FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.), LAS CRUCES, NM

CALLED SESSION MEETING

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2014

 

Moderator Reverend Dr. Norm Story convened the meeting at 12:00 PM and opened it with a prayer.  Rev. Wayne Hawkins translated for those who were more comfortable speaking Spanish.

 

Elders present:  Lyn Ames, Brad Class, Susan Grandle, Blaine Goss, Winnie Quinzi, Greg Sherman, Stephen Taylor, and Roger Sellers.

Elders Absent:  Lon Anderson, Corina Armendariz, Jacqui Jones, Nancy T. Johnson, Bill Kuyper, and Dennis Thomas.

 

Guests:  New Member applicants Rachel Breck, Raul Bustamante, Dennisse Bustamante, Ivan Cadena, Flor Chavez, John Cooper, Antonio Cruz, Natassja Galaz, Ivanna Izaguirre, Stephen Jack Loman, Lynn Loya, Alondra Lozano, Oscar Martinez, Cristian Ortiz, Lesley Ortiz, Alexis Riveria, Jose Rivera, Noe Rivera, Molly Schroeder, Michael Sutherin, and Edgar Valerio.  The parents and family members of some applicants were also present.

 

Establish Quorum: The Clerk of Session established that a quorum was present. 

 

Introduction of New Member Applicant: Rev. Dr. Story discussed the historic nature of the decision of the Spanish speaking young communicants to join the larger English speaking First Presbyterian Church, rather than the Iglesia del Pueblo Church they normally attended with their parents.  He said that while some might view it as simply joining 2 cultures and 2 languages into a single Presbyterian Church; it was more like our Faith & Fellowship service on Saturday evenings.  Although individuals attending both Iglesia del Pueblo and Faith & Fellowship services may be more comfortable at those services; they are also part of the larger First Presbyterian Church family.  The youth attending the Iglesia del Pueblo church services have also been attending the larger church Sunday School, Wednesday afternoon Salt & Light Programs and dinners, as well as youth mission trips with their English speaking peers for more than 4 or 5 years.  They are all a part of a larger community of faith that wants to be a part of our First Presbyterian Church family.

 

Rev. Story said that he would be meeting with the English speaking youth, and Rev. Hawkins said that he would do the same with the Spanish speaking youth from the Iglesia del Pueblo congregation.  They would ensure that all of the new member applicants would have their Membership Data forms and Statements of Faith completed and submitted by Thursday, January 16, 2014.  Rev. Story said that during the first part of the membership service he and Rev. Hawkins would baptize those applicants who had not been previously baptized.  They would then conduct the membership service jointly in English and Spanish.

 

Rev. Story asked the Clerk to read the duties of faithful membership in the Church to the new member applicants as set forth in Article G-1.0304 in the Book of Order.  Rev. Hawkins translated these duties for those applicants and family members who were more comfortable in Spanish.

 

Each member on Session was asked to introduce themselves and tell the applicants a little about themselves and what the church meant to them.  Each new member applicant was asked to introduce themselves and tell the Session why they wanted to join the church.  A motion was made and seconded to welcome Rachel Breck, Raul Bustamante, Dennisse Bustamante, Ivan Cadena, Flor Chavez, John Cooper, Antonio Cruz, Natassja Galaz, Ivanna Izaguirre, Srephen Jack Loman, Lynn Loya, Alondra Lozano, Oscar Martinez, Cristian Ortiz, Lesley Ortiz, Alexis Riveria, Jose Rivera, Noe Rivera, Molly Schroeder, Michael Sutherin, and Edgar Valerio as the newest members of our church family, contingent upon receipt of their Membership Data forms, Statements of Faith, and the Baptism of those not previously Baptized.  The motion was passed by acclamation.  They will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

 

Adjournment: Reverend Hawkins adjourned the meeting with prayer at 12:43 PM.

 

 

 

 

______________________        ______________________                        _____________      

Carlton Connor                                    Norm Story                                         Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                   Moderator