# First Christian Church > Disciples of Christ | United Church of Christ | Las Cruces, New Mexico ## Posts - [Startling Hope](https://fcclc.org/2023/12/startling-hope/): What gives us hope? What inspires us? What do we even think about hope? And what is it that we hope for? - [The Reign of Christ](https://fcclc.org/2023/11/the-reign-of-christ/): Where have you, have we, been surprised by grace? Where have we been surprised by joy? Where have we found ourselves at the end of ministry? The ones receiving, rather than the ones giving? And how did that feel for us? - [Harshness and Generosity](https://fcclc.org/2023/11/harshness-and-generosity/): How do you and we imagine God when we enter into prayer? What is it that keeps you and us going during times in fear? And what is it that is the greatest treasure that has been entrusted to us? - [Prepared for Joy](https://fcclc.org/2023/11/prepared-for-joy/): What is it that sustains us in times of delay? What is it that we found our hope upon? And where do we see the bridegroom coming in glory? - [Unfinished Education](https://fcclc.org/2023/11/unfinished-education/): Sermon given by Rev. Patrick Crocker at First Christian Church in Las Cruces on November 5, 2023. What comes to mind when we hear the word hypocrite or hypocrisy? What are the teachings that we carry out into our lives that we live out? And why? And what are the words that we speak into the void? Today’s Scripture is part of the ongoing discussion, much like some church meeting discussions. Fortunately, I haven’t been in one this heated in this congregation in a while, and I’m appreciative of that. But I can think of some others and I won’t[...] - [Wheel of Remembrance](https://fcclc.org/2023/10/wheel-of-remembrance/): Sermon given by Rev. Patrick Crocker at First Christian Church in Las Cruces on October 29, 2023. A brief footnote to the Gospel in place of a sermon today. As we look at this list of the Beatitudes, the Blessed, we see what has been called the Constitution of the Church. We see what has been understood as the heart of Christianity. Even if our heart has sometimes faltered in how we’ve lived it out. These here are the ideals. Not the church triumphant, not the church rich, not the church victorious. The church, the people of God, God’s self;[...] - [Rival Claims](https://fcclc.org/2023/10/rival-claims/) - [Suddenly Invited, Always Prepared](https://fcclc.org/2023/10/suddenly-invited-always-prepared/) - [Looking for Life in a Garden of Stones](https://fcclc.org/2023/10/looking-for-life-in-a-garden-of-stones/): Sermon given by Rev. Patrick Crocker at First Christian Church in Las Cruces on October 8, 2023. What is growing in the vineyards of our own hearts? To who and what have we entrusted the vineyards of our hearts and our community? And how are we doing as stewards of that which has been entrusted to us? This story is one that follows immediately on last Sunday’s Scripture Jesus in the Temple, you recall, having been asked by what authority he dares to teach and act as he does. Who put you up to this? Scattering the money all over[...] - [Where do you get the authority?](https://fcclc.org/2023/10/where-do-you-get-the-authority/): Who or what authorizes us as individuals and as community of faith to act, to teach, to live out our faith? What is the basis of it? And where have we found repentance? A turning in our own lives? - [Justice and Grace](https://fcclc.org/2023/09/justice-and-grace/): What images do we use for justice? What images do we use for grace? And where do they intersect? - [Forgiveness](https://fcclc.org/2023/09/forgiveness/): What images of forgiveness come to mind? How do we live that out as individuals and as communities? - [Conflict](https://fcclc.org/2023/09/conflict/): What is your default on conflict management? What do you automatically go to? How have you seen it done well when you were the one who was the offender? And how do we work this out in our lives together? - [Assisted Living Research Institute](https://fcclc.org/2023/08/assisted-living-research-institute/): 24/7 Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Reporting Hotline: 1-800-445-6242 AssistedLiving.org is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by compiling comprehensive research, the latest studies, and real-world insight from experts, caregivers, and seniors into easy-to-understand, actionable guides and resources. - [The Trevor Project](https://fcclc.org/2023/08/the-trevor-project/): 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. - [National Suicide Prevention Hotline](https://fcclc.org/2023/08/national-suicide-prevention-hotline/): 24/7 Crisis Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. - [Giving Thanks to God](https://fcclc.org/2022/11/giving-thanks-to-god/): It is November and for me that means thinking about Thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as we enter into this holiday season and really when I think about holidays all year, Thanksgiving tops the list. Thanksgiving is really important for me because it is for family time. Gathering around the table for a special meal, gathering in the afternoon for being with family and friends, and gathering just to be together with an emphasis on being grateful for what we have … it does not even have to carry any religious overtones. We can[...] - [Building Bridges, Climbing Trees](https://fcclc.org/2022/10/building-bridges-climbing-trees/): Sermon by Rev. Richard Feyen,delivered Sunday, October 30, 2022at First Christian Church in Las Cruces. First Reading: “Selected Sermons and Writing” by Pauli MurraySecond Reading: Luke 19:1-10 from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation Here, in this space where we gather, My hope is that each is touched by the Sacred Not by my words But through the compassion shared  May THE Light of life be yours. There probably is not a person here who hasn’t, at one time or another, been approached by a stranger on a street corner or at a highway rest area, in a coffee shop or[...] - [Stumbling Over The Carpet](https://fcclc.org/2022/10/stumbling-over-the-carpet/): Sermon by Rev. Richard Feyen,delivered Sunday, October 23, 2022at First Christian Church in Las Cruces. First Reading: “Be Nobody” by Lama MarutSecond Reading: Luke 18:9-14 from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation Several years ago Peggy and I took a vacation and went to Maine to go sailing. The ship we booked was the Schooner Stephen Taber, it is the oldest continuously sailing ship registered in the United States. While in Rockland, Maine, the home port of the Stephen Taber we walked out to the Rockland breakwater lighthouse. It is a one mile walk out on the breakwater to the lighthouse.[...] - [Ask Boldly - Live Justly](https://fcclc.org/2022/10/ask-boldly-live-justly/): Sermon by Rev. Richard Feyen,delivered Sunday, October 16, 2022at First Christian Church in Las Cruces. First Reading: “Paradise in Plain Sight: Lessons from a Zen Garden” by Karen Maezen MillerSecond Reading: Luke 18:1-8 from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation This year’s Nobel laureates in the Economic Sciences, Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig, have significantly improved our understanding of the role of banks in the economy, particularly during financial crises. An important finding in their research is why avoiding bank collapses is vital. All of us enter into contractual agreements with our banks, both as depositors and as borrowers[...] - [80/20 or 90/10](https://fcclc.org/2022/10/80-20-or-90-10/): Sermon by Rev. Richard FeyenDelivered Sunday, October 9, 2022First Christian Church in Las Cruces. First Reading: “We Make the Road by Walking” by Brian D. McLarenSecond Reading: Luke 17:5-10 from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation - [What is Faith ... Faith is DOING](https://fcclc.org/2022/10/what-is-faith-faith-is-doing/): Sermon by Rev. Richard FeyenDelivered Sunday, October 2, 2022First Christian Church in Las Cruces. First Reading: “We Make the Road by Walking” by Brian D. McLarenSecond Reading: Luke 17:5-10 from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation - [Coloring Sheets for Palm Sunday](https://fcclc.org/2022/04/coloring-sheets-for-palm-sunday/): As we prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to help us decorate! Please print and color one or more of these images, and bring them to our church on Palm Sunday for us to hang in the back of the sanctuary. - [October 2021 Newsletter](https://fcclc.org/2021/10/october-2021-newsletter/): The Newsletter is published monthly by First Christian Church. It is available free of charge to members and friends of FCC. The purpose of the newsletter is to inform and to inspire, and to invite participation in the life of the congregation, the community, and the world. Submissions are welcome, including announcements of activities of interest to members, prayer concerns, thank-you notes, directory updates, etc. The editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. The due date for submissions is each month on the 25th. - [Inspired: Church Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/06/inspired-church-stories/): Sermon from June 27, 2021 Personal Instructions 9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. 15 You also must beware of him, for[...] - [Inspired: Gospel Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/06/inspired-gospel-stories/): Sermon from June 20, 2021 John 4:4-26 New Revised Standard Version 4 But he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me,[...] - [Inspired: Fish Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/06/inspired-fish-stories/): Feeding the Five Thousand Sermon from June 13, 2021 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them,[...] - [Inspired: Resistance Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/06/inspired-resistance-stories/): So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, 2 and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had[...] - [Inspired: War Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/05/war-stories/): First, a quick note. This morning’s sermon is about war stories and the stories of violence that are found in the Bible. This is an important topic, because whether we like it or not these stories make up a lot of the Bible. As Christians, we need to figure out what that means for us today. If the topics of violence, genocide, or war are triggering for you, you may want to skip this one. Know that your mental and emotional well-being are very important and our church encourages you to make them a priority. Joshua 6:15-275 On the seventh[...] - [Inspired: Deliverance Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/05/inspired-deliverance-stories/): Luke 18-20 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.  Good morning! If you joined[...] - [Inspired: Origin Stories](https://fcclc.org/2021/05/origin-stories/): Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath1 In the beginning when God created[a] the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God[b] swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.6 And God said,[...] - [The Lost Sacrament](https://fcclc.org/2021/03/the-lost-sacrament/): The following sermon was preached on 3/21/2021 by Jerell Wilson M. Div, a guest preacher arranged by our Pastor. John 19:24-2724 So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves,and for my clothing they cast lots.”25 And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the[...] - [The Gospel According to Mary Oliver](https://fcclc.org/2021/02/the-gospel-according-to-mary-oliver/): Psalm 24 Entrance into the Temple Of David. A Psalm. 1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,    the world, and those who live in it;2 for he has founded it on the seas,    and established it on the rivers. Good morning! This is the final week of our three-part series on ordinary people living out God’s extraordinary calling on their lives. If you’ve missed either of the last two weeks you can find the sermons on The Gospel According to Mister Rogers and The Gospel According to Rev. Dr. William Barber II on our facebook page and on our church[...] - [The Gospel According to Rev. Dr. William Barber II](https://fcclc.org/2021/02/the-gospel-according-to-rev-dr-william-barber-ii/):           Luke 4:18-19 New Revised Standard Version 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,    because he has anointed me        to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives    and recovery of sight to the blind,        to let the oppressed go free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Good morning! Two weeks ago, I preached a sermon about how we can discover or rediscover what God is calling us to in our lives. Each of us can use our passion and our purpose to live out God’s message in our world. To illustrate this, we are[...] - [The Gospel According to Mister Rogers](https://fcclc.org/2021/01/the-gospel-according-to-mister-rogers/): Luke 10:25-37The Parable of the Good Samaritan25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus.[a] “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”29 But wanting to justify himself,[...] - [Rediscovering Your Calling](https://fcclc.org/2021/01/rediscovering-your-calling/): Jesus Calls the First Disciples 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. I grew up[...] - [Rediscovering Your Identity](https://fcclc.org/2021/01/rediscovering-your-identity/): Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a[...] - [Rediscovering Your Guiding Star](https://fcclc.org/2021/01/rediscovering-your-guiding-star/): The Visit of the Wise Men 2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men[a] from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,[b] and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah[c] was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the[...] - [All Earth is Waiting in Love](https://fcclc.org/2020/12/all-earth-is-waiting-in-love/): John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Good morning! This is the last Sunday of Advent, the Sunday where the church traditionally meditates on the theme of Love. To borrow from the Beatles, Love is all we need…but what is love really? Love is such a powerful word, but I fear the way we use it has caused it to lose meaning over time. Love is something that is incredibly hard to define. I mean, think about how[...] - [All Earth is Waiting for Peace](https://fcclc.org/2020/12/all-earth-is-waiting-for-peace/): Mary’s Song 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful    of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—    holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,    from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones    but has lifted up the humble.53 He has filled the hungry with good things    but has sent the rich away empty.54 He has helped[...] - [All Earth is Waiting in Hope](https://fcclc.org/2020/11/all-earth-is-waiting-in-hope/): For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption[...] - [Weird Bible: The One with the Talking Donkey](https://fcclc.org/2020/11/weird-bible-the-one-with-the-talking-donkey/): Numbers 22:21-35 21 So Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the officials of Moab. 22 God’s anger was kindled because he was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the road as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand; so the donkey turned off the road, and went into the field; and Balaam struck the donkey, to turn it back onto[...] - [Weird Bible: The One Where Jesus Tells His Disciples to Eat Him](https://fcclc.org/2020/11/weird-bible-the-one-where-jesus-tells-his-disciples-to-eat-him/): John 6:53-59 New Revised Standard Version 53 So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me[...] - [Weird Bible: The One Where the Bald Guy Sicced Two Bears on 42 Kids for Making Fun of Him](https://fcclc.org/2020/11/weird-bible-the-one-where-the-bald-guy-sicced-two-bears-on-42-kids-for-making-fun-of-him/): 2 Kings 2:23-25 23 He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!” 24 When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria. Good morning! Today is the second week of our Weird Bible sermon series, and I can’t think of a more fitting series[...] - [Weird Bible: The One Where Jesus Gets Really Mad at a Tree](https://fcclc.org/2020/11/weird-bible-the-one-where-jesus-gets-really-mad-at-a-tree/): Matthew 21:18-22 Jesus Curses the Fig Tree 18 In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been[...] - [Our New Normal: Uncertainty](https://fcclc.org/2020/10/our-new-normal-uncertainty/): Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Good morning! Those of you who have been tuning in recently know that we have spent the past month and a half thinking about Our New Normal and how the ways we have started coping with a global pandemic can also be a part of how we practice and live out our faith. Wearing a mask, washing our hands, practicing social[...] - [Our New Normal: Technology](https://fcclc.org/2020/10/our-new-normal-technology/): Matthew 28:16-20Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” Acts 5:42Every day they continued to teach[...] - [Our New Normal: Social Distancing](https://fcclc.org/2020/09/our-new-normal-social-distancing/): Luke 17:11-19      On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men with skin diseases approached him. Keeping their distance from him, they raised their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, show us mercy!” When Jesus saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they left, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he had been healed, returned and praised God with a loud voice. 16 He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus replied, “Weren’t[...] - [Our New Normal: Hand Washing](https://fcclc.org/2020/09/our-new-normal-hand-washing/): Exodus 30:17-21 New Revised Standard Version The Bronze Basin 17 The Lord spoke to Moses: 18 You shall make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it; 19 with the water[a] Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. 20 When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to make an offering by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die. 21 They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may[...] - [Our New Normal: Masks](https://fcclc.org/2020/09/our-new-normal-masks/): The Golden Rule 12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12) Good morning! This week I am excited to be starting a new sermon series. Over the last two months I have preached about America’s National Parks, and together we looked for the ways that God speaks to us through nature and through the stories of each park. We looked for the ways we can grow in our faith from lessons we learned at each place we visited together virtually. Each of the 8 sermons[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Glacier Bay National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/summer-road-trip-glacier-bay-national-park/): The New Heaven and the New Earth21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,“See, the home[a] of God is among mortals.He will dwell[b] with them;they will be his peoples,[c]and God himself will be with them;[d]4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.Death will[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Joshua Tree National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/summer-road-trip-joshua-tree-national-park/): 4 Rejoice[c] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[d] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved,[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[f] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Mount Rainier National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/summer-road-trip-mount-rainier-national-park/): So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sisterhas something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-34) Good morning! This week is week 6 of our Summer Road Trip sermon series based on the book, America’s Holy Ground: 61Faithful Reflections on our National Parks by Brad Lyons and Bruce Barkhauer. So far, we have traveled through Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Sequoia National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/summer-road-trip-sequoia-national-park/): “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7:24-27) Video[...] - [From the Board President](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/from-the-board-president-6/): 22 July 2020 Bethany’s sermon series on the national parks reminded me of why I love wild areas of nature so much.  