From Austin Seminary: "Installation of The Reverend Carolyn Helsel"

DATE CORRECTION: Please join us TODAY, April 21, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. (CDT) as Dr. Carolyn Browning Helsel is installed as Associate Professor in The Blair R. Monie Distinguished Chair of Homiletics in Shelton Chapel on the Austin Seminary campus.

The service will also be live-streamed at 5:00 p.m. today at this link:

The link to the service:

Carolyn Helsel's Chairing

Meeting ID: 913 5408 5914

Passcode: 203561

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You are invited to attend the Installation of The Reverend Carolyn Helsel as Professor in The Blair R. Monie Distinguished Chair in Homiletics

The installation of a faculty member into a named chair is an important occasion in the life of the Austin Seminary community. It recognizes a faculty member’s distinctive contributions to a field of study, the importance of that field of study for theological education, and the Seminary’s affirmation of that faculty member as a scholar and teacher of the church.

Please join us on April 22, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. (CDT) as Professor Carolyn Browning Helsel is installed as Professor in The Blair R. Monie Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership in Shelton Chapel on the Austin Seminary campus. The service will also be live-streamed.

The link to the service:
Carolyn Helsel's Chairing
Meeting ID: 913 5408 5914
Passcode: 203561

The Reverend Dr. Carolyn Helsel joined the faculty of Austin Seminary in 2015. She is the first professor to be installed into the Monie Chair.

The author or co-author of five books, Dr. Helsel has been a faculty advisor to the Truth and Reconciliation Oral History Project of the United States Christian Leadership Organization since 2015. She is ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Designed to enable the study and teaching of preaching, The Blair R. Monie Distinguished Chair of Homiletics was established in 2002 with a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Wright of Dallas, Texas, to honor the retirement of the long-time pastor of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.

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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

From PC(USA) Store ... "New Kid'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.

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New Children's Books!

"Apple and Magnolia"

“Beautifully told and illustrated, this book is a gem on many levels. The relationship with wise Nana illustrates the importance of intergenerational stories; Britta’s determination shows how strong girls can be, and it shows that we all have an impact on the natural world.” — School Library Journal (starred review).

• Learn more, and order here ...

"The Good for Nothing Tree"

“As year follows year, the children lovingly and persistently tend to their beloved tree, ultimately reaping the literal fruit of their labor.” — Kirkus Reviews

Inspired by the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, The Good for Nothing Tree reminds us that the sweetest figs, like many other things, are worth waiting for. A note about the parable’s New Testament origins and a recipe are included.

• Learn more, and order here ...

"I Love You, Blue"

“Through the friendship of a lighthouse keeper with a whale named Blue, readers are introduced to the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and ocean life.” — School Library Journal

One rescue leads to another in this charming story of friendship, revealing that care for the ocean and its inhabitants can lead to the well-being of all. Includes an author’s note with facts about how whales and their habitat can be protected.

• Learn more, and order here ...

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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

In the News ... "Odessa shooting victim’s final act of kindness"

KMID/KPEJ Photo

• “Everyday, you expect Shawn to walk in and brighten the room”

By Rob Tooke, Reporter
• KMID-TV/KPEJ-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - 49-year-old Shawn McCracken was grateful. He was incredibly kind, too.

Just last Wednesday, Shawn was at Jesus House of Odessa on 6th Street. He was recorded on video thanking volunteers in the soup kitchen.

“It’s because of organizations like you, the organizations like yours, and the people like you, makes me want to invest in myself,” Shawn can be heard saying< ...

 • Read, watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ 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.

The Rev. Gad Mpoyo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 20, 2022

MATTHEW 25 GATHERING - A recent online Matthew 25 gathering focused on welcoming the stranger. The 80 or so participants learned from two Presbyterians who are currently working hard to carry out Jesus’ command to do just that ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Midland Church's Ukraine Support Efforts"

• Food and support from Midland to Ukraine Refugees

Staff Report
• West Texas Missioner

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Midland community wants to respond to the crisis in Ukraine. Golf Course Road Church of Christ is providing opportunities to do that. Below are ways that you can make a real impact in the name of Jesus.

