First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM June/July 1997

Love to pray. Feel often during

the day the need for prayer,

and take trouble to pray.

Prayer enlarges the heart until

it is capable of containing God’s

gift of himself. Ask and seek,

and your heart will grow big enough

to receive him and keep him as your own.

- From A Gift for God by Mother Teresa

By Lantern Light: Your Part in Changing Things

You and I have the opportunity to take part in changing things in the world each day. The cover page of this month’s Lantern carries the theme of daily prayer in a morning, noon and night pattern. I want to challenge our whole congregation to move into this pattern - for the months of June and July. Coming into God’s presence in prayer is key to our thriving as Christians. It is also a key to surviving. Read this report about David and Leveda Law’s decision to continue as Presbyterian missionaries in Zaire:

Louisville, Ky. -- Presbyterian missionary David Law is going to stay in Zaire, which was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo by rebel leader Laurent Kabila after his forces completed a stunning takeover of the country May 18.

Law is going to stay in Zaire despite the fact that his father, also a missionary, was killed there in 1964 by rebels trying to oust the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko -- rebels who were the forerunners of Kabila, who finally toppled the brutal 30-year dictatorship of Mobutu.

And he is going to stay, despite being beaten and threatened with summary execution by retreating government soldiers in Zaire just weeks ago. Law is going to stay in Zaire because, after living and working there much of his life, it feels too much like home.

More important, he and his wife, Leveda, are staying because "our church needs to be involved in the world -- to have a vision of the gospel that spreads beyond our own borders."

Law, an engineer who helps develop hydroelectric systems in the sprawling Kasai region of the country, was accosted April 16 by "panicky" government troops who had just been ambushed by rebel forces. They came to Law’s mission station looking for vehicles and fuel and "were fully intending, I’m sure, to kill me." One soldier ("an angel"), looking for fuel for the vehicles, led Law away and, as it turns out, to safety.

Recently, David Law was in Louisville for consultations with our Worldwide Ministries Division Staffers. Asked what U.S. Presbyterians can do, Law said, "Pray." Beyond that, he added, Presbyterians can support the denomination’s missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo -- health-care ministries, educational institutions, relief and development projects and evangelism. "The infrastructure of the country will have to be rebuilt," Law said, "and there will be far more needs than we can afford to fill for many years."

And some things, Law concluded, "will just have to be sorted out by the Zairians -- that’s where our prayers will be most helpful."

-This is from a lengthier report by Jerry L. Van Marter in the Presbynews meeting on the internet.

The primary prayer request I have to make of you is that you pray for yourself and those dear to you. Listen for God’s response and direction. Then, only then, please add the Laws and the people of Zaire to your prayer list morning, noon and night. Allow David’s confidence in God to become yours in triple measure!

Yours in Christ,

John Clark Poling

URGENT NEED

Volunteers are needed to host the After-Church coffee hours!! This is an important part of our community life each week - a chance to greet friends, welcome new people - and celebrate special events! Can you help? All the supplies are provided. The host just needs to mix the tea and lemonade,

serve and cleanup. Preparation can be done at 10:00 between Sunday School and worship. You may sign-up during the coffee hour, call Julie Terrell (522-4115) or the church office (526-5559).

Congratulations to Jerry Parks !

Jerry Parks graduated from NMSU in May with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He will begin working for Motorola in Schaumburg, IL on July 1.

Summer Reading

There are several new books available for your summer reading. These are located in the library in Jones Hall and can be checked out anytime. Some of the titles include:

"The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey

"Conversation with God" by Lloyd John Ogilvie

"Go Therefore" by James H. Smylie, Dean K. Thompson, and Cary Patrick

"Too Busy Not to Pray" by Bill Hybels

"Grace Unknown" by R.C. Sproul

Adult Fellowship

VINE AND BRANCHES

This group of parents and young couples will be attending a Diablos softball game in July. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Annual Mountain Retreat

July 25-27

Our annual weekend at Camp Chimney Spring will be held this summer on July 25, 26 and 27. Plans are being made for fellowship, Bible study, games, worship, and rest for everyone!

Reservations can be made for Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations will have to be made and money paid by June 20, due to the camp’s policy of requiring payment 30 days in advance. These can be made through the church office or with Rusty Smith. The prices for this year are 50% off because our church is a Camp Chimney Spring covenant member. The prices are as follows:

R.V. site with hookups_________$6

R.V. site without hookups______$4

Tent sites______________________$4

Cabins_________________________$20

All accommodation prices are per night.

This year the mini lodge will be available. This lodge can accommodate up to 10 people and will cost $45.00 per night.

As always, everyone is welcome to drive up for the Sunday morning worship service and lunch. Sunday lunch will be available for $4.85 and payment is due by July 11.

Please note, that if you use camp accommodations, you will need to supply your own bedding, pillows, towels, etc. Units with kitchens have basic kitchenware (pots, pans, silverware, plates) as well as refrigerators and stoves. For additional information, call Rusty Smith (524-2269) or the church office.

Taking the Good News

Into the World

Continue to pray for the Dalit and the Suri!

Philip and Elizabeth Prasad, Presbyterian missionaries to the Dalit people in India and John and Gwen Haspels, Presbyterian missionaries to the Suri of Ethiopia continue to bring the Gospel to new believers.

The Pickering family, working in Mongolia, sent us a new picture and we are waiting for more news of their work.

Joel and Barbara Trudell, directors of Wycliffe Bible Translators’ literacy program in Africa, tell us the political instability of central Africa is seriously affecting translation and literacy work there. Many translators families have had to flee their homes. Pray for peace and safety.