Although I haven’t been to that many of the national parks, the ones I have been to have given me a lens to look at the world in a different way. I think living in cities with all of the noise and associated goings on, can cause us to experience tunnel vision with respect to how we see the world. Being in a national park, or even just a wild area of nature, without all of that normal[...] - [Thoughts from Bethany](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/thoughts-from-bethany-3/): August 1, 2020 Hello church!  We are rolling into August, and it is hard to believe the summer is almost over! I have been delighted to spend the last month getting to know you all a bit better, and I am excited to continue to have opportunities to connect with you over the coming months.  One of the best ways to connect with other church members and with me is to join one of the Zoom meetings that are scheduled for every week. Coffee with the Minister is on Wednesdays at 10 AM, Spiritual Practices is on Thursdays at 10[...] - [Financial Summary – First Half of 2020](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/financial-summary-first-half-of-2020/): Now seems to be a good time to provide the congregation with a report of our current financial status.  Relax – the news is good! For the first six months of 2020, we have an operating surplus of $2,372.  This means that our income from giving, rents and all other sources has been $2,372 more than our operating expenses for the church.  Given the CoVID-19 situation since March, this is a remarkable achievement and is due to 3 factors – The congregation has kept up it’s giving.  A huge thank you to all those who have been mailing in your[...] - [Request for Submissions](https://fcclc.org/2020/08/request-for-submissions/): Would you like to submit articles for publication in our newsletter?  Perhaps you’d like to write an article of interest to our congregation about happenings around the city, or, you’ve been writing poetry, or short (really short) stories. We’d be interested in publishing your submission, as long as it is appropriate to a church newsletter!  If you would like to add to the newsletter, please email the Editor  by the 23rd of the month. - [Summer Road Trip: Grand Teton National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/summer-road-trip-grand-teton-national-park/): Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12) Good morning! This Sunday is week four of our Summer Road Trip sermon series, where our congregation is traveling virtually through 8 of America’s National Parks together. Three weeks ago we began our Summer Road Trip with Yellowstone National Park and talked about how God works through us so that the worst thing is never the last thing—there is always hope to be found even in the worst of times.  Two weeks ago, we went on to[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Carlsbad Cavern National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/summer-road-trip-carlsbad-cavern-national-park/): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.  He himself was not the light,[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Olympic National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/summer-road-trip-olympic-national-park/): For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher,[...] - [Summer Road Trip: Yellowstone National Park](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/summer-road-trip-yellowstone-national-park/): 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love[...] - [From the Board President](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/from-the-board-president-5/): The board has had a lot of discussion, based on the work of the Faith Action Committee, to look at the potential for installing solar power at the church. We are committed to doing our part to help reduce our carbon footprint. We are making forward progress on that. As with all things it will take a little time. Anything we can do to help accomplish that will help make the world better. All of the choices that we make in life affect others, whether it’s our source of energy for power, our consumption of goods and services, or our[...] - [Thoughts from Bethany](https://fcclc.org/2020/07/thoughts-from-bethany-2/): July 1, 2020 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:37-39 Hello church!  Can you believe it is already July? It seems like just yesterday I was here visiting First Christian Church for my call weekend back in March! I think a big part of my difficulty in wrapping my brain around it already being July is that we[...] - [All Means All: Welcoming Folks Living in Poverty](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/all-means-all-welcoming-folks-living-in-poverty/): 2 My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?[b] 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”[c] 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.[d] Has not God chosen the poor in[...] - [All Means All: Welcoming Those with a Mental Illness](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/all-means-all-welcoming-those-with-a-mental-illness/): Luke 8:42-48 As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. 