Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 31, 2011

MOROCCO AND TUNISIA - French (and later Allied) troops brought military chaplains to Casablanca [Morocco] who also served Christians living in the city. Today the city is known for its mosque, but it also has synagogues, and a Protestant, an Anglican, and an Orthodox church ... In this North African nation [Tunisia], many people are hearing the good news of Jesus for the first time.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 30, 2011

CYPRUS - A dozen or so women in Nicosia anticipate Friday with unusual eagerness. The Friday Fellowship Group meets for two or three hours each week in the home of one of the members. The morning begins with coffee and conversation as members catch up with one another, but by 10 a.m. the women begin the serious business of the day.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 29, 2011

TURKEY - God is at work calling people to knowledge of himself even in places where Scripture is not so easily available. This year, in order to study at university, one young man moved to the city where our church is located. He came to faith in Christ five years ago, and for the first time he was able to take part in a church. He explained that while working on a school project, he came across the Bible for the first time in the religious section of a library. He opened it and started to read the Parable of the Sower, but did not finish reading Jesus' interpretation of it. He was very puzzled by its meaning but since the library was closing, he had to leave.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 28, 2011

IRAN AND IRAQ - Throughout the history of the Christian church, its profoundest sense of the presence of God has been felt during its most difficult times.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 27, 2011

ISRAEL/PALESTINE/JERUSALEM (continued) - The team members are a mosaic of the people of Palestine. United and guided by God's love, they celebrate diversity: a Christian producer, a Muslim director, a female cameraperson, a male soundperson, a Lutheran make-up artist, an Orthodox line producer, a second cameraperson from al-Walaja village, a light professional from Jerusalem, among others.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 26, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: ISRAEL/PALESTINE/JERUSALEM - Laou Kont Makani — "If You Were in My Place'' in Arabic - is a twelve-episode, studio-based magazine show to be aired all over the Arab world. It includes unprecedented use of an interactive situational comedy format in Palestine. The studio audience, in this case Palestinian youth, creates the show by deciding on the ending of each segment while on the set. The show aims at raising awareness and empowering young Arabic-speaking generations, especially women, through debating significant issues and featuring young leaders.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 25, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: NATIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST/CHRISTMAS DAY - "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths" (Micah 4:2).

Ministering with a thousand senior adults was my final job, professionally, before I retired in 2007. Who would ever think that I would wind up in a church, after starting out in a medical career? God truly led me to the church. What a blessing to be in a place where I could learn so much from the living history of those older adults. Certainly after sixty-five Christmases, most people have learned about the nature of giving.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 25

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 25

Luke 2:8-20

Among our cherished photographs, there’s a picture of our younger daughter, Claire, when she was maybe three years old. She’s dressed like an angel—white robe, tinseled wings—and she’s one of maybe fifty angels in her age range in that year’s Christmas Eve service in our church in Atlanta. The picture is taken just a few moments before the earliest of three services on that Christmas Eve began, the one designed especially for families. Older children and youth fill out the rest of the cast—Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and magi and barnyard animals—and the liturgy is, well, chaotic. In the background of the picture, other angels are romping with excitement; but Claire is looking side-ways at the camera—her bottom lip protruding and tears welling up in her eyes. “Claire, sweetie, why are you so sad?” one of us says. “It’s Christmas Eve and you’re an angel!”
“I don’t want to be an angel,” she protests. “I’m afraid that I might fly away from my family!”

Angels are everywhere in this text. They overpower shepherds in their field, and one of them says what God’s messengers in the Bible are almost always saying when they draw near: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news…” Then more angels strike up a Hallelujah before they go back up into heaven. However much they frighten those shepherds that night, they also point them toward a destination. It is Bethlehem—the exact spot where God wants them to be.

I’m not an expert on angels, but I’ve encountered my share of them over the years. They manage to come into my life at just the moment when they’re needed most. Which means that they are never flying away from their family—the family of God—but are rather always flying toward their family. And always—always!—they are bringing God’s everlasting assurance. “Do not be afraid.”

