We have added another member to our church, as of this past Sunday. His name is Matthew Story, and he joined us by reaffirmation of faith. Please welcome Matt into the fold next time you see him. He and Kay's family will be traveling next Sunday so we won't see them for about 2 weeks. They leave today to attend a funeral for Kay's father, Ed Goodell, who lived down in Deming.
Hold them in prayer, please, and also hold Matt in your prayers, as he gets integrated into the life of this church. He also would like you to know that he is trying to get a computer repair business off the ground, so keep him in mind if you have computer questions.
We also enjoyed the company of return visitors, Don Bryant, as well as the Miller family (Tom Miller, his daughter Carla Scholler, and his grandson, Morgan Kirk). Tom is a retired Presbyterian pastor who served in non-denomination church in California not far from the Salton Sea! They have approached me, inquiring about membership. As far as Don is concerned, he is still discerning. I will be meeting with the Miller Clan this week.
We have experiencing an unusual "boom" in membership - or at least this is a boom for this church. Let's keep our heads about this, stay humble in God's presence, view each and every member, whoever they are, as a gift from God. Those who have always been here are vital to this church's life. Those who are new will probably have lots of questions to ask about this congregation. The Spirit is definitely moving and doing something and we have the exciting opportunity to try and keep up with it!
Please take note of a few dates -
January 29-30 Betty Ragan and I will be heading to Ruidoso as commissioners to the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca. Of course, this depends on the weather!
January 30th at 10:00AM in Fellowship Hall - Women's Health Nurse Sheryl Gambardella presents "Probiotics: Getting them Naturally" - our January Community Health Talk. It's free. Stay tuned for a flyer.
Sunday, February 14th at 2:00PM please RSVP with [email protected] to attend the Valentine's Day Fancy Tea Party. Dress fancy! Dress Vintage! This is a fundraiser and should be great fun for us. Kenna would very likely be able to use your help on that day so see what she needs.
Our Congregational Meeting went fine this Sunday, although it was a little chaotic. I credit the fact we all sat at round tables, which is great for collaboration of ideas, not so much for linear decision making. We voted for Ron Wilmot and Sharon Huffman to continue for another term as Ruling Elders and we voted the same for Richard Randals and Marie Sims to continue as Deacons. You also voted to keep me for another year too! (Thank you for that)
January is a big month for annual reporting activities. We have to "tell the story" to the Presbytery and General Assembly. Please remember to contact me by cell phone as I expect to be "all over the place." My number is 575-708-0860.
This week:
Today: Yoga is at noon! Our routine is shorter, but more intense, as we explore some new videos together. Bring a mat and your playful attitude.
Wednesday, Friday and Monday is Exercise, Eat and Pray at 9:00AM.
I plan to be in the office Wednesday and Friday until about 1PM
Sunday: 9:30 Adult Sunday School, 10:30 Coffee Fellowship and 11:00AM Worship I also am considering an afternoon "Inquirers" class after lunch for new and aspiring members so they can ask their questions about the church.
Tuesday and Thursday I have plans to be out and about in the community. Tonight I'll be Coach Rivera's "color commentator" for the home game against Ft. Sumner. Tune in KTNM 1400 at about 5:30PM, starting with the girls varsity game.
May God bless you and keep you today.
Love,
Pastor Amy