Equal Exchange Blog ... "Scott G: Equal Exchange Advocate Extraordinaire"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

---

'Scott G: Equal Exchange Advocate Extraordinaire

Equal Exchange Photo 

Sometimes there is a faith-based advocate for Equal Exchange who works outside of the direct church or synagogue environment. This is the case of Scott G. who sells products to assist small farmers out of his office. Scott is a scientist who has worked at a tech company for 35 years and offers Equal Exchange coffee and chocolate to other employees. We interviewed him about his special project.

• Read the rest of this post ...

---

Join Us!

We invite you to join our growing community of citizen-consumers who are getting even more deeply involved in Equal Exchange.

We need consumer participation in our organization to build a deeply democratic trade system made up of farmers and their democratic organizations, workers and their democratic organization, and citizen-consumers who now have a democratic space in Equal Exchange as well as their own network. Join us in changing trade, together!

• Learn how YOU can help Equal Exchange ...

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.

Photo by Michael Ludwig

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 23, 2021

EVANGELISTIC MINISTRY IN AFRICA - The year was 2009, the place was Yei in what is now South Sudan, the newest country in the world. I was a mission co-worker serving as the first principal of RECONCILE Peace Institute, and our first class of students had arrived. The student body included about 45 church and community leaders from a dozen or more ethnic groups on opposing sides of a two- decades-long civil war. They had come to Yei to take courses in community-based trauma healing, peace studies and conflict transformation ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Missionaries offering free English lessons in Midland"

KOSA Photo

• Tuesdays, 7 pm, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Midland

By Eduardo Huijon, Jr., Reporter
• KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A local church is looking to help English language learners build their skills on Facebook and in person ...

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

From @chinaaid : "'Lishi District Detention Center cites "case involves religion" to illegally deny Zhao Weikai ’s consult with his lawyer "

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.

ChinaAid Photo

Lishi District Detention Center cites "case involves religion" to illegally deny Zhao Weikai ’s consult with his lawyer
Distributed by ChinaAid, May 2021 ...

TAIYUAN, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA – On May 20, in accordance with Article 26 of “Regulation on Detention Facilities” and Article 33 of “Lawyers Law of the People's Republic of China,” Lawyer Deng Qinggao requested to meet with detained Zhao Weikai, a Christian client from Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church. Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials at the detention center in Lishi District, Wenshui County, Lüliang City, Shanxi Province, however, denied the request of Lawyer Deng [Fujian Enxing Law Firm], citing the "excuse" that "the case involves religion" ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

From PC(USA) Store ... Books for Spiritual Practices and Mindfulness

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.

---

Beguiled by Beauty

Cutivate a life of contemplation and compassion as Wendy Farley guides you through habits of wonder, attention, compassion, courahe, and joy

• Learn More About Beguiled by Beauty ...
• Look Inside the Book ...

Additional Resources

• Practicing: Changing Yourself to Change the World
Pastor Kathy Escobar inspires and challenges readers with practical encouragement to live their faith through real action using ten transformational practices.

• Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality
Tim Stead explores how practicing mindfulness can help Christians better live out their faith.

• Soul Feast, Newly Revised Edition
Marjorie Thompson offers a framework for understanding the spiritual disciplines and instruction for developing and nurturing those practices.

• More than Enough: Living Abundantly in a Culture of Excess
Lee Hull Moses provides a blend of practical reflection and insight on topics from guilt to delight and invites the reader to a new way of life, one that is grounded in the hope and grace of God.

• The Thirst of God: Contemplating God's Love with Three Women Mystics
Wendy Farley eloquently brings the work of three female mystics—Marguerite Porete, Mechthild of Magdeburg, and Julian of Norwich—into creative conversation with contemporary Christian life and thought.

---

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 ... "McBryde brings wide experience to church"

OA Photo by Eli Hartman

• Arkansas native had business career before joining the ministry

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Charles McBryde had always planned a career in business and he pursued one for 17 years till submitting to God’s will and becoming a minister ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "San Angelo area churches offer worship, volunteer options: Weekend of June 26"

• Including Vacation Bible School This Summer

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Faith briefs may be submitted by emailing News@GoSanAngelo.com. Briefs are published in print on Saturdays and the deadline to submit an entry is noon Wednesdays ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

In the News ... "Abilene Sermons: 06/26-27/2021"

• What's happening at churches in the Big Country?

Staff Report
• Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Local and area church sermons this weekend.

Encourage your pastor to tell us the upcoming week's sermon topic. It's FREE, and it's open to churches throughout the Big Country. Email it to publishme@reporternews.com by 2 p.m. each Tuesday. Please put "sermon" in the subject line. Include the topic, who will deliver it, a synopsis limited to 60 words, when services begin and the name and street address of your place of worship ...

• Read the rest of this ARN report ...

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 ...

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.

Provided Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 27, 2021

PCUSA WORLD AIDS SUNDAY - Ministering faithfully in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has called for creativity and solidarity. Who would have predicted that producing masks would be a part of fighting HIV and AIDS? The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), the PC(USA)’s partner church, has been committed to fighting HIV and AIDS since 2001 ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

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.

Jaff Bamenjo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 26, 2021

VIOLENCE IN CAMEROON - How to put an end to the killing of schoolchildren and thousands of others in Cameroon — and ways to support Cameroonians seeking asylum in other countries, including the United States — was the topic of a recent webinar attended by more than 300 people.

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), issued a Call to Prayer for the people of Cameroon ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From ServLife International ... "Sandeep: determination to succeed"

ServLife International is a movement defined by values of God’s kingdom, not programs built around human efforts and activities. The reign and rule of God should be made apparent to every person on the planet, despite their religion, race or socioeconomic status. We believe that issues of justice are inseparable from the good news that Jesus Christ came to proclaim. ServLife exists to take the gospel of Christ and the hope of a better, more just, world to the lives of people we touch. This happens through individual contributions of time, creativity, resources and dreams.

---

ServLife Photo

Sandeep: determination to succeed

“I’ve seen a great change in my child. Now he can read and write.” As a farmer in a small village in India, Sikendar and his wife Sunita are working their hardest to provide for their family. Sometimes working 2 jobs to make a mere 300 Rupees a day (approximately $4.00). With three children, they’ve had to search for the right environment for their children to succeed.

Through child sponsorship, Sandeep has been able to attend the school in Marocha and his education has created a determination in him to succeed. Sikendar loves seeing that resolution in Sandeep and prays that he will have that same devotion to his relationship with God.

Click here to read Sandeep’s story and watch the video ...


Your donation helps Sandeep’s school provide a quality education for him and over 100 other students. Give today to the FOR THE CHILDREN campaign.

Thank you,

From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.


Click here to give a gift of $30, $90, $150, $300 or more to help families and our partners in India and Nepal.




Join Our Mission

ServLife International propels reconciliation and justice by building global community to plant churches, care for children and fight poverty. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for the spiritual, physical, social, and economic areas of life in northern India and Nepal.  Learn more about our latest news, featured stories, and how to get involved at servlife.org

Support a Pastor Our church planters spread the love of Christ in some of the most difficult environments in the world. • Support Them ...	Sponsor a Child For only $30 per month you can help give a child food, education, care and, most importantly, hope. • Sponsor Now ...	Fight Poverty The HOPE Fund, our micro-finance program, provides start-up funds for a small business, paving a way out of poverty for families in need. • Learn More ...

---

ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “India on Our Hearts”

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.

---

FWM Photo

Friday Story: “India on Our Hearts”

We invite you to join us in prayer for the people of India as they endure a devastating surge in COVID-19 infections, with more than 20 million cases as of this writing.

India holds a special place in our hearts at Free Wheelchair Mission. It is where we gave away our first four wheelchairs over twenty years ago.

India is also where we gave away our 500,000th wheelchair in 2011.

So when we hear news reports about the current health crisis in India, the people are never far from our minds ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

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.

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 25, 2021

SEASON OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION IN THE KOREAN PENINSULA - Beautiful wildflowers are blooming all over the place with warning signs of land mines. It speaks the reality of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and the Korean Peninsula. Since my wife, Jieun, and I came to Seoul, Korea, as Regional Liaisons for East Asia in 2020, we have visited the DMZ area twice: inside the Civilian Control Line and inside the DMZ ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

News from Presbyterian World Mission ... June 2021

A message from Presbyterian World Mission ... Presbyterians do mission in partnership. We believe that doing mission in partnership broadens our awareness of how interconnectional God’s mission is at the local, national and global levels. The one table around which we gather is God’s table and the one mission to which we are called is God’s mission.

---

June 2021

• Mission Matters - Twin Pandemics: Racism, Poverty'
• Support Congo volcano eruption, earthquake victims;
• Support the YAV Program through Pentecost Offering;
• Special service of lament, hope for PCUSA staff;
• Israel-Palestine conflict;
• Will you be an advocate?;
• Colombia protests;
• A ‘toolkit for grieving children’;
• Aleppo’s deteriorating heath care sector;
• Invite a Presbyterian mission co-worker for a virtual, or in-person visit to your church;
• and more!

• Read this month's News from Presbyterian World Mission ...

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "Camp Gilmont"

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.

---

Camp Gilmont

A visit with Jennifer Rigoulot, Executive Director of Operations and Programs and rev. Kenny Rigoulot, Executive Director of Development and Spiritual Formation for Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Texas.

