What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
We aim to live out our mission & vision through inclusive, communal, music-filled, liturgically-based worhip and relationship-building programs and events that take place within and outside of the church. We deepen our faith & nurture our relationships through Bible study and educational events, by offering opportunities for discussion, social engagement, and by creating collaborative relationships with our neighbors and community partners. We seek to further Christ's unfolding reign of justic and compassion by running a 3-day a week food pantry for the community, providing free afterschool arts education for La Mesa Elementary School students, hosting community celebrations, creating and caring for a community garden and by partnering with numerous non-profits and other community collectives in order to avocate for food justice,quality education, behavioral healthcare, immigrant rights, police reform, gun violence prevention, and the housing of people in need of shelter. (See links below to see osome of our community partners.) |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
La Mesa is deeply involved in the community and is constantly working to jointly identify and meet the spiritual, mental, and physical needs and dreams of our International District neighborhood. Through multiple partnerships with community members and organizations we engage in on-going discussions about how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Pastoral, lay ladership, and Deacon care is an important part of our daily concern as we aim to help members stay connected through Zoom, internet capabilities, visitations, sending cards, making phone calls, and having relevant sermon/educational/program content even as we navigated a pandemic. We never closed the food pantry, even at the height of the pandemic and through this transitional process. |
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
The La Mesa congregation has gone through many changes over the years, We began as a mostly while, middle class neighborhood church over 75 years ago, but we deeply belive that God continues to call us to serve this La Mesa neighborhoood, described as the Internatinal District and made up of mostly poor, transient, immigrants and refugees. It is still our place of call. Thus, it is because of our trust in God that we continue to be faithful members of this neighborhood and seek to call a pastor that will help us continue our service while also valuing our long-time members and friends. We need the compassionate leadership and creativity of a called pastor to help us continue this ministry into a new and technologically challenging world. Though we have not made bilingualism a requirement (though a Spanish speaker is desirable), it shoud be noted that cultural proficiency is an important factor as well as urban ministry skills in order for us to serve in this place faithfully. Our congregation is amazingly open and welcoming and willing to try new things while also valuing the Presbyterian's perspective that "Christ alone rules, calls, teaches, and uses the Church as he wills." (Book of Order, F-1.0202). Our communion table (la mesa) is open to all who seek to know God. It is our prayer to invite and call a Pastor who will serve all at this table. |
Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
Please refer to our chosen 10 leadership competencies in this document as they reflect the top 10 leadership competencies as chosen by the congregation thrrough our recently completed Pastor Nomination Survey. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
- Be a diligent student of the Scripture and its interpretation and relevance for contemporary Christian life.
- Share the Gospel with all persons, communicating its joys and justice.
- Provide opportunities for learning and growth in understanding of the Christian faith for persons of all ages, such as Sunday School, Bible study, mission programs and community ministries.
- Provide, in collaboration wih the Elders and Deacons, pastoral care and counseling for the members and friends of the congregation.
- Lead the congregation in membership growth including outreach into the community.
- Serve as an ad hoc member, without vote, on all Session committees, maintaining overview and providing guidance and support.
- Participate in church governing bodies above the Session and in ecumenical relationships.
- Teach new member and confirmation classes as well as provide officer training
- Participate in planning and implementing all worship services.
- Maintain the chruch office as the center for church communications and coordination of activities.
- Establish and attempt to maintain regular office hours.
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Optional Links
https://www.lamesapresabq.org/
https://www.aps.edu/schools/schools/la-mesa-elementary-school
https://www.centrosavila.org/the-hopkins-center
https://www.eastcentralministries.org/
https://www.abqinterfaith.org/
https://headinghome.org/
https://www.apdforward.org/ |