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Here is THE WAVE, the electronic newsletter of Tres Rios Presbytery for JUNE 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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106 STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF TRES RIOS
106 Reunión Reglamentaria del Presbiterio de Tres Ríos
By Theresa Wright, Presbytery Administrative Assistant
 Here is a summary of the business addressed by our last Presbytery Meeting held at First Presbyterian Church in Seminoles, TX.
Missional Ministries Team
Dissolved the relationship between Shannon Weisenfels and First, Midland.
Approved Ruling Elder Bernie Coffee to celebrate the Lord's Supper at the request of any session in Tres Rios Presbytery.
Examined and received Brenda Church to serve as part time stated supply of First, Ballinger.
Examined and received Tommy Taylor to serve as pastor of First, Seminole.
Re-commissioned Ruling Elder Bea Torres for another 3 year term as a Commissioned Ruling Elder in a covenant relationship with Nazareth, San Angelo.
Approved process for pastors requesting to continue to serve a congregation that has left the PC(USA) and remain a member of the PC(USA) will be evaluated and considered for approval to labor outside the bounds on a case-by-case basis.
Missional Networking Team
October 14, 2016 meeting of Tres Rios Presbytery will be held at Nazareth Presbyterian Church, San Angelo. Nazareth Church and Grace Chapel will co-host this meeting.
Missional Resource Team
Approved the first call for the Builders Fellowship to be given to St Paul, San Angelo.
Received the Treasurer's Report and Church Contribution Report dated May 31, 2016.
Granted a four month moratorium of payments to the Genesis Center.
Approved that presbytery accept the Oil, Gas and Mineral Lease Proposal of Midland Petro D.C. partners.
Missional Outreach Team
Consultant Mike Murray continues to contribute his expertise as he resources this team.
Team continues to meet upon invitation of Tres Rios sessions to discuss church growth.
Missional Nurturing Team
TRYC Youth Event will be held February 17-19, 2017 at Prude Ranch and will be led by Grace Presbytery "Crossroads College Age Ministry". Mission project for this retreat will be preparing Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Gift of Heart Kits.
Tres Rios Representatives to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium to be held July 19-23, 2016 at Purdue University are:
University: Jeri Vines, Noah Ozer, Gibel Amador, James Goode, Roberts Ituah
FPC, Odessa: Michael Sullivan, Kelly Lampman, Cambri Allison
Grace, El Paso: Marcus Herbert, Morgan Herbert, Cameron Hernandez, Ritchie Romero, Kelly Hernandez, Bill Rose, Ian Malone
St Paul, San Angelo: Tim Davenport-Herbst, Gabrielle Reyes, Cole Miller, Josh Davenport-Herbst, Elise Smith, Jade Spain, Ryan Hasty
Approved the Child Protection Policy for the presbytery.
Administrative Commission for Grace Presbyterian Chapel, San Angelo
Session held its first organization meeting and elected a clerk of session and treasurer. Articles of Incorporation have been filed with the Secretary of State, and bylaws to be adopted are being drafted.
Special presentations made were:
The Rev. Dr. Paul Hooker brought greetings from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The Rev. Mike Murray led presbytery through a workshop entitled "Unity, Diversity and Your Priestly Vocation".
Other business:
Heard a report from the Presbyterian Women.
Presbytery participated in a commissioning service for delegates and representatives to the 222nd General Assembly.
Enjoyed fellowship, wonderful hospitality and food provided by our hosts at First Presbyterian Church.
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GENESIS CENTER OF THE PERMIAN BASIN
El Centro Génesis en el Permian Basin
By Rev. Alan Austin , Director
 The Genesis Center of the Permian Basin is a faith based mission located in Midland, Texas that helps women in crisis. This includes shelter, food, clothing, life basic needs, but also includes a one year discipleship program. These women and children are normally victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, probation, or pure economic need. The purpose of the mission is to lead women and children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and allow him to transform their personal lives for His purpose. This is accomplished by bible study, counseling, parenting & anger management classes, as well as providing other life skill needs. GED's and limited job training are also extended to these women. All of our services are extended without cost to the client. Women are encouraged to focus on their individual relationship with Christ and allow Him to deal with all the circumstances that have turned their lives upside down. We continue to see God do miracles in people's lives as they yield to Him and the transformation from darkness to light takes place.
The Center is funded primarily as a mission by local churches and individuals in the community. We appreciate your prayers and financial support to help us to help others who can not help themselves. Our address is 2800 W. Louisiana, Midland, Texas, 79701. If you know of someone in need of help please give us a call at 432-682-2514.
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TRUE PENTECOST EXPERIENCE
Verdadera experiencia de Pentecostés
By Rev. Cheryl Homsher, pastor at Grace Midland
We have taken to worshiping twice a year with the Burmese Chin congregation which nests in our building, and it is always fun, surprising and worshipful in ways that we couldn't make happen with all the planning in the world. This year we planned to worship together on Pentecost. And while the Chin know the story of Pentecost, it is not something they have ever celebrated in worship.
About a month before Pentecost several of their leaders of both congregations got together to plan the service. Because we've done this several times now, we have an order of worship that works well. So together we picked music for the service - contemporary songs to begin with and hymns that both congregations know to be sung during the service. They sing in Chin Falam language. We sing in English. To add a Pentecost twist, I suggested that we have General Missioner Jose Luis Casal preach for the service, which was welcomed. One of the things we decided to do in the service - to give a taste of many languages being spoken together - was to have individuals offer the Lord's Prayer in as many different languages as we could find. On that Sunday morning during worship, representatives from both congregations offered the Lord's Prayer in these languages: Falam, Hakha, Burmese, Tedim, Mizo, Spanish, Chitumbuka, Indonesian, French, Japanese, and English. I was struck by the beauty of our diversity, as we remembered that God speaks all languages, and welcomes all.
Some of the Grace women came up with ideas about how to decorate the worship space to represent tongues of fire and the Holy Spirit. It took both Chin and Grace members to put the decorations in place. (See pictures). It was awe-inspiring.
I thought I was being clever when putting the bulletin together. I picked a psalm for us to read responsively in Chin and English. I grabbed one of the Chin Bibles, and copied a few verses from Psalm 104. On the day of the service, Pastor Thang told me I had used the Hakha Bible for this, which was OK, even though the majority of his congregation speak Falam, not Hakha. I felt terrible - like the pushy white pastor who without thinking, used the wrong Bible. He assured me it was OK, that he had noticed it earlier in the week, and didn't correct me. He wanted his congregation to get the message that they need welcome people of all languages, especially a minority language of their culture. I felt humbled by his understanding and expression of the Pentecost message.
During the service, the gospel was also proclaimed in the language of dance, as the Chin women danced to a contemporary Christian song. Jose Luis preached about the Wild Goose of the Spirit, drawing on the Celtic tradition. Pastor Thang translated into Chin Falam, which worked really well, until Jose Luis offered a Bible verse in Spanish, French and Portuguese! We shared the Lord's Supper together, asking members to come forward in faith to receive the elements. We closed the service with the Doxology sung in two languages. And after worship the pastors were barraged with many of the Chin children coming forward to shake our hands as they said to each of us in turn: "God bless you." Truly we were blessed!
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MY PREPARATION TO BE COMMISSIONER AT THE 222 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA
Mi preparación para ser Comisionado a la 222 Asamblea General de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de los EUA
By David Cooper, elder at St. Paul San, Angelo
When I was first selected as a Commissioner to the 222
nd General Assembly, I was both shocked and humbled. I had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church and Tres Rios Presbytery less than five years and felt others had served longer and were more deserving. On prayerful consideration, I came to realize I brought more to the table than possibly many. I come from a family of Presbyterians that date back to the formation of the United States. My maternal great grandmother was a staunch Presbyterian, as was her great grandmother. I not only bring a belief and heritage but a firm commitment for what Presbyterians stand for. The belief in social justice and fair treatment of all, regardless of circumstance.
To prepare for the upcoming general assembly, I have received and reviewed numerous documents and publications on items of consideration at this year's meeting in Portland. The Israeli-Palestine conflict is an item of tremendous concern at this years' gathering, as it has been at the last several assemblies. The use of fossil fuel and dependence on same is a paramount concern to the Presbyterian Church. As mentioned previously, social justice for those in Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East are a prayerful concern and have been for several decades for the PCUSA. Reviewing postings on both Facebook and at PCbiz have been extremely helpful in preparation for attendance and participation at General Assembly. As time for general assembly draws closer, it seems the amount of information on PCbiz is increasing exponentially!!
I will be serving as one of the commissioners on the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee (committee #7). This committee will be seeking approval of the Belhar Confession, matters dealing and attitudes toward other religious bodies and conversations with other Presbyterian denominations. There is no doubt committee #7 has an arduous task, as do all the committees, in the current political and social environment. We ask for prayerful guidance in our deliberations and discussions as we proceed into our General Assembly.
It is with God's guidance and presence at the 22
nd General Assembly that I proceed forward as your commissioner and ruling elder at St. Paul Presbyterian Church in San Angelo.
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A BRIGHT FUTURE!
¡Un futuro brillante!
By Rev. Brenda Church, pastor in Ballinger
 The Lord certainly works in mysterious ways! Six months ago, I would have never dreamed that I would be serving a congregation in Ballinger, Texas today! I was content serving several congregations in Palo Duro and Tres Rios Presbyteries as Pulpit Supply while maintaining my full-time employment working for the Board of Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas. As I served these generally small congregations throughout the region, I developed a real love for small church families. I grew to recognize that the strength of these communities lies in their willingness to roll up their sleeves and do the work involved with keeping a small church viable and healthy. It takes all hands on deck and a recognition that our strength comes from the Lord! So my call to part-time service among the saints at Ballinger was a natural fit. I am humbled and blessed by this call to work with this wonderful congregation as we share the Good News, in word and in deed, with all that we meet. I was asked to write about my expectations for the Ballinger church. From the first moment I walked into the church, I knew the Holy Spirit is alive and well in that place. The love and concern of each member for the others is evident. The congregation's reliance on the Holy Spirit coupled with their willingness to contribute propel this community of faith forward into deeper service to God and to God's people. So, my expectation for the Ballinger church is simply a continuance of the wonderful work the congregation is already doing. I will bring a few new ideas and a passion for these people and the community, as well as good organizational skills derived from 30 years of experience as a CPA in business. I have witnessed the strength of the congregation in Ballinger and its future is bright. My passion is working together with others in our Presbytery to determine how to best equip smaller churches so that they may serve in the changed reality that we face as PC(USA) churches in West and West Central Texas. The landscape has changed but I know that God has work to do through these smaller churches...and I am committed to helping redefine the way we serve and continue to welcome people to the feet of Christ where they, too, can experience amazing grace.
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A JOURNEY OF SOLIDARITY AND LOVE TO ECUADOR
Un viaje a Ecuador de solidaridad y amor.
By Rev. Jose Luis & Cecilia Casal, Presbytery General Missioner
 On Saturday April 16, 2016 at 6:58 pm local time, an earthquake of 7.8 (Richter scale) struck northern Ecuador. The government of Ecuador declared a "state of emergency" in 6 provinces but the most damaged provinces were Manabí and Esmeraldas. Authorities have reported 683 deaths (85 percent in the province of Manabí), 4605 wounded people in shelters has risen to 33.3662 and around half a million people directly affected. Many buildings and roads destroyed or damaged. In addition to this on Wednesday May 18, a month later of this disaster, two news earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.7 and 6.8, respectively, hit again the area. The President of Ecuador in a public intervention to the Congress mentioned an estimated of two thousand billions of dollars to recover the country of all the damages. "This will take a huge effort from our people and many years of work and reconstruction," he said.
In response to this tragedy we prepared a relief trip to Ecuador. Some of our churches in Tres Rios (Alpine, Marfa and Fort Davis) collected medicines and articles of First need and send it to me. Other churches like University El Paso sent donations to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Louisville. We called Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) in Louisville to get some orientations and we received a very helpful report that helped us to organize our trip and target the most needed areas. We departed to Ecuador on May 22 carrying 9 large and mid-size suitcases with 550 pounds of medicines and items of first need donated by our churches and money donated by Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Sun. In Quito Ecuador we used the rest of the money donated buying 420 pounds of food. We planned to reach 50 families and provide to each of them a bag of food medicines and articles of first need. With this cargo of 970 pounds we loaded two SUV in Quito and headed to the west coast of the country to visit Canoa (an small village on the coast that almost disappeared), Bahia de Caraquez (a former vacation area destroyed in 80%) and Portoviejo (the capital city of Manabí province that lost 70% of its downtown). We traveled 3 days covering around 1,000 miles. It was very stressful and demanding travel because of the terrible situation in which the victims of the earthquake are living. The scenes were the same every part we visited: Families living in tends along the roads and others improvising tends with blankets, plastic bags and carton boxes. Men, women and children even babies living outdoors without any type of privacy for their basic needs. We heard stories of pain and desperation, but also stories of hope and faith.
In Bahía de Caráquez with the support of a local church we visited the area of tends in which were distributed the 50 bags of medicines and food. I said to the group, "Friends, we represent many Christians in the United States who are concern about the tragedy you lived and we want to express our solidarity and love for all of you. We are not exchanging this articles and foods for you adherence to a particular church or faith. This is a symbol of our human solidarity and a particular expression of the love of God for each of you."
From there we continued traveling to Portoviejo where the destruction is enormous. Twenty five blocks in the center of the city were severely damaged and need to be demolish. This huge area is delimited by fences and nobody have access. They called this area "zona 0" (ground cero). Talking to one lady whose house is located in the limit of "zona 0" she said, "We are still waiting for help, the national and international response is slow and the needs continue growing."
We returned with our hearts broken but with a conviction that God is committed to continue helping the Ecuadoran people.
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