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We are continuing our series on Getting to Know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Bernadette Gutierrez, who serves as our church administrative assistant. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Albuquerque at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital and yes, it’s still home. Well, east of Albuquerque now. 

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I don’t have any memories of wanting to be anything specific, I always thought I’d be a mom. 

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

Probably my mother. She would pray with my sisters and I regularly. She made sure we were in church every Sunday and she was faithful to follow the requirements of the Catholic Church. My faith and relationship with God grew from that foundation.  

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My relationship with Christ became my own when I was in high school. A friend would occasionally take me to Calvary Church. I was amazed at what I heard and realized this could actually be true. It made sense to me and gave me a desire to learn more, however, I rarely had transportation to get there. So later, when I could drive myself, I would go to the Wednesday evening study and despite lots of detours, my relationship continued to grow and is still growing. 

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

There are so many that I love but my mind comes to this verse because I will occasionally share it with my kids.  

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27  

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?     

The Lord is so faithful to answer prayers but most recently when Paul stepped down, I thought it would be difficult to find another who did so much and was always patient and kind. I prayed for another co-worker that would be faithful, patient and kind and we got Cruz. What a blessing and answer to prayer.  

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as administrative assistant to the church?

I really enjoy working here at the church because I love the people and want to serve. This is where I feel God wants me to be right now. The challenge for me is trying to find extra time to do all the other things I fill my life with.   

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I do enjoy making places look nice, having things organized. I like going on camping trips with family/friends and I enjoy traveling in the states and abroad. I think I got these hobbies from my parents. Mom always made things nice and Dad always had an adventure planned.  

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas Eve and Good Friday dinner with my family. It’s always a special time together. 

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I’m usually cleaning, organizing or doing laundry (I enjoy getting it done). If I can get a workout in, that is always good and I do occasionally enjoy time with friends…whether it’s a hike, lunch or shopping. 

What is the perfect meal?

One that someone else makes.  

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My husband, Eddie. He’s got a very dry sense of humor but makes me smile or laugh hard often. 

We asked Eddie: 

This mission trip requires no money, has a short travel distance, is blessed by any amount of time God has granted in your schedule and offers an opportunity of experiencing pure joy in seeing God glorified!  

You will have the opportunity to share God’s love while feeding the hungry, sharing the workload with the weary, teaching practical lessons, using your skills and abilities and learning new ones. You will share in providing work from weed pulling, painting, cooking and cleaning, to hearing life stories, praying and fellowshipping with other believers, and learning of God’s work in the hearts of unbelievers. You will pray, laugh and cry and thank God for His provision and love. It is hard work, but people are worth it! Come see how God has gone ahead of us and is already at work in our community!

You will be working in a very secular environment that God has called this church body to serve. You will want prayer partners to support you and to pray with you for the wonderful people you will meet and the challenges they face.

You will be humbled and broken and rejuvenated and so very, very blessed.  

Are you excited? Are you willing to roll up your shirtsleeves and jump in to help? Are you willing to follow God’s leading and come join a few of your fellow church members to make a huge difference in the lives of many?  

If I’ve caught your attention and God is putting it on your heart to go on a mission trip, don’t pack your suitcase, just give me or one of my fellow mission workers a call. I will be happy to share a cup of coffee and clue you in on this great mission opportunity at A. Montoya Elementary School through Shine, an APS sanctioned school/church partnership meeting the various needs of individual schools citywide. Come see all that God has and can accomplish in this wonderful school through families, students and staff.  Contact us now!

We are continuing our series on Getting to Know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Cruz Talamantes, who serves as our member assimilation and children's ministry coordinator. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. My home has been Albuquerque for the last 34 years, except for a brief 3 year hiatus in San Antonio, TX.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Early on I wanted to fly helicopters but soon after I became a believer I wanted to be a missionary. I’m living out my dream of working in full-time ministry.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual example was my uncle Antonio. whose born again experience was proof that God was real.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My earliest remembrance of being taught the Word was when a young teenage girl in my neighborhood in Mexico asked permission of my parents to teach a group of neighborhood kids the stories in the Bible. It continued with an older lady in southern NM who stopped by our home when she spotted a gaggle of kids and young teenagers playing in our front yard and asked permission to take us to VBS. He rescued me when alone in my home I heard a televangelist describe in the most vivid detail how Christ suffered on the cross for my sins. And He confirmed His call upon me as an 18 year old freshman at UNM when staff members with Campus Crusade stopped by my dorm to share the gospel with my best friend, and both he and I accepted Christ as our Savior.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

There are so many very specific prayers that He has answered. However the one that stands out the most is the one that I am currently living out now as a husband and father. He placed a desire early in my life to someday have a family and this very gift brings me tremendous pleasure.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge serving in your role at church?

