In the News ... "Stonegate Mothers of Preschoolers organize teddy bear hunt"

• Week of March 22-28, in Midland and Odessa

By Kirsten Geddes, Multimedia Journalist
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Stonegate Mothers of Preschoolers is organizing a teddy bear hunt so children have something to look for on their walks and rides ...

 • Read the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... "Meals on Wheels maintains service commitment"

OA Photo by Ben Powell

• Annual Mudbug fundraiser cancelled

By Sam Waller, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Meals on Wheels of Odessa is one of many organizations being put in a difficult position by the coronavirus pandemic — maintaining the service it provides despite restrictions put in place to combat the outbreak.

Even with social distancing and bans on large gatherings becoming a fact of life, Meals on Wheels of Odessa executive director Margaret Burton said the program will continue, and has even seen an increase in business in recent days. ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Four-dollars worth of medicine makes big difference for Nepalese girl"

Photo Contributed by Terry Mikeska Foundation

• "We do it because it is who we are, and the right thing to do."

By Rebekah Ocker, Special Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - It is rare that we ever get to see the positive results that come from our moments of kindness and generosity ...

• 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.

Photo by Tammy Warren

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 24, 2020

MULTICULTURAL MINISTRY - When I think of multicultural churches, I do not necessarily think of my own — I picture congregations that reflect many different races and ethnicities. Like most Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches, Union Presbyterian Church of Saint Peter is a predominantly white congregation. What does multicultural ministry mean for my rural Midwestern church community? ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @chinaaid : "Church member questioned by officials"

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

Church member questioned by officials
Distributed by ChinaAid, February 2020 ...

CHENGDU, SICHUAN, CHINA – A member of Early Rain Covenant Church was visited in his home by five members from the State Security Bureau and local police and questioned for nearly half an hour.

The officials were there to remind him of three things ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

From @austinseminary ... "The Reed" for March 2020

Austin Seminary expands its MAYM program to include on-site instruction in Nashville

Austin Seminary, in partnership with The Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT), is expanding its Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (MAYM) program to include on-site instruction in Nashville. The program, once approved by accrediting bodies and the State of Tennessee, will be the nation’s largest graduate program in youth ministry for mainline Christian denominations ...

• Read the full story here ...

Our students rely upon your support!

There are many ways to partner with Austin Seminary in the formation of men and women for Christian ministry. Gifts that support our day-to-day operations are as welcomed as those that sustain our mission into the future.

• Click here to give.

Austin Seminary's new Doctor of Ministry focus: Leadership for Witness & Leadership for Wonder



Our Doctor of Ministry program invites you to reimagine your ministry in light of contemporary realities. This new model of engagement allows you to explore your ministerial vocation within the context of Leadership for Witness: Engaging Public Life or Leadership for Wonder: Re-Enchanting Christian Life ...

• Learn more here ...

What's new at AustinSeminary.edu?

Ever wonder what students at Austin Seminary do when they're not reading the Bible and writing papers? Student groups range from Science and Theology Exploration to the Holy Spirit Squad (cheerleaders for the Austin Seminary football team!).

• Check out our Student Groups page here!,

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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 ... "All hands on deck at Catholic Charities"

OA Photo by Tony Venegas

• Encouraging people to help out however they can with food, money and otherwise

By Tony Venegas, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - It’s been a busy and hectic last few days for Sara Aguilar. The executive director of Catholic Charities Odessa says that it’s been all hands on deck the last few days at the nonprofit, located at 2500 N. Andrews Highway. ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank setting up ‘Mega-Pantry’ pick up sites throughout city"

EPFH Photo

• To meet the evolving needs due to the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus

Staff Report
• El Paso Herald-Post

EL PASO, TEXAS - Officials with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (EPFH) announced new distribution sites around the city, as the organization is experiencing a unique demand for emergency food boxes from individuals and families in need of assistance ...

• Read the rest of this EPHP report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

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

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 23, 2020

STILLMAN COLLEGE ALUMNUS - As a high school senior, Devon Kelly had no place to call home and little hope that his plight would improve ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Coronavirus in Mexico: Juárez Catholic diocese closes churches, suspends public Mass"

EPT Photo by Daniel Borunda

• 2 more COVID-19 cases in Juárez; 5 total in Chihuahua state

By Daniel Borunda, Reporter
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ciudad Juárez closed churches and is suspending public celebration of Mass indefinitely in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus ...

