The FPC Herald - March 2019

The FPC Herald

The Newsletter of

First Presbyterian Church

Roswell, New Mexico

March 2019

The Pastor's Reflections

A Lenten Journey: The Gospel in Worship

Our common journey through the Season of Lent will take us through the following Sunday Gospel readings:

Temptation in the wilderness. "The devil said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.'"

Failing to see. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!"

Sin and repentance. "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did."

A lost son. "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'"

An anointing with oil. "Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.'"

Come and join us as we journey through Lent. See what the Holy Spirit will do.

Pastor John

March Calendar

March 3rd	Communion Sunday
March 6th	Ash Wednesday Service & Dinner - 5:30pm
March 7th	Deacons Meeting - 5:00pm
March 8th	Church Management Committee - 7:00am
March 10th	Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 12th	Men's Fellowship Luncheon - Noon, Peppers Restaurant
March 13th	Lenten Midweek Study & Dinner - 5:30pm
March 20th	Lenten Midweek Study & Dinner - 5:30pm
March 21st	Session Meeting - 5:00pm
March 27th	Lenten Midweek Study & Dinner - 5:30pm
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Wednesdays	Wednesday Breakfast Group - 7:30am, Martin's Capital Café
Wednesdays	Choir Rehearsal - 6:30pm during Lent
Fridays	Prayer Group - Noon, Parlor
Every Day	Noon Prayer and Meditation

The Lord's Supper

Sunday, March 3rd

Come celebrate the Feast of the Lord!

If you would like to receive home Communion,

please call the Church Office at 622-4910.

March Worship Schedule and Scripture Readings

March 3 - Transfiguration of the Lord

Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2;

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

March 10 - 1st Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

March 17 - 2nd Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1;

Luke 13:31-35

March 24 - 3rd Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13;

Luke 13:1-9

March 31 - 4th Sunday in Lent

Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21;

Luke 15;1-3, 11b-32

Read the Scripture passages HERE.

Serving in March

March 3th

Service Elder: Dietta Hitchcock

Liturgist: Deb Prince

Phone Message Reader: Bill Wolf

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Mary Lou Glass

Chancel Guild: Lynn Karnes, Ann Hultman, Connie Wolf

March 10th

Service Elder: Bill Wolf

Liturgist: Margy Barbour

Phone Message Reader: Paula Grieves

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Betty Young

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

March 17th

Service Elder: Bob Kurtz

Liturgist: ________

Phone Message Reader: Mary Hubbard

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Rebecca Johnson

Chancel Guild: Wendy Lunsford, Betsy Cunningham, Lucy Tucker

March 24th

Service Elder: ________

Liturgist: Margy Barbour

Phone Message Reader: Margo Fullinwider

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Connie Wolf

Chancel Guild: Margo Fullinwider, Martha Brown

March 31st

Service Elder: ________

Liturgist: ________

Phone Message Reader: T.K. Cully

Deacon Hospital Visitation: Martha Mayer

Chancel Guild: Martha Mayer, Deb Prince, Jacque Allen,

Kate Daniels

Men's Fellowship Luncheon

Tuesday, March 12th

The Men's Fellowship Luncheon group will meet on Tuesday, March 12th, at noon at Peppers Restaurant. Women are also very welcome.

The speaker will be Terry Garvey, Professor of Business at the New Mexico Military Institute, who will discuss her recent experiences in Peru.

Please RSVP to Wayne Glass.

Joan Arnold

Director of Communications and Outreach

It is my pleasure to serve FPC-Roswell as Director of Communications and Outreach!

I moved to New Mexico from Wisconsin in the early 1970's. My first professional career included 20-years with Levi Strauss & Co. and ended as the Senior Project Manager for the Western Region Operations that required traveling through California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The company downsized in 1997 and I returned to academics to achieve my MBA. I began my teaching career at New Mexico Military Institute and eventually moved to Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell achieving tenure as a Business Instructor. I retired from ENMUR in 2015 while in the position of Dean of Liberal Arts. It took several months to realize that I was not ready for full-time retirement and have been working part-time in retail.

