In the News ... "Lubbock Area Faith Calendar"

Courtesy Photo

• What’s going on in area churches

By Erica Pauda, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - From the Avalanche-Journal, news of regular services, and special events and programs at houses of faith in Lubbock and across the South Plains ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ...

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "WTFB provides sneak peek at 'Innovative Gardens' during Empty 'Bowls' fundraiser"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

• TODAY, at food bank's Midland location

By Jacy Lewis, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank’s annual Empty Bowls event will look a little different this year. Empty Bowls will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Food Bank’s Midland location, 1601 Westcliff Drive.

To keep the event safe, the WTFB will not serve food this year, according to a press release. Handmade ceramic bowls created by students and faculty from Odessa College, Midland College, University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa High School International Baccalaureate Program, The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin and Trinity School of Midland will still be available for $15 each ...

• Read the rest of this MRT report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 30, 2021

Photo courtesy of Village Presbyterian Church

ONLINE SYNOD SCHOOL - Having as much fun as they could via Zoom, more than 330 Presbyterians gathered from across the country and across borders for the opening night of Synod School recently. They were treated to a childhood faith story from the Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka and laughed with — not at — a Synod School mainstay, the Rev. Burns Stanfield and his online band of tie dye-clad musicians ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Psychology and Jesus: The links between stress and gratitude"

Getty Images

• The man who identified stress as a health issue also provided an anecdote: gratitude

By Jean Stinnett, Special Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Dr. Hans Selye (1907-82), Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, is known as the father of stress, defining it in 1936 as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.” He noticed physiological changes in the human body that were caused by reaction to extreme shifts in our environment, prolonged frustration, and the feeling of having little or no control over life’s events ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "So Much Bible!"

Amidst the changes and chances of the COVID-19 pandemic, churches and entities throughout the The Synod of the Sun found ways to not only survive but also find unique and beautiful ways to minister to God's people in need. Mission and ministry takes form in supplying basic necessities to caring for the environment. Connections have been made via video feed and blankets. Love is supplied via learning how to read to dArive-in diapers.

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So Much Bible!

On the newest episode of SunSpots, we talk with Rev. Elana Keppel Levy and Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, who are co-pastors of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, OK.

Partners in life and in ministry, they both have a background in theatre and a passion for making the gospel come to life. Read "Keeping it Light", the story of a collaboration of pastors from all over the country to create an 18-minute video retelling of the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matt. 25: 1-13)

Check out SoMuchBible for Elana's offerings of resources like plays, music, word studies and lessons.

Don’t listen to podcasts? The same content we post on the SunSpots podcast will also be posted on our YouTube page.

You can find SunSpots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Alexa (“Hey Alexa, play the SunSpots podcast”), or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

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Find SunSpots on our web page ...


Find SunSpots content on the Synod of the Sun YouTube channel ...
(click on SunSpots playlist)

From @chinaaid : "Police raid Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church; ban all religious activities during Chinese New Year"

The ChinaAid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Police raid Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church; ban all religious activities during Chinese New Year
Distributed by ChinaAid, January 2021 ...

SICHUAN PROVINCE; SHANDONG PROVINCE; BEIJING, CHINA – At approximately 7 am on January 14, police officers, school district officials, and urban management officers raided the home of Liang Huali and Shu Qiong, his wife, and confiscated numerous personal possessions. At the time, Mr. Liang and Ms. Shu, Christians who attend Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church (Sichuan Province), were guiding their children in their studies.

In other legal maneuvers targeting freedom of religion in Sichuan, as well as in Beijing, and in some other areas, the Christian Council and the Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches sent official notices to ban all religious activities during the 2021 Chinese New Year ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... Online Worship & Community Building: During COVID & Beyond

Amidst the changes and chances of the COVID-19 pandemic, churches and entities throughout the The Synod of the Sun found ways to not only survive but also find unique and beautiful ways to minister to God's people in need. Mission and ministry takes form in supplying basic necessities to caring for the environment. Connections have been made via video feed and blankets. Love is supplied via learning how to read to dArive-in diapers.

