Selections from The Lantern, October 2002. The Lantern is the monthly newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church.

On October 31^st, you and I will have completed one year of ministry together. Can you believe it? TEMPUS FUGIT! It has been an exciting and rewarding time for me. I have been blessed to serve with a strong, active, hard-working Session, Session Committees, and a socially involved Board of Deacons. One could not ask for a better program and support staff than it has been my privilege with whom to work.

There is much talent in this congregation; but more important, there is a willingness to use that talent in dedicated service to Christ and His Church. Volunteerism is alive and well here at First Church. God has a pastor out there who will be blessed leading and serving you.

This message would not be complete if I did not confess being away from Lisa and Elizabeth has been difficult, but you already knew that. However, all three of us believe this is where God wants me to be at this time in my ministry. So continue joining me in praying for our Pastor Nominating Committee as they continue their awesome responsibility.

I covet your continued prayers and support as we minister together.

Peace!

Our Interim Pastor’s sermons for the month of October will be as follows:

“All one body we.” Come on now! “Love one another.” Really? What is it that we are celebrating this Sunday? Read I Corinthians 12:12-27 and bring someone to worship with you this World Communion Sunday.

The contemporary pastor is constantly caught between the two roles he or she must play in the church, prophet and priest. As priest, the pastor comforts the people; as prophet, challenges them. There are times which call for comforting sermons; times which call for challenging ones. Three guesses as to which this will be and the first two don’t count. Read II Corinthians 8:1-5; come be challenged!

What does one preach on “Choir Dedication Sunday?” Does one base a sermon on all of the scriptural references to music, especially the Psalms? That could be dull. So, as the leaves are turning gold, instead of green; as fall is in the air and not spring; as nature begins her slumber and not her awakening; let’s celebrate Easter…new life! Read Luke 24:1-10.

Each one of us has our “last penny.” It may be money, it may be something else. Each one of us has some part of our lives, some part of our activities, some part of ourselves which we do not give to Christ. The “last penny” is that “fear barrier” which prevents us from entering completely into a life of faith; of complete trust in God. Read Mark 12:41-44.

Your church cordially invites you to join millions of Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday October 6^th. Gus will be preaching on “World Communion – A Gimmick?” Bring someone to worship.

Yes, on Sunday, October 20^th during Worship, we will experience lots of inspirational music as we observe Choir Dedication Sunday. Both the Chancel and Children’s Choirs will be bringing us special music on that Sunday and Howard will be bringing his usual excellent offerings on the organ.

The order of worship will be of a celebrative mood and choirs and congregation will dedicate their support to each other in the exciting ministry of music with which we are blessed.

Immediately following worship on October 20^th, a reception will be held in Jones Hall for the celebration, presentation, and viewing of an outstanding collection of paintings, a most generous gift to our congregation from the artist, George C. Gray. A biography of Mr. Gray can be found in the following article.

The collection, “Paintings and Drawings of Jesus,” consists of eight paintings, 24” by 36” each and 15 drawings, 9” by 11” each, portraying the highlights in the life of Jesus. These paintings and drawings will be hung in the reception room of Jones Hall. You definitely will want to be here.

George Gray, a well known local artist, has made a gift to our church of eight paintings and 15 drawings of his work, depicting “The Story of Jesus.”

George Gray is a native of New Mexico, having been born in Estancia and raised in that area. He attended NMA & M, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Art and History, which was later followed by a Master’s, in 1959, in Creative Painting, from NMSU.

George began his teaching career at Las Cruces Union High School in 1950. In 1952 he received a Ford Foundation Fellowship to study art in New York City, returning to Las Cruces to continue teaching art at Las Cruces High School from 1953 to 1961.

George and his wife Lucy moved to San Diego, California, where he taught Art and History in the San Diego area from 1961 until his retirement in 1986. They returned to Las Cruces in 1992, where they still reside. They say they are glad to be back and truly feel at home. As a teacher of art, he used all types of painting media. Teaching art has been the main focus of his life. He is very proud of his students, many of whom have gone on to make their mark in the field of art.

While teaching in Las Cruces, George designed the Great Seal of Dona Ana County and directed the painting of a mural hanging in the Parish Hall of St. James Episcopal Church in Mesilla Park.

In California, he directed the creation of a mural at the California Department of Motor Vehicles in La Mesa, California. The Secretary of the U.S. Treasury purchased one of his paintings to hang in the Treasury Department, in Washington.

