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Just a Thought
By Rev. Jose Luis Casal
General Missioner
"...run with endurance"
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (New English Translation)
According to the dictionary "endurance" is...
- the ability to bear prolonged hardship: the ability or power to bear prolonged exertion, pain, or hardship
- toleration of hardship: toleration of prolonged suffering or hardship
- persistence over time: the survival or persistence of something despite the ravages of time
The three main words on this definition are: Ability, Toleration and Persistence.
To run with endurance is to put in practice these three words.
We are living times in which we see very frequently people hurting, attacking and abusing others. The ability we may exhibit to sort out all these attacks will make a difference. To "get rid of every weight and sin that clings so closely" requires of all our ability to face the realities without being confrontational.
Toleration is not the acceptance of the situations and individuals who make us suffer but is more to focus and concentrate in those things that can change the balance and produce different results.
Finally persistence is a gift more than a skill. Persistence is the way to say "never give up."
We are living hard times and we have been called by our God to sort all the attacks and personal challenges, to focus in those strategies that may help us to change things and "never give up" because we are part of that cloud of witness who run with endurance the race the Lord set out for us.
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Upcoming Activities
November-December 2014
November 1 (Saturday) - All Saint's Day
November 2 (Sunday) - Daylight Saving Time ends
November 4 (Tuesday) - Election Day
November 5 (Wednesday) - Missional Ministries Team meeting - 6:30 PM - Presbytery Office
November 5 - 9 (Thursday-Sunday) Visit of Rev. Jairo Barriga, General Secretary of La Costa Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Colombia to Tres Rios.
November 6 (Thursday) - Potluck Dinner & Conversation with St. Mark church in San Angelo
November 7 (Friday) - Lunch & Conversation with St. Paul church in San Angelo.
November 7 (Friday) - 7:30 pm - Preaching at Nazareth church in San Angelo
November 9 (Sunday) - noon - Preaching at Divine Savior in El Paso
November 9 (Sunday) - 2:30 pm - Preaching at University church in El Paso.
November 10 (Monday) - noon - at Presbytery Office - Meeting of the Missional Resource Team
November 11 (Tuesday)-Veterans Day
November 27 (Thursday) - THANKSGIVING DAY
November 30 (Sunday) First Sunday of Advent
December 10 (Wednesday) - Human Rights Day
December 14 (Sunday) - Retirement Farewell for Rev. Glenda Harbert at 11 am - St. Paul Presbyterian Church in San Angelo
December 18 (Thursday) - Workday meeting of the Missional Outreach Team
December 21 (Sunday) - Collection of Christmas Joy Offering
December 24 (Wednesday) - Christmas' Eve
December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas Day
December 31 (Thursday) - New Year's Eve
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The Wave of Prayer
Please pray for:
Lawson Allen. Member of First Fort Davis who had a surgery of a severe leg injury.
Marsha Monroe, member of Sanderson who is fighting an anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Beverly Haney, mother of Theresa Wright who continues with the chemotherapy treatment.
Cameron Maedgen, son of Karen Bartholomeo, from St. Paul San Angelo.
Alina Dillon, niece of Rev. Jose Luis Casal who was finally released from treatment of her bone infection after 5 month in the hospital and 21 surgeries.
Marina Benitez, mother of Cecilia Casal who got severe injuries when she lost balance and fell on the street
All the people around the world but especially in Africa who are suffering the Ebola virus
. The persecuted Christians in Syria, Iraq and other parts of Middle East.
For peace and justice for Jews and Palestines in Middle East
Pray for justice and compassion for the unaccompanied children in the border and the women and children released by ICE waiting for an immigration court to decide their situation
Pray for our Presbyterian Church (USA) national, regional and local. For understanding and love among our brothers and sister in spite of our differences. For our Tres Rios Presbytery and our pastors, elders and congregations, especially those that are struggling with decisions about their future.
Pray for peace, justice and wisdom in our country; for civility and understanding peace between all of us who live in this land and share all the blessings God gave us here
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Resources Available
just click the links...
