A Peruvian Welcome Of A Lifetime

We received a warm welcome in 2013 from our hosts at the church in Huancayocc, Perú

2017 Minute For Missions: Una Familia {A Family}

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Rebeca Massón

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Khris Wigington

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Chris Buchanan

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Tom Skinner

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Sara Armstrong

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Ashley Aldridge

2017 Perú Minute For Missions Interview With Darby Buchanan

Essential Questions Series

Presenter and Affiliation: Dr. Dennis Smith, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Regional Liaison, Brazil and Southern Cone

Presentation Title: “Essential Questions in Faith and Communication Series, Interview No. 9, Dennis Smith” (Moderated by Mark Fackler)

Date: 9/14/16     Time: 6 - 7 PM, EDT

Description:  This 9th installment in the “Essential Questions in Faith and Communication Series” features Dr. Dennis Smith, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Regional Liaison, Brazil and Southern Cone. Join Dr. Smith as he answers foundational questions such as: How do we define human communication? Why do we communicate? How do we communicate effectively? What’s wrong with human communication? What communication challenges does the Church face today? How does social media make communication better and worse? This webinar is free and open to the public.

Webinar Registration Link

Presbyterian Mission

Bible Institute

Changes To Mission Crossroads Online

Greetings from Presbyterian World Mission.

Grace and peace to each of you! We continue to be grateful for the ways that God’s mission is reflected in your lives and your ministries.

In an effort to provide resources to you and your congregations, we will be making some changes in our online offerings. Later today, we will be closing our Mission Crossroads website (www.missioncrossroads.org). The valuable resources that have been available on that site can now be found at www.pcusa.org/missionresources. There, you will be able to find tools for planning mission trips, organizing your mission committee, connecting with mission co-workers, leading mission-oriented Christian education courses and staying up-to-date with the latest in Presbyterian World Mission. We hope you’ll check it out!

In addition, on September 1, 2015 we will be closing the social networking component of Mission Crossroads (www.missioncrossroads.ning.com). We are encouraged by the liveliness of conversation, sharing and resourcing that many have found on the social network so many of us are already using – Facebook. We feel that the “groups” feature of Facebook will allow mission networks, partnership communities and mission interest groups to continue to share and support one another in a more easily accessible fashion. The office of Equipping for Mission Involvement is happy to work with any groups that would like assistance in setting up a group on Facebook – please just let us know!

We also wanted to let you know of two ways that mission leaders can continue to connect with one another. First, consider signing up for Mission Magnified, a mission leader event being held November 19-21, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. Come for worship and reflection, connection and community, and the chance to gain practical tools for use in your local, regional and international mission work. November 19 and 20 will focus specifically on planning outstanding short-term mission trips. It will be a great time! Keynote leaders include Mark Adams, mission co-worker at the U.S./Mexico border and Rebecca Kirkpatrick, Associate Pastor for Adult Education and Mission at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and former mission co-worker serving in Egypt. To register, visit www.pcusa.org/mission-magnified.

Finally, World Mission is regularly offering webinars for mission leaders called “World Mission Today”. These webinars offer practical tools in mission leadership, such as leading short-term mission trips, teaching children and youth about mission, and tips for communicating your mission story. Learn more about World Mission Today webinars at www.pcusa.org/worldmission/webinars.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions, ideas, interests or concerns. We are here to resource you as your Equipping for Mission Involvement office in Presbyterian World Mission.

Blessings to you,

Rev. Christine Coy Fohr

Consultant for Mission Leaders
(502) 569-5391
christine.coyfohr@pcusa.org

To sign up for Mission Crossroads Magazine, a quarterly publication from Presbyterian World Mission. Link

To sign up for World Mission enews, a monthly newsletter with the latest information in World Mission. Link

Visit Mission Crossroads PC(USA) Link

College Scholarship Fund For Mission Partners

Several years ago, the Session of Sharon Presbyterian Church approved a Scholarship Fund for Mission Partners based on the following in order of priority:

• An international student from an economically challenged family identified through Sharon Presbyterian Church’s mission connections who is enrolled for study at an accredited college in the United States
• A member of Sharon Presbyterian Church who is enrolled in one of the PCUSA’s seminaries
• A member of Sharon Presbyterian Church who is enrolled at an accredited college or university who is preparing for a church vocation (i.e. Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Church Music, etc.)
• A member of Sharon Presbyterian Church who is enrolled in a college or university affiliated with the PCUSA

This award is also based upon scholarship, community involvement, and strength and determination of character. For Spring Semester 2015, the recipient of this award is Brenda Paredes. Many in our congregation know Brenda through her extensive volunteer work with our annual Adult Mission Trip to Perú, including interpreter since 2009, and primary group leader during the 2013 and 2014 trip. She will again be working as our interpreter during the 2015 trip.

