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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 14, 2013

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK CITY - From tall-steeple “Avenue churches” in Manhattan to new immigrant fellowships worshiping in rental spaces, the Presbyterian witness in New York City is as varied and vibrant as the city’s neighborhoods. Faith Presbyterian Church in Maspeth, Queens, has outgrown its building and now rents additional commercial space for its burgeoning ministry among Korean Americans. Olivet Presbyterian Church in Staten Island converts its only church school classroom into an eight-bed women’s shelter and hosts dinners, parties, and outings that bring congregation members and shelter guests together.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

In the News ... "Local Church to Send Missionaries to Jordan"

Macey Meriggi, Reporter
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND-ODESSA, TEXAS - Syria has been at war for about two years now and Mid Cities Church has decided it's time to send a group of missionaries and medical professionals to a safe haven in Jordan. Mid Cities held a fundraiser to send help to this war-stricken area.

 • 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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 13, 2013

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - In the fall of 2011, the Presbytery of New Brunswick’s Urban Mission Cabinet—12 Presbyterian congregations committed to ministry in Trenton and New Brunswick—opened its first House of Hospitality, a communal living space in the former Bethany Church parish house. Deep in the heart of the Chambersburg section of Trenton, Bethany House stands as an intentional community that draws on the tradition of service and justice that the presbytery understands to be at the core of our faith commitments. The young adults who live in Bethany House covenant to live simply, to participate in a communal way of life, and to faithfully explore both new and ancient spiritual practices, all while engaging the neighborhood where they live and the organizations that they serve.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

A special announcement from "Faces of Children"

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

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Special Announcement: Meetings Hosting Syrian Believers

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessors,

Pastor Getaneh Getaneh, one of our local Faces prayer partners, would like to extend an invitation to you to hear from several Syrian Christians affected by the civil conflict in their country. Please see the list of opportunities below.

Blessings,

Chris Cain Laufer
Director, Faces of Children
800 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 684-7821 • claufer@facesofchildren.net

 

Midland has a Special Opportunity

Syrian Believers are being brought to Midland ...
 Wednesday Sept 18-19th

... to connect with the Body of Christ here and to give an update on the situation of believers in Syria. They are coming most especially to ask for prayer. Please come to one of these special times if you are able and get the word out. Here is their schedule.

For more information & to RSVP & call (432) 352-3973.

Wednesday
 Noon Lunch at First Presbyterian in Midland
 Please RSVP by Monday Sept.16th

 Prayer at Pastor Getaneh's
 2:00pm - 4:00pm
 903 Ventura Ave

 6:30pm Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
 located on Midland Dr.

 Thursday
 Brunch 9:45am-noon
 Aldridge Gardens
 located 3300 N Fairgrounds Rd Midland
 Please RSVP by Monday Sept. 16th

 They leave directly after the brunch.

Faces of Children: Prayer Concerns for This Week

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the Week of 9/12/13

Burma, Bangladesh

• Continue to pray for peace between two ethnic groups in Burma’s northwestern Rakhine (formerly Arakan) State. Animosity between the predominately Buddhist Rakhine and the predominately Muslim Rohingya goes back many years to when the Rohingya first came to Burma from Bangladesh. Last year’s violence between these two ethnic groups left 140,000 homeless, mostly Rohingya, and at least 192 dead. Pray for reconciliation and understanding between these two ethnic people groups.
• Please continue in prayer for the estimated 800,000 Rohingya children and families that live in abject poverty near Burma’s western border with Bangladesh. Pray for the estimated 300,000 Rohingya refugees who are believed to live in Bangladesh. The Rohingya are denied citizenship in both Burma and Bangladesh.
• Pray for children affected by recent violence between police and Rohingya Muslims. Oppressive, apartheid-like policies, instituted after last year’s violence, have segregated the Buddhist Rakhine from the Muslim Rohingya. • Pray for Rohingya children and families who have been forced into primitive camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) and have little hope of being resettled elsewhere. Pray for IDP children and families who lack access to medical facilities, latrines, shelters, blankets, and regular food distribution.
• more on this request
• Pray the government of Burma will have a change of heart towards the Rohingya who are restricted from moving freely, finding jobs, accessing basic services like healthcare and food aid, or having more than two children.

Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey

• Continue to keep the children and people of Syria close in prayer during this very difficult, violent period in their country. Pray for the families of those killed in this sectarian civil war. An estimated 100,000 people have been killed in the conflict; 7,000 were children.
• more on this request
• Pray for the estimated 4.25 million people, almost half of whom are children, who are displaced within Syria because of this conflict.
• Pray for the more than 2 million Syrians, 1 million of whom are children, who have sought refuge in neighboring Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. Please pray for the 3,500 unaccompanied children who have fled Syria and crossed into neighboring countries. Pray God will protect vulnerable refugee children from being sexually exploited or trafficked; from being sold into labor, early marriage, or prostitution.
• more on this request
• Pray for children who have been traumatized by the violence in Syria. Pray for those who have witnessed gruesome, violent acts against loved ones, family, and/or friends. Pray for those experiencing depression or hopelessness about the losses they’ve witnessed.
• Please pray for children and families affected by chemical weapons attacks, allegedly done by the Syrian government to stop rebel advancements in Damascus. More than 1,400 people, including 426 children, have died in what U.S. intelligence analysts believe were chemical weapons attacks.
• more on this request
• Pray for an end to this horrific violence. Pray Syria’s government and rebel leaders will work towards a peaceful solution to this civil conflict. Pray international governments will seek God’s guidance concerning their intervention in this crisis. Pray they will work together to help Syria achieve peace.
United States

• Please pray God will bring healing to 1-year-old Jace who has been very sick with an undiagnosed illness. Pray doctors will be able to discover what is making him so ill and provide a plan of treatment. Pray for Jace’s family as they care for this little boy

Faces of Children

• Pray for Faces of Children prayer partner Robin Richey, her mother Mickey, and their family during this season of illness and loss. Robin’s mother is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s and has other medical complications. Pray Mickey will experience God’s peace and comfort during these last days and weeks. Pray for Robin’s brother and sister-in-law who are with Mickey and helping to care for her. Pray for Robin as she experiences this loss long distance. Give God thanks for the compassion and skill of the hospice agency caring for Mickey.

• Please pray for James, the younger brother of Faces of Children intercessor Tara Kirkpatrick, as he recovers from surgery. Pray the surgery and the previous chemotherapy and radiation treatments will stop the spread of cancer. Pray God will bring complete healing to James. Please pray for James’ sisters and father who are very worried about this beloved brother and son. Pray God will comfort James and his family in this season of illness

• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

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If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Church Honors First Responders"

DeAnn Lopez, Reporter
KOSA-TV

FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS - They are the first on scene during an emergency and are often taken for granted.

The community of Fort Stockton came together to honor their first responders.

Sitting in the service, I saw first hand how appreciated and loved these men and women are.

This week marks 12-years since 9/11, and pastor Scott Owens, of North Side Baptist Church, thought today would be the perfect opportunity to honor their first responders.

 • 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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 12, 2013

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF NEW JERSEY - Discerning God’s call can be a challenging task, but that is exactly what Trinity Presbyterian Church, East Brunswick, did. Five years ago, a group of members joined together to discern what Trinity’s missional focus should be—what was God calling Trinity to do? After many months of study and prayer, caring for God’s creation emerged as their primary focus. In 2008 Trinity covenanted to “care for creation” as a community of faith.

Trinity continues to take that commitment very seriously. Through worship and education, Trinity connects God’s call with everyday life. Its work to green its facility, through actions such as improving energy efficiency and the purchase of environmentally friendly products, as well as its development of a community garden and a butterfly garden, serve as examples of how Trinity puts its beliefs into act.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 11, 2013

MCHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK - Two years ago, a Valley Stream Presbyterian Church (VSPC) youth was randomly and brutally attacked by five young men just two houses from the church building. Through this horrible incident, God has brought blessings of a new and relevant ministry to the congregation and community.

