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 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: December 30, 2012
MINUTE FOR MISSION: AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice (1 Sam. 2:18-20). Like Hannah, who prayed for Samuel's life and provided for his service, many people participate in the preparation of ministers for the church. It is often through these faithful men and women that God's call is heard and because of them that potential servant-leaders can respond.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 29, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA - With demographics in Southern California transforming the landscape of the church, new opportunities arise for bearing fruit and growth in the knowledge of God. The story of two congregations in San Gabriel exemplifies a people responding to such an opportunity.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 28, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA - "Every Church a Mission Center" is the Presbytery of San Fernando's vision, and members see it bearing fruit as more people are growing in the knowledge of God.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 27, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - The people of Iglesia Immanuel of San Diego are discovering how the Holy Spirit is calling them to participate in word and deed in the mission of God, carried out by Jesus Christ. They are responding to a personal call and a community call to become more active in the larger body of Christ.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 26, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA - During this economic downturn, Riverside's congregations are reaching their neighbors in need.
Calvary in Riverside has served a hot meal one night each week since 1985. Church volunteers personally serve 120-200 guests. The meal opens with a welcome and a prayer, and a church member plays the piano during the meal. A spirit of holiness fills the room amid the homeless and near-homeless as they break bread together. Some guests have transitioned into helpers in this ministry.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 25, 2012
NATIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST/CHRISTMAS DAY - Despite the challenges in uncertain times, Christians around the world know that there is hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. The end of Advent and the celebration of Christmas are occasions on which people from all across the globe turn their attention away from pressing problems and toward caring for their families, helping those around them who may be in need, worshiping God, and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
Hearing from our friends at Mission Crossroads ... "This holiday season, you may run into a young adult home from college who is about to graduate and is looking for the next step in his or her life. Be sure to tell them about the Young Adult Volunteer Program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A."
"The Young Adult Volunteer Program offers opportunities for mission service and learning for people age 19 to 30. YAVs are challenged to put faith into action and to explore God’s call in their lives. There are 15 different places to serve for a year nationally or internationally in a variety of fields."
"Go to www.pcusa.org/yav for more information or call Richard Williams at (888) 728-7228 x5539."
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 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: December 24, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF THE PACIFIC, CALIFORNIA, HAWAII - Inspired by the Colossians text and the 2012 Mission Yearbook theme, the Presbytery of the Pacific decided to feature a rapidly growing movement in Southern California: fruit gleaning.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
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 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: December 8, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF NEW HARMONY, SOUTH CAROLINA - In her silver lame sneakers, Mother Lillie B. Nelson, nearly 103, does the ``electric slide'' and praises God with the same enthusiasm and joy. Deacon Nelson is a vibrant example of the enthusiasm, joy, and faithfulness that are pervasive at Goodwill Presbyterian Church in the rural community of Mayesville, South Carolina. Those qualities began to take root two years after the ratification of the 13th amendment in 1867, when 100 black members of Salem Black River Presbyterian Church requested permission to leave that congregation and begin their own community of faith.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
"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 Saturday, December 8
Luke 9:1-6
In our Advent text today, Jesus sends out the disciples to go and do miraculous things. The twelve are sent out fully humbled, as Jesus has instructed them to take no possessions with them; he has stripped them of all security. They have no staff for walking or protecting themselves from wild animals, no travel bag with changes of clothes, no bread to eat, and no money to spend. They are without any basic needs, instead they are given the ability to do miraculous things and “proclaim the kingdom of God.”
In our churches and in our own lives, we sometimes get stuck because we don’t think we have what we need to do God’s work in the world. We are constrained by budgets and lack of resources to do this miraculous work of Jesus Christ.
This Advent season, let us ponder what is hindering or blocking us from “proclaiming the kingdom.” We all have human boundaries that protect us from doing crazy things like leaving all necessities of food, shelter, and safety behind. However, in the gift of this miraculous birth of God as a human, we are no longer constrained to earthly means. God has given all of us gifts to do miraculous things in the world.
What is your gift and how is it manifested in miraculous ways? How do you proclaim the kingdom and honor the infant babe, who changed the world forever?
Great Light of the world,
We thank you for your gift of the infant Jesus, the gift that is beyond exceptional.
Grant us the courage, Great God, to proclaim the kingdom, to do good works in your world in faith and not fear.
