M M
FALL 2016
Missionary Messenger
2016 Women’s
Ministry Convention
TOP TEN! PAGE 14
FROM VISION TO
ORGANIZATION PAGE 6
MISSIONARY UPDATE PAGE 10
Loaves & Fishes Offering
BLESSING
IN A BOX
ofHAITI REPUBLIC PAGE 18-19
PAGE 1
BLESSING IN A BOX
HOT LUNCH IN HAITI
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
LOAVES & FISHES OFFERING HOT LUNCH IN HAITI The Loaves & Fishes Offering consists of Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) churches requesting paper boxes from the Missions Ministry Team and distributing them to church members. The boxes are taken home by church members and come back filled with offerings to be dedicated. This year, the Loaves & Fishes Offering will be going to our newest mission field in Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, so if there is any country in the world that needs a blessing, it is Haiti. There are six Cumberland Presbyterian churches located in the countryside of Haiti and all of these churches have a community assistance focus. Half of them have small primary schools, most are open air schools on dirt floors with tin roofs. Several other churches hope to soon have a school. All of our churches are intentionally looking at ways to bring assistance to their communities. The Loaves & Fishes Offering will be used to partner with the CP Council of Churches in Haiti to start hot lunch programs with these congregations that will feed children. These churches in Haiti are already places of beauty and refreshment. Our goal is to provide a new program they can use to proclaim and demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Haiti and the Loaves & Fishes Offering this year can lead those in hardship to better pastures with just a simple paper box. Please support the Loaves & Fishes Offering for the Hot Lunch program in Haiti. You can request your Loaves & Fishes boxes by emailing an order form to Jellis@ cumberland.org. An order form and additional worship resources can be found on our website: cpcmcorg/mmt/loaves/. MM
WHAT IF YOU COULD
PUT A BLESSING
IN A
BOX?
The Lord will guide you – as a shepherd leads his sheep to better pastures. He will satisfy – when in the midst of hardships, and he will strengthen your frame – renewing your strength, bringing joy. You will be like a garden – a place of peace and beauty, like a spring of water – a place of gathering and refreshment.
Contents 6 From Vision To Organization
10 Missionary Update
13 Evangelism Conference
14 2016 Top Ten
16 Bethel Scholarship Recipient
17 CAM
18 Republic Of Haiti
MM
Missionary Messenger FA L L 2016
{
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ON THE COV ER:
HOT LUNCH IN HAITI
Republic of
HAITI PAGES 18-19
PERSPECTIVES by Milton L. Ortiz
M
M
The excitement of being Cumberland Presbyterian
A
few weeks ago, during the Summer Extension of the Program of Alternate Studies, I had the opportunity to teach a class in Spanish. I told the ten students and their spouses, most all of them new to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, that my intention was to make them fall in love with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Using my fingers I said, “There is a beginning, there is a church today, something happened in the middle, where we grew amazingly in the nineteen century and in the twentieth century, and now God called us to become a global denomination.” After five days of classes about history, polity and theology, some of the students said, “I am glad I came.” “I feel that God has brought me to a denomination with a vision.” One student said, “I think I have fallen in love with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.” I get excited talking about the Cumberland Presbyterian Church because there are many things happening in our denomination. There are new churches being organized within and outside of the USA, new missionaries ready to go where the Lord has called them to go with their families, new mission fields and opportunities of ministry, new ministries and programs to feed children, and new properties for churches. As always, we are looking for opportunities to serve and to be used by the Lord. On one occasion, Jesus said about the Church when talking with Peter, “The Church will reign triumphant even at the gates of hell” (Matthew 16:18 The Voice). Later, Jesus said to Peter, “I give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (vs. 19). The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is part of a plan that God the Father established to bring redemption to the world through Jesus Christ. My faith in the Church is not based on the kind of structure we have, the history that we are part of, or the finances we use to do the ministry. My faith is based on the promise that Jesus gave to Peter about the Church. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church will always be a triumphant Church despite the realities and struggles we face every day. We have been given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Let’s get excited. Let’s ask the Lord how we can participate in new ministries, like the Hot Lunch program in Haiti. MM
My faith is
FA L L 2 0 1 6
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L.5, N O.3
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MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM OF THE CUMBERL AND PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH
based on the promise that
Jesus gave to
Peter about
the Church.
4 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami
EDITORS Milton Ortiz ext:234 Pam Phillips-Burk ext:203 Lynn Thomas ext:261 T.J. Malinoski ext:232 Johan Daza ext:202
COPY EDITOR Jinger Ellis ext:230 8207 Traditional Place Cor dova, T N 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 fa x 901.276.4578 m essenger @cu m berland.org VISIT US ON THE WEB
ht tp://cpcmc.o rg/m m To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger visit us at
http://cpcmc.org/mm/mm-archives PRINTER A1 Printing Memphis, Tennessee MEMBER • Associated Church Press
Native American
Sunday Worship
Resources CHOCTAW SONG Rev. Dr. Virginia Espinoza, stated clerk of Choctaw Presbytery and pastor of Pigeon Roost Cumberland Presbyterian Church, has translated John 3:16 into a Choctaw song -
The 161st
General Assembly meeting in 1991 officially adopted the fourth Sunday in October to be designated as Native American Sunday so that our churches may emphasize the native contributions to the United States culture and to recognize and celebrate the first mission work of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Below are some worship resources that the Missions Ministry Team is encouraging congregations to incorporate in their worship service on October 23, 2016. The hymn Prayer to the Holy Spirit has been translated into the Choctaw language and can be found in the Choctaw Hymnal. The hymn was most likely translated into the Choctaw language around 1829 and has become part of the identity of Choctaw Christian worship services. This hymn will fit any 4/4 common meter music. Learn the syllables and put them to a tune like “Amazing Grace” and add a guitar or even a piano, and you’ll be singing it all day! MM
by Betty Jacob, Choctaw Coordinator
Chi-ho-wa yvt yak-ni i hul-lo feh-na kvt,
“AMAZING GRACE” 1. Shi-lom-bish Ho-li-to-pa ma! O Ho-ly Spi-rit! Ish min-ti pul-la cha You must sure-ly come, Your pres-ence is a must! Hat-tak il-bv-sha pi-a ha To us poor hum-ble peo-ple, wait-ing in great need. Ish pi yuk-pa-lash-ke. Give to us your bles-sing. 2. Pi chu-kvsh nu-si a-tuk-ma Ant ish ok-chv-lash-ki Ish pi yoh-bi-e-chik-ba-no E chim ai-ah-nish-ke
Kv-na hosh yimmik mvt, ik il-lo hosh, am-ba ai ok-chaya bi-lia yo pi-sa hi o, U-shi ya pi-he-ma tok.
