Newsletter "The Wave"

Publication of The Presbytery of Tres Rios 

December 2016

 

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In This Issue
Just a Thought
By Rev. Jose Luis Casal
           General Missioner            
                  
"HARD CHOICES" 
"The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus-'God saves'-because he will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1: 18-21 (The Message)
The reading of the Gospel shared a story of love but also portraits the images of Joseph and Mary facing hard choices. Joseph and Mary's stories remind us that a life of faith will not immunize us against danger, anxiety, loss, or grief. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus offered an example of faith that defy conventionalism and traditions and Mary, the mother of Jesus, offered an example of faith that voices a defiant and righteous hope in the face of violence and injustice. 
Joseph wished to act justly toward his own reputation and the honor of his family and, at the same time, mercifully toward the reputation of Mary. This was a difficult decision. This was a hard choice. It was like the famous quote of William Shakespeare 'to be or not to be.' To be faithful to the family's honor or to be compassionate with a young lady.
Mary was a young woman confused and afraid, facing an unexpected pregnancy with the burden of her society's shame for bearing a child outside of marriage but the threat she is facing is more than this. As the matter of truth, the life of Mary and her child were in serious danger. In spite of all these real threats, Mary decide to be honest to God and face the challenge, maybe some people would say that she played the last and only card she had: "the religious miracle." This really was a hard choice, harder than Joseph's choice because, while Joseph's decision would be consider as an act of compassion and mercy, Mary's choice could be consider as a lie crafted for fool people. The only way to know the transparency and honesty of Mary is reading her response to the words of Elizabeth in Luke 1:46-56. The beautiful poem known as The Magnificat is the longest set of words spoken by a woman in the New Testament. Don't envision Mary as the joyful woman peacefully composing the Magnificat. Instead, see her as a girl who challenged her society through her words.....
Mary's choice was not a request for clemency or a shy confession to produce compassion. Mary transformed her anxiety into a faithful and liberating praise. She gave thanks and glorified God for promising justice for her people: the poor, the powerless, the oppressed and the disregarded. What a choice!"
The purpose of God for humankind is not peace of mind, but peace on earth. Mary and Joseph, both had the possibility to take easy decisions and worked a happy end for this incident. The "religious miracle" was not a happy end, but a challenge to the logic and of educated people and to popular beliefs. This "solution" was exactly a "hard choice" for Joseph and Mary. This explanation put them on the spot to be targeted with criticism, rejection and disrespect. To be honest to God is always a hard choice!
They are a role model for us today. Let's imitate the example of Joseph and Mary and accept the hard choices. Let's be honest to God loving, protecting and caring the most vulnerable of God's children."

The Wave of Prayer
    
Intercession Prayers for:     
Stephen Miles, youngest son of Jim Miles had a very complicate surgery in Houston and now is in recovery at the hospital.
Blake Leigh Koenig the baby of Colby Koenig, member of Westminster Odessa. The baby born at 24 weeks gestation (4 months premature) and after many complications is recovering and improving every day. Please continue keeping the baby and her parents in your prayers.

. Don Carlton member of Grace Midland is back in Midland after his prostate surgery  

Cliff Sherrod , member of Grace Midland. He is facing many health challenges. Please keep Cliff, Joyce and the family in your prayers

Rev. Jerry Hilton HR, former member of our Presbytery. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and taken to ICU. After this was released from the hospital and is now at John Knox Care Center. Please pray for Jerry, Mary his wife and the family.
 
Josefina Gonzalez (Rev. Jose Luis Casal's sister) who is at Grace hospital in Miami with different health issues.  
 
Rev. Ron Sutto and his family - His daughter Debbie passed away after a long time at hospital and treatment.  
  
Marietta Oleman, mother in-law of Jim Blischke member of Grace Midland, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Rev. Buddy Monahan, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa who is receiving Peritoneal Dialysis. He is doing well but he needs to receive a kidney transplant, so if anyone knows any donor please contact him and keep him in your prayers

Cameron Maedgen, son of Karen Bartholomeo (St. Paul San Angelo)

Rev. Bob Wallman (HR) and his family. He is now under the care of Hospice.
   
Rev. Robert Bennett (HR) ( who moved permanently to a health facility in AK)
 
 Rev. Bert & Joyce Bronaugh (HR) former members of Tres Rios Presbytery
 
 Rev. Dan Sneider (HR) and Wendy his daughter

Rev. Rodney Peacock (HR). His health is very weak

Rev. Bob Hawkins and his wife. They had some health problems

Pray also for...
For the people of the United States and our new president, that we may heal the wounds of our finished election process and provide care, love and bring security to many people and groups who feel threatened and concerned for the future.
  
