Monday, June 21, 2021

From @chinaaid : "CCP authorities charge Chen Baoshen, house church leader, of “using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement”"

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/Deposit Photos
CCP authorities charge Chen Baoshen, house church leader, of “using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement”
Distributed by ChinaAid, May 2021 ...

SANMENXIA, HENAN PROVINCE – On May 19, 2021, CCP authorities charged Chen Baoshen, a 74-year-old leader in Yima City House Church, Sanmenxia, Henan Province, with “using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement.” In another incident, prior to this seizure, officials had detained Brother Chen for nine months ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...


From PC(USA) Store ... New Children's Books for Educators, Families, and Leaders!

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.



New Children's Books!

Below you will find new and featured resources for individual and group enjoyment, leadership training, and children's time.

Hiding Baby Moses
MA baby boy is hidden in a basket floating on the Nile. A fearful mother sings a song of protection. And a brave big sister seeks a chance to save her brother.

Meet the family of baby Moses in this lyrical retelling, and see how God’s faithfulness can be revealed through one small person who takes a big risk for someone she loves.

Walking Toward Peace
She gave up everything: her home, her possessions, even her real name. She called herself Peace Pilgrim, put on her sneakers, and started off on her quest to walk thousands of miles all around America. Step by step, mile after mile, Peace Pilgrim traveled tirelessly, inviting everyone she met to consider a world where each person and each nation chooses peace.

This true story about a little-known woman who sacrificed everything for her convictions inspires us to step out for what we believe in, gathering others to join us along the way.

Arthur and the Forgetful Elephant
“Maybe I can help!” exclaimed Arthur.

At least he hopes he can. But how? What does this forgetful elephant need? Arthur doesn’t know, but he’s determined to find out as he and the elephant share a playful and colorful day.

Arthur and the Forgetful Elephant explores memory loss from the perspective of both those who forget and those around them. With spare writing and poignant art, this story reminds us that compassion and togetherness can make even elephant-sized problems seem a little smaller.

El maravilloso grano de mostaza
Una niña siembra un grano de mostaza en un jardín que está vacío. Es un granito chiquito. Y todavía no es nada muy especial… todavía no».

¡El maravilloso grano de mostaza está ahora disponible en español! Este libro para la niñez, inspirado en la parábola de Jesús del grano de mostaza, muestra a los niños y niñas que una semillita, como una niña pequeña, tiene un potencial increíble. El maravilloso grano de mostaza presenta a personajes étnicamente diversos e incluye una nota especial para padres, madres y el personal docente.

“A child plants a mustard seed in an empty garden. It is an itty-bitty seed. It isn’t anything very special—yet.”

The Marvelous Mustard Seed is now available in Spanish! Based on Jesus’ parable of the Mustard Seed, this inspiring children’s book shows young readers that one tiny seed—just like one small child—carries a world of potential. The Marvelous Mustard Seed features ethnically diverse characters and includes a special note for parents and teachers.


Browse all Picture Book Bundles

Save money and stock your library quickly with our Picture Book Bundles! Start browsing at the button below.


'
Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

PC(USA) Store
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 533-4371
support@pcusastore.com

Sunday, June 20, 2021

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.

Photo by the late Rev. Kelly Allen
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 20, 2021

WORLD REFUGEE DAY REFLECTION - For two decades, June 20th’s designation as “World Refugee Day” has drawn global attention to both the plight of refugees living on the edge of survival and their strength and courage. It is also a day to remember the promise made by 146 countries, including the U.S., to provide safe haven and long-term recovery to those forced to flee their homelands ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, June 19, 2021

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: June 19, 2021

JUNETEENTH REFLECTION - Every year since 1865, there has been one day that most Black people have held as a celebratory occurrence. On June 19, 1865, the last of the Black Americans who were in the condition of chattel servitude were freed. Texas, the last state to hold out on the edict of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln more than two years prior, had finally been forced into compliance. And so, it is this date in June that many Black Americans consider to be Independence Day and thus a cause for annual jubilation that we have titled Juneteenth ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, June 18, 2021

From ServLife International ... "A Great Opportunity - Sewing Training 2021"

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



A Great Opportunity - Sewing Training 2021

In March, 31 women graduated from a one-month sewing training program in Nepal. Upon graduation, each woman was gifted the very sewing machine they had been training on, so they can immediately launch their tailor business. Sewing training graduate Salina shares, “we were given a great opportunity and we are very thankful.”

