Getting to know Pastor Pat

Because Pastor Pat is starting with us, I (Joshua) thought it might be helpful to have a Q&A with her so we could get to know her better. Let me know what your thoughts are on this kind of feature – we might keep it around to get to know other folks and teams in the congregation. OK, enough from me – I’m handing it over to Pr. Pat.

My name is Pat Mohr-Kelly, but I’m usually called Pastor Pat and because my full name is lengthy, I use PPMK as shorthand for most communication. Your church council has graciously extended the opportunity to be your Interim Minister. It is holy work to help a congregation grieve, find peace, and look to the future with hope that God provides.

I am the youngest of 6 children, raised on a small dairy farm in Northwest Ohio. I graduated from high school (21 in my class:)), from Defiance College (BS in Accounting), University of Toledo (MBA in organizational development).

My first career was in Community College as an instructor and Admissions Coordinator. My favorite position was leading the Phoenix Project, a support system for those who were academically and/or economically disadvantaged. It was a foretaste for my second career. In the middle of my life, God called me to ministry. I was reluctant to attend seminary because of the divorce I had just completed. But God was insistent.

I attended Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque IA. My internship was in Pittsburgh, and I said I didn’t want to go to a big city. But go I did. My first call was in Battle Creek MI (home of Tony the Tiger). I didn’t want to serve a suburban congregation. But serve I did.

In 2008, I entered my second call, Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh PA. (Remember how I didn’t want to go there:)) After 6 or 7 years, I completed the Interim Ministry Training and served St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Carrick PA.

We moved to Santa Fe in 2017 so that I could serve as Interim Minister at Lutheran Church of the Servant. I retired from active ministry in 2019 – just before the pandemic.

I am entering my third career – that of building up the library and finding ways to get children to love reading and love libraries. For the past year I have been known as Ms. Pat the Library Lady, at Cross of Hope Lutheran Church and School. What a lovely job – kids and books – how much better does it get than that.

To serve St. Timothy as Interim Minister, the bishop asked me to UNRETIRE. I didn’t even know that was a word. So here I am fresh off the retirement life to serve with joy God’s beloved people of St. Tim.

As I write this reflection, it becomes obvious that every time God calls, I am resistant and fearful. But God is insistent. And trusting God’s guidance I followed the call. I’m sure I’ve made God smile when I say “I’m no doing that, I’m not moving there”.

My husband Richard and I have been married for almost 23 years. Many said it wouldn’t last, but God does work in mysterious ways. We live at the corner of Coors and Montano Plaza on the west side.

I have 3 adult children, Amy (Butch), Mike, and Rob (Angela). They each have a son and a daughter, and I have one great grandson. I’m not that old – I just started when I was 10 :).

I have been asked to reflect on the following questions:

What are your impressions of St. Tim’s so far? Be honest!

My first impression was that this is a very welcoming and inclusive community. There are so many diverse people here. And you seem to warmly and genuinely welcome us all. Thank you.

I also am impressed with the vital ministry you do outside the church doors. I am not aware of all of your ministries, but what I have become aware is that St. Tim recognizes needs and tries to address those needs, not just with a contribution, but with willing hands and caring hearts.

What do you find is one of the greatest gifts in going through the interim process for a congregation?

The Interim Process is so valuable to organizations, but also to people. After all, after a 10-year marriage you wouldn’t start dating the next month! You need time to celebrate your history with Pastor Rachael and to let your hearts feel sad for a time. But then to awaken to a new day and new future.

The process I hope to lead you through is one that covers these tasks:

1. Coming to terms with history

• Gather to remember their stories.
• Tell one another public and personal stories of the congregation,
• Teach newer members the history
• Articulate how God has been active in their history, through all the ups and downs.

