Missionar y Messenger Volume 11 | SUMMER 2022
REVIVE US
AGAIN
REVIVE US
AGAIN “Will you not revive us again, that your
Going Together By Rev. T. J. Malinoski
I returned to my patch of the mountain, talking to myself all the way. I talk to myself a lot, but everyone does. The human being, even in the midst of people, spends nine-tenths of his time alone with the private voices in his own head. Sam Gribley in My Side of the Mountain
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hen I was in junior high school, we of his family, his parents and siblings, knowing they had to read My Side of the Mountain, a were going to live alongside him, he truly began to book about a boy named Sam Gribley understand there is a connective yearning to belong who runs away from his New York city apartment to, and with, others which brings a different kind of to a hemlock forest in the Catskill Mountains. With oneness which isolation cannot satisfy. apocketknife,aballofcord,$40,anaxe,andafire The Christian faith speaks to the connective starter he leaves the city to be alone and to become yearning to be with others which Sam experienced. self-sufficient. Asweshareourfaithwithothers,weareaffir The appeal of getting away, leaving behind, and the relational and connectional aspect we have to one removing oneself from the troubles of the world has another as human beings. As Christians, we profess an ageless appeal. But as Sam gains his independence that God is in relationship with us in the form of a and becomes selfreliant, he has a growing desire covenant; a covenant which brings us not only into to be with others. He develops relationships with relationship with God but also with one another. curious visitors initially seeking out the “wild boy” Cumberland Presbyterians describe the nature of living in the woods but whose afternoon visits turn this relationship as that of a “family” (Confession of into long stays. Sam discovers going through Cumberland life Faith 3.02) and understands the church as a covenant Presbyterian Church alone and in isolation is possible. “The human being,” community of believers who are redeemed, includes all people in Ministry Team he says, “even in the midst of people, spends nine- Missions all ages, past, present, and future, who respond in faith to God’s tenths of his time alone with the private voices his covenant of Place, grace, and all who are unableTN to respond, for reasons 8207in Traditional Cordova, 38016-7414 own head.” But, we miss the connectional nature to known to God, but who are saved by his grace (COF 5.06). one another which makes love fuller, life richer, and From time to time, we tend to forget we are provides a purpose to our living. His story concludes a “family” and that God’s “covenant” brings us with his parents and younger siblings coming to the together. We have a shared planet, shared experiences, mountain to live with him. and a shared faith which binds us together. This For more andus resources I think of Sam’s story and the appeal of sense of information commonality can help visit our website atfocus on questions separating ourselves from our surroundings and both ancient and new: What kind of Church do we http://cpcmc.org/mmt situations in times of frustration and disillusionment. want to be? How will our shared witness of the Good In many circumstances, removing and isolating News be expressed? Embracing the strong sense of ourselves seems like a logical decision. Sam Gribley togetherness as a family helps us respond to these tried it and by many measurements succeeded in questions with love, wisdom, and grace. In doing so, becomingself-reliantandself-sufficient.He we was can speak both directly to the yearning for belonging content and healthy. He argues that internally we innate within the Sam Gribleys of the world and separate ourselves anyway. But when he saw the faces within ourselves.
people may rejoice in you?” Psalm 85:6
SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 1
CONTENTS 5 Bible Study
6 Revive Us!
Church Renewal
8-9 How the Confession of Faith Aids Our Faith Sharing
11-13 The Agape Journey
14-15 A Weekend of ENGAGE
16-18 CP Women’s Ministry
MM Missionary Messenger SUMMER 2022 { V O L .11, N O.2 }
The Agape Journey
PERSPECTIVES by Rev. Dr. Milton L. Ortiz A LIMITED UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Acts 19:2 MSG
M M SUMMER 2022
MISSIONARY MESSENGER { VOL . 11, NO. 2 } MISSIONS Ministry TEAM
On
of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church one occasion, Paul asked some of the disciples if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. Their answer was they had not even heard there was a Holy Spirit. These disciples were not informed ART DIRECTOR about the Holy Spirit’s action during conversion, and for that reason they Sowgand Sheikholeslami ext:211 had a limited understanding of the gospel. So, Paul shared the gospel of Christ with them and baptized them. Then, he placed his hands on them EDITORIAL DIRECTOR and the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 19:1-7). For Paul it was clear that Milton Ortiz ext:234 experiencing the gospel was not just an intellectual experience in the mind PUBLICATIONS MANAGER but the reality that God gets inside us through the Holy Spirit at conversion. Matthew Gore ext:221 That was what happened at Paul’s conversion. When Ananias came to see him at Damascus, Ananias was clear about the purpose of sharing the ASSOCIATE EDITOR gospel with Paul, and what was supposed to happen at conversion. Paul was Jinger Ellis ext:230 achoseninstrumentforaspecificpurpose.Thisiswhatweneedtokeepin CONTRIBUTORS mind when God brings people to us to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Johan Godhasapurposeforeachpersonweknow.Ananiasfirstexplainedthe Daza ext:202 Kristi Lounsbury ext:263 gospel to Paul and then placed his hands on him, so he could see again T. J. Malinoski ext:232 and could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:1-19). This was also the way Jesus Milton Ortiz ext:234 explained the gospel to Nicodemus. People need to be born again, need to Lynn Thomas ext:261 be born of water and need to be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8). Rebecca Zahrte ext. 264 We are in a time when there is a need to share the gospel of Christ in a way so that people get it: they are chosen instruments to share the gospel 8207 Traditional Place to other people; God will get inside of them through the Holy Spirit at the Cordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 time of conversion; they can be healed if sick or receive answer to their fax 901.276.4578 need; and they will enter in the covenant by baptism. The summer issue of the Missionary Messenger always focuses on me s senger@cumberland .org evangelism and new church development. It is a call to us as Cumberland VISIT US ON THE WEB Presbyterians to share our faith story with others and to be open to the ht tp://cpcmc .org/mm possibility that God is calling us to start something new. This year’s General Assembly and Women’s Convention theme is “Revive Us Again.” To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger A call to something new to a brighter future for ourselves and for our visit us at denomination. You will also read articles like Going Together, Navigating ht tp://cpcmc.org/mm/ During the Pandemic, and How the Confession of Faith Aids Our Faith mm-archives Sharing which calls us to continue sharing our common faith all the time. Member ThisissuealsoincludesaReflectiononCross- CultureImmigration • Associated Church Press Ministry and our appreciation of Johan Daza's nine years of service within Made Possible, In Part, the Missions Ministry Team. By Our United Outreach May the Lord bless us with a fresh start so we will laugh and sing!