George’s paintings have been exhibited in the following places:

Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City; NM Museum of Art, in Santa Fe; Art Students League, in New York City; New Mexico State University; St. James Episcopal Church, Mesilla Park; St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, San Diego; El Paso Sun Carnival Exhibition; Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, Albuquerque; St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Las Cruces; permanent display galleries in La Jolla and San Diego; and private collections from New York to California.

George’s eight paintings and 15 drawings will be a permanent collection here at First Presbyterian Church, a treasured gift and a blessing to each of us. George has said that in the early 1950s. Father Crossman of St. James Episcopal Church, in Mesilla Park, said to him, “If you are given a gift by God and don’t use it, it’s as big a sin as any other sin.” George feels it’s his obligation to spread “The Story of Jesus” to all through his gift and talent of painting.

George and Lucy will be formally introduced to the congregation at our church service on Sunday, October 20, 2002, followed by a reception in the Social Room of Jones Hall, where the permanent collection of paintings and drawings will hang.

The Three Crosses Travel group, many of whom are members of our church and friends of the Grays, are hosting the after-church reception, and invite all to come to view this treasured gift of art to our church.

The project for framing these pieces of art is being funded by the Presbyterian Women’s Association of our church and personal gifts. Our sincere thanks to P.W. and donors for their generosity.

The PNC work continues at a stepped-up pace with an average of two meetings a week and a great deal of research and analysis in between. We are listening to taped sermons and doing telephone interviews. We intend to narrow the field to two or three candidates, possibly four, by the third week of October. From these, the committee will make a choice. We will then want to have a face-to-face interview. During this phase it is customary and desirable to hear the pastor of our choice preach in person. We hope to have a selection by the end of October or early November.

A PNC choice does not end the process. Our first choice may not accept our call. Then we would have to negotiate with a second choice and so on. We expect our second and third choices to be highly satisfactory matches for our church; thus this will not be a problem except that it adds time to the process. Once a pastor accepts our call, there is a contract negotiation phase and congregation and Presbytery approval to be obtained. Finally the new pastor must make arrangements to sever ties with his present church and community and establish an arrival date. Although we feel that we are getting close, please remember that we don't have ultimate control over the process and that His will shall be done and not ours.

We are now entering a very crucial phase and ask humbly for your prayers.

The annual Deacon’s Hamburger Fry will be held after church on Sunday, October 6, 2002

Doing “MISSIONS” in Las Cruces.

People in our own community encounter stressful health and family problems as well as difficult economic situations everyday. Our Board of Deacons is continually ministering to these people with compassion and generosity through these mission projects:

The Deacon’s source of income is one half of the “loose” offering collected on Communion Sundays; any offering designated “Communion”; and the Annual Hamburger Fry.

The needs always increase and funds are needed. Can you help? Join the Deacons for delicious food and congenial fellowship in our beautiful courtyard! Your attendance and generous donations will be greatly appreciated.

This is the Deacons’ only fund-raiser to finance their local mission activities.

Sunday, October 13^th commences what can be a most significant period in the life of our church. On that day we will begin our Stewardship Emphasis Season, during which time we will all be challenged to renewed spiritual growth and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. We have much for which to be thankful…as individuals, as a church, and as a nation. God is with us, in our joys and our sorrows. He strengthens us when we are weak, and redeems us when we stray.

Our goals are not dollars and cents, but sacrificial giving on the part of us all. The Tithe has never been repealed and this should be the giving goal of each family unit. Dependent upon your response to give out of love for your Lord and to give sacrificially, we hope to increase our giving to others (missions) appreciably; to enlarge our present ministry; and to meet our facility needs enabling us to more effectively serve.

Our most important goal is you and your spiritual growth. Your financial gifts represent that part of your life you are willing to dedicate to your Lord.

Believing that a person’s giving to the church is basically a spiritual decision, we are emphasizing the importance of individual prayer during the season. On Sunday October 13th those present at worship will be asked to sign a Prayer Pledge Card, promising to pray for our Stewardship Program daily until Sunday, November 3rd.

A Day of Prayer will be held on Friday, November 1^st with our sanctuary open all day for members to come pray for themselves as well as for others as we make our decision on our Covenant Giving Card. Some members will be asked to agree to be present in the sanctuary for a specific period of time on this Day of Prayer. A Prayer Guide will be available.

Sunday, November 3^rd will be Celebration Sunday in our church. First we will be celebrating God’s many blessings to us. Then, as part of your rededication of your life and your resources to God thru our church, we are asking you to bring your Covenant Cards to worship and be prepared to present them on the Communion Table for dedication.

