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
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.gmail.com
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From the Pastor: “To Accept God’s Blessing…”
Joel 2:21,23a,26 says, “Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things. Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you…”
I praise God for the great blessing he has given to me through the invitation of Elmira Chapel CP Church to live in their manse. On June 18, I completed the move from a small apartment to the much larger home on the Elmira CPC grounds. I still serve as pastor at Pine Tree CP Church but have received this gift of housing from our sister church. As I sit in sunlit rooms, looking out on well-tended yards and prayer gardens, I am amazed and humbled by the gift. Although my first reaction to the invitation was to decline the offer, I was encouraged by the pastor and session of Elmira CP Church to “pray about it”. Within a week, God changed my outlook, saying, “It is OK to accept my blessing.” I feel this change is intended for God’s purpose. Although moving is a lot of work, my efforts were supported by assistance from many friends, and I am thankful.
Oswald Chambers wrote,“God’s blessings are not an indication of the integrity of the character blessed, but an opportunity to discern the character and will of God.” In accepting God’s blessings, we encounter the mystery of his grace and his purpose. To accept God’s blessing is to accept the responsibility of discerning His plan and being a part of it. I do feel that God has a yet undisclosed purpose for this move, and I am excited for what he is doing to build community among his people. I express gratitude to all those who initiated, supported, and assisted in my relocation, including Rev. Marshall Sartain, pastor of Elmira CP Church, his congregation, the Elmira CPC session, and the session and congregation of Pine Tree CP Church. Our churches are connected historically and spiritually. I am reminded of this connection by the blessing I have received. I give thanks to God for his hand in our lives, and I look forward with great anticipation to what God is doing to build the body of Christ on earth. I am blessed to be a part of his plan. Please come visit my new residence on Elmira Drive, that it may be a place of prayer and growing community in Christ. In accepting God’s blessings, we also accept the responsibility to discern his will and answer his call.
194th General Assembly New Moderator
The 194th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church met on June 15-20, 2025, at Knoxville, TN. The newly elected moderator of the General Assembly is Rev. Jhony Montano of Colombia, South America. This year marks one hundred years of Cumberland Presbyterian ministry in Colombia.
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, July 4 Independence Day
Sunday, July 6 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Thursday, July 10 Session Meeting
1:00 P.M.
July 10 to 13 CPWM Convention
Smithville, TN
Sunday, July 13 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
Sunday, July 20 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Sunday, July 27 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
CPCM Sunday
Obituary for David Allen Wood
David Allen Wood was born September 16, 1975, and left this world suddenly on June 4, 2025, with his loving wife Jennifer and son Skylar by his side. David spent his younger days living in Fort Smith, AR before the family moved to Longview. He was a 1993 graduate from Pine Tree High School and was employed by Lufkin Industries as a Mechanical Technician. David was a member of Lifebridge Christian Center. His hobbies included playing games with his sons, puzzles, fishing, and gardening. David is survived by his wife, Jennifer Rene Wood, sons Skylar Malcolm, Caiden Allen, and Noeah Wayne Wood; sister Melissa Crockett, brother, Richard Wood (Gloria); nephews Nevin, Dustin, and Levi Wood; Dad, Chuck Kolins; aunts Nancy Abernathy and Cindy Garret; and his dog, Anna. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Evans Kolins. A Celebration of Life was held for David on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We extend sincere sympathy to David’s family and friends in this great and unexpected loss.
Obituary for Dora Louise Brelsford
Visitation for Dora Louise Brelsford, 98, formerly of Longview, Texas, will be held from 10:00am to 11:30am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Rader Funeral Home, Longview. A private graveside service for the family will be at Judson First Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Brelsford was born in Gregg County on December 30, 1926, to Abner Clay and Willie Lee McAfee. She died on June 17, 2025, in Woodland Park, Colorado. She was an elementary school teacher until her retirement.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 60 years, Gerald Linzy Brelsford. She is survived by her sons, Gary Brelsford (Loretta) of Florissant, Colorado, and Clay Brelsford (Cindy) of Fletcher, North Carolina. She is also survived by her granddaughter Lindsey Brelsford, grandsons, David Brelsford (Melanie), Jarret Brelsford (Caroline), and Christopher Brelsford (Kristi), and great grandchildren, Stella, Luca, Hudson, Jack, Eli, and Bo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evangelical Presbyterian Church Longview, Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.
July Noon Meal at Pine Tree CP Church
Pine Tree CP Church will hold its July Fellowship Meal on July 13, 2025, following the worship service. The theme of the meal will be picnic-style foods celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Join us for fun, fellowship and good food!
