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The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation of Central Presbyterian Church, The Choir of Central Presbyterian Church” We are blessed to have two faithful choirs at Central Presbyterian Church: the choir that sits in the choir loft each Sunday and serves as the musical worship leaders for the primary choir, the choir of the congregation. Both of these choirs join together to praise God. So how does this praise happen? The choir in the choir loft offers a musical gift each week in the anthems that we sing to support the scripture, sermon and worship. The choir of the congregation sings hymns each Sunday that support the scripture, sermon and worship. So how do the hymns enrich our corporate worship? The title of our hymnal is a great place to start. Glory To God. All that we sing together in our corporate worship is our way to offer our voices and our lives in glory to God. Every voice makes a difference. I hear people lamenting that they cannot sing. Our glory to God is not about the quality of our voice, but it is about the joy of our spirit. We all “make a joyful noise” together. And God is pleased. The second thought is to see how our hymnal is arranged. All of the hymns are arranged in three major sections, with subsections under each one. (Take time to look a the Table of Contents.) These sections offer the opportunity to help us discover the depth and breadth of God’s love and God’s salvation history. Here are the three sections. God’s Mighty Acts (Hymns 1-384) The Church at Worship (Hymns 385-609) Our Response To God (Hymns 610-853) So what does this mean for all of us, the choirs of Central Presbyterian Church? It means that our singing is our way to give God glory. Each person’s voice is joined with the voice of the person next to him or her and together the voices give corporate praise to God. Have you ever thought that when you are not able to be in worship, that your voice is missing from the corporate praise? It also means that the hymns that we sing together give way to our Christian witness and our faith together. Yes, some of the hymns have many verses. (And you may wonder why we sing all of the verses of a hymn?) Take time on Sunday to read the text of the hymns that we are singing that day. (If you are unable to sing, read the words as the hymn is being sung. You are still singing.) All of the verses together tell a story….a story of our faith or a story of our Christian witness. Look for words or phrases or biblical images in all of our hymns that become a way of expressing our faith and our beliefs. Our hymnal is a rich resource for our Christian walk. It helps us find words for our faith when we do not have the words. It can be used as devotional material and can even be used in our prayer time. The hymnal is a true gift to be used in our spiritual growth. In all of our singing together may our voices be raised “In Glory To God.” Blessings, Reverend Tom Tickner Choir Director

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Page 1: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church

402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018

“The Congregation of Central Presbyterian Church,

The Choir of Central Presbyterian Church”

We are blessed to have two faithful choirs at Central Presbyterian Church: the choir that sits in the choir loft each Sunday and serves as the musical worship leaders for the primary choir, the choir of the congregation. Both of these choirs

join together to praise God.

So how does this praise happen?

The choir in the choir loft offers a musical gift each week in the anthems that we sing to support the scripture, sermon

and worship.

The choir of the congregation sings hymns each Sunday that support the scripture, sermon and worship.

So how do the hymns enrich our corporate worship?

The title of our hymnal is a great place to start. Glory To God.

All that we sing together in our corporate worship is our way to offer our voices and our lives in glory to God.

Every voice makes a difference. I hear people lamenting that they cannot sing. Our glory to God is not about the

quality of our voice, but it is about the joy of our spirit. We all “make a joyful noise” together. And God is pleased.

The second thought is to see how our hymnal is arranged. All of the hymns are arranged in three major sections, with subsections under each one. (Take time to look a the Table of Contents.) These sections offer the opportunity to help us

discover the depth and breadth of God’s love and God’s salvation history. Here are the three sections.

God’s Mighty Acts (Hymns 1-384)

The Church at Worship (Hymns 385-609)

Our Response To God (Hymns 610-853)

So what does this mean for all of us, the choirs of Central Presbyterian Church?

It means that our singing is our way to give God glory.

Each person’s voice is joined with the voice of the person next to him or her and together the voices give

corporate praise to God.

Have you ever thought that when you are not able to be in worship, that your voice is missing from the corporate praise?

It also means that the hymns that we sing together give way to our Christian witness and our faith together.

Yes, some of the hymns have many verses. (And you may wonder why we sing all of the verses of a hymn?) Take time on Sunday to read the text of the hymns that we are singing that day. (If you are unable to sing, read the words as the hymn is being sung. You are still singing.) All of the verses together tell a story….a story of our faith or a story of our Christian witness. Look for words or phrases or biblical images in all of our hymns

that become a way of expressing our faith and our beliefs.

Our hymnal is a rich resource for our Christian walk. It helps us find words for our faith when we do not have the words. It can be used as devotional material and can even be

used in our prayer time. The hymnal is a true gift to be used in our spiritual growth.

In all of our singing together may our voices be raised “In Glory To God.”

