridge feel like home. This year over 328 NMSU students (up over 50 from last year) were able to explore and celebrate a diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and experiences through our Fellowship, Habitat for Humanity, Christians in Social Work, and our Pastoral Care programs of personal visits, phone & email Outreach. In this relaxed and open atmosphere we are able to focus on fostering growth through the miracle of God’s love.
This past year, we continued some “new programs” that have been very successful, and began even more.
Ø For two years, on Sunday mornings we have enjoyed meeting before church for coffee and bible study at Milagro café.
Ø Our Friday movie night has continued to be a hit for its second year.
Ø The highlight of the year was our Traditional Seder Service experienced in the First Century fashion.
Ø We enjoyed our FIRST EVER statewide college student retreat in Jemez in November.
Ø We joined with other Christian students for our annual Cans for Christ activities which benefit Casa de Peregrinos. Over ½ ton of food was collected by “trick or treating” in Mesilla Park.
Ø Of course we continue to meet every Thursday evening for fellowship and discipleship. The Fall semester we explored the Gospel According to the Simpsons. It’s been a lot fun…
Ø We just launched our new Internet Bible study, Cyber Logosology (CL for short) in December.
Some quotes from our students over the years that you have touched through your support,
You have touched lives you don't even know you have touched, you have so many people that love you and would help you in anyway you ask, you have people that think of you more often than you think, and you have people who pray all the time for you without you even asking them to. …I am very thankful that I was a part of the BRIDGE family, and I am thankful that I will always feel a part of the BRIDGE family. If you need anything from me, I will be praying for YOU, the BRIDGE, and answers to come your way. And, in the mean time I will be growing up, getting married, having children, and so on...as life requires us to do. Love always, GOD BLESS YOU,
- El Paso Grad, Spring 2003
“I would be delighted to be in your bible study, you guys always have very neat topics, but they are also relevant to the gospel and that’s what matters! Thanks for the invite!”
- Wildlife Sciences Senior (Fall 2003)
Thank you for your support!
In Christ’s Love,
Lea Flores
President, Student Fellowship
Bridge Campus Ministry
- MEMBERSHIP: as of January 1, 2003 420
ADDITIONS:
Received on Profession of Faith 2
Received on Church Letter 8
Received by Reaffirmation of Faith 1
Restored to Active Roll 2
REMOVALS:
Transferred by letter 4
Removed due to death 15
Transferred to Inactive Roll 2
MEMBERSHIP: as of December 31, 2003 412
Adult Baptisms 0
Infant and Youth Baptism 3
- MEETINGS:
Congregational meeting 1
Called Congregational 2
Annual Congregational 1
Stated Session 12
Called Session 5
- SESSION MEMBERS:
Class of 2003 Class of 2004 Class of 2005
Barbara Aikin Randy Farmer Carl Connor
Bryce Brisbin Nancy French A.B. Conrad
Ruth Ford Steven Hardin Cheri McMillan
LaVerne Guice Steve Loman Jacque Parks
Gene Hood John Tomlin Don Rhodes
Tommy Matkin Fred Yanker Nora Yaryan
D. COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Clerk of Session Larry Cooper
Administration Building & Grounds Christian Education
Bryce Brisbin (C) Gene Hood (C) Nancy French (C)
Steven Hardin Randy Farmer Nora Yaryan
A.B. Conrad Carl Connor
Congregational Life/Outreach Worship & Music Missions Tommy Matkin (C)
Barbara Aikin (C) Ruth Ford LaVerne Guice
Fred Yanker Steve Loman John Tomlin
Jacque Parks Cheri McMillan Don Rhodes
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2003 Class of 2004 Class of 2005
Lon Anderson Aaron Dinwiddie Ruth Brown
Maggie Burr Adele LaVerne Millie Conrad
Phyllis Daniels Max Loman Jon Gorzeman
Donna Farmer Jo Miller Dina Schroeder
Carol Goss Martha Mitchell Rusty Smith
Kate Puckett Patricia Tomlin Jenny TopleyThe Board of Deacons works for the congregation by serving during worship services, providing fellowship opportunities, and through special projects, and serves the sick and the needy of the congregation and the local community by providing aid. Funds for our work are collected through communion offerings, half of the loose change offerings, special project donations, and designated gifts.
