Tucumcari FBC has new pastor

First Baptist Church of Tucumcari has a new pastor. John Hinze began his ministry on June 14.

Hinze and his wife, Marcia, come to Tucumcari from Carlsbad where he was pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church for 11 years. Hinze has also been pastor of Mayhill Baptist Church, New Testament Baptist Church of Portales and an assistant Baptist Student Union director at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.

“Marcia and I are thrilled to be in Tucumcari. Our hope is that we will make a difference wherever and whenever we can,” Hinze said.

John and Marcia are graduates of Artesia High School. John Hinze attended ENMU and Arlington (Texas) Baptist College. He was ordained by New Testament Baptist Church in Portales in 1985.

In Carlsbad, Hinze was a member of the Happy Valley volunteer fire department, on the board of directors of the Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter, on the executive committee of chaplains for the Carlsbad Medical Center, on the selection committee for a head football coach for Carlsbad High School and president of the Cavemen Football Boosters.

He’s already getting involved with Tucumcari outside the church, having joined the rural fire department for Quay County.

Marcia will work for the Tucumcari public schools. She also plays keyboard at the church.

The Hinzes have been married since 1982. They have two grown children: Alyssa Rae and Jordan Edward.

First Baptist is also experiencing other changes: For the next four weeks, church members are having "Praise in the Park” Sunday evening worship services at Kvols Park.

The services, open to everyone, begin at 6:30 p.m., through Aug. 16.