Finally, we will have a Celebration Luncheon immediately following worship in Watkins Hall; a great time to celebrate our fellowship with one another as a congregation and to celebrate our stewardship response.

Our stewardship committee consists of Bobby and Margie Rankin, Mel Parish, Nora Yaryan, Matt Holt and Gus Schmitt, ex-officio. Joyful giving from abundance is our theme.

Wednesday, November 6^th marks the first day of our annual turkey bake for Hands of Luke Orphanage in Juarez, Mexico. Each year Hands of Luke goes out into the colonias of Juarez and serves Thanksgiving Dinner the Friday after our Thanksgiving. They usually serve over 10,000 poor a complete dinner.

For the past three years, First Presbyterian Women, in conjunction with Northminster PW, has baked an average of 75 turkeys per year. This year our goal is 175. We will continue cooking in our church kitchen through Thursday, November 7^th.

For the past three years, our two PW teams have collected donations of money, turkeys, aluminum pans and baking bags, then baked, carved and frooze the turkeys to be delivered in November to the children’s home. This year we are dedicating this wonderful mission project in remembrance of founder Mary Tuttle, a former member of Northminster church.

It is our hope to find a local merchant that will give us a good price and enable us to buy in bulk. Therefore, we will accept any donation to that cause. Checks can be made to First Presbyterian Church and designated “Hands of Luke Mission”. If you can help with the baking either at home or at church, please call Nora Yaryan – 527-0528 or the church and let us know. The donation of your baking time and/or any of the additional items would be greatly appreciated.

Wed. 11/06; Thurs. 11/07 – 8AM to 3PM

First Presbyterian Church kitchen

Needed: Offering

Aluminum Pans

Turkey Baking Bags

Turkeys

Alleluia! The long-awaited all-new air-conditioning and heating systems for the Sanctuary are now installed. The refrigerated air was used for the first time September 1^st. Our thanks to Randy Farmer and the Facility Renewal Committee for all the time and hard work that went into this major project. This was the first phase in the updating of our facilities. This project is paid for without a special financial campaign.

This project required the complete removal of all the old equipment and electrical work in the basement under the church (did you know there was one?), no easy task. It would be well worth your while to make a visit there some time. In fact, a tour is being planned to take place in the not too distant future. What you see will amaze you.

Our Wednesday program of Christian education, fun, and fellowship for children and teens is well underway, thanks to many dedicated adult volunteers.

This year, we want to emphasize that the Family of God (FOG) dinners are for everyone. Are you a part of the First Presbyterian Church branch of the Family of God? Then come and enjoy a delicious dinner lovingly prepared in our own kitchen for you each Wednesday. The cost is $2.50, or $20.00 per semester. Let the church office know when you plan to come, or pay for the semester, and we’ll always expect you.

Dinner is served family-style at 6:15 (try to arrive at 6:05).

F.O.G. dinner themes for this month are:

Oct. 2 “Stick Out Your Neck For

Jesus”

Oct. 9 “It’s a Puzzle!” (bring a

friend)

Oct. 16 “Holiday in Italy”

Oct, 23 “The Golden Rule” (bring a

teacher)

Oct. 30 “Pumpkin Party”

Recently a survey was taken in the Senior High class taught by Gary Gemoets. Some of the results are of general interest

In one question the class was asked to circle words which, in their opinion, best described a “typical worship service at your church”. Words circled included

Words which were not circled included

A question about the most important part of Worship Service produced the answers:

Asked “If I could change one thing about my church’s worship service, it would be...” produced the following suggestions:

Presbyterian Women will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar this year instead of the Christmas Auction. There will be various homemade baked goodies, handmade items, “Ten Thousand Villages” items from Africa, and previously owned costume jewelry at great prices. Come shop and admire the creative talents of our church members. The bazaar will be Sunday, November 17^th at 3:00 PM in Watkins Hall. Proceeds will go toward Presbyterian Women’s Missions. Plan now to come for a fun afternoon of food, fellowship and great shopping.

This month, Jodie Trout, the librarian, suggests the following books:

Four books by Jan Karon. All are classified 813.54.

and

Franklin Graham – Rebel with a Cause. (B) This is a very interesting autobiography of a son of Billy and Ruth Graham.

The Disciples’ Avenue Library, now located in a sunny corner of the Amazing Grace Art Gallery, Branigan Hall has grown. Over 60 books have recently been added.

Among the new titles are The Sunflower Parable, Super Science Fun, Tomie dePola’s Book of the Great Swamp Mystery, and Tales of the American West.