Blessings,

Reverend Tom Tickner

Choir Director

Page 2: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

FINANCIAL UPDATE

A Message from the Finance and Stewardship Team

Dear Church Family,

Did you know that you can have your church contributions sent directly to the church from your bank or financial institution? You can do this by using bank draft, EFT or Bill Pay methods. Regular direct deposits to the church help you to be a faithful giver and help the

church with cash flow during slow giving times.

Also, if you are eligible for or receiving a required distribution from your IRA or 401K, you can direct an amount to the church without having to pay income tax. If you wish to donate or make pledge payments using the IRA tax-free arrangements, please contact the church office for the bank routing and account number for Central Presbyterian Church and arrange the direct withdrawal with your

financial institution.

To learn more, please contact the church office.

Arlene Hamilton and Karl Goss

Gift Cards

The church office is in need of gift cards for people that

stop by the office for assistance.

It can be in $5 increments to Wal-Mart or HEB so that they

may purchase gas or any items they may need.

June 2018 Results June 2018 YTD

Income Actuals Budget

Favorable/ (Unfavorable) Variance to

Budget

Increase/ (Decrease) from Prior

Year Actuals Budget

Favorable/ (Unfavorable) Variance to

Budget

Increase/ (Decrease) from Prior

Year Pledged Offerings $22,206 $23,805 $ 1,599) $(2,624) $140,410 $142,830 $ (2,420) $ (1,978) Unpledged Offerings $ 3,847 $ 2,409 $ 1,438 $ 2,455 $ 17,599 $ 14,454 $ 3,145 $ 3,979

Other Income (Weddings & Royalties) $ 1,196 $ 375 $ 821 $ (51) $ 2,595 $ 2,250 $ 345 $ (1,109)

Total Unrestricted & Other Income $27,250 $26,589 $ 661 $ (220) $ 160,604 $159,534 $ 1,070 $ 892

Note: Total receipts are favorable to budget year-to-date and collections are higher than the amounts collections through May last year. CPC is a faithful congregation and is blessed beyond measure. Expenses are currently over budget, due to numerous repairs that are needed to preserve our building. As we approach the 100th year in our beautiful facility, we will need to provide funds to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the worship and fellowship that has endured so many before us.

The out look

Highlights from the July 19, 2018, Called Session Meeting:

• Session gave unanimous approval to a request from Arlene Hamilton to seek an initiative grant from Grace Presbytery for the community garden.

• The pastor informed session that Worship Outside the Walls has been set for Sept. 30.

Commendations:

• John Stockman, for his tireless painting of the fence around Fellowship Park.

• Justin Hentschel and Chris Hauffe, who are always at work behind the scenes for the benefit of the Church.

• Denise Johnson, who is always willing to step in when Randy is not available on Sunday.

• Mia Hauffe, Jim Jordan, Bonney Ramsey and Denise Johnson, for contributing to worship by providing beautiful Gathering Music.

• All the faithful fillers of the food box!

Page 3: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

August Birthdays

Dreckshage, Dee 8 5

Shank, Judy 8 5

Tull, Elizabeth 8 10

Stelzer, Jacob Thomas 8 18

Baize, Kindra 8 21

McFee, Charlene 8 22

McLane, Del 8 22

Montgomery, Dale 8 22

Goss, Jim 8 26

Johnston, JoAnn 8 27

Chapman, Jim 8 29

Williams, Penny 8 29

Authier, Anderson James 8 30

Spurr, Ruth 8 30

McLane, Mary Ann 8 31

Seeking Part Time Youth Director Central Presbyterian Church, Waxahachie

We are looking for someone who is an enthusiastic follower of Jesus Christ and can help guide our current youth program. This person would work under the direction of our DCE and alongside adult volunteers to assist with the planning and implementation of discipleship opportunities, fun faith-based activities for the youth (5th -12th grade) of our church and community. This person would help shepherd our youth in their journey of becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, which would help sustain their faith into adulthood.

Qualifications: Must be an exemplary role model of our Christian faith, have a good working knowledge of the Bible, the Presbyterian Church (USA), current issues facing youth and families and experience working with youth. Must be able to work well with other adults; including parents, volunteers and other members of the church staff. Must have good communication skills with both youth and adults/parents. Ability to lead music is preferred but not required.

All interested parties please send resume and cover letter to: [email protected].

Do you ever participate in worship from the pew and think,

“I could do that,” but take the thought no further? This is

your chance.

Be A Liturgist! We have a new year of worship

opportunities with new leaders. Please contact Priscilla

Clore at (903) 641-5544 (call or text) or e-mail

[email protected] to learn more—and turn that

thought into action.

Jesus is calling—you?

BE A LITURGIST

SUPER SUMMER SINGERS REMINDER

Just a reminder of the invitation to join the summer choir. There will be one rehearsal each month and we will sing on Sundays. This is a great time to exercise some new muscle, your vocal chords, and offer your gift of time and presence to our worship. We rehearse at 7:15 PM and look forward to having you join us for the summer. Here are the dates:

Rehearsal: Wednesday, August 8 - 7:15 PM

Come and join a fun group of people for a new opportunity to join our voices together in praise.

