Selections from the Lantern for August 1998

Sunday School

August 9,16, 23

9:00 A.M.

PreK-Grade 5: Adventures from the Book of Virtues (Meet in the Cinema!)

"Paris (S.D.) Festival of Fashion"

$7.00

Reservations may be made at each door after worship (Aug. 9 & 16) or call the church office. Reservation deadline is August 17. Women and girls of all ages are needed to be models. Call Beverly Briggs (522-1445) or Janet McPherson (524-3831) if you can model or have questions.

Promise Keepers

September 18-19

Plan to join a group of men from our church traveling to this spiritual event! Let’s fill our two vans!! Reservations need to be made as soon as possible!

Call Jerry Grandle (524-3309), Jim Parks (526-8180) or the church office (526-5559).

People interested in joining with this congregation are invited to meet with the Session following worship on Sunday, August 16.

Public reception will be on August 23.

The BRIDGE

Kick-off Bar-B-Que

Vine & Branches

523-2163 for more information about what to bring.

In-Betweeners

Join this fellowship group of "empty nesters" for lunch out on the third Sunday of the month. (Meet at the After-Worship Coffee Hour.)

Doing Ministry in our Community

The Christian Day Nursery, founded in 1957, provides day care for preschool children whose mothers must work because of low family income. After an admissions evaluation, tuition is based on ability to pay. There is always a long waiting list! At least 2/3 of the cost of running the Day Nursery is provided by donations from churches and individuals and from proceeds from the Wonderland Thrift Store.

While there is no religious requirement for acceptance of children into the Nursery, the association is a charitable and religious organization that provides physical care and daily Christian training. Since there is no government support, the Nursery staff is free to tell Bible stories, sing Christian songs, salute the Christian flag, and talk freely about God and Jesus Christ without outside interference.

How you can help . . .

Join the volunteer staff at the Wonderland Thrift Store! Help is urgently needed! Volunteers spend a half day each month working at the cashier’s desk, sorting and pricing donated merchandise, helping customers and sacking purchases. Earl Jacobi is President of the Nursery Board. Give him a call at 522-4635 and offer to help.

Office Communications

The church office has voice mail on the two phone lines. If they are both busy (increasingly true with our active staff and congregation!) or no one is available to answer, just follow the instructions and leave a message. Someone will retrieve whatever message you leave and return your call as soon as possible.

A TOOL FOR YOU AND THE CHURCH

Are you aware that our local church has established a legal foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces Foundation, Inc., that qualifies for tax exempt status under the IRS Code Section 501 (c) (3)? It’s true! Not only that, but it has been in existence since 1994!

Why should you care that there is a foundation? First, it may save you additional taxes in what might be called a double tax credit. Secondly, it can benefit our congregation greatly by providing an additional source of funds for programs and other needs of the church beyond the budgeted giving. The Articles of Incorporation very clearly state the purpose: "the Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively to support and benefit

New Mexico . . ."

 Gifts given to the Foundation already have helped activities in Christian education, and in our youth and music programs. So far in 1998, over $41,000 in gifts have been received from members and friends of the congregation as they have become aware of the advantage of the Foundation as a way to assist in their giving. For example, contributions of appreciated property held over one year allow you a tax deduction for the full current market price of the security plus the advantage of not having to pay any capital gains tax on the increase value.

The Foundation is now equipped to efficiently process received gifts. Those wishing to contribute marketable securities (stocks, bonds, etc.), real estate or other appreciated property may do so by contacting Kathy Tucker in the church office or any member of the Foundation Board: Lyn Ames, Joel Tomlin or Jim Parks. Please, also contact your financial or tax professional.

This fall, this column will give specific examples on ways to qualify for a tax credit with donations of securities and real estate. Ways will also be provided to save on taxes with gifts to the Foundation for your regular pledge to the church.

Search for Music Staff

Please keep these people in your prayers as they search for the person God is preparing for our ministry of music.

Expenses:

Operating Income $ 33,211.68

Budgeted Expenses 30,472.70

Balance $ 2,738.98

June Income and Expenses:

Operating Income $ 25,368.93

Budgeted Expenses 22,751.44

Balance $ 2,617.49

Year-to-date through June

Operating Income $171,917.51

Budgeted Expenses 160,016.87

Balance $ 11,900.64

The Pontiers - Ron, Donna, Amanda, Andrea, Benjamin, and Brianna - were in town! They continue to serve with the African Inland Mission International and have been assigned to Nairobi, Kenya. It is difficult for them not to return to their home in the Central African Republic where they have served for 12 years, but the dangers from warfare prevent that at this time.