Funds donated will go towards the FOR Ukraine food packing event and also to Eastern European Missions. This organization is deeply connected to Ukraine and surrounding countries and is using every dollar given to support and care for the Ukrainian people.

• Choose the Ukraine Fund in the drop-down menu on the Giving Page ...

The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis. So, we want to put Jesus' love into action by sending 280,000 dehydrated meals to countries surrounding Ukraine that are housing refugees. The meals we pack will be immediately shipped and distributed to people in need.
Each shift is an hour and a half. We will train you and give you everything you need to pack these meals for Ukrainian refugees. We'll have some fun too! This event is great for the whole family; even kids can get in on the packing. We will also have child care during the two Saturday morning sessions for any little ones too young to pack.

• Click HERE to register to pack on April 29th or 30th ...

For more information, contact:
3500 W Golf Course Road, Midland, TX 79703
(432) 694-8836
• reception@gcrcc.org

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 Libby Penner via Unsplash

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 19, 2022

BECOMING TRULY THANKFUL - “A common table prayer opens with “O Lord, make us truly thankful for that which we are about to receive …”

It sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? But isn’t there something a little strange about that prayer? I mean, why would anyone pray that way? ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @chinaaid : "All five Christians from Taiyuan Zion Reformed Church released"

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.

China Aid Photo

All five Christians from Taiyuan Zion Reformed Church released
Distributed by ChinaAid, March 2022 ...

FENYANG, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA – On March 27, Zhang Ligong and Wang Runyun of Taiyuan Zion Reformed Church were released from prison. Now, all five Christians initially charged with “illegally crossing the national border” have been released ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

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 Kathy Melvin

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 18, 2022

GLOBAL PARTNER PLANTING SEEDS IN GOOD SOIL - Seeds planted by mission co-worker Dan Turk and the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), a longtime global partner of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) World Mission, are beginning to bear fruit ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

My 2¢ ... "A precious moment ... a joyful noise"

He is risen ...
Christ is risen, indeed ...

"We are the Easter people," Pastor Jim Miles of First Prez-Fort Stockton reminds us ..... and that is what we affirm today, the day for which we have prepared all week, the day for which we live at all times. A promise was made on a joyful, star-lit night, in a stable in Bethlehem ... but that promise was kept on a bloody, storm-darkened day, on a hill outside of Jerusalem.

A good crowd for late service this morning at First Prez-Midland, and I don't think anyone went home disappointed. The church's staff and ministry did themselves proud today, and the message of Christ's resurrection - and our salvation - was loud, clear and compelling.

Today, there was a little something for everyone ... including me. A small notice in the church bulletin said, "Those who have sung the 'Hallelujah Chorus' and would like to join with the choir in this great anthem, please come to the chancel during the singing of 'The Day of Resurrection.'"

I had ... so I did. As I do every Easter, now, I sang that awesome piece with a choir. And not just the choir this morning, but accompanied by a strings and brass, percussion and organ.

I was a tenor in high school, and I don't quite have the range now, that I did then. The lump in my throat - not the result of stage fright but, rather of exhilaration - didn't help either ... what can I say? ... it was a wonderful moment. And even as I mangled this note or that, I didn't care ... I was making a joyful noise, nonetheless.

Perhaps what I felt was something like what Edward Hoagland once described ...

"Though I'd seen mobs behave savagely, some of my experience was of the moments when, on the contrary, a benign expressiveness, even a kind of sweetness, is loosed. When life seems to be an unmixed good, the more the merrier, and each man rises to a sense of glee and mitigation, alleviation, or freedom that, perhaps, we wouldn't quite dare to feel if he were alone. The smiling likeness, infectious blitheness, the loose, exultant sense of unity in which sometimes, the mass of people as a whole, seems to improve upon the better nature of the parts."

"This intrigued me."