Our services and responsibilities to the congregation include ushering, greeting those arriving at worship services, providing transportation to services 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 individuals. The assistance is in the form of emergency grants to needy families, gas vouchers, sack lunch supplies, Soup Kitchen donations and supplies, and donations to local mission projects. This year, the Deacon’s contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund totaled almost one third of all contributions from local organizations.
Our two big projects this year were our Hamburger Fry and the Hospice Project. Both were very successful. We had a very large turnout for our Hamburger Fry, and were able to fully fund the Hospice Project without asking for additional contributions. Each Hospice family was provided with food, gift certificates, and inspirational materials.
The organizational structure of the Board of Deacons was studied and minor changes were made to help the Board run more smoothly. We are excited about the new class of Deacons and look forward to another successful year.
Kate Puckett, Moderator
Session Committee: ADMINISTRATION
Members were: Bryce Birisbin, Chair; Stephen Hardin, Vice-Chair; A. B. Conrad;
Lyn Ames; Max Loman; Patricia Tomlin (July to December); Reverend Gus Schmitt, ex-officio (January to June first); Reverend Norm Story, ex-officio (September 28th to December).
The Committee met monthly and also had two special called meetings to oversee staff functions of the Church. Major efforts for the Committee included the stewardship campaign, budget preparation for 2004, and personnel evaluations. Work continued on developing an Employee Manual and a Facilities and Equipment Manual. As the Church was without an interim pastor or permanent pastor from June 1st until late September, the session appointed the Chair of the Administration Committee to conduct the weekly staff meetings until a new pastor arrived. The Committee coordinated with the Music and Worship committee in obtaining the services of the Rev. Carrol Blevins to provide our Sunday worship services until a permanent pastor was obtained.
Arnold McMillan was appointed to head the Stewardship Campaign which was conducted during October and November.
A proposal was made to the Committee to consider leasing an automobile for the pastor in lieu of paying an automobile allowance. It was decided to recommend to the Session that a lease for a vehicle from Wallace Chevrolet be approved. The Session voted to table the motion.
The committee conducted a budget planning meeting involving Chairs of all Session committees. A proposed budget for 2004 was submitted to the Session.
Submitted by,
Bryce Brisbin
Session Committee: STEWARDSHIP
Members included: Arnold D. McMillan, Chair. Bryce Brisbin, Stephen Hardin, A.B. Conrad, and Max Loman.
The theme for this years stewardship emphasis was, “Growth Through Stewardship”, and included a letter from the chairman to the congregation, a message from the pastor and one from the chairman in the Lantern, sermons from the pulpit, and short talks by members of the Stewardship committee. A pledge card and a form inviting the membership to select an area of interest for future service to the on going mission of our church. Our congregation responded faithfully.
There were 124 pledges turned in, amounting to $281,816.00. Based on past experience, we can expect between $75,000.00 and $80,000.00 of income from un-pledged gifts.
Submitted by,
Bobby Rankin
Session Committee: BUILDING AND GROUNDS
MEMBERS: Elders: Gene Hood, Randy Farmer and Carl Conner
Deacons: Max Loman and Jon Gorzeman
The year 2003 proved to be an exciting one for all members of First Presbyterian Church.
1. Building and Grounds began the year by drafting a Committee Mission Statement to guide our actions and activities.
2. The committee developed a Maintenance Work Order that is in the office for anyone’s use. A Work Order Processing Procedure was then put into place.
3. A list of preferred repair sources was developed for use by the office staff or committee members.
4. We planned and worked closely with the FAC Renewal committee on scheduling workdays, moving days, etc.
5. Outside maintenance contracts were established for landscape maintenance and servicing of all new heating and cooling equipment.
6. A Key Control System was put in place to insure security.
7. Special needs and disabilities were addressed and wide aisles in the east section were added to accommodate wheel chairs and motorized chairs.
8. A new sound system was installed.
9. Bob Taylor is heading a sub-committee to consider developing a Columbarium on the church campus.
10. Bo Rogers donated his labor to renovate the choir room and spent the summer doing so with great savings to the church.
