Fred's Forum
Flock Talk (Deacon's)
Adult Ministries
Children's Ministries
Youth Ministries
Campus Corner
View older editions of the Northmninster "Son" NewsApril: Cross Roads
Fred's Forum
Flock Talk (Deacon's)
Adult Ministries
Children's Ministries
Youth Ministries
Campus Corner
View older editions of the Northmninster "Son" News
Fred's Forum
This morning as I write this article, I am finalizing preparations to go
speak to a group of Elementary School Children at Mesilla Valley Christian
School. The talk I will be giving is about the Jewish Passover Feast called
the Seder. On Maundy Thursday or Passover, we will be observing the Feast as
well. It is, in my mind, the most graphic symbol of God's plan of salvation
through Jesus that there is. For religious Jews who celebrate the Seder,
there is the expectant hope that the Messiah will come soon to deliver them.
For Messianic Jews and Christians, we look back and see that every part of
this meal (which Jesus ate with his disciples before his death), represents a
part of meaning of our redemption through him. In a sense, we celebrate the
Passover every month when we observe communion. The Matzoh or Bread is his
body broken for us. The Fifth cup which was always left untouched in
anticipation of the return of the prophet Elijah, was the cup Jesus gave to
his disciples, telling them that it represented the New Covenant in his blood
which he would shed for the forgiveness of their sins.
In observing this feast and by drinking from the fifth cup, Jesus accepted the mantle of Messiahship for himself. Every part of the meal speaks of the beauty and wonder of Christ's death on our behalf. The shankbone from a lamb represents God reaching out to us through the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." The bitter herbs represent our need for that forgiveness for they taste sweet at first but quickly become bitter. The roasted egg reminds us of new life. For the Jew, the Seder represented God's passing over Jewish homes in Egypt when the angel of death took the life of the first born in every Egyptian household. Truly, Christ is our Passover.
At Easter, we are easily prone to look ahead to the glory of the resurrection. There is no doubt that this event is the keystone of our faith. However, death had to precede that resurrection. And Jesus' death, which we remember in the days before the celebration of Easter, is the assurance of our deliverance from slavery to sin and death. Jesus paid the price on our behalf, offering himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all. The writer of Hebrews tells us this: "...so, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people: and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to all who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28 NIV)
As you prepare for Easter, remember the sacrificial death of our Saviour and what price had to be paid that our sins may be forgiven, that resurrection could take place and that our salvation could be complete.
With thankfulness to Him who bore my sin & rose from the grave,
This week your Deacon will be calling you to remind you of the Easter schedule and ask you to bring pastries, bread or fruit for the Continental Breakfast between the services.
God Bless You.
MISSION REPORT
Some say that the church is in decline; that fewer and fewer people take
discipleship to Jesus Christ seriously. If we focus only on mainline
churches in the United States and Europe, we may think this is indeed true.
But if we focus on the entire world, we see just the opposite. In many
places around the globe, the Christian church is growing rapidly - both in
numbers and in vitality. Sixty-seven percent of the world's Christians will
live in Asia, Africa and Latin America by the year 2000.
Increasingly, Christians from the non-Western world are providing the leadership in world mission. Clifton Kirkpatrick, director of the PC (USA) Worldwide Ministries Division (WMD), says: "At meetings of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, I look around the room and am aware that persons who look like me - white and male - are in a distinct minority." At the May 1995 Global Consultation on World Evangelization held in Seoul, Korea, the great majority of delegates represented the churches of Latin America, Africa and Asia. Seventy percent of that consultation's funding was provided by the non-Western church.
With large numbers of Presbyterians serving around the world, the PC(USA) continues its strong tradition as a mission-sending church. But now more than ever mission is about receiving as well as sending. It is about learning as well as teaching. It is about hearing the good news of Jesus Christ Proclaimed afresh to us by Christian colleagues from other continents and other cultural perspectives.
CASAS DE PERIGRINOS
This Holiday Season don't forget the needs of those less fortunate. There is
always a box available inthe church lobby for donations for Casa de
Perigrinos (The House of Pilgrims), the local food bank. Thank you for your
continued support in this project.
EASTER LILIES
Orders are now being taken for Easter Lilies. Please see the insert in your
bulletin.
FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS
There are a number of folk in our congregation who need our prayers. Some of
them that we know about are: Edith Austin, Edith Hablitzel, Rosemary Rhude
(Len Traina's sister), Dorothy Eskelson's mother, Judy Glover's mother, Joy
Aker's sister, Richard "DOC" Preator, Chuck Mathews, Glenda( Ruth Ann's
Hubbard's friend), Robbie LaFrance (friend of Marlene Ham) & Eddie Tabet who
will be having knee surgery. If you know of others, please call the church
office.
DISCOVERY CLASS
There will be a Discovery Class for new members on Sunday, April 21st, from
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The class is open to anyone who wants to know more
about the mission, beliefs and ministry opportunities of Northminster. The
class is informal and meets at the home of Fred and Judy Davis - 2801
Cloudcroft Circle, in the High Range area.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
Please remember that on Easter Sunday, instead of the regular Deacon's
offering, we will be collecting an offering for The One Great Hour of
Sharing. Each year, this denomination wide offering brings hope to people
around the world - Bosinan refugees, families displaced by flooding,
communities which are seeking to increase economic opportunities and much
much more.
COLLECTING
If you have lots of old greeting cards that you would like to recycle, please
bring them to church and leave them in the church office. These will be sent
to the St. Jude's Children's Ranch. It helps kids that have been abused and
neglected, earn a little pocket money.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Please remember to keep your faith pledge current. We need roughly $16,000
to meet all commitments each month. Last Sunday's offering was $2,576.
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY IDEAS
Forms are still available for your use if you would like us to have a copy of
your e-mail address or business. Please fill one out today! THANKS
EASTER SERVICES
This year, we are not having Lenten Services. Many are already involved in
small group Bible Studies during the week.
The Holy Week (March 31 - April 7) will include the following services:
THURSDAY, MAY 2 - Don't make any plans for this date, until you consider the following: The National Day of Prayer will be celebrated in Las Cruces on May 2, and our church family is planning something special so we can celebrate together! More details will follow so reserve May 2 on your calendar!
FLOWER CHART FOR 1996
Please sign up for special occasions or remembrances. The chart is located
in the Lobby.
MARINERS CONFERENCE
1996 Family Conference will be held in Las Cruces, beginning July 28th.
People from local churches are welcome to attend the conference and provide
assistance, including child care, information and transportation. The
National Executive Board has approved mission emphasis as being a "Place to
Call Home". Young people will be going to Mexico with our own Casa por
Christo. Again if you'd like to help, you are most welcome. The Mariners
Newsletter is available in the church office, with more information.
SPRING GATHERING
Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca
Spring Gathering will be Saturday, April 20th at Westminster Presbyterian
Church, Roswell. The Speaker will be Karl Travis on the subject: "The Holy
Spirit Is Computer Literate, How About You?"
NEW ADULT STUDY GROUPS
Start Sunday, April 7th 9:45 - 10:30. As follows:
SMALL GROUPS
The Small Group Bible Studies are now meeting. We have groups on Wed.,
Thurs., Fri., & Sun. evenings. If you are not already involved in one and
would like to be or would like more information please call Bob Hawn at
523-6856.
MARY MARTHA CIRCLE
The ladies from the Mary Martha Bible Study invite you to join in on the
first and third Tuesday of each month at the church at 9:30 a.m. This is a
special time of Bible Study and fellowship. For more information call Betty
St. John at 521-3418
CHOIR PRACTICE
The Chancel Choir rehearses every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m, at the church. New
people are always welcome to join in. Currently, we are working hard on the
Messiah for presentation of Palm Sunday.
PROMISE KEEPERS
The Men's Group meets every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. at The Mesilla Valley
Kitchen, is starting a New Year and a New Study. This week we are
continuing in our study of I Samuel Chapter 12, and The Life of David.
Remember, first timers get their breakfast free! There is a 10%
discount for students and seniors as well. Please read I Samuel Chapter 12,
in preparation for this week. Call Earl Lance, 521-3417 or Mark Wallin,
521-3785 for more information.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
You'll want to join us for Kingdom of the Son - a Prayer Safari - on June
17-21. The dynamite duo of Carol Goss and Deborah Romig have agreed to be
directors. Let them know if you're interested in helping out. It's never
too early to start planning for a good time!
C O N G R R R A T U L A T I O N S TO Rebecca Jones, Callie Diven, Eric Lance, Monica Merhege, and Hilary Romig for memorizing all 12 Bible Verses in our contest! We're proud of you!
PARENTS - Please remind your kids about the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, to be dedicated in church on EASTER SUNDAY. Each classroom has a collection box for their use each Sunday.
MID HIGH - FRIDAY NIGHT CHALLENGE
Every Friday Night, here at the church. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. It will be
Recreation, Bible Study, Games, & Music.
HIGH SCHOOL SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY
High School students Bible Study at Hieberts each Thursday at 7:30 p.m.,
please see Blake for more information.
YOUNG LIFE
High school students, be sure to remember that Young Life Club meets every
Monday at 7:30 p.m. There is also an Ultimate Frisbee or flag Football,
which will resume on January 8th, at Spitz Park each Sunday evening at 4:00
p.m.. For details, contact Blake Bonzon (645-6779) or Melissa Davis
(521-3640).
April 18 - is our SEMINARY DINNER, come learn about the various seminaries in our area, and of our denomination, from the Pastors who graduated from them and have dinner on us. Call David to make a reservation.
April 20 - is the 1st Annual Wacky-Olympics which will include the "great rubber band shooting contest', "knee-death floor pong from hell", a shaving of David's hair if we have 70 or more participants, and other events you have to see to believe, come join in the insanity.
| Pastor Frederick D. Davis: | 2025 North Valley Drive |
| revdavis@aol.com | |
| or FRED_DAVIS.parti@presby> | (505) 526-4907 |
