Blog

"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” - Mr. Rogers

These are some of the ways Mountain Christian has been helping lately.  We had a youth service project at the beginning of this month. 13 volunteers trimmed trees, removed brush and cleared slash for a family affected by health issues in our body. It was a great opportunity to grow together, while serving others and serving the Lord.

Our Shine ministry was able to partner with the PTA/PAWSS at A. Montoya Elementary to provide a staff BBQ. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and there was a huge salad bar and lots of yummy desserts.  The best part were the smiles from the teachers and staff and fellowshiping that was able to take place. Many commented on how thankful they were and how nice it was to do something like this again. The new adirondack chairs Shine recently purchased were used for the first time and were also a big hit. 

Shine also coordinated a landscaping workday at A. Montoya to help tame some plants in the patio area. There were many volunteers that showed up, including some from throughout the community. What an encouragement to see people coming together to help beautify the school. Check out the before and after pictures.

Our Wood Ministry also felled two 60’ trees and delivered them this last Saturday. The next Wood Ministry project will be on May 14. Please save the date and join us!

Our family has always had a cherished tradition of celebrating the Passover. We gather candles, use fancy glasses, wine or sparkling grape juice and a traditional Seder plate filled with symbolic foods. There is something soul stirring, sitting around a candle lit dinner table retelling the story of God's plan for salvation.

For a Christian, reading about Passover foretells the story of our snow white, perfect, and innocent Lamb whose blood was shed so that death could not touch us. Along with our Seder we read Matthew 26:1-45. We do communion as a family just as Christ did with his disciples. We read about Christ’s loneliness as He goes into the garden to pray.  Reading the story and taking communion together prepares our hearts for celebrating His rising from the tomb.

Our family usually does lamb for our Seder because we feel it is the most representative biblically, however Jewish tradition does not. A traditional Jewish meal has fish or brisket. Some years with small children has been much simpler. Some years it has been more drawn out. No matter the year or the meal, we tell the story of salvation and teach it to our children following it with communion just as Christ did with his disciples before His arrest.

If you would like to do your own Passover Seder, here are a few recommendations. It really doesn't have to be perfect or done in a traditional Jewish manner.  It really is just about taking time to reflect on that sting of death and rejoice that God provided a way for us to live. 

With small children we have used Jennifer Pepito’s free resource for a Passover Seder. It's simple and easy to follow along with. I have used this during seasons of babies and small children. It comes with free printables, a hymn, and menu ideas. To download her guide click here.

My second recommendation is for Ann Voskamp’s Seder guide. Her guide follows more of the traditional feel, but her emphasis is placed on Christ as our Passover Lamb sacrifice. Click here to download.

No matter how or even if you choose to celebrate, I pray this season is filled with joy and we can all focus our hearts on the sacrifice that was made.

Hi, we’re Josh and Naomi Mallett! Josh is the new Tech Ministry Coordinator here at Mountain Christian. We have 3 kiddos, Jason, Rose, and Olena and we have lived in or near the East mountains our entire lives. We started coming to MCC in June of 2021 after scouting for a new home church within the East mountains. We have a couple friends and Naomi’s little brother, Daniel Knapton who recommended MCC. We officially joined up shortly after visiting and liking what we found.

Our family hobbies are making music, art, and food. We also enjoy doing almost anything outdoors!  We are thrilled that we get to be a part of the tech team and are loving the privilege of getting to know and serve with everyone here. We look forward to building more relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and above all seek to honor the Lord with our hearts and our actions.

Juntos targets the youth and families who live in Albuquerque’s International District and East Central. The families they support include 50% immigrants, 25% Native American and 25% other demographic and local residents. Their focus is youth development with the goal that those who participate will become spiritual leaders in their families and the community. They operate from a mindset of holistic discipleship. This means they address both the spiritual needs as well as the social, mental and emotional well being of youth and their families.

Juntos engages with the community through a number of programs including: high school discipleship study on Sunday nights; middle school Bible study on Tuesday nights; Rally Night on Mondays focusing on teaching elementary/middle school kids the Word while proving leadership opportunities for Juntos high school students; Thursday afternoon Learning Lab provides tutoring resources; and Kids Club which meetings on the 2^nd week of June and provides a VBS experience for the Juntos children.  

Impact:

• Serving 50 children and their families,
• Numerous Juntos High School students leading activities attended by younger students,
• Numerous students have graduated from the program only to return and work for Juntos or volunteer their time.

Opportunities to Engage:

• Serve as a tutor on Thursday afternoons - various subject for grades K-12,
• In June volunteer for Kids Club - need help with worship, small group leaders and activity leaders,
• Volunteer when you can to help with special events.