NM Ecumenical News and Events
June - August 2008
News from around the Conference
Delegates to The United Church of Christ Southwest Conference 2008 Annual Meeting called the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer as their next Conference Minister. John is coming from the St. Louis area with his wife Mimi. He is excited about the move and shared his feelings:
“You have changed our lives already, and we look forward to discovering with you what the Holy Spirit had in mind by calling us to share ministry with one another.
“So many new friends from the Southwest made a point of sitting with Mimi, sharing with us both their stories and their excitement about our arrival. We can’t tell you how much your hospitality and your enthusiasm has meant to us. We, to, are very excited. We know that many challenges face us, but we are not daunted. We are truly filled with joy that this opportunity to reshape our ministry with you has come our way.
“I announced at the Annual Meeting that much of my task initially will focus on building relationships.
“I covet your prayers—for me, for my family, and for our shared ministry. May it please God to bless us all on this new journey we undertake.”
Church Women United—Albuquerque Area have named Rev. Dr. Kay Huggins their 2008 Valiant Woman. They described her:
“Even though Rev. Huggins was a “child of the 60’s” she always stayed close to the church . . . her faith was important to her. Her life consistently represents true dedication to her faith and the willingness to take on difficult projects; whether it was being the pastor of a steelmaking town church or starting a new church from an envelope with 4 names on it. After reading her biographical information, it appears everything Rev. Huggins has been or is associated with blossoms and grows.
“Her accomplishments include: Pastor for Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church for 14 years; Chair, NMCC “Decade of Solidarity with Women” Committee; leading several Bible studies & events for CWU; Doctor of Ministry degree in Louisville in 1996; Commissioner to the General Assembly; joined the Ecumenical Institute for Ministry; served as Volunteer Coordinator at Cuidando los Niños in 2005-06; she is one of the Women in Black in front of the Federal Courthouse on Thursday at noon.
“That’s why she’s our Valiant Woman!”
Ongoing Events
ONGOING -- G.I. RIGHTS HOTLINE
The New Mexico G.I. Rights hotline is now available to military (or ex-military) personnel who don’t know where to turn for information about harassment, AWOL, discharges, conscientious objection, gender issues, free speech, benefits, andother concerns. Call 505-404-6427.
ONGOING -- NEW AIRPORT CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
If you are interested in airport chaplaincy as a possible expansion of your outreach, please speak to Rev. Peter Broussard, chaplaincy program administrator, who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Call 610-3353 or page YOU-CHAP (968-2427).
YOUTH ARE LOOKING FOR MENTORS
Would you consider being part of a team that mentors youth who have been in detention and are now returning to their local communities? The Parole Empowerment Partners of the New Mexico Conference of Churches have identified youth who are requesting mentors from churches upon their release. Youth are looking for adults who can listen, offer support and guidance, and have fun. Mentoring involves working on a team of two or more persons, often from the same faith community. We offer training and ongoing support and the chance to be a caring presence in the life of a young person. Each team commits to meeting weekly with the youth for at least one hour for six months. For more information, contact Stephen Tumolo or the Rev. Daniel Erdman at 867-2956 or e-mail smtumolo@earthlink.net.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Dismas House is seeking volunteers for preparing and sharing meals with residents at our homes in Albuquerque. Our mission is to assist motivated adults on probation and parole to transition successfully into society. Teams of people are needed at either men’s or women’s houses. Visit www.dismashousenewmexico.org or contact Corinne at 343-0746.
SPEAKER AVAILABLE
Is your church or group interested in finding out more about those who are transitioning from jail or prison? Dismas House is a beacon of hope and safe passage for men and women transitioning back into society. We’re available for speaking engagements with your group at no charge. Please contact Skitch or Ann at 343-0746 for further information.
EVERY FRIDAY -- JUBILADOS (SANTA FE) ELDER CIRCLE MEETING
This group meets to discuss the spiritual potential in aging and other subjects of interest in conscious aging. A goal is the development of a living community for elders that would house 140 people. Meets at 9:15 A.M. at 2153 Calle de Sabastian, Santa Fe. Open to all interested people, call before coming for planning purposes: Niels, 505-982-5639.