11. Funds were transferred to Music and Worship to help on the expense of cleaning the organ and installing a new ladder to the organ pipes.
12. The Whites donated a charcoal grill that required brickwork that is completed. This unit is outside the kitchen door.
13. We received Session approval to carry over year to year, any excess monies in the Building & Grounds budget to help maintain our facilities in the excellent condition they are now in.
14. A special Thank you to all committee members for their hard work and many hours donated in the repairs and planning during the renovating process.
15. We would also recognize and thank all the members of the congregation for their generous contributions of time, talent and resources.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hood,
Chairman
FINANCIAL REPORT PHASE 1/FACILITY RENEWAL 2003
Funds received towards Phase 1 (pledges & designated gifts) $278,033.00
Other funds received (various sources) 50,091.00
Loan Advances 731,360.00
Total cost of construction $860,220.00
Payments on loan 33,025.00
Principal payment on loan 74,240.00
Payoff on loan 12/31/03 646,709.00
Balance in Phase 1 checking account 12/31/03 $53,377.00
Future schedule monthly payment on loan 6,000.00
Total amount pledged January 2003 through December 2008 $282,146.00
Total amount received towards amount pledged 155.112.84
115 members and friends have contributed towards Phase 1
8 families have given or pledged > $19,999.00
15 families have given or pledged $4999.99 to $19,999.00
10 families have given or pledged $999.99 to $4999.99
Session Committee: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Members serving as the year ended are Nora Yaryan, Co-Chair; Nancy French, Co-Chair; Adele La Verne, Deacon; Carol Goss, Pre-Sch. SS Rep.; Susan Grandle, Curriculum and Mid School Youth; Betsy Holt, High School Youth; Marsha Topley, Adult; Peggy White, Salt & Light; and Linda Seaton, congregation member. Our new Youth Director Dori Branch, who begins January 1, 2004, also volunteered time.
Sunday School: There have been many wonderful volunteers, too numerous to name who have planned and conducted educational programs this past year for all ages
Youth: The High School Youth spent a week in Dallas with Matt Holt and Dori Branch at the Stewpot, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church, Dallas. The Mid School Youth spent their summer retreat with Susan and Jerry Grandle (who gave up their family vacation) at Great Escape in Gunnison, Colorado. Both Gary Gemoets and Charlie Yaryan have lead youth Sunday school along with other volunteers. Both groups have been using the new PCUSA curriculum "We Believe".
Elementary: Margie Rankin has tirelessly continued to plan, organize and engage teachers. We continue to use Gospel Light Curriculum in our usual rotation workshop scheduling.
Pre-school/Nursery: Judith Ames is graciously continuing to coordinate this ministry with the help of many adult and youth volunteers during both the Sunday school hour and Worship hour. Jasey Loman is the coordinator for our new 18 month to 3rd birthday class and Janet Loman continues to coordinate volunteers for the birth through 18-month room.
Adult: Blaine Goss continues to conduct a Bible based video class in the church library and Dick Dale still continues to conduct a Bible study in the new Jones parlor. Both are faithful committed volunteers.
Vacation Bible School: Due to construction constraints on our building, there was no VBS or summer Sunday school.
Disciples' Avenue Library: Our children's library remains in the church library.
Other programs under the umbrella of Christian Education are the Logos Program and Presbyterian Women, both of which have submitted reports.
Construction/Remodeling: Suffice it to say, "We've moved". In fact we've moved more than three times this year! We are very grateful to all the extra volunteers who have come out to pack, unpack, setup, make decisions, paint, toss out, and generally help in every way they could. We are also very grateful to the Building and Grounds committee for their wonderful support given to CE - especially all the last minute decisions that were made and implemented. We have a beautiful, refurbished facility that we can be proud of now and we are determined to keep it well maintained.
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, Nora Yaryan, Co-Chair
Session Committee: CONGREGATIONAL LIFE/OUTREACH
Members
Elders: Barbara Aikin, Chair, Fred Yanker, Vice-Chair, Jacque Parks
Deacons: Maggie Burr, Ruth Brown, Secretary.