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VIDEO
| | The visual Bible GOSPEL OF JOHN |
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Here is "The Wave," Tres Rios Presbytery electronic newsletter of October 2014. Please, let us know your opinions, comments and suggestions, and forward The Wave to those who may be interested in the work of our Presbytery. |
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Schedule of the visit of Rev. Jairo Barriga, General Secretary of Costa Norte Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Colombia to Tres Rios Presbytery on November 6 - 9, 2014
Itinerario de la visita del Rev. Jairo Barriga secretario general del Presbiterio de la Costa de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia al Presbiterio de Tres Rios del 6 al 9 de Noviembre 2014.
November 6-7 in San Angelo
Thursday Nov. 6 - 7:00 pm Potluck dinner & conversation with St. Mark church
Friday Nov. 7 - noon
Lunch & conversation with St. Paul church
Friday Nov. 7 - 7:30 pm
Preaching at Nazareth church
November 8-9 in El Paso
Sunday Nov. 9 - 12:00 noon Preaching at Divine Savior church
Sunday Nov. 9 - 2:30 PM Preaching at University church
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Fall Meeting of the Presbytery of Tres Rios held at First Presbyterian Church in Big Spring on October 4, 2014
El Presbiterio de Tres Rios celebro su reunion de Otono en la Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana en Big Spring el dia 4 de octubre del 2014
By Bart Teeter, Presbytery Moderator
The Presbytery of Tres Rios held its 101st stated meeting on October 4th, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church in Big Spring. The meeting was co-hosted by the sessions and congregations of First Big Spring and First Coahoma. The theme for this fall meeting was "The Great Co-Mission". The group tasked with organizing the meeting and the two host churches did a fantastic job of planning and organizing this event. Each church in the Presbytery was asked in advance to bring a poster showing some of the many missions that our churches are involved in. This meeting differed from most recent meetings in that we held the business meeting portion of the meeting in the morning and later transitioned into our time of worship. The business meeting itself had a fairly light docket. The first order of business was the election of Bart Teeter as moderator and the Reverend JoBeth McLeod as the moderator-elect of the Presbytery. Reports of Presbytery Teams and Administrative Commissions were heard and Jimmy Stevens presented the asking budget for next year. On another subject it was decided to ask the Personnel group continues to work on a new job description of the General Missioner. A new feature introduced at this time was a dedicated time of "table talk" between business meeting and the worship service. During this time attendees were divided into smaller groups for a time of facilitated discussion about missions our churches are participating in, the successes of those missions and possible new missions for our churches. After a period of talk we moved to a wonderful fajita lunch prepared by the good folks of First Big Spring and First Coahoma. Our small groups sat together and continued our discussions. After lunch we returned to the sanctuary and were treated to a wonderful organ concert. Highlights of the worship service were the retirement ceremony of the Reverend Glenda Harbert and a message on mission from Elder Marj Carpenter. The meeting was, I believe, as success in highlighting our successes in mission around the Presbytery. The discussion of similar missions, successes and challenges across the Presbytery help strengthen the feeling of connectedness within our Presbytery. We look forward to building on the success in future meetings.
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Convocation "I Was Stranger and you Welcome Me..." held in El Paso on October 11, 2014
Convocacion "Fui Extranjero y me recibiste..." celebrada en El Paso el 11 de Octubre del 2014
By Rev. Jayne Ruiz
On Saturday, Oct 11, a Convocation, a Gathering was held in downtown El Paso under the theme, "I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me-Standing with the Refugee and the Immigrant!" In receiving the thousands of refugees transported from South Texas as well as those that arrived at our border, the El Paso-Las Cruces community expressed its spirit of hospitality. The Convocation called on the El Paso-Las Cruces Communities for concrete and specific actions on immigration. It was both a celebration of the hospitality here given to the Refugees and Immigrants as well as a call to action. As people of God, we are called to welcome the stranger and alien in our midst.
