Mission Presbytery Weekly News

Because Presbyterian Youth Serve and Play

Last Sunday, youth from five Austin-area churches gathered for the 15th (nearly) Annual Ding Dong Hockey game. They had a great time playing, eating together, and assembling hygiene kits for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. We can't wait until next year! Thanks to Westminster for hosting!

You can see more pictures below and on our Instagram feed at:

https://www.instagram.com/missionpby. You do not need an Insagram account to see this colorful and inclusive content.

November 20, 2025

There will be no Mission Presbytery newsletter during the week of Thanksgiving.

A few times per month, we will be praying for a specific list of churches in our Presbytery. Please join us in praying for the congregations, clergy, and staff of University Presbyterian Church - Austin, Madison Square Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church - Brownsville, Grace Presbyterian Church - San Antonio, and First Presbyterian Church - Rocksprings.

The Reign of Christ Sunday (Year C)

Rev. Bobby Musengwa

Transitional General Presbyter

In his influential 1982 book, "The Scapegoat," the late Prof. René Girard argues that human culture is founded on a scapegoat mechanism, where collective violence is projected onto a single victim to restore social order. Such is the case with Jesus on the cross.

Rooted: The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity - Basic Operating Principles, Part Two

First Corinthians 14:40 is a Bible verse that has been a north star for Presbyterians: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” This instruction from the Apostle Paul is connected to another instruction given earlier in 1 Corinthians 14:26: “Let all things be done for building up.” The long-standing Presbyterian concern for “decently and in order” is, at its best, a concern to shape a life together that builds up the church, its members and the world.

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A weekend retreat for families and individuals from small churches in Mission Presbytery. This retreat is a collaboration between the Austin College ACtivators, the Mission Presbytery Connect Committee, and John Knox Ranch.

Where: John Knox Ranch. 1661 John Knox Rd. Fischer, TX 78623

When: February 27 - March 1, 2026

Who: For families and individuals from small churches (membership of 75 or less) who would love to have a church retreat, but would benefit from combining with members from other churches.

Cost: All inclusive pricing ranges from $75 per person to $175 per person depending on housing selection. Scholarships available!

Keynote: John Williams, Austin College Chaplain. “Being Presbyterian Right Here and Right Now”

Click HERE to register

Click HERE for the flyer

Our annual Midwinter Youth Conference is now open for registration. To register your group, fill out the registration form and return it to Caitlin Supcoff (youth@missionpby.org) WITH payment!) by December 15.

The cost is $170 per person for dormitory housing and $200 per person for hotel-style housing.

Some scholarships are available; contact Caitlin for details.

Registration Flyer

Group Registration Form

Making History Today: Heretics

"Nevertheless, there are certain standards upheld by the church. Grateful for both freedom of conscience and standards of the church, we are indebted to those who risked much — on both sides — for their desire to be faithful to their call to discipleship."

Read more from the latest edition of Making History Today" from the PHSSW

In the News

Help Wanted:

Weekend Kitchen Staff at John Knox Ranch

Do you, or someone you know, have a heart for hospitality and enjoy working with others? John Knox Ranch summer camp and retreat center is looking for a few folks to join the kitchen team during weekend retreats. This is an hourly position that does not require every weekend. Scheduling will be flexible, with staff contacted as needed. No culinary degree required—just a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a willingness to serve under the direction of our head cook.

If you are interested or would like more details, please reach out to Henry Owen at (830) 935-4568 or jkrdirector@missionpby.org.

We See You!

Ding Dongs and brooms are repurposed for an amazing game of Ding Dong Hockey.

Leadership Openings

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 Director of Music | Holy Trinity/San Antonio

Executive Director | National Alliance of Mental Illness San Antonio

Part-Time Youth Ministry Coordinator | University Presbyterian/Austin

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.)