News Archives 2022

At our Feb 5 annual meeting, the 2022 Annual Report was distributed, and that report is now online. Over 28 reports showcase mission, worship, education, congregational care, and stewardship activities.

The voices of grateful Moms, their children, and other teens are united in saying “Thank You and Merry Christmas” to First Presbyterian Church.  Your Angel Tree generosity remains amazing, touching hearts and changing young lives. 

Christmas Day we will gather for one service at 10am in the Sanctuary and livestreamed.  The Chancel Choir will sing the anthem The Holly and the Ivy by Richard Shepherd.

Join us the evening before Christmas at 5pm for a child-friendly service with the Chancel Bell Choir and carols and/or at 8pm for a worship service with the Chancel Choir (singing O magnum mysterium by Morten Lauridsen), organ, trumpets, and carols.

Pastor Harry continues his two adult ed classes on Advent. On Dec 11, he laid the foundation of what Advent has been to us. This week, Dec 18, he led a discussion about what Advent can be and how it can transform us.

The Dec 23 TGIF Concert features Travis Bregier, baritone, and David Beatty, piano.  The concert is at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary. Christmas Classics & Carols. Free admission, donations accepted.  Open to all on this evening before Christmas Eve.

This dynamic midday outdoor service on Christmas Eve offers a look into the history of Christmas and how these origins call us toward renewal, rebirth, and social justice this new year. This child and pet friendly atmosphere also includes holiday cookies, hot drinks, and fellowship around the fire pit.

On the longest night of the year, we gather in the dark to be together. In this season of relentless joy and cheer, it can be hard to find space to grieve. You are invited to a contemplative service on Dec 21 at 5:30pm at Westminster.

Pastor Harry started the first of two adult ed classes on Advent. On Dec 11, he laid the foundation of what Advent has been to us. Next week on Dec 18, he will lead a discussion about what Advent can be and how it can transform us.

Help decorate our sanctuary and lobby with poinsettias for Christmas.  As is our custom, you may pick up the flowers at the Sunday service on Jan 1 or leave them to be donated to people who are shut in this season.

All are invited to a short film followed by a community discussion on Saturday, Dec 17, noon til 1pm. Phillip Quintana, Cochiti Pueblo Governor, will be a special guest, and Pastor Andrew will be one of the five panelists. Free and open to the public.

During Advent we have the opportunity to contribute to the PCUSA Christmas Joy Offering. These funds provide assistance to current and retired church workers and make it possible for students to learn and grow at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges.

In his Dec 4 adult ed class, “The Postsecular Sacred: Listening for a Way Forward,” David Solem led the class in an exploration of some of the traumas of modern society and our responses to them.

Our tireless Liturgical Arts and Youth Connection Christmas Elves have brought Christmas lights into our lobby. When you are in church next, check out their magic. And don’t forget to pick up a wish from the Angel Tree.

Advent is a time to take hope seriously.  And deeply.  And courageously.  The title of this three-week December series, adapted from a phrase by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, sets out to reclaim Advent…

Bill Eklund shared highlights of a visit to our sister church in Sagua La Grande Cuba at the adult education class on Nov 27. The Cubans love to sing and dance. Want to see Pastor Harry dance? View the video.

Members of our church who visited our sister church in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, share their photos and experiences at the Adult Ed class on November 27. Join us to learn more about the challenges, successes, and future directions of our partnership.

Our church held another successful COVID vaccination clinic on Nov 19 with a total of 157 vaccinations, 3 of which were the initial shots. Plans are under way for another clinic in late December.

Shop Guatemalan textiles, locally sewn items by las Mujeres de Adelante, coffee from Chiapas, photo greeting cards, olive oil from Palestine, home-baked treats and fun items for children on Dec 4 from 9:30am-1pm in Pope Hall.

Be an ANGEL to a homeless teen, toddler, baby or young mother.  Look for the Angel Giving Tree in the lobby where you will find a wish list that includes winter clothes and dolls, books and Instant Pots, gift cards and blankets, a high chair and more.

Pastor Harry follows up on an earlier presentation on climate change by Pastor Andrew and Jen Black. Slides offered eye-opening facts, and the class entered into discussions of what we could do as individuals or as a church.

Pastor Andrew leads this Nov 6 adult ed class discussion of our Christian faith, scripture, and the challenges of climate change. Jen Black introduces the history, science, and dangers of climate change.

On Nov 13, we gather in the sanctuary for one service at 10am to make our annual pledge commitments, Building the Beloved Community. We then assemble in Pope Hall for a stewardship luncheon and fellowship.

And what does renewal look like? What old must fall away? What new must arise? Churches, even ours, can hurt or benefit the environment. Pastor Harry continues Jen Black’s presentation on climate change, and he explores what we as a church can do

Our next COVID vaccination clinic is Nov 19 from 10 am to 2 pm, by appointment or walk-in. First shots and boosters are available for all (ages 6 months and up) in our child-friendly environment. Pass the word.