Under the leadership of Rev. Kymberley Clemons-Jones, pastor of VSPC, and in partnership with Memorial Presbyterian Church (Roosevelt) and the community, VSPC now ministers to young males through the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

Invitation to Prayer: TOMORROW

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Life Is Love and Love Is Living

Feeling strong and strongly feeling.
Being glad and glad of being.
Care for need and needing caring.
Sharing self and selfless sharing.
Full of spirit spirit filling.
Will is warm and warmly willing.
Giving joy enjoy the giving.
Life is love and love is living.
       Joseph Byron

Bedside Prayers: Prayers and Poems for When You Rise and Go to Sleep
by June Cotner

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I hope you will be able to join the Faces of Children prayer group as we pray that all children might know the joy and wonder of our Creator ... that they might experience God’s presence in those times when they feel most alone, this coming Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

Grace and peace,

Chris

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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 10, 2013

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON RIVER, NEW YORK - Even as the Poughkeepsie Church closed its doors, its members received a vision for the future and the possibilities toward which God calls the church. As members sold their building and merged with another congregation, they set aside a portion of the proceeds to be used as seed money for new, creative, transformational ministries in the Presbytery of Hudson River. One of the ministries funded by their vision is a Cross-Cultural Network coordinator, a part-time presbytery staff position imagined by four teaching elders serving congregations in increasingly diverse communities. In addition to the Poughkeepsie money, the team also received a General Assembly Mission Program Grant, which, combined with financial support from a network of congregations in the presbytery, will fund the three-fourths-time coordinator position through the end of 2014. At a March 2012 presbytery meeting, Sarah Henkel was called to serve as the Cross-Cultural Network coordinator and ordained as a teaching elder.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

ChinaAid: "Believers of Shouwang Church holding outdoor worship persecuted, beaten, held in jail cell"

The China Aid 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.

Believers of Shouwang Church holding outdoor worship persecuted, beaten, held in jail cell

Distributed by ChinaAid, August, 2013 ...

BEIJING, CHINA – Brother Jin Shaohua, 42, is a member of Shouwang Church and has faithfully attended the Sunday worship services in Zhongguancun Square. Shouwang Church has been continuously persecuted by the Chinese government. On many occasions, Jin has been taken to the Public Security Bureau for interrogation and illegal detention.

On the morning of July 28, 2013, as Jin was going for the outdoor Sunday service, he was verbally abused and violently beaten by several DSPS agents, resulting in a dislodged tooth, a bloody mouth, and various other wounds on his body. Jin has the hospital’s diagnosis as a proof. After Jin was struck down, the Domestic Security Protection Squad (DSPS) agents threw him into a vehicle. Jin wanted to call an ambulance to take him to a hospital for treatment, but the police refused.

Jin, who was in a semi-coma, was brought to the Public Security Bureau in a police vehicle and locked up in a prison cell.

• more on this story from China Aid

Invitation to Prayer: Wednesday

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Life Is Love and Love Is Living

Feeling strong and strongly feeling.
Being glad and glad of being.
Care for need and needing caring.
Sharing self and selfless sharing.
Full of spirit spirit filling.
Will is warm and warmly willing.
Giving joy enjoy the giving.
Life is love and love is living.
       Joseph Byron

Bedside Prayers: Prayers and Poems for When You Rise and Go to Sleep
by June Cotner

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I hope you will be able to join the Faces of Children prayer group as we pray that all children might know the joy and wonder of our Creator ... that they might experience God’s presence in those times when they feel most alone, this coming Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

Grace and peace,

Chris

"Duck Dynasty" Coming to Crossroads, Odessa this weekend

Join Crossroads Fellowship, Odessa September 15th for a Sunday like no other! Willie Robertson will bring you a behind-the-scenes look at the family of the hit show Duck Dynasty.