4 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
BIBLE STUDY
In
this communal prayer we are asking to be “restored,” to be returned to our former condition and to be improved on the original, individually, and collectively; and to be “revived,” restored to life or consciousness, or to be given new strength or energy, individually, and collectively.
A Song Prayer For The Renewal Of God’s Mercies
Can you imagine being restored with new energy as a denomination? We, as Cumberland Presbyterians, like to reminisce about our origins and to share our story of being born of a great revival in the eighteen hundreds. Because of this, it looks like asking our savior to restore us again has meaning to us. We do not ask to be returned tothewaywewerewhenwewerefirstbornasa denomination. We pray for the future. “Revive us again, oh Lord.”
When reading about how a revival could happen again, there are many opinions and emphasis. A Bible study from the Words of Life Ministries proposes seven steps to revival: 1) we must confess our need of revival, 2) we must admit the possibility of revival, 3) we must recognize the source of revival, 4) we must employ the means for securing revival, 5) we must provide the Todaywearereflectingonacongregational channels for revival, 6) we must remove the obstacles to revival, and 7) we shall enjoy the results of revival. prayer. We are asking the Lord to restore us and By Rev. Dr. Milton L . Ortiz
revive us again. Let us enter prayer now and pause to be still. Let us re-center our scattered sense upon the presence of God and read:
Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:4-7) Amen.
Christianity is not a solo life and experience but a community, a one body reality. We come to our Lord forforgivenessandforaspecifickindoflifenot ourselves, but as a communal life, as part of something bigger than our solo selves. Ask yourself, how can I be revived? How can our denomination be revived again? How can I be part of a bigger experience with others? Prayer
SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 5
Revive Us! Church Renewal
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B y R e v . D r. L y n n T h o m a s
hen a church has been different church could come in and demonstrate, skills can be learned by in decline for several buy the facilities and grow, we have being an apprentice. Can you pray? years people start to all seen it happen. The pastor and Can you lead a “good” Bible study? worry if it will survive. sessionshouldfirstaskthemselves, Can you tell your faith story? Can The church’s members and leaders what can each of us do to enrich our you effectively teach? Can you lead ask, “What can we do to turn things church? The life of a church is found meaningful worship? Can you preach around?” The truth is, there is no in activities, programs, and services. It informed and inspiring sermons? A easyandquickfix.Itislikegoingto is important those things are done well. few are natural at this, most everyone the doctor and hearing most of your Each leader should take responsibility else needs to learn these skills. ailments can be solved with diet and to be active. Leaders must assume Carpenters do not learn carpentry by exercise. The treatment is going to be responsibilities, show-up (on time), be reading books, but by learning skills. hard work. Some churches do turn prepared, and do a good job. The Holy Spirit. things around and return to growth Leaders need skills. and health. It is not hopeless, simply In Luke 11 we learn to pray the hard. The following is a guide to diet Cumberland Presbyterian pastors Lord’s Prayer. It tells a story about and exercise … for a church: and elders must be willing to learn, persistence, a friend knocks until Houston, we have a problem. serve, and lead. Musicians and Sunday their neighbor gets up from their bed The Apollo 13 space capsule had school teachers need to know how and gives him bread. Then we read an explosion that almost destroyed to do music and how to teach. A the famous verse Luke 11:9, “Ask and the spaceship. Once the astronauts common mistake is we freely give it will be given to you.” Luke says realized they were in danger, they responsibility when someone merely that God, as a loving parent, would called headquarters and admitted wants to do something, and desire never give a snake to His son if he they were in trouble. Church renewal tends to be their only qualifiwere cation askingforfish.Thisimportant starts with self-awareness – we have for the job. We prioritize sentiment discourse on prayer ends by saying, a problem. Usually, the decline in over skill. “How much more will the heavenly attendance, emptying sanctuaries, A new program in the Cumberland Father give the Holy Spirit to those canceled Sunday school classes, and Presbyterian Church is “OptIN.” The who ask him?” (Luke 11:13) It is the a shortage of income are the red foundational concept of OptIN is to Holy Spirit that empowers us and lights that there is a problem. The understand that Christian practice renews us. The Holy Spirit motivates firststeptochurchrenewalis(for the leaders and members) is based us: to learn skills, to learn from God’s church’s leaders must admit, “we have on learning skills. OptIN sees itself Word,tosacrificeourtime,toserve a problem.” as a trade school where one learns others, to change our destructive Christian skills through incremental behaviors, and to be loving and kind. What is the problem? steps.Thefirstreactionpeople Our have church can be renewed by God’s The reason a church declines almost when learning about OptIN is the Spirit working in our hearts. Pray for always goes back to one thing – question, “what is the curriculum?” the Holy Spirit to come into your life leadership. It is not the building, the Thequestionreflectshowweoften and into your church. parking lot, the community, or the understand leader training – we want lack of a gymnasium that has caused a lecture. Churches need people the church to decline. The fact is a who have skills, and as trade schools 6 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
