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Because Presbyterians "bury the alleluias"
Last Sunday during children’s time at First Presbyterian Church in Austin, the children helped place the word "Alleluia" away for the season of Lent—a simple, meaningful tradition that reminds us this is a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts.
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A Well That Never Runs Dry | |
Rev. Bobby Musengwa
Transitional General Presbyter
In our gospel text, it is midday at Jacob's well, and a Samaritan woman arrives alone, under the full weight of the sun and, perhaps, the full weight of her life. Jesus is already there — tired, thirsty, and waiting. What unfolds is one of the most remarkable conversations in all of Scripture.
| | | | This month, please join us in giving thanks for the ministries of all the Teaching Elders in our midst who were ordained in March. | | |
We especially recognize Rosario Battle, celebrating 40 years; Mitch Kolls, celebrating 10 years; and Mark Tarrant, celebrating 20 years of ordained ministry.
Rosario Batlle 3/2 (40 years!), Nancy Marroquin 3/3, Mitch Kolls 3/6 (10 years!), Mark Tarrant 3/6 (20 years!), Andrew Frazier 3/8, Consuelo Donahue 3/9, JoBeth McLeod 3/13, Clint Regen 3/16, Matthew Gaventa 3/17, Kris Brown 3/18, Amy Meyer 3/18, Rob Mueller 3/21, Jim DeMent 3/25, Charlie Hornes 3/25, Morsan McSweeney 3/25, Linda Bourianoff 3/29, Tom Mitchell 3/29
| | Regional Grants Now Offered | | |
The Connect Committee of Mission Presbytery is excited to offer a $1000 grant to each region in the Presbytery. The grant money is available on a first come first serve basis. The only requirements for the grant are that it be used for a gathering that fosters connection and fellowship among congregations in the region and that everyone in the region is invited (e.g., it cannot be a youth-only event).
To claim the grant for your region, fill out this form. A member of the Connect Committee will respond to let you know if your proposal meets the requirements and if the grant is still available for your region.
https://forms.gle/FxZoCKjbTNww7GhT8
| | Bridge to Ministry from APTS | | |
Bridge to Ministry is an initiative from Austin Seminary designed to support new clergy as they move from theological education into their first call, helping them grow into confident, grounded, and faithful pastoral leaders. The program cultivates a community of collegial support where early-career ministers can share wisdom, ask honest questions without fear, and build relationships that sustain them in the daily realities of congregational ministry.
The cohort provides structured opportunities for spiritual formation, practical leadership development, and guided reflection—equipping pastors with the tools they need to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. Through monthly virtual gatherings, the guidance of a seasoned facilitator, and an annual in-person retreat, participants deepen their spiritual practices, strengthen their pastoral identity, and gain essential skills for effective and sustainable ministry.
To apply, visit www.bridgetoministry.org.
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Synod Youth Workshop 2026 | For over 67 years, Synod Youth Worship has provided a place, a space, and time for God’s work of creating new life-time relationships. Participants in Synod Youth Workshop will experience God’s presence through opportunities for worship, prayer, scripture exploration, and community service in small and large group gatherings. Small groups provide a ‘safe place’ to explore faith questions, while sharing fun and laughter beyond measure. Many participants throughout the years have described the conference as a life-changing event. We hope you will consider attending Synod Youth Workshop in 2026. | | | | |
The application for Better Together Fund grants is now available. Better Together Fund grants are an opportunity for two or more Mission Presbytery congregations and additional ministries to receive funding for a
new collaborative project to help connect, learn, and serve within Mission Presbytery. More information and the application form are available at this link. Applications are due April 15.
| | Something NEW in 2026 from your Connect Committee | |
Read a good book lately?
We have and we’re inviting everyone in Mission Presbytery to join the conversation this Spring for our very first PresbyteREADS! The book we’re inviting you to read is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, where stories are told, friendships are born, and lives are changed.
| | Resources to share with your congregation | |
Flourishing in the Spirit - A Retreat for Commissioned Pastors and Small Church Leaders | |
Dates: April 6-10
Check in: Monday, 4:00 PM | Check out: Friday, 11:00 AM
Location: Camp Gilmont, 6075 State Hwy 155 North, Gilmer, TX
A retreat for Commissioned Pastors and Small Church Leaders following the busy Lent and Easter season. Workshop options will be available in the morning, and late afternoon, with afternoons free to refresh, renew and reenergize.
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Keynote Speaker: Rev. Kathy Anderson
Hosted by: Rockport FPC and El Divino Salvador
Luke 5:1-11
Please contact Mo-Ranch directly to make your reservations for housing and meals. You can call 1-800-460-4401 or go online to www.moranch.org ***USE CODE 3709 to book with our rates.
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Because Presbyterians love youth choral music
Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin had the joy of hosting the YouthCUE Winter Choral Celebration. Student singers from across Texas filled the sanctuary with beautiful music and heartfelt worship.
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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
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
Part-Time Solo Pastor | Forest Hills/Helotes
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
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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.
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