Welcome!
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!" Psalm 122:1
Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, inclusive Christian community of faith celebrating God's love through worship, caring, learning, fellowship, and mission.
2013 Session
Session's first meeting after New Elder installation with Interim Pastor Linda presiding was held in February. Session members are the Church Ruling Elders, the Clerk, and the Pastor (Teaching Elder). The Ruling Elders were elected by the Congregation in November and installed January 13.
l. to r, standing.: Amanda Ball, Sue Buckner, Beth Miller, Lee Malmo, Shawn Campbell, Greg Jones, Marjorie Davison, Mike Bushma, Linda Downey, Alisa Swinderman, Beverly Norman, Linn Jenkins, and Bill Cox. Seated: Pastor Linda Post. Right: Denise Baker.
Ten Tons Plus Donated to Storehouse West
Sandoval County residents were indeed generous May 11th with copious donations of non-perishable food to Storehouse West. This was the largest amount received that any volunteer can recall. Thanks to the Letter Carriers and everyone who participated to help our citizens in need.
Join Our Book Club - Meets 4th Mondays at 7 p.m.
We meet once a month at a member's home for reading fellowship. Contact Lori Osburn for details.
Church Ruling Elders and Deacons
Ruling Elders are chosen by the Congregation members. In leadership with the Pastor and Teaching Elder Linda Post, they exercise direction, government and discipline, and have responsibilities for the life of our church as well as the Presbyterian Church-USA at large. Ruling Elders should be persons of faith, dedication and good judgment. are Our current Ruling Elders are featured below.
Deacons are called to witness the Christian faith by providing a ministry of care, compassion and concern to all members of this Congregation, sharing joys and sorrows and supporting in time of stress and need. Deacons are there to help in crisis situations. Deacons encourage the Congregation's involvement and support in local ministries of service and compassion.
If you would like more information about becoming a Ruling Elder or Deacon, please contact Linda Downey.
- Greg Jones, Elder, Administration
- Scott Hendriksen, Elder, Adult Faith Formation
- Lee Malmo, Elder, Building/Grounds
- Mike Bushma, Elder, Building/Grounds
- Amanda Ball, Elder, Children's Faith Formation
- Helen Pederson, Deacons' Moderator
- Linda Downey, Elder & Clerk of Session
- Denise Baker, Elder, Fellowship
- Bill Cox, Elder, Finance & Stewardship
- Shawn Campbell, Elder, Membership
- Sue Buckner, Elder, Mission
- Beth Miller, Elder, Outreach & Development
- Alisa Swinderman, Elder, Outreach & Development
- Beverly Norman, Elder, Worship
- Marjorie Davison, Elder, Worship
- Linn Jenkins, Elder, Youth
Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque Pop-Tops...
Thank you for your continuing contributions. Click here for more info...
Sunday is Funday - Every August - A Great Time for All!
The City of Rio Rancho holds its Annual Sunday is Funday at Rio Rancho High School the third Sunday in the afternoon 12:00-4:00. Church volunteers staff a tent and help with face-painting, handing out water bottles, and visiting with passers-by.
Diving In to VBS 2012
Last summer's "Dive In" VBS, 2012, was enjoyable for all. Eight adults and 16 youth volunteered, and 26 children attended. Lori greatly appreciated all the volunteers. The VBS children celebrated their week of learning about God's love with music during Children's Time in Worship the following Sunday. Watch for details on VBS 2013!
From Design to Fruition -- New Sanctuary Windows Installed
Joe Bunt and Janet Lacy are done! The final window has been installed on the west wall of the sanctuary. There is a special sequence to the windows on the east wall culminating in the Trinity symbol.
Thanks to all who helped in production, to those who donated in memory of loved ones to underwrite the cost, and to Joe and Janet for their dedication.
- Trinity -- the Final Window
Worship Music - RRPC's Got Talent!
During the months of June, July and August, the Chancel and Handbell Choirs will take a break from their usual Sunday worship services schedule. This is an excellent time for many in our congregation who don't normally participate in organized music groups to share their musical talents . We are always glad for any type of music that augments our worship service. To lend us your musical skills for worship, email Jake Rittenhouse, Director of Music, 505.554.3848.
Phyllis Rasmussen, June and Dick DeFore, the Kelleys, and Karen Payne are Shepherds
Thank you, Phyllis Rasmussen, Dick and June DeFore, Virginia/Fred Kelley, and Karen Payne, for being Shepherds to our new members, Roberta Purcell, the Woods, the Shanklins, and the Thayers, respectively! The Membership Commission has a mentoring program for new members called Shepherds for New Members. They help ensure that our newcomers have found a spiritual and friendly church home by having a partner or partners to rely on...but only if the new member(s) choose(s) to accept.
Since we have been blessed this year to welcome many new members, we need more Shepherds. Please email Shawn Campbell or call 867.0744 if you have questions or are interested in volunteering.
