Presbytery del Cristo met August 8-9, 2024, at Hummingbird Music Camp in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. The meeting was hosted by Westside Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Rev. Harry Chapman, pastor, and Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rev. Lyle Reece, Rev. Jerry Smyrl, and Rev. Marty Goehring, pastors.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening by Moderator Rev. Timothy Young. The constituting prayer was offered by Rev. Alan Leung, newly ordained minister at Chinese Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Following of roll call and hearing of absences the Presbytery Council report was presented by Stated Clerk Ken Smith. The list of openings on committees and officers were given and nominations were presented. After a short business meeting and opening announcements the Presbytery moved into a time of worship lead by the host churches which was held outdoors under the stars as the crickets and cicadas serenaded all the attendees. Licentiate Yohance Warrick, from Heights, presented the message. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was observed. The meeting was adjourned to reconvene the next morning.
On Friday morning the meeting was called to order at 8:35am. Moderator Rev Tim Young offered the opening prayer and the morning devotional.
Ministry sharing was presented by Rev. Gary Barricklow, who is serving as chaplain at Torrance County Detention Facility in Estancia, New Mexico. This is a new ministry for Presbytery del Cristo, and it was interesting as Gary explained prison ministry. While Gary was preparing for the ministry he found his calling in prison ministry. Also with the Presbytery was Chief Kevin Howard who is the coordinator of the services at the prison. He further explained prison ministry and what an impact that Gary has had on the prison – not only the inmates but the employees as well.
Scott Duran from Seed and Light International gave a presentation during the Misson Committee report. He explained what Seed and Light did and how they were servicing the world.
Care of the Ministers Committee presented the request from Rev. Walter Lau to be placed on the Retired roll of the Presbytery. Rev. Sharon Huey requested to be placed on the Retired roll of the Presbytery. The Presbytery gave their blessing for Rev. George Estes and Rev. Melissa Knight to serve outside the bounds of the Presbytery. The presbyters were reminded that the Presbytery pays their enrollment fee in the Employee Assistance Program. All ministers (active, retired) are enrolled and can take advantage of this program.
The Presbytery entered a time of discussion regarding Maranatha Cumberland Presbyterian Church purchasing property from Tres Rios Presbytery. This is the facility that they have been worshiping in for many years. But now the property will be Maranatha’s.
The Presbytery received reports from the Commissions to Ordain and Install Rev. Alan Leung, Chinese Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Commission to Ordain and Install Rev. William Leung, Chinese Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery also received the report from the Commission to Install Rev. Al Tizon, Grace Fellowship Community Church.
The Presbytery received the reports from the Commissioners to General Assembly, and the reports from the delegates to Mission Synod.
The Stated Meeting of Presbytery del Cristo adjourned at 2:34 pm after the closing prayer of Thanksgiving presented by Moderator Rev. Tim Young.
The next Stated Meeting of Presbytery del Cristo will be held March 13-14, 2025, with First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Lubbock, Texas serving as host church.
