West Texas Missioner

Friday, December 5, 2014

In the News ... "Holiday Cheer with A Powerful Message"

KMID Photo

Kierra Powell, Reporter
KMID-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - In a weekend normally filled with shopping for deals and steals, one West Texas woman had something else in mind.

Odessa resident, Lisa Bedrick, wanted to spread some holiday cheer across the community, and came up with "Jesus Packages," an unusual way to share the gospel ...

• read/watch the rest of this KMID story

In the News ... "Odessa Doctor Returns from Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Kurdistan"

Courtesy Photo

• Father and son part of mission effort

Staff Report
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - A local doctor joined volunteers on a mission trip to Kurdistan in Northern Iraq to help those who have fled to the area during what they're calling, a humanitarian crisis.

Dr. Richard Bartlett, a local physician from Odessa, traveled overseas to provide medical assistance to those in need.

Many of the people that are fleeing to Kurdistan have been persecuted by ISIS and seek refuge from the attacks.

Dr. Bartlett was one of twenty volunteers from the United States and Canada that went on the trip through the World Missions Alliance ...

• read the rest of this KOSA 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 5, 2014

PRESBYTERY OF NEVADA - On any given Sunday night, hundreds of men, women, and children gather in the parking lot at Fourth and Record Streets to eat what may be their only meal that day. And on any given Sunday night, members of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Reno, Nevada, are among a group of people, both Christians and non-Christians, serving home-cooked meals to all who come.

The congregation’s involvement in this grassroots effort, dubbed Tent City, began not as a strategic plan from the leadership but rather from the passion of a single member. Her enthusiasm and generous spirit was contagious, drawing many others to become involved ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook now available ...

The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the compassionate and prophetic disciples among us. They proclaim God’s justice — extending God’s reign each and every day through their lives and work. Their stories will inspire and encourage you. Engage in ministry alongside them by praying through the Mission Yearbook each day.

• Order your copy from the Church Store ...

**From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 5**

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Friday, December 5

Jeremiah 1:4-10

As children, we are handed a piece of paper with the phrase: “When I grow up, I want to be _______.” Oh, how our imaginations go crazy at the sight of that blank. Our minds begin to wonder off on extraordinary adventures as astronauts, firemen, scientists, wizards, and even superheroes with cool powers and fancy capes that blow in the wind as we swoop in to save the day. There is no limit to what we could be at that age. This is so true that we change our answer to that ambiguous blank almost daily!

As we grow up, we continue to hold on to such dreams and passions of such adventures, but our hearts begin to feel drawn in fewer directions over time. As our focus narrows down to that one direction of which we feel we are called by God to take, the responsibility that comes with this call starts to overwhelm us. When we are still young, most of us take Jeremiah’s approach and respond with “God, I think you got this all wrong, for I am only a child.” As we get older and still hold on to this doubt, we only wish we can use the same excuse but must settle with the excuse that we are not prepared for such a call.

Jeremiah is not the only one with such a call story. There was Moses, whose excuses were ignored and who was sent out with Aaron to speak for him. And, we cannot forget Jonah for whom it took a giant fish to push him in the right direction. Despite their doubt and excuses, all of them accomplished their God-given calls. Through Jeremiah’s story, God bluntly calls us out on our lack of confidence in ourselves and our lack of faith in God. However, God follows such bluntness with a good dose of hope by reassuring us that God is there to guide us with our calls and will provide what we need to fulfill them.

Our loving God who knew us before birth, please fill our hearts with the strength and hope needed to accept Your call for us. Allow our mouths to proclaim Your words and our actions to fulfill Your will. Amen.

Jean-Paul Marshall
Middler MDiv Student

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link

Thursday, December 4, 2014

In the News ... "Anonymous 'Jesus' Gift Giver Sparks Help for Others"

KOSA Photo

• A message for others who find one

Sarah Strackhouse, Reporter
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - People shopping at Walmart in Odessa recently may have seen little gifts in the parking lot.

“I picked up the gift card case and I thought it was someone’s and I was going to turn it back in,” says Delia Terrazas who found one of the gifts. “I turned it to the back and it said, ‘to you from Jesus” and I was all crying.”

A sentiment widely felt on a Facebook post to a local trading page. The anonymously dropped presents ranged from bracelets to gift cards. Many we spoke to say they were so appreciative to get gift cards and presents like this one, but some say it meant a little bit more ...