2. Discovering a new identity

• A retreat to identify individual Spiritual Types and then discuss the overall congregational Spiritual Type
• Asset Planning – to determine individual gifts and talents each person has and then what the church has as assets . Combining these two perspectives – new ministries may emerge
• A Spiritual Gifts Inventory – always a fun time with food and conversation.
• Analyze the neighborhood – what’s changed

3. Managing shifts in leadership

• Identify skills and gifts needed from leaders
• Consider if this is a closed system of leadership or if there are openings for new leaders.

4. Strengthening our sense of being the church together

• Discuss the relationship with the synod and larger church
• Identify opportunities to minister with other denominations and congregations

My best advice for you is to Trust God in the process. Enter with joy and thanksgiving this new adventure set before you.

Blessings

Pastor Pat (PPMK)

Ash Wednesday worship at 6:30

The season of Lent is the 40 days before Easter, when the church takes time to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Lent is a time for looking inward to our own sin, and outward to the sins of the world. In Lent we remember that before Jesus rose from the dead, he was betrayed and killed. Come and be part of the tradition of receiving ashes on your forehead to begin Lent, remembering our own mortality.

For those who live, work or study on or near the UNM campus, Luther House campus ministry will be coordinating Ashes on the Go at Smith Plaza and the Duck Pond from 11 AM to 1 PM, and Pastor Carmen will be part of the ecumenical team participating.

Ash Wednesday worship at St. Tim’s will be on February 22, 2023 at 6:30PM

Book Club is reading: Blood and Thunder

Our next book is Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West by Hampton Sides

This non-fiction book has much of its action centered in New Mexico and is an easy, but compelling read. From Amazon: In the summer of 1846, the Army of the West marched through Santa Fe, en route to invade and occupy the Western territories claimed by Mexico. Fueled by the new ideology of “Manifest Destiny,” this land grab would lead to a decades-long battle between the United States and the Navajos, the fiercely resistant rulers of a huge swath of mountainous desert wilderness.

At the center of this sweeping tale is Kit Carson, the trapper, scout, and soldier whose adventures made him a legend. Sides shows us how this illiterate mountain man understood and respected the Western tribes better than any other American, yet willingly followed orders that would ultimately devastate the Navajo nation. Rich in detail and spanning more than three decades, this is an essential addition to our understanding of how the West was really won.

Our next meeting: Friday 3/3/23 @ 6pm Location TBD If you would consider hosting the meeting in your home, please contact Becky Lee at (blee71willmar@gmail.com).

Team Holy Spirit Day

On Sunday, February 12, you can find out about the ministries, and teams that are a part of the Spirit’s work here in our community. During Fellowship there will be a representative for each team available to talk with you, explain their ministry to you, and answer any questions you might have. Please plan to come by, grab a cup of coffee or lemonade, and see where the Spirit leads you! Where is the Spirit calling you to use your “gifts” as we work together?

Following is a list of opportunities to serve both during the worship and during the week. If you have questions and/or are willing to participate in any one (or more!) of these ministries. Just contact the person listed, or Joshua in the church office. All volunteers are welcome, training will be provided, and scheduling is flexible!

Volunteer opportunities during worship:

Altar Guild – prepare the altar, setup and cleanup after communion. Michele Benton

Lector – read the Bible passages and prayers during the worship. Becky Lee

Communion assistant – serve bread/wine during communion distribution. Becky Lee

Usher – distribute bulletins prior to worship; usher during communion. Rob Evers

Greeter – say hello to members and visitors as they enter for the worship. Rob Evers

Teller – count and record offerings after the worship. Rob Evers

Live-stream operator – run the computer and camera during the worship. Ryan Good

Communion bread baker – quick bread recipe provided. Becky Lee

Pew angel – tidy pews, restock Welcome cards and envelopes after the worship. Becky Lee

Slideshow – create and run the PowerPoint slideshow during the worship. Becky Lee

Coffee Fellowship – setup and cleanup snacks, coffee and lemonade for after-worship fellowship. Judy Jacobson

Volunteer opportunities during the week:

Snack bag assembly – prepare snack bags for our neighbors in need. Rob Evers

Snack bag distribution – at the church, Monday – Thursday, 11 am – 12 noon. Help is needed especially Monday and Wednesday when Joshua is not in the office.

