The Mission Team Harnesses the Sun in Haiti
for the generosity of our church in providing the means to make this project happen. We were all aware that for each one of us, there were dozens of others standing behind us, lending us support and prayers. We will provide a fuller report to you once we catch our breath and debrief. But for now, just know how much your efforts are appreciated!
By Stuart Baskin | As I write these words, I am both elated and exhausted after our church’s latest trip to Haiti to “bring good news to the poor.” As you know, our Mission Committee has, with the blessing of the Session, entered into a long-term mission in Haiti to install water purification and solar-power systems at select sites in that nation, the poorest in the western hemisphere. These systems are designed to provide water that is safe for human consumption by drawing water through a series of filters which are powered by electricity generated by solar panels. The modest aim is not to put running water or electricity into individual homes, but—by working with local churches—to provide a central place where villagers can come to fill their water jugs.
The Power of Presbyterian Women
By Karen Novy | The theme for this year’s PW Thank Offering comes from Hebrews 10:14, “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” In 1888, one lady in Ohio asked the Presbyterian women of her church to give at least an additional dollar as a “thank offering to her Lord.” Those ladies were credited with saving the world-wide missionary movement of the church at the time, and thus began the PW tradition of the annual Thank Offering. Since then, Presbyterian Women have continued to support this special offering which gives grant money for creative projects that help women and children, both here in the U.S. and around the world.
Four of us from FPC Tyler went on this trip, including Sally Smith, Ginny Mattox, Dan Daniel, and myself. We were met by three members of Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and an observer from Lumberton, North Carolina. Together, we successfully installed both the water and the solar-power systems at the church in the little community of St. Etienne du Buteau, about twenty-two miles as the crow flies west-southwest of Port au Prince.
This year’s goal for the entire PW organization is $900,000. How do they plan to meet that goal? One dollar at a time! Everyone in the church is invited to participate in accordance with how much they wish to thank God for their personal blessings. The offering will be received at a special service on November 17 (see page 4 for details), at the monthly Circle meetings, or in the church office. Help us show our love to others.
Of course, the most important work was not just the technical matter of bringing electricity and clean water to this poor community, but the relationships that we have begun building. Words cannot express the thanks of our mission team
Notes from Session
sus was that the Children’s Ministry is a good use of the church’s resources. One ongoing need is the recruitment of teachers and other volunteers.
Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on September 16 and conducted the following business: The consent agenda was approved, including the reception into active membership of Jill and Steve O’Farrell, Heather and Stephen Jones, and Jim Lestor.
Skip Womack presented the slate of nominated officers, including Traci Kenner, Carol Allen, Curtis Cooper, and Bob Skorkowsky (Session); Bob Schmoker and Alice Stjernstrom (Diaconate); Judith Guthrie and Mike Allen (Trustees); and Jim Novy (at-large member of the Nominating Committee). In addition, a group of Individually Commissioned Deacons (ICDs) would be elected.
As moderator of the Session, Stuart Baskin reported that the church has received twenty-seven new members this year and has lost thirty-one, sixteen of which were deaths. He also announced that a new, very active young adult Sunday school class, The 209ers, was begun by Debbie and Paul Pitts.
In old business, representatives from various committees were delegated to meet with the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services regarding their request to have a presence in our church.
Wayne Babin, moderator of the Planning and Evaluation Committee, introduced the annual ministry review of the Children’s Ministry. Debbie Pitts, Children’s Ministry team moderator, reviewed the report. The consen-
In new business, Susan Davis, Debbie Pitts, and Wayne Babin were elected as commissioners to attend the Grace Presbytery meeting in Longview on September 27.
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