At Large: Janet McPherson, Alice Cooper
Attempting to fulfill our stated mission of hospitality as commanded in 1 Peter 5:9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” our committee faithfully hosted the coffee hours after church services. During the renovation of our church buildings the coffee hour became something of a “moveable feast” as we vacated Jones Hall and served refreshments under the marquee at the south entrance or inside the sanctuary in the Narthex area.
Our committee also hosted a picnic under the direction of Jacque Parks on the church grounds featuring home-made ice cream as a farewell to our interim pastor, Gus Schmitt in June. In August we provided an opportunity for the congregation to express appreciation to our supply pastors, Carrol Blevins , Jay Bishop and Marcus Burr via a coffee hour with special cakes for each pastor.
We also made arrangements for the Elders’ luncheon during Rev. Story’s visit to Las Cruces as an opportunity for him to meet the Session and for them to become acquainted with him. Later, the reception following the installation ceremony for Rev. Story was hosted by our committee.
Our member, Janet McPherson attended the School of Evangelical Strategies in Ruidoso in March and reported some of the important points of that session to our committee.
We established a new column in the Lantern, the church’s monthly newsletter, to bring attention to needs for volunteer workers on church projects. The column is titled “Opportunities for Service” and has resulted in some new hosts for the coffee hour and for the review of the Sunday attendance records. Under the direction of Fred Yanker we have continued the weekly church advertisements in the local daily newspaper as well as special newspaper ads as deemed necessary.
Future plans include the production of a pictorial church membership directory under the leadership of Ann Miller, the formation of a “supper club” for small group dinner parties, the formation of a singles group, and for a seminar to address estate planning, hospice care, etc. from a Christian viewpoint.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Aiken, Chair
Session Committee: MISSION COMMITTEE
Committee Members:
John Tomlin, Chairman, Don Rhodes, Vice-Chairman, Kate Puckett, Aaron Dinwiddie, Bob Taylor, Allen Savage, Phil Faircloth and Alex Burr.
Committee Members who left:
Tommy Matkin, went to Germany and La Verne Guice went to another state due to health problems. Both are missed.
Committee Acknowledgements:
Bob Taylor’s Beyond Our Walls write up each month in the Lantern and for the mission interest by Alex Burr who is editor of the Lantern.
Visiting Missionaries:
Doug and Sherry Barron serving with Jesus Film Project of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Don and Kim who are with the Global Outreach in China.
Ron and Donna Pontier with the AIM Central African Republic. Ron gave minutes for
the mission in church and Donna displayed items from Africa.
Duties of Committee Members:
Each assigned missionaries to keep in touch within the world and give reports.
Paso de Fe in El Paso, TX added to the list of funding for 2004.
Bob Taylor on board of Cristo de Rey Outreach for our church.
Reverend Norm Story has expressed interest in our mission accomplishments and new goals.
Donations to the International heifer Project by Ruth Hoff for Gordon Hoff who had been one of the most mission minded members of our church.
We are one of the most mission supportive churches in the Synod and Presbytery.
Breakdown of Mission Support for 2003:
General Assembly 2003 Budget
101 Tom & Judy Harvey – Singapore $2,575.00
102 John & Gwen Haspels – Sudan $1,575.00
103 Recardo & Reyna Green – Brazil $2,940.00
104 William & Susan Soldwisch – Mexico $1,655.00
105 Phillip & Elizabeth Prasad – India $2,205.00
106 Surma $ 300.00
107 Dalit $ 300.00
108 Andrew & Judith Carrick – Japan $2,205.00
113 Jorge & Socorro Alvarado – Juarez $1,837.50
Subtotal $15,592.50
Synod/Presbytery
110 Synod $ 800.00
111 Presbytery $7,200.00
112 Camp Chimney Spring $2,402.00
114 Christo Rey Outreach $2,500.00
116 Pasos de Fe $ 0
________
Subtotal $12,902.00
Local Missions
121 Christian Day Nursery $2,200.00
122 Gospel Rescue Mission $1,100.00
126 Presbyterian Campus Ministry $2,200.00
127 St. Luke’s Health $ 220.00
________
Subtotal $5,720.00
Missions/National/International
131 Jim & Tracy Patton – Campus Crusades $ 735.00
132 Doug & Sherry Barron – Campus Crusades $2,205.00
134 Donna Evans – Wycliff Bible Translators $2,205.00
135 Joel & Barbara Trudell – Wycliff Bible Translators $2,205.00
136 John & Marnie Pickering – Navigators $ 367.50
138 Priscilla School – Mexico $2,205.00
139 Bob & Donna Waguespack – LAM $2,205.00
140 Ronald & Donna Pontier – AIM $2,205.00
141 – Global Outreach $2,205.00
________
Subtotal $16,537.50
160 Mission Committee Discretionary $1,000.00
Not allocated from original budget $1,175.00
Total Mission/Benevolence $52,927.00
Submitted for committee by John Tomlin, Chairman
Session Committee: NOMINATING
The committee met in September and conferred several times by phone. The committee supplied nominees for the Class of 2006, six Elders and six Deacons, and for the Class of 2005, one Deacon. The committee also met in January to supply the four nominees for the 2004 nominating committee.
