Pine Cone Press
August 2024
Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 5340
1805 Pine Tree Road
Longview, Texas 75608
(903) 759-2685
Rev. Cindy Barton, Pastor
(442) 235-1393
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: https://www.pinetreecpchurch.org
From the Pastor’s Desk: “On the Blessings of Christian Friendship”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I am so thankful recently for Christian friends, old and new. At General Assembly, I was able to reconnect with old friends -- pastors and church members who have supported me spiritually over the years, professors and fellow students from the Program of Alternate Studies, women of the CPWM, people of the larger church that we do not get to see very often. A blessing was received in the revival of each relationship! Recently, I had the pleasure of gathering with a small group of friends from my childhood – we are sisters in Christ from various churches who have cared for and supported each other through many years. Although we do not get to see each other often, shared hugs, laughter, and conversation were great blessings! Last week I also joined with a current church member to do something fun and out-of-the-ordinary: a sister in Christ blessed us with the opportunity to attend a performance of the Shakespeare Festival. Sharing a unique experience with a Christian friend was refreshing and fun: a great blessing! I am reminded in all these ways that Christian friendship is a thing of great value to our quality of life. Let us be thankful for friendships touched by the love of Christ Jesus. Take time to nurture those friendships through shared experiences; spend effort to create moments of shared joy; look for opportunities to support each other in physical, emotional, and spiritual ways. Just as we are thankful for the presence and interaction of other believers in our lives, do not forget that you are precious as a Christian friend to someone else. You are of such great value to the family of God, in your presence, in your prayers, and in all the little things you are able to do together. TOGETHER! A small gathering was recently held at the church by friends and family of Betty Peterson, one of the women who helped to create the stained-glass windows in the church. I was struck by the joy of friendship and shared experiences as old friends came together with new friends… a blessing! I also realized that it takes effort to get together: someone must conceive the idea, share the idea, and make it happen -- and all must make the effort to participate. I am so thankful for all who do those things to keep our relationships going at Pine Tree CPC, but we can do an even better job of being Christian friends. Come! Join in! Bring your energy, ideas, caring, and love of God. We will give and receive great blessings of Christian friendship together!
Important Dates to Remember
Sunday, August 4 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Wednesday, August 7 Bible Study 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 8 Session Meeting 1:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 10 Trinity Presbytery
Board Meeting 9:00 A.M.
Huntsville, Texas
Sunday, August 11 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
Wednesday, August 14 Bible Study 4:00 P.M.
Saturday. August 17 CPWM Meeting 10:30 A.M.
Sunday, August 18 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, August 21 Bible Study 4:00 P.M.
Sunday, August 25 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, August 28 Bible Study 4:00 P.M.
Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark
All are invited to join us for Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Our current study, entitled “In the Company of Christ”, written by author Rev. Jeff Manion, covers the gospel of Mark. Short video lessons and published study guides provide suggestions for daily at-home reading of the scripture and give direction to our discussions during time together. We are tasked with answering questions such as “Who is Jesus?” and “What does Jesus expect of me?” “What does it mean to follow Jesus?” “Does Jesus have authority over me?” We use the action-packed gospel of Mark to lead us to answers to these questions and more. It is not too late to come learn with us!
Pine Tree CP Women’s Ministry to Meet
The Pine Tree CP Women’s Ministry will meet on Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 AM in the fellowship hall of Pine Tree CP Church. Pastor Cindy Barton will present the program, featuring the missionary work of our denomination. Nancy Abernathy will provide refreshments. Please join us for this time of learning, planning, and fellowship.
Reception Honoring Betty Peterson Held
On Monday, July 29, family and friends of long-time church member Betty Peterson gathered to share her role in making the sanctuary’s stained-glass windows and to mark her 91st birthday. Betty wanted to share the beauty of the windows and her joy in the fellowship of making them with her current friends at Parkview. Betty’s son Doug wanted to help her accomplish this and also to provide a birthday celebration. Pine Tree Church was pleased to provide a place for the gathering of friends and family, to express our appreciation for work accomplished, and to share the story behind the stained-glass windows. A van from Parkview helped to provide transportation to the event, which was attended by 25 to 30 people. Twelve stained-glass windows grace the sanctuary and amplify our worship by providing beautiful images of the glory of God and His plan of salvation in Christ. The glass artwork was created in 1981 and 1982 by three Cumberland Presbyterian women – Betty Peterson, Lucille Stephenson, and Mabel Toler -- working under the direction of Rev. Charles Petty. Pictures of the windows and the recent reception can be found on the church website.