"Just as with other natural wonders of the world, to which one relinquishes one's self, instead of feeling smaller, I often felt bigger when I was packed into a multitude And taking for granted the potential for mayhem of crowds, of which so much has been written, I was fascinated instead by the clear, pealing gaiety."

"It manifests itself, for instance, in the extraordinary quality that singing by a congregation acquires. The humdrum and unlovely voices gradually merge into a sweet, uniquely pristine note, a note angelic-sounding, hardly believable. Looking about, one can't see who in particular might have such a voice. Everybody in the pew has an expression as if he were about to sneeze, and squawks just a little. It is a note created only when hundreds sing ... it needs them all. No single person is responsible, any more than any individual in a mob lends that its bestiality."

"It's like riding in surf. It's like a Dantean ascent ... one circle up. Suddenly, we like all these strangers, even the stranger in ourselves, and seem to see a shape in life, as if all the exertions of the week really were justified and were a source of joy."

Alleluia ... Amen

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With thanks to Florence Sherwood, Chorus Director at Dallas Senior High School, Dallas, Pennsylvania, for her wonderful talent and her incredible patience.

In the News ... "A cross to bear: Lubbockites mark miracle of Easter"

LAJ Photo by Mark Rogers

• This was a time to deepen their Lenten experience

By Mateo Rosiles, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Hundreds of people lined Erskine Street in north Lubbock to watch members of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church put on a reenactment of the 14 stations of the cross.

It was the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic that the north Lubbock parish has hosted its annual event marking Good Friday ahead of the celebration of Easter...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ..

In the News ... "Lubbock Area Faith Calendar"

Courtesy Photo

• What’s going on in area churches

Staff Report
• 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 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: April 17, 2022

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING / EASTER - “Unstable connection.”

Those two words have taken on a deeper meaning in the past couple of years, haven’t they? For many, the words “unstable connection,” “weak connection” or worse, “lost connection,” are synonymous for an online meeting that has become frozen or dropped off. These dreaded words, popping up on a phone or computer, mean whatever is being offered isn’t getting through. It isn’t able to be shared. The connection is in jeopardy.

But simply stated, we fundamentally need to connect. People need to connect ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

... the day before The Day ...

Big day, tomorrow ... and not just for all Christians, but for all peoples ... that's what I believe.

"We are the Easter people," Pastor Jim Miles of First Prez-Fort Stockton would remind us, and not just in the days leading up to Easter, but throughout the year. And that is what we affirm tomorrow, the day for which we have been preparing over the past six weeks, the day for which we live - or at least try to live - at all times.

A promise was made on a joyful, star-lit night, in a stable in Bethlehem ... but that promise was kept on a bloody, storm-darkened day, on a hill outside of Jerusalem ... and later in a place of tombs in the early morning.

A photo I took on a highway north of Mason, Texas.

Big day tomorrow, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ ... big day ... THE day, really. But I find myself wondering what it was like the day before The Day ... what was it like during those long hours that passed between Christ's crucifixion and his resurrection? I can't help but think it's easier for us, two-thousand years later, with the benefit of hindsight, with the Word in our hands, our minds, our hearts. But back then ... right then, right there? What was it like for the followers of Jesus on THAT very first day before The Day?

I've always felt a little sorry for Peter, one of the first (and perhaps the greatest) of Jesus' disciples. How many times have I listened to some discussion in Sunday school that included talking some smack about Peter and his shortcomings ... it's especially pronounced now, as we are reminded for the umpteenth time of his denial of Jesus outside the house where Christ was being held. What must it have been like - that day before The Day - for Peter?

Of course, that was Peter before The Day, and before Pentecost. The man that emerges from all that is someone and something else entirely. There is still a growing, learning, developing spirit and awareness in him ... but there is no longer any doubt, or any denial.

But before that? I can only imagine ... because I know, now, and I believe ...

He is risen ...

Christ is risen, indeed ...

Alleluia! Amen!

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. The Odessa American welcomes church special events. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays for consideration for the following Saturday’s edition. Email oalife@oaoa.com.

