Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ,
I don't know how you might feel, but I have been a little on edge lately.  It has something to do with the Ukraine and my ultimate belief that God wants peace.  And, I wonder about the peace of others and how we can help.  Simple questions in a complex world.  

Prayers
The Ukraine situation was on the hearts of many of us yesterday.  So were all of the following folks:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) still having chronic medical issues (possibly cancer)
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (Paralyzed) – Glenda Coles’ sisters
Clint Sims (Marge's son-in-law) and Family in grief for his grandmother
Debbie and Tim O’Quinn – serious health problems
Elmer Schuster – leg pain
Fay Birch – Stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – recovering from shoulder surgery
Joseph (requested by Susie) serving in Iraq
Lucy Jasper (Susie’s cousin) – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome
People seeking work, others seeking employees
Priscilla (Susie's neighbor) - healing after serious surgeries
Richard and Linda, concerned about breakup of the Randals Ranch
Robert Lopez and family in their grief
Ruth Johnson
Francis (Ryan Pottenger’s Grandpa) – comfort and care
Sarah Hittson’s daughter, Marie – chronic surgical needs
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – health
Shay -Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – shoulder and neck injury from ice
Tommy Morris and family, as he heads to AZ 
Our School systems
First Responders
Travelers
Those who struggle with COVID and their caregivers

On Saturday, I counted 8 people who showed up to move Rummage donations into the church from our storage unit at the former K9 Designs and Grooming.  Thank you all for your help!  It was one of the few recent times that I can recall since COVID that we got together outside of worship!  

Presbyterian Women Meeting:  This Saturday @ Noon in Fellowship Hall the PW is asked to come together for an early spring business meeting.  Please come ready to look at the 2022 Handbook, calendars, and to discuss the Rummage Sale.  There are rumblings of a possible sale the very first weekend in May! (May 6-7)

Ash Wednesday Services: This Wednesday from 12:30-1:30PM I will be in the Sanctuary ready to dispense ashes to anyone who happens by. I am also available to pray with you, if nothing else, or you can hang out in the sanctuary for silent meditation and I won't bug you :)  If you want "curbside service," you are invited to call/text me anytime that morning, up until 1:30PM to make arrangements.  575-708-0860

Next Session Meeting:  Sunday, March 13th at 9:30AM.  I have asked our Commission on Ministry Liaison, David McDowell, to make an appearance, to offer his guidance as we can do some planning for pastoral coverage this year.

This week:
Today:  Pastor observes a Sabbath
Today, Wed and Fri @ 10AM Exercise, Eat and Pray
Tomorrow @ Noon:  Yoga 
Saturday @ Noon:  Presbyterian Women Meeting  If you want to bring a sandwich or a dish to share, feel free.  But it is not a potluck.
Sunday @ 11:00:  Church with Holy Communion 

The sermon from yesterday is attached.  It was about remembering that our faith is a borrowed faith.  We find it in knowing others who have faith, and from our own "mountaintop experiences" God graciously grants to us.  We must remember that we are dependent on God to recharge our spirits, so we can be strong enough to face the valleys too.

This week we begin Lent. Tomorrow is pancakes for dinner!  (just kidding, but it is a tradition)
I hope that you go and make this a wonderful week.  Shine on, friends.
Love,
Rev. Amy

Grace and peace, Friends in Christ,
Hopefully you are all doing fine on this beautiful Monday morning.  I am probably going to spend this Sabbath walking dogs and catching up on some reading.  Last week was a pretty tense one for me, as we leaned into the weekend of the famed Annual Congregational Meeting.  We had many corrections and changes for the report presented.  To boot, the report did not contain all of the information that we ordinarily get. 

That’s my fault! I am sorry about that.  As promised during the meeting, a correct report, containing up to date budget information and the 2021 treasurer report will be circulated and provided in about 1 week.  These corrections shall be made and reviewed by this Sunday’s session, so that we are all on the “same page” (literally!).

Thank you for your participation in yesterday’s meeting.  Your vote mattered very much.  We forget about the importance of showing up, asking questions and casting our votes on things, when we don’t think of ourselves as anything more than a “number.”  But in our church, you are never just a “number.” You are family.

The church voted to grant me a raise for 2022.  Thank you for your consideration, as life has been much more expensive lately.  For those who asked if the raise was enough, I appreciate your concern. 
 
