First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM December 2014

The Lantern December 2014

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Advent Susan Grandle

Advent is coming. Notice it did not say Christmas is coming? Advent is com-

ing. That’s right, the word “Advent” derived from the Latin word adventus, means

“coming” or “visit.” Rev. Dr. Mark Roberts who writes a blog (http://

www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/introduction-to-advent/) notes,

“Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of

the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent, we’re reminded of how much we ourselves also

need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare

to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. In the season with this name, we keep in

mind both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

Some have grown up with Advent traditions. Others have “discovered” Advent later

in life. All have found that observing Advent enriches their celebration of Christmas

and allows them to have a precious, peaceful, God-focused experience during what is

often a hectic holiday season.”

To help you draw closer to God, to focus your mind and heart despite the heavy

competition for your attention from retailers, relatives, and revelers; consider adding

a new practice that tunes your heart to resonate with the deeper meaning of the com-

ing of Christ. Here are a few ideas:

Once a Day: 25 Days of Advent devotionals will be available for you to pick up

at worship beginning Nov. 30 . These devotionals explain Jesus' involvement at the

creation of the world, covers his life in the Gospel accounts, and reveals his presence

in our lives.

Pay close attention to the readings, prayers, songs, and seasonal pageantry

(like the lighting of the Advent wreath). Your intentionality in worship can infuse

your whole life with Advent expectation. The more you pay attention to these Advent

elements, the more your personal experience will be enriched.

Use an Advent wreath in your home. Guides like the following can be found on

the Internet. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/advent-devotional-

guide-preparing-for-the-coming-of-christ/

Let your nativity scene function as an advent calendar. Bring out a new piece

each day and focus on that piece’s role in the birth of Christ.

Dress for Advent. It’s common for people to wear Christmas colors throughout

the month of December, so why not Advent colors of purple (or dark blue) and pink.

The purple/blue color signifies seriousness, repentance, and royalty. Pink points to

the minor theme of Advent, which is joy.

Advent is a season to consider both “advents” of Jesus. When Jesus comes

again as a victorious King, he will usher in the Kingdom of God with all of its bless-

ings. Advent can be a time to touch those in need, not only so that we might share

God’s love with them, but also so that our yearning for the kingdom might be re-

newed within us. May God Bless you this Advent season.

The Lantern December 2014

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Missionary Visit Alex Burr

The last week-end in November saw a visit from Tom and Judy Harvey. The Har-

veys are missionaries partially supported by out church at the Oxford Center for Mis-

sion Studies (OCMS) in England where he is Dean of the college. OCMS provides ad-

vanced studies for Christian pastors and other Christian workers, mostly from develop-

ing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

There is a particularly relevant statement in the latest issue of Mission Cross-

roads, a publication of the Presbyterian Mission agency. In that issue, Greg Allen-

Pickett, general manager for World Mission, states that "The number one request from

out global partners in the area of evangelism is for help in theological education and

leadership development."

This task is exactly what OCMS does. It is located in a converted church building

in Oxford. Currently it has about 120 students of which approximately 40 are resident

at any one time. Almost all come from churches in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. The

program grants a PhD in three to five years of study full time or seven to ten years for

part time students. The school is part of the British educational system in which the

academic program is rigorously evaluated by external examiners.

Most of the students are older and actively involved with their local churches.

The degree granted is a research degree with the subject a practical one of interest to

the student. Typical topics might involve subjects like ways of reconciling people after

the conclusion of a civil war or the improvement of living conditions for subsistence min-

ers.

The students in general have limited academic backgrounds so studies include

topics like theology, history, and research methodology.

The OCMS has seven full-time faculty and at any one time perhaps 150 supervi-

sors. External examiners for each thesis are required by the British system. These part

timers are taken from a wide variety of British (and other) universities.

The Harveys, while here, spoke at the adult Sunday School classes, the regular

church service, and the after-fellowship discussion group. They met with the missions

committee and other interested peo-

ple. It was noted that our church

provides a minor part (about 3%) of

their expenses, yet they spent a con-

siderable fraction of their time in the

US helping us understand the im-

portance of their work. They were

particularly proud of the fact that

over 90% of their graduates return to

their home countries and often be-

came national and international

leaders in a variety of Christian or-

ganizations and efforts.

The Lantern December 2014

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Church Decoration Judith Ames

On Saturday morning, November 29, a group got together and decorated the

sanctuary for advent. Wayne Maley had it well organized. He arranged for the decora-

tions to be available and assigned the work to various people.

By 9:30 about 30 people were hard at work. Soon the wreaths were up, the trees

were assembled and placed, and the crèche was installed on its platform in the north-

east corner. The narthex was the last part to be prepared for advent. (A tree decorated

with the chrismons made by Alice Cooper was placed in the fellowship hall.)

