Selections from The Lantern, February 2003. The Lantern is the monthly newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church.

First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM February 2003

It is not uncommon for members of congregations that have been around as long as this one to at times look back upon the past, sometimes with nostalgia, as they remember the high times of ministry, other times recalling unhappy times. This is not all bad. It gives you the opportunity to thank God for what He has done in and thru you in the past, and enables you to confess your shortcomings as well. We certainly learn from our past.

To be alive, however, you must move ahead into the future, not back into it. “Glance back” at the past, but “gaze ahead” to the future. I believe God has wonderful things in store for you. A new pastor, full of enthusiasm; filling you with new enthusiasm. The recommendations of the Facility Renewal Committee, enabling you to provide new ministries in up-to-date, well-cared-for facilities! Just two of many exciting events to anticipate. In short, I believe the best days for this congregation are ahead of you, not behind you!

This is not to say that looking to the future will not be risky; after all, the future can be scary in many respects. But God is faithful. If you will obey and follow, God will take every step with you. Let’s not “back into the future.”

PEACE!

“The long forgotten Biblical concept of hospitality, the call to ministry, is the call to the many strangers passing by” someone has written. Did you ever think of “hospitality” as a Biblical concept? Let’s examine this concept together on this communion Sunday.

The Sermon for February 9^th is “Why Did He Come?” by Marcus L. Burr, Jr. Scripture: I Corinthians. 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39.

“All things work together for good to those who love God.” How many times have you heard that verse of Scripture quoted? Under what circumstances was it quoted; times of sorrow, times of joy? Let’s read Romans 8:26-39 and see what Paul is talking about.

What do you suppose that is? Read I Corinthians 15:35-44 and you will know. We will ponder what death means for the Christian.

Bring someone to worship with you this month.

The PNC has progressed but little beyond our position of last month. Contrary to Bo Rogers' news flash on January 19^th, we are more like two months away from announcing a new pastor than two weeks. Some PNC members, however, are inclined to believe that if Bo had been placed in charge, the task would have been completed before now. Nonetheless we continue to review resumes and contact those whom we feel could be a good match for our church. But we stress that this is only half of the equation. The task is incomplete until some pastor has heard God's call to our church. Here is an excerpt from a letter recently received from a pastor who declined to have further dialogue with us. "But thank you for your interest and I want to encourage you to be patient. There are many PCUSA pastors who would be a perfect fit for your church. But timing is everything, so be patient".

The PNC committee is dedicated to doing everything that is reasonable to get the right pastor for church. When we are tempted to act out of impatience, we always return to the realization that lengthening the process is much better than choosing the wrong person. Such a mistake makes for an unhappy pastor, an unhappy congregation and a situation that takes years to repair.

We would ask that your prayers go especially to those pastors who are now considering a ministry in our church. To discern the Lord's will in these matters is a difficult task even for an ordained minister.

At graduation exercises in December, New Mexico State University conferred the Honorary Master of Agriculture Degree on Randy Farmer. In summing up his many contributions to the community, it was stated “Randy Farmer’s acts of kindness and generosity to individuals and the Las Cruces community are countless. He not only spearheads community projects, but personally sees them through to completion.”

Dorris Hamilton was presented with the Racial Harmony Award from New Mexico State University’s Department of Black Programs at its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in January. This award is presented to an individual in the community who has promoted racial harmony.

Our congratulations to Randy and Dorris.

The Presbyterian Church Foundation has notified our church that a significant gift was made by George and Geraldine Martinez in honor of Mrs. Martinez’ father, CHARLIE STONE. They established a Permanent Fund with the Foundation which will pay income to First Presbyterian Church in perpetuity.

We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Martinez for the lasting gift in memory of Charlie Stone.

The session is in the process of doing the final “tweaking” of an updated Facilities Use Manual. This document has been in process of preparation over the past few months with input from many to enable our church to function more efficiently.

As soon as it is finalized by the session, a “Reader’s Digest” version will be printed in The Lantern, with the entire manual in the church office.

At the stated monthly meeting of the Diaconate in January, the following persons were elected to serve as officers for 2003:

Kate Puckett was elected Moderator, Martha Mitchell was elected Secretary and Patricia Tomlin was elected Treasurer. Jennifer Topley was elected as the Diaconate representative to the congregation’s nominating committee for 2003.

Committee assignments were also made at this meeting.

At the stated monthly meeting of the Session in January, the following persons were elected to serve as officers for 2003:

Larry Cooper was elected Clerk, Kathy Walker was elected Church Treasurer, Tommy Matkin was elected our commissioner to Presbytery with Steve Loman alternate. The Session also elected Bobby Rankin and Cindy Farmer to the Board of Trustees of our church’s Foundation and Jacque Parks and Steve Loman as the session’s representatives to the congregation’s nominating committee for 2003.

Attendance is rising in the elementary grades with Susan Grandle teaching a series of Bible lessons in the computer lab. That program series will continue through March 16. The curriculum committee is busy looking at informative and fun studies for both One Great Hour of Sharing and Lent.

Matt and Betsy Holt accompanied ten Sr. High young people to their Winter Retreat at Lone Tree January 17-20. Eight of the youth were from First Presbyterian and two were friends of our youth. Matt and Betsy conducted Bible study relating to decision-making, relationships and priorities as Christians, and prayer for understanding. Along with all the activities Lone Tree has to offer, they also went skiing.

Our Middle School youth will be going on their Winter Retreat at Lone Tree February 14-17. Lon Anderson and Patricia Tomlin will go with them and provide Bible study and fellowship. The Summer Camp for these young people will be at Gunnison with Art and Linda Garcia and Beth Borchert-Thomas escorting them.

The Session has given our Middle School Youth permission to paint and construct a labyrinth on campus as a Lenten project, dedicated to the membership of our church and as an evangelism project for the community. The completion date is set for Ash Wednesday. What is a labyrinth? Read all about it in the March Lantern.

Our library is full of good books. Some of the better ones are noted below.

909.803 Tokes, Laszlo

The incredible story of one pastor’s witness, the people of Rumania, and the overthrow of Ceausescu.

362.7 Leach, Penelope

What our society must do – and is not doing – for our children today.

362.7 Tise, Larry E.

Christian Children’s Fund – 1938-1991.

242 Meberg, Marilyn

This book bubbles with enthusiasm, sparkles with fun, and inspires readers to overcome life’s problems with the God-given gift of laughter.

Amy Poling Sutherlun is a member of our church and the daughter of John Poling, our former pastor, and his wife Jackie. Our Session sponsors Amy as an Inquirer in her efforts to further her theological education and learn whether she should become an ordained minister. Amy and her husband Joshua are both in their first year at Princeton Theological Seminary. The following is a letter from Amy, written on January 19^th.

Greetings from New Jersey!

I am excited to tell you that I am now officially halfway through my first year of seminary, having just finished my final exams! The first semester went very, very well. The classes are both challenging and engaging. For me, the highlights were an outstanding survey of the Old Testament – great professors made it more like listening to a good sermon than to a lecture – and an excellent course on Youth Ministry, a passion of mine. I am also happy to say that I zipped through my first semester of Greek with ease, even enjoying it at times.

Joshua is also doing very well in his classes and we have adjusted to life in this new place. Princeton is really a lovely place to live, and the seminary community is very warm. We have already made many good friends among our neighbors and classmates. We are also both enjoying working as the youth ministers at a nearby Presbyterian Church.

I am looking forward to the coming semester. It promises to be busy but interesting. I thank all of you for your prayers and support. Know that I keep First Pres. in my thoughts and prayers.

In Christ,

Amy

asutherlun@yahoo.com

Amy Poling Sutherlun

202 Loetscher Place, 6B

Princeton, NJ 08540

(609) 520-8489

Each month Presbyterian Women adopts a different local mission. The “LOCAL MISSIONS” box in the Jones Hall reception room is used to collect items needed by that mission to carry out its work of helping people.

For the month of February, Presbyterian Women has adopted the Gospel Rescue Mission, a very worthy organization that serves indigent people, mostly transients. The staff conducts chapel services, and they are available for counseling.

You are invited to share in this good work. Bringing items that will be used by others of God’s children who are in need is ministering to them in a very personal way.

Needed by the Gospel Rescue Mission are:

vToiletries for all ages (examples: soap, shampoo, disposable razors)

vClothing for anyone (especially jeans and shoes for children and men)

vPaper goods (bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins)

vPlastic eating utensils

vLinens (especially towels)

vFood of all kinds

vAnything that your family finds necessary, they will use also

In February, the elementary students will be having exciting learning experiences in the Computer Lab. They are also beginning work on a musical presentation to which the congregation will be invited. The Middle Schoolers are continuing their study of life lessons from the Book of Proverbs, and the Senior Highs are planning new things in the area of Worship Skills.

