The Episcopal Church in Lincoln County; Church of the Holy Mount, St. Matthias Chapel, St. Anne's Chapel

Community Suppers meets the vision of the Episcopal Church in Lincoln County to be a welcoming congregation, inclusive of everyone, inspired by the Holy Spirit and educated to live out our Christian faith in our local communities and the world. Church of the Holy Mount began serving a free supper once a month to anyone in the community in 2013. Over 50 suppers have been held since then. Volunteers prepare and serve the food. Three other local churches joined ECLC so that now there is a free Community Supper held four times a month. The ECLC Community Supper is held on the second Monday of each month at the Church of the Holy Mount, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Any meals that remain from the supper are frozen and given to those in need.

Joseph’s Workshop was created to provide furniture and household goods at no cost for those in greatest need. Helping individuals and families as they relocate or transition from homelessness to housing enables them to better afford other expenses as they get their feet on the ground. People “shop” in a cozy, cottage-style atmosphere. Joseph’s Workshop is located in the office complex at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Mount. We accept furniture and household items in good condition as well as monetary donations and we can always use help in meeting clients, sorting, displaying, moving furniture, and setting up. For more information, contact Carol Keys, hauskeys@yahoo.com

If you like to knit or crochet and would like to be part of a ministry that utilizes your talent for the glory of God, the Prayer Shawl Ministry may be for you! This ministry involves prayerfully making shawls and coverlets that will be distributed to our parishioners and friends who are sick, lonely, homebound, or in need of comfort. Interested? Contact Chely Lopez, arcamo56@yahoo.com

The Episcopal Church in Lincoln County Outreach Council oversees ministries that reach into the community and the world beyond the walls of the church. The Council's responsibilities include the planning and administration of outreach ministries caring for the hungry, the homeless, the poor, the incarcerated, the abused, victims of human trafficking, the sick, and the elderly. The Council is responsible for raising awareness of these needs and making opportunities for service available to parishioners. The Council serves under the direction of the Deacon (or Rector in absence of a deacon). For more information, contact the Reverend Laurie Benavides, lpbenavides@gmail.com

ECLC is a supporter of food for the Lincoln County Food Bank is collected throughout the year and may be dropped off at the Church of the Holy Mount office, or donated as part of monthly offerings at Church of the Holy Mount services. The Lincoln County Food Bank is located at First Baptist Church in Ruidoso Downs.  It is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 12:00-4:00. The Food Bank serves anyone who needs help with food--transients, seasonal workers, those who have been injured and can't work, elderly--to help them with food until they can get back on their feet.

ECLC is a supporter of the High Mountain Youth Project. Their mission is to involve the communities of Lincoln County, New Mexico in providing a comprehensive safety net for homeless high school students. Our Goals are to provide: 

• A drop-in shelter after school 
• A safe & secure overnight shelter with trained personnel
• The opportunity to socialize in a safe, non-judgemental environment
• Emergency & crisis housing

For more information, visit HighMountainYouth.org

ECLC is a participant in a program called Soldiers Smiles. We show our appreciation to those who fight for our freedom by donating items to be sent to active duty military members. For more information, contact Carol Keys at hanskeys@yahoo.com or the church office.

ECLC is a supporter of Sacramento Mountain Village, a cooperative effort to address the needs of its members -- people helping people, serving seniors of the Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Alto areas.  It is dedicated both to helping its members get the most out of their lives by offering social, recreational and volunteer opportunities and by providing simple resources to help them stay in their own homes as they age.

All churchmen are invited to attend BOSA meetings and participate in projects that support the church and community. Contact John Rutherford for more information at the church office. BOSA holds a retreat every year that helps men with their spiritual journeys.

At Church of the Holy Mount, toys are collected and distributed each Christmas to families in need. Families are also given the fixings for a complete Christmas dinner. Sixty families were served in 2016. For more information, contact Sal Lopez through the church office.

All church women are invited to join DOK and participate in their meetings and projects. Contact Imelda Horne through the church office for more information.

Many church members have attended Cursillo events and every year, there are opportunities for others to take part. Ultreya meetings are held every 6-8 weeks for Cursillo alumnae at a member's home. In addition, small reunion groups meet on a regular basis to continue their spiritual journeys.

St. Anne's Guild invites all church women to participate in meetings and projects. The main fund-raiser for the church is the Christmas in July Bazaar and Garage Sale held every July. St. Anne's Guild conducts a Quiet Day every year with a guest speaker that is open to both men and women. 

Special field trips and other events are held by ECLC every year. These special programs help to bring the members of all three facilities together as well as guests and vacationers to the area. There have been trips to White Sands National Monument for picnics and fun on full moon nights when the park is open later than normal. In 2017, there will be an outdoor church service and picnic that will be held on one of the member's ranches in Lincoln County. 

In 2017, the Austin Girls Choir will be coming to sing at Church of the Holy Mount. They will share a potluck supper with members and spend the night at members' homes, followed by a breakfast. A church choir from Denver is coming in August to join the choir at Church of the Holy Mount for a joyous musical service. They will also be served dinner and hosted overnight at member homes.