• read the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Pastors arrested, charged with failing to report child abuse"

• Following arrest of youth ministry volunteer

Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - wo pastors have been arrested and charged with failure to report child abuse, a class A misdemeanor, following the arrest of a former youth minister, Angel De Los Santos, 26, charged with six counts of sexual assault of a child on Sept. 8.

Cpl. Steve LeSueur, spokesman for the Odessa Police Department, said in a release that Donald Haislett, 51, and his wife Gina, 50, were arrested Tuesday afternoon after the couple reportedly conducted their own investigation into the incident and did not report information to authorities within the required 48 hours ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Special Report: Religious Persecution in China, Part 2"

KWES Photo

• Learn about Midland-based ChinaAid

Stephanie Mills, Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Zhang Huixin, her husband and their baby fled China to get away from religious persecution. With the help of CHINAaid, they made it out and are now in Midland.

When asked how her family is adjusting to the U.S. she said, "I just feel people here are so nice and we were shocked when we came here we didn't see video cameras on street corners. We feel much safer here because our Chinese government said the reason they install the video cameras is to protect safety but actually they produce more fear for my family."

The family was helped out of the country by Pastor Bob Fu and his organization. Bob Fu is the founder and president of CHINAaid, which is based out of Midland. It's an international non-profit Christian human rights organization. They help those in China escape religious persecution and promote rule of law in China ...

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF KENDALL, IDAHO - The Presbytery of Kendall celebrates the life and legacy of Hilda Thompson, a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Soda Springs. Upon her death 20 years ago, Hilda gave her working ranch and investment portfolio to the presbytery ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

**From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 4**

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Thursday, December 4

Hosea 6:1-6

Where the light dawns to a morning mist, there is found a quiet peace. The grass and flowers are bathed in the soft whiteness of the resting fog. Thin and even moisture teases the earth, refusing to satisfy the thirsty land. We drink our morning coffee and gaze out at this seductive transience, but we fear no lasting impact: the sun will inevitably rise higher. It will burn off the milky haze. We will, in an hour’s time, hop into our cars and look with clear vision up the road ahead.

God’s love is the sun rising up; never failing. Our love is the mist, first here, and then gone. God’s love is a steady rain, reliable and enlivening. Our love is the dew, suggestive but disappointing.

It is amazing that God keeps hoping for more from us; that God continues to ask for a better love. Why hasn’t God lowered God’s expectations, by now – rolling God’s eyes at our immaturity and loving us, anyway? Why doesn’t God accept our apologies and simply move on? But apologies are not what God wants - not penances or sorrows; not flowers or candy. God is apparently not satisfied with loving us “anyway” or “despite.” God is holding out for us to love God the way God loves us.

But can we love God like God loves us? Can we love like the steady sun; can we love like the determined rain? May we, on this day, rise up out of the morning fog and allow ourselves to be bathed in the light of the One whose love is sure. In the strength of that light, we can live before God. In the clarity of that light, we can know God a little better. In the promise of that light, God’s steadfast love will hold our love firm.

Steadfast God, We confess that our love is mist, and yours is sun. Thank you for loving us, anyway. Strengthen our love; help us press on to know you better. Fill us with your Spirit so that we live in your presence each moment of this day, rejoicing in your faithfulness. Amen.

Cynthia L. Rigby
The W.C. Brown Professor of Theology

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

WAW Wednesdays: Thanks, Praise and a Suggestion ...

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."

Thanks, praise and a suggestion ...

Hey Friends,

Asking for your prayers for tonight's TWAW Fundraiser near Denton, Texas ... we're hoping for new commitments to our overhead budget and that more folks will want to get involved with us as a result of the evening!

We're giving thanks and praise for a precious new arrival in our TWAW family - say hello to Sophia Valencia, born in November to Chepito (Jose) and Patricia, pictured here with proud big brother Christian! Congratulations Chepito and Patricia!

Finally, as you're trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for your hard-to-please family member who has everything, remember you can make a gift to TWAW in their honor and we'll send them a b-e-a-utiful Christmas card announcing your gift! Contact Jo Cole in our office for more information!

Thanks,

Tim Tam
The Word at Work

EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience, working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize, won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!

Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!

In the News ... "Frozen in time"

OA Photo by Courtney Sacco

• Jesus House hoping to construct houses for homeless

By Lyndsay Weaver, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The frigid weather is already settling into the rifts of cement sidewalks and the hard West Texas dirt — the surfaces where Odessa’s homeless lay their heads most nights.

But if Pastor Donny Kyker has anything to do with it, those who need a warm place to sleep will find that home at Jesus House.

The ground on Sixth Street and Dixie Boulevard was ceremoniously broken on March 27. It signified the tangible beginnings of the new Jesus House — where their six-bed transitional home will grow to as many as 250 beds — though for the last six months the dirt lot looks much the same ...

• read the rest of this OA report

"Come to the Quiet" ... Tonight

If you want a break from the frantic, noisy hustle-and-bustle of the holiday season, won't you join us for "Come to the Quiet?" It takes place every Wednesday - from 12/03/2014 to 12/17/2013 - in the Parlor of 1st Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Avenue, on the northwest corner of N. A Street and Texas Avenue, on the west side of downtown Midland.

We gather in the Parlor each Wednesday evening during the season of Advent, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., for contemplative worship ... Scripture, song, and prayer.

For more information about "Come to the Quiet," please contact contact:Mary Beth Anton, Associate Pastor
(432) 684-7821
• marybeth@fpcmid.org

For those with young children, free nursery service is available from 6:00-7:45 p.m.

For more information about "Come to the Quiet" Nursery Service, please contact:
Taresa Kellogg
432) 599-4534
• nursery@fpcmid.org

SPECIAL NOTE: We are gathering in the Parlor this year, rather than the Chapel which is in the midst of major renovations.

In the News ... "Special Report: Religious Persecution in China, Part 1"

KWES Photo

• But even through all this, Shaojie still has hope

Stephanie Mills, Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A normal rainy day on the streets of China, but for one pastor, his day takes a turn for the worst. He's seen in striped shirt. More than 20 government officials rush him into a vehicle. As they quickly drive away, the now imprisoned pastor's congregation is left wondering what happened.

His daughter, Zhang Huixin said, "It was a Saturday, many believers were in church doing clean up for Sunday worship, two police show up and pretend to be friendly and have tea together, then all of sudden over 30 police came out and kidnapped my father from his office."

On that day, of November 16th, 2013, Pastor Zhang Shaojie was in his church office when he was taken. His daughter, Zhang Huixin, says two months after his kidnapping, even his lawyers weren't allowed to meet with him. The government charged Pastor Shaojie with fraudulence and disturbing social order> ...

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF EASTERN OREGON - At the meeting of the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon each February, we name what God is doing among our 16 congregations. There we celebrate their mission programs and praise God for the work we have been given to do in Christ’s name. One such program is Open Door.

First Presbyterian Church, Baker City, operates the Open Door program, which provides a warm and encouraging place for students to go before the doors open at Baker Middle School just across the street ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

**From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 3**

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Wednesday, December 3

Luke 21:34-38

’Tis the season of frantic shopping, rushed cleaning, and hurrying to the next thing we have lined up for the holidays. Whether it’s visiting family or fighting airport and mall crowds, we are all easily stretched in this season. Everyone at every stage has several functions to attend. How overwhelmed can we be? How stressed can we make ourselves in this season of “celebration”? Did I get something for Uncle Joe or did I remember to lock the back door? There is a sentiment that only the “Home Alone” movies can so clearly portray for this frenetic life of the Christmas season.

Jesus was always moving too, being sought for help, healing, and teachings by everyone. Yet, he makes us take pause. Our status of Alert should not simply be focused on the rush of the season, but also the rush of the Spirit in our lives. Are we alert and paying attention to what we are listening to as we rush to and fro? Are we aware of our brothers and sisters who are always rushing because they are under tremendous burdens? Are we alert to the hurt and needs around us? Or are we simply trying to maintain a guarded stance of needing to get things done?

Be Alert! This is a mentality that we all too often carry with us but in a mindset that often bears negativity towards our neighbors. Be alert that you don’t get robbed, taken advantage of, or have something bad happen to you. In this passage, Jesus is inviting us to be alert to the here and now of the Kingdom of God. In fellowship, sharing meals, and worshiping together, we are seeing and living the Kingdom of God. And, most importantly, we are to be alert in prayer. We are to slow down and focus. And yet we must guard our hearts and never be apathetic to the work of the Living God among us. We are practicing the holy act of seeing Christ in our midst and point to God’s reign becoming incarnate all around us.

Lord we often forget to stop and pray. Receive now our silence, as an offering to you, as a pause to the busy lives we live. [Pause for a moment and reflect: How have we seen God move this year, season, this day? How have we been thankful for all the blessings we have been given? How will we be alert to God’s movement this next year?] Keep us alert to you movements Lord. Let us not focus on us or our works, but you and your works. All thanks and praise to you Almighty God. Amen.

J.D. Herrera
Senior MDiv student

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

In the News ... "Giving Tuesday, A Day To Give Back"

KMID Photo

• Hopefully will become an annual tradition

Staff Report
KMID-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Many local non-profits rely on the generosity of the public year round.

"Part of keeping the doors open are keeping supplies on hand to keep the building clean and operating," said Major Tex Ellis, Core officer for the Midland Salvation Army.

Now, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's time to return the favor. It's known as Giving Tuesday ...

• read the rest of this KMID report

In the News ... "Buckner marks #GivingTuesday with matching funds"

• Providing foster/adoption services, temporary housing

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Buckner International will match any gifts up to $100,000 made to the nonprofit Tuesday, thanks to a Challenge Grant made by Buckner supporters. The gift matching campaign is in honor or Giving Tuesday, a nationwide movement to encourage charitable giving following Black Friday and Cyber Monday ...

• read the rest of this MRT report ...

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).

God ‘Unmasks the Illusion of Power'

"God chose powerlessness. God chose to enter into human history in complete weakness. That divine choice forms the center of the Christian faith. In Jesus of Nazareth, the powerless God appeared among us to unmask the illusion of power, to disarm the prince of darkness who rules the world, and to bring the divided human race to a new unity.

Through total and unmitigated powerlessness, God shows us divine mercy. The radical, divine choice is the choice to reveal glory, beauty, truth, peace, joy, and most of all, love in and through the complete divestment of power. It is very hard—if not impossible—for us to grasp this divine mystery.”

Jesus, in all we do and say this Advent, may we follow your example of gentleness and humility.”

Living in Hope: Advent Meditations from the writings of Henri Nouwen by James E. Adams

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center conference room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, Afterwards, we'll share lunch ($5) and fellowship.

I hope you are able to join us as we pray for the children of our local and global communities.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for the littlest citizens of God’s Kingdom! 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

In the News ... "#GivingTuesday: Five ways to give locally"

• Promoting charitable giving after Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Today is Giving Tuesday, a national campaign to promote charitable giving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here are five ways to give of your time and your resources in West Texas ...

• read the rest of this MRT report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF THE CASCADES, OREGON/WASHINGTON/CALIFORNIA - Sometimes the mission field is right outside the church door. As Moreland Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, looked for ways to serve its community, the congregation found that, although it had few young adults, the neighborhood was full of mothers with young children. Moreland responded by sponsoring a chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) to meet in its building.

The response was immediately and overwhelmingly positive ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

**From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 2**

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Tuesday, December 2

Micah 4:6-13

This short passage communicates a sense of hope to a people who have suffered the hardship of exile.

The Israelites were captured by the Assyrians, which means they no longer had a home. All the familiar things that make a home were taken away. The invasion and exile were probably violent: loved ones died and everything was foreign and threatening. The prophet Micah spoke words of hope to these displaced people, a people who had lost sight of God’s potential to restore them to safety. In fact, the despair was so great that Micah even prophecied revenge against the neighboring nations (v. 13).

While we acknowledge that “beating many people into pieces” is never the will of God, we have compassion for the suffering that must have given rise to this cry of anguish. Furthermore, we stand in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters today who have been displaced from their homes, and who have lost sight of God’s potential to restore them safely to their land. We think particularly of refugees and immigrants from Central America.

It can be hard to understand the desperation that comes with exile, especially if we’ve always had a safe place to live. But when we read accounts from the Bible or stories from people in exile today, we develop a sense of compassion, recognizing that all humans need a home, need safety, and need hope.

Merciful God, restore us to safety. Awaken compassion in our hearts for all who have lost a safe place to call home. Kindle the fire of hope within us, so that we might always anticipate your action in our lives and in this world, with every passing moment.