The wonderful Nativity wall hangings we see on the south wall of the Sanctuary

each year during Advent are again lending their beauty to our worship. The idea for the

scene was conceived by Col. and Mrs. (Ed and Mary) Downing. It was designed by artist

Rayma Claessen, and sewn by

Phyllis Selders, who taught home

economics at Alameda Junior

High. Being approximately 35

years old, the hangings had be-

come increasingly fragile, and it

was considered that perhaps they

would have to be retired after last

Christmas. However, Rhondla

Hardin has replaced the sleeves

that hold poles from which the fab-

ric hangs, mended where it was

needed, and so saved them for us

to continue to enjoy. Thank you,

Roni!

Actually the activity was as

much social as anything. People

were helping wherever help was

needed. There was no shortage of

suggestions as to how to set up the

trees, garlands, and bows. The

overall appearance was set by the

large number of photographs of

past efforts and the institutional

memories of many of the helpers.

By 11:00 most of the work

was done and most of the workers

adjourned to Watkins Hall, where

Papa Johns pizza was available.

Sunday, several people commented

on how nice the sanctuary looked.

The Lantern December 2014

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The Lantern is a monthly publication of First Pres-

byterian Church, Las Cruces, NM. Articles and

photos, preferably in computer readable form are

welcome, and will be used at the discretion of the

publisher. For further information call 526-5559 or

send e-mail to fpc1@zianet.com.

Editor: Alex Burr

Production: Linda Ramirez

The Lantern December 2014

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First Presbyterian Church

200 East Boutz Road

Las Cruces, NM 88005

Tel (575) 526-5559

E-mail fpc1@zianet.com

Web URL http://www.zianet.com/fpc

Rev. Dr. Norman Story, Pastor

Salt & Light Michelle Osborne

Nov 19 was our 11 week, “Oh Give Thanks!” How thankful we all are at Salt &

Light for our volunteer teachers. In the amount of time and energy it takes to put on a

35 minute class weekly for 13 weeks during each se-

mester, it’s amazing what our teachers at First Pres

can creatively do to lead children and youth to Je-

sus.

Each teacher, from Kinder through High School,

uses the gifts God has blessed him or her with, to

find ways to reach kids and share the love of God.

Not one class is alike on Wednesdays, even the ones

with the same curriculum. As I go around the quad

to check on kids and rooms, I see the teachers’ tal-

ents first hand. Kids don’t just hear a Bible story

read to them. They get to interact with the teachers

and other classmates, while drawing (thanks Judy),

painting (thanks Judith and Carol), playing games

and griddling pancake manna (thanks Lon), cut-

ting out animals and pictures (thanks Charlotte),

making cards (thanks Dot), and talking about real-

life experiences to lead these kids to make Jesus-

like decisions (thanks Kelly, Greg and Jamie).

A direct reflection of how much the kids en-

joy coming to Salt & Light and learning about

God’s love, is that we have more kids bringing

their friends to church this semester than ever. We

appreciate each and every one of our teachers and

workers for Salt & Light, and want to share their

outstanding status in our vital children and youth

ministry.

The Cover The cover is a photograph of a house located in the Canyon Point II subdivision

near Mountain View hospital. It is decorated in this way every Christmas.

The Lantern is a monthly publication of First Pres-

byterian Church, Las Cruces, NM. Articles and photos,

preferably in computer readable form are welcome, and

will be used at the discretion of the publisher. For fur-

ther information call (575) 526-5559 or send e-mail to

fpc1@zianet.com.

Editor: Alex Burr

Production: Linda Ramirez

Photographs provided by Alex Burr and Michelle Osborne.

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200 E. Boutz Rd.

Las Cruces, NM 88005

Mission Statement for 2007-2008 To emulate the work, the word, and the way of Jesus Christ in

ministering to the needs of members and preparing them for Chris-

tian outreach to people within and outside the Church of Jesus

Christ.

Our Vision Objectives for 2007-2008 are: To create spiritual leaders from within our congregation to recog-

nize and minister to members in need.

To develop and maintain specific ways for members to reach out

and draw the community into our fellowship.

To create a God-centered atmosphere for worship that will attract

and bind individuals, families and youth to our church.

The Lantern December 2014

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Advent is Here

Mission Statement To minister to the members of our Church and prepare them

for Christian Outreach

Vision Objectives To clearly and courageously communicate the Good News of Jesus

Christ to all within our reach.

To develop spiritual leadership that recognizes and ministers to

those in need.

To develop and maintain specific ways for members to reach out

and draw the community into our fellowship.

To create God-centered atmosphere for worship that will attract

and bind individuals, families, and youth into Christian commu-

nity.