This Louisiana bayou family operates a booming family business, and also employs half their neighborhood. At the end of the day, you can find the whole family around matriarch Miss Kay’s dinner table.

Don’t miss a chance to see how faith, family, and ducks built a dynasty, and experience a special brand of Southern know-how and down-home sense of humor that will encourage you and your family far into the future!

No admission charge.

Fun for the whole family.

Childcare available at 8:00am service for 0-3 years, and 0-3rd grade for the 9:30 & 11:00am services.

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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 9, 2013

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK: PRESBYTERY OF GENEVA, NEW YORK - At a time when it seemed most logical to cut staff positions, the Presbytery of Geneva made the bold move to hire a new staff member to support its renewed focus on mission. Today, the director of communications has become a vital link in the growth of mission opportunities in the presbytery. Through the talented leadership of staff member Rhonda Everdyke, the Presbytery of Geneva is exploring exciting new models for outreach.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 8, 2013

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - What is my purpose? Why am I here? When you read Psalm 139, you can imagine the questions and thought process that preceded this powerful declaration of God’s providence. I think about the community of faith that surrounded the writer, the group of people who helped the psalmist discover God’s love and care.

Many educators, including me, say that an important role of the faith community is to hold up a mirror to individuals in our midst to help them see the person that God sees—the giftedness, the potential for building the kingdom of God and for sharing the good news. This task of bearing testimony to one another is not to build self-esteem. The process of Christian witness nurtures disciples by helping them recognize that their lives matter for a higher purpose and that this purpose is what God has in mind. It accounts for why they were “wonderfully made” and why God walks with them day by day.

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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 7, 2013

PRESBYTERY OF GENESSEE VALLEY, NEW YORK - A police officer walks up to a car. “Excuse me, sir, is there a problem? You’re causing a traffic jam.” “I’m stuck!” “Out of gas, a flat tire?” “No, my car is fine; it’s my church that’s stuck!” So began a skit at a recent Presbytery of Genesee Valley meeting to introduce the new Triple Play grants.

Can churches get stuck? Yes, they can! Is your church invisible in your own community? Do your leaders spend more time maintaining your building than reaching out to others? Does your mission consist of sending out checks?

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... " Calls for Day of Prayer, Fasting Against Possible U.S. Strike on Syria"

Geena Martinez, Reporter
KWES-TV
ODESSA, TEXAS - It's no doubt the escalating crisis in Syria has many people concerned. Now the Pope is calling for a global day of prayer against a U.S. intervention.

The clock is ticking as the world watches and waits for what's next in Syria.

"It's a scary situation," Fr. Lorenzo Hatch, with St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Odessa, said. "Anytime there's war or conflict, lives are lost and we don't wanna face that."

 • read/watch 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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 6, 2013

PRESBYTERY OF ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY - Restore is an outreach begun by Elder Linwood Bagby of Second Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, who works full-time in the local public schools. He felt the call from God to reach out to the youth in his community, so he started meeting informally with kids and teens to talk about their lives and purpose. He incorporated Restore Ministries in 1994. Afterward, his pastor, Rev. Michael Granzen, asked about moving the program to Second. This partnership has matured, and students both from the community and from the congregations have blended and influenced each other in positive ways. Ten members of Restore have joined Second. “It is a great partnership!” exclaims Elder Bagby. “My church provides space, and we have the youth, the programs, and the services.”

CLICK HERE to read more.

Faces of Children: Prayer Concerns for This Week

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the Week of 9/5/13

China

• Please pray for the tens of thousands of Chinese children who are abducted by traffickers each year. Anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 children (depending on the source cited) are kidnapped each year.
• Pray for boy children who are sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents, many of whom may not be able to conceive, or they have daughters but no sons. There is a traditional preference for boys in China making an infant boy worth thousands of dollars on the black market.
• more on this request
• Please pray for older children who are kidnapped and used for street begging, pickpocketing, slave labor, or prostitution.
• Keep in prayer the parents of abducted children as they struggle to find their sons and daughters and deal with police apathy, corruption, or other complications. Pray for parents who have lost hope of ever finding their children. Pray for those who have drained their financial resources looking for their children.
• Pray law enforcement officers at the local level will act with integrity and resist bribes from traffickers. Pray they will work together with other law enforcement agencies to find kidnapped children. Traffickers often move abducted children across vast distances and jurisdictions to avoid detection.

