May Newsletter 2026

From the Pastor: Learning to Rest

I received a wonderful gift last week as I traveled to Mount Magazine State Park in Arkansas for a Pastors’ Retreat. The gift was provided by the Louisa Woosley Preaching Initiative, a program of the Cumberland Presbyterian Ministry Council, and also by my congregation. Church members stepped up to keep things going during my four-day absence and provided innovative ways to worship and receive the Word of God without a formally prepared sermon the following Sunday. This allowed me to focus fully on the experiences of the retreat. Fifty-one pastors gathered in the serene setting of Mount Magazine Lodge, which is built on the edge of a quartzite cliff, just a short walk from the highest point in Arkansas. Spectacular views included a great valley with rivers, lakes, forests, and farmland as well as the highlands of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in the distance. In this serene setting, we were reminded daily of the goodness, power, and majesty of God. Our focus was on rest and restoration for the weary. The scriptural theme was the experience of Elijah, “Under the Broom Tree” (1 Kings 19:1-18). God sent angels to minister to the needs of the despairing and worn-out prophet. The prophet was fed physically and spiritually, and God spoke to Elijah, giving him instructions on how to resume his work for God. We were blessed to have a similar experience, receiving rest, restoration, and instructions for how to lead the church in emotionally and spiritually healthy ways. Workshop leaders taught us how to recognize and avoid “burn-out” in ministry. We participated in twice daily prayer groups, attended workshops, made crafts, took ranger-led hikes in the park, enjoyed three wonderfully prepared meals a day, worshiped God together, and benefitted from shared conversations with other ministers. Through all these experiences, we learned that it is not our task to fix all the problems of the world, nor even of individual lives. It is our work to trust God, to magnify His name, and to lead others to do the same. We overcome chaos in the world by living in and pouring out the peace of Christ. I learned that being able to rest has everything to do with being able to trust God. Through the blessing of this retreat, we learned to slow down and spend time with God. He will meet us where we are: in His presence, we receive strength, nurture, and healing. God will sustain us. The benediction we received in worship was this: Having rested, “Go in peace – unhurried, held, and not alone.” I am grateful for this gift of rest in the Lord. 

Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering

The Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering will be collected during worship on May 24 at Pine Tree CP Church. This fund is the sole source of support for salaries and benefits for Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries. The CP Missions Ministry Team currently supports missionary work in Haiti, Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, the Philippines, Spain, Canada, and Scotland. By giving to the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering, we send people into the world to share the love and peace of Christ.

Important Dates to Remember

Sunday, May 3           Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                   Communion

                                   Fifth Sunday of Easter 

Thursday, May 7        National Day of Prayer

Sunday, May 10         Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                   Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                   Noon Meal

                                   Mother’s Day

                                   Sixth Sunday of Easter

Thursday, May 14       Ascension of The Lord

Thursday, May 14       Session Meeting

                                   1:00 P.M

Sunday, May 17          Bible Study – 9:30 A.M.   

                                    Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                    Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 24          Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.   

                                    Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                    Day of Pentecost (Wear Red)

                                    Stott – Wallace Offering

Monday, May 25         Memorial Day

Sunday, May 31           Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.   

                                    Worship – 10:30 A.M.

                                    Trinity Sunday

                                    Military Chaplains Offering

Dear Cumberland Presbyterian,

Thank you very much for your kind generosity! We truly appreciate your love and support during this time.

                  Love,

                            Trey, Megan & Kid

Trinity Presbytery Camps

Trinity Presbytery will sponsor youth camps at Camp Gilmont near Gilmer, Texas from Sunday, June 7 through Friday, June 12, 2026. Campers entering kindergarten through those graduating high school will find fun and learning in the theme for this year’s camp, “Christian Courage”. The fee for each camper is $375. Scholarships are available to help with costs. Interested campers can register through the church office.

Fellowship Meal Celebrates Mother’s Day

Our May fellowship meal will be held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, following our morning worship service. A menu that bridges breakfast and lunch is planned. The day’s events provide a wonderful opportunity to honor all those God has called to fill the role of motherhood in our lives. Historically, Mother’s Day began through the efforts of Anna Jarvis, whose mother passed away in 1905. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. This year, bring your family to worship God and enjoy a covered dish meal with family and friends. We praise God and give him thanks for all those people he has placed in our lives to meet our need for a mother’s love and nurture.

Pine Tree CPWM Meetings

The Pine Tree CPWM met at 10:30 A.M on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the church. Following a brief business meeting, Nancy Abernathy presented a program featuring interesting facts about the Leonardo da Vinci painting, “The Last Supper”. We traveled together to The New Pier Restaurant in White Oak for fellowship, fun, and a good meal. 

National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is held annually on the first Thursday of May, designated by the U.S. Congress in 1952 as a day to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.” A local, ecumenical observance of this event will be held on May 7 at the Gregg County Courthouse, 101 E. Methvin Street, at noon. All are invited to lift prayers for our nation, our local communities, our leaders, and all public servants

Prayer List