Prayer leader – write the Prayers of the People for the worship. Beth Neer

Prayer Chain – pray for people who have requested prayers through the church office, pastor, church members. Prayer requests are sent via email to members of the prayer chain. Beth Neer

Contacts:

Michele Benton mkbenton@swcp.com ; 505-239-5237

Becky Lee – blee71willmar@gmail.com ; 505-288-1500

Beth Neer – joyfulnoyz2001@yahoo.com

Rob Evers – revers1954@gmail.com ; 505-321-1222

Ryan Good – 480-522-5693

Judy Jacobson – judyjacobson12748@gmail.com ; 505-250-2060

Joshua Hochstetler – office@sttimschurch.net ; 505-255-8001

Umoja ABQ

Debby Morrell – Board President of Umoja ABQ

Umoja ABQ’s Educational Program began on January 7 with a Basic Literacy – ESL class attended by 20 students speaking 6 different languages. Students were assisted by small group teachers, so everyone had a chance to speak, listen, read, and write! Debbie Golden led an enthusiastic and energized group!

Ten students speaking four different languages began Drivers Manual class. These students are working toward passing the written test so they may obtain their learner’s permit. Interpreters and teachers answered interesting questions and introduced the expenses and responsibilities involved in owning a car and driving. Students in this group who are younger than 25 will also complete the None for the Road program, in which they learn the effects of alcohol upon driving before obtaining their learners permit. All Drivers Manual students must find a friend who is a proficient driver and willing to help them learn to drive. When the students have obtained their learner’s permit AND found someone to help them practice, Umoja ABQ offers assistance to defray the cost of driving lessons.

Volunteers from St Timothy Lutheran Church were on hand to provide name tags, take attendance, serve snacks at break time, and restore classrooms for the next group. Many thanks to Vickie Towne, Grace Bousek, Marty Alston, Joyce Hagenow, Joanne Smith, Elaine Morgan, and Michele Benton, as well as to Chantal Muhumure and Josias Gasita, Dixie Colvin, Laura Erickson, Ehlam Yosufzai, Tasawer Yosufzai, Fatema Abobaker, Valentine Uwingabire, and Louise Kavugho for supporting our students!

Funding for Umoja ABQ is provided through DEI United, a collaboration between United Way of Central New Mexico and Albuquerque Community Foundation supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well from St Paul Lutheran Church, The Power of 100 Women, St Timothy Lutheran Church, and individual donors just like you! Join us any Saturday morning in January and February to see the group in action!

PRIDE Committee Q&A: History of Drag

For the past year, drag has been at the center of a massive campaign of anger, hatred, and disinformation. Libraries, schools, restaurants, and theaters have been the targets of threats or acts of violence around hosting drag events, and, at time of submission, at least eight states are considering or have passed legislation to ban Drag and Trans people from public performance. Drag has been a very powerful and important part of queer history and culture, and therefore has always been at the center of queerphobic violence. However, since there is so much disinformation currently being spread, this article is about what drag is, isn’t and a small portion of the history of drag. Beth Neer and Juli Owen PRIDE Committee Co-Chairs

What is drag

Drag is a kind of performance art, where gender roles, expression and expectations are played up to a beyond extreme degree. Think of houses that are absolutely covered in Christmas lights and decorations, so many it’s hard to see the lawn or furniture. Drag follows that same kind of decorative, over the top attitude, except instead of holiday aesthetics, drag uses the aesthetics tied to gender expression (makeup, dresses, suits, beards, etc.) This exaggeration is mostly done for comedy but is also a form of personal fun and self-expression for the performers, a kind of dress up or pretend play.