Iraq, Syria

• Please keep in prayer the 30,000 Kurdish refugees from Syria who have recently crossed into Iraq’s Kurdish region. Pray for children and families fleeing attacks by a radical Sunni Arab rebel group that has aligned with Iraq’s branch of al Qaeda. Pray God will be with these desperate families as they seek refuge in Iraq. Pray God will provide the resources they need during this difficult season.
• more on this request
• Pray for peace in this region. Pray Syria’s civil war, which has spilled over into neighboring countries, will end.

Philippines

• Please keep in prayer children and people in the Philippines who have been affected by Typhoon Utor, the most powerful typhoon to hit the country this year. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and for those whose loved ones are missing.
• more on this request
• more on this request• Pray for children and families in Aurora province where the typhoon caused the greatest damage. Pray for those who were affected by the typhoon-triggered flooding and landslides. Pray for families who lost homes and livelihoods. Almost 90 percent of the agriculture in this province was destroyed or damaged, especially rice and corn crops and coconut plantations.

United States

• Thanks be to God for the progress 16-year-old Taylor * has made during a wilderness therapy program and for her successful graduation from it. Keep Taylor close in prayer as she moves to a residential treatment facility to continue her healing journey. Please pray God will bring complete healing to Taylor who struggles with serious mental illness. Pray for her parents and siblings as they have been deeply impacted by her illness. Give God thanks her mother, father, brother, and sister all enjoyed a special, healing time with Taylor at her graduation.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.
• Pray for the family of an 8-month-old boy who died after being left in a hot car for about six hours. Pray for this child’s mother who forgot she’d left the baby in the car when she went to work. The mother has been charged with felony child neglect and is in jail without bond.
• more on this request
• Pray for the family of Sabriya Towels, a 16-month-old girl who died after being left in a hot vehicle. Pray for the relative who left Sabriya in his truck when he went home to take a nap.
• more on this request
• Pray for all parents and guardians of young children ... that they will be even more vigilant during the hot seasons of the year. Pray for the families of the 29 children who have died in hot vehicles this year. KidsAndCars.org shares resources to help keep young children safe, including a safety checklist for parents and caregivers, and says even the best parent or caregiver can overlook a baby in a car seat due to lack of sleep, stress, or changes in their normal routine.
• more on this request
• kidsandcars.org website

Faces of Children

• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

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If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "New Food Pantry Giving Clients Power to Choose"

By Shelby Levins, Reporter
KMID-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - A new food pantry that gives clients to power to choose is now open in Odessa.

Wednesday morning, Catholic Charities unveiled its new and improved Client Choice Pantry inside its Community Service Center.

The new food pantry is named in honor of Louis Baca, a loyal and long-time volunteer of the non-profit.
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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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 5, 2013

EASTERN KOREA PRESBYTERIA - Eastern Korean Presbytery (EKP) was established as a nongeographic presbytery in the Synod of the Northeast in 1997. It is the youngest presbytery in the synod. EKP was initially formed with 12 congregations and has grown rapidly to now include 29 organized Korean-speaking congregations, one English-speaking Korean congregation, and three new church developments—the 33 bodies totaling 7,180 members—in New Jersey and Connecticut. It has almost quadrupled its number of baptized members since its founding.

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In the News ... "Salvation Army annual dinner to feature author Ron Hall"

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - One morning in the late 1990s, Ron Hall’s wife, Deborah, woke up and told him about a dream she’d had. Her dream was about a homeless man who she believed would change their lives and the city where they lived, Fort Worth.

“She asked me to go into the city and find this man,” Hall said. “Her dream was so real that she believed if we found this man, our lives would be changed.”

