McCurdy Volunteer News
August 2022
COVID-19 Update
As of August 9, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reported the following number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population (by county):
 
  • 249.88 cases per 100,000 in Bernalillo County
  • 222 cases per 100,000 in Los Alamos County
  • 246.65 cases per 100,000 in Rio Arriba County
  • 275.34 cases per 100,000 in Santa Fe County
  • 134.46 cases per 100,000 in Taos County
 
Currently, most counties in northeastern New Mexico are at the “medium” level of risk category, which is still higher than previous months.
 
As always, McCurdy continues to implement health and safety measures regarding COVID-19 protocols to help ensure the safety of the children and youth we serve as well as our staff and volunteers.  
 
Please note that all VIM team members are required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure to a week in mission at McCurdy and must have a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure for Española.
 
If you are bringing a VIM team to McCurdy this year, please be sure all team members review the McCurdy COVID-19 Protocols: LINK

Use this link to view the latest information from NMDOH: https://cv.nmhealth.org/

Welcome new Maintenance Supervisor
We would like to introduce you to Manuel Maestas, McCurdy’s new Maintenance Supervisor. Born in Española and raised in Hernandez, Mr. Maestas comes from a large family. He says he loves the outdoors (fishing and hunting) and loves history. He graduated from Española High School and spent most summers landscaping and working in construction.
 
He worked for a local Ford dealership for 17 years as a manager in the service department. He also worked for two years in the post office and 15 years as maintenance supervisor at PPEC (Pueblo of Pojoaque Enterprise Corporation) realty in Pojoaque, NM.
 
When COVID-19 hit, he decided to take a break and then found out about the vacancy for Maintenance Supervisor at McCurdy Schools of Northern New Mexico. Because of McCurdy’s history in the Española Valley, it played a big part in his decision to apply for the position.
 
Because of his up-bringing in a large family who values Christian beliefs, he says, “For me to think that people of faith can travel so far to help others is special.” He also commented with regards to McCracken Gym, “I love that old gym!”
 
I know our VIM team members will help welcome, Manuel Maestas to the McCurdy “family” and look forward to meeting him when they come to serve with him in mission!
Reflections –
Camp Stars
By Dorothy Swalley, Long-Term Volunteer

Dorothy is a licensed counselor in the state of New Mexico and typically comes twice a year from her home in Texas to help with the Project Cariño ministry. 
 
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I agreed to be one of the teachers at the Camp Stars. This is a six-week combination of VBS and STEM. Working with small people is not my usual clientele. Most of the time I have worked with adults, or at least high school students. My topic for Camp Stars was Social/Emotional. I decided to focus on feelings, identifying and expressing feelings as well as the value of feelings and exploring healthy ways to cope with feelings. 
 
One of the ways that people learn how to cope is through games. Therefore, I used all kinds of games along with talking about feelings. Some things are best taught by experiencing them. Only sometimes you have to point out the lesson. 
 
Every day I would have an hour with each of the three groups of kids. One group was K and 1st grade. One group was 4th grade. The oldest were 5th and 6th grade. 
Each group had a counselor who was with them throughout the day. The counselors were all college age. They were good role models. One of the counselors was anxious about traveling by airplane for the first time. This was a great natural way to talk about feelings. The kids were so willing to share their experiences and offer advice and encouragement. 
 
Recess was another interesting time to watch the interactions among the kids. I often sat in the shade near the swings. Swings provide great opportunities for sharing as well as helping. Some were very willing to push to help someone who didn’t quite have good swing skills. I gained a small collection of small flowers. I don’t know exactly what they are, but they seemed to be plentiful. Each was presented with a smiling face.
 
Using quiet time and actual meditation became the other main focus. By using meditation videos, they were able to experience the value of taking some time out. A focus on breathing gave some real experience in how that can be used as a healthy way to cope.
 
One of the things I learned, was being more aware of mixing active and quiet times. Both are very useful and valuable.

Overall, this was a great experience for me. I think it was fun to be the most different adult. No one else had white hair. My soft, white, wrinkly skin was indeed different. It was fun figuring how to answer the question, “Are you old?” Some were afraid that question would hurt me. I assured them it was okay, because I am old.  

