Church Circles
We use the following model to visually describe our church’s organizational structure. The purpose of the Circles is to enhance communication throughout the church and to encourage greater participation from all Members of First Presbyterian Church. The chart illustrates how communication flows between the committees and ministries to the Session, the Staff and ultimately the Congregation.
Our church committee activities are organized into five large Circles. For a description of each committee/activity and the leadership and names of contacts, click the group name below. To contact any group leader look in your church directory, or contact the church office.
Worship Circle: Music and Worship Committee ⋅ Music Program ⋅ Worship Services ⋅ Wednesday Morning Prayer
Mission Circle: Mission and Social Justice Committee ⋅ CDC (Preschool) Advisory Board ⋅ Cuba Partnership ⋅ Dismantling Racism ⋅ Earth Keepers 360 ⋅ Interfaith Shelter Volunteers
Congregational Life Circle: Circle of Friends ⋅ Deacons ⋅ Food, Fun, & Fellowship ⋅ History and Archives ⋅ Prepared by Men Breakfast ⋅ Prayer Shawl Ministry ⋅ Second Family ⋅ Welcome Ministry
Education Circle: Adult Education ⋅ Family Ministry ⋅ Friday Bible Study ⋅ Religion & Science ⋅ Spanish Bible Study ⋅ Youth Connection
Stewardship Circle: Communications ⋅ Counters ⋅ Facilities ⋅ Finance ⋅ Investments ⋅ Membership ⋅ Nominating ⋅ Office Operations ⋅ Personnel ⋅ Stewardship ⋅ Planned Giving
Worship Circle
Music and Worship Committee
The Worship and Music Committee oversees the details of all worship services in collaboration with the ministers and facilitates the needs of the music program under the supervision of the Director of Music. Included in this committee are three sub-committees:
- Communion volunteers set up the Communion Table monthly and change the colors of the Communion cloths and lectern/pulpit paraments, as well as keep the baptismal font filled with water.
- Liturgical Arts is responsible for changing the adornments (banners, flowers, pew décor) in the sanctuary and church site according to the church year requirements and for festival occasions, as well as supervising other arts, such as dance, that will be used in worship.
- The Ushers are responsible for greeting parishioners, collecting the offering, and lighting the Christ Candle and other candles used in worship.
These sub-committees function primarily in the Sunday Worship Service. The Committee also oversees the appointment of volunteer liturgists for the Sunday Worship Service. Committee Chairperson: Diane Buchanan. Communion Coordinators: Alice Tinkle & Jean Withers. Liturgical Arts Chair: Judi Haines. Head Usher: Allen Gulledge. Music Director: Linda Raney. Back to top.
Worship Services
We regularly hold three worship services:
- MorningSong Sunday Service—MorningSong is an informal service held on the rooftop garden in the summer and in Pope Hall in the winter (other than first Sundays of the month). Contact: Pastor Harry. Back to top.
- Sunday Worship Service—A classic service is held in our historic sanctuary and via Livestream at 11:00 am (other than first Sundays of the month when it is held at 10:00). Contact: Pastor Harry. Back to top.
- Wednesday Evening Celtic EvenSong Service—EvenSong embodies the spirit of Celtic Christianity, which is attracting worshipers drawn by its beauty and mysticism as well as those who appreciate its contemplative peacefulness and quiet. Contact: Pastor Harry. Back to top.
Music Program
The Music Program includes:
- The Chancel Choir is a group of volunteer singers that provides music for Sunday morning services throughout the year. Music Director: Linda Raney.
- Chancel Bell Choir plays for Sunday services as requested and also presents concerts for the TGIF recital series, including a popular concert of Christmas music in December. Director: Travis Brieger.
- Morning Song Singers provide music for the Sunday MorningSong services. Music Director: Linda Raney.
- TGIF Concerts provide short concerts on Friday evenings. Music Director: Linda Raney.
- Children’s Music Program. Contact: Travis Brieger.
Wednesday Morning Prayer
Wednesday Morning Prayer is open to all. It meets in the chapel at 7:00 a.m. and on Zoom. Six to twenty people attend on any given Wednesday …rain, snow, sleet or hail. A short prayer service is followed by coffee time with a far ranging discussion. The prayer service is built around the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (Daily Prayer) and includes the lectionary readings for the coming Sunday, intercessory prayers and times of silence. Contacts: Jane Gee and John Pasch. Back to top.
Wednesday Evening Celtic EvenSong Service
EvenSong embodies the spirit of Celtic Christianity, which is attracting worshipers drawn by its beauty and mysticism as well as those who appreciate its contemplative peacefulness and quiet. Contact: Pastor Harry. Back to top.
