West Texas Missioner

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

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

MidWinters 2021, the highlights!

Our first completely online MidWinter Lectures were a success with more than 500 people tuning in. Thanks to contributions by alumni and other friends, we concur with one survey response: "Stimulating lectures and inspiring worship."

• Click here for video content — lectures, sermons, videos and mark your calendar now for next year's MidWinter Lectures, January 24-26.

Introducing our Lenten Lexicon

This year, Jennifer L. Lord, The Dorothy B. Vickery Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies, curated a selection of writings by Austin Seminary alumni expounding on the particular language of Lent. Some words and phrases will be familiar (Easter, Baptism) while others (Anamnesis, Solemn Reproaches) may be new. We invite you into a richer experience of the Season of Lent.

• Click here to read or share online. And, as always, please note all our Resources for Congregations on our web site.

Education Beyond the Walls: Upcoming

Looking for Love in All the Right Places
Our world celebrates eros and the pursuit of it. Even our churches elevate the topic of romantic love, focusing a disproportionate amount of energy, attention, and resources on dating, romance, and marriage. But what about the other loves? How can philia and agape help us experience more of what our hearts truly desire? There is no charge for this gathering, but registration is required.
• Register here ...

“For Rosa” Screening with Q & A
Join us for a virtual screening of a film which depicts an important and under-told chapter in American history. Virtual viewing February 27, followed by questions and answers with the film's producer and director.
• Register here ...

A Lay Preacher's Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon
In this seven-week seminar we will come alongside laypersons—called to serve a congregation and preach on a regular basis—to help deepen their gifts for preaching. Two-hour sessions on Monday evenings, beginning April 12.
• Register here ...

Encourage someone with gifts for ministry!

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

• Click here to support our studentse ....

Virtual Lunch & Learn

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

• Read more, and register ...

For a fuller taste of Austin Seminary ... Virtual Discovery Weekend is April 16-18.

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

In the News ... "Belmont Baptist Church hosts 3rd annual Super Chili Bowl"

KOSA Photo

• Church members and residents came out to enjoy fellowship and free food

By Stephanie Douglas, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Before the big matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs, Belmont Baptist Church hosted its 3rd annual chili cook-off event ...

• Read the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Next-level vision for Lady in Blue along the Concho River"

Contributed photo by Diann Bayes

• Kick-off set for THIS Thursday, February 11, 9:30 am
By Linda Thorsen Bond, Special Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - The story of the Lady in Blue is all about vision. In the 1600s, the nun María de Ágreda wrote about her vision of visiting Native American tribes many times although she never left Spain.

At the same time, members of the Jumano tribe in the Concho Valley said the Lady in Blue came to them in many visions. Many wanted to be baptized because of her “bilocation,” or being in two places at one time.

Now the group called Historic Beginnings of San Angelo is expanding their own vision as they enter phase two of the Lady in Blue project ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

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

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 9, 2021

Contributed Photo

MURAL PROJECT - In 2004, members of Second Congregational United Church, known as SecondFirst Church since federating with First Presbyterian Church, dreamed of building a gymnasium for the community of Rockford, Illinois — and they did it.

“Little did they know that they left us a blank canvas to shine and radiate out to the west side of Rockford,” said the Rev. Rebecca White Newgren, senior pastor of SecondFirst Church ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, February 8, 2021

From @chinaaid : "Imprisoned Pastor Wang Yi's poem, "Miss My Son," reflects our Heavenly Father's love"

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

Imprisoned Pastor Wang Yi's poem, Miss My Son, reflects our Heavenly Father's love
Distributed by ChinaAid, February 2021 ...

CHENGDU, SICHUAN PROVINCE – Two days prior to learning that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities had sentenced him to serve 9 years in prison during a secret trial December 30, 2019 [one year after being arrested], Pastor Wang Yi wrote the following poem ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

In the News ... "The Door of Hope Thrift Store celebrated grand opening this weekend"

• Outlet is a one-of-a-kind in the Permian Basin because ...

By Stephanie Douglas, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Door of Hope Thrift Store celebrated its grand opening this weekend, as well as the expansion of its new outlet store ...