Prayers:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) still having chronic medical issues (possibly cancer)
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (Paralyzed) – Glenda Coles’ sisters
Betty Ragan – under the weather
Debbie and Time O’Quinn – serious health programs, including COVID positive
Elmer Schuster – leg pain
Fay Birch – Stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – bad shoulder pain – shoulder surgery scheduled for 2/14
Jenna Morris – new life in Clovis
Lucy Jasper (Susie’s cousin) – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome
Family of Paula McCasland
People seeking work, others seeking employees
Robert Lopez and family in their grief
Ruth Johnson
Francis (Ryan Pottenger’s Grandpa) – comfort and care
Sarah Hittson’s daughter, Marie – chronic surgical needs
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – health
Shay -Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – shoulder and neck injury from ice
Tina (Susie’s daughter) – injury from a fall
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Our School systems
First Responders
Travelers
Those who struggle with COVID and their caregivers
 
This week:
Tomorrow at Noon – Yoga
Wednesday and Friday at 10AM - Exercise, Eat and Pray
Wednesday @ 5:15PM - Bible Study in Fellowship Hall/Library (wherever is warmer:)
Sunday - 9:30AM Session Meets before Church - documents will be sent around later in the week, hopefully by end of Wednesday.
Sunday - Church at 11:00AM 

The sermon for Sunday is attached.  I hope it wasn't too depressing.  I have been feeling as though our life can be a little like a chopped down tree, and the words of Isaiah tell me that God can make life out of what seems like nothing to us.  Praise God!!

For those who have felt the passing of Ty Gresham, I located his obituary through the Quay County Sun.  Here is a link:  Ty Gresham Obituary

Friends, I hope that each of you grab a little sunlight today.  It's beautiful out there and good for our moods.  And above all else, may the Lord bless you and keep you today and everyday.
Blessings,
Rev. Amy

Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings! 
What a beautiful day we have ahead of us.  I understand that we are supposed to get a little colder and wintery weather tomorrow night.  Please be safe, everyone.  Let's also hope that a little moisture comes our way too.

Friends, we enjoyed Steve Farmer's visit to worship, along with his sister, Joyce.  Yesterday's sermon is attached.  It is about the painful prophecy that we receive sometimes from God.  Never fear!  Just reach up and out for God's love, as the Israelites did when they were afraid of God's judgment.

There are a few updates to the prayer list.  It's hard to see so many people passing away.  

Prayer Requests:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Brian Sims - hospitalized with COVID (brother-in-law of Laro Sims)
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – bad shoulder pain, praying for surgery
Jenna Morris – moved to Clovis for her new job
Julie Sursa - for her health
Kevin Mueller - grief both for his father and his uncle
Lana Enochs and family at loss of her daughter, Monica
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome
Paige Christian - Linda's niece, 7 mos pregnant and COVID positive
Paul Estrada - for encouragement
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Ryan Pottenger's dad (COVID)
Ryan's Grandpa, Francis - for comfort and care
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Family of Scott Holtz, who passed away
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school
Tammy Lucero - that her cancer is gone
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
The Gresham Family in their grief for Ty Gresham
All those suffering from COVID19

This week:
Today, Wednesday and Friday:  Exercise, Eat and Pray meets at 10AM
Today - Pastor observes a Sabbath (and dog baths!)
Tomorrow at Noon:  Yoga in Fellowship Hall!  (I may be away next Tuesday, but will know for sure soon)
Wednesday:  Bible Study at 5:15 in Fellowship Hall.  We will be looking at readings from Jeremiah, 1 Corinthians 13 and Luke 4.  <--------click on link for the readings.
Friday and Saturday:  I will be tied up attending the Presbytery meeting on behalf of your church.  If you are interested in observing, you are welcome to attend with me on Zoom.  
This Sunday, Jan 30th:  All Elders are called to a 10 AM Budget Review Meeting in Church Library.  Church at 11:00AM.  

Next Sunday, February 6th will be our Annual Congregational Meeting, directly after church.  We will elect officers.  Nominations will come from a nominating committee, but you are welcome to nominate someone whom you think would be a good elder or deacon. You have to ask the person first!  We will also review the 2022 budget and receive the reports of our church committees.  Members have a vote, but if you are a non-member, you have a voice!

Time keeps moving right along!  Somehow we have already neared the end of January and I still don't have any New Years' Resolutions, except to drink more water.  What are some of yours?

Make this a week joy, for God is good.  I look forward to seeing you around this week.
Blessings,
Rev. Amy 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings to you all on this beautiful, sunny day.  I guess if it isn't raining, we might as well look on the bright side and say, "Thank you, Lord for the beauty of your world." 