Peace,

Tom

Page 4: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Fall Gathering & Introduction to 2018-2019 Bible Study

Women from all over Grace Presbytery are invited to this annual gathering of Presbyterian Women. Hear from the author of the 2018-2019 PW study, God's Promise: I Am With You, Amy Poling Sutherlun. A delicious lunch is $7 per person and can be paid at the door. Be sure to bring your study book with you.

Tuesday, August 28 First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth

Great Hall Fellowship at 10 a.m.

Program at 10:30 a.m. Lunch at 12 p.m.

Journey Through Genesis 12-50 With Beth Moore

An 11-Session Study from Beth Moore

Discover God's pursuit of relationship and the unfolding of His earthly plan: How through

one nation–and ultimately one man–all people on earth will be blessed. The Patriarchs is a

journey through Genesis 12-50. Explore concepts such as blessing, covenant, and

promise, and the bearing each has on a New Testament believer's life today.

This small group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 – 12:00 for prayer,

bible study and fellowship. Please join us as we begin our next study

facilitated by Cheryl Arey. We meet at the home of Cheryl Loper, 204 Red Oak

Creek Dr. Oak Leaf, Tx 75154

Please contact Cheryl Arey no later than August 26th so that a study book can

be ordered for you at the cost of $20. We hope you will join us for our study

which will begin on September 5th.

Submitted by: Cheryl Arey

All men of the church are invited to gather for our monthly fellowship and help break in Fellowship Park on Saturday morning, August 11th, at 8am. Come on out and share in the best outdoor breakfast you’ve had since you were in Boy Scouts. We are firing up two flat tops and will have eggs to order, bacon, sausage, hash browns and anything else you want to throw on the grill (if you want to throw on a gluten-free egg white veggie frittata, we won’t judge; at least not on church property)!

Come celebrate the progress of Fellowship Park and start off the weekend by spending some quality time with a group of guys who will always be there for you. The Men’s Fellowship of CPC would like to invite men and boys of all ages to our breakfasts, so feel free to bring your sons, grandsons, nephews, neighbors, etc.

Guys, if you haven’t been to one of these breakfasts, or if it has been a while, please come join in the fun! All men of the Church and community are welcome to attend, swap tall tales and lift each other up. Even if you just want to play on the swing sets, we hope you will join us. Please contact Brent Rutan (972-923-0588) or Mike Tull (972-938-1020) with any questions.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast Saturday, August 11th - 8:00am

CPC Fellowship Park

Page 5: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Fellowship Park Update

Fellowship Park was really taking shape in July! The City of Waxahachie issued our permit for our

Shade Structure for the park in June and it will be in place soon.

The concrete foundation is in place. The surfaces will be covered with cedar to provide a really nice

appearance. We plan for lighting under the structure, a couple of ceiling fans and electrical outlets

for crock pots, sound and music equipment. Sidewalks, fencing completion and landscaping will be

completed soon thereafter.

Please express your thanks to Fellowship Park Team members: Bill Abbott, Priscilla Clore, Matt

Curry, Annette Goss, Karl Goss, Jim Goss, John Hamilton, Chris Hauffe, Denise Johnson, Gary

Loper, Bobby McMillian, Mackey Morgan, Letitia Rutan, Brent Rutan, Susie Sambell and Mike Tull

for all their hard work.

Playground Equipment – Train, ship and castle have been in place for a while. Karl has

completed installation of all new swing frames and new swings will be hung soon and the area

opened for play.

Thanks be to God!

Fellowship Park Team

The out look

Fall Community Garden update:

At the June meeting of the Earth Care Congregation ministry team, we learned that after we paid their fee, the City located the existing water line and sewer line and determined where to put the water meter. They also agreed to waive some of the fees to install the meter! Building & Grounds ministry team generously offered money from their budget to pay those fees

so that we can complete this water installation. That means, the fall garden can proceed! Praise God!

So, here's what is needed:

1. July & August - weed and clear brush from the site. All are welcome to start this whenever you are available to work.

You can use the shed for tool storage.

2. Donations are needed for soil, compost & materials for the raised beds along with plants. Whatever amount you can

donate will be welcome.

We will announce a date for fall planting (late August) so that we can all enjoy this abundance of

teamwork, generosity and grace together!

Earth Care Congregation ministry team

Page 6: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

What do I recycle and where do I do it?

Find out where and what to recycle at Earth911.com. Enter the item and your zip code or call 1-800-cleanup. Going green is a money saving, environmentally wise thing to do. Summer is a perfect time to make simple changes that can have long-lasting and far-reaching results.

Earth Care Congregation News

Earth Care Congregation ministry team.

Improving the Air We Breathe

When you choose to bike, use public transit, walk or carpool instead of driving alone, you are reducing the amount of harmful pollutants that enter our air. Learn more and sign up for air pollution alerts at

www.airnorthtexas.org.