Connection Christian Church of Odessa has scheduled an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 0-12 years old at 11 a.m. today at the Lion’s Club Park, 4341 Esmond Drive.
The event will also include face painting, door prizes and photo with the bunny.
Visit tinyurl.com/yfm4je8m.

St. Matthew Baptist Church, 809 Barrett Ave., has scheduled the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Fling from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.
There will be food, giveaways, games and more.
Visit tinyurl.com/bdzkc6fb.

Connection Christian Church of Odessa has scheduled Easter services Sunday.
Classic service with hymns will take place at 9 a.m. and the contemporary service with a band is at 11 a.m.
Bible study, coffee and pastries, and an Easter photo booth will be at 10 a.m.
Nursery will be provided.
Visit tinyurl.com/36zfx4vv.

Mission Dorado Baptist Church, 4121 Faudree Road, has scheduled Easter Sunday events starting with bible study at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship Sunday.
Visit tinyurl.com/48zzjur5.

Odessa Christian Faith Center Fine Arts Ministry will present a dramatic presentation with original music in celebration of Easter during services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday at OCFC, 9000 Andrews Highway.

Real Life Church has scheduled online Easter services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at live.getreallife.org.
For more information, visit getreallife.org/easter.

Odessa Bible Church, 3901 Penbrook St., has scheduled Easter Services at 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.
Easter Egg Hunt will be at 10:15 a.m.
Visit odessabible.org/easter.

Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield St., Midland has scheduled Easter events starting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday with breakfast followed by Easter Egg Hunt for children. Flowering the Lenten Cross before worship. Bring flowers from home, or use those provided; 11 a.m., Easter Sunday worship with communion

Bethany Christian Church, 4522 N. Everglade Ave., has scheduled an Easter Breakfast Potluck, Egg Hunt and worship service Sunday.
Easter Breakfast Potluck starts at 9:30 a.m., egg hunt at 10 a.m. and worship service at 10:50 a.m.
Visit tinyurl.com/smzrzwyc.

Crossroads, 1000 N. Texas Ave., has scheduled Easter Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Visit tinyurl.com/2p9dmuhy.

Asbury United Methodist Church, 4001 E. University Blvd., has scheduled a family Easter program at 10 a.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall.
A service will also take place at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Visit tinyurl.com/2spvfypp.

Hope Alive Church, 305 E. 19th St., has scheduled Easter online and in person services at 10 a.m. and at 11:45 a.m. Sunday.
Visit tinyurl.com/a4xdhj2a.

New Dawn Fellowship, 2110 E. 10th St., will celebrate Easter at 10 a.m. Sunday.
An egg hunt for the kids will follow the service.
Visit tinyurl.com/5hdztyfy.

Spirit and Truth Church, 3102 University Blvd., has scheduled an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Donuts, milk and juice will be served.
A resurrection celebration will follow at 10:30 a.m. following the egg hunt.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 432-553-3522.

Odessa First Assembly, 1101 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled Easter Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. April 17.
Nurseries and Adventure Kids (Kid’s Church) will be at the same time.
Visit tinyurl.com/yckdta2j.

Odessa Christian Faith Center, 9000 Andrews Highway, will welcome guest minister Matthew Barnett during services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 24.
Barnett is co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center, pastor of Angelus Temple and New York Times Best Selling Author of “The Cause Within You.”
For more information, call 432-368-7714 or visit ocfc.org.

Calvary Baptist Church, 8644 Andrews Highway, will celebrate its 50 years of ministry from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 24.
An anniversary meal will follow services in the fellowship hall.
Visit tinyurl.com/5tnwuwer.

The Orchard Church, 6112 TX-349, Midland, has scheduled a 24 Hours of Prayer event from 6 p.m. April 29, to 6 p.m. April 30.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5ytwpvx7

First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Ave., Midland, will present The Digital Culture of Kids from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 4.
To register now or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/2p9yxfzd.

Odessa Christian Faith Center Flourish Ministry has scheduled Flourish events May 6-7 at OCFC, 9000 Andrews Highway.
Flourish Family Night will start at 7 p.m. May 6. The event will include special music, teaching from Shannon Nieman, lead pastor of Abundant Church in El Paso, and food will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public.
Flourish Ministry will also host a ladies only brunch at 10 a.m. May 7. Tickets are $25 per person. For tickets, visit ocfc.org/flourish.
Spanish interpretation will be available.
For more information, call 432-368-7714 or visit ocfc.org.

First Odessa, 709 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled a Mission Possible Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. May 7.
Mission Possible 5K is $35, ages 5+ and the Mission Possible Kids Fun Run is $20, ages 3-12.
To register or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/3fxudx8u

First Baptist Church and the Black Cultural Council of Odessa will present Fred Hammond in concert on June 15 at the church, 709 N. Lee St.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
General admission is free.
Text CONCERT to 40778 for VIP seating.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yckf5txw.

Belmont Baptist Church, 806 N. Belmont Ave., offers family meals during its Family Supper time from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. each Wednesday when Awana is in session.
Admission is free.
For more information, call 432-332-0248, email belmont@belmontbaptist.org or visit tinyurl.com/23vkhr47.

Catholic Charities Community Services Odessa, 2500 Andrews Highway, need of volunteers for pantry distribution.
Distribution times are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays.
For more information on dates and times, call 332-1387.
Visit facebook.com/ccodessatx or ccodessa.com.

The West Texas Street Rod Association has scheduled Cars at Crossroads from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every fourth Saturday of each month at Crossroads Church, 6901 E. Highway 191.
There will be coffee and donuts inside the church.
Visit tinyurl.com/cdjd6pvt.

Door of Hope Mission are in need of financial support to help provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower to those who struggle with addictions through Bible study and counseling.
There a few ways to give:
• PayPal Giving Fund: 100% goes to the mission, visit www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315. PayPal does not keep a processing fee when you use this service.
• Door of Hope Mission website, www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html, or mail a check to Door of Hope Mission, PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760.
• On Amazon or eBay, add Door of Hope Mission as preferred charity, and a portion of purchases will go to the mission.
• On Amazon Smile (www.smile.amazon.com): Login to your account then select Door of Hope Mission Odessa TX so the mission receives donations from eligible purchases when you shop.
• On eBay (charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315): Add the Door Of Hope Mission to favorites.
All donations are tax deductible.
For more information, call 337-8294 or visit doorofhopemission.com.

Highland United Methodist Church, 1808 N. Dixie Blvd., and volunteers offer a back door blessing meal at 6 p.m. Wednesdays in the fellowship hall.
There is no charge. Any donations contributed goes toward Highland’s children’s ministries.
Call 332-0261 or email highlandumc.odessa@gmail.com.
Visit highlandodessa.com.

Sherwood Church of Christ, 4900 North Dixie Blvd., offers free clothing on the first Saturday of every month.
With so many families in the community are losing their jobs due to COVID and the downturn in oil, the Sherwood Clothes Closet is an opportunity for people to find needed clothing items for the entire family.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required to comply with city orders and to protect each other from spreading the virus.

Victory Christian Fellowship Church, 325 N. County Road West, offers individuals assistance who are hurting from addictions to become drug and alcohol free, physically well and most important spiritually alive.
All services are provided for free.
Several homes are located throughout Texas, New Mexico and Chicago.
For more information, call the Rev. Albert Flores at 432-978-9959 or 432-335-8925.
For home locations, call for Odessa, 325-300-0832; El Paso, 915-838-8887; Fort Worth, 817-626-1819; Houston, 713-880-4732; Mathis, 361-547-3755; McAllen, 956-702-2781; San Angelo, 325-658-1061; Albuquerque, N.M., 505-550-5661; Artesia, N.M., 575-745-4294; and Chicago, 773-696-9094.

