Campus Ministry Eastern New Mexico University	108 South Avenue F Portales, NM  88130
	Rev. Clyde Davis	505-356-5533

Under an old 'Bible College' arrangement, the Presbyterians are one of seven denominations providing faculty who make up the Department of Religion at ENMU. The Presbyterian pastor teaches an Old Testament Survey course fall semester and a New Testament Survey course spring semester, both of which count toward a humanities requirement. Other classes taught by the Presbyterian Campus Minister have been 'World Religions' (co-taught with Fr. Tony Martinez) Fall 1997, "Ecology & Theology" Spring 1998, and "Women & Religions" Spring 2000. Presbyterians have helped co-sponsor a Campus Ministry Christian band concert and/or cookout for Orientation week, Fall Festival (Halloween party), and have given out special "goody bags" during Finals week. Special activities for young adults are available through the local Presbyterian church, together with the other ENMU Campus Ministries, or special mission trips and weekend retreats sponsored by NOMS Campus Ministry.

Sierra Blanca congregations supporting campus ministry can go to this site: horeb.pcusa.org/highered.campus_ministry_survey.htm to participate in a survey of churches involved in campus ministry.

Ways to support PCUSA Student Ministry include:

1. Giving to the Pentecost Offering, part of which supports campus ministry

2. Give directly to NMSU "The Bridge", Extra Commitment Opportunity #813255, or ENMU Campus Ministries

3. Extra Commitment Opportunities #051313 "Higher Education Ministry Fund" and #051371 "Presbyterian Collegiate Connection

4. Directed Mission Support to #155664 "Presbyterian Collegiate Connection"

Bob Turner is General Assembly Associate for Campus Ministry, and is at 502/569-5765, or returner@ctr.pcusa.org

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Beginning about 1949 a small study group met at the manse and later, when the group of college students became too large for the manse living room, the group, known as the Westminster Fellowship, began meeting in the church. The ministry has for many years been under the direction of the First Presbyterian Church of Portales, in concert with the Presbytery.

In 1958 and '59 grants from the Synod allowed the purchase of a lot for a Student Center and an adjoining house to the lot. During summer months the house was renovated, with much of the work being done by students affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. September 20, 1958 marked the formal opening of the Presbyterian Student Center. In 1971, the student center's name was changed to "Open Door".

In 1980, Rev. Dick Kroeger and his wife, Cathy, were appointed Directors. This was also the beginning of the teaching ministry of the Presbyterian Church at Eastern New Mexico University, with classes being offered for college credit through the Department of Religion.  The present pastor continues this practice.

A recent grant from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) paved the way for a new building on the lot adjacent to campus, and it will soon be a reality!

 

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