first presbyterian church, las cruces, nm november 2013years. i took an early retirement from the...

First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM November 2013

The Lantern November 2013

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Nominating Committee Report After the worship service on Sunday, October 17, the church nominating com-

mittee reported on the names of the people they are proposing for the next class of

officers. There were four elders, and seven deacons. The report was accepted. A list,

with short biographical notes, follows.

Elders Bill Kuyper (M&W) – I grew up in Holland, MI, a small town with a "church on

every corner." Most of these churches were either of the Reformed Church or the

Christian Reformed Church denominations both having their origin in the historic

Dutch Reformed Church of pre-colonial times. My baptism was in Clover Hill, NJ in

a small church my father was serving while he pursued his theological education. My

Confession of Faith was made in Holland where I had to stand before several fright-

ening old Dutch elders. Over the years I have served as both an elder and trustee in

churches we attended. Joan and I chose Las Cruces for our retirement home after

having full careers in New York City; she as a not-for-profit executive, I as a musician

in the New York Philharmonic.

Nancy Tasker Johnson (Adm) – Attended University of North Texas, also

Texas Women’s University, Massey Real Estate. I have two daughters, Melissa

Ressler, in Grapevine Texas and Michelle Williams, Idaho. I have six grandchildren

and one great granddaughter. I retired after 33 years as a SAG/AFTRA agent.

(Screen Actors Guild and American Television Radio). The Campbell Agency is where

I spent my last 22 years. I was an Elder at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, Irving,

Texas and also served as co-chair of the Worship & Music Committee, Chair Bake

Sales for the Arts and Crafts Fair and Flower Lady, etc. I am now blessed with a new

teaching family at First Presbyterian Church Las Cruces. I’m currently living with

my best friend and sister, Diane Tasker.

Susan Grandle (CE) – Susan Grandle has been a member of First Presbyterian

Church since 1983 when she married Jerry. Together they have raised three children:

John, Katie, and Emily. Susan has served in many capacities focusing primarily on

Christian education as youth group sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Salt & Light ta-

ble parent, Interim Salt & Light director, Salt & Light cook team member and a three

- year term as an elder moderating the Christian Education Ministry Team.

Blaine Goss (M) - Blaine is a retired university professor who is an ordained

elder in the Presbyterian Church. He has served a number of times on the board of

elders. He works in Salt & Light and is the Sunday School teacher for our Video

class for adults which meets every Sunday morning before the worship service.

Deacons

Pat Felhauer - My husband, Larry, and I became members of First Presbyte-

rian Church soon after moving to Las Cruces in 2006. Previously, I served a one year


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term as a deacon, and several years on the Congregation Life Committee. I now enjoy

serving snacks at Salt & Light. I retired as an RN about 18 months ago and now enjoy

Tai Chi Chih and exercise classes through Senior Circle, as well as reading, traveling,

and scrapbooking. We have a daughter in Ft. Collins, Co, and a son, daughter-in-law,

and beautiful two year old granddaughter in Alhambra, Ca. I am the oldest of eight

children, and all my siblings still live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I am looking

forward to serving as Deacon once again.

Barbara Sauter – I have been a member of First Presbyterian for about ten

years. I took an early retirement from the Army Research Laboratory where my hus-

band Dave still works. Our daughter Marika, currently living in Houston, was married

at First Presbyterian in May 2013. I grew up in the Christian Reformed Church in

western Michigan, and served as an elder at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Las

Cruces. I volunteer at El Caldito on Fridays and I believe the role of a Deacon is very

important to our church and community.

Steve Johnson – I was born on Cape Cod but raised around the world as a

“military brat.” Over the years, I have worked as a police office, professional photogra-

pher, teacher, and textile and computer engineer. I have raised two sons adopted from

India and moved here from Charlottesville, VA 20 years ago. I am a co-founder of Peace

Village of NM, an educational organization stressing non-violent conflict resolution.

Brian E. Otto – I was born and raised in Springs, PA, growing up in the Mennon-

ite Church. Attended Goshen College in Goshen, IN, graduated with a BS degree in Bi-

ology. In 1968, I was a research technician in Beltsville, MD, working for the US Dept.

of Agriculture. We lived in Laurel, MD for 11 yrs., before I transferred to Kearneysville,

WV, where I worked for the USDA at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station. We lived

in Shepherdstown, WV for 23 years., retired and moved to Chino Valley, AZ. I moved to

Las Cruces in May 2012 with my wife of over 45 years., Dorothy (Dot) Otto, we have two

children Erik and Kristin. I was a deacon in the 1970s at Laurel Presbyterian, and a

member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee at the Chino Valley United Method-

ist Church.

Bea Connor - Born in Taos, NM and raised in Monte Vista, CO. Met husband

Carl in Las Cruces and were married in the First Presbyterian Church on Las Cruces

Ave. in 1959. We have two children; Bill and Mike and 5 Grandchildren; Kristin,

Samantha, Jacob, Matthew, & Gabriela. BA and MA in Education from NMSU. Taught

27 years at Central Elementary. Served as Deacon from 2010 through 2012

Scott Burns – I have been worshiping at FPC since I was five years old. I’m now

24 years old, working with an insurance agency in town. As part of the youth group at

FPC I have so many memories I could share. I’ve enjoyed teaching Sunday school for

many years here at FPC, volunteered with S&L, been liturgist in worship and I now


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plan to continue to be a part of our youth ministry. I’m honored and thankful for the

chance to serve as a Deacon.

Youth Deacon

Ernie Armendariz (1 year) – I currently attend Alma d’arte Charter High School

as a senior and I am studying to be a culinary artist. I have been a member of this

church for four years and been involved for a total of eight years. My parents are Eddie

and Corina Armendariz. I have attended multiple youth mission trips, and feel that I

have learned an immense amount of knowledge that I feel has given me the ability to

become a youth deacon. My vision is to have many youth become more involved in ac-

tivities throughout the church, and also to assist the youth groups to grown in their

spirituality in the middle and high school levels.

Story Tenth Anniversary Alex Burr

The fellowship time on September 29 was in celebration of the tenth anniversary

of the calling of Rev. Story to our church. Much has happened since he and Kathy ar-

rived. Their arrival was commemorated by a more elaborate fellowship time than usual.

The celebration included three large highly decorated cakes, most of which quickly dis-

appeared.


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In-Betweeners' Video Alex Burr

The regular gathering of the In-Betweeners was held on October 25. The program

was a video closely based on a real event which took place in Pennsylvania. On the day

in question, a lone gunman entered an Amish school and killed several young girls be-

fore killing himself. The full-length video portrayed the manner on which the Amish

community and other people involved coped with this traumatic event.

The video was well produced, all the actors were excellent, creating believable

characters. The theme was forgiveness. The writing was excellent so the theme could be

presented in all its theological complexity without becoming preachy and without dimin-

ishing the emotional impact of the event. Some of the scenes were very subtly created to

show reasons for some of the actions and to ensure that the audience could glimpse

some of the reasons behind those actions.

The video showing was preceded by a complete pot-luck dinner featuring a wide

choice of main courses and six different desserts.

Presbytery of Sierra Blanca The latest meeting of the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca was held at the First Pres-

byterian Church of Clovis, starting Friday evening, September 27. A lot of routine busi-


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ness was conducted but there were three items of above average importance.

The first was the budget, which is always important and which always calls for

hard decisions. This one was balanced despite an expected decrease in income.

A new program for churches with less than 100 members was instituted. These

churches can apply for a grant to help fund a local transitional or mission project. The

grant would be of decreasing value over a three year period. The hope is that the pro-

gram will increase the interaction between the church and the local community.

The third major item was the creation of a Special Administrative Commission on

the Future of Sierra Blanca Presbytery. It is clear that the Presbytery will not receive

enough money to operate as it has in the past without a greatly increased per capita

levy. At the same time a significant part of the Presbytery thinks the present method of

operation leaves something to be desired. Rather the continuously debating the opera-

tion of Presbytery, the Special Commission was set up. It is to study the operation, re-

sources, and viability of the Presbytery. The make-up includes one member from each of

the four clusters. Also included are three people to be designated by the Synod of the

Southwest of which we are a part. The commissioners were given a year to complete the

study and to report. Steve Loman from our church is the western cluster member

Decorate For the Season Wayne Maley

Advent time is coming soon. Yes, the first Sunday in Advent is December 1. We

want the church to be decorated by then and ready for the up-coming Christmas events.

