The FPC Herald -June2019

The FPC Herald

The Newsletter of

First Presbyterian Church

Roswell, New Mexico

June 2019

The Pastor's Reflections

The Irrepressible Spirit of God

The Holy Spirit is a continuous presence in the two-volume set Luke/Acts. In fact the term "Holy Spirit" or "Spirit" appears some 16 times in Luke's gospel and 50 times in the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel of Luke is the primary gospel for Sunday worship during the current liturgical year. Since we are preparing to celebrate on June 9th one of the most remarkable works of the Spirit, it could be rewarding to see what the Spirit is up to in Luke/Acts (L/A below).

It is by the Holy Spirit that Mary conceives Jesus (L 1:35). It is by the Holy Spirit that both Zechariah (father of John the Baptizer) and Simeon (a temple prophet) prophesy regarding the child, Jesus (L 1:67; 2:25). John the Baptizer warns the people who come out to see him in the wilderness that this Jesus will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire (so watch out) (L 3:16). At Jesus's baptism, the Spirit descends on him "like a dove" and his Father's voice is heard from heaven (L 3:22). The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (L 4:1). The Spirit rests upon Jesus during his ministry (L 4:14, 4:18).

After his resurrection, Jesus instructs his disciples "through the Holy Spirit" (A 1:2). The Day of Pentecost happens (A 2:4). The Spirit emboldens, guides, and empowers the original disciples and others (A 1:8, 2:17, 2:33, 4:8, 4:25, 4:31, 5:32, 7:55, 8:29, 9:17, 11:24, 13:2. 13:9, 13:52, 16:6, 16:7, 19:6, 19:21, 20:22, 20:28, 21:4). The Spirit is a gift to those who have faith (A 2:38, 8:15, 8:17, 10:44). The Spirit promotes the growth of the church (9:31).

If the Spirit of God is active in all these ways in Jesus's ministry and in the ministries of his early followers, surely that same Spirit is present, active, and moving today. The spirit emboldens, guides, and empowers us also. The Spirit gives us the courage to try things that are risky for the sake of Christ and the kingdom of God. The Spirit gives us the will and the way to do those things we could never do on our own.

We've got the Spirit. Let's see what the Spirit does with us and through us and in us in the days to come, and look forward to some astounding things.

June Calendar

June 2nd	Communion Worship - 10:00am
June 6th	Deacons Meeting - 5:00pm
June 8th	Sierra Blanca Presbytery Meeting Westminster Presbyterian Church - 1:00pm
June 9th	Worship, Day of Pentecost - 10:00am
June 14th	Church Management Committee - 7:30am
June 16th	Worship, Trinity Sunday - 10:00am
June 20th	Session Meeting - 5:00pm
June 23rd	Worship - 10:00am Potluck Luncheon - 11:00am
June 28th	Community Kitchen Service - 9:15am
June 30th	Worship - 10:00am Summer Congregational Meeting - 11:00am
Weekly
Wednesdays	Wednesday Breakfast Group Martin's Capital Cafe - 7:30am
Fridays	Friday Prayer Group, Parlor - Noon
Every Day	Noon Prayer and Meditation

The Lord's Supper

Come celebrate the Feast of the Lord!

If you would like to receive home Communion,

please call the Church Office at 622-4910.

June Scripture Readings and Worship Schedule

June 2nd - The 7th Sunday of Easter - Communion

Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-21; John 17:20-26

June 9th - Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-2, Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2: 1-21; John 14:8-27

June 16th - Trinity Sunday

Proverbs 8 :1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

June 23rd - 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

1 Kings 19:1-15a; Psalm 42 and 43; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

June 30th - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

Read the Scripture passages HERE.

Pentecost

June 9th

Join us for worship on Pentecost Sunday!

Wear red or orange or yellow, colors of the flame, a reminder of the tongues "as of fire" that rested on the saints that day in Jerusalem.