Travis Gould
Middler MDiv student

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link

Monday, December 1, 2014

In the News ... "OCC Exceeded 2014 Gift-Giving Goal"

File Image

• Volunteers in West Texas passed that by thousands

Staff Report
KMID-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Operation Christmas Child has exceeded their holiday gift-giving goal for 2014 ...

• read the rest of this KMID report

Drive to benefit church food pantry, continues at Midland College

Hey everyone!

The Midland College Student Activities Program's annual canned food drive benefiting the Memorial Christian Church Food Pantry is now in its final week!

The drive will be through December 5. Donation boxes will be located around campus. We will be accepting non-perishable foods until December 5. Preferable items are soups and items that can be made into meals. Let's see who can bring in the most cans!

And always, THANK YOU so much for participating in Student Activities!

Stephanie VanCuren
Student Activities Coordinator, Midland College
(432) 685-4543
• svancuren@midland.edu

That was then ...

... and this is NOW ...

This is at just one of the collection locations around the campus of Your College. There is still time to donate ... keep it coming, Midland !!!

Invitation to Prayer: WEDNESDAY

In the News ... "Empty Stocking Fund marks 20th anniversary"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

• 2014 goal set at $150,000

By Bob Campbell, Special Contributor
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 20th annual Empty Stocking Fund drive has begun, as always, with a blend of anxiety and hope; anxiety because the goal is ambitious and the need great, and hope because the effort has always providentially ended up being a success.

“Christmas is more than gifts,” said Lt. Monica Contreras of the Salvation Army, which partners with the Odessa American in the drive. “You give a gift and serve, the meaning of which is love.

“The joy of caring and giving is the heart of Christmas. Being able to help someone else makes that a reality ..."

• read the rest of this OA report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

MINUTE FOR MISSION: WORLD AIDS DAY - When the 219th General Assembly (2010) adopted the report Becoming an HIV and AIDS Competent Church the same summer the White House released the first National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States, students at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (JCSTS), along with staff and faculty at the Interdenominational Theological Center, discerned a need for faith-based training and certification in HIV/AIDS competency.

On December 1, 2012, nearly 100 church leaders gathered in Atlanta to learn more about responding to HIV through pastoral care, preaching, education, advocacy, and asset mapping ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

**From Austin Seminary: "Advent Devotional" for December 1**

"A gift from our community of faith to you. We at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary are devoted to preparing outstanding leaders for Christ’s church. One of the ways that we nurture leaders is by building a loving community of faith and extending God’s grace to others. In this season of anticipation, we extend God’s grace to you and invite you to explore this book of Advent devotions. Through this collection, please join us as we prepare to receive God’s greatest gift—the birth of Jesus Christ."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Monday, December 1

Revelation 15:1-8

The National Multicultural Conference of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was held this past summer in Fort Worth, Texas. People representing various cultures, languages, traditions, and nations came together to celebrate the diversity with which the church is blessed. During our mutual sharing and learning from one another, we were gathered in unity around the Word and Sacrament as members of the one body of Christ, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Eph. 4:5). The worship experience at the conference felt as a foreshadowing of the fulfillment of the times when all nations will come together as one people to praise and glorify the Lord of lords as mentioned in the book of Revelation.

The hymn of the Lamb in today’s reading echoes the praise and adoration to the Creator and Savior found throughout the book of Revelation. Heaven and earth are full of God’s glory and the entire creation awaits the coming of the Lord, the “King of the nations.”

In the midst of life’s seasons of tribulation, warfare, famine, and disease, God’s people are assured that the day is coming when all the nations will come and worship before the “Lord God the Almighty.” It is a day when all things will be made new.

As we journey through the Advent season and may face sorrow and suffering, we would do well to continue placing our trust in God, “who lives for ever and ever.” Let us join in worship with the whole church in heaven and on earth praising and glorifying God in anticipation of the day when death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more.

Today we lift our hearts and voices in joyful worship to you our Lord, for you alone are worthy of all glory and honor. We worship you in the company of all God’s faithful people from every nation and every time and every place who forever sing to the glory of your name. We pray together with them: “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Lemuel García-Arroyo
Director of Alumni and Church Relations

This post produced with Bible Gateway reference/link