Over and over again, they come to the very spot where God wants them to sing in something new; and, by God’s grace, they and their message make a redemptive, transforming difference—in Bethlehem, or Kabul, or Cairo, or Port-au-Prince, or Lufkin, or Lubbock, or Conway, or Pine Bluff, or Lafayette, or Shreveport, or Ada, or Tulsa, or Santa Fe, or Boulder, or…

Thank you, O God, for the news of this Christmas Day. Help us make time today, at the manger, to listen to the songs of angels, and to not be afraid! Through Jesus Christ, who came to his family—never to leave again. Amen.

Theodore J. Wardlaw
The W. C. Brown Professor of Theology

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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.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 24, 2011

ARMENIA - In December 2008, a woman applied to an Armenian NGO for social assistance. She was referred to the Rev. Fr. Ghevond Gapoyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The young mother was living with HIV/AIDS. Her husband had died and left her with three children and his mother to care for in an unheated home. The priest arranged for gas service and the purchase and installation of the pipes, equipment, and gas stove. The money was raised by the clergy from private donors and the diocese. Father Gapoyan became a close friend of the family, and he pays regular visits, provides pastoral counseling, and helps with clothes for the children, food, and social benefits.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 24

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 24

Luke 2:1, 5

In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered … [Joseph] went [to Bethlehem] to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

Whether visiting family, friends, churches, or significant places, Christmas often involves making a journey.
Being a Christmas journeyer puts one in good company. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were journeyers. Going to Bethlehem they journeyed toward God.

They drew nearer to God by yielding to God’s claim on them. God chose Mary to give birth to the Savior (Lk. 1:26-38). God chose Joseph to trust God’s purposes (Matt. 1:18-25). God chose Jesus to be the One in whom God would dwell (Col. 2:9) and who would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). God called them to head toward Bethlehem, but also to journey toward God by entrusting their lives to God’s purposes and care.

But notice that as they drew nearer to God, God had already drawn nearer to them. This mutual drawing-near—God toward us and us toward God—marks the Christian life. We journey toward God with Jesus at our side (as Joseph did). We journey toward God with Jesus living in us (as Mary did). We make this journey as Christ’s people, and God awaits us. At Christmas and every day we draw nearer to God aware that God awaits us, claims us, and empowers us every step of our journey.

O God, grant that as you draw nearer to us, we would draw nearer to you. Amen.

Allan Hugh Cole Jr.
Academic Dean
The Nancy Taylor Williamson Professor of Pastoral Care

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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.

3 Simple Ways to Encourage Missionaries at Christmas

The following was recommended to us by our friends at The Upstream Collective, a missional network committed to intentional relationships across cultures. It's from Teach Overseas, an "interdenominational ministry that offers you the wisdom of experience with a cutting edge sensibility. Since 1981, we have transformed lives in a dozen different countries through hundreds of summer and year-long programs teaching conversational English."

3 Simple Ways to Encourage Missionaries at Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time all over the world! People serving God in other countries find this an especially relevant time to share about Jesus. Like you, overseas workers also want to enjoy twinking lights, jingle bells, and the scent of fresh pine and home-baked cookies.

However, unlike you, many missionaries don’t live in places with Christmas trees, gingerbread, or even churches. They don’t hear Christmas carols and upbeat songs in shopping malls; they might not even have shopping malls. Most of all, missionaries miss the warm fellowship of friends and family back home. Combine this with the cold, dark days of December, and you’ve got a recipe for homesickness!
This Christmas, make a special effort to bring joy to those bringing Good News to others. Following these simple steps can make a world of difference!!!

1. Remember. The most horrible feeling for a missionary is to feel forgotten. Take time to send an extra special Christmas card (international postage is 98 cents). If you send a personal Christmas newsletter to someone in a sensitive country, be sure to cross out any words that might be offensive in the host culture.