Navigating During The Pandemic
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By Rev. Duawn Mearns, Moderator of the 190 th General A s sembly
have been the pastor of are letting the situation control you, the Covenant Cumberland instead of the other way around.” At Presbyterian Church in Ada, the time, the comment did not make Oklahoma, for almost three any sense to me. I cannot control years. At the beginning of each year, the pandemic. I cannot manage the session would spend a Saturday people’s choices to stay home instead in prayer for visioning and planning of coming back to church. I cannot for the calendar year. In 2020, we do anything to deter a surge of challenged ourselves to venture into COVID-19 within our community. some new and exciting directions What situations can I control? I asked where we felt God was leading myself that question because, quite us. In March of 2020, we hired honestly, I felt out of control. the Reverend Kathy Lofton as an Sharing with a counselor in a associate pastor to lead us implement pure, honest conversation was a small groups and direct our worship way of taking control. Sharing my services. Just as the church was thoughts and feelings about the getting to know Kathy our worship situation began to provide me with services were cancelled for the next tremendous relief. Putting words three months due to the pandemic. to what I was feeling was a big step When we were able to worship toward regaining control. I also together again it felt different. The realized the spiritual disciplines I had usual greetings of hugs or handshakes in my life to keep me from going out were gone, and the Lord’s Supper of control had slipped off my priority cameinapre-fi lledcommunioncupradar and taken a back seat in the face with a wafer. of current problems. Once I began to During the pandemic, if we have get back in tune with these disciplines, learned anything at Covenant it is I started to feel better about my life. how to navigate. We have not been One of the most important things able to implement many of those new I learned from this time is that the ideas which came out of our 2020 way I perceived the situation around meeting. And while we were making me mattered. Now, I begin my day it work, we felt as though we were with centering myself around God’s surviving more than thriving. Just goodness and opening myself to the when I thought we were gaining goodness that day brings. some traction in 2021 another surge At Covenant, we discovered of COVID-19 hit and we had to the same sort of despair was being navigate once again. When sharing experienced by the session and staff. with a counselor the impact and the Now with every meeting, whether frustrations of the pandemic on the with the session, staff, deacons, or church the comment was made, “you small groups, two questions are posed
for each person to answer: “since we last met, what has God done positively in your life?” and, “where have you seen God’s goodness in our church community?” The responses have been amazing and since everyone knows the questions will be asked, they are constantly looking for God’s blessings. As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “seek, and you willfind.” As moderator of the General Assembly, I have visited with many of our pastors who are worn out, beaten up, and in some ways defeated. From firsthandexperience,Iunderstan Yet, we are blessed to have a denomination made up of people we can talk to. Whether we talk with someone we know and trust or utilize theconfidentialEmployeeAssist Program,itisessentialduringd times to have a sounding board that can help us see things from a more positive perspective and to know we are not alone. I know Covenant will eventually get around to putting into action some of the ideas we planned in 2020. The difference from where we were as a church over two years ago to where we are now is we are now becoming more comfortable with navigating even when we do not always know the outcome. But what we do know, is God is in today, and there are blessings to be had, if only we will look.
SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 7
How the Confession of Fait By Rev. T. J. Malinosk i
A confession of faith which is evangelical in purpose and spirit seeks to testify to what God has done and is doing in the world to accomplish the redemption of his children. Introduction to the 1984 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians The most evangelical document Cumberland Presbyterians have is our Confession of Faith. For those who may cringe at the word “evangelical,” do not be alarmed, it is a term often misused in the popular lexicon. The original meaning needs to be recaptured and recast for contemporary circumstances. 8 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
th Aids Our Faith Sharing Reasons for a Confession The Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians informs us who God is, how God works through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and how God brings together all of life and history. The Confession also describes the church as having been created for mission as well as to provide guidance for our living and witness in the world. The underpinnings for having a confessional document is:
What Does the Confession Say About Faith Sharing?