If our hearts are a-sleep Please a-wa-ken them. Sanctify our lives We be-seech You.
The Lord’s Prayer is translated, and most prayers in Choctaw begin with the opening lines of that prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors And, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Pi-ki v-ba ish bin-nin-li ma! Chi hohchifo yvt holitopashke. Ish apehlichika yvt vlashke. Nana ish ai ahni ka yakni pakna ya yohmi kvt, vba yakni a yohmi ma o chiyuhmashke. Himak nittak ilhpak pim ai vlhpesa kako ish pi ipetashke. Mikmvt nana il aheka puta ish pi kashofi kvt, pishno vt nana pim aheka puta il i kashofi chatuk a ish chiyuhmichashke. Mikmvt anukpulika yoka ik ia chik pim ai ahno hosh, amba nan okpulo a ish a hlakofihin-chashke; Apehlichika, mikmvt nan isht aiahli, micha isht a-holitopa aiena kvt chimmi a bilia hoke. Amen.
For more information and opportunities to get involved in the ministries of Choctaw Cumberland Presbyterians, contact Betty Jacob at chocpres@pine-net.com or Rev. T.J. Malinoski at tmalinoski@cumberland.org. FA L L 2 016
M ISS I O N A RY M ESS E N G E R 5
Left: Br yant Cumberland Presby terian Church Below: Rev. Garland Skidmore, Commission Chairperson of Arkansas Presby ter y
FROM VISION TO ORGANIZATION:
Two New Cumberland Presbyterian Churches by T. J. MALINOSKI
There are special and unique moments in time when someone envisions a faith community gathering in the name of God for worship, study and fellowship. These unique moments can be fleeting and we must grab ahold of them when they come along to explore the possibilities of creating new communities where people can meet and know God. Every Cumberland Presbyterian congregation can trace and attribute its beginnings to a person or persons where an idea, a vision, is shared of creating a faith community and to participate in that vision as it bursts forth into fruition as an established Cumberland Presbyterian church. Two new church developments recently moved from being under the care and support of their respective presbyteries 6 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
to become organized Cumberland Presbyterian churches. Weeks, months and years of dedication, commitment, excitement, encouragement and fortitude of many individuals helped inspire the new and fledging faith communities to grow, both spiritually and physically, into established congregations. If the leadership and members of the core group could speak to us today as we read this article, we would hear stories of despair, uncertainty and loneliness along with stories of inspiration, reassurance and validation. In a suburb just outside of Little Rock, Arkansas, the Bryant Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized on May 14, 2016. This congregation is
Below: Ordination and Installation of Br yant Elders
Far Left: 316 members taking communion Left: Rev. Dr. Jean Hess celebrating the sacrament of baptism
terms of candidates for ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 316 describes themselves as a Celtic Christian Community who seek to know and share the passionate presence of Emmanuel “God with us�.
Above: Rev. Dr. Jean Hess inviting the congregation to the table for communion
located in a growing area of Bryant and rents two adjoining storefront spaces in a shopping plaza. Bryant Cumberland Presbyterian Church is nestled in a high traffic area directly off of I-30 that includes stores such as Wal-Mart Supercenter, a furniture store and several chain restaurants. Charter membership of the Bryant Cumberland Presbyterian Church includes thirty-two members and the session is made up of five members. Reverend Jack Ryan is the pastor. Not since 1906 has there been a Cumberland Presbyterian church in Denver, Colorado. That is, not until Presbytery del Cristo organized 316 Cumberland Presbyterian Church on May 21, 2016. 316 has been a new church development project with Reverend Doctor Jean Hess and Reverend Doctor Rick Hess providing leadership. 316 meets on Saturday evenings using the Platt Park Church facility as their place of worship. Like many new churches, 316 has provided new leadership in
Organizing two Cumberland Presbyterian churches within a week of one another is no small feat. The organization of both churches illuminates the emphasis of evangelism and new church development as a priority for all Cumberland Presbyterians. Bryant and 316 also serve as an inspiration to our nineteen new church developments in the United States as they continue their journey towards organization. These two new churches can also awaken the stirrings to envision and begin new developments and we must grab ahold of these special and unique moments in time and create spaces where visioning of new churches can take place. MM Right: Revs. Drs. Jean and Rick Hess with the t wo newest, baptized members of 316 Below: Revs. Drs. Jean and Rick Hess with the Presby ter y del Cristo Commission
S U M M E R 2 016 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 7
S E C ON D M I L E PROJ E C T S
2017
Asia Youth Gathering THE NEED In August 2017, Cumberland Presbyterian youth and young adults from Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Philippines, and South Korea will travel to Tokyo, Japan for a CP youth event. This youth gathering reflects the growth of the CP Church in Asia. The purpose of the event is to gather in one place to study his Word, pray for one another, and encourage one another to live every day knowing and loving Jesus. This Second
FINANCIAL DATA:
Amount Needed from Second Mile Amount Contributed to Date: Total Amount Needed for the Project:
$12,000.00 $ 0.00 $12,000.00
DURATION:
September 2016 – July 2017
Mile appeal is seeking financial assistance to help CP Asian youth from developing countries attend the youth gathering. Some of the youth come from countries of financial challenge and they will need travel grants in order to attend this event. Please consider this Second Mile Offering as it would make a great youth group fundraiser where CP youth raise money for other youth and young adults to attend a CP gathering for Christ in Asia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating for project #34415 and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Contact Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com, (901) 276-4572 ext. 261.