Yesterday after Sunday potluck, Robin, Jean, Marge, Kenna and I took down the Christmas decorations.  Thank you, Ladies, for taking the time out to help.  I believe we were there until sometime after 2:00PM.  What a joy it is to work with a group on a creative project.  They also brought out some new decorations to spruce up the sanctuary.  

For those who are planning holiday travel, etc.: 
Lent starts on March 6th (really the Wednesday before, 3/2)
Palm Sunday is April 10th
Easter is April 17th

Prayers:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Brian Sims - hospitalized with COVID (brother-in-law of Laro Sims, Marge's daughter)
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – bad shoulder pain, praying for surgery
Jenna Morris – moved to Clovis for her new job
Kevin Mueller - grief both for his father and his uncle
Lucille Andrada's daughter and her family - COVID
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome, seeking experimental program
Paige Christian - Linda's niece, 7 mos pregnant and COVID positive
Paul Estrada - for encouragement
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Ryan Pottenger's dad (COVID)
Ryan's Grandpa, Francis - for comfort and care
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Scott Holtz - on life support with pneumonia and valley fever
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school
Tammy Lucero - thanksgiving that she completed a course of cancer treatment and may she be healed
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
Tyler (former student of Emily's) and his wife at loss of their infant son 
All those suffering from COVID19

This week:
Today:  Exercise, Eat and Pray is cancelled, as 2 of us will not be there.  We will resume on Wednesday at 10:00AM!
Tuesday:  At noon we will have yoga in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday:  Bible Study @ 5:15 PM Fellowship Hall.  We are starting to take a look at the church lectionary.  To follow along, you can visit the lectionary website at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/revised-common-lectionary/

I had a little fun researching the Shakers and Shaker furniture this past week.  As a child living in Kentucky, my family would visit the Shaker communities across the border in Ohio and was fascinated by the fact that the people were all but gone.  For more information, feel free to visit: 
Mortise and Tenon
Woody Woodburn
Shaker History

Friends, I hope that your day is a great one.  May God guide you through this week, triumphantly!
Blessings and hugs,
Rev. Amy 
575-708-0860

Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings to you all!  
I am writing to you a day early since I will be busy first thing in the morning tomorrow.

We had a great Session before church this morning, preparing for a Congregational Meeting.  Of great interest, was some suggestion of finding persons in our church (or even some who aren't!) who could stand in front to lead the hymns. We have so very many kinds of hymns and some are not familiar.  If someone with a strong and confident voice stood in front to lead us, they could help Marge hear us all and help us all learn new hymns.  "Sing to the Lord a new song..." (Psalm 96)

Prayer Requests
Family of Alex Galvan
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Family of Belen Garca
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Family of Bill Hardy (Anna Lee Schuster's nephew)
Court Watson and son - sick with COVID
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery on Jan 17
Jenna Morris - new life and new job in Clovis
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome, experimental therapy
Paul Estrada - for encouragement
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Scott Holtz - hospitalized in AZ with "valley fever"
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
All those suffering from COVID19

We had 10 people in Church today!  I would like to thank Marge for improvising so well with a couple of quick changes at music.  Thank you, Marge!  

This week:
Tomorrow, Monday - Pastor is taking a Sabbath
Tomorrow, Monday - Green Chile Gals meet for fellowship after work (ladies, meet at Fellowship Hall)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 10AM Exercise, Eat and Pray
Tuesday Noon - Yoga in Fellowship Hall
Sunday - Church is at 11 AM, but let's stay after for Potluck Supper!

This week, I would like to start taking down the Christmas Decor. If anyone is free this week to help, please let me know and we can schedule a day/time to get started.  Boy! This month is going to be halfway over soon!

I hope that each of you have a blessed week.  May the Lord be with you.
Rev. Amy

Happy New Year, Friends.

2021 is gone, but not forgotten.  I must say, there have been many lessons to learn and carry forward into 2022.  It has not been an easy year for many of us, but, as I look back on this year, I am reminded of that all-famous story of the Footprints.  On a table by my bed is a carved, wooden box which was given to me by my maternal grandmother. Here is what that box looks like:

When you look back on 2021, where during the year did you see only one set of footprints?  For me, it was a lot of times.  My heart is full of gratitude to everyone who was a part of helping carry me this past year.  But I look back and see only one set of footprints:  even though there were dozens of human feet, hands and even 3 sets of dog paws, 2 sets of cat paws, I see just one set of footprints back there.  This is because God took all of your hands and feet, at various times when I needed them, and worked through you.  

In 2022, where do you see God using your hands and feet?  Maybe let your heart be the guide and become the "adoptive parent" of a ministry in our church:

• Maintaining the Travelers' Food Pantry
• Help take down Christmas Decorations and/or help decorate the church for other seasons
• Backup persons to take church attendance and watch sound system if Robin is gone
• Become an "apprentice" to leadership on a committee.  What I mean by this is you could "learn the ropes" in church leadership by taking up a smaller role.  Presbyterian Women could use some fresh faces.
• Maintain the church library
• Agree to host one or two church potlucks during the year. (we need about 1-2 people per month)
• Work on a new mission idea so we could apply for a mission grant
• Help our Building & Grounds Elder (right now it is Richard Randals).  This is probably one of the most complex responsibilities and if any area needs support persons, Building & Grounds would be it.  Thank you, Richard, for helping us work out the many different repairs, etc. this last year.  
• Come to Bible Study - get nourished with Scripture and fellowship.  
• Conduct "Market Research" on our Church - how are we meeting the spiritual needs of our community?  What are those needs?

I have many more ideas, and maybe you do too!  I would like to also point out that while there will always be a need for me to visit people, provide pastoral care and fellowship to you, right now I do not have any people in as dire distress as last year.  This means that perhaps 2022 is our opportunity to focus on where we want to go and how we would like to grow.  I am free to visit with you, cry with you, share a cup of coffee.  But I will also be asking some new questions - questions which I didn't have as much time to ponder until now.  Let's ponder - like Mary as she watched our Savior grow up - ponder what God is saying to us as a congregation.  

Prayer Requests:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery 
Gloria Martinez (Teresa Gallegos’ sister) – healing after leg surgery
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome, seeking experimental program
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school, her daughter who commutes a lot to Logan
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
All those suffering from COVID19

Please let me know if you have any updates to this list.  I could use your help with that.  

This week we are back to "normal"  (that's supposed to make you laugh!)
Today - Pastor observes a Sabbath
Today, Wednesday and Friday at 10:  Exercise, Eat and Pray
Tomorrow at Noon:  Yoga
Sunday at 9:30 Session Meeting
Sunday at 11:00AM Worship

Elders:  Please do not forget to email your reports to [email protected].  She said it is easiest if you simply email your report to her and she can "copy and paste" your report into the Annual Report.  She will need time to get it assembled for everyone to see.  Thank you.

Green Chile Gals:  I do not know if the "Gals" will be meeting tonight or next week.  Probably next week is better because of the holiday.

I do hope that you all enjoyed watching the beautiful snow come down on New Year's Day.  I am sure that some of us wish we'd received more moisture, but it was a blessing to receive even that.  (I'm hoping we get more eventually!)  It is often a hard call on whether to cancel church, as it must be done by about 9AM.  Thanks to our Elders who were able to discuss and guide us to a decision.  Of course, by 11AM, the snow was melting and the sun was out.  

I do look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.  Sunday, January 9th is the Sunday dedicated to the baptism of our Lord.

Friends, make it a great week!
Blessings and hugs,
Rev. Amy ​

​Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope that your holidays are brimming with God's blessings!  Thank you all for your cards and gifts.  

I am pretty "bushed" after our busy time together this weekend.  A nice nap is in order for this day, as I rest up on this Monday "Sabbath."  

Elders:  Please remember to get your reports to Sharon Huffman for the Annual Report.  We hope to have a Session meeting on Sunday, January 9th at 9:30AM.

This week's schedule is iffy, and depends a lot on how busy people are.  Please call me at 575-708-0860 on Tuesday to find out whether the exercise groups are meeting
Today, I will be observing a day of rest.
Today, Wednesday and Friday at 10AM, there might be Exercise, Eat and Pray.  
We MIGHT have yoga at noon on Tuesday, if our usual suspects are available...
Wednesday:  Bible Study - we might finish up James before the end of the year! 
Friday is New Year's Eve!
Saturday:  Happy 2022!  
Sunday:  Holy Communion Sunday - a great way to kick off 2022.  