Jim and Tracy Patton are on the Campus Crusade staff for a project at Lake Tahoe this summer. Sixty-eight students will be doing evangelism, discipling students, and leading Bible studies.

Don and Kim  sent a newsletter full of their work. A copy can be obtained from Beverly Briggs (522-1445).

Congregational News

Bill and Wanda McNeil celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May.

Amy Pleasant was Teacher of the Month in May at Lynn Middle School.

The June stated meeting of Session has been postponed until July 1 at 7:15 PM.

Once again we felt the

power of the Holy Spirit moving through our Pentecost Celebration!

Praise and glory reigned in our worship on Pentecost Sunday! The music was glorious, the children’s processional brought flame and light , the youth signing choir was uplifting, and the sermon by John was inspiring! The senior high youth and parents did a great job of preparing and serving the Hamburger Fry. Thanks to everyone who made it a great day!

Ice Cream Social

July 6

The Nurture Committee is sponsoring an Ice Cream Social with homemade ice cream and other sweet goodies on Sunday, July 6 at 7:00 PM in the courtyard. Special entertainment is being planned! It will be a great way to wrap-up your holiday weekend with friends!!

New Ministry

for Margaret Short

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Short will begin her new job as full-time Chaplain at Memorial Medical Center on June 30. Margaret will be in Ecuador for two weeks in June teaching the priests and seminarians in the Episcopal Diocese. Keep her and her ministry in your prayers.

Reception of New Members

Anyone wishing to join with this congregation is invited to meet with the Session on Sunday, June 1 in the library following the worship service.

209th General Assembly

Syracuse, New York

June 14-21

John and Jackie Poling will be attending the General Assembly and also working with Presbyterians for Renewal in supporting commissioners. Please pray for them as they make arrangements to host a dinner for members of the National Evangelism Network who will attend General Assembly.

Staff News

John Poling: *General Assembly,

Syracuse, NY, June 9-21

*Institute of Theology, Princeton Seminary,

June 22-27

Jackie Poling: *General Assembly,

Syracuse, NY, June 9-19

*Presbyterian Women’s

Gathering, Louisville, KY,

July 8-13

Noelle Castin: *Mission Trip, June 8-14,

Navajo Reservation

*Montreat West, Ft. Collins

CO. June 21-28

*Junior High Jubilee,

Mo Ranch, TX. July 3-8

*Camp Chimney Spring,

July 20-25

Kathy Tucker: *Vacation, July 20-Aug.1

Brain McPherson:

*Vacation, June 9-17

Tammy Prahl: *Junior High Jubilee,

Mo Ranch, TX. July 3-8

Betsy Holt: *Vacation, July 2-15

Guest Preachers in June

June 15 - David Sallee, Director of College Ministry, and The Bridge, Presbyterian Campus Ministry at NMSU.

June 22 - Carrol Blevins, Chaplain at University Terrace, Good Samaritan Village and Presbyterian minister.

1 9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 Communion Worship

11:45 Salt & Light Bd. Mtg.

11:45 Called Session Mtg.

2 8:45 am Vacation Bible School

3 9:00 am Vacation Bible School

7:00 pm Advisory Committee

7:30 Session Committees

4 9:00 am Vacation Bible School

6:30 pm Mid-School Fellowship

5 9:00 am Vacation Bible School

6 9:00 am Vacation Bible School

8 9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 Worship Service

12:00 pm Deacons’ Meeting

15 9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 Worship Service

11:45 After-church picnic

18 6:30 pm Mid-School Fellowship

22 9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 Worship Service

29 9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 Worship Service

1 7:15 pm Session Meeting

4 Church office closed

6 10:30 am Communion Worship

7:00 pm Ice Cream Social

13 10:30 am Worship Service

6:30 pm Sr.High Fellowship

16 6:30 am Mid-school Fellowship

20 10:30 am Worship Service

11:45 am After-church picnic

25-27 Mountain Retreat

27 10:30 am Worship Service

30 6:30 am Mid-school Fellowship

Mission Workteam

Navajo Reservation

Indian Wells, Arizona

June 8-14

The Youth Mission Workteam will be teaching Vacation Bible School next week in preparation for teaching in Indian Wells. The kids and their parents in this mission congregation are in for a real treat when our youth arrive! Also, we are taking playground equipment and building the first playground for kids in this community. Thanks to this congregation for all your financial support and encouragement! Please keep these members of the team in your prayers: Andre Blevins, Richard Boyle, Karen Carter, Raquel Davis, Trevor Enoch, Joe Fronczek, Matt Garley, Stephen Hood, Megan Magirl, Richie Nordwall, Cathy Pleasant, Elisa Poling, Nicole Rawson, Jennifer Topley, Heather Tucker; and sponsors Howard and Linda Daniels, Matt Holt, and Noelle Castin.

The Lantern

Publisher: John C. Poling

Editor: Jackie Poling

Production/Distribution: Tammy Prahl

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

After-Church Picnic June 15

Buy sub-sandwiches and yummy desserts

from the Mid-School

youth! or Bring your

own picnic lunch!

July 20

Bring your own picnic

lunch this time!

Drinks will be provided by the Nurture Committee. Join us in the courtyard after worship - we’ll eat, visit, and watch the kids play!

Vacation Bible School

June 2-6; 9-12 AM

Its not too late to sign up your kids

and grandkids for this years VBS! It will be an exciting week on the Circle of Friends Ranch. Children 2 years - 5th grade are welcome! Be here Monday at 8:45 am to locate your tour group!

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Last update 2006-01-10 21:29:55