I want to give a special shout-out to Rev. Suzy Royston and the Boldtville congregation for the lovely service they planned and hosted November 8 to help us pray with and for the members of the Sutherland Springs community. They were welcoming, hospitable, and supportive for those of us who gathered.

I'm happy to tell that, at the service, $864 was collected in an offering to support that community. Also, if you were not able to attend the service, would like to hear a fine sermon from Suzy, and have access to Facebook, you can see it on the Mission Presbytery Facebook page. I understand that Tricia is also working on downloading it to our website; watch for it there too. (Speaking of which, THANK YOU  to Tricia for her steady and in recording!).

Jim Kirk, from the PDA office in Louisville, and Jim Ellor (a National Response Team member  ...there's more!  

Also see reference materials for unnatural disasters in the 

PDA: More Than Just Storms section below.

You are invited to the 

Ordination & Installation of

 

Jennifer Lee Mitchell

as Pastor of

First Presbyterian Church

405 E. Mayfield St.

Karnes City, Texas 78118

November 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM

After a brief illness  Linda Evans , wife of Rev. David Evans, passed away November 9, 2017 in Austin, Texas. A service will be held Monday, November 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio St., Austin, Texas.

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The Reverend John Wayne Watson passed away November 7, 2017 at his home in the presence of his wife Barbara. John was ordained in 1975 and dedicated his life to helping people know, love, and serve Jesus Christ, and deal with death. He served four Presbyterian churches in California and one in Boerne, Texas. In 2009 John took up work as a hospice chaplain. A service will be held Saturday, November 11, at 2:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 315 Rosewood Ave., Boerne, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Samaritan's Purse International Relief at https://www.samaritanspurse.org. Send condolences to the family at 6 Comanche Tr, Boerne, TX 78006.

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Grace Presbytery sends word that The  Reverend Benjamin F. Gutiérrez passed away November 2, 2017. Ben served as pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Robstown, Texas, followed by pastor of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Taft. He then served various in other areas of the world. ( read more)

Notes of condolence may be sent to his wife, Tina, at 417 Deer Run, Keller, Texas 76248-5382.

As you know, Kathy Anderson resigned her position as Director of John Knox Ranch effective October 31. We had talked with Kathy about a date to host a reception to honor and thank her for her time at the ranch - but as it turns out she's got a family conflict on the day that was chosen. Not to mention -

Kathy announced earlier this week that she has accepted a position with Mo-Ranch to serve as their Chaplain and Program Director! That's great news for Mo - and, great news for us because Kathy will be staying in Mission Presbytery.

So, at Kathy's request, there will NOT be a reception in December. We celebrate with her the new opportunity she'll have at Mo-Ranch, and will continue in ministry alongside her here in the presbytery.

Would your congregation like to assist congregations in New Covenant and Mission Presbyteries impacted by Hurricane Harvey? What about adopting a Sunday School Class or two through any of your upcoming mission opportunities (Christmas market, Fall festival)?

The Southcentral Region of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (SCRAPCE) is sponsoring an "Adopt-a-Class" program. Impacted congregations will be able to apply for grants of up to$1,000 per classroom to help them replace supplies, curriculum, and equipment. See About Adopt-a-Class

1. See how to help! - flyer
2. Donor Aid Form
3. Class Request Form

If you read Sallie's Ponderings above, you have a good start on how we might begin recovery from un-natural disasters.  We hope these reference sheets are helpful to your congregation:

Talking to Children About Mass Violence	Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents
Tips for Talking to Children & Youth	Active Shooter: What You Can Do
Children's Moment	Tip Sheet: Working With Media

Remember: