Property Meeting-Monday, September 22nd, 3:30 PM (Lounge)
Evening Bible Study – Tuesday, September 23rd, 5:30 PM (Lounge)
Nathanial Ratliff Parking Lot Fundraiser – Saturday, September 27th (Parking Lot)
Pet Blessing – Sunday, September 28th, 3 PM (El Pueblito UMC)
Fellowship Committee-Monday, September 29th, 10:00 AM (Coffee Room)
Personnel Committee-Monday, September 29th, 1:30 PM (Lounge)
Worship Committee-Thursday, October 2nd, 2-3 PM (Lounge)
Book Club Meeting – Thursday, October 2nd at 5:30 PM (Fellowship Hall)
Mission Committee – Wednesday, October 8th, 9:30 –11:00 AM (Lounge)
PW Bible Study – Wednesday, October 8th, 3:30 PM (Lounge)
Rummage Sale Set-up – Friday, October 10th, 8 AM – 12 PM (Fellowship Hall)
Rummage Sale – Saturday, October 11th, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Fellowship Hall)
Deacons Meeting – Sunday, October 12th, 12:30 PM (Lounge)
Budget & Stewardship – Tuesday, October 14th, 3:30–5:00 PM (Lounge)
Session Meeting – Thursday, October 16th, 5-7 PM
Property Committee – Monday, October 20th, 3:30-4:30 PM
Taos Music Leader Mark Jackson Retiring
Well-known Taos vocalist and educator Mark Jackson has announced his retirement as Music Director at First Presbyterian Church of Taos effective December 31, 2025. He will assume a volunteer role as Music Director Emeritus to maintain his extensive connections with a wide variety of vocalists and musicians on behalf of the church. Also, as director of the Taos Institute of Vocal Arts, he will continue teaching a limited number of voice students.
“This church has been my spiritual and musical home for 25 years. I am grateful for the support and the individuals who have helped me grow the music programs here,” stated Jackson.
Mark Jackson has had a long career as a professional opera singer, stage director and teacher. As director of the Taos Institute of Vocal Arts since 2009, he has given private lessons in voice, vocal coaching, opera preparation, and performance coaching. He served as band director at Taos High School and Middle School from 2003-07 and holds a master’s degree in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory.
Pastor Ginna Bairby noted, “During his eight-year tenure as Music Director, Mark revitalized the music program at First Presbyterian Church. He rebuilt the vocal choir and bell choir, sustained the music program through the COVID pandemic, and continues to infuse worship with joyful and diverse music offerings. Many members who have joined in recent years point to the music program and Mark’s leadership.”
First Presbyterian Church of Taos will be seeking a successor to the part-time Music Director position to work in coordination with accomplished instrumentalist Brian Uerling. For a job description and how to apply, see http://firstpresbyteriantaos.com/musicdirector.
“Mark is a great musician, team builder and friend. It has been an absolute joy working with him and making music…I will miss him tremendously!” noted Uerling. “I wish him well in his retirement and know that he will continue to make wonderful contributions to the musical life of Taos.”
BEWARE of Text & Email Scams
Several of you have let me know that another email scammer is out there asking folks to buy Apple Gift Cards for “sick women.” Do not respond, and do not purchase anything! This is a good occasion to remind folks to watch out for scams:
I’ll never text or email you asking for money or to buy something on behalf of the church. Check the email – if it doesn’t come from pastorginnabairby@gmail.com, it’s not me. Check the name and spelling of my name (I don’t usually misspell my name or refer to myself as “Virginia”)
Ask “Does this make sense?” We as a church don’t buy gift cards for sick women/women with cancer/etc. When in doubt, feel free to call me and check – but don’t just “reply” or you’ll get the scammer! Look me up in the Church Directory or your contacts and use the number or email there.
Pet Blessing with El Pueblito – September 28th
Join us on Sunday, September 28th for a pet blessing led by Pastors Ginna, Cheri, and Cheryl. Bring your pet or a picture of your pet to receive a blessing. All animals must be leashed, harnessed, or contained. 3 PM in El Pueblito UMC’s outdoor worship area.
Book Club Meeting – Thursday, October 2nd (Fellowship Hall)
The next Book Club meeting is Thursday, October 2nd in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church, Potluck at 5:30 PM and the book discussion at 6:00 PM. If you have not joined us in person for a while, we now bring our own plates, silverware, drink and a dish to share for the potluck.
The October book will be Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin, 2024, 304 pages, paperback
The November book is The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas 400 pg, 2011
PW Fall Rummage Sale Coming
It’s time to clean out your closets and cupboards for donations to our Fall Sale. As always, set up is on Friday the 10th and the sale is Saturday the 11th. Sign up sheets for volunteers will be sent around next Sunday before and after the service. Donated items may be brought to the back building either day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Stay tuned for more information. Questions? Please call Diana Jacobs at 775-781-7902.
Shared Table Needs Your Bags & Help
Shared Table needs your grocery store paper bags, plastic bags and cardboard egg cartons. Please drop off these items at El Pueblito Methodist Church, 1309 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte. You can leave them by the front door anytime. And come by Tuesday, September 23rd, 9:00 am – 11:00 am to help pack boxes of food. Distribution Day is Wednesday, September 24th, 8:00 – 11:00 AM.
Centering Prayer
Mother Mandy at St James has offered to host it, and Ursula Beck will be coordinating thru the statewide Contemplative Outreach Group. They will facilitate learning videos from Father Keating followed by Prayer.
CENTERING PRAYER
as taught by Father Thomas Keating
A Centering Prayer Group is forming in Taos, sponsored by Contemplative Outreach.
All are welcome.
Please contact for more information