Contributions for the following projects should be sent to the Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414 indicating on the check the project number:
Missionary Appliances – Project #34041 Your second mile contribution will be used to help Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries purchase new appliances upon their arrival on the mission field. The financial goal is $8,000. For more information contact: lynndont@gmail.com (901) 276-4572 ext. 261. 8 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
S E C ON D M I L E PROJ E C T S Weller Cottage – Project #34415 Weller Cottage serves as a retreat center for Coalition for Appalachian Ministries (CAM) providing lodging for volunteers helping with the ministries of CAM and is also available as a retreat site. There is an existing debt of $40,000 on Weller Cottage with the goal to pay it off in 2016. When that financial commitment is met, CAM can look to grow and expand in new areas of education, advocacy, and service in Appalachia. The financial goal is $40,000. For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org, (901) 276-4572 ext. 203.
Loaves & Fishes Offering 2015 Guatemala is a country in Latin America with extreme poverty. One-half of the population lives in
poverty and 13% lives in extreme poverty. Guatemala has the highest rate of malnutrition for children under the age of 5 in all of Latin America and it is the fourth highest in the world!
The goal for last year’s Loaves & Fishes Offering was to start a new ministry built around a Hot Lunch program for children. It will involve a daily lunch in addition to medical, nutritional, physiological, educational and spiritual care as needed. One of our missionaries in Guatemala, Anay Ortega, is from Colombia and has firsthand experience working with hot lunch programs. Thanks to your generous donations our 2015 Loaves & Fishes Offering exceeded $56,000! In January 2016 the program started with 15 children with the hope to grow the program to 20 children. Each day these children come and eat lunch, receive help with their school work, have access to doctors for medical care, and are encouraged and taught the scriptures by Cumberland Presbyterians who attend the House of Faith and Prayer CP Church.
Gift to the King Offering 2015 The Gift to the King Offering is going to help the
Amaga Cumberland Presbyterian Church with their first worship center. Amaga is a large town of approximately 30,000 people located one hour outside of Medellin,
Choctaw Transportation – Project #34403 Our Choctaw brothers and sisters need your support to replace their current vehicle with a late model SUV or minivan. The Missions Ministry Team calls upon you, your Sunday School class, your youth group, your Women’s Ministry, and your congregation to take on this Second Mile Project to help purchase reliable transportation for the Cumberland Presbyterian Choctaws. Your generous giving will help meet the financial goal of $35,000.00 for Choctaw ministry, missions and travel. The financial goal is $35,000. For more information contact: T.J. Malinoski at tmalinoski@cumberland.org, (901) 276-4572 ext. 232.
Colombia. This is one of the newest CP churches in the family of CP churches located in Medellin. The Amaga congregation has an average Sunday worship attendance of 70 participants. The Amaga Church received a Builders Fellowship Call in 2014. The offering of $9,501.00 from Builders Fellowship was used to help purchase the property for the worship center. Your Gift to the King Offering of $35,030.61 will go a long way towards a new worship space for The Amaga Church. In fact, construction has already begun!
Builders Fellowship The March 2016 Builders Fellowship call was for
the House of Faith and Prayer CP Church in Mixco, Guatemala. While the building is affordable because it is not in a good neighborhood, it is actually in a perfect place for what the CP Church is doing in Mixco. The church has about 40 to 50 people each Sunday in worship. Missionary Anay Ortega attends the church, helping in whatever ways the church needs her. And, during weekdays Anay administers the Hot Lunch program. We are excited about this opportunity and grateful to the Builder’s Fellowship members for helping with the purchase of this building. Your donations helped raise a total of $11,655.10! The total cost of the building, including legal and administrative fees was $16,000.00. For more information contact: Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com, (901) 276-4572 ext. 261.
For more information about all of these projects go to cpcmc.org/missions/2nd-mile. FA L L 2 016
M ISS I O N A RY M ESS E N G E R 9
Rev. Jacob and Lindsey Sims and their three children
are currently on deputation raising money for the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund. This fund pays all Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries their salaries and benefits. This missionary support fund needs to have enough money to cover the expenses of an additional missionary. While it is always a stressful and challenging time making plans to move to another country, the Sims hope to move to Brazil by the end of 2016. Currently, they are living in Piedmont, Alabama where Jacob continues to pastor the Piedmont by Lynn Thomas Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The church has been very understanding and generous, allowing him Glenn Watts is a former missionary to Hong to take several Sundays each month to visit other CP Kong and Japan. Glenn is the pastor of Union churches and tell about the CP mission work in BraCity Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Union zil. In addition to raising money for our missionary City, Tennessee. Glenn plans to attend Memphis fund, new missionaries have to raise set-up funds to Theological Seminary this fall. He hopes his cover onetime expenses related to being a new miswife will receive her visa and can soon join him sionary. Tens of thousands of dollars are needed to in Tennessee. cover the costs of plane tickets, legal expenses, furniture, appliances, and a car. Nancy Boecker is a former missionPlease pray for the Sims as they continue Clockwise: ary to China. Nancy and her adopted their faith journey to the mission field. Glenn Wat ts, daughter are living in Albuquerque, Rev. Jacob and Lindsey As endorsed CP missionaries, they merit New Mexico. Her e-mail address is: neSims with their three the full support of all CPs. If you want boecker@gmail.com. Pray for Nancy as she children, and to contact the Sims: jacobdsims@gmail.com, becomes acclimated to life as a mother Nancy Boecker. (205) 907-8273. MM and life in the USA.
