Las Noticias
February 13, 2012
Reflection: And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Connections:
Twenty-eight pastors gathered last Thursday in the beautiful “upper room” at Trinity Presbyterian Church (Tucson) (thank you, Trinity!) for the launch of the Macedonia Ministries de Cristo. During the introductions each was asked to share one or two things they valued about the congregation they serve. My oh my, what affection, gratitude and pride in you all poured forth! Generosity, compassion, openness, faithfulness, creativity! These were just some of the adjectives that spontaneously spilled forth from these enthusiastic pastors! The pastors will continue to meet monthly for prayer, Biblical reflection and focused learning. The purpose of the Macedonia Ministries is to renew the lives and excellence of pastors who can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, renew their congregations, which can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, renew their local communities.
Shout out to the lively, vital congregation of First Presbyterian of Florence where I was privileged to offer prayers and to participate in the ordination and installation of elders last Sunday. Rev. John Johnson preached a sermon entitled, “It’s Not That Hard,” which was a powerful encouragement to focus on the essential tenet of the Christian faith – God’s love of us in Christ and our love of others. Last Saturday some 200 people had come to the church as part of the city’s historical tour. The congregation used it as an opportunity to show hospitality and a number of visitors in worship the next day had come because of the warm hospitality offered. Sunday was also the annual motorcycle ride around the prison. Hundreds of motorcyclists from all over the world gather to ride around the prison as a show of solidarity and support for all those incorporated. An interesting spin on Jesus’ words, “I was in prison and you visited me.”
Note to clergy: If you would like a clergy identification card, please call or email Mary Anne and she will send one to you. 520.624.9070. Or Maryanne@presbtyerydecristo.org.
I have invited David Hicks, Social Media Director for the Synod of the Southwest to come and give me a tutorial in using social media on Tuesday, February 28 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity Presbyterian Church (Tucson) and I am inviting you to join us! Bring your computer, your ipad, your smart phone and come and hone your skills on all things geeky! Please let Mary Anne know if you’re coming so that we set up enough chairs.
Southside Presbyterian Church (Tucson) hosted a wonderful baby shower last Saturday for Rev. Alison Harrington and husband Bryan whose baby is due next week!
Montlure Presbyterian Camp is seeking an office manager for the this summer’s camping season: Hours: Part-time, 15-20 hours per week, flexible schedule from approximately the beginning of June thru end of July. This is an on-site position. Compensation - $1,000 per month plus food and lodging at the camp. For a full description of the job please click here.
And the World Council of Churches (WCC) is seeking young Christians from around the world to serve as stewards for the organization’s Central Committee meeting, Aug. 23-Sept. 7, in Crete, Greece. Applicants must between the ages of 18 and 30. During the meeting, stewards will work in the areas of worship, conference room, documentation, press office, sound, and other administrative and support tasks. Applicants are invited to send in the completed application form to the WCC youth desk no later than March 15, 2012. Download the application form here.
Prayers:
For Rev. Andy Ross (Northminster, Tucson) recuperating from foot surgery.
For Rev. Stephanie Hamilton, Director of Montlure, undergoing tests.
For the Nominating Committee meeting this week.
For the presbyteries of New Covenant and Palo Duro in Texas. (From the Mission Yearbook)
en Cristo,
Sue suewestfall@presbyterydecristo.org 520.624.9070 or 520.490.1261.