Thank you for this time of Advent to reflect on the many gifts you have given us and to remember our role in your mission to the world. Allow us to be a part of that mission in bold ways.
We pray this in the name of your son, Emmanuel, God with us. For we know that you are with us through the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Kimberly Rogers
Senior MDiv student from Pipe Creek, Texas
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.
"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 Friday, December 7
Philippians 1:18b-26
Leading into today’s passage, Paul speaks from prison to the early church with words that sound all too modern: “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love ... the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives” Paul then says an amazing thing: “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.” He even says it twice in case the readers/hearers can’t believe their ears. Yes, Paul rejoices even when Christ is proclaimed for the wrong reasons!
Can we, should we, rejoice when someone is using Christ and his birthday to market goods? Can we, should we, rejoice when someone we politically disagree with is touting Christ to support their agenda? Can Paul possibly mean such a thing? What better time than Advent to think about the use or misuse of the gospel message?
Paul has learned that God uses circumstances that seem like defeat to achieve greater success than we finite humans can understand. Paul’s point is central to the Christmas story. A baby born in poverty changes the world. A homeless man preaches a message that changes millions of lives. A man who experiences capital punishment is the savior of the world. No matter how “counterintuitive” the message, it is in God’s hands. In this season, we can proclaim, no matter how bad things look, that God has come among us in the person of Jesus Christ, to be present with us and to work God’s purpose out. These are tidings of great joy!
Oh God, who has expressed your great love for us by coming among us, grant us the firm and certain knowledge of your love for us in Christ, that we might know in our minds and in our hearts that we are yours, and all will be well. For it is in the name of Emanuel, God with us, we pray, Amen.
Gordon Blackman, Jr.
Middler MDiv student from Shreveport, Louisiana
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.
By Katiera Winfrey, Reporter
KMID-TV
MIDLAND, TEXAS - It was red carpet night at the Midland Center for the second "Woman on the Rise Banquet."
The event is held bi-annually by the women ministries at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. Big 2 News Horace Brown was the emcee at the event.
The banquet was a fund raiser to help women all throughout the Permian Basin reach their full potential and rise above their circumstances.
• read/watch the rest of this story
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 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: December 7, 2012
PRESVYTERY OF GREATER ATLANTA, GEORGIA - Youth from the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and Cherokee Presbytery connected with youth from the Synod of Puerto Rico for a joint mission partnership project in June 2010. The site was El Guacio, the synod-wide campground near San Sebastian. There were eight nationalities and four languages among the 30 youth from the College Park, Columbia, Druid Hills, God's Will Love, Shallowford, New Life, Northwest, and Oakhurst churches.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
By Lyxan Toledanes, Reporter
Odessa American
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Within the Holy Family Chapel at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, the blank crème walls provide serenity and calm from the busy street outside.
But, stay in the chapel long enough, and the walls become a canvas for the rich hues of reds, blues, purples and greens emanating from the stained glass windows created by Fort Davis-based artist Jeff Smith.
The altar window, entitled “Let There be Light,” is a 16-panel window filled with abstract “strokes” of colors and a balance of bright and dark stained glass.
• read the rest of this story
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 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: December 6, 2012
FOOTHILLS PRESBYTERY, SOUTH CAROLINA - At the February 2010 presbytery meeting, Foothills Presbytery entered into a partnership with Presbyterian Environmental Ministries to participate in the Stewardship of Creation Enabler Program.
Through this partnership, and with the responsibility for their camp and conference ministry at Buc Outdoor Center, presbytery members became stewards of the headwaters of a number of South Carolina's most important river systems and watersheds that extend to the Atlantic coast.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
"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 Thursday, December 6
Malachi 3:5-12
Today, December 6th, is the day we remember a great saint of the church. Many know this saint by his shorthand name, Santa Claus. But the name Santa Claus is related to an older name, St. Nicholas. And even though, at the mention of this name, our thoughts probably turn to images of reindeer and chimneys and a sack of gifts, there are other things to know about St. Nicholas.
Different stories about this saint tell us that indeed he was always a gift-giver. These accounts tell us that as early as the fourth century, this Bishop of Myra (southern Asia Minor) had the reputation of compassion for all the people within his jurisdiction of the church, especially for the needy. Old prayers of the church tell us that St. Nicholas was considered an exemplar of the faith because he provided care for orphans and widows, he fed the hungry and the poor, and he freed captives.
