Tuesday, October 9
Russia
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union two decades ago, countless pathways have emerged connecting Presbyterians with brothers and sisters in Christ in Russia. The pathways have born great fruit and created wonderful ways to grow "in the knowledge of God'' - renewing churches, loving orphans, educating, standing with the marginalized, and much more.
Our participation in God's mission in Russia does not just happen "over there'' with our Baptist, Orthodox, and Lutheran partners. Through the Russia Mission Network of Presbyterian World Mission, we annually gather Russians and Americans to worship, deepen connections, and explore ways to improve our partnerships across time zones.
The recent gathering at Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado, was typical for our network. Five friends from Russia took part - three pastors, one spouse, and one Christian educator. Forty Presbyterians representing 13 PC(USA) congregations shared in fellowship and idea exchange. Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and The Outreach Foundation contributed ideas and energy. Eight current or former mission co-workers with service in Russia brought their deep insights based on years of experience in coming alongside the churches in Russia as they renew themselves in the aftermath of the persecution of 70 years of communist rule.
St. Paul's words to the church in Ephesus guided the network gathering, ``There is one body and one Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all'' (Eph: 4:4-6). We came from across the globe, and we were one together as children of God.
- Gary Payton, PC(USA) regional liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, and Armenia
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Gary Payton, regional liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, and Armenia, World Mission * Ellen Smith, coordinator for congregational twinning, Euro-Asiatic Federation/Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of the Russian Federation
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Anita K. Rowe, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Hy Rudin, Board of Pensions
Let us pray
Triune God, you call us daily to participate in your mission. Remind us that we may serve in our communities, across our nation, or in lands abroad. Open our hearts to your transforming power so that our fruit will be acceptable in your sight. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 42; 146
First Reading Hosea 7:8-16
Second Reading Acts 23:12-24
Gospel Reading Luke 7:1-17
Evening Psalms 102; 133