Serving in June

Week of June 2nd

Service Elder: ___________

Liturgist: Bob Carroll

Inspirational Message: Bill Wolf

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Ann Ruback

Chancel Guild: Margo Fullinwider, Martha Brown

Week of June 9th

Service Elder: Deb Prince

Liturgist: ____________

Inspirational Message: Paula Grieves

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Mary Lou Glass

Chancel Guild: Martha Mayer, Deb Prine, Jaque Allen, Kate Daniels

Week of June 16th

Service Elder: Bill Wolf

Liturgist: __________

Inspirational Message: Mary Hubbard

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Rebecca Johnson

Chancel Guild: Lynn Karnes, Ann Hultman, Connie Wolf

Week of June 23rd

Service Elder: __________

Liturgist: Deb Prince

Inspirational Message: Margo Fullinwider

Deacon Hospital Visitation:

Chancel Guild: Mary Lou Glass, Rebecca Johnson, Roberta Pess

Week of June 30th

Service Elder: Bob Kurtz

Liturgist: _________

Inspirational Message: T.K. Cully

Deacon Hospital Visitation:

Chancel Guild: Wendy Lunsford, Betsy Cunningham, Luci Tucker

Chancel Choir on Hiatus

The Chancel Choir is taking a well-deserved break over the summer and will resume rehearsal and worship leadership in September. Over the summer special music will be provided by individuals and ensembles. Thanks to all who will help lead our worship.

Why People Continue to Attend Church

23%- for spiritual growth and guidance
20%- keeps me grounded/guided
15%- it's my faith
15%- to worship God
13%- the fellowship of other members (the community)
12%- believe in God/religion
12%- brought up that way (tradition)

Research by the Gallup organization

Summer Meeting of the Congregation

Sunday, June 30th

Congregational meetings are scheduled twice a year, in February and June, to carry out necessary business that, according to the PC(USA) constitution, can be done only by discussion and vote of the congregation. The summer 2019 congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 30th, following worship.

One important item on the agenda is the election of Ruling Elders, Deacons, and members of the 2019-2020 church Nominating Committee. The 2018-2010 Nominating Committee has been hard at work discerning individuals it believes God has called and equipped for those forms of service. Here are the committee's nominations for those ordered ministries:

Session

Matt Hinkle (Class of 2020)

Lynn Karnes (Class of 2022)

Bonnie Montgomery (Class of 2022)

Steve Shanor (Class of 2022)

Board of Deacons

Joy Kurtz (Class of 2021)

Jacqueline Allen (Class of 2022)

Dietta Hitchcock (Class of 2022)

Ann Hultman (Class of 2022)

Heidi Shanor (Class of 2022)

2019-2020 Nominating Committee

Session representative, to be announced

Margo Fullinwider, Deacon representative

Lucy Tucker

Lois Wilson

Bill Wolf

Nominations may also be made from the floor during the congregational meeting, with the concurrence of the nominee. Our thanks to all of these saints who have said "yes" to God's call for service.

Another important item of business is for the congregation to consider a reduction in the number of members on the Board of Deacons, from fifteen to twelve. This proposal comes as a recommendation from the Session with the concurrence of the Board of Deacons. With the reduction of the membership of our congregation in recent years, the Nominating Committee has struggled each year to find five Deacons willing to serve three-year terms on the Board. The proposed reduction will promote the service of those who feel truly called to this ministry while the Deacons adjust their many forms of service to a smaller Board.

Please mark your calendars to note the congregational meeting set for June 30th.

2019 Fifth Thursday Potluck Dinners

If you would like to host one of these dinners please see or call Karen Bloodhart. Remaining Fifth Thursday Potluck Dinners are scheduled for the following dates in 2019.

August 29

October 31

Potluck Luncheon

June 23rd

The Fellowship Committee will host a potluck luncheon following worship on June 23rd. Please bring a main dish, vegetable, salad, desert, or bread to serve 8-10 people. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex. Call Deb Prince for more information.

BRING A FRIEND!

A New Community Service Opportunity: Cub Scouts!

Liaison Needed!

Our church has been approached by the local district of the Boy Scouts of America with the prospect of hosting a Cub Scout Pack (boys and girls K-5) once again. Many details remain to be settled, but we know of a certainty that our church will need a volunteer to serve as liaison with the pack, should all of those details work out.

Interested? Called? Please contact Pastor John to receive more information about the job. Thanks for your prayerful consideration.

Wednesday Breakfast Group

You are invited to enjoy breakfast at

Martin's Capitol Café any Wednesday at 7:30am.

Men's Fellowship Luncheons

Men's Fellowship Luncheons will resume in September. Watch for announcements to come in the fall.

Daily Inspirational Phone Message

Start your day with an inspiring message!