Check out gilmont.org/ to find out more about this ministry.

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.

---

Find SunSpots on our web page ...


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

In the News ... "GOOD NEWS: Holy Cross Catholic High School makes an impact"

Courtesy Photo

• "Our Holy Cross family continues to be blessed with the generosity of our community"

OA Life
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The school year may have been winding down, but Holy Cross Catholic High School (HCCHS) had an eventful month of May ...

• Read/watch 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.

The Rev. Michelle Henrichs

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 24, 2021

MILWAUKEE PRESBYTERY - Add the Presbytery of Milwaukee to the list of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mid councils and churches to help heal people by wiping away their medical debt ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Vacation Bible School"

• At Immanuel Baptist Church of Odessa

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Immanuel Baptist Church, 4020 E. University Blvd., has scheduled Vacation Bible School for 3-year-olds through sixth graders from 9 a.m. to noon July 6-9.

• Register at https://immanuelodessa.com/vbs-signup.php ...

From @austinseminary ... Help us Finish Strong!

Help us Finish Strong!

Dear Friends,

June 30, 2021, marks the end of our fiscal year. Over the course of this challenging year, Austin Seminary has continued to provide educational and spiritual formation guidance to students, pastors, lay leaders, and seekers.

As you know, many of our fund-raising events could not happen because of the global pandemic. Yet, our work continues. Austin Seminary President Theodore J. Wardlaw shares this sentiment as he reflects upon his leadership of Austin Seminary:

“The landscape of theological education has undergone change—some of which has been significantly challenging. Overcoming these challenges, the Seminary has relied upon faithful trustees, a world-class faculty, and generous supporters. Please prayerfully consider sending a gift today.”

We rely, year in and year out, on the support of people like you who value a theologically educated clergy and laity. Please support the future leaders of the church by clicking on the "Donate Now" link below.

Thank you!

• DONATE NOW

---

Get the latest news from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in their digital monthly eNewsletter. Features on events, students, faculty, and alumni can be sent directly to your inbox.

• Subscribe to the Austin Seminary Reed

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.

Art courtesy of illustrator Jillian Ivey

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 23, 2021

Sick & hA!arious PODCAST - In college, the Revs. Layne Bailey Brubaker and Abigail Spears Velázquez wore matching hats embroidered with the words ‘Sick & hAlarious.’ These expressions are endearing reminders of their visits with Abi’s grandmother and great aunt, who would frequently exclaim “sick” or “hAlarious” in response to one another’s stories about life in their retirement. “Abi and I picked this up from them,” Brubaker said. We always imagined ourselves in the last days of our lives, living in a retirement community, laughing, and saying everything is ‘sick’ and ‘hAlarious.’” Abi’s grandmother passed away recently, so “it is with loving gratitude that we honor her in the name of our podcast: Sick & hAlarious: A Podcast Where We Encounter God In It All” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "High energy camp at Crossroads Church"

• Registration closes June 27

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Crossroads Church, 6901 E. Highway 191, is taking registrations for a three-day high energy camp for sixth through eighth grade students.

Registration closes June 27.

There will be worship, games, water recreation, Cinergy Takeover, Altitude Trampoline Park, Luau Party at Doug Russell Pool, theme night parties and more.

• Reagister at http://www.crchurch.cc/Events/middle-school-camp/ ...

From Equal Exchange ... "'June Speaker Series' continues TONIGHT"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

---

'June Speaker Series' continues TONIGHT

For 35 years Equal Exchange has been doing things differently. By working with small-scale farmers organized democratically, being structured as a worker-owned cooperative, and connecting consumers like you directly to your food we have proven through our success that an alternative trade model is possible. We have not done this alone, we have made many friends along the way and this Virtual Speaker Series is celebrating our solidarity network of which you are all a part.

We are excited to introduce three exceptional individuals to this community. Commercial Manager Miguel Mateo Sebastion of Manos Campesinas in Guatemala, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Pushpika Freitas Founder of Marketplace Handwork of India.

Please join us for this exciting series and make sure you register for each event you plan to attend!

Building the Alternative Trade Economy With Allies in Challenging Times
Pushpika Freitas
Founder of Marketplace: Handwork of India

Tuesday, June 22nd
7:00 - 8:15 pm Eastern
6:00 - 7:15 pm Central
4:00 - 5:15 pm Pacific

• More Information, and Registration ...

---

Join Us!

We invite you to join our growing community of citizen-consumers who are getting even more deeply involved in Equal Exchange.

We need consumer participation in our organization to build a deeply democratic trade system made up of farmers and their democratic organizations, workers and their democratic organization, and citizen-consumers who now have a democratic space in Equal Exchange as well as their own network. Join us in changing trade, together!

• Learn how YOU can help Equal Exchange ...