Calendar
Happening this Week
Choir/Bells Practice – Wednesday, December 3rd, 5:30/6:30 PM (Sanctuary)
Daytime Bible Study – Thursday, December 4th, 1 PM (Lounge)
Worship Committee Meeting – Thursday, December 4th, 2 PM (Lounge)
Budget & Stewardship Committee Meeting – Thursday, December 4th, 5 PM (Lounge)
Book Club – Thursday, December 4th, 5 PM (Fellowship Hall)
Mark’s Retirement Party – Sunday, December 7th, 12 PM (Coffee Room)
Nominating Committee Meeting – Monday, December 8th, 4:30 PM (Lounge)
Evening Bible Study – Tuesday, December 9th, 5:30 PM (Lounge)
Mission Committee Meeting – Wednesday, December 10th, 9:30 AM (Lounge)
Looking Ahead
Deacons Meeting – Sunday, December 14th, 3:30 PM (Lounge)
Peace Chanukah – Tuesday, December 16th, 5:30 PM (St. James)
Session Meeting – Thursday, December 18th, 5 PM (Lounge)
Longest Night Vigil – Sunday, December 21st, 5 PM (Taos Plaza)
Longest Night Potluck – Sunday, December 21st, 6 PM (Fellowship Hall)
Property Meeting – Monday, December 22nd, 3:30 PM (Lounge)
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Wednesday, December 24th, 7:30 PM
Office will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day
Sacred Place Project Meeting – Tuesday, January 6th, 11 AM (Lounge)
Worship Committee – Thursday, January 8th, 2 PM (Lounge)
Deacons Meeting – Sunday, January 11th, 3:30 PM (Lounge)
Alternative Gift Fair
We would like to thank everyone who came to support the nine locals 501(c)3 non-profit organizations last Saturday at our Alternative Gift Fair. We were able to raise $4,400!
December Book Club
Please note the time change – Starting in December we will meet at 5:00 PM
The next Book Club meeting is Thursday, December 4th in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church, Potluck at 5:00 PM and the book discussion at 5:30 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 December book is Heartwood by Amity Gage, 320 Pages, 2025
The January book is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, 490 pages, 2021
Recommendations for the February book choice are below.
ANXIOUS PEOPLE, 352 pages, 2019
Anxious People is a novel by Fredrik Backman about a failed bank robbery that leads to a bizarre hostage situation at an apartment viewing. The story follows a diverse group of strangers—including a retired couple, a pregnant couple, and a wealthy banker—who become hostages, but it later becomes clear that their shared experience will connect them in unexpected ways, exploring themes of empathy, human connection, and forgiveness.
THE ATOMIC WEIGHT OF LOVE, 368 pages, 2016
The Atomic Weight of Love is a novel by Elizabeth J. Church about Meridian Wallace, a young ornithologist whose dreams of a career are sidelined when she falls for a brilliant physicist and follows him to Los Alamos during World War II. The story follows her journey of self-discovery over several decades as she navigates the expectations of being a housewife, the sacrifices she’s made, and the changing roles of women in society.
THREE DAYS IN JUNE, 165 pages, 2025
Three Days in June is a novel by Anne Tyler that follows Gail Baines over the three days of her daughter Debbie’s wedding, a weekend where she is also unexpectedly fired from her job and must deal with her ex-husband Max’s sudden arrival. The story explores Gail’s professional crisis, personal anxieties, and the complicated dynamics of her divorced family as a secret about the groom surfaces, forcing her to confront her past regrets and consider her future.
Mark’s Retirement Party – 🎶 You’re Invited! 🎶
Celebrating the Retirement of Mark Jackson
Music Director, First Presbyterian Church of Taos
After years of faithful service and joyful music, we invite you to join us in honoring Mark Jackson as he begins a well-deserved retirement.
📅 Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
🕛 Time: Worship Service at 11:00 and Reception at Noon
📍 Location:
First Presbyterian Church of Taos
215 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte
Taos, New Mexico
Join us for fellowship, music, and memories as we celebrate Mark’s remarkable contributions to our church and community.
🎼 Light refreshments will be served.
Peace Chanukah
Join us at 5:30 PM on December 16th at St. James – This annual interfaith vigil for peace will include songs and speakers from various faith traditions. Bring a candle or menorah to light and a non-perishable food item to donate to the food pantries.
The Longest Night Memorial Service for our homeless neighbors
The Longest Night Memorial Service for our homeless neighbors will take place on Sunday, December 21st, at 5 PM on the Taos Plaza. A potluck will follow at 6 PM in our back building. If you are able to help with set up, clean up, or bringing food, please email Pastor Ginna – pastorginnabairby@gmail.com.
Poinsettias Order
It’s time to order your Poinsettias for the 2025 Christmas Season. To purchase one or more in memory or in honor of a loved one, please fill out the order form available in worship. Please print names so that we do not make any mistakes in spelling. The cost is $20.00 per poinsettia. Make checks payable to “First Presbyterian Church of Taos” and return the order form with check-in the offering plate.
Deadline is Sunday, December 21st. Thank You!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
We will hold a family-friendly service of lessons, carols, and candlelight on Wednesday, December 24th at 7:30 PM. Join us to share in the spirit of the season!
Centering Prayer
A Centering Prayer Group is forming in Taos, sponsored by Contemplative Outreach. Starting November 12, the group will gather weekly in the St. James Parish Hall Santiago Room, 208 Camino de Santiago, Taos from 2-3 PM. 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. All are welcome.
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, December 9th, 9:00 am – 11:00 am to help pack boxes of food. Distribution Day is Wednesday, December 10th, 8:30 – 11:00 AM at El Pueblito Methodist Church in El Prado and, 2 to 3 PM at Talpa Community Center.