The Confession of Faith speaks quite a bit about our witness and testimony. A brief article will inevitably invite scrutiny (especially in the current climate) for not capturing the entire message, however, sections in the Confession entitled “God Speaks to the Human Family,” “The Human Family Breaks Relationship With God,” “God Acts Through Jesus Christ to Reconcile the World,” and “God …to provide a means whereby those who have been saved, redeemed, Acts Through the Holy Spirit” all inform the reader about and reconciled by God through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy God’s attitude toward humanity and identify God’s deep Spirit understand and affirm their faith and to bear witness to God’s desire to be in relationship with humanity. Sections entitled saving activity in such a way that those who have not been saved, “God Creates the Church for Mission” and “Christians redeemed, and reconciled might believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Live And Witness In The World” give guidance on Savior and experience salvation. how the covenant community of believers can be in relationship with one another and how faith bears witness to our participation in worship, in church, and in civil The purpose of having a confessional document is to governmentas provideameanstounderstandandaffirmtheir faithtowell as our actions/works, our stewardship, our interpersonal relationships, and our promises and those who have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ vows. In short, our faith sharing encompasses the entirety and provide a means to share with others who are seeking of our lives. redemption and reconciliation in their lives through God’s saving activity. In short, our Confession of Faith gives us Faith Sharing and a means and the language with which we can share the “the gospel in miniature” Good News of Jesus Christ. Now we might ask, “isn’t that For additional understanding for faith sharing with what the scriptures do? Can a confession state any better others, we can also look at the opening paragraph of the what is already written in the Old and New Testaments?” Confession of Faith. It begins with John 3:16: For God so loved The Introduction of the Confession of Faith concurs stating all the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him testimony to Jesus Christ must be tested by the scriptures which are should not perish but have eternal life. Cumberland Presbyterians the only unfailing and authoritative word for Christian faith, growth, see this scripture as “the gospel in miniature” and the and practice. Therefore, the Confession of Faith, and those who foundation of being Cumberland Presbyterian since the embrace it, have the scriptures for guidance in terms of denomination’s beginning. So this scriptural foundation faith, growth, and practice. Yet the introduction does not does not lay dormant or remain just ink on paper, section stop there,scripturealonewillnotsufficeasthe foundation 5.06 gives motion and activity to this scripture stating: All upon which a confession speaks understanding one’s faith. who are united in Christ by faith are also united to one another in All testimony to Jesus Christ is made within the context of the church love. In this communion they are to share the grace of Christ with universal and therefore must not be made in a narrow, sectarian one another, to bear one another’s burdens, and to reach out to all [dogmatic, limited] manner or spirit. other persons. Cumberland Presbyterian faith sharing is informed and As Cumberland Presbyterians, our life and our faith guided by both the scriptures and the witness of the church sharing as a covenant community are entwined with the throughout the years. This includes previous confessional Confession of Faith, with God, and with one another. My documents such as the those of the early church, the hope is that the Confession of Faith inspires us to share our Westminster Confession, the 1814 and 1883 Cumberland faith and gives us a language with which we can share with Presbyterian confessions, as well as the witness of the others the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Church today. Jesus Christ. SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 9
The Agape Journey
10 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
By The Reverends Alfredo & Lyvia Rincon
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raise be to God that after many years of targets, and a path to follow. A design which would allow roadblocks, tears, and suffering, here we stand! Presbytery del Cristo, MMT, and Agape Church to work Agape Cumberland Presbyterian Church was in unity with one vision, one mind, one purpose, one constituted on February 20, 2022. We were goal. This partnership blessed the church planters with installed as co-pastors of our bilingual congregation in El guidance, mentorship, prayer, encouragement, resources, Paso, Texas. Today, we would love to share our journey as a and visitations. It was amazing to see how so many people New Church Development. could work together. Many individuals deserve credit for After the death of our beautiful six, month-old constituting Agape Church. We are happy to say that this daughter, Yaanai Vitaly, in 2003, family and friends who was a team accomplishment. That is why Scripture says, attended our baby’s funeral service could not understand “where there is unity, the Lord bestows his blessings and life ever after.” whywereflectedsomuchpeace.WefeltthatGodwas Thank you, Presbytery del Cristo, for showering us with leading us to introduce our friends and family to the hope your love, holding us close to you when we were weak, and wehaveinourSaviorJesusChrist.Theybecamefor our being first our voice and the #1 believers of our ministry. contacts, and our living room became our sanctuary. We Thank you, Reverend Johan Daza, for being a friend, a conamed our house church, Maranatha East Mission. labor in Christ, mentor, and a shoulder to cry on. Reverend In 2007, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of T.J. Malinowski, thank you for supporting us and attending El Paso invited us to use their sanctuary. They had their our Presbytery meetings often. Your wisdom guided us worship service in the mornings, and we had our worship throughdifficultcircumstances. service in the evenings. In 2017, Maranatha East New Heavenly Father thank you for calling us to serve Church Development and First Cumberland Presbyterian ElPaso.Forequippingusforsuchadifficultjourney Church merged and became one body under the name of You strengthened us so that we could mount on wings Agape Cumberland Presbyterian Church. like eagles! Today we