Quite a lot of Prayers were raised yesterday:
Alex Galvan – COVID infection, in hospital on respirator
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Dennis Hendron Family
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Ernest (Susie’s uncle) - cancer
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery
Iola Allender – at loss of her son
Jimmy Bourkis Family (I am not sure of the spelling of his name.)
Laro McKenzie and Family - ill
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Lydia Ebell - has been sick for a few weeks
Misty Tompkins and family – stiff person syndrome, seeking experimental treatment
Nick Garcia Family
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie – surgery for chronic problems
Schools, students, teachers and families for when the return from break
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Silas' family's grief at his death (we don't know the last name, but he was a young boy)
Susie Martinez - needing a larger apartment
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
All those suffering from COVID19 

It seems like the list never stays short.  There has been a lot of loss and anxiety in the past 2 years.  It is hard for me to believe I had COVID a year ago, and a few of you have had it since.  Let us count our blessings as we prepare to move into 2022.  I look back on 2021 and have to thank our Lord for all the good things, even some of the hard things that have been important life lessons.  But, I also want - with God's help and your - to make 2022 a stellar year!  

God bless you and keep you this week, and make sure you are safe this New Year's Eve.
Hugs!
Rev. Amy

Dear Friends in Christ the Newborn King,
I am a day late in getting this to you.  Monday got a little out of hand, but all is well!

We had a small, yet intimate turnout for the fourth Sunday in Advent, complete with some great singing!  Thanks to Marge for playing the piano and to Emily for her special anthem, sung from the balcony.  We had two teachers (Anna and Emily) team up with me to give voice to Mary, who sang in celebration of the Messiah growing within her.  We heard a sermon (attached) about the child who is born unto us, who is the key to our broken hearts.  And, you heard about my little imaginary friend, Hugo, who figures in the film of the same name, currently on Netflix until the end of the month.  Check out the official trailer on YouTube here.  

And potluck dinner was wonderful!  So glad that you could stay and join us in fellowship.  

For those who are planning to be gone for Christmas, may you feel the hand of God protect and guide you.  For those who find themselves alone this holiday, may the Holy Spirit fill you with fellowship.  And as we remember our Savior's birth, may we truly know that God has come to dwell among us all.

This week, please remember these prayers:
Alex Galvan - on respirator, suffering from COVID
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Family of Nick Chavez (Betty Martinez)
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery (early December)
Gloria Martinez (Teresa Gallegos’ sister) – healing after leg surgery
Jenna Morris – starting new job in Clovis, and now living there!
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family – stiff person syndrome, seeking experimental program
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
All those suffering from COVID19
Those who are traveling for the holidays

I would like to add that we consider in our prayers those who work in many areas of service industries, and First Responders.

This week:
Tuesday: No Yoga, as our class is out of town :)
Wednesday:  Exercise, Eat and Pray MIGHT meet tomorrow at 10.  
Friday: Worship at 6:00PM Christmas Eve - come ready to sing and experience God's care.  The Deacons have also prepared some beautiful gift sacks!
Saturday:  Merry Christmas!!!
Church worship on Sunday at 11:00AM.  Afterwards, we will probably all settle down for a long winter's nap.  I will!

Friends, I hope that you are enjoying this special time of year.  It can be full of family fun and at times we are reminded of the exciting family dynamics that happen just a few times a year!  May whatever you experience this Christmas be fulfilling, and make it better than last year!
Blessings and love,
Rev. Amy

​Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings to you on this brisk and bright December morning!
Yesterday, we heard heartfelt prayer for rain, snow, any kind of precipitation.  I feel that way every day as I daily battle the "itchies!"  And that's nothing compared to what our ranchers must be going through.  

We also heard a few prayers for those who are ill.  Please keep our friend, Dr. Jean Corey in your prayers, as she has to stay home sick with COVID.  Please continue to hold all people in your prayers who are ill, and those who are in the business of taking care of them.

Please Pray for:
Alex Galvan – COVID infection, in hospital on respirator
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Ernest (Susie’s uncle) - cancer
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery (early December)
Jenna Morris - preparing to move/start a new job in Clovis!
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and family – stiff person syndrome, experimental treatment
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie – surgery for chronic problems
Schools, students, teachers and families
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Tommy Morris – for health and strength

Travelers
All those suffering from COVID19
Those hit with tornadoes and storms this past week 

I am probably repeating myself, but with dry and sunny weather, it's hard to believe that we are getting so close to Christmas.  Let's hope we get some "proper" weather to remind us that Christmas is coming.  I'm glad I managed to put a wreath on the door this year! (at the very least!)  

