Mission Presbytery awards grants

June 28, 2017

Mission Presbytery, a mid council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), awarded “Better Together” grants at its recent gathering to strengthen ties between Presbyterians. At a time when some congregations have chosen to leave the denomination, the presbytery awarded the grants to reaffirm its belief that the presbytery and its member congregations are “better together.” With funds received from the recent settlement agreement with First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, the presbytery elected to strengthen the bonds between those who have chosen to stay and witness together to the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ.

The presbytery received a total of $1,525,000 in the agreement. Twenty-two percent of the funds, or $339,000, will cover legal fees ($114,000), 2016 operating expenses ($100,000) and a grant of $125,000 to John Knox Ranch, the presbytery-owned camp, which the departing church agreed to match.

Forty percent of the funds, or $607,000, will be used to create the “Better Together Fund,” an attempt to foster collaboration within the presbytery and its member congregations. Congregations and local missions will be invited to apply for funding after obtaining sponsorship from a standing committee of the presbytery and final approval by the presbytery’s General Council.

Twenty-three percent of the funds, or $351,000, will support the presbytery’s existing committees and task forces charged with building up the presbytery’s member congregations and their common life together. Notably, the Church Development and Evangelism Committee received $119,000, the Technology Task Force received $48,000 and the Mission Outreach and Justice Committee received $36,000.

Fifteen percent of the funds, or $228,000, will be used to affirm and strengthen ties with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including $30,000 grants for the denomination’s Synod of the Sun and General Assembly. Historic mission partners, in covenant relationship with the PC(USA) through the Synod of the Sun, each received $24,000. These grants were awarded to the three Presbyterian-related colleges in Texas — Austin College, Schreiner University and Trinity University — as well as Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, M0-Ranch, Pan American School and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services.

For more information, contact Sallie Watson, general presbyter, 210-826 -3296.

 Office of the General Assembly Communications

Today’s Focus:  Mission Presbytery

Let us join in prayer for:

Mission Presbytery Staff

Sallie Watson, general presbyter
Tricia Tedrow, stated clerk
Kathy Anderson, executive director, John Knox Ranch
Lita Simpson, youth and young adult ministry director
Cathy Hooker, office manager
Eleanor Wieters, receptionist and administrative clerk
Susan Trull, accountant

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Chip Hardwick, PMA                                                                                   
Cheri Harper, PMA

Let us pray:

Gracious God, in these times of shrinking resources and overwhelming need, grant us faith to see not only the need but also your abundance. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 15; 147:1-11
First Reading 1 Samuel 7:2-17
Second Reading Acts 6:1-15
Gospel Reading Luke 22:14-23
Evening Psalms 48; 4