For the people of Cuba in both sides of Florida Straits and around the world, deeply divided and affected by the death of Fidel Castro, that we may continue improving the relations Cuba/USA.
  
For the victims of the terrorist attack in Berlin and Turkey, that may cease all the acts of terror and death around the world.
  
For the families who are separate and those who are facing orders of deportation in our country, that we may create and put in practice a fair and just immigration legislation.
  
For peace & justice for Jews and Palestinians in the Middle East.
  
For the ratification of the implementation of the Peace agreements in Colombia.
  
For the people who are suffering and dying as result of wars in Aleppo Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, especially for the thousands of refugees.
  
For the persecuted Christians and anyone who is persecuted for their religious beliefs.
  
For a future of peace and the triumph of democracy in Venezuela.
  
For our Presbyterian Church (USA).
  
For Tres Rios Presbytery and our churches.
Upcoming Activities  
January - February 2017
December 24 (Saturday) Christmas Eve
 
December 25 (Sunday) - Christmas Day - Nativity of Jesus Christ
Presbytery Office will be closed from December 19, 2016 through January 2, 2017
 
December 31 (Saturday) - New Year's Eve 
 
January 5 (Thursday) - Conference Call for Ncaragua Mission Trip participants - 7 pm
 
January 6, 2017 (Friday) - Epiphany of the Lord
 
January 8, 2017 - Sunday of the Baptism of the Lord

January 9 (Monday) - Missional Outreach Team meeting - 10 am
 
January 9 (Monday) - Missional Nurturing Team meeting - noon - Presbytery Office
 
January 9 (Monday) - Luncheon for the pastors of Permian Basin Cluster - 1 pm - Grace Presbyterian Church in Midland.
 
January 10 (Tuesday) - Presbytery Meeting Planning Group Conference Call - 10:30 am
 
January 10 (Tuesday) - Administrative Commission for St. Andrew & Divine Savior churches - 6 pm - St. Andrew Church in El Paso
 
January 11, 2017 (Wednesday) - Human Trafficking Awareness Day
 
January 12 (Thursday) - Missional Ministries Team Conference Call - 6:30 pm.
 
January 15, 2017 - Sunday of Race Relations

January 16, 2017 - (Monday) - Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

January 18 - 25, 2017 (Wednesday through Wednesday) - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

January 18 - 20, 2017 - (Wednesday to Friday) - Meeting of the Advocacy Committee on Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC) - Tucson, AZ
 
January 21 - 28, 2017 - Mission Trip to Nicaragua (Grace Presbyterian Church in Midland).

January 29 (Sunday) - Installation of Rev. Buddy Monahan at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa - 4 pm
 
January 30, 2017 - (Monday) - Missional Resource Team meeting - 10 am - Presbytery office
 
January 30, 2017  - (Monday) - Missional Networking Team meeting - noon - Presbytery Office
 
February 2-4 (Thursday - Saturday) - Meeting of the Advocacy Committee on Women's Concerns (ACWC) in El Paso
 
February 9 - 16 - Visit of the Rev. Jose A. Padin pastor of La Fernanda, Habana Cuba to Coahoma church.
 
February 11 (Saturday) - Officer's Training conducted by Missional Nurturing Team - 9 am - 3 pm - Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa.
 
February 12 (Sunday) - Specialworship Service with Rev. Jose A. Padin from Cuba at First Presbyterian Church in Coahoma - 11 am
 
February 13-20 - Visit of Reverends Adelaida Jimenez and Milton Mejia to St. Mark Presbyterian Church in San Angelo
 
February 17-19 (Thursday-Sunday) - Tres Rios Youth Connection - Prude Ranch
 
February 20-21 (Monday Tuesday) - Synod of the Sun meeting at the Presbyterian Center in Irving TX
 
February 23-24 - Presbytery Meeting at Faith Presbyterian Church in El Paso. Guest Preacher and Speaker Rev. Dr. Laurie Krause, National Coordinator of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Pre-Presbytery Party at Jeanie Ford's residence in El Paso.
 