The In-Betweeners will be decorating the church on Saturday, November 30. Fol-

lowing the philosophy that many hands will make light work, this is an open invitation

for the whole church to come and help out. There will be garland to hang, Chrismons to

place, trees to assemble, lights to be arranged and wreaths to be refurbished. Come at

9:00 AM on Saturday the 30th and you can help.

There are some prep jobs to attend to. They can be done in advance. So if you are

not available on Saturday, volunteer for the prelim. To check on what those projects are

contact Wayne Maley (575) 522-1526.

Merry Christmas: ‘Tis the Season Wayne Maley

The In-Betweeners’ Progressive Dinner will be Friday, December 13. This is the

time to join in our advent time get together. In small groups we share dinner and fellow-

ship. Then progress to Watkins Hall for dessert, a few stories, and sing-a-long with all

the old favorite Christmas songs. The dinner is a grand introduction to Christmas time;

it is a pleasant time to share with other First Presbyterians.

It works in this way. You call in or e-mail your reservation before December 8. At

that time you may volunteer to be a dinner host. On the 9th you will be contacted and

advised of the group with whom you will have dinner. You will be asked to bring a side

dish or dessert for the event to go with the main course the host has selected .

The Lantern is a monthly publication of First Pres-

byterian Church, Las Cruces, NM. Articles and

photos, preferably in computer readable form are

welcome, and will be used at the discretion of the

publisher. For further information call 526-5559 or

send e-mail to [email protected].

Editor: Alex Burr

Production: Linda Ramirez


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First Presbyterian Church

200 East Boutz Road

Las Cruces, NM 88005

Tel (575) 526-5559

E-mail [email protected]

Web URL http://www.zianet.com/fpc

Rev. Dr. Norman Story, Pastor

Staff News Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Jordan Graves, bookkeeper in office 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Staff meetings are held on Tuesdays at 10:00 am.

The deadline for the Sunday Bulletin is 10:00 am on Thursday mornings.

Michelle Osborne, Salt & Light Intern Coordinator. If you need to make an appoint-

ment to meet with Michelle please call Linda at the church office. Michelle will be

available on Tuesdays for appointments between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Office will be closed on November 11, 28, and 29 – Holiday

Attendance –Sundays

The Cover The cross on the

cover stands in the

Women's Chapel of the

Central Union Church in

Honolulu. Hawaii. The

Central Union Church is a

church with a long and

active history. In the late

1800's, it played an impor-

tant role in the political

upheaval in Hawaii which

resulted in the overthrow

of the monarchy and the

eventual annexation of

Hawaii by the United

States.

The Lantern is a monthly publication of First Pres-

byterian Church, Las Cruces, NM. Articles and photos,

preferably in computer readable form are welcome, and

will be used at the discretion of the publisher. For fur-

ther information call (575) 526-5559 or send e-mail to

[email protected].

Editor: Alex Burr

Production: Linda Ramirez

Photographs by Alex Burr

Oct. 06 – 236 Oct. 20 – 230

Oct. 13 – 198 Oct. 27 – 169

(These numbers do not include attendance on Saturdays)

P

F IRST

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200 E. Boutz Rd.

Las Cruces, NM 88005

Mission Statement for 2007-2008 To emulate the work, the word, and the way of Jesus Christ in

ministering to the needs of members and preparing them for Chris-

tian outreach to people within and outside the Church of Jesus

Christ.

Our Vision Objectives for 2007-2008 are: To create spiritual leaders from within our congregation to recog-

nize and minister to members in need.

To develop and maintain specific ways for members to reach out

and draw the community into our fellowship.

To create a God-centered atmosphere for worship that will attract

and bind individuals, families and youth to our church.


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Advent Decorating

November 30

Mission Statement To minister to the members of our Church and prepare them

for Christian Outreach

Vision Objectives To clearly and courageously communicate the Good News of Jesus

Christ to all within our reach.

To develop spiritual leadership that recognizes and ministers to

those in need.

To develop and maintain specific ways for members to reach out

and draw the community into our fellowship.

To create God-centered atmosphere for worship that will attract

and bind individuals, families, and youth into Christian commu-

nity.

first presbyterian church, las cruces, nm november 2013years. i took an early retirement from the...

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