43 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians,[l] no one could cure her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45 Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter[m] said, “Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” 47 When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came[...] - [All Means All: Welcoming Those With Disabilities](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/all-means-all-welcoming-those-with-disabilities/): Mark 2: 3-11 — Through the roof Then some people* came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but[...] - [All Means All: Welcoming the Transgender Community](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/all-means-all-welcoming-the-transgender-community/): (Sermon for June 7, 2020) But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” Galations 3:25-29 This time last year, I was in Kansas City working my former[...] - [Now What?](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/now-what/): Acts 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Coming of the Holy Spirit 2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at[...] - [From the Board President](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/from-the-board-president-4/): As we go through these turbulent times of pandemic and political turmoil, I have noticed an increased level of statements from people wishing harm on others. I find this very disturbing. While I may abhor and feel disgust about some political statements and decisions being made, I would not wish harm on anyone. I certainly would encourage people to speak up about inappropriate decisions and language from leaders. But even more importantly, I think we need to pray for those people and for the healing of our nation.  Pray for the restoration of unity; pray for healing and relief from[...] - [Thoughts from Bethany](https://fcclc.org/2020/06/thoughts-from-bethany/): “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Acts 2:42, 46-47 We have lived through our first month together, and what a weird month it has been! It has been strange for me to begin working as your Pastor without being able to see any of you in person. I am sure it is just as strange for all of you to have a new pastor that you cannot get to[...] - [Let Your Light Shine](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/let-your-light-shine/): The following is the text of the sermon preached for Rev. Bethany’s Call Weekend, Sunday, March 15, 2020 Text: Matthew 5:14-16 A few years ago, I took an unexpected trip back home to Michigan for my Grandpa’s funeral. My Grandpa was a larger than life character, and as my family gathered together we couldn’t help but reminisce about the many odd and eccentric things that he had done over his life.  My Mom shared about the time he took her old, ratty looking electric blanket back to Sears because it had stopped working, and actually convinced the manager to let[...] - [Love Builds Up](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/may-17-2020-love-builds-up/): I Corinthians 8 8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.[a] 4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and[...] - [Spiritual Practices](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/spiritual-practices/): John 15:1-9 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from[...] - [Elijah and the Angel](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/elijah-and-the-angel/): I Kings 19:4-8   And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of[...] - [From the Board Chair Paul Cook](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/from-the-board-chairpaul-cook/): Change, our lives are full of change. The world is changing from going through a pandemic. The climate is changing, and our church is changing. Who would have ever thought that we would be doing church services online? As we prepare to say farewell to Donna and welcome Bethany and her wife Kelsee, I think many of us may be feeling sad. I have heard a couple of people say, “couldn’t Donna just stay?”. We all feel comforted being surrounded by familiar people and things. Change can be hard, particularly in times of crisis. Our nation and the world are[...] - [A Few More Words](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/a-few-more-words/): THANK YOU! Sandy Weber, Sue Stefford-Grey, Paul Cook helped to pull off a great virtual Farewell Party!  What a hoot to see the Bever family reenacting their first visit to worship at First Christian Church, their baptisms and formal entry into the congregation and a variety of scenes since that time. Thanks to Melody Burns for her gift of music – her singing always makes me teary.  A surprise visit from Randy Granger was a blessings as was his singing Deep Peace. Gifts received were so well thought out.  The three crosses silver necklace from the Cutter Gallery, the UCC[...] - [A Few Words](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/a-few-words-20/): Dear Ones, This is my last newsletter article as your Interim Minister and what a time it has been!  I have always seen the potential for First Christian Church to grow not only numerically, but spiritually as well.  As I depart what I see is that now you see it too as you live into your potential.  First Christian Church is an incredible and much needed voice for Las Cruces and surrounding area.  What you have to offer in your authentic embrace of unconditional love, is something that is sorely and surely needed in our hurting and broken world. Your[...] - [Virtual Community Bulletin Board First Christian Church Las Cruces Private Facebook Page](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/virtual-community-bulletin-board-first-christian-church-las-cruces-private-facebook-page/): In a private FCCLC Facebook page we can post what’s on our hearts and minds.  We can use poems, prayers, music, art.  We can post if there is an immediate need that someone else may help us with (needing a prescription to be picked up, etc). The Community Bulletin Board, however, is not a place to rant, nor a place to post prayer requests.  It is a place to stay connected with your church community in the hopes of primarily bringing a bit of laughter and cheer, encouragement and hope. Remember, only members and friends listed in our directory will[...] - [Essays on Life since Coronavirus](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/essays-on-life-since-coronavirus/): What are your experiences since learning about Coronavirus?  How has it impacted you?  Please share what you have learned about yourself, others, this faith community and this particular time in history.   That sharing includes the good, the bad and perhaps some of it is funny. - [Climate Crisis = despair or hope? Til Zimmerman](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/climate-crisis-despair-or-hope-til-zimmerman/): Our recent 50th year commemoration of Earth Day raised this question for me.           Webster’s definition of crisis includes these words and phrases: turning point for better or worse, disordered function, unstable or crucial time, decisive moment, critical phase.  