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How do you build a bridge?  One piece of steel at a time...
God is truly building a bridge between us, His church, and our community through our Shine partnership with A. Montoya. 

I'd like to present a unique opportunity to add some steel to our bridge by bringing encouragement to our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
What's it like to be a teacher at an APS Title 1 school?

You've got a classroom of around 30 kids...which makes for quite a bit of adventure, quite a bit of laughter, and quite a bit of chaos each day! You've got a few kids that are quite respectful and attentive, as well as a few who have never been in a classroom setting and are still learning how to exist in that environment.  You've got the daily challenge of not only educating your class, but also of finding out whether they're safe at home, have access to breakfast and lunch, and have proper clothing for each day's weather.  Though you take interest in each child's family and greatly value parental involvement, you don't always get much response from them.  The majority of your students' parents will probably not attend parent-teacher conferences.

As A. Montoya's Shine partner, we have a great opportunity to communicate to our teachers that they are seen, heard, and loved.  They need to know that they're not alone in their desire to bring transformation to their community, and that their tireless efforts are not unnoticed. 

To acknowledge one's struggle, to enter into it, and to bring relief...well that sounds a lot like Jesus, doesn't it?

Would you please join us in an effort to encourage our teachers at A. Montoya during the week of May 1st - 5th?  Please stop by the school anytime between 7:45a.m. and 2:15p.m. any day that week to drop off goodies, flowers, cards...anything that you think would bring some joy.

Each and every time we walk through the doors of the school, we add to the bridge God is building between us, His church, and the community! I can't think of a more wonderful construction project!

Click here to learn more about the Shine Initiative.

Seven months ago, as new arrivals to New Mexico, and to MCC, my wife Jodi and I attended the Foundations Class. At first, six weeks of doctrine and dogma in a new church seemed daunting, onerous, and, on the surface, somewhat self-servin. What church needs six weeks to indoctrinate newcomers? 

My preconceived notions, however, soon fell away and I found that we had stumbled onto something much more than just an extended newcomers' brief. The Foundations Class is actually exactly what the name says it is, but, rather than focusing exclusively on MCC, the class is rooted in theological principles and provides a detailed overview of the Christian Church: organization, history, doctrinal disagreements, etc.

Each Sunday morning addresses a new topic and is taught rotationally by the Pastor and Elders of MCC. So, every week you are presented with a new face and a unique perspective. The six sessions that make up the Foundations Class are titled: The Nature of God; the Revelation of God - Scripture; the Power of God - The Gospel; the People of God - the Church; Where We Fit - the Distinctives of MCC; Where Do You Fit? - Fellowship Covenant. 

One of the most pleasant surprises we found in Foundations was the opportunity to get to know others in the class while learning and listening, discussing and exploring with one another. Whether you are new to the faith, new to MCC, or just have not yet taken advantage of the opportunity, I encourage you to come to the Foundations Class at MCC.