Mission Circle
Mission and Social Justice Committee
The Mission and Social Justice (MSJ) Committee determine which missions we fund as an organization. These groups become our hands and feet in meeting the needs of those in our midst who have very few resources for daily living. It is our hope that we who have so much will in addition to our money offer our hearts and prayers to these ministries that they may become in reality a part of our faith commitment. Most of the funding goes to local missions; however, some funds are also allocated for regional/national and international missions (including free trade coffee and olive oil). Co-Chairpersons of MSJ: Gian Schauer and Bruce Goslin. Back to top.
CDC (Preschool) Advisory Board
The Advisory Committee supports and advises our Child Development Center, an onsite preschool serving children ages one to five years. The Committee assists the Preschool Director in establishing overall policies and procedures, fundraising, and conducting special projects. Contact: Anne Liley. Back to top.
Cuba Partnership
First Presbyterian provides monetary and other support to Sagua La Grande Presbyterian Church as well as several other Presbyterian churches in Cuba. Contact: Bill Eklund. Back to top.
Dismantling Structural Racism
Our purpose in these efforts, as adopted from PC(USA), is to join in the PC(USA) Matthew 25 effort to dismantle structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices, and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice, and oppression of people of color. Contact for Dismantling Racism: Judy Crawford. Back to top.
Earth Keepers 360
EarthKeepers 360 focuses on supporting our mission of creation care and environmental stewardship as well as equipping spiritual leaders, churches, and faith communities nationally and internationally with the tools needed to effectively engage modern environmental issues. Contact: Pastor Andrew. Back to top.
Interfaith Shelter Volunteers
One of the largest local ministries we support is the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete’s Place on Cerrillos Road. The deacons and volunteers prepare and serve one meal a month. Contact: Mary Norris. Back to top.
Congregational Life Circle
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends (COF) is an open, inviting gathering of women, new or old to the church and community, who seek spiritual growth and a deeper connection with other women. We meet every 2nd Saturday of the month on Zoom, 10:00am-11:15 a.m. Gatherings are meaningful, lively, contemplative, informative, and confidential. For more information, or to be put on our mailing list, please contact Jenny Harland. Back to top.
Deacons
The members of the Board of Deacons provide support and care to members and friends of the church and to the community. The congregation of the church elects deacons annually, and they serve for three-year terms. The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Contact: Mary Norris. Back to top.
Food, Fun, & Fellowship
This newly formed committee has a lot of fun preparing food for various church fellowship events. No cooking skills required, just a willingness to jump in and help. Contacts: Karin Lerew and Judi Haines. Back to top.
History and Archives
The responsibility of the History Committee is to receive, organize, and archive the official records and other historically significant documents of this church and to educate the membership (and at times the community) in the history of the church. This is a constant ongoing process. Chairperson: Carolyn Minton. Back to top.
Prepared by Men Breakfast
Once a month, the men of the church prepare a breakfast for men and women along with a presentation. The planning group prepares the menu, shops for food, identifies and invites speakers, and prepares and serves the food. Planning Group Leader: Jim Elliott. Back to top.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry gatherings are held twice a month at the church. The time together is spent knitting, sharing community, praying, and meditating. Once a shawl is completed it is blessed in Sunday worship, as well as in the gathering. The shawl is then delivered to one who is going through a hard place in life or possibly at a time of celebration. The group receives requests for shawls from church members, friends, and the community at large. Contact: Tillie Perkins. Back to top.
Second Family
Second Family is a ministry that offers friendship, assistance and encouragement to members of the congregation, who through life’s challenges and are not as independent as they once were. In bite-sized commitments, ministry members form circles of care around an individual, a couple, or a family, thereby becoming a congregational “second family” using their individual gifts to serve in a variety of ways. Contact: Betty Kersting. Back to top.
Welcome Ministry
The Welcome Ministry is tasked with looking out for visitors at all events and reaching out to them as ambassadors of the Church. Committee members look for visitors at both services and attempt to talk to them after the service. Committee members also review the friendship pads every week and send visitors a note or email. Each month “meet and greet” sessions are held for those who wish to explore membership or just want to learn more about programs at the Church or are new to Santa Fe. When new members are welcomed into the Church, Committee members participate in the service and present the newcomers with a “welcome bag” containing our free trade coffee, a First Presbyterian Christmas ornament, or other gift(s). Finally, the Committee members attempt to integrate new members into various church activities. Contact: Sharon Kirby Back to top.
Education Circle
Adult Education
The Adult Education / Acts II Committee is engaged in planning the Acts II: Becoming the New Apostles series. The series began in 2017 with a close look at Acts and the early Christian church and then the Protestant reformation. Further classes include Spiritual Development and various in depth studies. Chairperson: Dick Lindahl. Back to top.
Family Ministry
Through inclusive community and safe spaces, we ensure an atmosphere where all children and youth can learn, grow, wonder, feel accepted, and be loved as God’s children. In supporting our diverse families, we offer a wide-range of events, activities, and opportunities to meet the needs of all ages. Contacts: Jen Black and Pastor Andrew. Back to top.
Friday Bible Study
Bible Study meets every Friday, September through May, and does an in-depth look at the lectionary selection for the week. Contact: Pastor Harry. Back to top.
Religion & Science
The Religion and Science Discussion Group meets the first and third Mondays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The group explores books of science and religion and members express wide-ranging opinions. Contact: Bill Humphreys. Back to top.
Spanish Bible Study
The Spanish Bible Study group meets every other Saturday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. as a hybrid of zoom and in person participation. It has been led by Margarita Lopez for over fifteen years. All levels of Spanish are welcomed. Contact: Alice Tinkle. Back to top.
Youth Connection
The Youth Connection works with Youth ages 11-16 and meets Sunday mornings to study the scripture and learn about how to be more like Jesus. Youth engage in a number of activities, including recently hosting a bake sale, meeting with the Mission and Social Justice group, painting the youth room, making a significant contribution to the success of the Capital Campaign, and attending Youth Week at Ghost Ranch. Contact: Pastor Andrew. Back to top.
Stewardship Circle
Communications
The Communications Committee facilitates internal and external communications about the church’s activities and spirit. Its responsibilities include (1) disseminating information about church policies, activities, and events on a regular basis to the congregation through print and email pieces, on the website, and in other venues; (2) overseeing the design, content, and maintenance of the church’s website; and (3) assisting in the review of major communications sent by other committees and the staff, as needed and requested. Chairperson: Vacant. Website Editor: Gale Wright. Back to top.
Counters
Each week volunteers count the offerings received on Sunday and during the week. This groups is led by Margaret Lyerly and Betty Jones. Back to top.
Facilities
The Facilities Committee works with the Office and Facilities Managers and oversees the use, maintenance and improvements to our historic building. They address immediate concerns, budget matters, and long range planning. Subgroups and individuals also work on the Columbarium, the kitchen, hospitality (open doors and overnight use), and safety issues. Co-Chairpersons: Bill Eklund and Bill Bergner. Columbarium: Delicia Nakazono. Kitchen: Marie Gonzales. Back to top.
Finance
The Finance Committee is responsible for (1) supporting preparation of the annual operating budget; (2) working with the Pastor to identify persons having responsibility for spending and preparing guidance for those individuals; (3) monitoring of budget execution and spending of restricted funds; and (4) reviewing financial reports and making recommendations to Session. Chairperson: Dennis Sanderson. Back to top.
Investments
The Investment Committee is responsible for (1) identifying and evaluating potential investments; (2) making recommendations to the Session with regard to particular investments; and (3) monitoring and reporting on the performance of the Church’s investments to Session. Chairperson: Dennis Sanderson. Back to top.
Membership
The Membership Volunteers assist staff by maintaining membership records. Contact: Betty Kersting. Back to top.
Nominating
The Nominating Committee selects candidates for the Session, Board of Deacons, and corporate officers. It reviews information on eligible church members in order to match the appropriate persons to the responsibilities of the leadership position. The Nominating Committee, after consultation with the candidates, submits the candidate name to the Congregation for approval. Chairperson: Rick Andrew. Back to top.
Office Operations
The Office Operations Committee works closely with the Office staff and provides oversight and support for all responsibilities that fall within office operations, including technology and facilities use. The office is responsible for the church calendar including booking events and other facility use requests. The chair acts as liaison with other committees and their respective chairs regarding office services and facilities use. Chairperson: Judi Haines. Back to top.
Personnel
The Personnel Committee seeks to build and maintain a healthy work environment for all church staff by (1) setting forth clear guidelines delineating expectations, evaluation of performance, benefits, and personnel policies for all staff members; (2) reviewing and recommending to Session approval of changes to staff position descriptions and compensation packages; and (3) reviewing annually the FPC Human Resource Manual, working with the head of Staff and the CDC Director to ensure compliance and uniform application of policies. Chairperson: Rick Andrew. Back to top.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee is responsible for overseeing all fundraising activities of the Church. Specifically, it is responsible for: (1) conducting the annual stewardship campaign; (2) overseeing special offerings and fundraising campaigns, including capital campaigns as needed; and (3) interacting with potential donors who express interest in giving to the Church by way of wills, bequests, trusts, memorials, endowments, restricted gifts, or other forms of special gifts. Chairperson: Roger Said. Back to top.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Committee assists members in planning future gifts to the church through their wills and trusts or other means. They plan educational programs and individual assistance. Chairpersons: Diane Buchanan and Rick Andrew. Back to top.