Webster’s synonyms for crisis include breaking point, crossroad, emergency, etc.          Creation Justice has published a workbook for churches:  The title is “The Fierce Urgency of Now A Prophetic Christian Understanding of the Climate Crisis”.  See:  www.creationjustice.org/urgency.       “The Fierce Urgency of Now” is a phrase that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deployed in his address at New York’s Riverside[...] - [Bridging the Gap Zoom - Coffee and Conversation Wednesdays 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/bridging-the-gap-zoom-coffee-and-conversation-wednesdays-1000-am-1100-am/): We continue to bridge the gap of not gathering in person as we gather together via zoom.  This bridging continues with Bethany on Wednesday, May 6. - [Times of Passage – A Release and Covenant](https://fcclc.org/2020/05/times-of-passage-a-release-and-covenant/): Our final worship service together on Sunday, April 26 ended with a ritual of Times of Passage with the congregation releasing me from the duties of Interim Minister.  I also released the congregation from turning to me and depending on me as its minister.  I was asked if I would offer my encouragement for the continued ministry at FCC and on the relationship with The Rev. Bethany Meiers who will come to serve.  I do and I will. To help in that process of moving on, I offer up the following boundary expectation that I am required to follow and[...] - [First Christian Church Jeanne Brown April 26, 2020](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/first-christian-churchjeanne-brown-april-26-2020/): Joshua 1 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Mom’s assistant. “Moses my servant is dead.  Get going.  Cross this Jordan River, you, and all the people.  Cross to the country I’m giving to the people of Israel.  I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses….Don’t be timid, don’t be discouraged.  God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua 2 Joshua son of Nun secretly sent out…two men as spies.  “Go.  Look over the land.  Check out Jericho.”  They left and[...] - [A SHOUT OUT TO DAVE WOFFORD](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/a-shout-out-to-dave-wofford/): The pastor’s study is refreshed and bright and light! Thanks, Dave! - [No Doubt About It](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/no-doubt-about-it/): John 20:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive[...] - ["Do Not Be Afraid"](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/do-not-be-afraid/): Matthew 28:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for[...] - [Thank You!](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/thank-you/) - [Faith, Hope, Love, Facemasks and Hand Sanitizers](https://fcclc.org/2020/04/faith-hope-love-facemasks-and-hand-sanitizers/): Matthew 21:1-11 The Message (MSG) When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: “Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them!’ He will send them with you.” This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet: Tell Zion’s daughter,“Look, your king’s on his way, poised and ready, mounted On a donkey, on a colt, foal of a pack animal.” The disciples[...] - [](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/2100/) - [Thanks from Search Committee](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/thanks-from-search-committee/): It’s been a long two years!  You, the congregation of First Christian Church in Las Cruces put a lot of trust in us as the Search Committee.  We knew that and we carried that knowledge into each meeting.  As we prepared to submit our church’s profile to the regional conferences of our denominations, we weighed our work against your trust.  And as we read each profile, and entered into each interview, we reminded ourselves of our responsibility to you. We want to thank you for that trust.  We are so excited that it has proven a trust well placed, as[...] - [A NOTE FROM BETHANY](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/a-note-from-bethany/): Hello Everyone!  May is quickly approaching, and I am so excited to become your minister on May 1st!  Kelsee and I are in the final stages of purchasing a home a few miles from the church, and our closing date is April 28th. We have our move scheduled for the last week of April and we are hoping that it will not be affected by the coronavirus. However, we are also paying close attention to the news and will make the choices that are safest for our family and for our church family in this strange time. Be assured that[...] - [Welcome, New Members](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/welcome-new-members-2/): On March 8, our last in-sanctuary gathering, three new members joined our household of faith: Hank Kielb, Melissa Mckenzy-Shaw and Kamy Shaw.  See their bios below. A variety of reasons brings people to church, it is your warmth and genuine welcome that brings people back again and again.  Hank (Henry) Kielb Hank writes: writes:  “I am 64 years old and I am gay – I was born that way.  My second career was as a Speech Pathologist for 15 years.  I worked with patients until I became physically disabled in 2011.  I last worked in El Paso but moved to[...] - [Church Finances](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/church-finances/): No longer gather in person means we no longer have a Sunday offering.  As you know, your pledge payments and gifts provide the vast majority of income to the church.  Here are two  ways to continue your giving: you can mail a check to the church (1809 El Paseo Rd, Las Cruces, 88001); or you can click on the “Give” button on our website (fcclc.org).  If possible, you might give several weeks or months in advance to help even out our cash flow.  But we also recognize the financial strain forced on us all by the current situation, so only[...] - [Confessions of a Data Collector](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/confessions-of-a-data-collector/): Yes, I love to collect data, ponder what I find, and share where and when I can.           If you are familiar with the Myers-Briggs Personality Sorter you will recognize the categories of N(intuition) vs S(sensing), e.g. facts vs the big picture.           From the Creation Justice Ministries website here are a few dates from their  “50 Years of Earth Days and Beyond”. 1970 The first Earth Day is established on the birthday of Saint Francis of Assisi (April 22nd).  Environmental Protection Agency also established. 