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Online Worship & Community Building: During COVID & Beyond

The Synod of the Sun is offering a unique and timely opportunity to streamline and enhance your church's communications approach.

Featuring church communications specialist Christen Green Kinard of Digital Congregations, participants will learn better and more effective ways to reach your current congregants, your members on the fringe, and potential visitors now and in the future. This 4-part course is designed for church leaders - from pastors to communications managers - to learn to more easily and effectively navigate their church's communications during the pandemic and beyond. Touching on a range of important and practical topics, it includes the four live lessons (along with their recordings), a take-home communication roadmap, and weekly office hours with instructor Christen Kinard for specific questions and concerns.

Open to congregations in the Synod of the Sun, this course is currently being offered on three different dates and times for pastors and congregation communications or online worship teams. There are four consecutive weekly workshops per course and three course offerings to choose from.

ONE course per congregation and, because the course is tailored to the current realities and needs, all participants of the same congregation must attend the same course dates. (Example: All three participants from First Presbyterian Church attend on Tuesdays)

CLICK HERE for more information and to register ...

In the News ... "Apostle Mark known for clarity"

Painting by Frans Hals the Elder

• Founder of the Church of Alexandria learned from Barnabas and the Apostle Paul

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Apostle Mark, also known as Mark the Evangelist, was a passionate man whose message was powerful enough to establish the first Christian church in Africa.

Historians believe the author of the Gospel of Mark went to Alexandria, Egypt, in 49 A.D. and was martyred there 19 years later.

His Church of Alexandria is considered the origin of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and the Coptic Catholic Church. The College Saint Marc there is named for him.

The Revs. Larry Hood, Hector Aguilar and Andy Hill agree that Mark based his book on the recollections of the Apostle Peter ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 24, 2021

Contributed Photo

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM COOPERATIVE - The COVID-19 pandemic is growing rapidly in Indonesia, which has one of the highest number of coronavirus cases in Asia. But with fewer than 100,000, the total number of confirmed cases is still relatively small compared to those in the United States.

The real numbers may be much higher, according to mission co-worker Farsijana Adeney-Risakotta, who has served in there since 2003 ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 23, 2021

Photo Courtesy of Presbyterian Mission Agency

KOREAN CLERGYWOMEN - It’s 2021, and women in the pulpit are not an unusual sight in many churches across the country. A 2018 study conducted by Eileen Campbell-Reed titled “State of Clergywomen in the U.S.: A Statistical Update” revealed some interesting facts about clergywomen in the U.S.; among them was that in most mainline denominations, the percentage of clergywomen has doubled or tripled since 1994. Still, while more women have the title “Rev.” in front of their names, obstacles while on the road to ordination, and even when serving in church, remain. Among those obstacles is the still pervasive problem of gender discrimination ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Now, My Mother Can Rest”

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

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FWM Photo

Friday Story: “Now, My Mother Can Rest”

Ivan is a 13-year-old boy who lives in Palca, a small village nestled in the hills of Honduras that can only be reached by rocky dirt roads.

He lives with his parents and two sisters in a modest home made of adobe walls and cement floors.

When he was four, Ivan was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. He has fractured at least 10 bones in his body.

Ivan has never had any type of mobility aids before ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "Psychology and Jesus: 10 tips to tame anger from the Mayo Clinic"

Getty Images

• Life has been challenging in 2020/21

By Jean Stinnett, Special Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Anger is a normal emotion. When expressed in healthy and positive ways anger is not a problem. But when anger is uncontrolled, passive, suppressed, or aggressive, it may lead to destructive behavior, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, physical ailments (strokes, high blood pressure, headaches, coronary disease, autoimmune disorders, digestive disorders, insomnia, depression, and more) and sometimes suicide. In an on-line article the Mayo Clinic offers the following 10 tips to taming anger ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 22, 2021

PASTORS AND LEADERSHIP - These are the strangest of times. As of this reading, things will likely be different than they were a month ago.

