Come to the Water!

What have become known as The Whistle Stop Overviews begin this Sat., Aug. 8, at First Presbyterian, Livingston, with lunch at noon. These helpful overviews of the PW lessons in the 2015-2016 Horizons Bible Study are free. Please preregister for the Aug. 8 overview by contacting Sue Hyde (936-967-2531).

On the following Tues., Aug. 11, the second Whistle Stop will take place at St. Stephen Presbyterian, Houston, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. Preregister with Candy in the church office (713-946-4006). 

On Fri., Aug. 14, you may wish to choose the Whistle Stop at First Presbyterian, Beaumont, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. Preregister with Belinda in the church office (409-892-8611).

And on Sat., Aug. 15, at Brenham Presbyterian, 10:00 a.m. followed by lunch. Preregister with Janice Bradshaw (979-777-5475).

Connections deadline next Wednesday

Please submit articles for the Sept/Oct issue of Connections to Helen Wolf by Wed., Aug. 12. This issue will be published the last full week of August. Let's hear about the work and ministry you are doing! 

Upcoming Session Records Reviews

If you have not had your records reviewed this year (or in 2014), please note the upcoming schedule and mark your calendars.

Sat., Sept. 19 - 10:30 a.m. - First Presbyterian, Lufkin

Sat., Oct. 24 - 10:00 a.m. - First Presbyterian, Pearland

Sat., Nov. 21 - after the presbytery meeting - St. John's Presbyterian, Houston,

If you would like to host a gathering, please contact Lynn Hargrove.

Homegrown Extremist and Event Security

Just how big a threat are homegrown extremists to you and your church? You are invited to the Anti-Defamation League's Homegrown Violent Extremist and Event Planning Security Seminar Wed., Aug. 26, 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston.

This free seminar will feature Oren Segal, Director on Extremism at the ADL Center, who will speak about countering violent extremism. He will talk about how Americans of all races, religions, and backgrounds are being recruited by terrorist and extremist organizations and how pervasive that recruitment is. Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon, will talk about how the marathon manages security with so many people at such a huge event. Register by August 21. Seating will be limited. 

More information and registration     Questions? Contact Dena Marks.

Partnering in Faith 

A multi-faith Summit on Domestic Abuse will be held Wed., Sept. 2, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Depelchin Children's Center, 4950 Memorial Dr., Houston. Leaders of religious communities (religious/spiritual leaders, lay leaders, religious counselors, Imams, clerics, support staff) are often the first to be called upon for support and guidance when domestic abuse occurs. This summit will provide a forum for collaboration among faith leaders to increase safety, support, and restoration for victims of domestic abuse. No cost, lunch provided, Continuing Education Credits available. Questions, call Nicole Franklin-Jones at 713-715-6921.

Registration and more information