Join us Sunday, Nov 6, as we give thanks for loved ones, friends, and members of our community who passed away this past year. We will honor them with music, reading of names, prayer, and communion at both our 9:30 and 11:00 services.

Plague, war, church executions—through it all St. Julian saw and radiated God’s motherly love. Plan to attend “Julian” played by Linda Loving with music by the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble, Nov 6 at 3pm.

What is happening regarding the true impacts of climate change and what is the church’s role in addressing this critical issue? Join scientist Jen Black and Rev. Andrew Black for Nov 6 adult ed.

Pastor Andrew shares information on US energy and discusses a specific initiative for our church in an Oct 30 adult ed class, “From Crisis to Action–Exploring Environmental Policies in Our Own Backyard.”

Feel the warmth of the Beloved Community on Oct 30, between worship services. Members of Stewardship will greet you in the church lobby with hospitality, coffee and donuts, and activities.

In our Oct 30 adult ed, Rev. Andrew Black will lead us in an interactive presentation, “From Crisis to Action–Exploring Environmental Policies in Our Own Backyard.” Join us at 8:30am in the chapel or on Zoom.

Want to get outside while doing something GREAT for New Mexico? Join us on Nov 5 for a guided hiking tour & community-wide clean-up of the Caja del Rio. Learn about efforts to protect the Caja and meet fellow stewards.

We observe All Saints’ Day on Sunday, Nov 6.  If you have a loved one who passed away in the year since last All Saint’s Day and would like to have them acknowledged on All Saints’ Day, please email the church office.

Tony Arnold, environmental justice law professor at Brandeis, describes environmental justice and tells stories from his 30 years of work in this video of his Oct 16 at adult ed class. Hear his insights on how we can respond to injustices with God’s radically transformative love.

Friday, October 28, bring a pumpkin and join us for an afternoon of painting, carving, and treats. Meet in the church lobby from 3-5pm. All are welcomed!

Adelante serves children, teens, and their families experiencing homelessness. We are collecting diapers, warm winter gear, furniture and household supplies, shoes and school supplies, and clothes (3T-5T) to help meet the need.

Pledge packets are available now! If you have not yet picked yours up, you can find one with your name on it on the table in the church lobby this Sunday. Remaining packets will be mailed next week.

Skilled seamstresses from our church have created and donated 40 beautiful Christmas stockings to immigration shelters in Juarez, Mexico—along with many, many items to fill those stockings. Imagine the children’s delight!

Tony Arnold, environmental justice law professor at Brandeis, describes environmental justice and tells stories from his 30 years of work. On Oct 16 at adult ed, hear his insights on how we can respond to injustices with God’s radically transformative love.

Once again as the holiday season approaches—are you receiving unwanted Christmas cards (with envelopes) and 2023 calendars through the mail? Bring them to church to donate to the chaplain of Santa Fe Penitentiary.

Don’t miss one of the casual gatherings for the Beloved Community pledge drive. Gatherings will be from Oct 18-23—two at church and two in homes. It’s time to get together and visit with each other. Call the church or sign up in the lobby.

What does it look like to tell the good news through the stories of women who are often on the margins of scripture? Join our adult ed Sunday Oct 16 at 8:30am when Pastor Harry introduces A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wilda Gafney.

Which Bible translations are most reliable? What are some of the new ones? Allen Gulledge shares some insights gained from his 10 year exploration. The video is now available. 

When the Afghan government collapsed and the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the US airlifted thousands of vulnerable Afghans and their families to the United States. Many came to Santa Fe, and we are helping them.

“Since arriving in DC, I’ve found myself being asked “what questions I want answered this year and how I want this experience as a YAV to change me?” Drew Hill begins his post on his Year of Service as a PCUSA Young Adult Volunteer.

The Building the Beloved Community pledge season kicks off in service to others! We are collecting specific items for the students in our own Child Development Center. Drop off donations Saturday, Oct 15, 10-noon, or bring to church Oct 16.

How do we endure these deeply disorienting times of chaos and conflict and still faithfully address the issues and challenges which swirl around us? What resources can we uncover in our Christian faith and heritage that might help us meet the challenges of today? Join us for this new Sunday morning Adult Education series.

Our Beloved Community Pledge Drive kicks off October 15-16 with a drop off of items for our Child Development Center, then continues with Gatherings in church and at homes October 18-23, and then wraps up with Pledge Sunday on November 13.

It’s about time, especially here in New Mexico, where it is an official holiday instead of Columbus Day. We acknowledge. We celebrate. Join our special worship services October 9.

On October 2, the International Day of Nonviolence and the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, Rev. Bobb Barnes led our adult education class in a discussion of Jesus’ message of nonviolence, especially the words of the Sermon on the Mount.