The committee wishes to thank those who accepted the call to serve as Elders, Deacons and nominating committee members. Thanks also go to those who gave prayerful consideration but were unable to serve at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacque Parks, Chairman
Steve Loman, Vice-chairman
Jenny Topley, Member
Judith Ames, Member
Susan Grandle, Member
Allen Savage, MemberSession Committee: PERSONNEL
Sub-committee of
Session’s Administration Committee
Employees of First Presbyterian Church received both mid-year and yearend job evaluations for the year 2003.
Evaluations were performed by the individual’s immediate supervisor, a representative of their respective committee, a representative of the Personnel Sub-committee, and the Reverend Norm Story. In some cases, this varied somewhat.
Evaluations were written, given to the individual being evaluated, and signatures obtained from those involved. If requested, further discussion of the individual’s evaluation will be offered.
These evaluations were the basis for this year’s bonuses.
All appropriate employees received a cost of living (COLA) raise of 2.3% based on Federal Government guidelines.
Stephen F. Hardin, Elder
Session Committee: WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Committee Members for 2003:
Session members Ruth Ford, Chairman
Steve Loman
Cheri McMillan
Deacons: Dina Schroeder
Millie Conrad
Congregation: Robert Watkins
Melanie Grant
Sue Carter, Secretary
The Committee has completed a very busy and successful year, attending to the many details, in service for the First Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for the leadership of Rev. Gus Schmitt, Interim Pastor; then the guidance from Rev. Jay Bishop, who met with the Session; then the helpfulness from Rev. Carrol Blevins, who met with the Music and Worship Committee and filled the pulpit during the summer months and September; and finally, the kind and capable leadership of our new minister Rev. Norm Story. Through all of these changes, with continued prayer and God’s guidance, the continuity ran true and we were able to fulfill a year of meaningful Services of Worship, fine music and superb preaching to our growing and faithful congregation, who were generous with their patience, understanding and support all through this interim time.
The Committee was pleased to support our faithful choir, our extremely talented and dedicated Choir Director, Bo Rogers, and our truly gifted Organist, Howard Smolleck, in their endeavor to continue the high quality, meaningful and worshipful music. The Committee continued to support Bo Rogers in his ability to enhance the music presentations by acquiring instrumentalists and recruiting key persons into different choir sections. Also, we were pleased to support the development of a Bell Choir, through the talent of Dori Branch. All music was presented to the Glory of God and our thanks go to all the choir members and music staff, for sound system, along with training of its operators. Our organ continues to be a pride and joy to all and we’re ever grateful to have it. Due to work on the church roof, and some remodeling in the choir room, the organ received a great deal of dust, to an extent that it had to be cleaned and in the near future the organ will receive repairs and some additions to bring it up to its due finery.
Responsibility for getting persons to volunteer to serve as Greeters and Ushers was taken care of by the Deacons, with Kate Puckett directing the project; and Robert Watkins faithfully secured Liturgists for each service; and, we offer our thanks to them and all who participated.
Many thanks of appreciation go out to all the Ruling Elders, and other Elders, for their willing assistance with the monthly communion preparation, serving, and clean-up duties under preparation of the communion wafers. Appropriate banners and table accessories were taken care of by Pauline Farmer and committee members, to who go many thanks.