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

In the News ... "Faith in the time of coronavirus: El Paso Catholic Diocese to celebrate Mass online, on TV"

• Masses in English and Spanish will be celebrated at 11 a.m. (MST) Sunday

Staff Report
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - The Catholic Diocese of El Paso is innovating in order to continue serving the faithful during the coronavirus crisis ...

• Enjoy this EPT photo album ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

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

Photo by Wickliff Kang’ombe Zulu

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 22, 2020

CHURCH OF CENTRAL AFRICA PRESBYTERIAN - If you were to visit Maula Prison, built on a hill in the capital city of Lilongwe, Malawi, you might notice that it feels outdoorsy and open. There are multiple layers of fences, but in between them is open, undeveloped space. The lack of shrubs and low trees allows clear sight for a long distance ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From Austin Seminary: "Lenten Devotional for 4th Sunday in Lent with Margaret Aymer"

This Lenten season we invite you into conversation with members of our faculty as they reflect on the theme of Easter Hope. Today, we visit with Margaret Aymer The First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, D. Thomason Professor of New Testament Studies maymer@austinseminary.edu.

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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.

We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?

   • Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
   • Historically, more than 80% of our graduates are called to congregational ministry.
   • Our students come from more than a dozen denominations.
   • Our alumni serve in ministry in forty-eight U.S. states as well as in twenty different countries across the world.

Your gift to Austin Seminary contributes to scholarships, housing, computer equipment, library materials, and other resources needed by seminarians as they fulfill their calls to Christian service and leadership.

Your support underwrites the finest theological faculty and an administration committed to upholding the highest standards possible with respect to the unique vocation of ministry.

Every gift is significant and is appreciated. They are put to work right away and make a real impact. Please send your gift today.

• CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Equal Exchange Blog ... "Coffee Prices: What Does Transparency Mean?"

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

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Coffee Prices: What Does Transparency Mean?

Equal Exchange Photo

Buyers, importers, roasters and consumers of specialty coffee are having a big and important conversation right now about coffee prices. Regardless of our role in the supply chain, we all wonder the same thing when we drink that amazing aromatic beverage. How much of what I’m paying gets back to the producer’s pocket? And how much did it cost to produce? Is it fair? ...

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

• Learn how YOU can help Equal Exchange ...

In the News ... "Coronavirus and Abilene: Catholic Mass suspended, churches adjusting services"

• Cancellations and suspensions to help thwart progression of coronavirus

By Nathaniel Ellsworth, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Catholic churches in Abilene and the Big Country are suspending public Mass following new protocols issued in a news release by Bishop Michael J. Sis, of the Diocese of San Angelo ...

• read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "Churches announce service changes, home-worship options"

• 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 - From live streaming of services to limiting funeral attendance to 10 mourners, San Angelo area churches rushed this week to formulate their ministry outreach programs as COVID-19 numbers continue to climb daily around the world ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

In the News ... "Lubbock houses of worship turn to the web, alternative methods to worship"

LAJ Photo

• “We’re going to make it work. It’s temporary, not forever.”

By Jayme Lozano, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Churches around Lubbock are canceling services as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are six confirmed cases of the coronavirus this week in Lubbock and Hockley County ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ...

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

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

Staff Report
• Odessa American

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

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

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

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 21, 2020

A GIRLS AND A BIBLE - “Did you write this?”

I glanced at the page. Squarish letters in black ink with variable-width strokes. Just the kind I used to make with a chisel-end pen. Just the kind I inscribed on numerous baptismal certificates and wedding records over the years. Definitely my work ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “COVID-19 Update”

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

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FWM Photo

Friday Story: “COVID-19 Update”

From the entire Free Wheelchair Mission team, we hope and pray that you are staying well during these difficult times.

Over the past months, our team has been developing and implementing a detailed COVID-19 contingency and response plan ...

• Read/watch the rest of this story ...

Here's a Chance for YOU to Get Involved!

• “Get Rolling!” with Grace Presbyterian and Free Wheelchair Mission ...