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| Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling |
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| World Communion Sunday October 2
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Here is THE WAVE, the electronic newsletter of Tres Rios Presbytery for AUGUST 2016.
Please, let us know your opinions, comments and suggestions, and forward the newsletter to all who may be interested in the work of our Presbytery.
We also invite you to check our Facebook page "Tres Rios" and our Presbytery Website on these links:
If you have any comment or suggestion about the Facebook Page please email
[email protected]
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ODESSA: PAST & PRESENT
Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana en Odessa: Pasado y Presente
By Rev. Cheryl Kincaid, pastor
In my office top desk drawer, there is a crumbled white piece of paper that I occasionally take out to contemplate. It is a photocopy of an older handwritten document.
The title in the right hand corner reads: "Odessa, Texas, 1899." The text following that title reads: "Pursuant to previous notice there was a congregational meeting held in the Baptist church of Odessa, Texas, this day for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian church after a sermon by E. Thayer Ingle, an evangelist of the Presbytery of Fort Worth. The following persons signified their willingness to be organized into a participating congregation of the Presbyterian church in the United States and united in the church covenant."
Underneath this statement there is a list of ten names which consist of six men and four women
The covenant that follows these names proclaims a strong conviction of the Lordship of Christ and a commitment to be led by the elders of the congregation in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ."
I think of those names on that first charter and their Christian conviction, especially when I see pictures from Odessa from that period. It took a tough people to make a home in this desert through ranching and running small shops in those days. I assume that each name represented a family and I am impressed that women are on this charter as well as men. Most church charters that I have read only have only male names. These first ten families could not have imagined that the membership of this church would swell in the nineteen seventies and eighties. Nor did could they have imagine the myriad children that would be nurtured in their Christian faith through the Sunday school classes and vacation bible schools or how many women and men would enter discipleship through the smalls groups and Presbyterian women.
Today First Presbyterian church has a worshiping that averages about 65 people in Sunday Morning worship. We have an active youth group of fourteen children, our Christian Education committee is constantly looking for new ways to reach out to the community around us. We have four thriving adult Sunday school classes, a weekly men's bible study and two women's groups who are active in Presbyterian women. We are active in local and world mission through our different committees.
Like a lot of churches, our attendance is not what it used be twenty years ago. But when I get discouraged, I think of those first ten families. Their numbers were small and all they had was a desire to serve Christ in their fellowship. My job is just to pass on this great faith that has been handed down through the generations and trust in the transforming power of Jesus Christ do the rest.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. Philippians 3:13-15
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EXPERIENCING YOUTH TRIENNIUM AS ADULT PARTICIPANT
Experiencias del Evento Trienal de Juventud como participante adulto
By Bill Rose, member of Grace El Paso
At Six AM I threw my bags in the back of the car and climbed in. I was greeted by youth and adults who would be going with me to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Perdue University. Everyone seemed to have the same feelings; uncertainty, apprehension, excitement, and fear of the unknown. We were told that in the next twenty-four hours there would be more than five thousand youth from all over the country, converging on Indianapolis and we were part of that group. What would that be like? Overwhelming? Exciting? You could see it on everyone's face. As parents gave a final hug, you could sense a certain mix of pride and reservation. This will be a milestone on their journey toward adulthood. We met up with the rest of the Tres Rios delegation in Indianapolis and then on to Perdue.
The Perdue campus is beautiful. Red brick buildings everywhere you look. Sidewalks, trees and groomed grass going every which way. It was a challenge getting to small group on time. This is where participants get to interact with others and make new friends, even adults. The worship was in a three level theater and we packed it to the brim with both people and energy. Each day we heard from dynamic speakers. The overall theme was "Go and make a difference". We heard that God is not a God of second chances but of another chance and another chance. We listened as one speaker told of a congregation made up of people in a homeless camp and listened to members tell their story. There were energizers, music and worshiping God to the fullest. We turned old jeans and tires into shoes for those without any.
Going to Triennium as an adult is a challenge and a blessing in the same breath. You get to have serious talks with youth and get to know them in ways that doesn't happen elsewhere. You witness as they discover more of who they are and how they fit into God's plan. The youth give you hope that the world and the church are in good hands. I am always amazed at the depth the youth understand God and how their journey is God's journey. Being an adult at Triennium stretches you to where you didn't know you could go and you find that you have grown in ways that you thought weren't possible.
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FAITH & FITNESS
Fe y Ejercicios
By Bernie Coffee, member of St. Paul San Angelo
I asked Casi Tribbett what motivated her to start Faith & Fitness.
In typical Casi style: "Fitness is my life! I am extremely passionate about what I do and helping others reach their goals. Faith is something that helps me get thru those tough days with a smile on my face when I want to cry but can't because I need to help or build others up to restore their temple.
Sometimes just one simple sentence that has to do with Faith may be all someone needed to hear to get back on their feet. Sometimes the first workout may be what people need to finally be who God wants them to be. When you combine faith and fitness, the possibilities are endless as to what we children of God can do.
Getting people both physically and spiritually fit is the most amazing and rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I am truly blessed.
Each week 15-30 people come together. We start every workout with a scripture, motivational minute and prayer.
We have used the following scriptures:
Isaiah 40:29-31 -
"He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint."
Philippians 4:13 -
"I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."
I Corinthians 10:31 -
"Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:13 - "
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it."
Joshua 1:9 -
"
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the
Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go."
Romans 12:1
- "I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship."
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BUILDING BRIDGES OF FAITH (CUBA MISSION TRIP)
Construyendo Puentes de Fe (Viaje de Misión a Cuba)
By Monika Robinson, member of Coahoma church
When in Fall 2015 my husband's former university offered alumni travel to Cuba, we both were interested and closely looked at its itinerary. The trip was well organized with guidance in history and art, indeed was scheduled back to back with museums and other sightseeing interests. We inquired if we could leave the group on Sunday morning to visit a Presbyterian church in Havana and were shocked to learn that our wish could not be granted. The group had to stay together the whole time.
Then we heard that Rev. Jose Luis Casal wanted to take a small group of Tres Rios Presbytery to his home country on a mission trip. And that's when Mike and I decided to go. Cuba has always been this magical, yet unreachable place with beautiful beaches and lots of European influences under a tight political system. Now change is happening, as Cuba is slowly opening its doors to the world, I see similarities between West Germany and former East Germany before the wall came down in 1989.
Growing up as a daughter of the Lutheran minister in a small country congregation I remember that we had a partnership with a church in former East Germany. Churches in the East did not have the support of the state and struggled. These ties continued for many years and finally, when a visit was granted for the minister to travel to the West, it was a blessed day. Face-to-Face connections and interactions will increase understanding, and ultimately break down walls.
So what are my expectations for this mission trip? I am not going for work projects like building houses or water wells, nor teaching any life's skills or leading any Bible studies. I am going for connections. I want to be to exposed to Cuba, learn about their history and culture.
I am excited to go with a small group of Tres Rios Presbytery and Rev. Jose Luis Casal as leader. His guidance will help us to better relate to our Cuban brothers and sisters in Christ, and have meaningful encounters.
Our days will start out with devotionals and on Sunday we worship in Havana. We will visit several local churches, a seminary in Matanzas and a youth camp in Santa Clara. Even though I do not understand their local language, I will be receptive and look for opportunities where my community of faith could support or serve theirs. In a sense this journey is an exploratory trip to find options for future ties and actions.
Recently I have taken to photography, a skill that will come in handy. Back home I plan to share our experiences with the Coahoma church and if desired with other congregations in our Presbytery.
This travel to the Caribbean is my first mission trip. May God use me, open my eyes, soften my heart, expand my horizon and strengthen my faith.
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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOOD PANTRY IN ODESSA, TX
El Almacén de Alimentos de la Iglesia Presbiteriana Westminster en Odessa, TX
By Mitchie Rush, member of Westminster Odessa
Westminster Food Pantry (WFP) is an outreach ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC). This ministry is designed specifically for the city of Odessa, Texas and all of Ector County. WFP is a volunteer driven ministry that proactively seeks opportunities to close the food insecurity gap for children and families, to be a spiritual resource for those families and a resource for other needs i.e. a source of information for local community and faith based services. The services include a Client Choice food distribution program and an emergency box food program. WFP is partnered with the West Texas Food Bank, and supported by corporate donors, individual donors and Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is a priority to be actively engaged in efforts to improve the lives of people in our community.
Approximately 1 in 5 children in Ector County are food insecure. Thirty percent of all those qualifying as food insecure fail to meet the requirements necessary to receive government assistance. These people are primarily working families. They depend solely on charity to close their food insecurity gap.
It is estimated that the number of children and families who need services will increase over the next two to five years. Ector County is experiencing an economic slowdown resulting in many layoffs. This obviously puts a strain on family finances. WFP's strategic location provides a unique opportunity to serve an area that includes Nimitz Jr. High School and UTPB.
Our outreach strives to improve the ability of families to care for children. Food insecurity is not just an immediate need. Food insecure children are at risk of long term health issues, delayed physical and social development and learning issues. Additionally, research has shown that truancy and dropout rates increase making these children vulnerable.
Mission Statement
WFP commits to feed hungry people in our community. The hungry people in our community are from diverse backgrounds; they are children and adults. They are employed or unemployed, married or unmarried, single-parent or two-parent families, recipients of social security, social security disability, or public other public assistance. They are those people who, after paying rent, utilities and medical bills, don't have enough money every month to buy food or other necessities.
Isaiah 58:10 says, "Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon."
James 2:14-17 says, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Vision Statement
WFP's vision is to be a blessing to our community reflecting the love of God for all people through service with the goal; "To know Jesus and make Him know."
Progress
The distribution day is the last Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Since the pantry opened in February 2016, over 500 people have been served.
If you want to volunteer your time or have a canned food drive, we welcome all.
Please pray for this important ministry
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FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN EL PASO, TX UPDATE
Últimos sucesos en la Iglesia Presbiteriana de la Fe, El Paso, TX
By Rev. Bill Schlesinger, pastor
Faith Church has experienced a whirlwind of living in the last several weeks. George Sutton, a long time member, elder, and retired social worker completed his life unexpectedly. In the celebration of his life, colleagues remembered his work with youth and veterans, and spoke of his presence and strong advocacy for clients. Friends spoke of inspiration and learning with humor and laughter. The congregation joined in singing songs and hymns that George enjoyed singing and playing on banjo and twelve string guitar.
We are also welcoming our youngest - the great granddaughter of Petra Abbott - coming into our midst with a baby shower and warm delight.
Faith Church continues to be a place of warmth, memories and sustaining presence, gathering new lives and living in the cloud of witnesses that surround us.
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