Patricia Patton has come on board to take care of flower arrangements and their care. And something else new has been added, as an Elder now serves communion to those in care of the nursery, as the service progresses in the sanctuary.
It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of the Music and Worship Committee because of the helpfulness and willingness of so many church members. Working together has brought us into a special fellowship with Christ and with one another.
My deep appreciation to all.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth M. Ford, Chairman
ORGANIZATIONS
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
DESERT CRUISERS
The Desert Cruisers are a wonderful group of “retired people” (but still going “full blast”) of singles and couples, who meet for fellowship at noon on the 4th Monday of each month.
Because of changes in our church buildings and only two persons preparing the meals, it was decided that we would find a place where we could meet and have fellowship. The NEW CHINA SUPER BUFFET at 850 Telshore was chosen.
Our membership is open to all and we hope that you will join us. The dues have been $2.00 per person a year. We have given to our church “building and facilities” fund $100.00 this year.
The officers for 2003 are as follows:
Skippers, Marc and Maggie Burr
Logger, Jean Hiers and
Purser, Tom Whelan.
Respectfully submitted in Love and Peace,
Marc and Maggie Burr, Co-Skippers.
IN-BETWEENERS
The In-Betweeners is a fellowship of “empty-nesters”—couples and singles—that usually meets the fourth Friday of each month for dinner and a program. Programs in 2003 included a hymn sing, a game night, star gazing, “An Evening in Italy,” a Southwestern welcome shower for the Storys, and a holiday progressive dinner, among others. The group was responsible for decorating the sanctuary for Christmas. They also collected Christmas presents for people at La Casa, a domestic violence shelter.
Alex and Marjorie Burr
Lyn and Judith AmesPresbyterian Women
Membership in Presbyterian Women is open to all women of this congregation. Presbyterian Women in the congregation, presbytery, synod, and churchwide support the mission of the church at home and around the world. Through participation in local circles, guilds, and gatherings, women are able to take part in these ministries.
Our circles and guilds meet monthly to nurture faith through prayer, Bible study, and lively discussion. Gatherings for all women in our congregation are planned by the Coordinating Team. Gathering programs are diverse in nature to represent the many needs and interests of Presbyterian Women.
PW ACTIVITIES – 2003
*Sue Ann Hanning represented us at the Churchwide Gathering in Louisville, in July.
*PW funds were allocated to local, national and international mission projects.
*PW Reception Committee coordinated church receptions for memorial services and special occasions.
*Women attended the Spring Gathering held in Carlsbad, at First Pres. Church, Apr. 12, and the Fall Gathering, Oct. 11, in Dexter, at First Pres. Church.
*“Care packages” were sent to college students from this congregation in the spring and in the fall.
*Women from this congregation and Northminster Pres. Church PW roasted more than 60 turkeys to be used in meals prepared and served after Thanksgiving in Juarez, with the “Hands of Luke” organization.
*PW continues its association with Church Women United of Mesilla Valley and supports the local project which collects ‘gently used’ childrens books to be cleaned and distributed to various charities.
*PW contributed $1000.00 to the purchase of the “new” church van, and the money collected at the Christmas ‘Shower of Gifts’ for the C.E. dept. will help buy a rug for the toddler room.
PW PROGRAMS – 2003
Feb. 21—All Church Down Home Jamboree: home cooking and down home music.
Mar. 18--Coffee and Mission Program, with Michelle Olson, Dona Ana Sheriff’s Dept.
Apr. 22—Spring Luncheon and Shower of Gifts for Community of Hope, at Good Samaritan Creative Arts Room, with Installation of Coordinating Team and Dedication of Birthday and Least Coin offerings. Jean Wertz and Juanita Treat were presented with Lifetime Honorary Memberships. Pamela Angell, Director of Community of Hope was the speaker.
Oct. 11—PWP Fall Gathering, Dexter: “A New Vision Calls for New Ideas.” Reports were given on the Churchwide Gathering in Louisville.
Oct. 15—Welcoming Reception for Kathy Story.
Nov. 5—Fall Gathering in Watkins Hall.