FIRST SUNDAYS -- ALBUQUERQUE NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES
Join us as we create a world of love, kindness and generosity based on Michael Lerner’s book, The Left Hand of God. Meets at 2:00 P.M. at the First Unitarian Church, Comanche and Carlisle, Albuquerque. More information at www.spiritualprogressives.org or call Jane at 323-6162.
FIRST SATURDAYS -- CONSCIOUS AGING GROUP
A self-led group, we meet to discuss various issues relating to Spiritual Eldering and conscious aging. Our goal is to live our elder years with as much zest and involvement as possible. Meets 9:30 A.M. to noon in the Wesson Room of the First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque. Bring a breakfast snack to share. Call Anne, 246-2616 for information.
THIRD MONDAYS -- CALLED BACK TO THE WELL SABBATH DAY
All pastoral leaders are invited to a monthly day apart at the Norbertine Center in Albuquerque. The Clergy Sabbath will be the 3rd Monday of each month. We will begin at 9:30 A.M. and end by 4:00 P.M. Cost for the day is $25 and includes lunch. You may choose to attend one day or all the days. There will be some time for us to gather as a group and time for you to spend in silence. Bring your journal. An RSVP would be appreciated. Contact Sue Joiner at 505-332-8020 or by e-mail to sjoiner@samaritancc.com.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY -- HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Help New Mexico residents get an opportunity to own their own homes. Volunteer with any of the 18 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in New Mexico. Visit www.habitatnewmexico.org or call (505) 434-1533 for more information.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY -- THE STOREHOUSE
The Storehouse is free emergency food and clothing for the neediest in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. We have volunteer orientations on the first and third Fridays of every month at 1:00 P.M. at The Storehouse, 106 Broadway SE. Please call Rev. Sandy Burley at 842-6491 for volunteer information. We also have a food program for low-income people who are shut-ins.
WEDNESDAYS -- COMMITTEE TO STOP THE WAR MACHINE
Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Peace and Justice Center, 202 Harvard SE, Albuquerque. E-mail stopthewarmachine@comcast.net for more information.
AN ACT OF LOVE -- FOSTER OR ADOPT A NEW MEXICO CHILD
You can make a profound difference in the life of a New Mexico child—and enrich your own life. You can be single or married. You need enough space in your home, but you do not need to own it. You need to participate in training and home study. You need to be committed to caring for and loving children. Foster parents receive a monetary reimbursement from Children, Youth and Families Department. There is usually no fee for adopting through CYFD. Call 1-800-432-2075 or visit www.cyfd.org.
EVERY THURSDAY -- PEACE IS POSSIBLE!
Women in Black (WIB) is a movement of women who hold silent vigils across our planet. We stand dressed in black to honor those who have experienced the devastation and tragedy of violence. This simple action unites us in our commitment to justice and a world free of violence. We invite your participation in promoting peace within our sphere of influence: your heart, your home, your workplace, your community. By cultivating peace in our own lives, we change the world, leaving it better for those who follow. Dress in black, stand in silent vigil, no signs or banners, no chanting, and no marching. Respond to inquiries and challenges by offering only written information; no confrontation, justification, offensive or defensive responses, etc. Stay on the sidewalk and do not block movement of others in any way.
WIB hold their silent vigil every Thursday, noon to 1:00 P.M. on Lomas Blvd. between Third and Fourth Streets, in front of the Federal Courthouse, north side of the street. WIB is a movement, not an organization, there is not an office, they don’t hold meetings, and there is no phone number. For more information go to www.womeninblack.org or just come to the vigil and experience it!
Monthly Calendar
TUESDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 3-6 ANNUAL MEETING: NM CONFERENCE, THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
To be held at Lifeway Retreat Center, Glorieta, NM. Call 505-255-8786 for more information.
THURSDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 5-9 -- THE MYSTIC SAINTS
By definition a Mystic is one who seeks the knowledge and love of God and experiences a profound personal encounter with the Divine. During this retreat, David Garza, a former retreat director a Mercy Retreat Center in Slaton, TX, and his associates will dramatize the search for knowledge and love of God. This retreat is an introduction to Christian Mysticism as experienced by saints such as Augustine, Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Rita of Cascia, Catherine of Siena, Padre Pio, Fustina, Anne Catherine Emmerich. To be held at the Pecos Benedictine Monastery. Visit www.pecosmonastery.org or call 505-757-6600 for more information.
MONDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 9-15 -- HEARING DIVINE WHISPERS
“Opening to God through Our Dreams” retreat will be led by Tom Lane. We will explore our nighttime dreams as gifts of grace, meaning, and guidance for living more truly, fully, and deeply. Through varied approaches individually and together, each participant will learn how to understand what essential and vitally significant messages his or her dreams are trying to convey to their own life. All should come prepared to share their recent dreams in an atmosphere of mutual support and fascination. To be held at Ghost Ranch Abiquiu. Registration $830 per person. Go to www.ghostranch.org for more information.
TUESDAYS, JUNE 17 AND 24 -- AARP DAYS
These community forums will discuss topics such as identity theft and prevention, financial security, and health care reform. The first event will be in Santa Fe at the Courtyard Marriott. The second at the Okay Owingee Casino and Resort meeting space. Each is from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. Call 505-946-3605 for more information.
MONDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 23-29 -- THE POWER TO CHANGE: ENERGY AND HOW WE LIVE
This retreat is the first in a ten-year commitment by Ghost Ranch focusing on “Earth-honoring Faith: A Song of Songs.” The focus for 2008 is a theological and ethical treatment of energy and energy policy with a view to a sustainable way of life. Faculty are Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary, NYC and author of Earth Community; Melanie Harris, Assistant Professor of Religion and Ethics, Texas Christian University and brings the thought of Alice Walker and the resources of African-American women’s experience to her own work in economic and ecological justice; James Martin-Schramm, Professor of Religion, Luther College and the author of a draft statement on U.S. energy policy and global warming, scheduled for consideration at the 2008 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). To be held at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu. Cost is $350 + housing and meals. Visit www.ghostranch.org to register.
MONDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 7-13 -- THE GHOST RANCH CHORALE: MANY TONGUES, ONE SPIRIT
Albuquerque conductor and composer David Poole has been teaching at Ghost Ranch for the past six years. This year’s Chorale celebrates the unity of all God’s people. Though we speak diverse languages, live and worship in a multitude of ways, we are connected—not just to one another, but to all earth’s inhabitants—as the community of the created. We will explore expressions of unity from a variety of traditions, including Christian, Jewish and Native American. Our repertoire will include two pieces by award-winning composer Michael Mauldin, who will visit us during the week. For more info contact David, 301-5611 or davidpoole@cybermesa.com. To register, visit www.ghostranch.org/seminars-registration/
SUNDAY, JULY 13 -- RECONCILING IN CHRIST
The Sangre de Cristo chapter will meet at Christ Lutheran Church in Santa Fe, 1701 Arroyo Chamiso from 3:00 to 4:30 P.M. The meeting is open to anyone interested in how congregations can make themselves deliberately more welcoming to all people of all identities. We’re looking at what we do and what we say that makes people come and sometimes makes people leave! Come help us hold that mirror up! E-mail nvmatthews@msn.com for more information.
MONDAY-FRIDAY, AUGUST 11-15 -- SCHOOL FOR DISCERNMENTARIANS
Water in the Desert Ministries is offering a newly revised School for Discernmentarians in Nashville, TN. This School teaches this ancient practice of discernment and focuses on a prayerful way of decision making. The curriculum is aimed toward teaching pastors and church leaders to place God in the center of the process while listening to the members of the church as they seek to decide the direction of their church’s ministry. Faculty for the event are Dr. Judith Todd (PCUSA) and Rev. Val Isenhower (ABC-USA). Registration is available online at www.waterinthedesert.org.