Brenda has completed three and a half years of study at the University of Caesar Vallejo in Lima, Perú, two semesters at Winthrop University, and just completed one semester at UNC Charlotte. During her semester at UNC Charlotte, she had five challenging classes and earned an A in each one. Look for her on the Dean’s and Chancellor’s lists when published.

From her application: “My long term goals are to perfect my English skills and become stronger in French and Portuguese. I hope to pair these skills with my Christian beliefs and perhaps work in missions.”

Scholarship funds are based on availability and are paid directly into the recipient’s college account. The congregation is encouraged to support this fund by making checks payable to “Sharon Presbyterian Church” clearly earmarked “Scholarship Fund for Mission Partners”. Applications are being accepted for 2015-2016 school year.

Questions may be directed to David Beers, Chairperson of the Serving Committee.

Congratulations to Brenda Paredes for her continued dedication and hard work!

Together In Mission

Middle School
The Middle School Mission Trip takes place again this year in Sapphire, North Carolina at the site of Camp Buc, a Presbyterian Camp owned by the Foothills Presbytery of South Carolina.  During their week at Camp Buc, the Sharon Presbyterian Church Middle School team will get the opportunity to serve by working with kids younger than themselves and being a witness to the love and caring of Jesus Christ.  The group will also be working on service projects to learn new skills and improve the facilities of the Camp.  Everyone will get to participate in group building trials, bible studies, worship services, and adventure activities to help them grow in their life and faith.

High School
Every year, our High School Youth Mission team travels the country to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to be hard working and loving ambassadors of Charlotte and Sharon Presbyterian Church.  Last year the high school team traveled to the mountains of Tennessee to do remodeling and maintenance for a family in need.  This year our group will be taking their hard work all the way to Harmons, Jamaica.  There, they will work with locals with healthcare, education, and continuing construction in the community.  All of this will take place while the youth interact with locals and grow closer to the true meaning of global missions.

College
For a second year, our College Mission Team will travel to Johns Island, South Carolina to work with the Sea Island Habitat for Humanity.  During their week in Charleston, our college team will have the opportunity to help build houses for those in need.  The group will work side by side with future habitat homeowners as they contribute "sweat equity" into their very own homes.  In the time that the mission team is not busy, exploring Charleston will be available.  We pray that the week will result in each participant growing closer to each other and their faith.

For more information or questions about the Middle school, High school or College Mission trips, please contact Martin Pruitt at martin@sharonpcusa.org.

Adult
The 2015 Sharon Presbyterian Church Adult Mission Trip to Huanta, Perú is set for July, 31 through August 10.  The trip promises to again be one of service and witness to Jesus Christ.  For the experience, past trip participants have found themselves closer to God, each other and their Peruivian brothers and sisters.  This trip is open to adults and a limited number of youth participants.  For more information, contact Randy Ross at randy.ross@wellsfargo.com.

Western North Carolina
The Western North Carolina Mission Trip is scheduled for April 30 through May 3.  In conjunction with Bryson City Presbyterian Church and the Collegiate Ministry for the Presbyterian denomination, our group will be helping renovate a Presbyterian Worship/Christian Outreach Center on the Western North Carolina University campus.  We will be meeting in March to finalize the details.  For more information, contact Phyllis Acton at (704) 553-2464.

At Home
Serving those who are homeless in Charlotte has been a focus of Sharon Church since the 1980's.

• Currently we prepare and serve the evening meal at the Statesville Avenue campus of the Men's Shelter of Charlotte the first Tuesday of every month.
• We are responsible for the evening meal the last Saturday of every month at the Salvation Army Center of Hope for women and the Tryon Street campus of the Men's Shelter.  These programs provide in excess of 4000 meals per year due to the involvement of over 300 members and friends of Sharon.
• Every Friday night, December through March, Sharon Church hosts up to twelve homeless neighbors as part of the Urban Ministry Center emergency shelter program, Room In The Inn.
• Sharon Church joins the Church World Service CROP Walk, each October.  Sharon Presbyterian Youth participates in the Souper Bowl every February.  Both help to alleviate hunger in the Charlotte area.

While many already take part, more volunteers are always needed to make these efforts happen,  I you would like to get involved, please call or email the church office for contract information.

2015 Perú Mission Meetings Update

The 2015 Sharon Presbyterian Church Adult Mission Trip to Huanta, Perú promises to be one of witness and service to Jesus Christ. Do you feel God’s call to participate in this year’s trip?

There will be several informational meetings available for you to choose from.  All will be held at Sharon Presbyterian Church (5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC):

• Sunday, February 8th at 11:30 AM (Heritage Room of the Sanctuary)
• Sunday, February 8th at 5:00 PM (Heritage Room of the Sanctuary)
• Sunday, February 22nd at 11:30 AM (Parlor of the Charles Little Building)

The 2015 trip is open to adults and a limited number of youth participants. Youth participants must be at least a rising high school junior in 2015 and accompanied on the trip by a parent or legal guardian.