glorify, praise, and exalt our Chief As with every church, not everything was simple. We Shepherd. On behalf of Agape Cumberland Presbytery had times when we felt overwhelmed, stressed, fatigued, Church and to everyone who poured out their lives for and burned out. But as scripture says, “we are hard pressed on us, May the Lord bless you! We will never forget your every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, overflowingloveforus. but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Yes, we had If anyone is thinking about starting a new church plant, a season of unclarity and confusion, but praise be to God we encourage you to work together in unity with your for the work of the Missions Ministry Team (MMT) and presbytery and the denomination’s Missions Ministry Team. Presbytery del Cristo. Together they prepared a unique Ask the Lord to give you long-suffering and dedication as mission design that would provide a clear vision, goals, you journey in your ministry. SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 11
A SPECIAL
APPRECIATION of the
Reverend Johan E. Daza’s Service
By Rev. Dr. Milton L . Or tiz
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he Missions Ministry Team is thankful States. Transnational migration has changed the to God for all nine years the Reverend demographics of the United States. The country has Johan E. Daza served as Cross-Culture become a nation of nations with multiple opportunities Ministries USA Program Director in the to share the good news of Christ with peoples from Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We enjoyed his different languages, cultures, and nationalities.” excellent communication skills, charisma, and ability Johan and his wife, Erin, have been called to to work in a multicultural environment. Johan has serve as the Mennonite Central Committee Country frequently called the denomination to pray and be Representatives for Colombia, South America. They thankfultoGod’sgracereflectedinthegreat will lead cultural a team of 20 people of different nationalities diversity of the body of Christ around the world and serving along with local congregations from different reflectedintheCumberlandPresbyterian denominations, Church partners, and constituents in different today. In his words, “the Cross-Culture Immigrant programs and projects in Colombia and Ecuador. Ministries USA Program has been an effort of the Johan will continue to serve as a member of Emaús Missions Ministry Team and the different judicatories Presbytery in Colombia. Missions Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church serving in the extends its blessings to Johan, his wife Erin, and United States. As many of our ministries the crosschildren, Alana, Elias, and Felipe as they embark on cultural ministries started as a real need in the United their new ministry.
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Hasta Pronto By Rev. Johan Daza
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must admit my head has Alternate Studies) classes in another, and we can continue been spinning for weeks different languages have been to grow to be the Church of andithasbeendifficult provided for probationers and the Lord and I cannot say for me to draft this article. provisional pastors from diverse “Hasta Pronto” anymore. I will It is not a farewell-article, it is cultural, ethnic, and language continue to be a Cumberland more a “hasta pronto” article. backgrounds. All of this is Presbyterian minister of the “Hasta pronto” is a common possible because of your vision Word and Sacraments in my Spanish way to say, “see you and mission as Cumberland home presbytery and in whatever soon.” As a Colombian, and Presbyterians serving God in way possible and in the contexts now as a Colombian American, new frontiers. Thank you and where I can serve the Lord it has been a privilege to serve hasta pronto! alongside other members of the with the Missions Ministry I am grateful for the Spiritbody of Christ. Team and Ministry Council of led Missions Ministry Team I am grateful to God for the Cumberland Presbyterian staff. Our call has been to serve helping us to be a culturally Church for almost nine years and equip the CP family. What diverse denomination. In words working across cultures here in a task! I have seen the struggles of Justo Gonzalez, “Christianity the United States. and blessings, cultural diversity has taken root in a variety of I am grateful for the CP and cultural differences, the cultures, and these cultures church planters, probationers, interculturalconflicts have and shaped theits life and its ministers, provisional pastors, intercultural growth, the creative doctrines.” (Gonzalez, 2005, p. session members, and steering thinking, and strategic planning, 43). Revelations chapter 7:9 is committee leaders serving and the joy and presence of the inspiration for what God wants cross-culturally in the United Holy Spirit leading the Church us to be and there is no doubt States. Church planting is in good times, in challenging that serving across cultures only possible when leaders times, in even the unknown is God´s work! There is a joy like you decide to step out in times (God´s favorite arena from beyond words when the good faith to start new worshiping my perspective). Thank you for news of Christ is appropriated opportunities for ethnic helping me shape and reshape by whosoever will in their own communities! Hasta pronto! my identity and ministry! culture and language. I am grateful for the Hasta pronto! To my CP family in the CP judicatories, boards and I am grateful for my United States, please do not committees engaged with denomination present in forget to support the different cross-cultural ministries here nineteen different countries immigrant ministries. Pray for in the United States. Several today. A denomination that one another and continue to new church plants have been speaks multiple languages, serve God in unity and diversity. started; ethnic new church learning to be the Church for With love I say, hasta pronto! developments have been today´s world and bringing organized as congregations. witness for God´s glory in a Gonzalez, J. L. (2005). Essential Theological Two ethnic presbyteries culturally pluralistic environment Terms. Westminster John Knox. and one council have been created by God. There are formed. PAS (Program of many things to learn from one SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 13