How much so? I cannot guess. But as a retired minister now serving as a spiritual director, I can say the anxiousness felt by the pastors I see will continue ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From TBM ... "Crucial prayer request"

Commonly known as Texas Baptist Men, TBM empowers Christians just like you to take on the biggest challenges around the globe, changing the world one radical act of service and compassion at a time. Since 1967, TBM volunteers have delivered help, hope and healing to millions of hurting people and raising up the next generation to do likewise. As a result of its service, TBM has helped start and train disaster relief groups in all 50 states, giving birth to the nation's third-largest disaster relief network in the nation.

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Each year, TBM volunteers take several trips around the globe to give access to clean drinking water to villages in desperate situations. Each of the trips is crucial to the people there, but none may be more crucial than the one that started Friday. It's no exaggeration to say this is a matter of life and death.

Five volunteers will be drilling a water well and teaching locals how to do likewise in a Ugandan refugee camp where water is so scarce people are fighting over it. Last fall, 11 people died as refugees and Ugandans fought for access to a well in the area.

If successful, the next few weeks will revolutionize life in this camp. The well Texans drill and the lessons they teach will lead to multiple wells drilled by local church leaders long after the Texas team returns home. Families will grow stronger. Children will become healthy and reach their full God-given potential.

As a result, church leaders, including the missionary we are assisting, also will have the opportunity to share about the Living Water that is Jesus Christ. Drilling water wells will be an incredible avenue for sharing God's love with the entire refugee camp.

In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus reminds us that where people pray together in His name, God listens: "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." I'm clinging to this truth for the next month.

I'm asking you to pray for the trip, which will go until Feb. 11. Please pray:

   • step of the process, from locating water to the drilling process to the building of relationships.
   • The drilling equipment works well.
   • The team finds water quickly.
   • For health and safety while traveling and in the camp.
   • God's love is shared clearly through all the team does.

We're going to post updates from the field as often as we can despite limited internet availability. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you for your heart for sharing God's love. Together, we will provide clean drinking water as well as Living Water in the next few weeks.

DeeDee Wint
Vice President
TBM Water

In the News ... "Men's Ministry"

• THIS Saturday at First UMC-Odessa

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled a Men's Ministry for men of all ages at 8 a.m. Saturday.

They will meet to have fun, to inform and for their future. Breakfast will be included. There is no charge to attend. Call 337-1527 or visit http://tinyurl.com/y522rrhk.

In the News ... "'PHOTO: Prayers offered for new president and the nation on Inauguration Day"

ARN Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich

• "Where hope lies beyond the division right now ..."

By Ronald W. Erdrich, Photographer
• Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Kimber Morgan leads a group of about a dozen in a prayer Wednesday morning at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The short ceremony was held at the same time as Joe Biden was being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. "We decided it was really important to pray for our nation and to remind everybody that ultimately we are children of God," Morgan said. "That is where hope lies beyond the division right now between political parties and all of the unrest."

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 21, 2021

Contributed Photo

VIRGINIA BEACH GIRL SCOUT'S BUTTERFLY GARDEN - The metamorphosis of the caterpillar transforming itself into a butterfly reminds many Christians — Emma Reed of First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach in Virginia, among them — of Jesus’ death and resurrection ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... “West Texas Food Bank holding annual Empty Bowls fundraiser"

KWES Photo

• This year's event will take place at the non-profit's new Innovative Gardens

Staff Report
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank will be holding its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on January 30.

The event, which is one of the biggest fundraisers for the food bank, will take place in the new Innovative Gardens at the Midland facility.

This will make the fundraiser an outdoor event ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "Border Ministry: Pasos de Fe"

Amidst the changes and chances of the COVID-19 pandemic, churches and entities throughout the The Synod of the Sun found ways to not only survive but also find unique and beautiful ways to minister to God's people in need. Mission and ministry takes form in supplying basic necessities to caring for the environment. Connections have been made via video feed and blankets. Love is supplied via learning how to read to dArive-in diapers.