February 25-26 (Saturday & Sunday) - Visit of Rev. Dr. Laurie Krause to Pasos de Fe and Casa Amiga in Ciudad Juarez on Saturday. She will be preaching at Grace and Divine Savior churches in El Paso on Sunday  

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Here is our December 2016 Electronic Newsletter. Enjoy
GRACE CHAPEL IN SAN ANGELO CONTINUES WORKING, SERVING AND GROWING.
La Capilla de la Gracia en San Ángelo continúa trabajando, sirviendo y creciendo.
 Bitsy Stone, member of Grace Chapel in San Angelo   
In October Grace Presbyterian Chapel in San Angelo hosted the dinner before the Presbytery meeting. The dinner was at David and Leanne Byrd's home. It was a beautiful evening and we all had a great time! Thanks to all who attended.
Grace Presbyterian Chapel continues to have guest preachers lead us in worship. However, we feel it is now time for us to hire a part time minister. Wow! This is pretty exciting for us!
We would ask that you pray for us as we continue this search to find just the right minister for GPC. We would welcome any suggestions.
As we continue in the Advent Season we wish each of you a meaningful year in 2017.
REFLECTIONS FROM AN HONORABLY RETIRED PASTOR
Reflexiones de un pastor honorablemente retirado
By Rev. Dick McFarlin (HR)
HR really stands for "Honorably Re-wired." I have come to view my baptism as an ordination, if you will, an opportunity to participate in a community of faith in a variety of ways. I sing in the choir, sit in on a men's Bible study as well as an adult Sunday School Class. Members and friends of Grace Presbyterian Church, Midland and across Presbytery are kept up to date on Marion Medical Mission which has installed over 27,500 shallow wells in remote villages in Africa providing over 4 million people with safe drinking water.
One of the tasks of retirement is to discern God's call to me as a disciple at this stage of my life. How do I balance opportunities to serve in the church and the world with my responsibility to my wife? (We celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary earlier this year.) When I remarked to a friend that Judy had put two preaching stoles in frames under glass, he winked at me and said that I needed to put a small decal on the glass which says "In case of emergency, break glass!"
At age 73, Judy and I are each learning to accept the process of aging-part of which includes coming to terms with one's own mortality.   When we go to estate sales (primarily for entertainment) we ask each other: "What are we (or our kids) going to do with our 'stuff'?" Time to let go....
Looking back over fifty years of marriage, the birth of three children, and grandchildren, the death of an adult child, the death of a grandchild with special needs, the loss of both of our parents, I am coming to understand the meaning of my life story.   I am also learning to redeem experiences of suffering, remembering that I live in the "force field of the resurrection!"
A life-long learner, I read widely and continue to journal, a practice I started in 1972. A guiding principle in my life has been and continues to be this: Christ's cross stands at the heart of all my relationships and responsibilities. God's love has determined the worth of every person I encounter by sending Jesus Christ to give his life as "a ransom for many." I am called to relate to each person in the light of that love - for the rest of my life.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA - THE NEW DIRECTORY OF WORSHIP
Enmiendas a la Constitución de la Iglesia Presbiteriana EUA - El Directorio de Adoracion
By Rev. Jerry Van Marter - Taken from the Presbyterian News Services with quotes from Kay Long, Tres Rios Stated Clerk
The Presbytery of Tres Rios will be voting on all of the amendments at the February 24th stated meeting.  One of the Amendments we have to voted is Amendment 16-H. Directory for Worship. On Replacing the Current Directory for Worship (Item 14-04) 
Brief Description
Amendment proposes to replace the current Directory for Worship with a new Directory for Worship. The proposed new Directory for Worship is reprinted in its entirety in the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution booklet (pages 15 - 40). Discussion in committee focused on Holy Communion and baptism. See Amendment 16-G.
During the last General Assembly in Potland Oregon, Rev. Jerry Van Marter, former Director of Communication of PMA published an Article on Presbyterian News Services explaining the new changes and wording. Here is what he wrote:
A slimmer, less restrictive Directory for Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was overwhelming approved Wednesday by the 222nd General Assembly (2016).
The directory, which is part of The Book of Order, now goes to the denomination's 171 presbyteries, a majority of which must ratify it to be adopted.
The new directory has been 10 years in development. Kristin Saldine, a consultant to the writing team, likened the directory to a compass. This is not a book of rules and regulations," she told the assembly, "but gives us bearings and direction, pointing to the primary purpose of worship - to give glory to God - and navigating between form and freedom and encouraging a variety of styles."
David Gambrell, associate for worship for the Presbyterian Mission Agency, earlier told the Theological Issues and Institutions Committee, which recommended approval, that seven principles guided the directory's development:
Uphold essentials of Reformed faith, life and worship.
Respond to changing contexts and congregations.
Provide for more flexibility and more diverse expressions.
Use "we" vs. "they" language for the people of God.
Streamline contents and make organization more user-friendly.
Simplify language and make style more accessible.
Eliminate redundancy and reduce length.
Enhance the directory's usefulness as a teaching document.
The Directory for Worship was last revised in 1989, after Presbyterian reunion. Saldine said it was too long, organized in too complicated a fashion - for instance, sections on the theology and practice of Reformed worship appeared in two different parts - and needed more flexibility, in keeping with the new Form of Government. Gambrell noted that the new directory has just 25 mandatory directions, as opposed to more than 120.
Moreover, Saldine said, the new directory encourages a variety of styles of worship - a reflection of the explosion of new worshiping communities, immigrant fellowships and racial-ethnic congregations in recent years. In addition, the new directory reflects "ecumenical convergence" that has taken place since the last revision.
The new directory contains five chapters, versus seven, and comes in at 18,000 words - one-third shorter than the old directory."
A link to a downloadable PDF booklet containing the full description may be found on the presbytery's website at www.tresrios.org and also on the PCUSA website at www.pc-biz.org/. Booklets will be mailed out to all commissioners in January with the meeting packet for the stated meeting. 
A VISIT TO STANDING ROCK 
Una visita a Standing Rock
By Rev. Buddy Monahan, pastor of Westminster church in Odessa
October 15-17, I was given the opportunity to travel and visit the Standing Rock Indian reservation in Cannon Ball, ND. It was an eye opening experience for me and to this day, the current situation continues to change. This is the site of the DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline) and the Water Protectors who are opposing the route of the pipeline going through the land and water of the Dakota people.
The main intent of the trip was to go and see firsthand the events that were causing all the controversy and to be in prayer and show solidarity with the Water Protectors. Five of us made the trip as a delegation of the Presbyterian Church USA. Three were staff members from Louisville; one was a synod staff person and myself. A major portion of our time was spent in the main camp area. We toured the camping area, met and prayed with different people, and listened to the remarkable stories from many who occupied the camp.
One of the things that intrigued and touched me the most was the welcoming, respectful, and spiritual atmosphere. Everyone genuinely cared and did their part to help one another. During our time there, people were winterizing their camps and making sure all of the camps had wood or fuel to warm their lodges. There were approximately 3,000 people camped in the main area when we were there. Some were using tents, campers, and teepees. There was no electricity for the camp, although they did utilize some solar panels for their main announcements area. This was a place where people greeted one another and welcomed visitors, and made announcements of needs within the camp. This was not just a camp of Native Americans, there were many people of different ethnicities and faiths, and they were all respecting one another and looking out for each other. To me, it was a living example of how the church should be.
This is not an attempt to go against progress and the uses of gas and oil, it is a protection of land and water that is necessary and sacred to the Standing Rock people. In Native way of understanding of life, we are all related to all of God's creation, which goes beyond the two-legged and four-legged. Everything that God has created should be held in reverence and honor. As Christians we call this stewardship, as native people, we call this, the way of life.
 