The trip is scheduled to take place from Friday, July 31st through Monday, August 10th.

Trip information/application forms will be distributed at each meeting. Forms will also be available in the Adult Mission Trip mailbox (located on the top row of mailboxes in the hallway outside the Sharon Church office) beginning Sunday, February 8th, or by contacting Randy Ross (704-552-5573 or mrandallross@aol.com).

Trip applications, deposits and passport copies are due Sunday, March 15th. Please contact Randy if you are unable to attend any one of the meetings but are still interested in participating or learning more about the trip.

Huanta Kids For Christ

Sharon Presbyterian Church Joins with the Presbytery of Huanta Perú to Sponsor “Huanta Kids for Christ”

At the end of the 2014 Perú Mission Trip, Luz Davila, the Director of Children’s Education for the Presbytery of Huanta, invited Sharon Church to join with the Presbytery to help sponsor “Huanta Kids for Christ,” a Christmas celebration for approximately 200 children in the five Presbytery churches in and around Huanta.

At each church, the children were treated to a puppet show along with a snack including chocolates and other sweets. Each child received a small toy, a first for many.

Luz recently wrote “We are very thankful to God for His great love for us. We were very happy to share God’s love with His children this Christmas. Thank you for all you did to make this possible and to bring joy to the kids of Huanta.”

Huanta March Of Jesus 2014

Dear family and friends,

We want to personally thank each one of you who helped with prayer for the March of Jesus sponsored by the Pastors Fraternity of Huanta. We thank you for your love to the people of Huanta, and we wanted to update you on the March. The Lord has shown us His goodness and kindness. The March went very well this year. We had more participation from the churches and pastors than the previous year. It was rewarding to see the pastors working together with different details to accomplish our objective, the March for Jesus, 2014.

One of the things we did to help raise funds was a movie night. Each church sold tickets for the movie we were showing, and used the donations towards the March. During the march we were able to pass out Bible tracts and literature to the people watching. Also, different worship teams from the churches who participated, helped lead a praise and worship concert to the community in one of Huanta´s main squares. We hope the Lord will use these distributed materials, and the worship songs that were sung, to plant seeds in the hearts of the people who were watching. Thirdly, the pastors where given permission to enter the municipal´s balcony, which overlooks Huanta´s main plaza, and to pray for Huanta´s new mayor as he took office. The pastors were very excited about being able to pray for the new mayor. It was a wonderful opportunity the Lord gave us to do what His Word teaches and to publicly pray for our governmental authorities. Thank you for your faithful prayer support. All of this is the Lord´s doing. We are attaching some pictures from the March for Jesus, 2014 for you to see. Please take the time to look at them and continue to pray for us as we serve Him. Below is a list of some of our prayer requests. Blessings to you all!

1. The Lord´s protection for a school trip with the 6th graders this Thursday-Saturday, and for the Lord´s traveling mercies.
2. For the church and its leadership as we work to leave our duties for our trip back to the States.
3. For wisdom and discernment for our pastors to make the right decisions.
4. For the arrival of a SAM missionary, Henry, who will be joining us to help with ministry, for his adaption and transition into Huanta.
5. For our time back in the States as we get ready to start support raising, and for the Lord to provide what is needed.

That is it for now! Thank you!

In Him,

The Ticonas

Senior High Mission Trip

Resource:  Sharon Presbyterian Church

The Senior High Mission Trip participants leave Sunday July 6, for Cosby, Tennessee, where they will be making home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners.

Please keep these young people and their leaders in your thoughts and prayers:

• John Shealy
• Nick Stukey
• Buck Stukey
• Alex Mack
• Holden Parker
• Audrey Droppelman
• Grace Droppelman
• Christine Dawson
• Harris Milkey
• Mikayla Hailey
• Elizabeth Chappelear
• Ryan Tutwiler
• Mason Armstrong
• Jacob Price
• Natalie Schramm
• Meredith Lewis
• Denton Clark
• Shelby Rose
• Kurt Edwards
• Aman Hyrams
• Matthew White
• Will Harvey
• Katie Lee
• Megan Talley
• Andrew Foard
• Martin Pruitt
• Bill Mathers

The group will return Sunday, July 16.

Mission Update

Resource:  Sharon Presbyterian Church

Nancy Dimmock and the four younger children are leaving Zambia in the next two weeks, heading to a new life in Louisville, where Frank is already working for the PCUSA World Missions Board.

Nancy will be serving with Frank this next year. Please continue to pray for their safe travel home and for their adjustments to a new life in Kentucky.