Click here to read more ...

Thank you,




From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.


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




Join Our Mission

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

Support a Pastor

Our church planters spread
the love of Christ in some of the most difficult
environments in the world.
Support Them ... 

Sponsor a Child

For only $30 per month you can help give a child food, education, care and, most importantly, hope.
Sponsor Now ... 

Fight Poverty

The HOPE Fund, our micro-finance program, provides start-up funds for a small business, paving a way out of poverty for families in need.
Learn More ...



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


From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Together We Can Go Farther”

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



FWM Photo
Friday Story: “Together We Can Go Farther”

On April 20, 2021, Free Wheelchair Mission celebrated our 20th anniversary!

It’s hard to believe that more than 20 years have passed since I was first building prototype wheelchairs in my garage. By God’s grace, and with the prayers and support of friends like you, we have since given away more than 1.2 million wheelchairs in 94 developing countries, impacting millions of individuals and their families.

We couldn’t have done this without you ...

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.

Contributed Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 18, 2021

A BEACON IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS - In 2000, eight retirees led an effort to plant a new Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in the mountains of north Georgia. Today, Faith Presbyterian Church – Blue Ridge has 159 members and is one of the fastest-growing congregations in Cherokee Presbytery and the Synod of the South Atlantic ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, June 17, 2021

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "John Knox Ranch"

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.



John Knox Ranch

Our visit with Henry Owen, Executive Director of John Knox Ranch. What does the 2021 camping season look like with COVID 19 protocols? Family retreat anyone? What is a conservation easement?

Check out johnknoxranch.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 ... "Local program receives grants"

“We strive to provide permanent homes for children and improve self-sufficiency for families.”

Staff Report
Odessa American


MIDLAND, TEXAS - The local Child and Family Program of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services recently received $30,000 in grants from regional foundations ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

Local Contact Information:

Child and Family Midland
Grace Presbyterian Church
2801 North Garfield St
Midland, Texas 79705
(432) 684-3737
Fax: (432) 332-9790
Toll Free: (800) 888-1904

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.

Image courtesy of contemporary iconographer Kelly Lattimore 
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 17, 2021

'CALL TO WORSHIP' ISSUE - In what is believed to be a first, “Call to Worship: Liturgy, Music, Preaching, and the Arts” a quarterly journal produced by the Office of Theology & Worship, has focused an entire issue on poverty ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

In the News ... "Habitat for Humanity faces supply shortage"

KOSA Photo
"It has affected our construction costs, which has been difficult."

By Eduardo Huijon, Jr., Reporter
KOSA-TV


ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - Habitat for Humanity says building materials such as lumber, paint are hard to come by these days and it is affecting their ability to build houses for those in need.

Since 1991 Habitat for Humanity has been building homes in the Permian Basin and over the past few months, the price of lumber has gone up.

The shortage has had a direct impact on how much it costs to build home ...

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


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

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


'June Speaker Series' continues TONIGHT

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

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

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

Global solidarity in 2021: Can it meet today's crises of climate change, pandemic and massive migration?
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)

Wednesday, June 16th
5:00 - 6:15 pm Eastern
4:00 - 5:15 pm Central
2:00 - 3:15 pm Pacific

More Information, and Registration ...

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

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

More Information, and Registration ...




Join Us!

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

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


In the News ... "First Baptist Abilene's Phil Christopher announces retirement Sunday to congregation"

Photo by Greg Jaklewicz
"I believe now is the time to turn the page and write a new and exciting chapter for First Baptist Abilene ..."

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter/Photographer
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Phil Christopher, who has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church for more than 26 years, announced to his congregation Sunday that he is retiring.

He set the date as Sept. 26, which is the last Sunday in September ...

Read the rest of this ARN 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 courtesy of SHOC
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 16, 2021

SACARAMENTO HOMELESS ORGANIZING COMMITTEE - The Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee (SHOC) knows what it’s like to live on the margins.