Nov. 7—Church Women United Celebration of Community Leaders, St. Paul United Methodist Church
Dec. 3—Christmas Coffee, with Dedication of the Thank Offering, and Christmas Shower of Gifts for Christian Education Department. Monetary gifts were also collected to purchase toys and clothing for a number of homeless families in Hacienda del Sol.
PW COORDINATING TEAM OFFICERS
Moderator Sue Carter Secretary Alice Cooper
Vice Moderator Sue Ann Hanning Treasurer Kathy Tucker
COORDINATORS OF COMMITTEES
Search Program PWCT
Mission Maggie Burr, Receptions Janet McPherson
Jean O’Neill Sue Carter
Student Aid
Fellowship Sunny Parish
Finance Kathy Tucker Scrap Book Jean Wertz
COORDINATORS OF CIRCLES AND GUILDS
Grace Circle Alice Cooper
Ruth-Naomi Circle Sue Ann Hanning, Evelyn Horst
Circle II Joan Lemon
Morning Circle Elle Cox
Mary-Martha Circle Nora Yaryan and Margie Rankin
Westminster Guild II Lois Peterson
Evening Circle Jacque Parks
Respectfully submitted by Sue Carter
Moderator, Presbyterian Women
THE SALT AND LIGHT COMPANY
Sponsored by the Christian Education Committee
Our Wednesday after school program started its 2003-2004 season in September. It is affiliated with LOGOS Associates International. The purpose of the Salt & Light Co. is:
To create an understanding and desire for accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior
To develop intelligent, active and loyal disciples for leadership in the church
To give worthwhile study, wholesome recreation, and opportunities for service - all bound up in Christian fellowship
To enable young people to face individual moral decisions with spiritual conviction
To develop the kind of Christians who are able and willing to communicate their faith and to assure personal responsibility in assisting in the building of God's kingdom on earth
To provide a setting for welcoming new young people into our faith community
Everyone is invited to visit and see the program in operation and to have dinner.
Respectfully submitted, Adele LaVerne, Director
Board Members
Director Adele LaVerne
Asst. Director Peggy White
Treasurer Kathy Tucker
Rec. Coordinator Peggy White
Kit. Coordinator Jacque Parks
Sunday Sch. Lais. Joyce Gemoets
Computer Lab Susan Grandle
Sr. High Sponsors Matt & Betsy Holt; Barry & Tammy Prahl; Gary Gemoets; Kate Puckett, Ruth Ann Hurab
Support Staff: Worship Skills, Beth Borchert-Thomas; Pianist, Laurie Norman; Judith Ames, Lon Anderson, Dori Branch, Youth Director, Rev. Norman Story
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 2003 consisted of Arlyn Kriegel (president), Cindy Farmer (secretary), Jack Curry, Bobby Rankin and Robert McPherson. McPherson will serve through 2004, Curry and Kriegel through 2003, and Cindy Farmer and Bobby Rankin 2005. The Session needs to elect two members to replace Kriegel and Curry.
The Board manages the funds donated to the Foundation and 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.
The Foundation funds have been invested with New Covenant Funds. On December 31, 2003 the balance was $36,627.43.
In addition to the funds invested with New Covenant Funds, 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/monthly mortgage payments as well as taxes and maintenance. This mortgage was refinanced during the year reducing the interest rate to 5.5%. The related checking account at the First National Bank had $6,255.82 at December 31, 2003.
The Foundation also received an interest in property from one of the church members which was then sold and our share was $53,381.92. These funds were transferred to the First Phase Building Fund per request of the donor.
Respectfully submitted,
Arlyn A. Kriegel, President
NECROLOGY REPORT
Remembering members of First Presbyterian Church who died in 2003:
2002
Evelyn Scott
2003
Margaret Erdman Martha Brown
Carl Shuster Lt. Col. (USAF) Ret. Robert E. Dunbar
George B. Scott Nancy Jo Swain
William S. Jackson Jane Kazda
Ann Havens Don Dearholt
James M. Horst Madge Miller
Ina Woodruff Capt. (USN) Ret. Mell A. Peterson
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Last update
2006-01-10 21:35:14