A journey of 6000 miles (Part Three) Connection
By Sarah Allen
 
Sarah’s Journey of 6000 miles this summer was similar in purpose to the hundreds of trips and gatherings over the past 110 years of McCurdy Ministries history – to be in connection with those for whom we pray and are a vital part of our ministry of creating hope and empowering lives in Española, New Mexico. 
 
Connection is such a blessed part of the United Methodist Church. It was so important to reconnect with people after two years of isolation. It was important for me as “the new kid on the block” to be able to meet as many people as I could, as quickly as possible, who have been such an important part of McCurdy Ministries.
 
It was also important for me to reach out and connect with new people, stopping at several churches who have not yet ever participated with McCurdy and developing that relationship. It was also wonderful to be at the United Women of Faith Conference in Florida and see that power filled force of Connection at work.
 
McCurdy Ministries Board Member Linda Polson, who every month creates and writes our volunteer newsletter, prepared a wonderful last stop on my journey of 6000 miles. Linda arranged a dinner for not only her church but also for other congregations in her District to come together to hear more about McCurdy. It was a wonderful time of sharing about what the Church in Claremore, Oklahoma does to help McCurdy as well as an opportunity to encourage others to send teams or join the Claremore FUMC Volunteers in Mission Team. It was a splendid example of the power of the United Methodist Church in connection.
 
I am grateful to all who welcomed me on my journey and support the work of McCurdy Ministries Community Center. Thank you!
VIM teams needed!
Your help is needed now more than ever! It’s not too late to schedule a VIM team to serve McCurdy Ministries Community Center in 2022 or 2023. VIM teams and long-term volunteers are still needed to serve some weeks in October and November. If you cannot come in 2022, please consider making your reservation now to bring a VIM team in 2023.
 
To schedule a VIM team for a week a week of service or to serve as a long-term volunteer, simply contact our Volunteer Registrar Eufemia Romero by phone at 505-753-7221, ext. 210 or by email at eromero@mccurdy.org. She can tell you what dates are available.  
Ways to Support McCurdy


2022 McCurdy Fiesta
The summer is rapidly coming to an end and soon it will be time for the 110th anniversary celebration of McCurdy’s Ministries. The 2022 McCurdy Fiesta will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. 
 
Activities being planned include an antique car show, volunteers dressed in period costumes, a costume contest, games on the lawn, “Trunk or Treat” for the kids, a Silent Auction, a special anniversary celebration presentation, unveiling a new film about McCurdy Ministries, dessert for all, and much, much more. 
 
If you could come early and/or stay to help with all of the setup and cleanup for this year’s festivities, please contact Sarah Allen: sallen@mccurdy.com.
Ways to support McCurdy
We invite you to please consider supporting McCurdy on an ongoing basis. Following is a list of some great ways to help maintain this vital ministry to the children, youth, and families of the Española Valley:
 
ONLINE DONATION: 

AMAZON SMILE: 
  • Set up your AmazonSmile account and designate your support of McCurdy Schools of Northern New Mexico (McCurdy Ministries Community Center's legal name). The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the non-profit organization you select.

AMAZON WISH LIST: 
  • Select an item or two each month to purchase from McCurdy’s Amazon Wish List. (It operates like a wedding registry site.)  Just be sure to select McCurdy Ministries Community Center on the address list at checkout so your items will ship directly to Española. LINK 

PRAY FOR MCCURDY: 
  • Set a time to pray daily for the McCurdy staff and for the future of the ministry as they work to provide services to the Española community for 2022 and many more years to come.
 
Thank you for your support of our ministry!
Recipe of the month
Recipe of the month
 
A real treat after a good Mexican dinner is enjoying a sopapilla filled with honey. Here’s a recipe for this special treat from McCurdy’s very own collection, Recipes of a Century Past, published in 2012 to celebrate the ministry’s 100th anniversary. This recipe was contributed by Lynne Hendrix, English/history teacher 1964-1967. 
 