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Border Ministry: Pasos de Fe

On the newest episode of SunSpots, we talk with Rev. Tim Gray of University Presbyterian Church in El Paso about the unique ministry between UPC in El Paso and Pasos de Fe Esperanza in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Tim began his career in Los Angeles, California in Nonprofit Management and Fundraising, but eventually felt called to pastoral ministry and moved to Austin, Texas to study at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduating Tim wanted to return to the border and found a church in El Paso, Texas where he is co-pastor at University Presbyterian Church. Tim is a board member and partner in ministry with Pasos de Fe, a community center, shelter and fluid mission in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Don’t listen to podcasts? The same content we post on the SunSpots podcast will also be posted on our YouTube page.

You can find SunSpots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Alexa (“Hey Alexa, play the SunSpots podcast”), or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

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Find SunSpots on our web page ...


Find SunSpots content on the Synod of the Sun YouTube channel ...
(click on SunSpots playlist)

In the News ... "Hope Border Institute joins faith groups' call for presidents to treat Honduran Exodus as Refugee Crisis"

• New regional network addressing root causes of poverty, unemployment, climate change, corruption, and violence that force families to migrate north

Staff Report
• El Paso Herald-Post

EL PASO, TEXAS - Tuesday morning, officials with El Paso’s own HOPE Border Institute joined with a network of 340 faith-based, indigenous, and grassroots organizations and religious leaders from Central America, Mexico, and the U.S. in releasing a statement in response to the Honduras refugee crisis ...

• Read the rest of this EPHP report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 20, 2021

Photo Courtesy of Seneca Presbyterian Church

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA) VOLUNTEERS - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) volunteers Richard and Susan Caldwell had been praying about their mission work and where God would lead them to when fate stepped in. In April, tornadoes tore through their state the morning after Easter, sparing their South Carolina home but leaving extensive damage just blocks from their church, Seneca Presbyterian, and killing one person ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Gathering Church in Midland hosts first food giveaway of the year"

KOSA Photo

• Planning to have food giveaways every 3rd Saturday of the month

By Stephanie Douglas, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As the pandemic continues, more people than ever are still struggling to find a way to put food on the table. That’s why The Gathering Church in Midland held its first pop-up food giveaway of the year ...

• Read/watch the rest of this KOSA report ...

From PC(USA) Store ... Your Lent 2021 Resource Guide

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.

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Welcome to our Lent 2021 resource guide! You’ll find everything you need for preaching, teaching, and experiencing the season. If you are viewing this on your computer or device, you can click on any title or cover to be taken to the product page on PC(USA) Store. Look for the dark blue blocks to download resource samples. You can also email or print this to use for personal research or with committees.

• CLICK HERE to access the Digital Lent Guide ...

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Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

PC(USA) Store
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 533-4371
support@pcusastore.com

In the News ... “West Texas Food Bank holds volunteers days to honor MLK Day"

KWES Photo

• First time they've had people other than staff in their buildings since the pandemic forced them to close their doors to volunteers

Staff Report, Reporter
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by honoring him through the National Day of Service.

The food bank held volunteer days in both its Midland and Odessa locations ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 19, 2021

Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash

"THE PILGRIM'S COMPASS" - The pandemic has ushered in a time of bewilderment but also a golden opportunity, according to the Rev. Dr. Paul H. Lang, author of “The Pilgrim’s Compass: Finding and Following the God We Seek.” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @chinaaid : "In EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment—36 Civil Society Organisations call for stronger human rights safeguards"

The ChinaAid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

In EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment—36 Civil Society Organisations call for stronger human rights safeguards
Distributed by ChinaAid, January 2021 ...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – In view of the upcoming Plenary session of the European Parliament, today a coalition of 36 civil society organisations (CSOs) have launched a Joint Appeal to the European Institutions calling for the inclusion of enforceable human rights clauses in the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

From @austinseminary ... "The Reed" for January 2021

Register now for ONLINE MidWinters!

If attending MidWinter Lectures is always on your radar but never on your calendar, the 2021 online version might whet your appetite for theological education. Without traveling further than your computer, you can learn from and interact with others who care deeply about the issues of the day from the perspective of faith. We'll start at 1:00 pm (CST) on Monday, January 25, with lectures, conversations, and worship. Everything is online and absolutely free. We can't wait to see you!