A couple of years ago, I crossed paths with my good friend, Carola Spreacker. She invited me to join the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir, so if I look familiar, that's why. It was an easy decision to join the staff here at First Presbyterian where I hope to serve the Lord by serving this church in many exciting endeavors. My husband, John, is a native to Roswell where his daughter Cristina and son Charles both live with their families. My daughter Andrea lives in Wisconsin where my extended family still braves the winter and cheers for the Green Bay Packers!

Joan Arnold

What Will Joan Be Doing?

The Session of First Presbyterian recently identified a need for a half-time Director of Communications and Outreach to "increase FPC's visibility in and service to the Roswell Community." Among Joan's responsibilities are...

Updating and maintaining the church website
Recording Sunday sermons and posting them on the website
Posting updates to the church's Facebook page
Submitting press releases to local news outlets
Purchasing and distributing marketing materials such as pens, shirts, bumper stickers, etc.
Planning and hosting events for the Roswell community at FPC
Making FPC visible at community fairs, festivals, and other events
Identifying and coordinating ways for FPC to support local nonprofit organizations
Recruiting and organizing volunteers among FPC members and friends for these events and activities

Other responsibilities may be identified in the months to come. Joan's position is funded for one year, with a review of the program at the close of 2019.

A New Local Mission Ministry for FPC

Support for

Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services

Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services (RCDRS) is a local nonprofit organization that provides assistance for homeless persons and those affected by disasters such as the loss of housing by fire. The organization is led by local businessman Enrique Moreno, whose primary mission is driving the streets of Roswell twice each night (including at 2:00 in the morning) looking for people in need (especially during extremely cold weather), and responding to emergencies. Enrique carries with him in his SUV nonperishable food, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletry supplies, and other materials. He also has limited funds to provide motel housing for homeless individuals and families.

At the present time Enrique is the primary volunteer and coordinator for RCDRS, but he has a few volunteers who also help. Enrique has experience with the Red Cross, volunteer fire fighting, and regional disaster relief (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.)

Enrique recently sent out an appeal for storage space for his supplies, and the Mission Committee, Church Management Committee, and Session of FPC responded to that appeal with approval of space in our building for use by RCDRS. The new pantry for RCDRS is the room formerly used by the FPC Quilters, next to the library. There are already supplies stored in that room.

It is the hope and prayer of the Mission Committee that, as requested and directed by Enrique, FPC will be able to expand its support and help for RCDRS. Future efforts may include drives to collect supplies, assistance organizing and cataloguing supplies, and help with RCRDS fundraisers (staffing booths, etc.) The Mission Committee is excited about this new ministry to our community!

(If you are a Facebook person, search for "Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services" and "like" that page. Enrique posts there most of his encounters with folks in need. You will find it fascinating.)

New Daily Prayer and Meditation Ministry

A new prayer and meditation ministry will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 6, and continue through Lent and beyond. Volunteers for this new discipline will commit to pray and/or meditate one day (possibly more) each month (the second Wednesday, for example), making the commitment to come to the church at noon on that day for an hour (or so).

The intention for this new ministry is that there will be one of our saints praying/meditating at the noon hour every day of every week, extending indefinitely into the future. The Parlor and Sanctuary will be available for prayer volunteers (ministers), and a guide for prayer will be provided. Prayer ministers will find substitutes if they must miss their assigned day.

The initiation and maintenance of this new ministry is surely a monumental task, but we believe it is a step needed at the current time for the development of more committed, devoted saints and for the renewal and re-commitment of our church to God's intention for us. We also believe it can be done. "Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." (John 16:23)

We have begun active enlistment of volunteers/ministers. Please pray about joining us in this ministry. Ask us if you have questions. Thank you.

Margo Fullinwider

Pastor John

2019 Fifth Thursday Potluck Dinners

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

May 30

August 29

October 31

The Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates

The Nominating Committee seeks the names of those who may be called by God to serve FPC as Ruling Elders, Deacons, and members of the 2019-2020 Nominating Committee. You may surely nominate yourself. Please relay nominations to Mike Hunter, Chair.

The Nominating Committee consists of four at-large members elected by the congregation (Roberta Pess, Bob Carroll, Doug Lunsford, and Jon Hitchcock) plus two members designated by Session (Mike Hunter and Bob Kurtz) and the Deacon representative (Betty Young).