GRACE MIDLAND MISSION TRIP TO EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ
Viaje de Misión a El Paso y Ciudad Juárez 
By Kevin Miller, member of Grace Midland
A group from Grace Presbyterian Church travelled to El Paso for a trip to learn about area Presbyterian mission work. The group included four members of Grace, Pastor Rev. Cheryl Homsher and the executive director of St. Andrew Mission, Maggie Salgado, and Mario Salgado. Visits were set up with The Opportunity Center for the Homeless, Pasos de Fe in Juarez, MX and Project Vida. The group also learned about University Presbyterian Church's work in housing transitional asylum seekers entering legally into the US.
The first visit was with the Opportunity Center for the Homeless. We met with Ray and Lily Tullius and learned of their incredible journey into homelessness that began with coffee and showers in 1994 to now where there are multiple homes and shelters that serve the homeless of all types and ages. The purpose of this center is to help those that can move forward and for those who can't, to protect them. The center is dedicated to assisting the homeless in transitioning out of the shelter setting and obtaining stable permanent or transitional housing in the community. Amazingly funding comes almost entirely from private donations with some funding by HUD. The center runs so well with so few employees as responsible members of the homeless are chosen to oversee the other homeless.
The next morning, we went into Juarez, MX to visit a Presbyterian Border Ministry, Pasos de Fe.  We met with four representatives from the ministry. Through translation by Amanda Craft and Omar Chan Giron we learned of work to improve life in a very impoverished neighborhood. Following a period of disruption due to drug cartel activity in Juarez, Pasos de Fe once again serves as a community center that provides a place for community gathering and meetings, church services and provides services such as haircuts, massages and monthly medical services. The leaders are passionate about serving the at risk youth providing them a safe place and to teach life skills such as plumbing and electrical work to pay for school.
The last visit was to Project Vida. This ministry began in 1991 and utilizes community involvement to guide its direction.
We met with Bill Schlesinger who guided us through Project Vida's history, organization, operation and programs. Project Vida is a multi-faceted organization that provides health care, health education, homeless prevention, housing, economic development and youth leadership activities to the underserved areas of El Paso.
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF "SAN ANGELO LIVING TOGETHER" 
Celebración Anual de la organización "San Angelo Conviviendo Juntos"
By Rev. Tm Davenport-Herbst, pastor of St. Paul church in San Angelo.
On the first Sunday in Advent each year, representatives of diverse congregations gather at St. Paul in San Angelo. Begun 25 years ago when the session saw a need to bridge racial gaps in our community, San Angelo Living Together (SALT) is a time of worship and fellowship that embodies reconciliation and peace. A dozen different congregations participated this year -- and over the past quarter century, at least three dozen have been represented. Nazareth, St. Mark, and St. Paul all represented the PC(USA) this year. We were joined by National Baptists, Southern Baptists, the president of the Jewish Synagogue, the Catholic Bishop, Methodists, Pentecostals, and more. Liturgical dance, singing, Bible readings, and reflections are shared. One person said it was "a talent show for all the churches" and it feels like that in a good way. About 140 people gathered together to show what the Kingdom of God looks like -- with multiple languages, skin colors, denominations, and perspectives. We showed that civility, love, and unity through God are possible in a broken and sinful world.
Louisiana Flood Relief
Ayuda a las inundaciones en Louisiana.
By Rev. Zach Sasser, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, LA - Taken from the Synod of the Sun
 
