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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: 

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 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: 

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

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

I was born in Albuquerque but at the time lived on Mount Taylor until I was 4 years old. Then we moved to Edgewood and I have always thought of it as home.

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

I wanted to join the military and have a commercial construction company named JBC. I never figured out what JBC was an acronym for, at that time I didn't even know what an acronym was.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My parents were, mom was a prayer warrior and my dad was a creationist enthusiast. Both enjoyed reading and studying God's word.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I grew up in a Christian family. When I was seven I accepted Jesus into my heart with my mom, however, I didn't remember it. So, when I was 12 I felt like if the biggest and best decision in my life was putting my faith in Jesus then I should remember exactly when and where I was. At age 12 I surrendered my life to Jesus and never forgot it.

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

Proverbs 3:5-6. When my dad was dying from cancer I knew I needed a verse to cling to.

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

My son Grayson was born 9 weeks early and the doctors said he may have a host of life-long issues. God saw to it, that was not the case! He is healthy, strong and lives a normal life.

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

Being entrusted to lead God's flock and lift up my brothers and sisters in prayer with the other elders weekly is a great blessing. The greatest challenge is guiding the body when the word is not explicit.

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

I enjoy target shooting, which my dad introduced me to, and hunting, which I didn't get into until I was an adult and a friend let me go with him. My other love is camping, which Becca and I have enjoyed since we got married. 

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas eve we all go to Santa Fe for the night to celebrate with Mexican food and a reading of the Christmas story. 

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Doing yard work around the house or going out to eat at a new place is always fun. 

What is the perfect meal?

Trying a new restaurant or going to one of our favorites with Becca and not being rushed. 

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Becca and the kids always crack me up when they're joking around. 

We asked Becca:

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

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

I was born in Arlington, Texas; however, New Mexico is home now.

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

The first thing I wanted to be was a Dallas Cowboy, wow, has that changed! But I always think deep down I wanted to be a scientist, something I continue to pursue.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

Definitely my father. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian household.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I committed to Christ when I was in mid-school; however, I really made my faith my own when Penny and I married and moved to Tucson for grad school.

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

Romans 8:31-39: I still remember the first time I read this verse in a Father-Son study.

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

Most recently it was His persistent encouragement for me to move into partial retirement.

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

The blessing is definitely the time that I am able to spend with the elders. The biggest challenge is just the feeling that there is always so much more that I could be doing.

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

Anything outdoors, mountain biking, snow skiing, hiking, fly fishing, paddle boarding. These just naturally evolved when I moved to the West.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Simply eating a meal at the table as a family. This is increasingly appreciated as our family continues to grow (e.g., daughters-in-law and grandchild).

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

It is just the opposite of most people, I have to be active. Doesn’t matter too much what it is, I just have to be doing something. This often drives Penny crazy.

What is the perfect meal?

It is not so much what we eat; rather, it is about cooking the meal with Penny.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

That is easy, it is spending time with our life-long friends Greg and Kate. Somehow laughter is just a big part of our time together.

We asked Penny: 

What is your favorite trait about Vince: 

My favorite trait of Vince is his character. I married him for his character, and he’s never let me down!

What does Vince do that can always make you smile? 

Vince will take a daily walk with me behind the house! That always makes me smile!