Most commonly, drag show involve singing, stand-up comedy acts, and lip sync performances that involve dancing or pantomime. Of most note in the news lately are Drag Story Hours, which involve a drag performer reading a children’s picture book to the audience. These also might include the performer leading sing-alongs, dancing, or telling kids goofy knock-knock jokes or puns. Drag performances are also very often charity fundraisers, raising money for both causes related to the LGTBQ+ community (AIDS research, community outreach, housing insecurity/homelessness, etc.) or causes related to the local community (paying for neighbors’ rents, funerary costs, medical bills or simply to donate to local charities and places)

Also, for future reference in this article: Drag Queens are about femininity and are often cis men who perform femininity. However, there are also commonly trans women, as well as cis women drag queens. Drag Kings are about masculinity and are often cis women who perform masculinity. However, there are also very commonly trans men and nonbinary drag kings. There are also many forms of nonbinary drag, and there are many nonbinary drag performers who may use Queen, King or other language to describe their acts.

What isn’t drag

Just like how music has a very wide range of different genres, Drag has many different styles, all of which have different looks, rules, and applications. While there are kinds of burlesque and cabaret drag styles, there are also many kinds of drag that do not involve innuendo or stripping. In fact, your average drag queen or king probably wears more layers of fabric and clothing than any random person on the sidewalk, which would make stripping very cumbersome to say the least.

Regardless of content, shows held at bars don’t allow minors in due to the presence of alcohol. Queer bars are strict in terms of checking people’s ID at the door and turning away visible children due to the history of police raids and public scrutiny of gay bars and clubs. The shows and events then that do allow children in have performers and performances that tone back any language, dances or stage acts in order to accommodate the younger audience.

Also, drag is not just being transgender. Drag is a form of performance art, a costume and stage persona/performance that is specifically a comment on gender roles and aesthetics, that can be taken off at the end of a show. Being transgender is not a performance, it is an inherent aspect of oneself. It is an inherent sense and aspect of self, just as being cis is. Drag is not a gender, trans people are not by default drag performers. However, anti-drag laws are written in ways that also ban trans people from public speaking venues, claiming that it is also a ‘form of drag’.

History of drag

Cross dressing for entertainment has been around for literal centuries, since the times of ancient Greece. Several cultural traditions prohibited women from performing on stage, most famously Japanese Kabuki and England in Shakespeare’s time. In these practices, boys and men would dress up in makeup and costume and perform the parts of all the women characters. Inversely, 16th and 17th century Spain had a popular theater style of all women performing, including dressing for male roles. This of course led to the idea of performance that played around with gender expectations.

However, the first known instances of the phrase “Drag Queen” was in the 1880s, with William Dorsey Swann, a queer, black, formerly enslaved man who hosted dinners and dances for fellow queer, black, and formerly enslaved men, wearing fancy dresses and getups. Many parts of these events have stuck around in modern drag culture. These were the first known instances of drag events and queer specific gatherings in the United States, although underground queer gatherings involving cross-dressing were also known throughout Europe at the time.*

*Content warning: slurs and harsh language historically used in the Wikipedia timeline’s examples

Drag became more popular, especially the idea of Drag Kings, in the 1920s, with queer, female jazz and blues singers in Harlem dressing as men and playing around with masculine and personal gender expression in their acts.

Essentially, the idea of cross-dressing, drag, and performative gender has been around for an extremely long time as a way for queer people to express themselves, find community with each other, and reach out to other people. Drag is not, and has never been, about child abuse, human trafficking, or indoctrination. It’s a public form of artistic expression, just like any other performance art.

Congregational Meeting – January 22

Mark Eickhoff, President

On behalf of St. Tim’s Council

Greetings in Christ. This letter is to inform you of a Congregational Meeting called by the St. Tim’s Council to be held on January 22, 2023, immediately following the service, about 10:30 AM, in the sanctuary. This meeting is called regarding several items of business that we take care of every year at this time. Foremost on the agenda is presentation, discussion, and vote regarding the 2023 budget. New officers of the congregation (either elected or appointed by council) will be presented. And the 2023 Nominating Committee—who recruit and develop a slate of consenting members for next year’s council—will be voted in. In addition to these “usual” business items, I will also present whatever news I have regarding this time of transition.