“God saw everything that He had made and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31.

“To the thirsty, I will give water as a gift from the spring of life.” Revelations 21:6

How can we break the bottle water habit?

• Drink water from a reusable bottle, travel mug or canteen, from the tap.

• Encourage CPC to provide water pitchers rather than individual bottles at meetings and events. (we already do this).

• Engage in water issues through education, worship, advocacy and service.

• Encourage municipal officials to keep our water utility in public control.

• Insist on safe standards and affordable access for all.

• Conserve water (fix leaky faucets, use low-flow showerheads, etc).

Presbyterians for Earth Care is a nationwide network that cares for God’s creation by connecting, equipping and inspiring. Learn more at www.presbyearthcare.org

Mission News Submitted by Cheryl Loper

Food Donations

Please continue to support Waxahachie Care with donations of food and cash. Bags and the

monthly meal suggestions are always on the table outside the parlor.

Also donations for the Little Pantry located across the street in front of Bethlehem Revisited,

may be brought to the office at any time. It is suggested that canned items have a ring pull top

for easier access.

The out look

Page 7: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

The out look

Discipleship and Education

Rally Sunday is August 19th. Be sure and bring your backpacks, binders, planners, etc. to church for a special “Blessing of the Backpacks” during morning worship. Our worship service will also include a Bible Presentation for all students entering the 3rd grade, and an introduction of all our wonderful Sunday School teachers.

Discipleship and Education Ministry Team will meet Sunday, August 26th immediately following morning worship. If you are interested in learning more about what we do or get involved in our ministry, you are invited to join us! Lite lunch will be provided.

.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS and

3RD GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION during morning worship on Sunday, August 19th

followed by a

CHURCH WIDE BRING-A-DISH LUNCHEON

Page 8: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Discipleship and Education

OPERATION FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

It’s hard to believe but it is time to start thinking about how we can help

Waxahachie’s Operation First Day of School. For the past two years we provided

glue sticks to hand out to all students in WISD who needed assistance with

obtaining needed supplies. We have been asked to supply glue sticks again this year! Our goal

is1,500 glue sticks, that sounds like a lot, but I know we can do it. Amazon is a great place to buy

bulk glue sticks at a great price. An added bonus if you shop amazon with your account but go

through the CPC webpage (look for the Amazon logo at the bottom of the webpage), a small

portion of your qualifying purchase will go back to CPC. Deadline for dropping off glue sticks at

church is August 10thrd. There will be collection boxes set up in the cottage side entrance and

narthex! If you would like to help the day of Operation First Day of School please contact WISD

at 972.923.4631.

Page 9: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Mini-Retreat specifics A discounted rate of $78 covers the PW Mini-Retreat and includes dinner on Friday, breakfast on Saturday,

the Saturday gathering with lunch, and your choice of overnight accommodations. Choose between the Lodge

which includes 2 twins with private bath, or if you have several friends or family coming together, opt for a

Cabin, where 3 or more can bunk together comfortably, sharing common bath and community space.

Day Only option Cost is $8 for those coming Saturday only and includes a simple breakfast, lunch and the program for the day

on Saturday.

register at www.gilmont.org/pw_gathering 903-797-6400 [email protected]

Continued on next page

Grace Presbytery PW Fall Gathering October 19-20, 2018

Mini-Retreat at Gilmont Camp and Conference Center

...For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body

...1 Corinthians 12:12-14

This fall, you are invited to a Fall

Gathering Mini–Retreat at Gilmont. Bring a

friend or family member and join us Friday,

or come Saturday morning. Together, with

our speaker, Joanna Kim, Director of

Ministry Services with Grace Presbytery,

we will enjoy conversations, workshops,

worship, and time in God’s beautiful

creation.

“Called to be one body in Christ”

Page 10: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Be there or be Square! All PW groups are invited to participate in a quilt project for Fall Gathering Retreat. Ask the quilters in

your church to complete an 8-inch square (cut size would be 8 and 1/2 inches) that reflects some-thing

unique about your church. (For example: One church has decided to make a "window" block to represent

a beautiful stained-glass window in their sanctuary.) Embroider the name and city of your church on the

square. Then bring the square to the Fall Gathering for display. Later the squares will be put together

and the quilt will be displayed at one of our meetings. Then it will be donated to the Single Parent pro-

gram at PCHAS (Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services).

Who should come? Consider bringing not only your PW Circle friends, but this is a perfect opportunity to reach out to a

daughter, a new friend, neighbor, or any woman that God lays on your heart to invite. The relaxed nature

of this retreat along with time to fellowship to and from, staying together in a cabin, sharing time working

on a mission project or taking a hike, make this a great time to invite others to join us!

Schedule

Friday, October 19 4:00 pm arrive for workshops – including a mission project, creative prayer, nature hike, and a book

discussion for those reading Waking Up White by Debby Irving.