1996 Southwest Network for Economic and Environmental Justice meets in Jemez, New Mexico and releases[...] - [SOAR - CONVERSATIONS WORTH HAVING](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/soar-conversations-worth-having/): Rev Donna and I attended a meeting, “A Strategic Conversation: Beginning to Soar” sponsored by the Mission and Church Vitality Committee (MCVC) of the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (SWCUCC) on March 7th.  This meeting was an opportunity for representatives of the SWC and member churches to positively and creatively discuss our mission and ministry for the next 5 years.  The room was filled with positive energy and the hours flew by quickly.  The meeting was facilitated by Jackie Stavros, who has written books and aided Fortune 500 companies in leadership development, team-building and strategic planning.  We[...] - [Facebook Update](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/facebook-update/): A lot has happened in the world and at First Christian Church since relaunching Facebook last month.  It has been a vital and important time, to not only share pertinent and valued resources that are helpful in these moments, but to also share our joys and excitement about the future.  First Christian’s Facebook page has been a blend of just that.  Our page has helped keep others up to date on COVID-19 and resources that may be helpful to our community and family at First Christian during this time. We’ve also celebrated the Cool Congregation Runner Up Award and our valued musicians.  As well[...] - [From the President](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/from-the-president-9/): I know we are living in tough times right now, but I hope you all share in my joy and excitement in the hiring of our new settled pastor, Bethany Meier. Please keep Bethany and her wife, Kelsee, in your prayers as they prepare to move to Las Cruces.  I’m sure they face many challenges moving during this time. I look forward to exciting opportunities ahead as they come to join us. As the world and our local community continues to deal with the coronavirus and associated fallout from that, please keep our church family, as well as your neighbors,[...] - [A Few Words](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/a-few-words-19/): So, how are you coping?  I’m doing ok – most days.  I had a bout of vertigo for a couple of days.  Miserable thing.  Better now, thank you.  Lack of sleep (waking at 3 or 4 am and thinking of ways for us to stay connected, or what needs to be done for worshiping in new ways, etc) and stress, I believe, are the culprits.  Working from home since stay at home order.  Cancellation of Guatemala trip.  Cancellation of Southwest Conference Annual Meeting in April. Cancellation of work to upgrade pastor’s study.  Wow! We all are facing many day-to-day challenges. [...] - [A Pastoral Note](https://fcclc.org/2020/03/a-pastoral-note-3/): Dear Ones, In these uncertain days, just when we think we’ve got things a little bit under control (certainly always an illusion), life throws us another curve-ball. This week the State of New Mexico was put under stay-at-home orders.  So, now we have even more restrictions about going out in the hopes that fewer of us will contract COVID-19.  Maybe we can take comfort in the fact that we are all in this together.  We are all feeling the restrictions and know that this order is not just for a few – but all of us.  The curve-ball for us[...] ## Pages - [Ministry Opportunities at FCC](https://fcclc.org/ministry-opportunities-at-fcc/) - [2023 Survey](https://fcclc.org/2023-survey/): Please help the Board of Directors continue to improve First Christian Church. - [Resources](https://fcclc.org/resources/) - [Guiding Documents](https://fcclc.org/guiding-documents/): First Christian Church in Las Cruces is a Congregationally led church. The following documents provide guidance to the elected leaders of the church. - [Contemplative Worship Service](https://fcclc.org/contemplative-worship-service/): In our rapidly moving world, we are accosted by noise on all sides. Advertising, politics, traffic; even in the quiet of our own homes we can sometimes be inundated by sound from the television. Silence can be hard to find. And yet, it is in silence, that the heart communes with our Creator. Contemplative prayer allows us to come to know and experience God’s unconditional love and be transformed by it, and then, in turn, grow in our love of God. At First Christian Church in Las Cruces, we join together for a Contemplative Prayer Service on the first Sunday of[...] - [Council of Elders](https://fcclc.org/about/elders/): The Council of Elders principal mission is to attend to the spiritual life of the church. As part of the ministerial staff of FCCLC, our Elders minister to the church body at worship and in other ways. Our elected Elders for 2024 are: - [Our Staff](https://fcclc.org/about/our-staff/) - [What We Believe](https://fcclc.org/about/vision-mission-values/): We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us. Visit the Disciples of Christ to learn more. We are members of the Christian Church in the Southwest (CCSW) regional conference. We are the United Church of Christ, committed to hearing God’s ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. Why? Because God is still speaking. Visit the United Church of Christ to learn more. We are members of the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ (SCUCC) conference. We[...] - [FCC in LC is Open and Affirming!](https://fcclc.org/about/ona/): In February of 2004, the congregation of First Christian Church in Las Cruces voted to become an Open and Affirming Congregation of the Disciples of Christ. In 2011, we joined the United Church of Christ as a dually affiliated congregation. By this time, being an Open and Affirming congregation was deeply ingrained in our congregational psyche. Recently we discovered that we were not considered Open and Affirming by the UCC. So, we moved quickly to rectify this. On May 20, 2023, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt the following statement: - [Resources](https://fcclc.org/community/resources/): National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 Crisis Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Trevor Project 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. Assisted Living Research Institute 24/7 Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Reporting Hotline: 1-800-445-6242 AssistedLiving.org is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by compiling comprehensive research, the latest studies,[...] - [Please Read](https://fcclc.org/jumppage/): You are about to enter a sacred space where all are welcome to gather for worship, comfort, and conversation. Our church seeks to be a safe space where every person knows they belong, a space that allows each of us to be the eyes, ears, and mouth of God. Please be mindful when you enter of the effects  your words may have on others. Please be mindful that this space intentionally includes children, the elderly, the marginalized, and people who are suffering and in pain.  