Because Presbyterian love students, school workers and volunteers

Blessing of Backpacks at Round Rock Presbyterian Church

This month we celebrate the teaching elders in Mission Presbytery who were ordained in August. We extend special congratulations to Ellis Oglesby, who is celebrating 20 years since his ordination, and Sonja Dalglish, who is celebrating 30 years of ordained ministry. 

John Alsup 8/1

Amy Sutherlun 8/1

Faith Jongewaard 8/2

Kathy Escandell 8/10

Elaine Murray 8/11

Nan Jenkins 8/12

Ellis Oglesby 8/13 (20 years!)

Ann Brizendine 8/15

Gini Norris-Lane 8/15

Mary D'Alessio 8/16

Sonja Dalglish 8/18 (30 years!)

Alvin Koons 8/18

Sarah Allen 8/19

Josh Robinson 8/22

Eric Rhoda 8/24

David Coello 8/25

Judy Skaggs 8/28

Glen Thorp 8/31

Better Together at Texas State University!

by Rev. Todd Salmi, United Campus Ministry at Texas State

For more than half a century, the United Campus Ministry at Texas State has partnered with the Presbyterian Church to fully welcome all students in the love of Christ. With a diverse school enrollment of over 39,000 students, including 40% first-generation in college, the UCM cares for individual students while working for a just and peaceful world in the love of Jesus.

If you know a student at Texas State, or want to make a positive impact with emerging young adult leaders of the church, please contact Todd Salmi (todd@ucmtxstate.org) and visit www.ucmtxstate.org.

The United Campus Ministry at Texas State is proudly affiliated with Mission Presbytery and the UKirk College ministry network!

University Presbyterian in San Antonio to Host Sacred Ground Video Discussion Group

Sacred Ground is a video- and readings -based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The 11-part series, revised in 2026, is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary videos and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Small group members complete readings and watch videos prior to each meeting. There, they discuss the assignments confidentially in light of their personal experiences, including family stories, economic class, and political and regional identities.

UPC’s next group will start in October. For more on this learning opportunity, contact Doug Posey at dpposey@earthlink.net or Carla Monroe-Posey at cmonroeposey@earthlink.net.

Are you wondering what Playology is? Take a look at some of the things you could learn!

We love playing. We love art. We love God. Playology is chock-full of interactive training and practical resources to integrate recreation and play into your ministry context. Experienced leaders will lead a full day of recreation-related workshops. Playology events provide great resources for children's ministry leaders, youth leaders, pastors, worship leaders, camp counselors, educators, recreation leaders, volunteers, and more!

Everyone will choose 2 workshops. 

Morning: 

Games Galore (Energize your gatherings with a variety of games that can be played anywhere, from quiet, contemplative games to high-energy challenges. Perfect for family events, church retreats, and more.)

OR

CreatArt (Dive into the world of creativity with art projects that are perfect for Vacation Bible School, gift-making, and community service. These activities are designed to be accessible and fun.)

Afternoon: 

Around the Table (This class is designed to teach activities that can be played around tables by all ages at gatherings such as family night suppers, Sunday School classes, and retreats.)

OR

Imaginative Worship (Explore fresh approaches to worship that include drama, storytelling, and multimedia elements to enrich your church's spiritual journey throughout the year.)

We will also learn icebreakers and gathering games, engage in a discussion of the Theology of Recreation, and participate in a closing worship.  

Committee on Representation

 and Participation

The Committee on Representation and Participation (CORP) is beginning its work to fill vacancies on commissions and committees. We cannot do this work without you. We know many of you love the Body of Christ, the Church. Is the Spirit calling you to share that love on a wider scale? Pastors, are there Ruling Elders in your congregations who have skills that would benefit Mission Presbytery? 

Church Treasurers, would you be willing to serve on the Fiscal Oversight Committee? 

Do you have a passion for the health of congregations? We have several places that could use your wisdom.

Do you have experience with property issues? The Trustees would welcome your expertise. 

Yes, we are better together! 

Please find attached a brochure (written by Melody Gonzalez) about the commissions and committees in Mission Presbytery, as well as a nomination form. Sessions, would you be willing to look at both and discern who the Spirit inspires you to have a conversation about these ministries and their willingness to participate? 

Please email the completed form to Laurie Palmer, Stated Clerk, statedclerk@missionpby.org, and she will send it on to CORP. 

UKirk TCU

Do you know a student attending TCU this fall? Refer them to the PC(USA) campus ministry at TCU, UKirk TCU! Going off to college is exciting and also daunting; support your college students by connecting them with a campus minister and ministry. Refer them on this form, and send them our Instagram or website as well. You can find a PC(USA) campus ministry at more schools by going to the ukirk.org website as well. Go frogs!

Back to School

Need some back-to-school resources for your families? Share this flyer from the Learn Committee with them in the coming weeks! 

Overflowing Storage

On Wednesday, Melody, Jeanne, Caitlin, and Laurie cleaned out our overflowing storage room. We have some things to give away. Would any of our congregations benefit? Please call us at the office at 210-826-3296. You will need to arrange to pick up whatever you're interested in. 



1.   Not pictured; security cameras that provide recordings

2.   A 6' x 3' folding table, pretty heavy

3.   Communionware from closed churches

A Roundtable Discussion on Property Care, Risk Management, and Insurability

Join leaders from Insurance Board and Disciples Church Extension Fund for an informative roundtable discussion focused on property stewardship, risk management, and maintaining insurable facilities. Participants will gain practical insights into:

•  Deferred maintenance and property care
• Building inspections and risk mitigation
• Current insurance market trends
• Loss control resources available to churches and ministries
• Strategies to help protect church property and support your mission 

WEBINAR DETAILS:

Date: August 20, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Location: Zoom (Live Webinar)

To register, please visit the Insurance Board website:

insuranceboard.org/safety-central/webinars/

Follow the links under Upcoming Webinars to complete your registration.

Upcoming Events at Mo Rance

The PILLARS community of recurring givers to the PC(USA) provides steady,

reliable support for seven cause areas that Presbyterians are passionate about. With a

simple one-time setup, your weekly, monthly or quarterly gift lets you rest

easy knowing that you’re making a tangible impact every day! As a recurring

donor, you’ll get access to exclusive PILLARS events, specialized gifts and

regular updates on the impact of your generosity. Visit the PILLARS website to

learn more about our seven Impact Funds or set up your recurring gift today!

Synod Youth Workshop:

St. Mark Presbyterian Church

Kerr County Flood Relief

In the wake of recent devastating flooding across Kerr County, First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is renewing its commitment to serve, love, and rebuild alongside our neighbors.

You may donate directly to our church by visiting: https://www.fpckerrville.org/give

In the portal, please select the account Flood Relief Fund.

You may also donate to the Texas Hill Country Relief Fund set up by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country

https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4255

If you are looking for ways to serve and volunteer, please visit

https://kerrtogether.com/give-help/volunteer/

Attention All Regions!!

Don't forget that the Connect Committee is offering a $1000 grant for each region to fund a connectional event. This can be anything from a group dinner, a service project, a dance party, or a baseball game. The only requirement is that the event is open to everyone in the region (for example, it can't be a youth-only event). Only one region has applied so far in 2026. Click below to submit an application for your region.

Job Opening

Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas, a congregation of 170 members is seeking candidates for a full time called position as our Associate Pastor for children, youth, and community life. This position is available now. Please click the link for more information about our inclusive ministry and this position. Potential candidates should send PDPs or resumes to Margaret Erickson, Chairperson APNC at mlbje553@gmail.com.

Are you a lay preacher interested in connecting with other lay preachers? 

Join a one-year cohort to learn more about faith-full preaching with your peers! Through discussion and sermon-sharing twice a month over Zoom, lay preachers in this group gain a community of peer-coaches who can encourage and support one another, all with the goal of cultivating more faith-full preaching.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply at https://www.sharingfaithinitiative.com/lay-preacher-cohorts.

Applications are due by July 31, 2026, with the cohort announced by August 5, 2026. The cohort will meet online on Tuesday afternoons from September 2026-May 2027.

Because Presbyterians affirmations

Members of First Presbyterian Church Copperas Cove wrote affirmations for residents of Hill Country Heights Rehab and Nursing Center.

Because Presbyterians Love Splash Pads

Round Rock's Tiny Tots Ministry enjoyed time at The Quarry Splash Pad after church

Because Presbyterians Love Arts and Crafts

Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church Arts and Crafts night

Because Presbyterians Love to Serve

Island Presbyterian Church Corpus Christi at Timon's Ministries

Read more information about all of the following postings on the "Leadership Openings" page of our website at: https://www.mission-presbytery.org/leadership-openings

Interim Part-Time Youth Minister | First/Kerrville

Co-Director of Student Ministry | Westlake Hills/Austin

Part-Time Music/Choir Director | Grace/San Antonio

Day School Director | Northwood Presbyterian Dayschool/San Antonio

Executive Director | National Alliance of Mental Illness/San Antonio

PT/FT Solo Pastor | Oak Hills Presbyterian/San Antonio

Associate Pastor: Pastor to Children, Youth, and Pastoral Care | Madison Square/San Antonio

Part-Time Stated Supply or CRE | First/Kingsville

Organist/Pianist | Burnet/Burnet

Part-Time Stated Supply Pastor | First/Copperas Cove

Part-Time Minister | First/Palacios

Part-Time Piano/Organ Musician | First/Port Lavaca

Job Opportunities with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

in English, Español, 한국인

PRN-on-call chaplain position. | Hospice Austin

As Mission Presbytery, we connect diverse leaders and congregations by

providing opportunities for worship, learning, and service so that all can flourish

through God’s grace.