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23
Thanks be to God for the connectional nature of the church and the generosity of the Synod of the Sun! The 2016 Louisiana Flood was a bonafide disaster that dumped 7.1 trillion gallons into southern Louisiana.  This Storm With No Name stranded 1,000 motorists on the highway for 2 days, devastated over 140,000 homes in 22 parishes (counties) and left over 200,000 men, women and children homeless.  It meandered down 10 rivers, filling homes with up to 10 feet of water for days after the rain had stopped. Our small, aging congregation shook their heads. What can we do? Then the opportunity came through the PSL and the PDA to bring in volunteers. We had the space. St Charles Ave. chipped in to help us get some air mattresses, but we had no shower. Thanks to the Synod, we were able to convert a bathroom into a shower room, and we are currently addressing lighting and security issues to make our space safe and secure. Thanks to the Synod, we've been ready for about a month. Our first crews arrive in January, and the need is still tremendous. The LA Department of Community Development has said that this is the fourth costliest disaster in US history, estimating recovery costs at 2.7 billion. Thanks to the Synod of the Sun, we will be in this for the long haul! Follow our progress at  www.pslfloodrecovery.com/ .
POEM: "PREGNANT PEOPLE"
Poema: "Gente Preñada"
By Rev. Magdalena García, Presbyterian writer and poet in Chicago
 
And [Elizabeth] exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.' - Luke 1:42 (NRSV)  
 
Wanted:
people devoid of lies
and pregnant with sincerity;
people devoid of falsehood
and pregnant with authenticity
 
P eople devoid of cowardice
and pregnant with courage;
people devoid of caution
and pregnant with audacity
 
People devoid of opulence
and pregnant with simplicity;
people devoid of arrogance
and pregnant with humility
 
People devoid of submission
and pregnant with liberation;
people devoid of colonialism
and pregnant with emancipation
 
People devoid of small-mindedness
and pregnant with openness;
people devoid of cruelty
and pregnant with humanity
 
People devoid of discouragement
and pregnant with confidence;
people devoid of negativity
and pregnant with hope
 
Come, God of Life,
pour upon your people
the fullness of the Holy Spirit,
so that we might become
a fecund people.
 
Come, God of Advent,
make room in our heart
and dwell in our womb,
so that we might bear fruits of mercy,
equity and peace.
If you have comments or suggestions about our Electronic Newsletter please contact  Rev. Jose Luis Casal - General Missioner - jlcasal@ tresrios.org  
Ph. 432-682-5297 - office - cell - 432-638-3564
Visit our Facebook Page Tres Rios Facebook Page  and if you have any comment or suggestion about the page please email jlcasal@tresrios.org  
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