Ash Wednesday

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, March 6. A brief Ash Wednesday service is scheduled for 5:30pm, followed by a soup and bread dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

M idweek Lenten Gatherings

A series of midweek Lenten gatherings is scheduled for Wednesdays, March 13 through April 10, at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

The gatherings will feature a study entitled "Entering the Passion of Jesus" by New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine. A soup and bread dinner will follow the study. All are welcome. Bring a friend!

Ecumenical Holy Week Midday Gatherings

Ecumenical Holy Week Midday services with simple luncheons are scheduled for that week, Monday through Friday, April 15-19, at the Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Nazarene churches. More information will be available soon. Please mark your calendars.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services this year will be held jointly with Westminster Presbyterian Church.

On Maundy Thursday, April 18, the combined congregations will worship at Westminster with an "Agape Feast" (cheese, crackers, and fruit) preceding worship. The service will feature celebration of the Lord's Supper. We will announce the time for the service when it is firm.

On Good Friday, April 19, the combined congregations will worship at First Presbyterian, and the combined choirs will present a cantata by Benjamin Harlan, "Behold the Darkness." The service will include readings from the Passion Narrative and the extinguishing of candles: a service of progressive darkness. We will announce the time for this service shortly.

Highlights of Session Meeting

February 21, 2019

Session approved a change to the church's Manual of Operations to allow the Clerk of Session to remove from the church membership roll the names of those who have died. The Session recently approved the removal of several inactive members, leaving the church membership at 125, including seven new members.

Session approved the use of FPC facilities for a wedding of nonmembers with Pastor John officiating on March 30, and use of FPC space by Roswell Community Disaster Relief Services.

The Church Management committee anticipates the need for a capital campaign to fund needed repairs to facilities. Projects under consideration at present include repair of the front steps, renovation of restrooms, playground fence repair, and flat roof repair.

The Worship Committee provided an update on planned Lenten worship services and gatherings, including ecumenical Holy Week gatherings, and worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The Personnel Committee reported the hiring of Joan Arnold as Director of Communications and Outreach, 20 hours per week at $20.00 per hour.

The Nominating Committee will soon begin discerning those who may be called to service as Ruling Elders, Deacons, and members of the 2019-2020 Nominating Committee.

Session approved the 2019 allocation of mission funding proposed by the Mission Committee. The discretionary funds available to the Mission Committee in the 2019 church budget are $15,144.

The Fellowship Committee will coordinate Wednesday evening soup and bread dinners during Lent and an Easter brunch.

The Evangelism Committee reported a highly successful Ladies Valentine Luncheon on February 9, including donations for the Roswell Refuge. There were about 50 attendees.

The Christian Education Committee (Pastor John) reported continuation of a very satisfactory disciple-growing Bible study.

The Clerk reported near completion of a draft emergency action plan for the church. Session may want to hold a training session for response to an armed intruder after Easter. An inventory of all the valuable property of the church is nearly complete.

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

Palm Sunday, April 14th

When the forces of chaos and calamity rip the fabric of human life, your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts are there to sew it back together. Your generosity fulfills a vision rooted in the biblical witness stated in Isaiah 58:12. The prophet writes:

"You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in."

OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world--sharing God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. Each gift helps to improve the lives of people in challenging situations through three programs:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters.

Presbyterian Hunger Program - Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systematic causes of poverty so all may be fed.

Self-Development of People - Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills.

In places far and near, your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts repair breaches that pierce the wholeness that God wants for everyone.

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FPC will collect the OGHS offering on Palm Sunday, April 14, but envelopes will be available in the pew pockets earlier for those who cannot be present that day.

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Please give generously. Thank you.

2019 Presbyterian Giving Catalog

As Presbyterians, we are a people rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is our gratitude for God's grace that moves us to join in God's mission in the world, with ministries of love and justice, reconciliation and peace.

Generous gifts to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog are signs of our gratitude: feeding the hungry, comforting the broken-hearted, and sharing our faith with young and old. By joining our gifts together, however large or small, we expand our witness to God's gracious and abundant work in the world.