MISSIONARY UPDATE
10 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
CELEBRATION OF
New Cumberland Presbyterian Ministries by Johan Daza
The 186th General Assembly was full of new and positive experiences. On Wednesday night, delegates, guests, and visitors had the privilege to worship together and celebrate new ministries within our denomination. Still Waters Single Parent Family Ministry, Sacred Sparks Ministry, New Day in Christ Ministries, Iona Ministry, Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, Burrito Ministry Memphis, Burrito Ministry Nashville, and Room In the Inn Memphis were some of the new ministries represented at this worship service. Each minister representing his/her ministry shared a parable related to God’s work in their ministries. We want to encourage you to take time to learn more about these new ministries; who they are and what they do. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts as you continue supporting them in different ways. Iona Ministry and Burrito Ministry Memphis, TN Iona is a community of Christians committed to living out their faith together in the Midtown area of Memphis, Tennessee. Iona through the Burrito Ministry provides meals (burritos) to the homeless community in downtown Memphis in the name of Jesus Christ every week. To learn more about their ongoing programs and activities visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Iona-ACommunity-of-Faith-160235827378339/ or contact Rev. Dr. Barry Anderson at banderson@memphisseminary.edu or Rev. Missy Rose at jmr@cumberland.org. Burrito Ministry Nashville - Nashville, TN The Burrito Ministry Nashville started as an extension of the Burrito Ministry in Memphis through Rev. Jason Mikel who actively participated at the Burrito Ministry
during his time at seminary in Memphis. The Burrito Ministry Nashville provides meals for the homeless in Nashville in the name of Jesus Christ every week. To learn more about their weekly program and activities visit their Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/480229892010571/. For more information contact Rev. Jason Mikel at jasonemikel@gmail.com. New Day In Christ Ministries - Houston, TX A New Day in Christ is a written resource developed by members and friends of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Over the years this resource has become a widely known daily prayer resource in over 2000 prisons in the United States. In 2008, New Day in Christ Ministries distributed 23,500 devotional guides across the United States. This ministry is currently led by Rev. Dr. Gloria Villa-Diaz. For daily devotionals and more information visit their website at http://newdayinchrist.org/ or contact Rev. Dr. Gloria Villa-Diaz at gloriavilladiaz@hotmail.com. Room In The Inn - Memphis, TN Room in the Inn-Memphis is based on the model of Room In The Inn that started in Nashville, Tennessee 30 years ago. The program provides emergency shelter and meals during the coldest months of the year (November through March). For more information visit their website http://www. roomintheinn-memphis.org/, and Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofroomintheinnmemphis/ or contact Rev. Lisa Anderson at anderli60@gmail.com. Sacred Sparks Ministry - Nashville, TN This ministry is led by Rev. Lisa Cook. Lisa serves as a street chaplain who minis-
ters to the homeless community in the Nashville area. This ministry takes form in the areas of building relationships, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, worship, study and pastoral care, and providing basic necessities for shelter and well-being. For more information visit their website https://sacredsparksministry.wordpress. com/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sacredsparksministry/?fref=ts. or contact Rev. Lisa Cook at tgoose@comcast.net. Still Waters Single Parent Family Ministry - Murfreesboro, TN Still Waters Single Parent Family Ministry is led by Rev. Joyce Merritt. Local pastors, volunteers, and agencies provide Christian direction, financial training, personal counseling, parent education, and educational and career assistance tailored to the needs of each family. To learn more about their regular program and activities visit their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/Still-Waters-Single-ParentFamily-Ministry-205810806269992/ or contact Rev. Joyce Merritt at still.waters. cp@gmail.com. Urban Bicycle Food Ministry Memphis, TN and Spring Hill, TN This ministry believes that small concrete acts of kindness are the fundamentals that bring light and love to a community. All it requires is a bicycle, backpack, and a giving spirit. The Urban Bicycle Food Ministry is a church without walls. They go to different neighbors on the streets to meet people where they are with food and essential supplies and remind them that they are loved, cared for, and prayed for regularly. For more information visit their website at http://ubfm.net/ or contact Rev. Tommy Clark at fattire77@gmail.com. MM FA L L 2 016
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 11
THE 186TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Decisions Related to the Missions Ministry Team by Johan Daza
EACH
year always brings excitement and expectations regarding decision-making by the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This year was no exception. The Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church sends reports to General Assembly every year. These reports include all the different ministries, program, and new initiatives developed by the different Ministry Teams. This year, The Missions Ministry Team sent several recommendations to General Assembly through the Ministry Council Report. Below you will find some of the information and recommendations from MMT adopted by the 186th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For a complete list of adopted MMT recommendations, visit http://cumberland.org/gao/Summary/ SUMMARY_ACTIONS_2016.pdf and look for the upcoming minutes of the 186th General Assembly at http://www.cumberland.org/gao/.