A special thank you to our Session for striving to attend yesterday's monthly meeting.  I know that this time of year keeps us extra busy, but the end of the year approaches!  This means that - while we celebrate the birth of our Savior - our Elders will also be working on their reports to the congregation.  That's another kind of "celebration."

Since you might have been trying to stay away due to the pandemic, here's a reminder of our mailing address, where tithes and any other correspondence can go:
First Presbyterian Church
PO Box 367
Tucumcari, NM 88401

Poll:  Do you plan to attend Christmas Eve Services at our church?  We will worship on Christmas Eve at 6:00PM.

(If you wanted to see the photo of the dog we talked about during my teaching time with DJ, the photo is attached.)

This week:
Today, and Wed  - Exercise, Eat and Pray will meet at 10AM
Today - Yours Truly will be doing holiday baking while observing a Sabbath :)
Tomorrow/Tuesday - Yoga anyone?  We will meet in Fellowship Hall at High Noon.
Friday @10AM in our Church - funeral service for Pat Sieglen
Sunday - Fourth Sunday in Advent!  Potluck Supper afterwards.  Please bring a dish and invite a friend :)

I hope that you make it a great day!  Look for the things that make you truly feel the joy of Jesus Christ's salvation.  When I find it - because sometimes I also lose it - I usually feel pretty darn good.  
God bless you today and always!
Rev. Amy

​Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope that you had a blessed Thanksgiving and a good weekend.  Mine was topped off with good news that my college beat our arch-nemesis (by just 4 points). Go Virginia Tech!  I also enjoyed a little drive around with Ron and Emily looking at lights.



We enjoyed the presence of just 12 people in worship yesterday.  One of them was Kayla Cherry!  How great to see her in town for the holiday.  Many have been out of town, or feeling a little under the weather.  I am sure that we will see a boost in attendance this Sunday, for Communion Sunday.  Thank you to David Goldston for getting out the Advent Wreath and to Robin Cherry for finding much larger Advent candles!

Reminder:  A service for Teresa Gallegos-Brake will be on Saturday, December 4th at 10 AM, followed by a graveside service where she will be interred with her husband, Troy.  I will be asking our Deacons to help us coordinate some food to be delivered to Teresa's house on Saturday. (20-30 people)  Missing her every day!   A service for Pat Sieglen is still in the works.  We do not have a date set yet.

Hanging of the Greens:  Tomorrow - Tuesday - let's meet at 5:15pm (or show up at 6, if you aren't able to come sooner) and we'll get out the Christmas decorations. Kenna and Marge are bringing a meal!  (I might bring pie)

Wednesday Night Bible Study:  At 5:15PM, let's meet up again (bring a sandwich if you're hungry), and we'll dive into the letter of James, a beautiful expression of traditional wisdom and ethics for the ancient church, but has application for us today.  

Prayers:
Amy (Glenna Gray’s daughter) chronic medical issues
Betty (Alzheimer’s) and Dolores (paralyzed) – Glenda’s sisters
Dorothy Randals’ Family in their loss
Elmer Schuster - leg pain
Fay Birch – stage 4 cancer
Glenda Coles – awaiting shoulder surgery (early December)
Jenna Morris - still healing from knee surgery/gone back to work
Lucy Jasper – Alzheimers/Dementia
Misty Tompkins and her family (Lynn Hudson's daughter) – stiff person syndrome, seeking experimental help in Arizona
People seeking jobs, and people seeking employees
Ruth Johnson – for general health
Sarah Hittson's daughter Marie - surgery
Schools, students, teachers and families
Sharon and Wayne Huffman – general health
Shay – Julie Sursa’s daughter
Susie – still seeking a car, planning for EMS school
Tommy Morris – for health and strength
Travelers
Victoria Sieglen after the death of her mom, Pat
All those suffering from COVID19

This Week:
Today - Pastor takes a Sabbath Day
Today, Wed and Fri   - 10AM Exercise, Eat and Pray meets in Fellowship Hall
Tomorrow (Tuesday) - Noon Yoga in Fellowship Hall - bring your own mat :
                              - 5:15PM Hanging of the Greens 
Wednesday Evening  - 5:15PM Bible Study of James
Saturday - 10AM Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Teresa Gallegos-Brake, followed by graveside service at Tucumcari Cemetery.
Sunday - Worship at 11AM, with Holy Communion

Don't forget that the Christmas Parade is this Saturday evening!  The Train Depot also looks very nicely decorated.  Check it out.  
Open up all of your senses to notice God is doing a new thing!
Blessings and hugs,
Rev. Amy