Beatrice Suazo’s Sopapillas
 
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon Crisco
  • Water
  • Oil for frying
 
In a large bowl, blend together flour, baking powder, and salt. With your hands cut in the Crisco. Add enough water so that dough sticks together, but doesn’t stick to your hands. Refrigerate. Dough will keep for 1-2 days. To fry, roll out dough about 1/4 inch thick. Fry in hot, deep fat. Should be hot like for French fried potatoes. Immerse several times so that they will puff evenly. Serve hot with honey. 
Hymn/Devotion of the month
The following devotional incorporates one of my favorite hymns this month. It was written by Debbie McDaniel for the crosswalk.com blog.
 
On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand
Lots of headline news swirling around in our world these weeks.
 
Difficult stories, political battles, wars with words, suffering, unrest, uncertainty, terrorist threats, disaster, violence, and evil. The images and stories can often leave us feeling overwhelmed with fear and worry, for our children, for the future, for believers, and for our nation.
 
Yet God's Truth breaks through all that mess. He breathes peace and assurance that no matter what, He still holds all things in His hands. He's not anxiously pacing Heaven's floors. He's not thinking up a Plan B since Plan A didn't work. He reminds us that He's still in control, and is the security of our days.
 
And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6
 
Woke up with this old song in my mind, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. Have been singing it all day, thinking closely about these words penned over 150 yrs. ago by Pastor Edward Mote. Because no matter what generation we're living in, they still hold true today.
 
God's word says this,
 
Everyone then who hears these words of mine
and does them will be like a wise man
who built his house on the rock. Matt. 7:24
 
There are lots of opinions and voices are out there for sure. Sometimes we just need to turn it all off and listen to the One voice who matters most.
 
That's what Pastor Mote did. As a young boy, he grew up neglected, spending much of his time on the streets while his parents managed a pub in London. He said of his younger days, ‘So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God.’ But at age 18 he heard God's Word and it changed his heart - his life. He was baptized and went on to lead a long, successful career as a cabinet maker. He wrote this song on his walk to work one day. Strong, faith-filled words that came from the heart of one sold out soul living boldly for Christ. At age 55, Mr. Mote became pastor of a small Baptist church, and it's reported that he never missed a Sunday in the pulpit for the next 21 yrs. He left this world for his heavenly home at age 77, leaving his mark in this world through songs inspired by the heart of God.
 
These powerful words of an old hymn are filled with such truth, grace, and relevance still for this day:
 
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
 
The Truth remains through all eternity.
 
Jesus is the Rock that won't move.
 
He's the Rock that won't budge.
 
He won't shift this way or that based on popular opinion.
 
He won't ever sink or give way to defeat.
 
He is sure and safe, loving and gracious, forgiving and faithful, powerful and strong, and His words are Truth, bringing life and freedom.
 
He paid the price on Calvary's cross, He took our sin and shame, bore it all, on our behalf, so that we could live free. The power of the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ broke the curse of death and shame.
 
That's what real love is.
 
The ultimate sacrifice.
 
Such huge, extravagant grace.
 
Resting there today.
 
On the Rock.
 
Hope you are too.”
 
Use this link to read the full devotional: LINK

***
 
Do you have a favorite hymn or scripture that helped you through a difficult time? If so, would you be willing to share your story with me and with our readers? If so, please email it to me at lpolson1966@gmail.com
McCurdy Ministries Community Center creates hope and empowers the lives of children, youth, adults and families through education, life skills, and faith-based programs in Española, New Mexico.
 
The month of August brings the end of summer and the beginning of another school year for our McCurdy students. Please join us in praying that McCurdy's Pre-K classes, Project Cariño counseling sessions, and After School Care can all be held in-person so the students can learn and grow together while being safe from the ongoing concerns of this pandemic.

McCurdy Board and Staff
Through our Volunteer Newsletter, we are providing the latest information about volunteer opportunities at McCurdy Ministries Community Center and sharing helpful tips about planning a mission trip to Española. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions about articles or resources. Send your suggestions or questions to Linda Polson at lpolson1966@gmail.com. Linda is an MMCC Board Member and experienced VIM Team Leader.
 
For more information about McCurdy Ministries Community Center, click on the link below to go to our website at www.mccurdy.org. Also, don’t forget to like McCurdy Ministries Community Center on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mccurdyministries or use the link below.


McCurdy Ministries Community Center creates hope and empowers the lives of children, youth, adults and families through education, life skills and faith-based programs
in Española, NM.