The Summer Salad Potluck on July 19 brought out more than 70 people to enjoy good food and fellowship and hear the witness of Ron and Donna! Everything the Pontiers owned was left in Central African Republic when they hurriedly left for their own safety. Please keep this family in your prayers as they journey back to Africa in August and settle into a new life in Nairobi.

SALE

The senior high youth are planning a garage sale for early this fall to raise funds needed for their retreats. Items can be dropped off at the church or call for pickup. Thanks!

Our Sanctuary Organ

A history of our sanctuary organ and how it was acquired has been written by Kennett Melgaard. The article can be picked up in the church office or found on the church’s web page at www.zianet.com/fpc. Look it up!

When you see a visitor at church, here are a few practical suggestions of what to say and do:

1. Introduce yourself and say, "I don't believe we’ve met, have we?"

2. If the person is a visitor, ask, "What brings you to our church today?" This may provide some information on how the church may continue to be of service to that person.

3. If it can be done graciously, introduce the visitor to someone else near you or someone you know may share a

common interest.

4. Don’t forget to invite the visitor to return or to attend another event at the church.

Remember: Being interested, loving and caring is not just the job of the evangelism committee or staff. It’s the job of every member of the congregation.

- The Presbyterian Outlook

Congregational News

Staff News

The Lantern is a monthly publication of First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM. Articles, photos and comments are welcome, and will be used at the discretion of the publisher and editor. For further information, call 526-5559

Camp Chimney Spring

Worship in our Sanctuary

Kennett Melgaard, soloist

August 9 - Divine Worship

Jean Foster, soloists

August 16 - Celebration of Communion

Kim , soloist

August 23 - Contemporary Celebration

Public reception of new members

August 30 - Super Sunday

September 9!

The Salt & Light Co. (a LOGOS program) is our congregation’s way of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with young people! In an often fragmented world for young people, it has provided community, belonging, and a powerful witness to God’s grace and mercy. It is also a lot of fun!!

Each Wednesday evening includes the following activities:

*Elementary Fellowship for grades 1-5 (4:00-7:00) *Family-style dinner

*Mid-School Fellowship (5:15-7:45)* *Occasional adult Bible study,

*Senior High Fellowship (5:15-8:30)* parenting groups, and all-church *Professional childcare dinners.

(*There is a search for a new music director and a choir time has not yet been determined at this time. We hope to begin Worship Skills at 4:30 for mid-schoolers soon!)

We want every young person in our congregation in grades 1-12 (and their friends!) to be enrolled this year! To find out more about the program, call Jackie at 526-5559 or Sue Carter at 522-6898.

NOTE THESE DATES:

August 26 Dessert Social & Mandatory Parent Orientation & Registration

7:00 PM (Childcare will be provided)

Sept. 2 Dinner and Orientation for S&L staff, 6:00 PM

Sept. 9 SALT & LIGHT BEGINS!!

 Can you Help??

To continue the work of the Salt & Light Co., many volunteers are needed! This is the time for each member of the congregation to prayerfully consider joining the staff. There is a need for teachers, class "shepherds", recreation leaders, choir monitors, table parents, and helpers for kitchen crews and preschool childcare. Don’t wait to be called - take the initiative and step out in faith!

Call Jackie Poling at the church office (526-5559) or Sue Carter (522-6898).

News

August 12 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM Farewell to 8th Graders!

Dinner and Memories

8th graders.

Swimming Party & Hamburger Cookout!

our 6th graders!!!!

We’ll get together for fellowship and fun!

Meet at the church!

August 18 - 2:00 - 5:00 PM Farewell to our Seniors!

Bring your swim gear and some munchies and we’ll have a good time of "remembering when" and saying good-bye to our seniors!

After the Super Sunday celebration and church picnic, we’ll travel together to the Daniels’ house for swimming and getting acquainted.

August 30

Beginning another year of educational opportunities for everyone in our congregation!!

9:00 Intergenerational kick-off event in Watkins Hall.

There will be games, music, and refreshments for kids, youth and adults. (Mrs. Ames will have regular class for 2 & 3 year olds.)

10:30 Worship in the Sanctuary

Presentation of Bibles to new third graders

11:45 Summer Picnic in our Courtyard

Bring your own lunch or purchase sub-sandwiches and desserts from our Mid-Schoolers. Cold drinks, a place to sit, and good fellowship will be provided.

1:00 Senior High Welcome Party for new ninth graders. Youth will travel together to a swimming party at the home of Howard and Linda Daniels.

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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 2006-01-10 21:18:22