Minute for Mission: Christ the King/Reign of Christ
The Hispanic Presbyterian Church Ebenezer in Siler City, North Carolina, is a living witness to God’s everlasting covenant of grace and faithfulness. As in the times of the prophet Samuel, this congregation of immigrants from Central America is preparing to set up a “stone of help” and begin building a “dwelling place for God.” With the help of a Presbyterian contractor and on land that Salem Presbytery has provided, members of the congregation will build their first sanctuary — with their own hands. They have been raising funds by cooking and selling food to the community every weekend.
Many of the members of Ebenezer have traveled long and far to a land they now call home. As God has helped them thus far, they want to dedicate the new building as a remembrance of God’s mercies and love.
But just as Ebenezer has been the recipient of God’s abundant blessings, there is also the recognition that one is blessed to be a blessing to others. Ebenezer has been generous in its mission support both locally and globally. A Presbyterian church in Guatemala now enjoys comfortable facilities in part because of the love offerings it has received from former members. Ebenezer is also sending evangelists to a neighboring presbytery with a thriving fellowship of about fifty people from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico.
And when adversity has struck, such as when two plant closings led fifteen church families to leave Siler City for new horizons, they left trusting God’s promises — for yet another Ebenezer.
—The Rev. Lemuel García-Arroyo, associate presbyter, Salem Presbytery, Clemmons, North Carolina
We praise you, God, for your great faithfulness. We thank you that in Jesus Christ no one is an alien or a stranger but all are members of your family and citizens of your kingdom. Help us to become a blessing to others even as we continue to grow together into a “holy temple in the Lord” and as we are “built together into a dwelling place for God.” Amen.
2 Sam. 23:1–7
The God of Abraham Praise
PH 488, HB 89, WB 587
Ps. 132:1–12 (13–18)
Sanctuary
STF 2164
Rev. 1:4b–8
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
PH 5, HB 148, WB 449
John 18:33–37
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
PH 145, HB 407, WB 561
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 108, 150 Ps. 66, 23
Isa. 19:19–25
Rom. 15:5–13; Luke 19:11–27 |
