In the News ... "St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church to hold Lessons and Carols"

• Service with West Texas Winds Ensemble on December 17

Staff Report
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Prepare for Christmas with beautiful songs and scripture readings when St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church holds its annual Lessons and Carols service at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. The West Texas Winds ensemble will accompany the church choir.

Rather than a traditional worship service that anchors around a sermon, this style of service consists of Christmas songs interspersed with scripture readings, explained the Rev. Amy Haynie.

“This service is ideal for anyone who wants to hear the story of God, or re-hear it, to remind themselves of the holiness of the season of Christmas,” she added ...

• Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Faith Church Midland to hold 'Day of Faith' conference"

FCM Poster

• “To help grow their faith, reignite their faith or, for some of those out there, to learn what faith is”

By Ben Shaffer
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Faith Church Midland will host a Day of Faith Conference on Oct. 7 at the Petroleum Club.

This is the first year the event is being held ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT 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. Dr. Jan Edmiston

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 24, 2023

REV. DR. JAN EDMISTON, FORMER CO-MODERATOR GUEST ON "LEADING THEOLOGICALLY" PODCAST - In the Presbytery of Charlotte, which the Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston serves as general presbyter, seven churches predate the United States. “People in our churches run banks and universities and hospitals and seminaries. I feel really fortunate to be here,” she told the Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty of the Presbyterian Foundation during a recent episode of Leading Theologically, which can be viewed here or here.

And yet, as Edmiston told Hinson-Hasty concerning a recent blogpost of hers, she and her husband went out for brunch after each had preached during Easter services. There was “zero indication that it was Easter morning,” she wrote in her widely read blog “A Church for Starving Artists. “No ‘Happy Easter’ from the host. Nobody was dressed up. There were no ‘Easter Specials’ on the menu. For the first time in my life, I’m not sure most of my neighbors knew — or cared — that it was Easter morning. And I live in the Bible Belt.”

Edmiston, Co-Moderator of the 222nd General Assembly (2016), said she’s recently noticed “a lot of anxiety, a lot of stuckness and fear, a lot of despair and diseases of despair that our churches are dealing with, but also hope” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Burgers & Blessings Continues ... TONIGHT at Grace Presbyterian-Midland

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds

• Continuing our summer gatherings of faith, fellowship and food

Please join us Wednesdays - including TONIGHT - during the month of June, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

Burgers & Blessings Continues ... TOMORROW at Grace Presbyterian-Midland

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds

• Continuing our summer gatherings of faith, fellowship and food

Please join us Wednesdays, during the month of June, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

Burgers & Blessings Continues ... THIS WEEK at Grace Presbyterian-Midland

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds

• Continuing our summer gatherings of faith, fellowship and food

Please join us Wednesdays, during the month of June, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

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.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W. Illinois Ave., Midland, has scheduled an Episcopal 101 class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays through April 2.

Breakfast will be served.

This class is open to all, including non-members.

Visit tinyurl.com/kdp5yt9m.

Catholic Charities Odessa has scheduled a banquet and comedy show featuring Lucas Bohn at 6 p.m. May 12 at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Devonian Ballroom, 305 E. Fifth St.

Visit tinyurl.com/yjvmhwxn or call 432-332-1387.

Mid-Cities Church, 8700 Highway 191, Midland, has scheduled a Parkinson’s Disease support group meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

Visit midcities.org.

Odessa First Assembly, 1101 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled English as a Second Language lessons from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursdays through May 18.

The classes are free.

Visit tinyurl.com/mrytumk2.

Odessa First Assembly, 1101 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled a Better Together marriage ministry from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays.

Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 E. University Blvd., is offering a Spanish Language Bible Study by the Rev. Mike McGuire at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday.
For more information, call 432-366-4476.

Belmont Baptist Church, 806 N. Belmont Ave., has scheduled a food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Visit tinyurl.com/3nfssxpc.

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.

Second Baptist Church, 711 E. 17th St., has scheduled classes in English as a second language at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Classes are free and childcare is available.
Call 432-366-2153 or visit tinyurl.com/4ektcjk6.

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.

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 ...

In the News ... UPDATED: Lubbock area Lent and Easter services"

• What’s going on in area churches

Staff Report
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - From the Avalanche-Journal, news of Lent and Easter services and activities at houses of faith in Lubbock and across the South Plains. Does your church have a service we're missing? Let us know by emailing the A-J newsroom at newmedia@lubbockonline.com ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ...

In the News ... "Rev. Coleman leads at two Odessa churches"

OA Photo by Bob Campbell

• Work with Navajos in New Mexico broadened her perspective

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Adrianne Coleman’s ministry has always been focused on reaching the community outside the church and her favorite theme is preaching hope in a world where hope can be hard to find.

Pastor of Highland United Methodist Church and Mackey Chapel UMC, the Rev. Coleman says ministering to Navajos at Gallup and Shiprock, N.M., gave her a perspective that has proved widely applicable.

“I preach about the connection that the church should have with the community and the connection the community should have with God,” she said. “I bring the Gospel message of hope in a world that doesn’t have a lot of hope right now.”

Coleman is a Houston native who graduated from the University of North Texas and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has also been a pastor in Raton, Des Moines and Farmington, N.M. She and her husband Bruce have four children and six grandchildren. Coleman preaches in services at 9 a.m. Sundays at Mackey Chapel at 306 W. Clements St. and at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at Highland at 1808 N. Dixie Blvd.

Her favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you.”

UMC New Mexico Conference District Superintendent Pamela Rowley of El Paso said Coleman “is very engaging and relational. “Adrianne has this spark,” the Rev. Rowley said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Mackey Chapel marks 85th anniversary"

• Historic Methodist church an Odessa landmark since 1937

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Way back in 1937, when the cars looked a whole lot different and were much slower and Odessa’s population was under 9,500, Mackey Chapel United Methodist Church was just getting started.

The venerable church at 306 W. Clements St. celebrated its 85th anniversary Nov. 13 with the Rev. Charles E. Sims, pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, as guest speaker. Pastor Adrianne Coleman says it was a memorable day with a packed house, a choir from St. James Missionary Baptist Church and other participants who greatly enjoyed the ambience in the church whose founding pastor was the Rev. J.D. Mackey.

“It was a spectacular observance of history attended by the South Side Missionary Alliance and the sister congregations of Shiloh and St. James,” said the Rev. Coleman. “Having been the pastor since July 1, my experience has been of a loving, well-established congregation that has a heart for the community.

“They have been very supportive of me as their new pastor.”

Citing Exodus 15:11-16, the program said it was a celebration that “Through the grace of God, we made it through.”

The scripture asks, “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretch out your right hand and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone until your people pass by, Lord, until the people you bought pass by.”

In order, Mackey Chapel’s other pastors have been ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... “2023 Permian Basin Prayer Breakfast set for February 16 - TOMORROW"

• 7:00 - 8:15 am at the Bush Convention Center

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The 2023 edition of the Permian Basin Prayer Breakfast will be held this year at the Bush Convention Center on Thursday, February 16 from 7:00 - 8:15 am. Food service will begin at 6:45 am.

This year we will have guided prayer lead by Roy Smith ...

• CLICK HERE for more information ...

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 Gregg Brekke

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 13, 2023

DOWNTOWN CHURCH, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - Things are different at DOWNTOWN CHURCH in — you guessed it — downtown Columbia, South Carolina ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

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. Dr. Letiah Fraser

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 18, 2022

THE OPEN TABLE: A "1001" NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITY" - The Rev. Dr. Letiah Fraser, an ordained pastor with the Church of the Nazarene as well as a hospital chaplain, disability rights advocate, activist and organizer who also recently began ministry at The Open Table, got to appear alongside the organizer of the new worshiping community in Kansas City, Missouri, Nick Pickrell, on a recent broadcast of “Being Matthew 25,” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

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.

Faith Fellowship Lutheran Church, 1603 N. Grandview Ave., has scheduled a Fall Women’s Retreat from 10 a.m. to noon today.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For more information, call 432-362-2549.

The Knights of Columbus is holding a drive to gather things for babies benefiting The Life Center through Sunday.
Diapers in sizes 3-6 are highly recommended. Other items such as clothing and baby essentials are also appreciated.
All donations can be dropped off at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church foyer, 2633 Conover Ave., or contact any KOC for any items needed to be picked up.
For more information, call Phillip Valadez at 432-288-3237 or visit tinyurl.com/479vsuj7.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 7601 N. Grandview Ave., has scheduled Women’s Bible Study, The Turning Point, a study of the gospel of John by Dr. Allen Hunt, at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday in the church parlor.
Cost of material is $20.
Signup sheets are located in the Narthex.
For information, email Sondra Eoff at sondra@oppartnerinc.com.

Connection Christian Church, 4241 Tanglewood Lane, will present the 64th Spaghetti Day from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Meals include spaghetti with secret sauce, salad, bread, dessert, and drink.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
For more information, call 432-332-2954 or visit tinyurl.com/yzhr387j to purchase tickets.

KWO Ministries has scheduled Kick 4 Kenya 2022 at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.
Kick for Kenya is one of the largest, longest-running races in the Permian Basin. 100% of all entry fees will be used to fund the high-school education of orphans living in one of KWO’s 16 Children’s Homes in rural Kenya.
General admission starts at $40.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/2vmwuxr7.

St. Matthew Baptist Church, 809 Barrett Drive, has scheduled the women’s annual celebration starting with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and women’s empowerment at 9 a.m. Nov. 12 and worship service at 11 a.m. Nov. 13.
This year’s theme will be “Praising My Way Through: I Am the Storm,” Psalm 56.
The Saturday event is $15 at the door, includes breakfast and lunch. Attire is camouflage and church casual.
Speakers will be Deja McKnight, Daisy Jeffery and Minister Pamela Jackson and worship service speaker Chasity Bass.
For more information, call Angela Love-Jackson at 432-349-5803 or tinyurl.com/5p24jh2h.

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2633 Conover Ave., will present the annual LARS Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 12-13.
Call 432-580-4295 or visit tinyurl.com/y4cjsewe.

First Odessa, 311 W. Eighth St., will present a Veteran’s Day celebration from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 13.
Veterans and their family members can sign up for a table in the Commons to display their military honors and pictures.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yn2buks2, or text the word “Veteran” to 40778 to sign up for a table.

Connection Christian Church, 4241 Tanglewood Lane, will present an event for children and youths (K-12th) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12.
Tickets are $20 per student.
Visit tinyurl.com/yumkmsza or email Dawn Weaks at drdawn@odessaconnection.church.

Sherwood Baptist Church, 505 E. 42nd St., will be the local Operation Christmas Child Shoebox drop-off locations Nov. 14-21.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts, filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, to children worldwide since 1993. Anyone can pack a shoebox. In 2022, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children. Sherwood Baptist shoebox drop off times is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21.
Visit tinyurl.com/492k2m5j.

First Baptist Church of Midland, 2104 W. Louisiana Ave., Midland will present a free comedy show featuring The Skit Guys on Nov. 20. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m.
The Skit Guys have traveled the world performing at events, churches, and conferences. They have grown SkitGuys.com into a media resource for pastors with countless videos and scripts that are used in churches all over the world. The Skit Guys also have a web series called Bedtime Bible Stories, their “Laugh More” podcast, and a book on friendship called “Smells Like Bacon,” as well as comedy DVDs.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/357s2a73.

Grace Christian Fellowship, 3450 Billy Hext Road, has scheduled a Pancakes with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 10.
The event will include a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, a snowball fight, Christmas crafts, and more.
The event is free. Visit tinyurl.com/5ns4urwn.

The Gathering Church, 3303 W. Illinois Ave., Midland, will present a pop-up food distribution event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 17.
Families who are experiencing hardship are welcome to come and receive free food and other items for their household.
Visit tinyurl.com/72fs3fhc.

Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 E. University Blvd., will be offering ESL classes from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday, starting Sept. 13, in the fellowship hall.
For more information, call 432-366-4476.

Crescent Park Baptist Church, 3002 E. University Blvd., is offering a Spanish Language Bible Study by the Rev. Mike McGuire at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday.
For more information, call 432-366-4476.

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.

Second Baptist Church, 711 E. 17th St., has scheduled classes in English as a second language at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Classes are free and childcare is available.
Call 432-366-2153 or visit tinyurl.com/4ektcjk6.

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.

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 ...

In the News ... "Managing anxiety gains importance"

OA Photo

• The Rev. Coats teaches advancing in spiritual and emotional maturity

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Darrell Coats is a career interim minister who wouldn’t have it any other way. Serving at the First United Methodist Church since last November, he expects to be at the 415 N. Lee Ave. church till July and many of his 14 previous such assignments have been shorter.

“Most had challenges and I love being able to go in and by the time I leave make sure the church is in a better place than it was when I got there,” the Rev. Coats said. “I don’t think I could do regular ministry again.”

Specializing in getting a church “to look outside the walls” and be active in the community, Coats is a San Antonio native who took a degree in religion and philosophy at McMurry University in Abilene and a master’s of theology at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. “Christ didn’t call us to fill up pews,” he said. “He called us to love one another and share that love with a hurting world.”

Before starting his work as an interim minister in 2009, he was pastor of churches in Valley View, Richardson, Lucas, Farmers Branch, Sherman and Lucas again.

Coats’ church averages 90-100 people at its 9 a.m. Sunday traditional service, when he preaches, and 25-30 at the 11 a.m. contemporary service, when Youth Minister K.C. Peoples speaks.

Coats and his wife Catherine, an attorney in Plano, have two sons and two grandchildren.

“I like to talk about growing, advancing in spiritual and emotional maturity and managing anxiety because we live in an anxious time,” he said. “We see that manifested all around us in society, government, schools and many of our churches.

“Managing anxiety begins with managing yourself and your emotions and reactions, which is not easy to do. But Christians have resources that are not available to most people, the Holy Spirit, the example of Christ, Bible study, fellowship at church and worship, all the disciplines that help us to grow spiritually.”

The pastor’s teachings have been influenced by the late psychiatrist Murray Bowen, a professor at Georgetown University who developed the Bowen Family Systems. “We need to be aware of the things that upset us,” Coats said.

“We all have hot buttons that trigger our reactivity and we want to function from the higher level of our brains. It’s a lifelong process. We’re either growing and becoming more spirituality mature or we are dying.”

The Rev. Charles Murry of Murfreesboro, Ark., said Coats “is a leader who served two terms as president before me of the Transitional-Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists Association of the United Methodist Church.

“Darrell has a great sense of humor and is very devout,” the Rev. Murry said. “He is very friendly and an all-around exceptional pastor.” Reporting that TIIMSA has over 400 pastors whom it sends around the country, Murry said they guide churches through transitions that are often following growth and the long tenures of successful pastors.

“We come in and help formulate what the new future will be like,” he said. “You need a thick skin because you are sometimes standing in the middle and can’t do anything to please anybody.

“You have to look deeply into your own faith and answer the call to serve God and our Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Rev. Bonnie Osteen of Houston, coordinator of TIIMSA’s ministries, said Coats “is a person of great faith and high integrity who obviously cares about others ...

• 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: October 29, 2022

COFFEEHOUSE MINISTRY - Last fall, Shenandoah Presbytery hosted an all-day educational event at Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The event focused on the bold vision of being a Matthew 25 church with two guest speakers: the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Public Witness, and the Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Between the morning and afternoon sessions, attendees left the conference spaces and engaged in table fellowship ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

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.

Rodnae Productions/Pexels

Today in the Mission Yearbook: October 28, 2022

HYBRID WORSHIP SERVICES - In-person worship services are returning at various rates and with various restrictions. And while some congregations are reporting in-person attendance that’s higher than it was pre-Covid, most churches are reporting lower in-person attendance with a significant number of people attending their online services. My congregation is in that majority ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

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 Cindy Kohlmann

Today in the Mission Yearbook: October 27, 2022

1001 NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITY - In locations across the country, PC(USA) churches and mid councils are finding ways to transform otherwise humble church kitchens into spaces of ministry, mission and community engagement ...

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In the News ... "Preaching from the heart"

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• Rev. Flores emphasizes discipleship

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Ernest Flores says having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing a person can do because it will determine the rest of your life and, after you die, your eternity.

He started the Casa de Mi Padre Church 6 1/2 years ago at 1101 S. Crane Ave., where another of his principal teachings is the wisdom Christians show when they become disciples and begin to encourage others to be disciples.

The Rev. Flores is a 48-year-old Odessa native and Permian High School graduate who worked as a musician with his band, Los Aguilas (The Eagles). He also worked as a truckdriver and landscaper while building his ministry.

An average of 75 to 95 people attend his church at 10 a.m. Sunday with his son Ernest Jr. playing drums in the praise band and his daughter Elizabeth working as a leader and teacher. His wife’s name is Jackie.

“We stick to Jesus’ teaching and don’t waver from it,” Flores said. “Discipleship takes you back to the basics of what Jesus was teaching his disciples about making more disciples.

“When you are a disciple, you have been taught the word of God and are prepared to have the spiritual success that Jesus wants you to accomplish, to bring life instead of death to the world.

“I also like to preach about the Holy Spirit because he is the one who convicts the world of its sins in order for us to be forgiven,” he said.

Flores’ favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Casa de Mi Padre member Stephen Knight said Flores “does his best to shepherd the flock of God.”

“Ernest preaches the truth about Jesus Christ and him crucified, that Jesus is the savior of the world and the only way to Heaven,” Knight said ...

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

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• Submit upcoming options for YOUR church to the Standard-Times

Staff Report
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Faith briefs may be submitted by emailing News@GoSanAngelo.com. Briefs are published in print on Saturdays and the deadline to submit an entry is noon Wednesdays ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report