Advanced Cumberland Presbyterian Studies Memphis Theological Seminary, Pastoral Development, and Missions Ministry Team are offering a two module Certificate on Advanced Cumberland Presbyterian Studies on January 3-13, 2017 (Module I) and January 3-13, 2018 (Module II) in English and Korean at Memphis Theological Seminary campus. The 186th General Assembly is urging each presbytery to fund and send one or two participants to the Certificate on Advanced Cumberland Presbyterian Studies. For more information visit http://memphisseminary.edu/certificate-in-advanced-cp-studies/.
New Church Development Starters Retreat and Conference The Missions Ministry Team is inviting current and potential NCD starters to participate on a retreat and conference offered on November 13-15, 2017 at Crystal Springs Camp. The registration fee is $125, and includes lodging, meals, and materials for the entire event. The 186th General Assembly is urging each presbytery to fund and send current and potential planters to the retreat and conference. For more information visit https://cpcmc.org/mmt/starters/.
Evangelism Training The Missions Ministry Team is leading evangelism training in local churches and presbyteries through the Evangelism and New Church Development program. The 186th General Assembly is recommending each presbytery to encourage local churches to invite the Missions Ministry Team and other local resources to
lead Evangelism training for the purpose of encouraging and equipping church leaders and members in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and providing empowering methods and means that people can apply in their context. For more information visit https://cpcmc.org/mmt/step-out/.
Young Women Planning Team The Missions Ministry Team through the Women’s ministries program is encouraging young women to create new initiatives and opportunities of ministries through planning retreats and joint events where they can find spiritual and ministerial growth. The 186th General Assembly is recommending each presbytery to appoint a young woman to represent the presbytery in the different events and also to serve as a point of contact between the Young Women Planning Team and her presbytery. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Pam Phillips-Burk at Pam@ cumberland.org and https://cpcmc.org/mmt/cpywm-3/.
Listening to the Spirit, Serving with Conviction Event (Spring 2017) The Missions Ministry Team is planning an event for the Boards of Missions or their equivalent for presbyteries in the United States. The Listening to the Spirit–Serving with Conviction event is an invitation to discern God’s will regarding new ways to support and guide small churches struggling. This is also an invitation to Boards of Missions to explore ways to assist churches in becoming more engaged in missions and evangelism in their communities and around the world. The 186th General Assembly is recommending that each presbytery budget to send one or two representatives to this event. For more information please contact Rev. Dr. Pam Phillips-Burk at Pam@cumberland.org, or Rev. Dr. Milton Ortiz at MOrtiz@cumberland.org.
Intercultural Internship Opportunities There are more than 50 cross-culture ministries in the USA between churches, NCDs, and new exploration initiatives. English-speaking seminary/PAS students, planters, ministers or laypersons interested in approaching a culture other than their own may apply for a short-term intercultural internship in the United States. The Cross-Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program will post opportunities and send invitations to apply. For more information contact Rev. Johan Daza at JDaza@cumberland. org, T.J. Malinoski at TMalinoski@cumberland.org or visit https://cpcmc.org/mmt/interculture/. MM
Keep these upcoming events, programs and visions in your thoughts and prayers. Our desire is to see you actively involved in what the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is doing through the Missions Ministry Team. Thank you for your continuous support, prayers, and commitment with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church locally and globally. 12 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
2016 Evangelism Conference by T. J. Malinoski
The Missions Ministry Team sponsored the 2016 Evangelism Conference for Cumberland Presbyterians in Nashville, Tennessee during the week of the 186th General Assembly. The conference began with a joint worship service with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (CPCA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC). A combined presbyterial choir from Elk River and Nashville Presbytery led the music with Reverend Paula Louder and music leader and Mrs. Janice Bane as pianist both of Nashville Presbytery. Reverend Doctor Edward L. Anderson, minister of Union Hill CPCA and member of Huntsville Presbytery, Reverend Doctor Tiffany McClung, chaplain and director of Theology of Arts at Memphis Theological Seminary and member of West Tennessee Presbytery and Reverend Roger L. Patton, minister of Tusculum CPC and member of Nashville Presbytery all preached from the conference’s scriptural theme: Hebrews 13:13a, So let’s go outside where Jesus is, where the action is. Three workshops were offered for participants to attend throughout
the week. Reverend Doctor Nancy Fuqua, senior minister of New Life CPCA and stated clerk of Florence Presbytery led a workshop entitled, Looking For The City Through Evangelism. Reverend T. J. Malinoski, Director of Evangelism and New Church Development (CPC), led a workshop entitled, The Road Less Traveled: Approaching Faith Sharing With A New Emphasis. Reverend Johan Daza, Director of Cross-Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Reverend Doctor Milton Ortiz led a workshop entitled, Intercultural Evangelism. The purpose of the evangelism conference was to encourage church leaders and members in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, provide methods and ideas that people could use in their own context and settings and to assist all in attendance to respond to the call given to all disciples. If you missed out in attending the evangelism conference, the worship service and workshops are available on the Cumberland Presbyterian Ministry Council website at www.cpcmc.org. MM
2016 Women’s Ministry Convention
TOP10
10
Former late night talk show host, David Letterman, had a sketch called “Top Ten”. Well, here is the Convention “Top Ten” even though there is no way to rank because every component was a ten! Thanks to the participants, the leadership, and the officers for making this an exceptionally meaningful Convention where we met real people and were challenged to “GO” outside where Jesus is!