Hall reluctantly began a search for the homeless man from his wife’s dream. He started working at a homeless shelter, and within two weeks, a man came in and “tried to kill everyone,” Hall said. His wife told him, “That’s the man. I believe I heard it from God that you have to be his friend.”

Thus sparked a friendship between Hall, an Army veteran, cowboy and artist, and Denver Moore, a homeless man from the streets of Fort Worth. Hall chronicles the friendship in his book, “Same Kind of Different As Me,” which is also the inspiration for an upcoming movie..

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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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 4, 2013

PRESBYTERY OF CAYUGA AND SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - For most of its 188 years, First Presbyterian Church United (FPCU) would have been considered one of the Protestant churches in the city of Syracuse. FPCU had many resources—a large and committed membership, a significant endowment, and a legacy of innovation.

Over the last third of the 20th century, however, changes in American culture and the geography of Syracuse hit FPCU hard. When Interstate 690 was built right through the heart of the city, it literally cut FPCU off from its neighbors to the north; when the West Street Bypass went in, it did the same to its neighbors to the east. FPCU was left with three large buildings in a commercial district hemmed in by highways; its membership declined from over 1,000 to, by 2012, less than 100.

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Invitation to Prayer: Tomorrow

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Enclosed in Wonder

God of the Wind,
      Spirit God,
You, God, Larger than Life,
      Greater than the Day,
      Fuller than the Event,
I can be alone with You
      Alone with the Alone.
I feel scattered.
      Yet centered, breathing,
           Allowing your spirit to be in my sensing.
      I dance and settle and move on. Slowly.
           Present to the Moment,
Full of human frailty and longing,
Enclosed in joy and wonder.
Donna J. Maebori

Bedside Prayers: Prayers and Poems for When You Rise and Go to Sleep
by June Cotner

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for the children of our local and global communities! I hope you will be able to join the Faces of Children prayer group as we pray that all children might know the joy and wonder of our Creator ... that they might experience God’s presence in those times when they feel most alone, this coming Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

Grace and peace,

Chris

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 stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 3, 2013

From care of the earth to sharing bread abundantly with the hungry, the Presbytery of Boston is expanding its ecological mission while reaching the youth of our area. The Eco-Stewards program met in Boston and at Camp Wilmot last year and stimulated interest in a renewed environmental mission in our communities. Several congregations responded with a proposal to initiate a Young Adult Volunteer center with an emphasis on food justice in the Boston area this fall.

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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 2, 2013

ALBANY PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK AND VERMONT - In August 2011, Tropical Storm Irene dumped a tremendous amount of rain in the Catskill Mountains and caused devastation in many communities. Within 24 hours, volunteers rallied, among them hundreds of Presbyterians. At the time, Schoharie United Presbyterian Church was writing a mission study in preparation for a pastoral search. Six months later they completed their mission study. This is an excerpt:

“Five to six feet of water swept through the village, including three buildings belonging to the Presbyterian church, and affected 80 percent of homes in the village. Our interim pastor, who lived in the manse next door to the church, found herself homeless, as did several members of the congregation. In all, 23 adults and children of the congregation were affected by flood damage.

“At this writing, six months later, these people are still struggling to repair their homes or start afresh elsewhere. Rebuilding has begun with the help of God and many ‘angels’ on earth!

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. The stories in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 1, 2013

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRISTIAN VOCATION - Matt Yascolt remembers being very involved in church activities as a young person. For him, church was more of a social function, and he was willing to attend with his family and help out as an usher.

Add to that the influence of some friends he came to know through his involvement in a band, and the result is not one of deepening faith. In fact, he remembers having to listen to a great deal of sarcasm and stereotypes about the life of faith from his bandmates.

Music continued to be important to him, though. So it is no surprise that his connection to God began through a particular song he heard while on a high school retreat. While listening to the words and feeling the music, his legs went limp and he began to sob. It was through that music that Matt felt God moving in his life—an experience that has changed his life completely.

CLICK HERE to read more.