• Read the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Benefit for Jesus House Center"

• Faith-based home, services for homeless women and their children

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Hope Wins Banquet benefiting Jesus House Women & Children's Center will feature Michael Jr. and music by Erica Lane at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 305 E. Fifth Street ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

CRS Briefing, February 2021 ... Let us walk in his light

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.The CRS Briefing is a monthly service to our supporters. We aspire to keep you informed of our progress and up-to-date on issues that affect the people we serve in more than 100 countries around the world.

February 2021 ... Let us walk in his light

Our Monthly Prayer

Prayer for the journey. Teach us to walk in your path. And so we pray ...
Pray with us ...

A different kind of Valentine gift

Give a gift of hope to your brothers and sisters around the world in honor of Valentine's Day.
Shop the CRS Gift Catalog ...

40+ Ways to be More Like Christ

Use the CRS Rice Bowl calendar each day of Lent to pray, act and grow deeper in your faith and closer to our Lord.
Download the Rice Bowl Calendar ...

In the News ... "Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo donate food to help families"

SAST photo by Colin Murphey

• "This is a way for us to do our part to help the community."

By Colin Murphey, Reporter/Photographer
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - In an attempt to address an already pressing need exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, one local organization held a food drive Saturday where cars began lining up two hours before the scheduled start of the event ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

Related Link:

• Concho Valley Regional Food Bank

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Contributed Photo

CONGREGATION GROWING DURING PANDEMIC - During the first week of COVID-19 quarantine and canceled in-person worship services, the Revs. Liz and Dexter Kearny performed a wedding via Zoom.

The Kearnys have served as co-pastors of Longview Presbyterian Church (LPC) in Longview, Washington, since 2016. It’s their first call following their studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and definitely their first virtual wedding.

The couple, two witnesses and the Kearnys stood outside in a park 10 feet apart.

“We signed the document one person at a time,” said Dexter. “Then we all went home, hopped on Zoom and did the service. We hadn’t had time to look up what was legally allowed over Zoom, so we figured we’d get the legal applications done, then come together and have a religious ceremony [on Zoom] with all the family and friends.” Dexter said he and Liz will preside over another virtual wedding next month.

The virtual world has changed many things ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, February 6, 2021

In the News ... "San Angelo area churches offer worship, volunteer options"

SAST Photo

• Here is a look at the communications received by the Standard-Times to date

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 ... "Odessa Church News"

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

Staff Report
• Odessa American

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

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "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 ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

the Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos

ROLE OF SABBATH - The COVID-19 era “is going to radically push what the church is in the future,” the Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos recently told the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, February 5, 2021

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Highlights from December 2020”

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.

Friday Story: “Highlights from December 2020”

Lives Transformed Because of You; Women’s Holiday Event; Featured Story: Gift; Wheelchairs Arrive in Our 94th Country; A Generous Gift from loanDepot; New Activity in Chile; Continuing Our Work in Thailand; and more ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "DNOW, Back To Basics"

• Starts TONIGHT at First Baptist-Odessa

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - First Baptist Church, 709 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled D-Now, "Going Back to the Basics: Looking at the Gospel through a Lens," starting at 7 pm ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Psychology and Jesus: Counteract negativity with the blessing prayer"

Getty Images

• Jesus teaches a powerful mindset in overcoming life’s trials and tribulations

By Jean Stinnett, Special Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - We spend our entire lives seeking to establish and understand our own identity: what makes us “tick,” how we are different and unique from others, why we are special and individual.

In many ways this is important to our health and well being since our bodies, minds and spirits are gifts we must learn to nurture ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Photo by Michael Ludwig

EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER (EERN) - Although mission co-workers Rachel and Michael Ludwig were pained to leave Niger when the State Department ordered citizens to return to the U.S., they believe they are still having a lasting impact through partnership bridges they have built since they answered the call to serve there in 2014 ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

In the News ... "Local Chin population concerned with events in former home country"

AP File Photo

• Growth of the Chin population in Midland started in 2007

By Stewart Doreen, Editor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The local Chin population inside Midland has concerns with what is taking place in the former home for many of them – Myanmar ...