The blessing is to be able to spend my “work” time helping wherever I may be needed. It is really freeing. 

The challenge is going against my natural tendency as an introvert so that I can be effective in communicating with people and involving them in the work of the church.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I need to develop some... Any suggestions? I will typically do whatever will lead to time spent with my family. It was simpler when my kids were younger and I could take them to the park, roughhouse with them and be playful. I need to find ways to be more physically active.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas evening routine- dinner, watching The Nativity, and playing silly games past midnight. It seems like the later we stay up, the sillier and more gregarious we get. At some point the kids and I simply try to keep mama laughing hysterically nonstop until she cries.  

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

It starts by preparing a full breakfast for my family, running a few errands with Becca, a short nap, a simultaneous walk and football toss at UNM with Becca and the kids, and ends with dinner out and meaningful conversation in our living room.

What is the perfect meal?

Carnitas tacos with all the toppings, especially guacamole and my sister’s red chile salsa with a side of rice.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My kids, especially as they quote and act out their favorite funny movie scenes.  

We wanted to hear about VBS from those who participate - our kids! As you can see, VBS is not only tons of fun, but it also opens their eyes to what the Lord is doing in their own hearts and around the world.

Grayson: 

My name is Grayson and I am in 6th grade. I like to hunt, fish, shoot and play football. My parents are Chandler and Becca and I have a sister Bryce, along with two wonderful dogs and eight chickens.

I have been going to MCC for 11 years and it is a great church. I have been going to VBS for five years now and it is really fun. I also have helped set up the rooms to get ready for VBS.

I have never had a favorite theme but they were all great. I really like having games in the morning and a lesson.

I learned that God never leaves us and always forgives us. I have also invited friends to VBS. VBS is a great way to come closer to God and get new friendships.

Ava:

I’m Ava and I'm in third grade. My parents are Nathan and Shannon and my siblings are Cache and Hannah. We’ve been going to MCC since I was about two years old. I like hanging out with my cat for fun. 

We are continuing our series on Getting to Know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Luke Feldner, who serves on our Elder Council.

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

Born in Beaver Dam, WI, grew up in Milwaukee, WI. East Mountains of New Mexico have been home since 2001.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I wanted to be an Engineer when I grew up --- but I’m pretty much over that now!

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My Dad (Pete) grew up in a loving Christian home himself but was born again in his late twenties when I was young. His early and consistent example has outweighed any other earthly influence in my life and walk.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

In retrospect, it seems like He was calling me all throughout middle school, high school, and college. However, I didn’t answer that call before a period of deep skepticism, introspection, and ultimately prayer and Bible study as a graduate student – the same year I married Melissa and moved to New Mexico from Wisconsin.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

1 Cor. 10:13 and Ephesians 2:8-10.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

My wife, Melissa, coming to faith and the adoption of our amazing children, Zoe Ellen (11) and Josiah Peter (7).

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as an elder?

I have spent more time in focused prayer over our body and its members since being called to serve as an Elder. While I recognize I should pray more than I do, every second spent in personal and corporate prayer for MCC has been a tremendous blessing to me personally, and I’m so appreciative of all the prayer warriors in our body. We are so incredibly blessed to be called His children!

I’ve made plenty of mistakes during my time in leadership, but the most challenging times have resulted from an increased awareness of the many pressures of the world that work to discourage the people of God and divide His church. Unity is worth fighting – and sacrificing – for.  We are family.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

Skiing: originally as an after-school program in 5^th grade in WI. Now it’s my favorite way to spend time with family and friends and to travel in the backcountry.

When there’s no snow: Mountain Biking --- how cool we can almost do that year-round in NM!

Reading Theology, Philosophy, and Apologetics: this stuff matters!

What is your favorite family tradition?

Thanksgiving meatballs after skiing powder at Wolf Creek.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Hiking or mountain biking the local trails with my family, having friends over for dinner and sitting around a fire at night.

What is the perfect meal?

Smoked brisket; greens; corn bread; mac-and-cheese with green chili and bacon; pumpkin, apple, and/or peach pie.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Dan Cravens and the Babe Magnet (if you don’t know, you need to).

We asked Melissa: