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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 1, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA - It started with a conversation in the pastor's office. One member with an idea approached the pastor, and a ministry was conceived.
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In the News ... "Exhibit explores parable of prodigal son"

The Return of the Prodigal Son
by Robert Barnum

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - An art collection exploring grace and forgiveness is on display at a local church throughout the Lenten season.

First Presbyterian Church of Midland is inviting the public to visit its gallery during its latest exhibit, "The Father and His Two Sons: The Art of Forgiveness." The collection of images, which opened Wednesday and will continue through April 8, features works by various artists depicting the parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. In the story, the younger of two sons wastes the inheritance given to him, but after repenting and returning home is welcomed with open arms by his father.

"It's our belief that all the various senses help us connect better with our relationship with Christ," said the Rev. Mary Beth Anton, parish associate at First Presbyterian.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 29, 2012

LEHIGH PRESBYTERY, PENNSYLVANIA - First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem seeks to know God, love people, and serve the world. Of course, to know God requires conversation. To help people experience a diverse way of conversing with God, the church's gym was transformed into a prayer space called "Prayer Is ..." For over a week, people came in droves to pray in new ways. These prayer journeyers, equally split between congregants and the community, experienced such forms of prayer as a prayer wall, a labyrinth, art, and Scripture. The groundswell of prayer led them to establish a sacred space each month that focused on one of the 12 forms of prayer explored at this event.
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In the News ... "Warren shares MISD plan for suicide outcries"

By Meredith Moriak
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - During an open prayer service Saturday night at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Midland ISD Superintendent Ryder Warren discussed what the district is doing about recent student suicides.

"Right now, we are in crisis mode," Warren said. "You don't typically use that word when you have over 22,000 students and 3,000 employees, but that's where we are right now. We're just trying to prevent number five."

Warren spoke during "The Answer: Help for the Hurting Prayer Service" organized by Cornerstone. Though the event was open to the public and fliers were passed out in MISD schools, less than 45 people attended the event and few were teenagers.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 28, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF LAKE ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA - In February 2010, nine adults - male and female, clergy and lay - met at the Pittsburgh airport to journey to Ghana on the western coast of Africa. Their goal: to create a mutual mission partnership with the Presbyterian Church bodies of Ghana in the northern regions where very few mission partnerships exist.
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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).

Love of God Means Love of Others

“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by God, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food ..." Matthew 25:34-35

"What does it mean to live in the world with a truly compassionate heart, a heart that remains open to all people at all times? It is very important to realize that compassion is more than sympathy or empathy. When we are asked to listen to the pains of people and empathize with their suffering, we soon reach our emotional limits. We can listen only for a short time and only to a few people. In our society we are bombarded with so much 'news' about human misery that our hearts easily get numbed simply because of overload.

But God's compassionate heart does not have limits. God's heart is greater, infinitely greater, than the human heart. It is that divine heart that God wants to give us so that we can love all people without burning out or becoming numb.

It is for this compassionate heart that we pray when we say 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.' (Psalm 51:10-11)

The Holy Spirit of God is given to us so that we can become participants in God's compassion and so reach out to all people at all times with God's heart."

Lord, when I fail to love others, as I often do, help me realize that it is because I've first failed to love you, the source of all love. This Lent help me to reach out to someone who is poor-in body or spirit-someone whose love for you may be fading.

Renewed for Life, Daily Lenten Meditations from the works of Henri J.M. Nouwen, edited by Mark Neilsen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

This Lenten devotion may be one with which you are familiar as I believe I've sent it out before. Its message bears repeating because the work we do in prayer for children can be downright exhausting. Reading and hearing about the suffering of the children in our communities, local and global, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and emotionally numb.

Nouwen's insight about the divine heart God desires to share with us, gives me great hope for those times in which I am weighed down by the suffering of children around the world. I give God thanks for this generous gift of the Holy Spirit, for God's heart of compassion as we reach out in prayer to "the least of these" in our world.

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednessday, February 29, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Please join us this Lenten season as we prayer for children in our communities and in our world. Fellowship and lunch ($5) will follow.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Blessings,

Chris

In the News ... "Food Check-out week recognized with donation to Baptist Crisis Center"

By Kathleen Petty
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Baptist Crisis Center will have more food supplies to distribute in the coming weeks after receiving a gift Thursday from the Texas Farm Bureau and Super Mercado.

People from each entity met at Super Mercado Thursday to load boxes of cereal, dry milk and canned potatoes that were purchased with a $250 donation from the Texas Farm Bureau and a matching gift from Super Mercado of about $260.