Storehouse West Has a Recycling Opportunity and Needs Brown Paper Grocery Bags
Scrap Metal Recycling
A novel way to donate to Storehouse West! Take scrap metal to Rio Rancho Recycling, 110 Frontage Road, near the intersection of NM 528 and Sundt. Just ask them to credit the Storehouse West account.
Grocery Bags
We need brown paper grocery bags. If you have extra please put them in the box at the entrance to the church, between the outer and inner doors.
Thursday Afternoon Bible Study
- Associate to the Pastor Russ Dykehouse
Rev. Russ Dykehouse is holding Bible study on Thursday afternoons at 1:15. The class reads chronological Bible passages and discusses them after a brief introduction. The sessions last about an hour, and are held in the church library.
Email Pastor Russ or call 891-9824 to enroll or for a near-term schedule of classes. Enrollment is open, so you can join anytime.
Community Partners Tags at Albertsons
The Albertsons Community Partners Program is a way to donate to the church using key tags by shopping at Albertsons. The tags are already programmed for our church -- all you have to do is use the tag at checkout.
The church can potentially earn up to $6,000 a quarter or $24,000 a year. If key tag holders spend $49,999 over one quarter, the church will get a 1% rebate on purchases. If the total is $50,000 or more in one quarter, the church will get a 5% additional rebate on the amount over $50K.
100 RRPC tag holders can easily have quarterly total spending of $500 for groceries, health and beauty items, household products, and prescription drugs.
-- If 100 members spend $5 a week over one quarter and have their key tag scanned at checkout, totalling $6,000, the church will receive a check for $60 at the end of the quarter.
-- If 100 members spend $25 a week and have their tag scanned, we will receive $325.
Be sure to pick up your key tag in the narthex and use it at Albertsons!
Youth Pancakes Fundraiser
Applebee's employees donated their time so RRPC could have a pancake breakfast fundraiser.
Committees and Teams
The Presbyterian Women's Coordinating Team (PWCT), left, meets quarterly at times TBA, and the Mission Committee, right, meets the first Sunday of the month, after Fellowship.
Worship Committee
Worship Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Email or call Moderator Beverly Norman, 891.8795
- Seated, l to r: Co-Moderator Beverly Norman, Music Director Jake Rittenhouse, Ginny Nathan. Standing, l to r: guest Joe Bunt, Thom Hinks, Co-Moderator Randy Morphew, Sharon Glass, Phyllis Rasmussen, guest Janet Lacy. Members not pictured: Elaine Isaacs, Nita Carle, and Curtis Cross.
Administration Committee
The Administration Committee, formerly "Personnel", meets 4th Tuesdays at 6:30. Their jobs are:
to establish and implement human resources policies.
to create and update job descriptions.
to develop and update staff evaluation forms.
to recruit and recommending the hiring of new staff.
to meet with staff to promote professional development and provide support.
to serve as a grievance committee for staff.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month to discuss attendance, Worship CD production for our at-home members, and the Shepherds Program. Moderator Shawn Campbell interviews and the Committee welcomes new members and helps them get acclimated to our church.
- l. to r. Russ Dykehouse, Bob Crowley, Dick DeFore, and Moderator Shawn Campbell. Not pictured: Emily Sue Chambers and Karen Payne.
Adult Faith Formation
The Adult Faith Formation Committee meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 4:30.
The Committee appreciates its adult instructors: Clarence Johnson, Scott Henriksen, Nick Stull, Jennifer Stull, Marjorie Davison, Joanne Thornton, and Lori Osburn.
Building and Grounds Committee
Building and Grounds, the first Commission to meet in 2013, gathered at a table after the Men's Breakfast January 5. Attending were Bill Cox, Bob Crowley, Bill Thornton, Joe Emery, Denise Baker, Marvin Bamberg, Phyllis Rasmussen, and Co-Moderators Lee Malmo and Mike Bushma. Discussion covered repairs and replacements during 2012 and plans for 2013.
Colinas del Norte Student Food-for-Backpacks Program
Bring single-serving, shelf-stable food to the Children's Box in the Narthex for the Colinas del Norte Backpacks Program. Then join us at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the School to fill backpacks for needy children to take home on Fridays.
Pajamas, Socks, Shoes, and Underwear Needed
Storehouse West needs gently used or new pajamas, socks, undies and shoes, sizes infant to age 18. If you can help out with any of these items please put them in the Storehouse West box located just inside the entry.
Youth Group, Sundays at 5:00 - 6:30
Join us Sunday evenings at Youth Group for dinner and fellowship.
Our Candle of Peace in Worship
John 14:27...Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team (PWCT)
We are looking for volunteers to become members of the PWCT. New ideas are so important to keep us vibrant and in tune with the needs of our community. Please consider offering your time and talent to this ongoing mission.
Call 892-1878 or email Liz Bushma. Or just come to one of our meetings at 8:30 the first Saturday of the month.