Sunspots
Sunspots are highlights of the many ministries and missions happening on the surface of the Sun – That is, the Synod of the Sun. A region of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with ALOT of dynamic and hopeful ministry happening in the name of Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterians in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Sunspots can be anything from small congregational ministries, regional networks to international missions. They are caused by the interactions with the Holy Spirit. Like the cap on a soda bottle: shake it up, and you can generate a big eruption! Sunspots occur over the 11 presbyteries in the synod with intense Holy Spirit activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and big impact can erupt from Sunspots. We pray that you will find inspiration, resources, community and connection in the Sun.
Sunspots
Welcoming the Stranger: Immigration, Synod of the Sun, and You - Interview with Presbytery Executives
Episode 3 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
The largest part of the US-Mexico border (1254 miles) lies in the state of Texas. In this episode, Rev. Tim Blodgett, Rev. Lynne Hargrove, and Rev. Charlie Smith, presbytery leaders in our Synod, talk with Kristy Rodgers about their visits to the border and if/how immigration issues affect congregations and presbytery ministry in their areas.
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.