ST. PAUL S United Methodist Church December 2015 We are a God-centered, Bible-inspired, Outreach-oriented and Kingdom-focused congregation. Transforming the World from the Heart of Las Cruces. In Search For The Christ In Christmas Pastor Eduardo Rivera Have you ever needed a sign to guide your life s decisions? Ever need a sign of hope, a sign that things are going to be all right, and a sign that you were going to pass the test, or that your significant other is not going to break up with you? Ever need a sign that God was still loving you, or that life was still worth living? This may not be everybody s need but there are still many people who need a sign to assure them of their place in a person's life, or to convince them that they have made the right choices in life, or, most importantly, to reassure them that God is still there. Well, when it comes to Christmas time, there are all kinds of signs around us that point to the coming of the most wonderful time of the year! You would have to be a hermit to miss those signs! Your Sunday newspaper is stuffed like the turkey you had at Thanksgiving. The local malls, department stores and other on-line merchants are once again gearing up for the time of year that brings in the majority of their annual profits. However, the signs in the world around us are not so much signs of the coming of Christ as they are of the coming of incredible sums of money into the world s economy. This is a sad state of affairs: that the Christ in CHRISTmas is getting lost in the shuffle of the season. It is like the cluttered desk: some people can navigate those desks with great ease. They know where to find the document or object they are looking for even if it is buried under piles of papers and electronic devices. Nevertheless, the clutter on the desk makes it hard for people to find what they are looking for. Beloved, it is my hope that this Advent Season all the signs you are following will lead you to God. I pray that your search for Christ would not be affected by the seasonal clutter and the busyness of life. I invite you to look for opportunities to give rather than to profit. And, most importantly, I long for the time that all of us can once again find the Christ of CHRISTmas. May the Joy of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas From our hearts to yours, Eddie and Hilda Rivera Page 1
Serving this congregation Bishop Earl Bledsoe: Bishop Dr. Stephen McElroy: District Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Rivera: Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Duerksen: Assistant to the Pastor Dr. Doug Weeks: Minister of Music Xavier & ChrisAnn Torres: Family Life Ministries Beverly Duerksen: CDC Director Mark Ewing: Church Administrator Barbara McDonald: Pastor s Executive Secretary Sherri Fredrickson: Director of Communication Chrissy Wallace: Sound Technician Paul Youngren/Susana Flores: Custodians And Many Faithful Volunteers! Our Members Thomas Esparza III, a 25 year veteran Physical Education teacher in Las Cruces, has been named a national Healthy School Hero Award winner by Action for Healthy Kids for his work to fight childhood obesity and improve children s health and readiness to learn. His dedication is what earned him the 2001 New Mexico Teacher of the Year Award, the President s Council on Physical Fitness, Community Leader Award, and now AFHK s 2015 Healthy School Hero Award. Thomas son, Thomas Esparza IV, a senior at Las Cruces High School, nominated his father for the Healthy School Hero award. Tommy, we are honored to have you both as members of St. Paul s. Sympathy We express our sincere sympathy to the families of Rupert Mansell who went to be with his Lord on October 18 and Ed Boykin who passed away November 17. Please keep these families in your prayers. Thank you to the Rankin Family, particularly Randy and Ian, for fixing the sink hole in the parking lot south of the water retention pond? After the hole was discovered, they removed loose asphalt, filled the hole with concrete and finished it to the asphalt level, (doing all the labor and paying for the concrete). We thank you for your service. Merry Christmas! From St. Paul s Staff our newest members Stephen and Katherine Ash Children: Brooke, Hailey, Clara, Emmarie as we gather Sunday services for December 6-2nd Sunday of Advent 13-3rd Sunday of Advent 20-4th Sunday of Advent 27-1st Sunday after Christmas 8:15 - Gospel Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30 - Sunday School 9:30 - Fusion (Sanctuary) 10:45 - Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) Christmas Eve Services with Communion Christmas Eve service of High Tea at 3 pm Contemporary service with The Elements at 5 pm Traditional Festive service at 7 pm Culto de Navidad in Español service at 9 pm Reflective service at 11 pm All articles for the monthly newsletter must be submitted to Barbara@stpaulslascruces.com by the 15th of the month. Page 2
Upcoming events The NMSU Choirs (Masterworks, Concert Choir and University Singers) Christmas Concert St. Paul s Sanctuary Friday, December 4 7:30 pm. You will not want to miss this. The Advent Season is here and the hustling and bustling is in the air. During this busy time, it is important to prepare for Christ's birth and we have just the place! On Sunday, December 13, we will be hosting an Advent workshop in the Fellowship Hall from 4:00-6:00 pm. Why? BECAUSE WE ARE GOING PUBLIC and we are inviting people from our community...cdc children and Central Elementary children and families as well as our St. Paul's community. For this reason we will need approximately 20 volunteers--- a story teller, photographers, and those that can help with the different arts and crafts tables. There's a place of ministry for you! Please call Hilda at 918-873-0841 if you can help! Merry Christmas Las Cruces It s All About the Baby! Saturday, December 5 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm If you took an Angel from the Angel Tree, please have your gifts back to St. Paul s by Sunday, December 6. We want every child to receive their gifts before the Christmas break. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Church Charge Conference on Sunday, December 6 at 3 pm. It will be held in the Chapel. Come hear Christmas Jazz (Jazz Unlimited Orchestra) on Sunday, December 13 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary. First Friday Fun Night Friday, December 4 (5:30-9:00 pm) Theme: JOY (Luke 2:10) Wednesday Night Parent s Night Out Wednesday, December 2, 9, 16 (5:30-8:00 pm) Do your Christmas shopping or just a date night. Bring the kids to St. Paul s for fun, crafts and Bible stories. Ladies, you don t want to miss this opportunity to find out about the 4th Wiseman. Women s Ministry will have their Christmas Luncheon on Saturday, December 12 from 11:30 to 1:30 pm. Bring your favorite Holiday dish. All women are invited. Come enjoy our Child Development Centers Christmas Program on Thursday, December 17 at 6:30 pm. The Cherub Choir will be special guests presenting the musical Presents. The New Desert Harmony Singers presents We Need A Little Christmas on Sunday, December 20 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary. Please bring a non-perishable donation for Casa de Peregrinos. Page 3
THE HEART OF ST. PAUL S Give to UMCOR for a Christmas Alternative Gift Sometimes it is hard to find the perfect gift or to gift someone with something meaningful. For many years, Global Missions has offered to St. Paul s information on Heifer International as a way to honor a loved one, family member or friend during the Christmas Season. This year, Global Missions would like to bring to your attention several United Methodist opportunities for helping others. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has ministries all over the US and world. The areas of emphasis Global Missions chose are Agricultural Training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and US Fire Disaster Response. Agriculture Training in the DR Congo - As an effort to help people obtain a sustainable income, UMCOR s partner, Foods Resource Bank, offers committed individuals a year of training in how to grow food. This training enables farmers to grow nourishing food while also learning how to become better stewards of land and water resources. Farmers are trained on land owned by The United Methodist Church in DRC. Minimal chemicals are used. How to compost and preserve seeds for next year s crops are taught. After a year in the program, each participant is to help train other individuals who are struggling to survive. You can learn more about this ministry at the UMCOR website ADVANCE #3020641. US Fire Disaster Response - The last couple of years, the Northwestern part of the US has suffered from wildfires burning hundreds of homes. During one fire, more than 7000 people were forced to evacuate, many of them only having hours to gather their belongings. The fires burn with such force and heat that very little survives a wildfire. Big tractors become piles of molten metal. UMCOR is there not only feeding people and helping to build homes, but UMCOR is there providing services to prevent suicides, domestic abuse and crisis counseling. UMCOR is there in support with funds, training, and most importantly presence. A fire survivor who lost her home felt she was standing on sacred ground when UMCOR S deputy general secretary said You have not been forgotten because we are the church together. For more information about this ministry, visit the UMCOR website ADVANCE #901670. Both of these ministries are important and would benefit from a donation made in honor of a loved one or friend. In the display in the Commons, there are cards that you may use to share that you have given a gift in someone s honor. Your donation may be placed in the donation plate and indicate UMCOR GIFT on your envelope. Our church total donated will be split between the two UMCOR projects. However, if you desire to support one of the above specific UMCOR projects, indicate that on your envelope. Thank you for considering supporting these worthwhile efforts to help those in need. Time to order your poinsettias.... Each year the Worship Committee places poinsettias in the sanctuary as part of our Christmas decorations. If you would like to purchase a poinsettia or two in honor or in memory of a loved one, please fill out the following form and place it in the offering plate with your check for $12 each. Name of Loved One: Please circle one: In honor or In memory Name of Loved One: Please circle one: In honor or In memory Name of person(s) giving flowers(s) a (as you want printed in the bulletin): Page 4