FOG time (dinner) themes for February are:

Please join us at 6:10 for Family Of God dinner and communal prayer time.

Now is the time to begin thinking about summer camp plans. Below is listed this year’s camps and costs.

Family Camp All Generations $75.00 per family

Senior High 9 – 12

$250.00 per student

Junior (Mid) High 6, 7, & 8

$225.00 per student

Elementary 3, 4, & 5

$225.00 per student

In June our Mid High youth are making plans with the Garcias and Beth Borchert-Thomas to go to Gunnison. However, Chimney Spring is also available. Summer camps for High School are still in the planning stage.

Registration for Camp Chimney Spring can be made directly thru Chimney Spring @505-687-3520, or www.chimneyspring.org, or ChimneySpring@pvtnetworks.net, or call the church office.

Phase I construction for the renewal of the facilities can be under way soon. This phase will include new roofs, air conditioning, and heating for all buildings. A special account has been set up to accept your gifts. Your prayers and gifts are gratefully requested. More information will be available at the annual meeting.

Monday, February 24^th Desert Cruisers will be meeting in Watkins Hall for their covered-dish luncheon meeting. The program will be Sue Hanning with a glimpse about Spain. All are welcome to come and participate. Please call 523-7917 for more information.

The Hoff family would like to thank the congregation for all the prayers, cards, and letters they received during the past days.

Presbyterian and Disciples

Campus Ministry at NMSU

2511 Chaparral St. 522-6404

David Sallee, Campus Minister

Dec 24 297

Dec 29 211

Jan 5 260

Jan 12 245

Jan 19 261

Communion will be served on February 2 and March 2.

Operating Income $41,603.70

Budgeted Expenses 27,512.20

Total $14,091.50

Operating Income $386,472.93

Operating Expenses 344,500.91

Total $41,972.02

The Lantern deadline for the month of March will be Monday, February 24^th. Please get your articles into the office before noon on this date.

Several large kitchen pans are missing from the church kitchen. Please return them as soon as possible.

02/01 Emroy Shannon

02/03 Megan Magirl

02/04 Wayne Walker

02/05 John Cooper

02/05 Kristen Garcia

02/06 Joyce Nolan

02/07 James Faircloth

02/08 Janelle Woodward

02/10 Gary Gemoets

02/12 Frances Shuster

02/14 Nancy Boozer

02/14 Jodie Trout

02/18 Cindy Farmer

02/18 Joan Lemon

02/19 Dutch Matkin

02/20 Kathy Tucker

02/20 Don Rhodes

02/20 Evelyn Scott

02/22 Brian McPherson

02/22 Nancy Jo Swain

02/23 Jenny Topley

02/23 Warren Klein

02/26 Cole Anderson

02/26 Genevieve Jackson

02/27 Raegan Gorzeman

Non-Profit Org.

U. S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 91

Las Cruces, NM

1. Compile data from Sunday service attendance records. Monday mornings at 9:00 AM for 1-1½ hours. No experience necessary. On the job training provided. Pleasant co-workers. Coffee and pastry usually available. Contact: Janet McPherson 524-3831, Congregational Life and Outreach Committee.

2. Host after-service coffee hour Sundays, 15 min. before service for preparation, 45 to 60 minutes after service for serving and clean up. All food and materials provided. You bake cookies only if you wish to do so. Guidance for first-timers provided by members of Congregational Life and Outreach Committee. Sign up on large board in coffee service area or contact Barbara Aiken 647-1740 of Congregational Life and Outreach Committee.

3. Needed: A person with some interest (not necessarily expertise) in history to gather into readable form complete data on the past pastors of this church. It would be useful to have in one place a list of names and dates of service. Any biographical details which can be compiled would also be useful. If interested, contact Alex Burr, 522-2528, aburr@aol.com, or leave a note in the church office.

4. We are still in need of Sunday school teachers for all levels of our program. Commitment is only needed for a few Sundays a year. Please prayerfully consider teaching at First Presbyterian Church. Contact the Christian Education Committee or the church office to volunteer.

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Send comments, suggestions, and requests to Alex. F. Burr or send email to aburr @ zianet.com.
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Last update 2003-02-03 11:08:40