Pine Cone Press
July 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: “Sharing Blessings from the 193rd General Assembly”
I was blessed to attend the 193rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Evansville, Indiana. I served as a minister commissioner on behalf of Trinity Presbytery. In coming days, you will read summaries of business actions of the assembly, but I share with you first the blessings of joy and hope I experienced in renewing of Christian friendships, in prayerful worship, and in the certain presence and power of the Holy Spirit. As I listened, I heard God’s voice in the powerful preaching we received as we sought to know the will of God for our church.
On Sunday evening, we filled the Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church with hymns of praise and heartfelt testimonies of God’s action in our lives through the CP church family. We came together in fervent prayer that the power and presence of the Holy Spirit would guide the work before us.
Monday evening’s opening worship service was led by Rev. Paul Tucker and Retiring Moderator Rev. Mitch Boulton. The theme of the assembly, “Holy Conversations”, reminded us that we are all called by God to be his children; we each have a role to play in living God’s word. Although we are each one sinful, we are also each one loved by God: in Christ we are transformed, and called to live a holy life, reflecting God’s character as closely as we can. In the course of our struggles, we must have “holy conversations” with God and with each other. Rev. Boulton called us to remember our vows of ordination as ministers and elders, facing spiritual challenges with boldness and grace, seeking God’s truth.
A special worship service on Tuesday night was sponsored by the Louisa Woosley Preaching Initiative, a new grant-funded program that supports clergy and probationers in preaching. The message, powerfully delivered by Rev. Dr. George Estes, began with this humble proclamation that applies to us all: “I am a sinner, saved by grace, trying my best to respond to the call on my life.” Ephesians 4:1-6 reminds us that we are each called through a Holy Conversation with God to live a life worthy of the hope of the calling we have received… making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. We are people of hope because we are bound together in truth and unity by the Spirit of God.
Thursday morning devotionals by Youth Advisory Delegates focused on 2 Timothy 1:3-9 and Colossians 3:9-15. In the Spirit of God, we are given a gift that does not make us timid, but bold in power, love, and self-discipline. In Christ we are saved and called to a holy life for his purpose and glory. Ellie Kennemer shared, “Once we step into Christ’s forgiveness, our differences are no longer a liability.”
In the closing worship service, Rev. Paul Tucker summoned us to continue “Holy Conversations”: as we share in the suffering of Christ and of our fellow Christians for the sake of the gospel, we must “keep on going”, pressing forward in service to and love of God and one another. The sure promises of Isaiah 2:2-4 and Revelation 21:1-4 sealed the messages of hope and joy from the 193rd General Assembly.
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, July 3 Bible Study – 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, July 4 Independence Day
Sunday, July 7 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Wednesday, July 10 Bible Study – 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, July 11 Session Meeting
1:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 14 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
Wednesday, July 17 Bible Study – 4:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 21 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, July 24 Bible Study – 4:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 28 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, July 31 Bible Study – 4:00 P.M.
Meeting of the Pine Tree CP Women’s Ministry
The Pine Tree CP Women’s Ministry met on June 15 at 10:30 AM. Guest Genell Montoya shared a testimony of God’s redeeming love in her life. We learned of a local ministry, “Graciously Broken”, which is a recovery-minded, gospel-centered, 12-month residential program for women, which provides food, housing, clothing and treatment for recovery from addictions. This program is suggested as a worthy recipient of future donations of time, food, clothing or hygiene items. We closed our meeting with fellowship and delicious refreshments provided by hostess Helen Nunn.
New Bible Study Beginning
The first meeting of our new Bible study will be held on July 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Adults of all ages are invited to join our 40-day study (six-week duration) in the gospel of Mark. The study is entitled “In the Company of Christ”, written by author Rev. Jeff Manion. Short video lessons and published study guides will support the reading of scripture. Please join us as we meet Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 PM through the months of July and August.
193rd General Assembly Meets
The 193rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church met on June 16-21, 2024, in Evansville, Indiana. The theme of this year’s work is “Holy Conversations”, with a focus scripture of 2 Timothy 1:9, which says, “God who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to God’s own purpose and grace” (NRSV). Host churches for this meeting were Morningside CP Church of Evansville, Indiana and Fairfield CP Church of Fairfield, Illinois. We are so thankful for their gracious hospitality and hard work as our hosts.
New Moderator of General Assembly Elected
Rev. Dr. Larry A. Blackburn, of the Presbytery of East Tennessee, was elected to serve as Moderator of the General Assembly. Rev. Nick Chambers, pastor of the Camden CP Church, Arkansas, will serve as Vice-Moderator. We are thankful for their willingness to serve the denomination in this capacity, and we lift our new leaders in prayer for God’s abundant gifts and blessing in the challenges of their work for Him. We also express appreciation to Retiring Moderator Rev. Mitch Boulton for his faithful service to God and the church.