6:00 pm enjoy the evening meal at the O’Neal Center

7:00 pm a time of learning with Joanna Kim

Depending on your schedule, you are welcome to come in at any time Friday evening.

If you cannot make it Friday, you are welcome to join us Saturday.

Saturday, October 20 9:00 Registration, Breakfast

9:45 – 10:30 Gathering Worship/Business Meeting

Opening prayer and hymn

Election/Installation of Officers

Presentation of the Budget for approval

Offering

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 11:45 Keynote Speaker, Joanna Kim, Director of Ministry Services with Grace Presbytery

11:45 -1:00 Lunch, Fellowship, and browsing Mission Tables

1:00 - 2:00 Keynote speaker followed by Communion

(dismissal, or linger to enjoy the camp, work on mission projects)

Optional Workshops throughout the weekend will include: a hands on mission project, nature photo

hikes, walking the labyrinth, and creative prayer practices.

The out look

Page 11: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

O F F I C E O F T H E G E N E R A L A S S E M B L Y C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Highlights of actions of the 223rd General Assembly (2018) in 1,500 words or less

Jerry Van Marter | Office of the General Assembly Communications - June 29, 2018intPrint

LOUISVILLE Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (left) and Cindy Kohlmann (right) Co-Moderators of the 223rd General

Assembly - Photo by Michael Whitman.

Church Leadership: In one of closest elections in years, Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (Presbytery of Tropical Florida) and the Reverend Cindy Kohlmann (Presbyteries of Boston and Northern New England) were elected Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018) on Saturday evening, June 16. On a fourth ballot vote of 266-253, they prevailed over another Co-Moderator team—the Reverend Eliana Maxim (Presbytery of Seattle) and the Reverend Bertram Johnson (Presbytery of New York City). A Moderator/Vice-Moderator pair—Ruling Elder Chantal D. Atnip (Presbytery of Carlisle), and the Reverend Ken Hockenberry (Presbytery of Chicago)—trailed.

In other actions involving Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leadership, the assembly:

• Confirmed the election of the Reverend Diane Moffett as president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

• Confirmed the reelection of the Reverend Tom Taylor as president of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. Confirmed the election of Alton B. Pollard III as president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Fossil Fuel Divestment: By a vote of 332-178, the assembly voted in favor of a minority report that called for the PC(USA) to continue its corporate engagement with fossil fuel companies—through its Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee—rather than divest from those companies. The Assembly Committee on Environmental Issues had voted 35-20 for the divestment proposal offered by the Presbytery of Hudson River. After the minority report became the main motion, it was approved by the assembly 409-106.

Israel-Palestine/Middle East: After spirited debate in the Assembly Committee on Middle East Issues that spilled out into the hallways of America’s Center (St. Louis’ convention center), the assembly raced through the committee’s report in just thirty-five minutes on June 22. Among its actions, the assembly:

• Asked RE/MAX, LLC, to end its sale and rental of property on occupied, disputed land in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The vote was 393-55.

• Voiced support for all efforts to bring Palestinians and Israelis together peacefully.

• Asked the state of Israel to fully comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in order to stop discriminatory practices and called on the U.S. government to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council. Condemned the recent violence along the border between Israel and Gaza.

Per Capita: The assembly approved a 2019 General Assembly per capita apportionment of $8.95 per member—an increase of $1.25 (or 15.8 percent) per member over 2018. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly had originally proposed a 39 percent in-crease in 2019 to $10.71 per member. At the assembly, General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, revised that request down to a 10 percent increase in 2019 (to $8.50) and 2020. The Assembly Committee on General Assembly Procedures approve the 2019 request, but not the 2020 increase. The assembly added $643,000 (or 45 cents per member) to the per capita budget by the actions it took, raising the final per capita apportionment to $8.95. In other per capita-related actions, the assembly:

• Approved, in a slightly amended form, an overture from the Presbytery of Newton to establish a team of twelve to fifteen per

sons to “review the current per capita-based system of funding the ministry of councils higher than the session, for financial

sustainability into the next ten years.”

• Asked the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly and the Office of the General Assembly to explore ways of reducing the cost of future General Assemblies.

The Way Forward: By a vote of 474-47, the assembly overwhelmingly approved the report of The Way Forward Commission, which

was created by the 222nd General Assembly (2016) “to discern the vision for structure and function of our denomination.” The Way

Forward Commission was joined by the All-Agency Review Committee in many of its recommendations. The assembly also created a

Moving Forward Implementation Team to ensure follow-through of the actions taken and to make “mid-course corrections” between now

and the 224th General Assembly (2020). Among its actions on The Way Forward, the assembly:

The out look

Page 12: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

• Restructured PC(USA) A Corp to be representative of five of the six agencies of the PC(USA)—previously the A Corp board

was identical to the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board. The new A Corp board is composed of eleven members, representing

each agency, with the exception of the Board of Pensions, plus at-large members.

