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
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From the Pastor’s Desk:
Spiritual Discipline in the Lenten Season
During the season of Lent, we prepare our hearts and minds for the holy observance of Christ’s death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter. We recognize that without Christ, we are simply dust and ashes. We confess sins, both individual and corporate; we repent and let go of what separates us from God; we seek and receive God’s forgiveness and grace; we extend the same to others; in this process, we are restored to wholeness and set free in Christ. A lot can happen in the season of Lent! Observing spiritual discipline helps us to maintain our focus on the cross of Christ as we seek the will and purpose of God.
This year the Lenten season of introspection, self-evaluation, confession, and repentance begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and continues through Holy Saturday, April 19. Spiritual disciplines that help us to focus on Christ’s sacrifice include fasting, almsgiving, abstinence from an activity that leads us away from God, or commitment to activities of worship and service that lead us toward God. Quiet times of prayer, scripture reading, and meditation on God’s word are a good place to start. Fasting is another spiritual discipline often associated with Lent.
Fasting means that we put down our desires to focus on God. Typically, fasting involves setting aside physical acts of eating and drinking. Biblical references to fasting are in Acts 13:2-3; Nehemiah 1:3-7; Esther 4:16; Judges 20:26; Matthew 6:18; Mathew 16:24; Exodus 34:28, Daniel 9:3, Luke 4:1-13, and Joel 1:14. There is no set way to fast; the regimen is chosen individually, based on health, medical condition, and the spiritual leading of God. The purpose of fasting is to increase our intensity of focus on God, that we may receive his grace and forgiveness, hear his voice more clearly, and learn his will. Fasting is done at the same time as other spiritual activities: prayer, worship of God, or service to people in need.
I challenge you to create in this season a personal plan of spiritual discipline that will guide you to new insight on how to follow Jesus more closely, as an individual and as the church. May the attitudes and activities of this Lenten season give witness to the power and beauty of our union with Christ, as daily we die to self and rise anew with Him.
Annual Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
In 2021, the 190th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church declared that the denomination would corporately observe on Ash Wednesday each year a time of prayer and fasting for the global Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Join us to pray, fast, and act together, that we may be living witnesses of God’s grace in the world. On Ash Wednesday, we pray in the company of Cumberland Presbyterians around the globe.
Important Dates to Remember
Sunday, March 2 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Transfiguration of the Lord
Wednesday, March 5 Ash Wednesday
Service Noon to 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, March 8 Trinity CPWM
Pine Tree CP Church
9:00 A.M.
Sunday, March 9 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
First Sunday in Lent
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Thursday, March 13 Session Meeting
1:00 P.M.
Sunday, March 16 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Second Sunday in Lent
Monday, March 17 Saint Patrick’s Day
Thursday, March 20 First Day of Spring
Sunday, March 23 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Third Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 30 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Monday March 31 National Farm Workers Day
Valentines Made by Pine Tree CP “Team Valentine”
The Pine Tree CPWM teamed with members of the congregation to craft hand-made valentines on Saturday, February 8. “Team Valentine” consisted of four men and women who created fifty valentines to be donated to KVNE radio station’s valentine drive. The cards were delivered by KVNE staff on Valentine’s Day to children in hospitals and seniors in assisted living facilities. It was a joy to work together to spread the love of Christ! Thank you to all who donated craft supplies and refreshments and to those who participated in making valentines with us! The next meeting of the Pine Tree CPWM will be Saturday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. Come and see what is happening as we prepare for Easter!
Trinity North CPWM Spring Meeting
The spring meeting of Trinity North Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry will be held on March 8 at Pine Tree CP Church. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. The program will feature a presentation by Susan Green, of the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Gregg County. This ministry offers training, support, and mentorship encouraging women to grow spiritually, build healthy relationships, gain life skills, and improve job skills. We will collect donations of napkins, paper towels, paper plates, and toilet paper to support local programs of the Christian Women’s Job Corps. Our program will close with a memorial service honoring TNRCPWM members who have passed away in the last year. Plan to join us!
Ash Wednesday Observance
On Ash Wednesday, March 5, the sanctuary of Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church will be open from noon to 6:00 p.m. for a personal time of reflection, prayer, scripture reading, and meditation in the presence of God. The imposition of ashes (drawing the form of a cross on the forehead of believers) will be offered as a symbol of human frailty and of our faith in the redemption of Christ. Come and go according to your own schedule. The observance will include an audiovisual presentation of scripture, prayers, and selected hymns.
Sock Drive to Benefit the Needy
Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church is initiating a “Sock Drive” to collect new adult socks for men and women. Donated items will be distributed to needy people in our community through participation at various events. Our desire is to benefit the lives of others and to share the love of Christ. Collection boxes will be placed in the worship area of the church to encourage donations throughout the year