• Read the rest of this MRT report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Photo courtesy of DMARC

EFFECTIVE INTERFAITH ENGAGEMENT - Opportunities abound for interfaith engagement, a pastor with the Des Moines Area Religious Council recently told a virtual classroom full of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School students. All one must do is “step outside of what is normal for you and move into someone else’s reality.”

On second thought, it may not be quite that simple ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

In the News ... "Photo Album: Scenes from the West Texas Food Bank’s 'Empty Bowls'"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis

• Annual fundraiser for West Texas Food Bank

By Jacy Lewis, Reporter/Photographer
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - West Texas Food Bank's Empty Bowls fundraiser event on Saturday, January 30 at the WTFB's Innovative Gardens ...

• Enjoy the rest of this MRT photo album ...

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "NEW Day Arlington"

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.

NEW Day Arlington

On the newest episode of SunSpots, we talk with Martha Kinard, President of the Board for NEW Day, discusses how this ministry - to feed the transitional youth of Arlington, TX - started out of Grace Presbyterian Church of Arlington, TX; how partnerships with other churches developed; and how much there is yet to be done.

Check out newdayarlington.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 ... "The Field’s Edge works to get homeless vaccinated"

Courtesy Photo

• "Midland Memorial Hospital was great to work with"

Staff Report
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Officials with The Field's Edge said they are working with Midland Health to get the homeless vaccinated in Midland ...

• Read the rest of this MRT report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Photo contributed by Kathy Rateliff

VIRTUAL LITERACY PROGRAM - When a group of Presbyterian women came to the state prison where Shanon Anderson was incarcerated, she quickly learned the program they offer provides more than reading and writing. It’s all about love ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Photo courtesy of Vital Congregations

VITAL CONGREGATIONS - After the first day of the Vital Congregations virtual facilitator training, the Rev. Neil Ricketts spoke with elders at the church he serves.

“I told them that we — our church — and denomination are in good hands,” he said ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, February 1, 2021

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... "Scholarships from Synod of the Sun"

Scholarships from Synod of the Sun

The Synod of the Sun offers scholarships for M.Div. students attending PC(USA) seminaries.

The Synod also offers scholarships to selected undergraduate students at Austin College and Trinity University. Thanks to an additional generous donation, this fund is now endowed over $1 million.

All other persons seeking scholarship assistance should go to: http://www.synodsun.org/grants

All scholarship materials must be received by the Synod by June 15, 2021. Read more about our Kerr-Munson and M.Div scholarships below.

The Kerr-Munson Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies

Thanks to a generous donation, the Synod of the Sun is proud to offer the Betty Kerr Munson - John Steele Kerr Scholarship for selected students attending Austin College and Trinity University.

This scholarship is open to undergraduate students attending Austin College or Trinity University in the studies of education (female) or pre-medicine (male or female).

The primary purpose of this scholarship program is to support education (female students) and pre-medicine (male and female students) majors, primarily at Austin College, with funding for students at Trinity University, should funding be available.

The scholarship is multi-year, up to $5000 per year, with a maximum of $20,000 for four years.

The following criteria must be met by each applicant:
• You must be enrolled at Austin College or Trinity University.

• A female applicant must be in pursuit of a major in education or pre-medicine

(or their equivalents). A male applicant must be in pursuit of a major in pre-medicine

(or its equivalents)

• An applicant must be a member in good standing of a Presbyterian Church,

as determined by the Synod Grants and Scholarship Commission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to apply ...

M.Div. Scholarships Offered by the Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Foundation

The Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Foundation’s scholarship program encourages a strong and continuing dedication toward theological study. These scholarships are awarded annually to cover one scholastic year, and an applicant may apply for scholarship aid for up to three years of scholastic study. This scholarship is for MDiv students attending PC(USA) seminaries.

The following criteria must be met by each applicant:
• You must be a member of a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation within the

four-state Synod of the Sun area: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
• You must be certified as an Inquirer or Candidate under the care of the Committee

on Preparation for Ministry (COPM) in your presbytery.
• You should be planning to serve within the Presbyterian Church (USA) following

graduation.
• You will be a full-time student pursuing a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) at a

Presbyterian or Presbyterian-related (by covenant) theological school.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to apply ...