On this mid-week day in Advent we read the strong words of the prophet Malachi. The prophet pronounces God’s judgment against any who do not pay right wages to workers, who oppress the widow and orphan, or who cast aside the alien (v. 5).
Strong words indeed. We do well, in this time of preparing for the arrival of God on earth, to reflect on the fact that not only in modern times do we care for issues of justice and the well-being of all people, especially those on the edges of economy, security, and societal norms. Malachi, a prophet of God, said life in God looks like this. St. Nicholas, old saint of the church, lived exemplified such a life in God. Those witnesses stand before us today.
In your mercy, Holy God, make us your land of delight through our actions on behalf of all the needy ones, that we may serve you all the days of our lives. In the name of the One whose arrival we await. Amen.
Jennifer L. Lord
The Dorothy B. Vickery Associate Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies
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.
By Audrie Palmer, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - It's their gift to the community. As the Christmas season kicks off, churches around the Tall City will host Christmas concerts throughout the month of December as a way to give back to West Texans and ring in the holidays with song.
First United Methodist Church of Midland will host a free Christmas concert December 9, with multi-Grammy award winner Sandi Patty and 2012 Gospel Music Association's artist of the year Jason Crabb.
• read the rest of this story
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 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: December 5, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF FLORIDA - Members of several Florida churches are taking part in a mission effort in Costa Rica with In the Carpenter's Footsteps, Inc. The interdenominational Christian service organization returned to Costa Rica to begin construction on a church in San Isadro, said In the Carpenter's Footsteps Vice President Patty Searcy, a member of Christ Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee, which supports the group.
CLICK HERE to read more.
SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR NOTE: "Change the world without leaving home" ... Order the 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook! Every day of the year, the Mission Yearbook lifts up the inspiring work being done in the Lord’s name through our churches and
presbyteries at home and around the world. Join them ... become a partner in what God is doing around the world ... order your copy today!
Just 16.95! Order as a group and save ... 10 –23 copies, $15.50; 24 –249 copies, $14.50; 250 or more copies, $12.95 ... How many loaves have you?
2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
"HOW MANY LOAVES HAVE YOU?"
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
www.presbyterianmission.org
Order ISBN 978-0-98589-640-9 • Call (800) 524-2612 or visit www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook
"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 Wednesday, December 5
Isaiah 1:24-31
Recently I was staring at a picture of my children. There they were, three faces staring back at me, frozen in time. I began to wonder how and when they got to be so big and so independent. As I continued to stare at the picture I began to reflect back on our lives together and over our incredible journey we have shared thus far. As we prepare for the coming of the precious Christ child, Isaiah calls all of God’s people to likewise take a picture of their faith. We are called to stare at a picture of who we have become, and where we are now, as children of God.
We are also called to be reminded of who it is that created us and sent us on our way. It is in these moments, as we stare at ourselves, that we can identify how we have stayed the course, or where we find ourselves veering far off in one direction or the other. It is only in these sometimes difficult moments of reflection when we can truly ask God to purge our lives of the meaningless pursuits that become all-consuming.
Here in these snapshot moments we can once again ask of the Almighty, the One who is bigger than all of the faults and foolishness we see in ourselves, to purify us and again call us back to our created selves. We are reminded that Christ is coming, and with him comes the promise that no matter how far we wander, or where we find ourselves at that particular moment, God will scour and redirect us. Only then are we set free to continue our journey once again being called children of God.
Holy One, we come to you now where we are in our lives; broken, lost, misguided. We come to you now where we are in our lives; full of love, faithfulness, and joy. We ask that you separate us from all that would lead us astray and purify us so that we may indeed be called your children. Amen.
Lisa Rush
Senior MDiv student from San Antonio, Texas
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.
By Lyxan Toledanes, Reporter
Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - When everyone prayed for rain, Edna Ontiveros prayed that it wouldn’t. Every rainstorm for the 83-year-old widow meant a night without sleep, changing pails of collected water that would fall through the hole in her deteriorated roof that was just above her bed.
Because she is on Social Security, Ontiveros’ fixed income did not allow for the extra cost for home repairs.
“When it rained, I used to have to stay up. By the time I emptied one pail of water, the other was full,” Ontiveros said.
With the help of Christmas in Action volunteers, Ontiveros’ roof — once made of gravel, tar and felt — has been patched up and replaced with shingles.
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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 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).