• Strengthened the role of the General Assembly Stated Clerk, reaffirming that person as the “continuing ecclesial officer and

Head of Communion,” naming the Stated Clerk as “constitutional and spiritual leader” for the life and witness of the church,

giving the Stated Clerk ex officio membership on all agencies of the church, and giving the Stated Clerk consultative authority

prior to the consideration for election of any candidate for chief executive of any of the PC(USA)’s six agencies.

• Authorized a “financial sustainability review.”

• Beefed up the denomination’s translation services and efforts toward greater inclusion, equity, and reconciliation between all

constituencies of the church.

• Endorsed an “administrative action issued by the commission on June 12 calling for greater transparency, particularly in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and freedom for national staff employees to speak their minds in addressing the prevailing culture without retribution or retaliation.

Racism/Poverty/Violence: The assembly engaged in various acts of public witness that sought to engage issues of racism,

poverty, and violence in St. Louis under the umbrella of Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II’s, Hands and Feet initiative. In addition

to a number of groups who came to St. Louis to engage in Hands and Feet service/learning projects during the assembly, several

“mission trips” for assembly-goers engaged with various faith-based community groups to address poverty and racism in the city.

The offering from the opening worship service raised more than $54,000, which after a dramatic march by nearly 1,000 assembly-

goers from America’s Center to the City Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon, was given to ArchDefenders, a faith-based group

that bails low-level offenders out of jail. Nearly three dozen people, victims of St. Louis’ draconian cash bail system, were released

from custody with the money. In its actions, the assembly:

• Approved “The Gospel from St. Louis,” prepared by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.

• Initiated the arduous process of possibly including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in the Book of

Confessions.

• Strongly condemned “the unjust, racist disparagement of people and entire nations” and committed the PC(USA) to “a collec-

tive effort to solve the real problems facing our nation and the world.”

• Changed the church’s nomenclature from “racial ethnic people” to “people of color” and the name of the Advocacy Commit-

tee for Racial Ethnic Concerns to the Racial Equity Advocacy Committee.

• Called for an immediate moratorium on the imposition of the death penalty and for the commutation of all death sentences to

sentences of life imprisonment.

• Authorized a five-member task group with a black women majority to raise awareness of issues adversely affecting black girls

and women in society and the church, and to develop action plans to address those issues.

• Affirmed and celebrated the “full dignity and humanity” and gifts of people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Immigration: Following on statements issued by General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, the assembly called upon

the federal government to end family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border, to immediately reunite parents with their children, to

inform every parent where their children are being held and their condition, to stop using separation of children from their parents

as a tactic to force criminal confessions; and called upon Presbyterians to support immigrant families, particularly parents and their

separated children in any ways they can. The assembly also addressed war, violence, and human rights in Central America

(particularly Nicaragua), South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Madagascar, and the Korean Peninsula.

Gun Violence: The assembly reaffirmed previous General Assembly policies designed to reduce gun violence, called all

Presbyterians to pray for a movement of the Spirit to engage Presbyterians in nationwide actions to prevent gun violence, and

urged them to create opportunities to study the issue of gun violence, with an emphasis on resources produced by the Presbyterian

Peace Fellowship.

Paid Family Leave: After long debate in both committee and plenary, the assembly referred to a task force to report back to the

224th General Assembly (2020) proposed actions to develop denomination-wide standards and financial support mechanisms for

paid family leave for church workers.

Congregational Leadership: The assembly rejected, by margin of 425-57, an overture from the Presbytery of Monmouth that

would have allowed congregations to elect and ordain ruling elders without requiring them to serve on session. The proposal was

designed to provide more lay leadership in a church that is changing—leadership, for instance, for new worshiping communities,

immigrant fellowships, and other nontraditional faith communities.

https://www.pc-biz.org/#/. https://ga-pcusa.org/general-assembly-news/.

AUTHOR: Jerry Van Marter | Office of the General Assembly Communications

The out look

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-CHRONICLES OF A STRESSFUL MISSIONARY WEEKEND-

Dear Friends and Partners,

I want to thank you all for your prayers for us and Haiti. It has truly been a dark weekend. It all started on Friday, July 6

after the news of fuel hike from $4 to $6 broke over the radio around 4pm. On this day early in the morning Marie and I

along with a local pastor went to a small village called Neply which is 1½-hour drive from the orphanage to pick up my

grandson who came with a mission group from his church in Florida. We wanted him to spend the day at our

orphanage before he returns stateside with the group on Saturday afternoon. But after we got home around 2:30, a radio

news update indicated that people were taking to the streets to protest the fuel hike and cursing the

government.