Wholesome books, many with Christian themes, are available for elementary students, preschool children, and the adults who love them to borrow. Rules are posted, there are book bags made by Rosemary Maddox, and an “honor” system is used. Please come whenever Branigan Hall is open, or someone is on campus who can open it for you.

Operating Income $30,141.00

Budgeted Expenses 32,068.00

Total -$1,927.00

Operating Income $252,518.00

Budgeted Expenses 225,084.00

Total $27,434.00

An additional $48,869.00 has been spent on the new heating and cooling system in the sanctuary. These funds were from excess monies in the operating accounts.

Designated Gifts $2,341.00

Designated Expenses $1,025.00

$1,316.00

Designated Gifts plus carry forward funds: $101,844.00

Designated Expenses $81,423.00

$20,421.00

Sunday School attendance has increased for all ages. Super Sunday saw 81 attendees and the total has continued to grow. Please come and bring your family to our spirit-filled program on Sunday morning at 9:00. This is the Season of the Spirit – the time to grow in worship, study, and fellowship. See you there.

Presbyterian and Disciples

Campus Ministry at NMSU

2511 Chaparral St. 522-6404

David Sallee, Campus Minister

Carol and Mell Peterson would like to express their appreciation to the members, friends, and staff of First Presbyterian Church for your many caring acts during and after Mell’s back surgery. Your prayers, visits, encouragement, food, and cards were so important in keeping us focused. You continue to remind us of the value of Christian friends and family – the most meaningful and valued support group.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

We at Corona Presbyterian Church are most appreciative of the organ you so graciously donated to us and we wish to extend our warmest gratitude to you. Never let it be said that prayers aren’t answered!

In Christ,

Janell Kane, Clerk of Session

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I am busy writing thank you notes to the dozens of families who make an extra commitment above their church giving to support the Bridge Campus Ministry. We want to thank you for your 47 year support of Campus Ministry at NMSU.

In addition to your emotional and financial support, we appreciate the office space you have provided Kathi Becker for our counseling division. May the Lord continue to bless your community, especially as you search for a new Sr. Pastor.

Your brother in Christ’s service,

David Salee, Campus Pastor

Sept 1 221

Sept 8 279

Sept 15 262

Sept 22 258

Communion will be served on October 6 and November 3.

It’s about time to “Fall Backward.” Don’t forget. Daylight savings time ends on Sunday, October 27^th at 2:00 AM.

Surely, you wouldn’t want to waste an extra hour of sleep and show up at Sunday School and Worship early.

The Lantern deadline for the month of October will be Monday the 21. Please get your articles into the office as early as possible by this date.

10/02 Lisa Boberg

10/03 Lyn Boberg

10/06 Memory Hernandez

10/06 Margaret Swaim

10/07 Jon Daniels

10/07 Claude Welles

10/09 Katie Grandle

10/10 Laurie Norman

10/10 Donna Mathis

10/11 Sue Liefeld

10/11 Allan Savage

10/15 Robert Taylor

10/16 Erin Watson

10/17 Lauren Mattiace

10/17 Don Dearholt

10/18 Aaron Gemoets

10/19 Donna Farmer

10/19 Roberta Cash

10/20 Helen McQuiston

10/21 Thomas Todsen

10/22 Destiny Lara

10/22 Ann Parker

10/22 Roma Hepburn

10/24 Justin Newby

10/27 Paul Poling

10/28 Amy Poling

10/30 Jennie Garland

Non-Profit Org.

U. S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 91

Las Cruces, NM

A congregational meeting and potluck dinner will be held in Watkins Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. on October 20. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear and see a multi-media presentation by the Facility Renewal Committee and Steve Newby architect, regarding proposals for the future of our facilities. This committee has been hard at work, meeting almost weekly for eight months.

We will be presented with a Master Plan Architectural Concept before enjoying a potluck and then reconvene to see a conceptual time line for completion and a proposal for financing this effort.

The decision the congregation will be asked to vote upon will be whether or not to approve the Master Plan as presented. If approved, the next step will be to go forward with complete plans to be presented to the congregation for action sometime in the spring. Please make every effort to attend and participate in this exciting time in the life of your church.

The cover of this issue features the St Martin’s Cross located in Iona, Scotland. It is a drawing by Christopher Miller from a photograph by Alan Sorem. It is provided by Mission Interpretation and Promotion, a Ministry of the General Assembly Council.

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Last update 2002-11-04 14:25:40