2. Pray! Christmas is an active time for ministry. Pray for the Christmas parties and outreaches they will be organizing. Pray for divine opportunities and natural opportunities to share about Christ. Send an email telling your missionaries that you are especially praying for them in this season.

3. Give. Extra financial support is always appreciated. Put a missionary on your Christmas gift list and write an extra check for his/her account. An extra $20 to $50 can go a long way. It takes a little extra to host parties and outreaches. Most likely these funds come from an already tight budget. I assure you that most missionaries will pass on the extra blessings they receive to local friends!

This Christmas, you can bring JOY to the world by blessing those serving Him overseas. Thank you for your partnership!

In the News ... "Seniors shine in Spanish nativity play"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Mary sat contently next to Joseph with her hands together, almost in prayer. Around her, the room was bursting into song and dance. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" gave way to "Feliz Navidad," and "Silent Night" transformed into "Noche de Paz."

When the play ended the actors dispersed, save Mary and Joseph who continued to giggle and dance on the stage.

A sign hanging in the hallways says, "We're not senior citizens, we're recycled teenagers.".
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 23, 2011

LEBANON - Since 2004, the Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (FDCD) has conducted projects in the Middle East focusing on peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. One pivotal initiative has been a capacity-building project for Iraqi nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working on conflict resolution and advocacy for peace. A component of this project has been an annual series of workshops for Iraqi and Lebanese youth on intersectarian conflict and peaceful conflict transformation, for which FDCD has offered training. In Lebanon, our young Iraqi participants felt they were listened to and were able to connect with Lebanese youth, who have also experienced the trauma of war.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 23

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 23

Zephaniah 3:14-20

It is day ten of the Bastrop County (Texas) wildfires. Two major fire areas have contributed to the destruction of over 35,000 acres of wooded land and nearly 1500 homes. Being a pastor in a community devastated by fire disaster is a new experience for me.

On one hand, it is so gratifying to be a part of the local community. My wife and I were evacuated along with many, but came back to find the church and parsonage without damage. We give thanks for the valiant effort of firefighters and first responders. While grateful to be a part of this community, I am also overwhelmed by the generous response of neighbors from around the state who are giving from generous hearts. On the other hand, walking with folks to inspect the remains of their burned-out homes is sobering. It is gut-wrenching. I pray for them to have the capacity to experience grace in the ashes. I pray for them that loss of home can be transformed by the hospitality of the gathered community.

In thinking ahead to a better time on a new day, the advent of hope is a message the community longs to hear. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) says, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Even though I do not attribute the lack of rain and the hottest summer on record to any act of disobedience of the people of our county, the words of hope given after the prophet’s announcement of judgment can be a source of good news to those displaced and scattered by the fire. There is a day of renewal in the midst of this disaster, and the community that grows from this and out of this experience will be stronger in the Lord.

Where the pathways of hospitality and hope intersect, there you will find the Lord. May each day bring new opportunities to walk these paths and discover renewal. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Paul E. Harris (MDiv’10)
Pastor, Cedar Creek United Methodist Church
Cedar Creek, Texas
 

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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.

In the News ... "Christmas Church Services - Midland"

"Nativity Silhouette" from That Artist Woman

By Joan Huff
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -Midland churches are busy this Christmas season with special music events, plays and additional services. Several congregations are working on month-long service projects in the community. In addition to helping church members, these projects make an impact on other people as well.

This year, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Most churches that normally have several worship services are combining them in to one on Christmas Day, although a few are keeping their same schedules.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 22, 2011

SYRIA - I often think about the future of our Christian presence in a region driven by extremism, religious conflicts, and forced evacuation of Christians who have witnessed to their faith since the early days of Christianity. It is difficult to find absolute answers to those challenges because in most cases we humans think and act without attempting to discern the will and wisdom of God in every moment of our lives. But it is easier to find those answers if we live in faith and exercise a renewable spiritual life.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 22

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 22

Psalm 96

As we make our final plans to celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few short days and prepare for God’s coming, the psalmist insistently encourages us to be grateful. It is an attitude of gratitude that will prepare our minds and hearts during this season of hopeful anticipation.

How do we put ourselves in a grateful space to prepare for that coming? The psalmist has some good advice, telling us to sing to the Lord, bless God’s name, tell of God’s salvation, and declare God’s glory, strength, and marvelous works. The psalmist exhorts us to authentically worship God. Each of these acts is a way for us to humble ourselves and show our gratitude toward God and the way that God is working in our lives, in our families, in our community, and in the world.

If we do all of this, we are told that the earth itself and everything in it will sing for joy at God’s coming. It is through our gratitude that we can honor God and prepare ourselves today and every day.

Creator God, who designed us to be able to see your love and glory and give thanks, help us prepare ourselves by opening our eyes and hearts to your blessings and giving us an attitude of gratitude in this season and all year. Amen.

Greg Allen-Pickett
MDiv Student

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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.

Did Christmas Really Happen?

To view the full text of the accompanying essay or to download the script for the video, visit: www.denisonforum.org/why-christmas

In the News ... "Nurturing Student Faith"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Just say the word “college” to anyone, and you’ll get a mix of emotions, notions and memories about what the years of higher education are supposed to entail. Aside from the more rigorous academic obligations, for many young adults the college experience means a period of change, discovery and newly formed independence. But as students progress through college, research shows that they’re trading in traditional religious values for more independent spirituality.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 21, 2011

EGYPT - My husband and I serve with Christian Action in Orient, a mission agency of the French, Swiss, and Dutch Reformed churches, in collaboration with PC(USA). Here we work beside Egyptians to build the kingdom of God by living with and serving people in need. My husband teaches French in a school of the Synod of the Nile. I work with the synod in a Fowler orphanage, which houses almost eighty girls. A Catholic nun who heads this house teaches them that God loves them and that they have value in God's sight. To the girls, she is a parent, a role model, a director, and a spiritual mother.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 21

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 21

Mark 11:1-11

Such a familiar story! It’s one of those stories that brings comfort to me because I’ve heard it since I was a small child. But knowing this story so well doesn’t prevent me from reading it with fresh eyes and feeling a “newness” in my heart reading it again.

All four Gospels make mention of Jesus riding a young donkey (or a colt) into Jerusalem. I’ve watched many pageants and heard many choirs sing of the wondrous, “Hosanna in the highest.” (Some of those pageants actually used live donkeys!) What I had not considered before was the “unbroken-ness” of the donkey that is mentioned in two Gospels. The unbroken donkey has never been saddled, never been straddled, never been fully harnessed. But “brokenness” will surely be in the donkey’s future.

I was also reminded of the “unbroken-ness” of Jesus riding into Jerusalem. He has spent three years teaching, healing, preaching sermons, gathering faithful followers, and struggling with the religious leaders of the synagogues. And as he rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (the sign of coming in peace) he surely knows that “brokenness” awaits his future, just on the other side of the city walls.

And he rides into Jerusalem knowing.

Gracious God, I’m thankful for the familiarity of our faith stories that bring us comfort and joy. I’m also grateful for the new discoveries that are provided by reading and re-reading these biblical favorites. Amen.

Lori Gainer
MDiv Student

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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.

Christmas 2.0

For your Christmas pleasure, from the folks at Presbyterian Church USA Reasearch Services ...

http://youtu.be/vZrf0PbAGSk

ENJOY!

ChinaAid: Chinese Officials Shut Down Outdoor Christmas Party

The China Aid 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.

Chinese Officials Shut Down Outdoor Christmas Party
Distributed by ChinaAid, December, 2011 ...

"BEIJING, CHINA – Chinese police and government officials scuffled with Christians and smashed sound equipment for a public Christmas celebration in an eastern village known for unofficial house churches and producing ornaments
CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

Traveling Mission

Happy Holidays from ECPAT-USA!

We're now in the full swing of the holiday season, and ECPAT-USA has some great gift ideas for your shopping list. Whether for someone you love (or for yourself!), you can give knowing that your gift is making a positive difference in the lives of children

A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.

With a TassaTag you support ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.

With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this project CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking CLICK HERE to order TassaTags

With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.

In the News ... "Jesus House provides gifts, wrapping paper for some"

By Nathaniel Miller
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Walking into Jesus House of Odessa on Friday morning, one might have mistaken it for a shopping center instead of a church.

Setting up about 600 toys on several tables and categorizing them by sex and age range, the organization at 1335 E. Sixth St. gave the parents at the La Promesa South apartments a chance to Christmas shop for their children.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 20, 2011

INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE EAST - Jeremiah the prophet decries the hypocrisy and lies of false prophets who deceive their people. They say "peace, peace'' when there is no peace. In our modern experience of the sinful world in which we live, we know that there are politicians, bankers, advertisers, propagandists, and others who deceive. Those prophesy "a lying vision'' and promise security when in reality they render their people vulnerable.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 20

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 20

1 Samuel 1:1-8

They are a devout family; Elkanah, Hannah, the barren wife, and Peninnah plus her sons and daughters. “Year after year” they journey to Shiloh for the festival to worship and sacrifice. Hannah would be regarded a family failure and incomplete due to her childlessness. This annual going to church exacerbated her plight because the rival wife used this time “year after year to provoke her—to irritate her!” As the family savored the food, Hannah did not eat but wept as the taunts assaulted her. So it was year after year.

Could we not be mindful of those who dread the festivities of this season when their lives are anything but festive, and those for whom worship is not a time for refreshment but of remorse and guilt?

But this year Hannah does not finish the family meal. In response to Elkanah’s clumsy affirmation of affection in “bitterness of soul,” she goes to the Temple to pray and “weep in anguish.” Eli, the priest, observes her rocking back and forth, lips moving in prayer. Wrongly he accuses her of being drunk. But far from pouring herself too many drinks she testifies she has been “pouring out her soul to God” and declares boldly, “I am no daughter of worthlessness.” Satisfied with her explanation and her prayerful desire for a son, he tells her to “go in peace” and declares “May God grant what you have asked.”

Is her’s not the kind of truth telling called for in our own prayers: Truth about our lives, our brokenness, our unfulfilled dreams, a reminder that “a broken and contrite heart God will not despise”?

With Eli’s words “her face was no longer sorrowful.” His words created in her hope. I have seen people experience transformation brought by hope. In the days ahead may you experience that transformative power of hope which does not disappoint and surely is also the “evidence of things not seen.”

Mighty, Eternal God, “our hope is in no other save in Thee: Our faith is built upon Thy promise free” and in these days “make us calm and sure.” In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Louis Zbinden
Trustee Emeritus

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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.

ChinaAid: Christmas in China ... a SILENCED Night for Tina Tian

The China Aid 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.

Christmas in China ... a SILENCED Night for Tina Tian

Released by ChinaAid, December, 2011 ...

"This Christmas, we invite you to walk with the persecuted faithful by providing a Christmas gift that will go to family members of prisoners like Tina Tian."
- Bob Fu

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – Across China this Christmas, some Christian families will not be exchanging gifts and singing joyous carols with family members and friends. Instead of “Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, All is bright,” for these families, Christmas Eve will be a SILENCED night because a mother or father or other family member is missing – either serving a prison sentence or in police custody for their faith.

A young mother sitting in a prison 175 miles southwest of Beijing will think of her two young sons – one just a year-old, the other 8-years-old – and wonder if they have watched the Christmas video message she left for them and her husband last year, just before she had to return to prison after the birth of her second child to finish serving a three-year sentence for printing Bibles and Christian books.
CLICK HERE for video from ChinaAid, and information on how YOU can help

'Tina' is not the only Christian in China whose Christmas will be SILENCED.

The whereabouts of Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng remains a mystery nearly three years after he disappeared into police custody in February 2009. Is he still alive to celebrate Christmas this year?

And Uyghur Christian Alimujiang remains imprisoned, serving a 15-year prison sentence. How will his wife and two little boys celebrate this fourth Christmas without him?

You can help break the SILENCE of this Christmas by sending a Christmas card to 'Tina' in prison:"

Ms. Hongxia Tian
No. 4 Section of the Women’s Prison
P. O. Box 55
Lu-quan city, Hebei Province
P. R. China
Zip:050222

Invitation to Prayer

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Forever
The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

“In the sending of your Son, O God, I see the depth, the height, the breadth of your love for me. Not only as I peer into his manger…nor as I ponder his cross. I need to gaze into the open tomb as well. It is there I see that this relationship you have so painstakingly pursued with me will last forever! It changes me. It alters my living. Because it makes me eternal and eternally beloved. That cannot help but change the way I treat every person I ever meet. That cannot help but encourage me to invite them into relationship with you. As I leave your manger, point me toward your cross…and beyond! Make me eager to share your ever-living love!”

Stirring up Advent: Daily Prayers for the Season, by Peter Mead

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

As I glanced at the calendar to make sure I’d typed the correct date, I noted with a bit of apprehension that we are ten days away from Christmas. This devotion by Peter Mead has been helpful in redirecting my focus. It’s helped me shift from worry about what still isn’t done for the holiday to celebration about the very best gifts available to us all—a newborn in a manger, an empty cross, an open tomb, a love that is unconditional and unending. Thanks be to God!

May your Christmas be full of the celebration of these gifts and the knowledge that you are eternally beloved!

Please join us in prayer for children on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. The kitchen will be closed that day, so we will not be having lunch at the church.

If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for the children of our world.

Christ’s peace and joy to you and yours,

Chris

In the News ... "Lifehouse Fellowship Church grows from living room to old Crestview Baptist building in three years"

By Meagan Lea
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -When Jeremy Sutton invited Midlanders into his home for a Bible study in October 2008, he had no idea he would be pastoring a church of 140 members three years later.

"We started with three families and within three months we had grown to over 40 people in our living room. It went from a Bible study to a full-fledged church," he said.

Sutton founded Lifehouse Fellowship Church where he now serves as pastor. Earlier this year, the church moved into the building on Thomas Avenue formerly occupied by Crestview Baptist Church.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 19, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - The Presbytery of Santa Barbara, the mission agency of the churches of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties, supports Christians in Albania in establishing a Protestant Reformed witness. Since 1991, the Rev. Art Beals has been the lead worker in both Albania and Turkey. In recent years the presbytery has partnered with a church in Tirana to support strategic work with university students, Bible interpretation and study, and church planting. In 2010, the presbytery ordained the first two Albanian nationals, Zefjan Nikolla and Altin Hysi, as PC(USA) pastors. They and their elders and deacons lead the Emanuel Reformed Church of Tirana, reaching out in Albania for Jesus.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 19

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 19

Luke 1:46b-55

We see the stars and say What lights!
We hear the lark and say What song!
But Mary heeds the angel’s word,
Becomes the mother of our God.

O great is the spark that gave us life
And great is the hand that guides our ways.
But greater the life in Mary’s womb,
the child who comes to save his people.
Yes, greater the power that remembers the poor,
the God who sends us Jesus Christ.

O sisters, brothers, all: Amen!
Now magnify the Lord: Amen!
Sing Mary’s song of praise: Amen!