Saturday July 7: Very early around 6am we learned that more people were protesting in the streets. The protests were

spreading fast and turning violent with roadblocks and riots. Hours later the protesters started to loot grocery stores,

lumber stores, and some government offices, spreading from Port-au-Prince to other cities. By 10am we

realized that this is serious, and all airlines were cancelled. Around 2:45pm I was preparing to email a prayer request to

my mission agency, the World Baptist Fellowship when suddenly my internet went off. When I called the company, I

learned that protesters entered one of their building causing serious damages. At the same time, they took the city

power. Then my generator broke down, the solar panel system was acting up and could not power anything. I spent most

of the night trying to solve the problem but was unsuccessful. At 9:30pm the Haitian president made an address to the

nation in which he said he heard their message, canceled the price gas hike, and asked the protesters to stop and go

home.

Sunday July 8: Marie and I, along with the orphanage staff, all the children, two visiting partners from Texas, and my

grandson had a good time of morning worship. After the service I panicked a little when news broke that the protesters

unsuccessfully attempted to burn down a hospital. I was wondering what is next on their list. I spent the rest of the day,

praying, checking on the news, interacting and evaluating the situation with national pastors and other missions while the

children were having their normal time. In the evening, we could hear scattered sounds of gunshots by

looters attacking nearby grocery stores and places. We saw the smoke of burning tires and could smell it.

Monday July 9: The protesters began to leave the streets and remove the roadblocks. All airlines resumed their flights. I

took my grandson to the airport and my two other guests were able to reschedule to return to Texas on Wednesday.

Psalm 23:1,4,6 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of

death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me…Surely goodness and mercy shall

follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. We are thankful that life is starting to

return to normal.

CONCLUSION: Just last month in the country of Jordan there was the largest protest for 4 days threatening to

topple the government because of gas price hike. On January 5, 2017 in Mexico, a 20% gas price hike fueled riots, looting,

vandalism, and robbery. These were reported by all US medias. Hiking gas price can be dangerous. In Haiti, as of Tuesday,

July 11 the protests have died down and as I finish this Chronicle I had to stop for almost 5 hours to go and hunt for

groceries for Marie and me just like many other Haitians. God our provider provided miraculous. I was able to find bread,

dry fish, and other basics food to help make it for several days. The weekend protest with all the looting, rioting and

death was like an attack by forces of darkness over the island. We want to continue to be the vessels of the Holy Spirit to

retain and push evil back from this land where God has placed us to do his works. We are more than 100% sure that

security is NOT the absence of danger, but to be and remain in God’s perfect will. This is where we are fulfilling the great

commission…there is no better place to be while journeying through this evil and passing world.

We count on your continuous prayers. Thank you for your monthly support!

Jacques and Marie

The out look

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Waxahachie Central Presbyterian Church,

God has given us good and bad these past few months, so I share the good first. The training that we planned for the believers from Kashmir was a tremendous success. The connection we made to these people was entirely out of the blue, so we weren’t expecting it at all, and now we’re just floored with what has been going on. The area of Kashmir that these people are from is even more restrictive than I thought. For instance, every mosque there has two steps that all Muslims must climb to enter the mosque. The first step requires that they curse Israel. The second, that they curse America. So, these Muslims are cursing Israel and America every week. Also, Pakistan is close to the area and their intelligence agency, ISI, frequently comes there to offer jobs to poor Muslims if they’ll spy on India or otherwise work against India, which these boys often do. India knows this, of course, and so the area is heavily monitored by the Indian government, which has gained an extremely negative opinion from the locals. That, coupled with the fact that they’re cursing America, makes it clear that access for foreigners is strictly denied, and any mission work is quickly snuffed out by either India, Pakistan, or the Kashmir Muslims themselves. Yet, it was a handful of believers from this area that snuck into Delhi, learned how to baptize, plant churches, lead Bible studies, and make disciples, and they went back to Kashmir and immediately put what they learned into practice. They’ve baptized at least 30 new believers. Right

now, our Indian partners are in the area to follow up with them and see everything they’ve been able to do in the past two months.

Another big praise report is that I got my OCI card. I’m legal to live and work in India for the rest of my life. This is a tremendous blessing because I know many Americans who either have had their visas denied before coming here or have been removed from the country over the past few years. This is a powerful sign that God wants us here long term. Another such sign is that I’ve finally enrolled in a Master’s of History degree from a university here in India. The master’s degree is necessary because there is a Ph.D. in advanced Christian studies offered from a missionary university in India that I’ve had my eye on for a while, and I’ll finally be able to enroll in that. It took nearly two years for me to join this master’s course because of the great scrutiny Indian universities give to documents, like transcripts, from foreign countries. I wasn’t particular to this master’s degree, it’s just a stepping stone on the way to the Ph.D., but I do like history and know a significant amount of India’s already, so the course is fun. There aren’t any theological degrees offered in India in an online or correspondence based format, or I would have taken one of those. I could have done one such course from an American university, but that wouldn’t have solved the problems I would face enrolling in the Ph.D. program like I met enrolling in the master’s degree program, plus it would have been a significantly higher

cost.