The organizing committee, which has a longstanding relationship with the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, is made up of people who are formerly or currently homeless as well as supporters ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

In the News ... "Apostle Philip ministered to all"

Painting by Peter Paul Rubens
• Native of Bethsaida remembered as ‘a man ahead of his time’

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - The Apostle Philip was a forerunner of the much more famous Apostle Paul because he went to “outsiders” who would ordinarily not have been invited and drew them to Jesus Christ, ministers say.

Ministers Kevin Fox, Hector Aguilar and Andy Hill say Philip was from Bethsaida, the same Galilean village as the brothers Peter and Andrew, and like them and the other apostles he had no special qualifications ...

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.

Contributed Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 15, 2021

SELF-CARE AND RESILIENCY TECHNIQUES - Those attending the recent online Presbyterian Border Region Outreach conference enjoyed a 90-minute respite during a workshop given by the Rev. John Cheek and the Rev. Suzanne Malloy.

Their topic was self-care and resilience. Each presenter has a long history in both realms ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, June 14, 2021

From @chinaaid : "'Police raid home of Zhao Weikai, leader inTaiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church; summoning him and his wife for 'proselytism'"

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
Police raid home of Zhao Weikai, leader inTaiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church; summoning him and his wife for “proselytism”
Distributed by ChinaAid, May 2021 ...

TAIYUAN, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA – On Tuesday morning, May 17, local police raided the home of Zhao Weikai, a Christian, and summoned him to their station under the charge of “proselytism” [for providing Christian education in his home]. That same day, police also summoned his wife Li Xin and raided their home. Brother Zhao serves as a leader in Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church. To suppress house churches, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities routinely fabricate charges against pastors, ministers, as well as Christians and believers of other faiths. Those charges include “illegal business operation,” “embezzlement,” “fraud,” “proselytism,” etc. ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...


In the News ... "Father’s Day Car Show at Crossroads Church"

• Entry fee benefits Hope House of Odessa

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Crossroads Church, 6901 E. Highway 191, has scheduled a Father’s Day Car Show from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Registration is $30. Entry fee benefits Hope House of Odessa.

More information and registration ...

From PC(USA) Store ... New, Best-Selling Anti-Racism Resources

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.



Anti-Racism Books

Below you will find new and featured resources for individual and group study, leadership training, and children's time.

The Purpose Gap
Much of the literature on leadership tells the story of heroic individuals creating their success by their own efforts. Such stories fail to recognize the structural obstacles to thriving faced by those in marginalized communities. If young people in these communities are to grow up to lead lives of purpose, others must help create the conditions to make that happen. This book offers advice on creating safe spaces for failure, nurturing networks that support young people of color, and providing professional guidance for how to implement these strategies.

Race in America
Originally published in 2016 as Race in a Post-Obama America, this updated edition offers contributions from a diverse group of pastors, professors, and activists on the history of racism, the issues of racism today, and action plans for moving toward anti-racist work and racial justice. Updated material addresses police and police brutality, the ongoing work of Black Lives Matter, and black protests. New chapters examine racism in relation to immigration and digital media. Designed for individual or group study, Race in America includes questions for reflection and discussion.

Good White Racist? Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice
Kerry Connelly exposes the ways white people participate in, benefit from, and unknowingly perpetuate racism—despite their best “good person” intentions. Readers will learn that even though it may not be our fault or choice to participate in a racist system, we all do, and it’s our responsibility to do something about it.

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World
This picture book tells the story of a boy named Jeremiah and his family who discover hopeful forms of activism and advocacy in response to racism and gun violence in their community. You can use it in conjunction with the downloadable discussion and activity guide, which includes suggestions on how parents and teachers can talk with children about race and violence, ideas on how to create a safe space for meaningful dialogue, and more.

Ten Essential Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation
This book is a collection of wisdom and best practices to help congregations build immunity from racial and ethnic tensions that threaten to divide rather than unite. Use the workbook with your planning team, board members, lay leaders, and staff.

Brian the Brave
This picture book provides a creative way to talk about bias based on race and language with very young children. It is not only ideal for households, but also during children's time at church.

Fearless Dialogues
This book focuses on a groundbreaking program of the same name, founded by the author Gregory C. Ellison II. The program seeks real solutions to problems of chronic unemployment, violence, and hopelessness. Readers are able to walk through the steps of this program in order to implement genuine and lasting change.


Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

PC(USA) Store
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 533-4371
support@pcusastore.com