Lord God, to knit earth and heaven together your servant Mary became the mother of our Lord. With Mary and all the saints we thank and praise you for your saving presence in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Timothy D. Lincoln
Director of the Stitt Library
Associate Dean for Institutional Effectiveness

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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.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 18, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING - "What Child Is This?" How many times have we heard or sung this lovely Christmas carol and felt the enveloping warmth of the old English air known as "Greensleeves''? Something about familiarity, though, all too often lets us hear it without really listening or sing the words without really allowing their meaning to sink in.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 18

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 18
Luke 1:26-38

I have a friend whose given name is a derivative of Mary. For that and other reasons she collects portrayals of the annunciation of Mary: Fra Angelico’s 15th-century fresco, Henry Ossawa Tanner’s The Annunciation. She says that she collects the works because the angel says“Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:31). My friend thinks about all the things in keeping with God’s reign she has not done because of fear.

The heavenly being says, “do not be afraid” and stands before Mary to announce Jesus and his reign that will have no end. Mary responds by questioning how such a thing could be.

We live in that space. Today, once again, this text is the great announcement of grace in our midst. Today joy comes to us: God’s reign will have no end. And we are told not to fear. We live in that space between the announcement of God’s saving ways which are beyond our ways and God’s ways coming to us, among us, for us. How can it be? Our puny lives, our making a mess of things, our meanness. Yet the Unapproachable One does not stay far off but comes to enlighten the world: God’s salvation, God’s shalom, God’s reign. Do not be afraid.

In your righteousness, Holy God, renew the face of the earth and make us fearless servants for the needs of the world. Amen.

Jennifer Lord
The Dorothy B. Vickery Associate Professor of
Homiletics and Liturgical Studies

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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.

In the News ... "Two churches to host 'A Night in Bethlehem'"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A journey through a busy marketplace transports visitors far back in time as they take in the sights, sounds and smells of the nearby businesses. The newcomers are on a search for a baby who has been rumored to be the son of God.

Two churches will welcome crowds this weekend to experience first-hand the Christmas story through "A Night in Bethlehem" activities. First Christian Church will host its event 6-8 p.m. Sunday, and First United Methodist Church will have performances 5-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & 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 stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ. Today in the Mission Yearbook: December 17, 2011 PRESBYTERY OF SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA - The Presbytery of San Gabriel affirmed its commitment to be a presence of resurrection hope in the world by adopting a presbytery-wide mission initiative. With Living Waters for the World as a focused mission effort, these Presbyterians are bringing together churches of different sizes, cultures, and theological understanding in a unified effort to bring clean water to places near and far. The first of these mission endeavors will be in Peru. They hope to establish sustainable partnerships with Peruvian churches so these relationships will bear fruit far beyond individual trips. As part of raising funds for this project, the presbytery held an auction that raised more than $3,500. This is just the beginning of what they believe will bring new life to their churches as they grow Christ's church deeper and wider. CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 17

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."
CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 17
John 7:40-52

In John’s text we find Jesus at the center of a great deal of controversy. Jesus has just finished making a statement that seems to have opened up a wellspring of controversy. In the midst of the discussion as to what Jesus has just proclaimed, many questions begin to arise. It is in the answer to these questions where we find division among the people.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus has such an astonishing ability to create division? From his birth to his death to the present day people still remain divided. As John gives account, his words forge dividing walls between believers and non-believers, authorities and commoners, even hostility and peace. His words create within us questions that we so frantically search for answers to. Is he a prophet? Is he a blasphemer? Is he the Messiah? To paraphrase C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. These are the questions the people were attempting to answer in John’s account. They are the same questions we are left with today.
As we wait during this time of advent, we wait upon the arrival of Jesus. Simultaneously we await Christ’s second coming. It is in this time of waiting that we have the opportunity to look beyond the questions and grapple with the impact of the answer.

God, who dwells among us, open our eyes to see you. Open our ears to hear you and our hearts to trust you. In doing so, may we rest securely in the new reality of Jesus Christ who was, and is, and is to come. Amen.

P. Doug Cartwright (MDiv’11)
Pastoral Intern, First Presbyterian Church,
Wichita Falls, Texas

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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.