(575) 622-4923

Daily Prayer and Meditation

Prayer servants pray and meditate over the noon hour, with each servant volunteering for a particular day or days of the month. Additional prayer servants are needed. Contact Margo Fullinwider for more information.

Friday Prayer Group

The Prayer Group gathers every Friday at noon in the Parlor. Participants pray for our church and its members, and for our community, nation, and the world.

Come as you are able. Everyone is welcome. Contact Pastor John for more information.

Praying Through the Church Roll

The weekly bulletin announcement insert now includes a list of two or three FPC families, which will change each week. You are encouraged to pray for these families. Thank you for holding our saints in prayer.

Highlights of the Session Meeting

May 16, 2019

The FPC Session met on May 16, 2019. Here are some highlights...

The Clerk of Session (Bob Kurtz) reported that he is awaiting two bids for property and liability insurance. Bob is pursuing an after-worship training event for congregational response to an armed intruder. He is also completing work on a new draft emergency action plan.

The Church Management Committee (Jim Bloodhart) reported that Pena Construction will soon begin work on the front steps, sidewalks, courtyard, exterior pole lights, and the playground fence.

The Personnel Committee (Bob Kurtz) reported that Communications Director Joan Arnold has reduced her weekly hours from 20 to 10, finding that she can complete routine tasks in that amount of time. She will increase hours as needed for special events.

The Nominating Committee (Mike Hunter) reported that all Deacon, Session, and 2019-2020 Nominating Committee nominees have been identified, except for the Session's representative to the Nominating Committee.

With the concurrence of the Board of Deacons, Session voted to recommend to the congregation for its summer meeting a reduction in the size of the Board of Deacons from 15 to 12, beginning with the Class of 2022.

The Fellowship Committee (Lynn Karnes) reported its intention to host a barbecue following worship one Sunday this summer.

The Evangelism Committee (Deb Prince) reported the availability of new FPC license plates and car window decals.

Session set the date for the summer congregational meeting to be June 30th, 2019.

Session discussed the possibility of hosting a Cub Scout Pack; there was strong affirmation pending resolution of details. A recommendation from the Church Management Committee will be necessary if the possibility becomes more certain.

New License Plates and Window Decals!

The Evangelism Committee and Communications Director Joan Arnold have specified and purchased custom FPC license plates. Pick up your plate (or plates) and window decals (5"x5") in the Narthex or drop by the church office.

Show your FPC pride! A great way to start conversations about our church!

New FPC Website

Please visit www.fpcroswell.org

2019 Graduation Recognition and Reception

Our graduating seniors this year are Jorge Aldavaz, Brisa Lopez, and MacKenzie Thomas. Congratulations! Graduates received Bibles and gift cards in worship on May 19th and were greeted at a reception following worship.

Jorge Aldavaz	Brisa Lopez

Jorge Aldavaz graduated from Goddard High School. Jorge has been accepted into the All-State Choir and has received a music scholarship at Eastern New Mexico State-Portales.	Brisa Lopez graduated from Roswell High School. Brisa has been accepted into the All-State Choir and plans to attend New Mexico State to study Biology.

Facility Renovations Underway

The Church Management Committee and Session have recently authorized several renovation projects. The reconstruction of the main entrance steps is now underway. The wood fence on the west side of the playground is being replaced with chain link fencing. Sidewalks are also being replaced. Tree stumps have been ground. A new handrail has been installed in the stairwell leading from the choir room to the Sanctuary.

Deepest thanks to the members and friends of FPC whose faithful giving allows us to maintain and improve the church's facilities so that they may be effectively used for God's mission through First Presbyterian Church.

Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services

FPC houses the supplies for the Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services organization (RCDRS), and FPC members have assisted in organizing the relief pantry. RCDRS helps homeless people and those affected by disasters. Students from Youth Challenge and Sydney Gutierrez Middle School also helped with organizing supplies in May.

Featured PC(USA) Mission

Co-workers for June

Dennis and Maribel Smith

After more than three decades of service in Guatemala, Dennis and Maribel Smith moved to Argentina in January 2011 when Dennis was appointed as PC(USA) regional liaison for South America.

From their home in Buenos Aires, Dennis and Maribel continue to practice the gift of hospitality that so enriched their lives in Guatemala. "Our home is known as the Hotel Smith Pérez," comments Maribel. "Over the decades, we've had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of people into our home - especially young people. Helping guests discover how and where God is present in Latin America has been a special gift."