The event was organized by Annunciation House in partnership with other organizations and churches. There were Nine Committees and Kathy Staudt- Professor at UTEP and Elder at University Presbyterian church and I served on one Committee. We were asked to choose a Presbyterian representative to read our denominational Faith Statement so we requested Rev. Jose Luis Casal be our representative. He graciously accepted and did an excellent job. Kathy Staudt spoke briefly in one of the video presentations. Other Presbyterians present that evening were Rev. Carlos Clugy Soto and my husband Alfredo Ruiz who understands the plight of Immigrants and Refugees, having being one himself.
The Ceremony ended with us all lighting candles as we sang the hymn, "America, the Beautiful."
Annunciation House has helped to temporarily house thousands of immigrants and Refugees in route to other places, all without government money creating a Welcoming Presence in El Paso.
During the recent crisis of great influx the Central American Refugees, many of our churches pitched in with money and assistance providing direct service such as: Grace Presbyterian which was a distribution center for clothing, and who helped in conjunction with Annunciation House to set up a temporary center during the height of the Refugee crisis. El Divino Salvador and St. Andrew churches held rummage sales, made and sold baked goods, and volunteered preparing and giving out meals to Refugee residents at Loretto Academy. They raised $1,461. A number of our churches responded to God's call such as: St. Paul and St. Mark's Churches in San Angelo, Andrews, Alpine, Grace in Midland, and others who donated time and money. May God give us courage and clarity to do as one wise prophet who reminded us what God requires, "To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God."
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Ecumenical Celebration of Reformation
Celebracion Ecumenica del Dia de la Reforma Protestante
By Rev. Cheryl Homsher
In 1517, on All-Hallow's Eve (October 31), a German monk named Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of the church at Wittenburg. He was calling for debate over certain practices within the Church; his action is often considered as the start of the Protestant Reformation.
In anticipation of the 500th anniversary of Luther's action, the Lutherans (ELCA) in Midland have initiated an ecumenical Celebration of Reformation, inviting denominations they are in "full communion" with to worship together every year on Reformation Sunday. The plan is to build up to a big celebration in 2017.
This year, on Sunday October 26, representatives from St. Nicholas and Holy Trinity Episcopal, Grace Presbyterian, Christ and Midland Lutheran Churches, gathered for worship and Holy Communion. The liturgy followed the Lutheran order of worship, and representatives from the three denominations spoke about what Reformation means in their respective traditions. We sang beautiful hymns, all written by Luther or his contemporaries.
As a participant I found it refreshing to have to pay close attention to what we were doing and why, as we worshiped ecumenically. What difference does it make to stand behind an "alter" rather than a "communion table"? What difference does it make that fellow worship leaders genuflect at the cross?
Perhaps the Prayer of the Day which we offered together speaks to the unity we hope to grow towards: Gracious God, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it, where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior... Amen.
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Annual Fall Polity Conference held in Louisville, KY on October 19-21, 2014
Reunion anual de Otono de la Conferencia sobre Politica Presbiteriana
 By Kay Long
Jose Casal and Kay Long participated in the annual continuing education event for presbytery executives and stated clerks held in Louisville October 19 - 22. Sunday night worship was opened with remarks from Moderator Heath Rada, Vice Moderator Larissa Kwong Abazia and Grady Parsons preaching. Monday's keynote speaker, Philip C. Bergey of Design Group International, presented innovative ideas for effective leadership for 21st century organizations. "Bergey stated that we are living in the digital age of "real time" and organizations must be able to react quickly and adapt. Being an influential leader is to be flexible, a good listener and one that asks the right questions that motivates the discussion in groups. Leaders need to be mindful of the different models in people's minds as everyone can perceive the same situation differently, and the challenge is to bring those together to effect change. Communicating effectively and exhibiting stability are necessary for change to work." Participants also heard updates from Linda Valentine, PMA Executive Director and the Director of the Presbyterian Foundation. An overview of the GA amendments to be voted on was given and the afternoon's discussion focused on the reduction in the number of synods.