“The Sherwood Cumberland Presbyterian Church was very pleased with the results of our meetings with you [Kristi Lounsbury] and Chris Fleming with the Engage program. You brought fresh, positive ideas to us and helped us to see areas where we have potential to grow. Your attitude and sharing brought us hope. We have been bombarded by negatives from just before the pandemic and now it is like we can see the direction we need to be taking to serve the mission of Jesus Christ more fully in our community. It was an overall refreshing experience, and we are not going to continue sitting on our hands. Many thanks to you two for all your work.” Rev. William “Buster” Guthrie 14 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
A WEEKEND OF ENGAGE
B y R ev. K ris ti L ounsbur y
“The timing of your sharing the ENGAGE process with our congregation was so right. We had been searching in our hearts and minds for ways to get our church known in the community so that we could share our witness. Our congregation is a very warm, welcoming, and loving one wanting to let others come to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ, but we were standing still. Kristi & Chris provided the sparks to get us jump started in our process, furnishing the tools and ideas to get us on the right path for our congregation to step out and witness for Him.” Nadine Rail, Crossroads Cumberland Presbyterian Church SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 15
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ry
n’s Minis e t om
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
CP Women’s Ministry B y R ev. R e b e c c a Z ahr te
are excited to share the good news of Jesus Christ. As we G o d i s g o o d! He continues to revive us. He continues continueourjourneyinthisnewage,continuin to pick us up when we have fallen. This year’s Convention ways to reach the lost and share the gospel message let us be theme is “Revive Us Again.” As we gather and move revived.Encouragingourleadershipteamandfind through this program year, we are excited to introduce our to reach those to whom Jesus sends us. incomingofficerswhoarecommittedtohelpingmake this a reality. W h at d o e s o ur LO G O s t an d f o r ? W h o ar e o ur in c o min g o f f i c e r s? Join us in • Theworldsignifiesthatwearepartofaworldwid welcoming, supporting, and encouraging our incoming fulfi llingtheGreatCommission“togointoallt officersforthe20 -3programyear!VeronicaEntis • The “C” around the world stands for the Cumberland CPWM President-Elect and Sara Holland Secretary-Elect. Presbyterian Church as a part of Christianity worldwide Both will be installed to their respective positions in June and for Christ. at the annual Convention being held in Albuquerque, New • The three branches remind us of the Trinity, as well as the Mexico. Make reservations and join us for a week of fun, three tracks of our ministry: Mission/Service/Outreach, fellowship, and encouragement! Prayer/Bible Study, Fellowship/Encouragement. • The branches also remind us that Jesus said, “I am the W h at i s C P W M? Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s vine, and you are the branches.” Ministry or CPWM is an organization that was created in • The multi-colored leaves stand for our diversity. 1880, known at that time as the Women’s Board of Missions. • The outline of a window indicates that Women’s Ministry It was created to oversee and support foreign mission work. is a window through which the light of Jesus can shine. Since 1880 the organization has changed its name on a few occasions and as foreign missions became supported by the • Like and follow us on Facebook, “Women’s Ministry of entire denomination, not just the women’s group, our focus the Cumberland Presbyterian Church” and on Instagram has also changed. The one thing that has not changed is the “woosleywomen.” vision and dedication of women from all walks of life who 16 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
CPWM Happenings
It
has only been a couple of months since I took on the role of Director of Ministry with Women. I thought it amazing (I love how God works) that the theme for this year’s Convention is “Revive us Again.” During my short time in this position, I am watching revival happen. I am seeing renewed interest and vigor in the CPWM, a reviving of our spirits as we recognize that there are so many lost sheep that still need to be found and that many of our “found” sheep need an energy boost, and a reviving of our own spirits to continue the work that God has called us to do. We are coming out of two years of struggling with a pandemic as well as racial, social, and political divides. Yet, in conversation with other staff members and many of you, I sense a real interest and desire to heal injuries and work harder for the Kingdom of God. I am excited about the doors God is opening. I am excited about the future and all the possibilities that lie before us. So, what is it we are working on? How can you be a part of this movement? Great questions! We are working on better and improved means of communication. We have a new Instagram account. If you are an Instagram user, please join us! Our Instagram account (IG) is woosleywomen. Through this avenue our Young Women Ambassadors (YWA) are working hard to keep us up to date with exciting information about the CPWM. So far, they have used this platform to introduce us to the CPWM Executive Committee and our leadership at the denominational level. They also have continued what began in March as our “HerStory” program with “Woosley Woman Wednesday.” Each week they are introducing us to a CP Woman and highlighting her contributions to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. If you have a woman in mind that you would like to recommend, please contact our YWAs, Savannah Lamb (slambchop13@gmail.com), or Mary Rolman (martywho0315@ gmail.com) to submit a photo and a brief biography (250 words) to be published on our social media. If you are not on Instagram another way to connect with our ministry is through Facebook. Please look for the “Women’s Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.” Like and follow us for all our latest news and updates. We are working diligently to make sure information on regional retreats and denominational happenings are being posted in a timely manner. Another opportunity is through email, and we are building our email lists. Through this platform information on regional and denominational events will be shared. We want to be certain you have ways to hear from us and to be informed of what we have going on. If you would like
to be added to our growing community for news, updates, and opportunities, please email rzahrte@cumberland.org requesting to be added to the list. But we are not stopping with just the ways to communicate. We have new opportunities coming for all ages. L e t ’s t alk ab o u t S c ho lar s hip s!
Since 1976, in honor of Beverly St. John, CPWM has been blessed to offer the CPWM Bethel Scholarship. It began as a $500 scholarship given annually to a woman pursuing ministry as a full-time attendee Bethel University. Today this scholarship continues with $2000 annually given to both CP Women and CP Men attending Bethel University full-time. Thanks to your continued support for this endowment program, we have now established two additional scholarships! Beginning this year, we are offering a $2000 annual scholarship to an international CP student attending Bethel University full-time. We recognize that many CP young adults who come here are of meager means, and we are thrilled to share and assist with expenses in coming to the Unites States. We are also expanding our scholarship blessings to a CP Woman pursuing her Master of Divinity at Memphis Theological Seminary. A $500 annual scholarship is being made available to help offset the cost of pursuing higher education. These scholarships can only be offered with your continued support. If you would like to contribute, please send acheckormoneyordertoourofficeaddressAttn:Jinger with “CPWM Scholarship” noted in the memo portion. But we are not stopping here, there is more to share. C l e rg y wo man o f th e Ye ar
This year at Convention, during the Clergywomen Reception we will be honoring two “Clergywoman of the Year.” One nominee is from the United States the other is from outside the United States. Each of these women will receiveacertificateandabeautifulstoleduri During the month of April, we have been collecting names of nominees through our communication avenues. The three top nominees submitted during the month of May are being voted upon as our fi rst ever recipi the “Clergywoman of the Year” award. If you have not yet voted, please visit this link to cast your vote (https:// forms.gle/TzNEuNsV4rM6bDLs5). Votes are being accepted until May 31st. Let’s continue reviving!
SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 17
“Revive Us Again” Convention: June 21-23, 2022 Albuquerque, New Mexico All times indicated in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) Sunday, June 19 3:00-6:00 p.m. Registration $60.00/$75.00 late after May 1. Monday, June 20 9:00-11:00 a.m. Registration $60.00/$75.00 late after May 1. 9:00-11:00 a.m. New Officer training: all new CPWM (Regional or local delegates are invited to attend) 12:00 p.m. Regional Delegate Luncheon 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Opening Session of General Assembly Moderator and CPWM President’s Reception
3:30 – 6:30 p.m. OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TRIP to Old Town to Shop – $5 transportation fee. Sign-up required at registration. Return @ 6:30 p.m. See www.albuquerqueoldtown.com 7:00 p.m. General Assembly Opening Worship 9:00 p.m. Game Night sponsored by the YWA’s (Young Women Ambassadors) Tuesday, June 21 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. NEW! Morning Moments –Optional Opportunities Meditation/Anyone can do it Yoga: Sherry Poteet, leader Board Game Bonanza: Lynn Bray, leader Morning Praise: Rev. Becky Zahrte, leader 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Break 9:30 a.m. Convention Begins – Will be Facebook Live on Women’s Ministry Facebook Page Opening Worship -Rev. Becky Zahrte, Director of Ministry with Women Business: Report from Regional Delegate Meeting – End Facebook Live following vote. 10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Depart for Santa Fe: $20 Transportation Fee. Sign-up during registration. Trip will include Lunch in Santa Fe, Outreach Opportunity, Touring of Loretta Chapel, and San Miguel Chapel. Shopping in area. 7:30 p.m. Return to Albuquerque 8:30 p.m. Reception for Women in Ministry – Possible Zoom Session - TBA Wednesday June 22 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Morning Moments – Optional Opportunities – see above. 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Break 9:30 a.m. Convention Resumes - Will be Facebook Live on Women’s Ministry Facebook Page Opening Devotion 10:00 a.m. Worship and Guest Speaker 11:00 a.m. Break 11:15 a.m. Hearing Denominational Representatives 12:00 p.m. Lunch Recess – Facebook Live will break until 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Workshops: Facebook Live – see indicated times Reviving CPWM in the local congregation – Current CPWM Executive Committee (2:00 p.m.) Revival of the “Fittest”: Exercises for our faith – Rev. Becky Zahrte (3:30 p.m.) 3:15 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. Workshops – go to the opposite one being offered. 4:45 p.m. End for the day – End Facebook Live for the Day Thursday, June 16 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Morning Moments – Optional Opportunities – see above. 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Break 9:30 a.m. Convention Resumes- Will be Facebook Live on Women’s Ministry Facebook Page Worship to include Memorial Service, Membership Presentations, Installation of Officers 12:00 p.m. CP Women’s Ministry Luncheon - Will be Facebook Live on Women’s Ministry Facebook Page Attempts will be made to be Facebook Live as indicated above. Due to circumstances beyond our control, this might not happen. Please watch Women’s Ministries Facebook page for announcements. 18 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
FINANCIAL UPDATE B y J in g e r E lli s
Loaves & Fishes The Haiti Council of CP Churches will use the 2021 Loaves & Fishes Offering to help fund feeding programs in our different churches. The churches will select the children who will receive meals which will be prepared at the church/school and the children will be fed onsite. We received $80,447 for the offering and we will send that quarterly over the next two years to fund the programs. Thank you for your generous donations!
Gift to the King The Cumberland Presbyterian Church owns and operates three schools in Colombia, South America. They are in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. They are called The Colegio Americano (The American School). The school in Cali is one of the largest and oldest institutions of our church. The 2021 Gift to the King Offering focuses on students in these three schools. We received donations totaling $57,205 which was divided equally among them to support struggling families who have students in the Colegios, thus allowing our schools the opportunity to continue educating students challenged by the economic impact of the pandemic.
Builders Fellowship 1st Call 2021 – Loma de Tigre Mission in Mexico – sent $12,796.04 The CP Council of Churches and the mother church, Casa de Alfarero, have requested help to build a modest structure to serve as a worship center for the Loma de Tigre Mission in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico.
2nd Call 2021 – Agape Cumberland Presbyterian Church The Agape Cumberland Presbyterian New Church Development is a bilingual English-Spanish ministry located in El Paso, Texas. Through the guidance and leadership of Pastors Freddy and Lyvia Rincon, they and
their faithful congregants became designated as a new church development of Presbytery del Cristo. They eventually moved into the current church facility of the former First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of El Paso, Texas. This mission outreach adopted the name Agape CP Church in 2016. The fall 2021 Builders Fellowship Call was to assist Agape with a total roof replacement before they became an organized Cumberland Presbyterian congregation on February 13, 2022. The total cost of replacement is estimated at $38,000. The call received $8,829.90 but MMT sent $10,000 to help with this expense.
Disaster Relief We received donations in the amount of $92,555 for victims of the tornados that affected Tennessee and Kentucky in December 2021. $20,000 was sent to Dresden CP Church in Dresden, Tennessee; $20,000 to New Salem CP Church in Sharon, Tennessee; $48,000 to Brier Creek CP Church in Bremen, Kentucky and $4,555.00 to the Cumberland Presbytery Disaster Relief Fund. The European Union (EU) has opened its borders to Ukrainian refugees, and they are arriving in Spain, where the CP Church has a presence with mission churches and our missionaries, Reverends Wilson and Diana Lopez. The “Renacer CP Church” in Madrid has been accepting donations and is using them to purchase medicines, clothing, food, diapers, and other basic needs for the Ukrainian refugees. Because of your generous donations we have already sent $7,885 to help them with their mission.
SUMMER 2022 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 19
GIVING NEWS/ Second Mile Project for Missions Urban Bicycle Food Ministry (UBFM) – Project #34482 • Provides over 200 meals a week to individuals affected by poverty and homelessness in Nashville, Memphis, and Des Moines. Additional mission points include Dubuque, Colorado Springs, and Chicago. Food is purchased, prepared, and delivered by volunteers by bicycle. • The Ministry started in 2012 providing meals and essential supplies: blankets, jackets, handwarmers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and sleeping bags. • UBFM’s mission is to serve food and provide essential supplies, to connect by building relationships in caring for, praying for, and getting to know neighbors on the streets, and to create and sustain disciples among the volunteers and the people they encounter. • UBFM founder and director is a Cumberland Presbyterian, Rev. Dr. Tommy Clark, minister at the West Nashville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. • UBFMisanon-profitc3 150 organization. • Funding goes directly to food and essential supplies. No administrative costs.
• A meal consists of two burritos, a bottle of water and a small dessert. • $19.84 feeds 25 people. • Funding will purchase canned refried beans, white rice, taco seasoning, ground beef, shredded cheese, aluminum foil sheets, packets of hot sauce, ten-inch tortillas, and water. • Additional needs for fall/winter: hand warmers, tarps, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, sweatpants, undergarments for men and women (all sizes), and coats for men and women (all sizes). • Additional needs in spring/summer: sunscreen, insect repellant, shorts for men and women (all sizes), t-shirts for men and women (all sizes), socks, sweatpants, and undergarments (all sizes). • Additional information: • History and Theology of UBFM: https://www.ubfmnash. org/historyandtheology Website: https://www.ubfmnash.org/
Financial Data:
Contributions:
Amount needed from Second Mile: $5,000 Amount received to date: $0
Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating for “UBFM” and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
Contact T. J. Malinoski at tmalinoski@cumberland.org (901) 276-4572 ext. 232. 20 MISSIONARY MESSENGER SUMMER 2022
Cumberland Presbyterian Church Missions Ministry Team
8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414
For more information and resources visit our website at
http://cpcmc.org/mmt
people may rejoice in you?” Psalm 85:6
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East Tennessee Missions Conference The Missions Ministry Team is happy to announce a missions conference at the Knoxville First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on June 12, 2022, starting at 3:00 PM (Sunday). Those who attend will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from several CP missionaries about their work and challenges as missionaries. The missions conference will conclude with a mission focused evening worship service. Be sure and save the date on your calendar. We want to encourage area pastors to share this event with those in your congregation. Knoxville First CP Church 6900 Nubbin Ridge Drive, Knoxville, TN