Here are some examples of what I mean when I
say we do things a little differently:
- Our worship, though it follows the
historic pattern of preparation for, expression of and response to the Word of
God, is blessed by lay liturgical leadership,
outstanding bell and vocal choirs,
silent film and piano bar
pianists who also play the organ, quiet time for prayer and usually a
joyful and extended time of passing of the Peace of Christ following the
assurance of pardon. Native American
type drums echo at times. Sermon
quality varies according to the moods of the pastor, the quality of Sunday morning coffee, etc. ;
- Most of our committee and task force meetings
are at 7:00 a.m. at a local restaurant, where green chili breakfast burritos
are common fare;
- Our dedication to mission is reflected in
nearly yearly youth-centered “faith to faith” mission trips. Local, national
and international mission giving is ‘way beyond a 10% tithe of our yearly
budget. After all, we realize the original Presbyterian community here was
begun by a missionary about 140 years ago.
- Our building is used by thirteen , at
last count, community groups, including New Mexico Highlands University LIFT
Campus Ministry, a Ballet Foklorico
group, NA, AA, a Kempo Class, the local Jewish Community and a
community child-care program named New Horizons. It’s been in existence thirty-four
years;
- We partner with other churches and
organizations in town for worship and ministry, including the First United
Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Peace
Church and The United World College USA, among others;
- Our Sunday School program for children
begins before worship and continues during it but usually allows the
children to join with us in our twice-monthly communion services; Christian Education for adults and older
youth provides a Bible Study class and a Serendipity Class which provides
wide-ranging studies of books on current and ancient topics.
These examples are but a taste of
the amazing life and liveliness of this congregation. Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, you’re
welcome here. With the Lord as our
Center, we have no need of fences to keep anyone in or out. With horses, I hear, it’s a different story.
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