The Baptist Crisis Center has a "reputation for distributing the food well," said Marcus Halfmann, with the Midland County Farm Bureau.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 27, 2012

THE PRESBYTERY OF LACKAWANNA, PENNSYLVANIA - Nearly a decade ago, the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Nanticoke needed help. The church had lost its pastor, and the century-old building had become too costly to maintain for the handful of members that still worshiped there. It was generally expected that the church would close. Yet that small group of Presbyterians had one last idea: to defy those expectations by going out into the community and giving help instead of asking for it.
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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 26, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: THE OUTREACH FOUNDATION - During the past 30 years, the church in China has been on an incredible journey of growth and vitality. Christian believers have been sharing the good news so effectively that they have a problem - more people are becoming Christians than the church can disciple. Chinese church shepherds face the daunting challenge of nurturing these new believers so that they indeed bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God.
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 25, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF KISKIMINETAS, PENNSYLVANIA - "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God" (Phil. 1:3, NLT). Those words come to mind as the people of the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas reflect on their partnership with their friends and fellow believers from the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda who live in the Gitarama Region. This is especially true as they celebrate the renewal of their partnership for another five years. During the first five years, school buildings and churches were built, children were sent to school, motorbikes were provided for pastors, and in 2011 the first of what they hope will be many water treatment plants was erected. But more important, many lessons were learned and relationships were built as they have shared during their visits back and forth with one another.
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In the News ... "Bishop: Andrews church moving on after pastor's theft"

Staff Report
Reporter
Odessa American

ANDREWS, TEXAS - The Rev. Michael Pfeifer, bishop of the San Angelo Catholic Diocese, said an Andrews church is in the process of repairing itself following discrepancies found during a financial audit.

The diocese released a letter on Tuesday to the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Andrews, stating that the church is taking steps to rebuild itself.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 24, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON, PENNSYLVANIA - The 50 churches with 6,068 members of the Presbytery of Huntingdon are scattered throughout the hills of central Pennsylvania in a region that was once known for family farms, mining, railroads, small towns, and modest cities. The last few decades have seen many changes in these aspects of the region. Yet, the faith of its churches continues to bear fruit.
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In the News ... "A mission to help"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Life after college isn’t what it used to be. If graduates aren’t spending months pounding the pavement, they’re either lucky enough to have landed a job straight out of school or have the resolution to continue onto graduate school.

And then there are those who choose to become world travelers. At just 24, Nancy Wallace has traveled to 10 countries in nearly three years doing independent mission work.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 23, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF DONEGAL, PENNSYLVANIA - The Presbytery of Donegal, with its 57 churches and 19,335 members, has a long commitment to mission where local needs as well as those abroad have increasingly been supported. In the last two years, Presbyterian Women and the Peace, Justice, and Care of Creation Department have organized a Mission Fair featuring speakers and tabletop displays. People have learned that the seeds of mission take root in all kinds of soil.
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In the News ... "Diocese: Andrews priest took money from church"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

WEST TEXAS - The bishop of the San Angelo Catholic Diocese has alerted parishioners in an Andrews church that a priest had been taking church funds for personal use.

In a letter written on Jan. 16 to the parishioners of the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Andrews, the Rev. Michael Pfeifer said that the Rev. Joey Faylona was using “parish funds for personal improper expenditures.”

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 22, 2012

ASH MINUTE FOR MISSION - As a child, the first day of Lent left an early impression. It was evident from the adults who surrounded me that repentance was being evaluated. While I didn't fully understand the conversations, I did get the feeling that Lent was to be the time of remembering and looking ahead for ways to lead more full lives of service.
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In the News ... "Odessa Ministerial Alliance kicks off Lent"

Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Work days often begin and end in a hectic manner. There’s the morning rush to get to work, the pause to eat something for lunch and the mad dash to see the day end..

But amid the chaos of the work day, pastors with the Odessa Ministerial Alliance hope to give Odessans a break while preparing them for the celebration of Easter.

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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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 21, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA - The Presbytery of Carlisle is a historic presbytery in central Pennsylvania. Its rich heritage has borne much fruit, and today the presbytery is strong and vital, with 14,001 members. In September 2010, the presbytery launched a bold and experimental ministry.
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In the News ... "Switchfoot confirmed for Rock the Desert"

Staff Report
Odessa American

WEST TEXAS - Rock the Desert officials confirmed via Twitter Monday that Switchfoot will join Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in an event April 22 at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.

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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 20, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF BEAVER/BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - The Presbytery of Beaver-Butler, with 84 churches and 12,475 members, is located in rural western Pennsylvania. Its Congregational Mission Unit is charged with encouraging and supporting churches and individuals to "go'' in Jesus' name. Going on a mission trip has helped many grow in faith and become closer to our Lord.
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