The Stated Meeting of Presbytery del Cristo met in El Paso, Texas at Agape Cumberland Presbyterian Church March 9 – 10, 2023.

Moderator Rev. Justin Richter called the meeting to order Thursday evening.  After the Roll Call and the excusing of absences, Rev. T. J. Malinoski, Missions Ministry Team and Director of  Evangelism and New Church Development and Rev. Bill Schlesinger, co-director of Project Vida, were introduced to the Presbytery.

After the presentation of the Presbytery Council report, the meeting was turned over to Rev. Jerry Smyrl, newly elected Moderator.  The Presbytery then moved into to time of Worship and Communion.  Rev. Alfredo Rincon offered prayers then Rev. Lyvia Rincon presented the message.  Her message was titled “Preach Unashamed!”  Presbytery then celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Presbytery was declared into recess until Friday morning.  Moderator Rev. Smyrl called the meeting back into order.  Rev. Malinoski presented the devotional based on Gal. 5: 13-15 – “Why are we afraid of misunderstandings?”

Rev. Malinoski shared greetings from the Denomination and events that were to be sponsored in the summer.  The Presbytery then viewed a presentation from Rev. Jody Hill, president of MTS.

Rev. Rincon presented a time of sharing regarding what was happening at Agape Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

During the Missions Committee Report, Rev. Bill Schlesinger and Carmen Zuniga, representing Project Vida, gave a report about what all that Project Vida was involved in.

Committee on the Preparation for the Ministry introduced Rev. Dr. Al Tizon and Ray Waldren.  Rev. Tizon came under the Care of the Presbytery to become enrolled in the PAS classes preparing to have his ordination recognized. Re. Tizon is serving as Pulpit Supply for Grace Fellowship in San Francisco.  Ray Waldren is serving as Pulpit Supply at Desert Gardens in Tucson.

The Care of Ministers’ Committee offered prayers for the ministers and presented names of those seeking retirement status, and those leaving ministries.

Presbytery del Cristo recognized their first Worshiping Community in El Paso, Texas. That community is being led by Rev. Alex Saldaña.

The next meeting of Presbytery del Cristo will be August 10 – 11, 2023 at Hummingbird Camp outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Heights CPC and Westside CPC will host the meeting jointly.