View this lively and heartwarming Homecoming Service, held September 18 in Federal Park. Enjoy the bagpipes, gospel songs, a pastoral skit, and the baptism of Brooke Black with an added Pueblo blessing ceremony.

Rev. Andrew Black led a group including Secretary Deb Haaland, Senator Heinrich, and Tracy Stone-Manning of BLM on a visit to the Caja del Rio for National Public Lands Day. Pueblo and community leaders are attempting to protect the cultural areas and fragile ecosystems of the Caja.

For Hispanic Heritage Month this year, we will be sharing information on a few of the Hispanic persons for whom schools are named in Santa Fe. Our first person is Nina Otera, who was an educational advocate, suffragette and superintendent of county schools.

Sunday, October 2, we recognize Peace and Global Witness Sunday and join other Christians to celebrate World Communion. Our service times are 9:45 am on the roof top and 11:00 am in the sanctuary (livestreamed).

Resuming in late August, Santa Fe Soul Festival lit up a weekend with African art and textiles, African inspired fashions, and a Gospel Concert. Be sure to watch for SFSF next year.

Fireside Chats with the Mystics have begun discussing Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic—and Beyond. Join in when you can and prepare for the Julian of Norwich play featuring Linda Loving, November 6, 3:00 pm.

Preschool Teacher Vacancy Our five-star nationally accredited Child Development Center has an immediate preschool teaching opportunity. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Anne Liley or apply online.

On Sunday August 28, at our adult education class, Pamela McClanahan shared moving stories and videos about “Love Matters Most,” a project in Kenya, which saves lives, restores families, and prevents orphans. Consider a  donation to this important work.

Las Placitas Presbyterian Church is asking us again this year to help make simple Christmas stockings for immigrant children. Other donation options are available. If interested, contact Judy Crawford.

At the adult education hour (9:45 am) through the summer, Pastor Harry leads us in Ecclesia. Join us in person in the chapel or on Zoom to discuss scripture, pray, and share joys and concerns.

August 27-28, the Santa Fe Soul Festival features a Saturday fashion show from 1:30–4:30 pm at our church, featuring Brenda Winstead’s “Connecting Africa with America through Fashion.”  On Sunday, a gospel concert will be held at 4:00 pm in St. Francis Auditorium.

Pastor Harry and scenes from our Guns to Gardens event on July 24 are featured in this short, inspiring video “Beating Swords to Plowshares.” Watch and share with friends on social media.

Friday, August 12, at 2 pm, celebrate the Caja del Rio’s culture, land, water, and wildlife with free music, food, and beer at the Santa Fe Brewing Company.

August 2nd, we provided 65 children (ages 6 month to 12 years) and a few adults with COVID vaccinations in our child-friendly preschool. We had to go get more vaccines to serve all who arrived.

While you are enjoying nature, gather tokens that speak to you and create your own Earth Altar. Then share an image of it with the congregation through our Liturgical Arts Committee.

On July 24 at 10 am on our triangle, Santa Fe honors Pastor Harry and Miranda Viscoli for their peacemaking efforts. And we saw a demonstration of their Guns to Gardens work.

From June 18 to July 9, 2022, the Presbyterian Church held its 225th General Assembly (GA), where the Assembly Committee on Addressing Violence in the USA did an amazing job.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Pop-up drive for The Food Depot which was held Saturday, July 16. We delivered approximately 20 grocery bags and 4 large boxes of food and supplies along with $100 in cash.

Sunday July 17, 2022, Rev. Laurie Kraus, Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, shares her work as the “face” of PDA, interpreting PDA’s mission in churches, presbyteries and synods; and teaching, developing curriculum, and writing for various publications.

Pastor Black leads a tour of the petroglyphs. Momentum is building to provide permanent federal protections for the Caja del Rio and petroglyphs. Jim Weber, Santa Fe New Mexican, June 9, 2022.

Mary Ann Lundy and Rev. Mary Kuhns talk about the PC(USA) prochoice policy on reproductive rights—its history and current status.

On June 18, we held our second annual Juneteenth Picnic at Federal Park. The local NAACP presented the program, and 70 people gathered to celebrate freedom for the enslaved people of the U.S.

On June 12 and 19, Bill Eklund will help us meet our siblings in the Sagua La Granda Presbyterian Church, our sister church in Cuba.

Drew Hill addressed the congregation on May 29, talking about his upcoming Young Adult Volunteer participation in DC.

“Over 70 people joined several Santa Fe faith leaders Sunday afternoon to mark the deaths … in Uvalde, Texas, with many pledging to work toward ending gun violence.” Santa Fe New Mexican, May 29, 2022.

On May 22, at 9 am, we gathered at the site of Santa Fe’s WWII Japanese Internment Camp for a service of remembrance for the 4, 550 men uprooted and interned there.