• 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 courtesy of PCC

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 16, 2022

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FARMERS' STRUGGLES - In the Pacific, subsistence farming on land and subsistence fishing remains a foundation of livelihoods across our sea of islands, as well as a source of income. Climate change induced extreme weather (storms, cyclones/hurricanes, droughts, floods, etc.) and salt-water inundation from rising seas has already had a major impact on our plantations and farms ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Photo Album: Pilgrimage to Mount Cristo Rey returns as the faithful hike up and pray on Good Friday"

EPT Photo by Omar Ornelas

 • Annual pilgrimage in the borderland

By Omar Ornelas, Photographer
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - Members of the community hiked up to Mount Cristo Rey as part of the annual pilgrimage for Christians and Catholics in the borderland in Sunland Park on Good Friday April 15, 2022 ...

• See the rest of this EPT photo album ...

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Movies with Disability Themes to Watch at Home”

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: “Movies with Disability Themes to Watch at Home””

Out of streaming shows and movies to watch on Netflix, Disney +, and Amazon Prime?

How about something more inspirational and meaningful?

For a change of pace, our staff has compiled this playlist of features and documentaries that have themes or characters with disabilities. These are all currently available on streaming services.

So grab the family and some popcorn and be inspired!

Here they are in alphabetical order, with streaming platforms and movie ratings ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "PASSION PLAY: Students proud of Easter production"

OA Photo by Eli Hartman

• Putting on a show for the first time can present its share of obstacles

By Michael Bauer, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - In celebration of Holy Week, middle school students from St. Mary’s Central Catholic School put on a play of the story of Jesus Wednesday afternoon in the school’s gym.

The production was called “The Passion Play” depicting the life of Jesus including his trial, suffering and death. The performance included singing in between each scene.

This year’s play was the first to be put on by the middle school students at St. Mary’s Central Catholic. St. Mary’s Central Catholic Music Teacher Elaine Randolph directed the music while Adel Cortez and Larry Cortez also helped directing the play.

“We’ve always done it out our church at St. Joseph’s but Elaine wanted her music class to do the same play that we’ve done before,” Adel Cortez said. “It’s beautiful. I think it’s really beautiful. They brought it to life and they did an awesome job. This is the first time that we’ve done this with all middle schoolers.”

Putting on a show for the first time can present its share of obstacles. For this production, one of the tough parts was getting the students all together to rehearse. “The challenges were that it was new to them so it was hard getting them all together and that was a challenge,” Cortez said. “They came together and Elaine had to work it out with the teachers and letting the students come together.”

Cortez was glad to have the opportunity to put on this play.

“It’s that time and it’s so beautiful and every opportunity that we get to tell the story of Jesus and bring the gospel to life, we should just take it and open the door for a great opportunity,” Cortez said.

Playing the role of Jesus was eighth grader Andrew Randolph. “I like playing Jesus,” Randolph said. “It was hard to learn all the lines and the songs but I love serving the lord and doing what he asks me.”

He also enjoyed putting the show on with his classmates. “I loved the music and how it brought us closer together and how it was fun for everyone,” Randolph said.

The students had been working on the play before Lent had even started, beginning practice in early February ...

 • 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: April 15, 2022

GOOD FRIDAY - Maundy Thursday was the start of what is known as the Easter Triduum — triduum, which is Latin for “three days.” Three days, which include Good Friday and Holy Saturday, in which before we get to the joy of the resurrection, we are reminded how quick we are to betray, to cry “crucify him” and to sink into the depths of despair when we are left in the limbo of loss ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Motor Mayhem Car Show and Bike Benefit"

• Saturday at Stonegate Fellowship

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Motor Mayhem Car Show and Bike benefit has been scheduled at 9 a.m. Saturday at b>Stonegate Fellowship, 4240 Preston Smith Road.

There will be awards presented, raffles and more.

All proceeds will go towards paying off medical expenses for Annmarie Grondahl, 22, single mom of two and the founder of Sound Deep. Grondahl has a 6.9 cm tumor on her heart that is rapidly growing and is scheduled to have open heart surgery next month.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2xhsawww.