• Read more and Register HERE ...

2021 Resolution: How about a seminary course?

With the new year, thoughts often turn to expanding our horizons and trying new things. As Austin Seminary continues to deliver education online throughout the spring, what better time to sample theological education wherever you happen to be! Here are two ways you can learn online with Austin Seminary this spring:

Special Student or Auditor
Twenty courses—from "Foundations of Christian Education" with Professor David White to "Social Justice" with Professor Asante Todd—are open this spring to non-degree students. See the list of classes here along with information on how to apply. These courses are all offered online; the semester runs from February 1–May 14; Application deadline is January 20.

Certificate in Ministry or Certificate in Jewish Christian Relationship
The spring term in our Certificate programs runs March 22- May 28; Application deadline is January 25; Registration deadline is February 26
     Certificate in Ministry: "Pastoral Care" taught by Reverend Chuck Mendenhall and "Introduction to the Hebrew Bible" taught by Professor Paul Hooker. Read descriptions here.
     Certificate in Jewish Christian Relationship: The spring term includes the course, "Rites of Passage: Rituals of Life and Death in Judaism and Christianity" taught by Dr. David Jensen and Rabbi Cheryl Peretz. Read the description here.

We look forward to connecting with you in 2021!

Education Beyond the Walls: Upcoming

Doing Justice: Racism
Join us as we take a direct look at the church’s response to racism in America. In this course you’ll have the opportunity to engage in courageous conversations with other Christian leaders and learners who are wrestling with this complex issue in order to deepen your understanding of the biblical, theological, and sociological perspectives held by others. Join a group or create your own.
• Contact EBW to purchase this course for your group ...

Embodied Ministry in a Hybrid World
Starting in April, this six-week, limited enrollment course will explore the hybrid world of embodied ministry. Course facilitators will help participants examine what elements of digital ministry to keep, what to let go, and what to transform into a hybrid offering. The goal of the course is to help you faithfully lead with your full, embodied self in virtual space.

Faith Formation and Learning Development for Hybrid Christian Formation
Starting the week of June 7, join with us and explore new tools and workshop ideas to create an intentional Christian formation plan for your particular ministry context. The course includes asynchronous pieces on our digital learning platform and a weekly 90-minute gathering with course facilitators.

Partner with us to ensure theological education excellence!

There are many ways to partner with Austin Seminary in the formation of men and women for Christian ministry. Your gift to our Annual Fund supports the formation of Christian leaders.

• Click here to support our studentse ....

Encourage someone with gifts for ministry!

We've scheduled virtual visits for prospective students throughout the spring semester.
 • February 18
 • March 11
 • April 8
 • May 13

• Read more, and register ...

Staffing changes in Institutional Advancement office

In an effort to responsibly steward the generous donors who undergird this institution, and to further inspire a culture of philanthropy within our giving community, we are pleased to announce the following staffing changes in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

The Reverend Nancy Benson-Nicol has transitioned to become director of philanthropic engagement. In this new role she will be responsible for developing meaningful opportunities for Austin Seminary donors to engage more deeply in the enterprise of theological education and more specifically the mission of Austin Seminary. Nancy will serve as a concierge, resourcing Major Gift Officers Diane Pennington and Rose Niles as they focus on strengthening and stewarding donor relationships and seek to retain and secure major and planned gifts, by presenting points of connection that align with the philanthropic interests of our donors.

Based out of Dallas, Ms. Diane Pennington will cover the Presbyteries of Cimarron, Grace, Eastern Oklahoma, Indian Nations, Palo Duro, Sierra Blanca, and Santa Fe.

Based in Houston, The Reverend Dr. Rose Niles will cover the Presbyteries of Arkansas, Mission, New Covenant, Pines, South Louisiana, and Tres Rios. We are grateful for our stakeholders and we look forward to their heightened engagement in our work and in our community!.

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