Advent Daily Devotions from November 29 through December 25 2015 Advent Daily Devotions Page 5
The Singing Christian This month we are completing the Great Hymns Series, and this article serves as a sort of transition. As I grow older, the hymnal becomes more and more of an inspiration to me. Regretfully, I lost a major portion of my hearing in the remaining good ear about a year and a half ago. Music is now distorted and does not carry the beautiful melodies I once enjoyed. I simply must enjoy what I remember of the tune and sing the tune to myself. I have been blessed by living in a home where music was greatly appreciated. My father, who had a fine tenor voice, took no musical training, but had a large collection of religious music, classical and folk music. Most of all he enjoyed singing as a way of being inspired and to find relaxation. He made sure that his children learned to play music instruments (my brother took violin and I piano lessons) so that he had someone to accompany him! I believe that music is vital for the soul, mind and body, in fact it involves the whole person: head, heart, body, and spirit. The Scriptures are full of references to music, to singing, to praising God with song. In Ephesians 5:17-20 we have this reminder: So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most of the Psalms are basically hymns praising God, our Maker and Redeemer. Psalms 96 and 98 both begin with the same admonition: O sing to the Lord a new song. Psalm 66 begins: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Our hymnal is filled with references to music. This Is My Father s world and to my listening ears, all nature sings and around me rings the music of the spheres. In the great hymn, Joyful, Joyful We adore thee the last stanza begins with Mortals join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began and ends with Joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life. Recently I have become aware of a beautiful inspiring hymn that speaks to my soul and so often expresses my deepest feelings. One of the titles is: How Can I Keep from Singing. My life flows on in endless song, above earth s lamentation. I hear the clear, though far off hymn that hails a new creation (Chorus) No storm can shake my inmost calm while to the Rock I m clinging. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? Through all the tumult and strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? What though my joys and comforts die? I know my Savior liveth. What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth. The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing! All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing? (Robert Lowry - words and tune, 1826-1899) Do you remember what happened after the apostle Paul and his companion Silas, were beaten and thrown into prison in Philipi? At midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God! Their love and devotion to Christ could not be stopped! Have you heard that he who sings prays twice? Enjoy your faith today by singing and making music to the Lord! Ruth Moorer Page 6
Angel gifts due back Church Conference 3 pm Chapel Christmas Jazz Jazz Unlimited Orchestra 3 pm Sanctuary Advent Workshop 4-6 pm Fellowship Hall New Desert Harmony Singers Concert 3 pm Sanctuary Church Office Closed at noon NMSU Choir Rehearsal 6 to 10 pm Sanctuary 5:30 pm - Finance Team Conference Rm 6:30 pm - Trustees Library Voz Vaqueros 7:30 pm Chapel Church Office Closed at noon St. Paul s Choir Rehearsal 6 to 10 pm Sanctuary La Casa Christmas 5:30-8:30 pm Fellowship Hall VIP 7 am - Chapel Church Office Closed at noon Youth Week MCLC Rehearsal 6 pm St. Paul s Choir Rehear 6 to 8 pm Sanctuary NMSU Choir Rehearsal 8 pm Sanctuary 5:45 pm - SPRC CDC Christmas Program 6:30 pm Sanctuary Christmas Eve Office Closed at noon 3 pm Service 5 pm Service 7 pm Service 9 pm Service 11 pm Service Church Office Closed at noon First Friday Fun Night 5:30 pm to 9 pm NMSU Choir Christmas Concert 7:30 pm Sanctuary Central Elementary Christmas Concert 9 am Sanctuary Merry Christmas Las Cruces 2 & 7 pm DWI Vigil 5-9 pm Fellowship Hall St. Paul s Women s Luncheon 11:30am Fellowship Hall
St. Paul s United Methodist Church 225 West Griggs Avenue P.O. Box 696 Las Cruces, NM 88004 575.526-6689 Change of address requested www.stpaulslascruces.com Our Mission Statement Our purpose is to lead people to become disciples of Christ.... Who know God personally Know about God deeply Make God known intentionally Come to know God fully Equipping Disciples for Excellence EDE is fast approaching. Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Trinity-First UMC, El Paso. This event is to provide training and enrichment opportunities to encourage and empower individuals and local churches to foster vital congregations. Seventeen workshops are offered morning and afternoon as well as classes for children and youth. Registration starts at 8:15 am. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please ask for a booklet and registration form from the office. A Reminder: Albertsons Community Partners will end on December 31, 2015. Please use your Albertsons card as often as possible before the end of the year. This money that Albertsons gives back to St. Paul s is used for scholarships. You may get your card on the Welcome Table. Page 8