Tuesday morning's breakfast and worship were hosted at the Presbyterian Center. A mission fair was offered and attendees were invited to visit around the offices of the different agencies and meet staff members they converse with on a regular basis. New to this year's conference, participants were given the opportunity to gather in self-directed conversations on several topics they selected as having importance to their councils and congregations. Breakout workshops were held on Tuesday afternoon led by staff and mid-council leaders on a variety of topics ranging from a conversation with the Moderator and Vice-moderator to immigration issues; training ruling elders, widening participation and representation in mid-councils, finding your mid-council's unique role and purpose, CPMs and the future of pastoral leaders, and advice on polity matters, etc. These workshops are always very informative, and it is sometimes hard to decide on which ones to attend. Very good conference this year.
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"Life into action" a new type of language for the Stewardship Campaign of First Presbyterian Church in Odessa.
"Transformando Nuestra Vida en Aciones" un nuevo tipo de lenguaje para la Campana de Mayordomia de la Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana de Odessa
Taken from the church's newsletter
This year our theme is "Be the Message." We have issued a church-wide challenge to "talk about God less and walk with God more." One important way to strengthen your walk with Gosis to share your gifts and talents with your family, church and community. The church depends on your gifts to help spread their message. The message of our church is timeless; it's about faith, hope and love. These are the three most life-sustaining words in any language. We need your help to put these words into action, It is not too late to join us in our stewardship challenge, if you haven't already, please prayerfully consider how your gifts can take you faith beyond words to a life of action.
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"Spirituality in a Smart Phone Age" workshop presented by Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana
"La Espiritualidad en la era de los telefonos inteligentes" tsller presentado pot la Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana
By Jinny Forbes
 As the representative of Tres Rios to S.C.R.A.P.C.E. (South Central Region Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) I attended the annual Cabinet meeting October 19-20 and then October 20-22 attended the workshop for all educators: "Links, Likes and Follows: Spirituality in the Smartphone Age" presented by Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, pastor of Idlywood Presbyterian Church, Falls Church, Virginia. She is also the author of Sabbath in the Suburbs, A Family's Experiment with Holy Time. The setting for the meetings was the beautiful campus of Austin Theological Seminary.
Our main function of the cabinet meeting was to elect new officers for 2014-2015 and then to take on the daunting task of reviewing the current S.C.R.A.P.C.E. Constitution. Decision was made for a steering committee to meet and discuss the elements needed to align our group to match the goals of A.P.C.E., (Association of Church Educators) which has also under gone many changes. One of the other outcomes of our meeting will be to post a survey and gather information from all persons involved with Christian Education in the five states. New officers are as follows: President-elect, Katie Burgoon, Cimarron, OK; Secretary, Jann Treadwell; Treasurer, Elizabeth Landes and Past-President, Mary Sterner. Installation of the officers will be at the Annual Meeting February 4-7, 2015 in Baltimore, MD. Our next cabinet meeting will be held Oct., 2015. The next educational event will be held April 6-8, 2015 facilitated by Dr. Peter Steinke. More information will be forthcoming.
It was a wonderful four days for me as I was able to reconnect with other educators and pastors who love church education as much as I do. Picked up many ideas and as usual am dangerous when I have new ideas. This being said we need another representative from Tres Rios. Please consider joining the group, call me at any time 915 584-5822 or email me, [email protected].
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Foster Care and Adoption Program of the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services
Programa de Adopcion y Hogares Alternativos de la Agencia Presbiteriana de Hogares y Servicios para Ninos.
Taken from the website of the Synod of the Sun
Recently, Presbyterian Children's Home and Services (PCHAS) was awarded a grant from the Synod of the Sun in support of its new Foster Care and Adoption Program in Austin. Launched this past January, this program joins 5 other similar PCHAS programs located across Texas. Families in the program are carefully screened, selected, trained, supervised and supported so that children can receive care in safe and loving homes. Group homes for boys and girls in the Austin area have been repurposed for foster families.
The need for foster care and adoption services is as great as ever. More than 1000 children were in CPS foster care in Travis County alone. Rev. Peter Crouch, Vice President for Development in PCHAS, speaking about the Synod grant said, "It again lets us know that our friends in the Synod and across Texas support the mission of helping at-risk children and families, like finding foster parents for foster children waiting for a place to call, 'home.'" Contact person for this program is Adam Crawford, Austin Foster Care and Adoption Program Director, at [email protected].
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