Because Presbyterians love live Nativity scenes
It's not often a person is staring at the nose of a camel, but this fella was getting ready for the Cross Roads Church Drive-Thru Live Nativity, held on December 5th.
MISSION PRESBYTERY
WEEKLY NEWS
210-826-3296
December 10, 2020
Third Sunday Resources for Dec. 20th now online
Mission Presbytery offers "Third Sunday" worship services for your congregation. These resources include video sermons and liturgical elements.

You can find liturgical resources for Sunday, December 20th on the Mission Presbytery website now. Video elements to be uploaded soon.

FEMA Grant Programs Can Assist Congregations
MOJC Grant Aids PCHAS Program
The Mission, Outreach and Justice Committee received another encouraging report from one of our 2020 grant recipients: Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Click the button below to read more about PCHS San Antonio Child & Family (C&F) Program. 

This is also a reminder that MOJC grant applications are due by January 22, 2021. Applications are located on the Mission Presbytery website and can be emailed to Rev. Chad Lawson @ chadlawson06@gmail.com
Advent Blessings!
Stated Clerk Notes
Laurie is thankful for the "breadth and depth" of the call of the Clerks of Session throughout the Presbytery. During the nearly year-long pandemic season, their dedication to their congregations is beyond measure.

For those of us who don't know what Clerks do, here's a short list of what they're doing now. For those who are Clerks, here are your marching orders...
The members of the Youth Connection Committee and the Midwinter Planning Team are thrilled to invite you to Midwinters 2021: Holy Connections! Midwinters will take place on Zoom this year on Friday, January 22-Sunday, January 24, 2021. Our theme scripture is Hebrews 10: 21-24. We will explore what it means to “not neglect to gather together” during this time of COVID.

We are blessed to be joined by our two amazing keynote speakers, Natarsha Sanders, Director of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian in Kerrville, and Rev. Andries Coetzee, Pastor of University Presbyterian in San Antonio. You and your youth won’t want to miss this!
Sallie's Ponderings
In one icon of the nativity, Sallie points out, there is more than just meets the eye. Angels, shepherds, wise men, etc. But also a despondent Joseph being led to doubt, a cave with no innkeeper and, of all things, a sarcophagus.

How did the theology of an 1800 year old iconographer lead Sallie to the color purple for Advent? Go to class with Sallie and learn more in this edition of Ponderings
Inspiration
This virtual choir project, "It Is Well with My Soul" was initiated in August 2020 by Austin Taiwanese Presbyterian Church. It quickly received support and encouragement from the leadership of the invited churches. The virtual choir consists mainly of three Asian Churches in Austin: Rock Chinese Church of Austin, Austin Chinese Church, and Austin Taiwanese Presbyterian Church along with our friends and Christians from several other churches.
The participants felt truly blessed to have an opportunity to share with the listeners about the grace and comfort that we receive from God.
In The Know
Final Push for John Knox Ranch's
"Light the Match" Campaign
Because of supporters like you, we are so close to our “Light the Match” campaign goal of raising $400,000 before this crazy year ends. We have less than $10,000 left to go before meeting our goal! With your help, we will reach our goal together!

The “Light the Match” campaign enables us to renovate and repair facilities, build our camp scholarship fund, and plan for the future of John Knox Ranch. Help Light the Match by making a donation today! All donations will be doubled up to $400,000 but they must come in before December 31, 2020.

Because of you, the JKR community, we are resilient, we are stable, and we are growing. Your generosity helps John Knox Ranch fulfill its mission to foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God’s creation. Please give generously. All Donations DOUBLED!


Youtube video for sharing https://youtu.be/K-1GQ9sc8Ow
NEXT Church 2021 National Gathering
is Virtual and Free
GOOD NEWS! The NEXT Church 2021 National Gathering is happening! We’ve been dreaming, praying, contemplating, and planning how to make this happen and there are a few things that you need know: The 2021 National Gathering will be live online March 5-7. This means you can attend the gathering from anywhere!

This event is for ALL church leaders. Not just clergy or professional church workers. We have carefully designed this gathering for all church leaders to learn and grow, and that means elders, deacons, youth workers, volunteers, active members, and YOU!
Remembering and Connecting Gratefully


Join us in thanking and celebrating Ruben Armendariz and sharing this little letter with friends and colleagues.
ECN Committee Seeks Your Input
The Education and Congregational Nurture (ECN) committee of Mission Presbytery is seeking your input. We are here to serve you and want to know the best way forward.

Please take some time to thoughtfully and prayerfully answer the survey so that our committee may better fill your needs as pastors, educators and churches.
Church of the Week
During this time when in person services are suspended, Mission Presbytery is posting links for live-streaming or recorded services to share. Each week we will highlight one church to attend. The link and information is on the front page of the website.

This week's church is Presbyterian Church of Gonzalez. Find more information about their Sunday service on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/ThePresbyterianChurch/
Virtual Community
Church Worship and Meeting Plans Worksheet
The Presbytery office has compiled a listing of worship opportunities and programs being offered by the Presbytery's churches. The file is in Excel format and can be downloaded from the website Virtual Community page. Please contact Melody Gonzalez at the Presbytery office with any updates.
Find it on our "Virtual Community" Web Page
See these and other resources on the "Virtual Community" page at: https://www.mission-presbytery.org/virtual-community

  • Scattered Church Resource Support Survey - NEW
  • Online Giving in 2020 - NEW
Leadership Openings
Read more information about all of the postings on the "Leadership Openings" page of our website at: https://www.mission-presbytery.org/leadership-openings

St. Mark Presbyterian Church, in rapidly growing Boerne, Texas located in the beautiful hill country, is seeking a full-time Solo Pastor. You are invited to email your PIF to pncstmarktx@gmail.com or mail to St. Mark, P.O. Box 1274, Boerne, Texas 78006.

Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church is searching for a part-time Administrator.

First Presbyterian Church of Kingsville is seeking a full-time or part-time Pastor.

Northminster Presbyterian Church in San Antonio is seeking a part-time Director of Christian Education.

First Presbyterian Church of Austin is seeking a part-time (6-8 hours per week) A/V Coordinator.

Hospice Austin has a PRN-on-call chaplain position.

First Presbyterian Church of Uvalde is seeking a part-time Pastoral Leader.

Designated Pastor position. A dynamic congregation in the San Antonio area is preparing to seek a Designated Pastor. If interested, please send a PIF to the COM at Mission Presbytery.
Resources and Links
We are Mission Presbytery, serving Christ in the World. In the Reformed Tradition, together we,
  • Establish and equip congregations and session to carry out their missions;
  • Recruit, receive, ordain, develop, and care for those called to service in the church;
  • Enable mission and witness to the Gospel that congregations cannot accomplish alone; and
  • Steward our resources faithfully and generously.
We are better together.
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