8
NEW OFFICERS WERE ELECTED BY CONVENTION AND INSTALLED BY PAST PRESIDENT SALLY SAIN President – Jamie Kay Berkley (Forked Deer Region) jamiekayb@
hotmail.com; 731/627-9432
President-elect – Faith Parra (Choctaw Region) faith.jacobparra@hotmail.com;
580/306-5692
Secretary – Brenda Shoulta (Covenant Region) bshoulta@bellsouth.net;
270/676-3563
Secretary-elect – Susan Gray (Murfreesboro Region) Mrsgray2003@gmail.com;
615/318-1584
Past President – Athala Jaramillo (Soncoast Region) lucatha@aol.com;
305/264-1074
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CONVENTION OFFERING The 2016 Offering goes to the Building A Promising Future in Guatemala program. This ministry is being developed in the schools in Guatemala City to help youth understand they are created in God’s image and are of great worth to God. It is an effort to help end the violence and abuse many children experience in Guatemala. This is a three-year focus with the Convention offering going towards it in 2017 and 2018. This year’s offering totaled $4,266.83!
NEW PROJECTS were selected for FURNITURE FOR MISSIONARIES the 2016-2017 program year. Thank you Regional Council for your work of prayer, study, and discernment in making the recommendations to Convention.
SIMS AND WILKERSON – this project will help with set-up of new missionaries Jacob and Lindsey Sims (Brazil) and Patrick and Jessica Wilkerson (Colombia). The Sims will be leaving by the end of 2016, so there is an urgent need for their furniture fund. The Wilkersons will be leaving in 2017. SACRED SPARKS is a ministry of Nashville Presbytery led by the Rev. Lisa Cook to those who are experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. Rev. Cook serves as a pastor and friend to this unique community. For more information regarding these new projects visit the Women’s Ministry website - https://cpcmc. org/mmt/wmresources-current/.
WORSHIP WITH CPCA NATIONAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY Convention opened with a joint worship service. What a moving experience this was to have a joint choir and participants from both groups. The preacher was the Rev. Jimmie Dodd, who introduced the theme and got everyone off to a great start. Rev. Dodd is a member of Hopewell Presbytery in the West Tennessee area and serves as pastor of Hopewell CPCA in Dyersburg, Tennessee. 14 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
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HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND GIFTS IN KIND
CP women rose to the challenge once again to give by donating hundreds of gifts-in-kind for our Nashville/ Murfreesboro ministry partners. Boxes and boxes of practical and useful items were donated to these ministries by Convention and CPCA National Missionary Society participants. Not only did we give “stuff” but also gave of our time and talents. Some participants took to heart the theme of “GO” and went outside the hotel to visit and serve at the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center (an advocate for those who are recovering from domestic violence), Still Waters Single Parent Family Ministry in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the Sacred Sparks Laundry Ministry. In addition, plenty of hands were put to work at the Sheraton Hotel in making blessing bags, sleeping bag inserts and foot warmers for Sacred Sparks. The hotel staff were a bit puzzled when sewing machines began to appear in the meeting room!
BIBLE STUDY
5
Rev. Lisa Oliver took us on a quick tour of the book of Hebrews during the Bible study on Wednesday morning in order to fully explore the context and meaning of the scripture theme, Hebrews 13:13 – “So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is.” (The Message). Through conversations, skit, music and lecture she gave us much food for thought. Want to use it in your own setting? You can find that Bible study and Powerpoint on the women’s ministry website https://cpcmc.org/mmt/wmresources-current/.
CONVENTION CHOIR
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KEYNOTE The Rev. Micaiah Thomas Tanck blessed everyone with her presentation on Tuesday afternoon detailing her experiences in Guatemala as a short-term missionary. Using Powerpoint slides and storytelling, she made us feel as if we were right there with her. We learned about some of the unique challenges in Guatemala and Central America, and why the CP Church must be in ministry among the people in that country. Following her excellent presentation, Joanna Franco spoke briefly about her work with Building A Promising Future in Guatemala.
Let us make a joyful noise – and beautiful music. This year’s choir was under the direction of Carla Meade, who was ably accompanied by Jackie Clifton. From the opening worship to the closing worship service (in the dark), Carla, Jackie and the choir led us in worship and music. You could tell from their faces that they were having a great time singing praises.
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LUNCHEON Over 160 people gathered on Thursday to bring Convention to a close with table fellowship. Friends old and new sat around tables eating and enjoying each other’s company. The beautiful music was offered by the equally beautiful Rachel Graham of Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Jessica Lankford (Nashville Region) presented the GO theme in a fun and creative way by comparing different types of shoes to different types of Christians. Surely everyone found a pair or two that fit. Rev. Lynn Thomas presented the newly endorsed CP missionaries, and we heard from Lindsey Sims and Jessica Wilkerson. Both women are available to visit your church, regional meetings or retreats. Contact them right away, so you can get on their busy calendar. Rev. Keishi Ishitsuka was recognized for his many years of service to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brazil, who then passed the torch on to Jacob and Lindsey Sims. There was a loose change jar on each table for the StottWallace Missionary Offering Fund. Loose change and lots of paper money resulted in $474! Lastly, there was a short video hosted by Missionary Anay Ortega of the newly established Hot Lunch Program in Guatemala (the 2015 Loaves & Fishes Offering). You can find that video on the Missions website - https://cpcmc.org/mmt/loaves/. Having been fed body and soul, we were fully equipped to GO out into the world where Jesus is.
BE A DOROTHY! President Jamie Berkley challenged everyone to “be a Dorothy” from the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy was on a mission to see the wizard because she believed he could help her get back home. Along her journey she met all sorts of people with special and unique needs – the scarecrow, a tin man, the cowardly lion. Rather than leave them in their situations, she took the time to learn about their needs and invited them to join her on her mission to get to Oz and see the wizard. Jamie said that of course in her world – the wizard is God, who can fill all our needs. Yes – we are to go, but we are called to take others with us along the way. “Be a Dorothy” in the coming year! MM
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M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 15
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING…. Emma Warren,
9th grader from First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee -
Bethel Scholarship Recipient by Pam Phillips-Burk
“At General Assembly 2016, the theme was, ‘Go’. Go where Jesus is. The Women’s Convention that I participated in had several different service projects planned for Wednesday afternoon. I participated in the Still Waters project. When my group arrived we were met with enthusiasm. They had saved up many projects for us to complete, including objects like clothes to organize, toys in the nursery to be wiped down, and laundry detergent to be made, poured, and labeled. Afterward, we went outside and walked through a prayer labyrinth that my dad had mowed out of the grass. Looking back, I realize that the entire time I felt God’s presence. I had gone somewhere to serve the Lord and Jesus was with me the entire time. I had gone to where Jesus was. I saw how the ministry of Still Waters would help many families to come. The short time that I was able to help makes a difference for me and also, I hope, for them.”
Mary Rolman,
C
ongratulations to Unique Ikechukwu who is the 20162017 scholarship recipient. She is a sophomore at Bethel University majoring in psychology. Her ultimate goal is to earn her doctorate and become a clinical or counseling psychologist. Unique is from Nigeria and is a “preacher’s kid.” She has one brother who is also planning to attend Bethel University in 2017. Unique says that she informally goes by Unique Charles, “because Americans can’t pronounce my last name!” She is a member of McKenzie Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This scholarship was established in 1976 in recognition of the service given by Beverly St. John, as the first director of Cumberland Presbyterian 16 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
Women. It is awarded annually in the amount of $2,000. It is awarded first to a young woman attending Bethel University who is planning to go into full-time Christian ministry, the field of Christian education, music ministry or other related fields. If there is not an eligible candidate, then it is awarded to a Cumberland Presbyterian woman at the university who is in need of financial assistance. It is the hope and dream of Women’s Ministry that more dedicated and capable young women will give consideration to a vocation related to the Church. This scholarship is designed to encourage young women in their pursuit of ordained ministry as well as other positions in the Church. MM
10th grader from Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tennessee “This year at the 2016 General Assembly I was a youth delegate for the Women’s Ministry. I had an amazing experience, and I enjoyed it. The theme for this year’s convention was ‘Go’. We are to ‘Go outside where Jesus is, where the action is.’ The women’s convention took that to heart and actually did go into the world. On Wednesday afternoon, the ladies took field trips or stayed on site to help different mission groups. The Women’s Convention helped the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center, Still Waters, and Sacred Sparks. I ended helping Sacred Sparks with the laundry ministry. We went around downtown Nashville and picked up some people who needed their laundry done. At the laundry mat, we offered them cake, laundry detergent, and quarters. This experience amazed me and made me realize that Cumberland Presbyterian Church people actually go outside to spread the love of Jesus where the action is.” MM
Coalition for Appalachian Ministry
(C A M)
A ministry partnership of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
by Pam Phillips-Burk
HOW
How do you pronounce Appalachia? Many are the ways! Ap-uh-ley-chee-uh / Ap-uh-lach-uh Ap-uh-ley-chuh / Ap-uh-lay-chuh Apple-at-cha, / Ap-uh-latch-uh Appal-at-chee / Apple-at-cha works for me! The pronunciation is surely a dialectal issue!
WH E RE Where in the world is Appalachia?
The Appalachian Mountains form the spiny backbone of the Eastern United States. This whole stretch, which the government calls “the Appalachian region” runs from southern New York to northern Georgia and Alabama. It contains 410 counties in 13 states, parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and all of West Virginia. The 25 million people who live in this region are as diverse as any other region in the U.S. Many Cumberland Presbyterians live in this region known as Appalachia.
STAT S! Noteworthy stats!
• • • • •
42% are rural (more than double the nation’s 20%) Plagued by high poverty and unemployment rates Filled with the beauty of God’s people Abounding in the splendor of God’s creation A mission field in our backdoor!
WHAT What does CAM “do”?
The mission is to make a positive impact wherever the Reformed tradition and Appalachian culture come together by networking with church and community to provide educational and service opportunities. How does CAM do this? • Annual conferences • Coordinating/facilitating mission trips • Crafts Cabin that connects home-based crafters with a fair-market outlet • Coordinating Appalachian immersion experiences for pastors, church leaders, and groups • Advocating for issues of economic justice and environmental issues Interested in learning more about CAM? Visit the website at http://www.appalachianministry.org or contact Rev. Lisa Peterson, church liaison coordinator at camchurchrelations@gmail.com.
W H AT
C AN YOU DO?
PRAY that young women
will consider positions in the Church as their vocation. TALK with and encourage young
women to secure information and find out what is involved in church-related vocations. PROVIDE opportunities for high
school and college age women to visit Bethel University and/or talk with faculty and staff. PROVIDE additional
encouragement and support to the persons who receive the scholarship. CONTRIBUTE to the scholarship
so that more young women can be supported in their academic journey. BE ENTHUSIASTIC and supportive
of the women who are presently considering a church-related vocation, who are in training for such a position or who are presently serving the Church. Send your donations to the Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016 and designate it for the CP Women’s Ministry Bethel University Scholarship. FA L L 2 016
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 17
Republic of Haiti République d’Haïti (French) Repiblik Ayiti (Creole) by Milton Ortiz
Haiti is located in the Caribbean Sea sharing a landmass in the form of an island with the Dominican Republic.
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HAITI
is lightly smaller than Maryland) is located in the Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispanola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic. Christopher Columbus’ trips to the New World first landed him on what was to become Haiti. Ninety five percent of Haiti’s population is black, while five percent is mulatto and white. Official languages are French and Haitian Creole. Regarding predominate religions, 54.7% of the population is Roman Catholic, 28.5% Protestant. Many Haitians practice elements of voodoo in addition to another religion, most often Roman Catholicism. Currently, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has experienced political instability for most of its history. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010. Estimates are that over 300,000 were killed and some 1.5 million left homeless. Today, 58.5% of the population is below poverty and more than two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs. Some of the environmental issues in Haiti are the extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forest is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel), soil erosion, and inadequate supplies of potable water. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church formed a council of CP churches in 2015 in Haiti. There are six churches and six pastors (candidates) that are part of the Haiti CP Council of Churches. In addition to the churches, there are three elementary schools that are attached to three of our churches. The work in Haiti is guided by the Missions Ministry Team (MMT), but it is hosted by Hope Presbytery. With respect to current goals in Haiti: one is theological training. Although the pastors have theological training the MMT is working with the Program of Alternate Studies to provide additional pastoral training for these pastors. Hot Lunch Program, later this year we will use the Loaves and Fishes Offering to fund a new Hot Lunch Program in Haiti. The churches we have there will be starting hot lunch programs. Work Teams, the MMT’s mission liaisons working in Haiti (Rev. Pat Driskell and Rev. Jimmy Peyton) will be developing future work teams to help with different projects in Haiti. MM FA L L 2 016
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 19
Bible Study
GO!
WO RSHIP Revelation 5:1-11 by Rev. Lisa Scott
Introduction Worship is an expression of respect, of reverence and of awe. In the New Testament worship is directed to God and associated with the Greek word “proskyneo,” which means to bow down, exalt or extol. The antonyms are to blaspheme, loathe, or despise. Worship can be reflected in song, meditation, study of the Scriptures, giving and receiving of offerings, preaching, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and many other components of a public gathering. Informal groups may form for devotions, prayer and fasting. But worship can take place with one person opening their heart to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, being available to God on a personal Sabbath. Worship is to come into agreement with the Psalmist who said, “Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture,” Psalm 100:3 (NRSV).
READ Revelation 5:1-4 In the ancient world books were not bound in the same methods as today. It was typical for writings to be recorded on a roll of papyrus, parchment or animal skin. Documents of critical value or subject matter would have a seal of clay or wax to ensure that prying eyes did not read and/or tamper with the message. What are your impressions/feelings about the throne room of God? Why does John weep bitterly when no one is found to open the scroll? Over what do we weep bitterly? What troubles our waking hours?
What expectation did you have in coming to that worship event? Was it realized? In Revelation, John is given a unique opportunity to see worship in the throne room of God. He witnesses things that confuse and startle but also receives great insight into the wonderful story of Jesus, who takes away the sin of the world. He describes four incredible flying creatures that day and night sing, “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come” Revelation 4:8 (NRSV). He also writes of the song that the twenty-four elders sing, “You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” Revelation 4:11 (NRSV). They never grow weary of exalting God. Our worship need never be dull or dated if we remember that worship is foremost about honoring God for what God has done for us. 2 0 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R FA L L 2 016
What happens in this scene? What statement do the living creatures and the twenty-four elders make with their action?
READ
Revelation 5:9-14 What is the new song that is being sung? Who is blessed by the Lamb’s sacrifice?
What are some other ways you have experienced worship? How would you describe your most recent worship experience?
horns and seven eyes, and further explained as the seven spirits of God (Revelation 1:4 and Isaiah 11:2-3). The horns represent power and strength, while the eyes allude to God’s ability to see everything, everywhere, every time.
READ
Revelation 5:5-8 There is good news! The Lamb is identified as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10) and the Root of David (Isaiah 11:1,10 and Romans 15:12). David is Jesse’s son (Ruth 4:22). The Lamb is described as having been slaughtered or slain. Lambs were used for sacrifice at the Passover and for the daily sacrifices. This Lamb is unique in that it has seven
Who is singing these new songs? Why are these songs important?
READ
Colossians 1:13-14, Titus 2:11-14, and 1 Peter 1:18-21 How might one of the aforementioned passages from the New Testament influence your attitude about private worship? About worship in the faith community?
PRAYER: Holy God, you give us forgiveness of sins through Jesus and welcome us into your family. We belong to you! How amazing is your kindness. May our zeal for you be seen in our prayers, our singing, our attentiveness to your Holy Spirit, and our service to one another. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. MM
WHAT
IF YOU COULD
PUT A
BLESSING IN A BOX? CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
8207 Traditional Place • Cordova, TN 38016-7414 • 901.276.4572 For more information and resources visit our website at http://cpcmc.org/mmt/
POLICY: THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER is published for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by the Missions Ministry Team. Opinions expressed by the individual writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editors. THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER does not accept advertising. ADDRESS CHANGE: send new address and label from a recent newspaper to the Circulation Secretary at the address below. THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER (ISSN 08868344), (Publication permit number: PE14376) is published quarterly by the Missions Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, Tenn. The magazine is sent free of charge to each household in the denomination. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
LISTENING TO THE SPIRIT SERVING WITH CONVICTION Feb. 10-11, 2017 4-H Center, Little Rock, Arkansas
We will LISTEN for the Holy Spirit’s direction, and develop plans for returning to our presbyteries to SERV E with conviction. This event is for chairpersons and/or representatives of presbyterial Boards of Missions and the elected team members of the Missions Ministry Team.
Topics will include: • Ways to support small churches •Ideas to engage churches in missions, • Exploration of the new online process for calling a pastor • Opportunities to learn what is “working” in other presbyteries • Networking for future joint ministries and more. REGISTRATION FEE (includes 3 meals and room) Costs vary depending upon room type and your willingness to share a room - $103-$139 4-H Center – 1 Four-H Way, Little Rock, AR 72223 • To register online – cpcmc.org/mmt/listening You can call or email Pam Phillips-Burk to register– pam@cumberland.org or 901/276-4572 ext. 203.