To maintain our 501(c)3 status and out of respect for the diversity of thought in[...] - [Worship](https://fcclc.org/worship/): Church.  It’s never been about the building.  It has always been, and will ever be, about people.   The community.  Now we have the opportunity to prove it.  This is a time, not to gather within four walls of a building, but to reach out to our neighbor.  To other members of our congregation, or to the person down the street or down the hall.  To pick up the phone, write a note, send an email. Time to recognize the Divine in each of us. We’re Worshiping Virtually Join us every Sunday by ZOOM by clicking on the following link (Sunday’s[...] - [Meetings](https://fcclc.org/community/meetings/): Welcome to our Meetings Launch page. Here is our access site to regularly scheduled meetings, such as Wednesday Coffee Hour, Spiritual Practices, Book Club and other meetings as scheduled from time to time. Below you will find buttons to access each meeting, along with the meeting id and password. At the very bottom of the page are phone numbers that can be used for any of the meetings. Thursday Mornings, 9 AM to 10 AM. Every Thursday, we gather on Zoom to do a Spiritual Practice together. Everyone is welcome to join us, and no previous experiences with Spiritual Practices[...] - [Rev. Donna's Going Away](https://fcclc.org/rev-donnas-going-away/): We’ll be giving Rev. Donna a going away gift as a means of expressing our gratitude for the past two years that she has been with us. If you would like to contribute to this gift please indicate below the amount you will be contributing. Contributions to this gift can be made payable to: First Christian Church in Las Cruces (or FCCLC) and sent to: First Christian Church in Las Cruces1809 El Paseo Rd. Las Cruces, NM 88001 - [Prayer Requests](https://fcclc.org/worship/prayer-request/): Please send in your prayer requests through this form. If you would like to ensure that they will be read during Sunday Worship it is best if you can send this request in by Saturday evening. This form is for submitting prayers for public dissemination at Sunday Worship. IMPORTANT: If you have a prayer request that you do not want made public, please contact Pastor Bethany at bmeier@fcclc.org  - [Pledge Form for FCCLC](https://fcclc.org/pledge/): Thank you for considering a pledge to First Christian Church in Las Cruces. By pledging, you support our mission to “REACH OUT, REACH UP, REACH IN” - [Location](https://fcclc.org/about/location/): Come and worship with us. First Christian Church1809 El Paseo RdLas Cruces, NM 88001 - [Outreach](https://fcclc.org/community/outreach/): Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates on happenings at First Christian Church. We also maintain a community mailing list by means of which we distribute monthly newsletters, as well as issue real-time announcements, concerning events at the church. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please fill out the form below. Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required Email Address * First Name * Last Name * Affiliation * MemberFriend Birthday / ( mm / dd ) - [Church Board](https://fcclc.org/about/board/): As of the January 21, 2024 Congregational Meeting, the following people are the elected directors of First Christian Church. If you have any general inquiries for the board, please direct them to the board secretary at boardsec@fcclc.org. Committee Chairs Pastor Search Committee. Ralph Holmes. Faith Action Committee. Ralph Holmes. Property Chair. Dave Wofford. Property Liaison. Karen Holmes. Finance Committe. Debby Johnson. Technology Chair. Eric Hays-Strom. admin@fcclc.org. - [Gallery](https://fcclc.org/community/gallery/): See the memories of our church family. Join us and make new memories with us! Send your photos to lbrink@fcclc.org. - [Community](https://fcclc.org/community/): At First Christian Church, we think of ourselves as a nest, offering a home and support to various communities and organizations in the interest of advancing human values. Weekly Events from First Christian Church Bible Study……………………………………………………………………….Sundays at 9am Worship Services*…………………………………………………………..Sunday 10:15 am Spiritual Practices………………………………………………………………Thursday, 9 am Men’s Breakfast (contact for location)………………………Wednesday, 9 am Monthly Events from First Christian Church Contemplative Worship………………………………………..First Sunday, 6:30 pm Potluck…………………………………………………………………Third Sunday, 11:30 am Brown Bag Lunch………………………………………..Third Wednesday, 11:30 am Community Groups That Meet at FCC FCC is committed to helping local groups, nonprofits and other organization have affordable, safe spaces to meet. If you or[...] - [News](https://fcclc.org/blog/): Submissions needed for our new Newsletter “The Rainbow Table”. FCC’s Newsletter got a revamp recently with the first editions of “The Rainbow Table: Fellowship, Faith, and Full Plates. Every Story Matters”. This newsletter is published monthly by First Christian Church. It is available free of charge to everyone. The purpose of the newsletter is to inform, inspire, and to invite participation in the life of the congregation, the community, and the world. Submissions are welcome including announcements of activities of interest to members, prayer concerns, thank you notes, directory updates, poems, art, photos, reflections, etc. Please ensure that any submissions[...] - [About](https://fcclc.org/about/) - [We Welcome All!](https://fcclc.org/): First Christian Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is actively reclaiming Christianity as an inclusive, expansive, and loving spiritual pathway. We are an open and affirming church community. In Christ’s example, we offer all people—regardless of race, creed, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation—the opportunity to discover and develop their gifts in God’s love. Our church family celebrates diversity and freedom, and engages in social justice. Get updates by joining our mailing list, liking us on Facebook, or following us on Twitter. Our worship centers on the table of the Lord’s Supper. At our table, there is room for everyone. We, as disciples,[...] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)