Pine Cone Press
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
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From the Pastor: Focus and Re-Focus – Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus in 2026
And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is no other (Isaiah 45:21b-22).
It is the beginning of a New Year, and we give thanks for the freshness, promise, and hope it brings. Yet in many of our circumstances, the difficulties we struggled with in 2025 persist; we have not solved all the problems or overcome all the dangers. As we lie in bed at night, panic threatens to overtake our thoughts. In those moments, the “theme” God has assigned to my new year comes to mind. “Focus… and Re-Focus on God”. Once is not enough. Again and again, each time fear, uncertainty, or anxiety stir in your heart, focus and re-focus on God. Worship him, expressing praise and devotion. Seek his will and his wisdom in all things. Rely on his strength when you feel weak. Turn to Jesus – repent; change the direction of your thought and attention to Jesus, and let his presence fill you with peace! It is a struggle for us to “let go and let God”!
Last night, as I sought relief from worry in prayer, I found myself singing the chorus of a familiar hymn: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” © 1922 by Singspiration Music/ASCP. I have been trying this whenever I feel a moment of panic, and I find my heart is calmed and peace comes to my troubled mind. This is the direction God has given me for 2026, and I share it with you as an encouragement. Focus… and Re-Focus on God (as many times as needed): Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus! With eyes fixed on our Savior, we are ready for whatever the New Year brings!
Thank You to Family of John Abernathy
A new cloth covering for our communion table has been given to the church by the family of John Abernathy in his memory. The church expresses gratitude for this memorial gift which will enhance our celebration of the Communion sacrament each month.
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 4 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Tuesday, January 6 Epiphany of the Lord
Thursday, January 8 Session Meeting – 1:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 10 Presbyterial Board Meetings
Huntsville – 9:00 A.M.
Sunday. January 11 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
Baptism of the Lord
Sunday, January 18 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Monday, January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Sunday, January 25 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Giving to Denominational Projects
At Thanksgiving, our collection for the annual Loaves and Fishes Offering provided $195 for the Hot Lunch Program serving children in Iloilo City, Philippines. The Gift to the King Offering, collected in December, provided $298 to be used in constructing a new Cumberland Presbyterian church building in Planeta Rica, Colombia. We are grateful for prayers and financial support for these outreach projects of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C.P. Church Outreach Programs
On Thursday, January 8th we will have our second “Free Outreach Dinner”. Anyone is invited to join us for a hot meal served from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Spread the word. Also, in January we will have open enrollment for any adults that want to join us in classes ranging from Arts & Crafts to Phone and Computer use. Stop by to sign up Monday through Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and see what we have to offer.
Pine Tree CPWM Delivers Gifts of Encouragement
The Pine Tree CP Women’s Ministry met on December 20, 2025, to prepare trays of cookies to share with those who are currently unable to join worship or fellowship activities. Cookie gifts were delivered in the week between Christmas and New Year. Through the visits, we renewed ties with those we have not seen recently and encouraged those who are healing from injury or illness. Crocheted gifts of scarves and caps, crafted by member Helen Nunn, also were delivered to residents at the East Texas Women’s Center. Our next meeting will be February 21, 2026. Please join us!
January Noon Meal
The Noon Fellowship Meal for January will be held following worship on January 11, 2026. All are invited to bring your favorite soup, salad, or dessert to share with others as we gather in fellowship with the family of God.