This will be an in-person meeting. However, for those of you who wish to attend virtually, a laptop computer will be set up in the sanctuary and a Zoom meeting invite link sent out to the congregation beforehand. COVID-19 is still with us, so if you plan to attend in person, please remember that masks are still strongly encouraged indoors at St. Tim’s and to maintain social distance as much as possible.

I heartily encourage all of you to attend and be part of the conversation. May the Holy Spirit bless us and guide us in this.

Christmas Eve Worship at 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve worship will be at 6:30 on Saturday, December 24th. Pastor Neal will be presiding. Bonnie Schmader will lead carols on the flute. It promises to be a beautiful worship experience.

We will not have worship on Christmas Sunday, December 25th.

Join us for Worship!

All are welcome to join us for worship on Sundays. St. Tim’s is located at 211 Jefferson St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Please join us at 9:30 a.m., worship is held in the sanctuary and livestreamed on YouTube. Coffee fellowship in the
Community Room immediately following worship. Adult Education and Godly Play Sunday School will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Worship Schedule

January 8

Readings: Psalm 2:7-8, Matthew 3:1-17

Adult Ed: Cancelled for Confirmation celebration

Godly Play: Holy Baptism

January 15

Readings: Psalm 91:9-12, Matthew 4:1-17

Adult Ed: John 14 part 2 (Ed leads)

Godly Play: Parable of the Good Shepherd

January 22

Readings: Psalm 1:1-3, Matthew 5:1-20

Adult Ed: Cancelled for Congregational Meeting

Godly Play: Parable of the Good Samaritan

January 29

Readings: Psalm 20:7, Matthew 6:7-21, 25-34

Adult Ed: John 15 (Mary Beth leads)

Godly Play: Parable of the Great Pearl

February 5

Readings: Psalm 37:16-18, Matthew 7:1-14, 24-29

Adult Ed: TBD

Godly Play: Parable of the Sower

There are two small ways you can make a difference in our environmental stewardship:

• Digital CrossLightNewsletters
  • If you’re not already, sign up for the digital version of the CrossLight. You can email office@sttimschurch.net to be added to the list.
• Digital Weekly Worship Bulletins
  • One area where we use the most paper at is our weekly bulletins. Did you know that we now have convenient digital bulletins?
  • Next to the sanctuary, there is a framed QR code. Use the camera app on any smartphone or tablet and point it at the QR code and you’re all set!

Thanks for helping us reduce our environmental impact!

Please visit our What to Expect page for more information.

Volunteers Worship Assistants needed! 2 Communion Assistants per worship, 1 Lector per worship, 1 Communion Bread Maker, and 1 Youtube Livestream Coordinator (training available). Sign up here or call the office at 505-255-8001.

God’s work. Our Hands.

This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

St. Tim’s will be participating at the following sites:

Addresses will be provided prior to the work day. Check out the details of each project below.

Habitat for Humanity

Depending on availability we will be working on a new home construction project in the San Jose Neighborhood. It will be the first series of homes that will be constructed from Insulated Concrete forms. If this site is not clear for construction we will be working on the Neighborhood Revitalization project.

No tools are needed for this site. Please wear closed toe shoes, jeans, and a hat. Long pants are recommended. Must be 18 or older to participate.

You must sign up and register. For now, sign up for the repair program.https:// habitatabq.org/volunteer/volunteer/

HopeWorks

Participants will be participating at the shelter or the warehouse. If you have yard tools you may want to bring them. We suggest that you bring water, snacks, a hat, closed toe shoes, and gloves.

Luther House

Participants will be cleaning, painting, and doing yard work. Bring yard tools and hand tools if you have them. We suggest that you wear a hat, closed toe shoes, and gloves.

Remember, don’t wear your Sunday best to these sites as you will be getting a wee bit dirty!

Questions? Email: anthonyharkness65@gmail.com