However, we see some problems as well. For instance, Dimple and I were very excited about going to Spain to attend a one week theological intensive on the Holy Spirit led by Dr. Gregg R. Allison and Dr. Andreas J. Kostenberger, but Spain rejected Dimple’s visa application (Americans don’t need a visa to visit Spain, Indians do). We’re also receiving some mixed signals from the US embassy about Dimple being able to obtain a visa to return to America next year. We have an appointment with them next month; please pray for that. If she doesn’t get one, I might have to look at returning for furlough by myself, which is as

heartbreaking as it is frustrating.

Also, our closest partner, Pranjal, left Truthseekers ministry and created his own, called Disciple Makers India. We’re partnering with him to help him get started and running, and we’ve heard some great stories so far, but there’s a strain between Truthseekers and us now because we refuse to sever our relationship with him. There’s plenty of other things to say about what’s going on there, as you might imagine, but we share this because we request that you pray for our work with Truthseekers and with Pranjal’s Disciple Makers India and that God can keep everyone focused on doing what He’s called us to do. These types of

splits often happen in India and usually create bitterness, envy, gossip, and undermining each other. We’d like to avoid all of that.

So, at a time when many missionaries are having trouble getting into India, God has rolled out a red carpet for us that’s so welcoming that we can’t even leave for short break! We’ve expanded our contacts and worked with people outside of Truthseekers, such as these Kashmir men, and that has been amazing and refreshing to us. We’re seeing people baptized, and possibly more significantly, being baptized by people only recently baptized themselves, and we’re seeing God show up in unexpected places. We strongly feel like God is preparing us for a lifetime of service to the church in India, and we’re joyful about

that. Thanks for your support.

In grace,

Grant and Dimple McFarland

Update from India

The out look

Page 15: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

Reminder

Please have your Newsletter contributions/submissions to both Nancy Post at [email protected] and Johnna Breedon at [email protected] by the 20th of each

month. No computer? No problem. Please just submit to the office.

Thank you!

Sign up for CPC updates and reminders by e-mail by con-tacting: [email protected]

Are you still receiving the CPC Monthly Newsletter,

The Outlook, by mail? Sign up for e-mail-only

delivery by contacting the office at

[email protected] and help save on

printing and postage.

Thank you.

Committee for Weddings and Funerals

Central Presbyterian Church has a committee for

weddings and for funerals. Both are headed up by

Winnie O’Donnell with assistance from Kary

Meade on weddings and Larry & Glinda Felty, and

Kary Meade on funerals. The committees stand by

ready to assist any member of the church.

The out look

Welcome Center

A Welcome Center is open to greet visitors, members,

and all who enter the Narthex (the front of the church)

with coffee and juice. The Welcome Center will be open

from 9:15 until 10:45. If you notice a visitor

entering the ramp entrance, please help them find the

Welcome Center.

Larry Felty, Worship Team Leader

To access our online directory, you must enter you own personal username and password. If you need your log-in information, please send an email to:

[email protected]

Once logged-in, you can update your own information and picture anytime you want, and connect with

members directly through the app!

CPC is now a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For us to earn money, you must go to Amazon by clicking on the Amazon link on our CPC web site. Do your normal shopping, and we will earn a portion of the qualifying

sales. It is that easy!

Shop on Amazon and support our Church!

Page 16: The Outlook - Central Presbyterian Church · 2014. 8. 10. · Choir Director The Outlook Central Presbyterian Church 402 N College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 August 2018 “The Congregation

402 N. College Street P O Box 38 Waxahachie, TX 75168

Office hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm

Friday 9am-Noon Phone: 972-937-2924

E-mail: Office: [email protected]

Pastor: [email protected]

Web: www.cpcwax.org

Follow CPCWAX on social media:

Sunday School 9:45 am

Worship Service 11:00 am

August 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 6:00 Saturday Seekers

5 9:30 am Prayer 9:45 am Sunday School 10:15 am Music 11:00 Worship Service

6

7 6:30 pm Worship MT

8 7:15 pm Chancel Choir

9

6:30 pm

Finance MT

10 11 8:00 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at Fellowship Park 8:30 Marthas

12 9:30 am Prayer 9:45 am Sunday School 10:15 am Music 11:00 Worship Service

13

6:30 Jubilate Ringers

14 15 4:30 pm Staff Meeting

16

6:30 pm Session

17 18 6:00 Saturday Seekers

19 9:30 am Prayer 9:45 am Sunday School 10:15 am Music 11:00 Worship Service 12:00 Back to School Luncheon

20 6:30 Jubilate Ringers

21 6:30 Personnel MT

22 23 24 25

26 Synod Sunday 9:30 am Prayer 9:45 am Sunday School 10:15 am Music 11:00 Worship Service

27 6:30 Jubilate Ringers

28

6:30 Communications MT

29 30 31