ARP Magazine on John Calvin

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian

The Celebrating Powerful Word 500 Years • J U L Y

2 0 0 9 •

John Calvin: A Prophet for Our Times

John Calvin: 1509~1564

Contents

July 2009

FEATURES 3 Moderator’s Corner – Remembering Calvin

We welcome our new Moderator of General Synod, Dr. John R. de Witt, as he remembers John Calvin on his birthday month. Dr. de Witt poses the question, “Why should we now take note of a man born 500 years ago?”

—Dr. John R. de Witt

4

SYNOD EMPHASIS – The Powerful Word John Calvin: A Prophet for Our Times

If the reader finds Calvin’s preaching “hard to swallow,” he will discover God’s judgment even less palatable and digestible.

—Dr. Rob Roy McGregor

6

Insight on the Adult Quarterly

God Calls People to Covenant– an insight into the first lesson of the month in Christian Education Ministries’ Adult Quarterly.

—Dr. William B. Evans

7

ARP Churches at a Glance

One of our oldest churches, Ora ARP was first known as Madole’s Old Field. The cemetery was established when Madole donated land. David F. Haddon preached here for over 50 years.

9

Older Americans Month

Covenant Way Retirement Community in Due West, SC, chose to celebrate Older Americans Month in May in a big way.

Activities included an essay contest for local high school students. Almost every essay turned in contained a thread of wisdom the student learned from an elder.

—Paul Pridmore

10

For God and Country

Each chaplain who serves his country is dedicated to being the church where many of us dare not go. They sacrifice, serve and share. They are servants of God. —Dr. Charles McCaskey

Christian Ed Ministries Bonclarken Erskine

19 20 23

World Witness Outreach North America ARP Women’s Ministries

EVERY MONTH… 12 21 26

News in Brief Prayer Calendar Classified Ads

27 31

All in Our Family Kids Talk

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2

Perhaps the most influential of all Reformed thinkers, Calvin was a prolific writer of biblical commentaries as well as a theologian, he was also an energetic preacher and church reformer.

ISSN 0362—0816

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

VOL. XXXIV NO. 7 Delores P. McDonald, Editor Susan Lever, Assistant Editor Advertising rates on request; ask for current rate card. Advertising competitive with any agency or institution of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is not accepted. Publication of advertisements does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by this magazine.

BOARD OF THE ASSSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Walter M. Payne Jr. (2012), Chairman; Dr. Oran Smith (2013), Vice Chairman; Rev. John Rogers (2011), Secretary; Dr. Peggy Gray (2010); Rev. Charles Hammond (2014); Leslie Milling (2013); Melonie Shue (2014); Rev. Charles Y. Todd (2011); Martha Waldrop (ARP Women’s Ministries representative).

AGENCIES 15 16 18

COVER PHOTO

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian (Publication No. USPS 414770) is published monthly by the Board of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland St., Ste. 110, Greenville, SC 29601-3696. Telephone (864) 232-8297, Ext. 236. Subscription rates: $20 one year, $38 two years, $54 three years. For churches in the Church Club Plan: $16.50 a year (90% participation) or $17.50 a year (75% participation). Periodicals Postage paid at Greenville, SC 29601, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address correction notices to The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland St., Ste. 110, Greenville, SC 29601-3696.

LOOKING FOR A RESOURCE FOR CURRENT ARP INFORMATION? Sign up for our weekly e-mail newsletter, ARP News Update or check the ARP Magazine web page: www.arpmagazine.org To sign up for the newsletter or contact the ARP Magazine, e-mail: arpeditor@arpsynod.org

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

DR. JOHN R. de WITT Moderator

T

he Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, as our name clearly indicates, is a “Reformed” and “Presbyterian” denomination. We are “Presbyterian” in our form of government: that is to say, we are led by “presbyters,” ministers of the Gospel and elders.

We are “Reformed” in our theological heritage and confessional commitments: this means we stand joyfully with all those around the world who are the spiritual children of the apostles, the ancient church fathers (Augustine, in particular), and the Reformed branch of the Protestant Reformation. We owe a great deal to a number of the 16th century reformers: Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Bucer, John Knox, and especially John Calvin.

This month, grateful Christians worldwide will celebrate Calvin’s birthday. Born on July 10, 1509, at Noyon, in the French province of Picardy, his life is remarkably interesting. Although he left little detail about his conversion, his life is a wonderful illustration of the transforming power of the Word of God. To learn more, a good place to begin is John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology (a symposium recently published by Ligonier). As I write, I have two brief biographies before me: The Man God Mastered, by Jean Cadier; and Calvin, by Emanuel Stickelberger.

Why should we now be taking JULY 2009

such note of a man born 500 years ago? I can give several reasons: 1. John Calvin’s name is receiving attention in the media. In a recent article in Time Magazine titled “Ten Ideas Changing the World Right Now, “The New Calvinism” is third on the list.

The author, David Van Biema makes two observations. One: it is significant that Calvin and his influence are the topics of discussion now – in a society increasingly detached from the Christian faith. Two: we can give thanks that “our reformer” is speaking again with such persuasive vigor, largely through Baptists and Independents (John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and Albert Mohler; John MacArthur’s name should be added), while lamenting the theological and moral decline so obvious among many of Calvin’s lineal descendents in the historic Presbyterian denominations.

2. There is a profound sense in which John Calvin must be regarded as one of the fathers of constitutional government. While he firmly opposed popular uprisings, he developed ideas which were revolutionary and, in the course of time, proved enormously influential in the overthrow of tyranny in the Netherlands (under William of Orange), in England (the Parliamentary struggle against Charles I during the 1640s), and in the American Revolution. He did this in a few paragraphs, found in the last pages of his Institutes of the Christian Religion.

3. Calvin’s commentaries—on most of the Old and New Testaments— show him to have been learned, wise, faithful to the Scriptures, humble in dealing with difficult passages, and free from bondage to any ideological preconceptions. When I was a student, I somehow found the means for acquiring the 45 volumes of his com-

mentaries. I never regretted the outlay, and the books have been within easy reach of my desk ever since.

4. Calvin was a mighty preacher of the Word of God. We have evidence of this in the translations of his sermons now available. One of our own ministers, Dr. Rob Roy McGregor, is the translator of Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles (2008) and Sermons on Genesis 1:1-11:1-4 (2009). For many years Calvin preached every Lord’s Day, and every day of alternate weeks.

With multiple illnesses and physical frailty, his vast correspondence, his three weekly lectures to theological students, his administration of the church in Geneva, and much more, then one can only be amazed that he could accomplish so much in a single, relatively brief lifetime. In every meaning of the word, he was a gracious gift from God to the Christian church.

5. I cannot close without referring to his magnum opus, the Institutes of the Christian Religion, first published as a relatively small book in 1536 and then expanded in the course of time until 1559, when the magnificent fourth edition was sent into the world. By any standard, this incomparable book is among a handful of the most influential treatises ever written in the long history of the Christian church. Every theological student and Presbyterian minister should possess a copy, and read it! Others will profit from it as well and find that Calvin’s grand survey of Christian doctrine is surprisingly accessible.

On May 27, 1564, John Calvin fell asleep. He was buried simply, by his own directive, in an unmarked grave.

“Thus died without glory the man who throughout all his life had proclaimed that to God alone belongs all the glory” (Cadier).G 3

Moderator’s Corner

Remembering John Calvin

John Calvin:

A Prophet for Our Times

By Dr. Rob Roy McGregor Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).

H

e was a striking figure of a man! A senior in college, ready to graduate in a couple of months and planning to head for graduate school for a degree in business administration!

I had never seen him before and was surprised to learn that I had known his mother as long as she had known him. “I met your son the other day. He tells me he’s going to graduate school for a degree in business administration.”

“Yes,” she said, knowing that I was a minister of the Gospel, “and he’s working with the young people in our church and planning to go into the ministry. He wants a business degree to fall back on if the ministry doesn’t work out. He sees our minister,” she looked at me smiling, “who has a nice house here and another at the beach. You see, he has his eye on making a good living.”

With the right training and the right congregation, this young man anticipates that money is to be made and prestige is to be had, and the living is good! He is likely to become what some young men with aspirations in ministry, with good intentions, have become in recent and not distantly remote years.

He doesn’t know it, but he harbors the seed of a false prophet, perhaps a little but only a little different from the false prophets Jeremiah debated and condemned in the background of the passage quoted at the outset.

4

A False Prophet

A false prophet in our day is difficult to identify. He has, for the most part, a Christian upbringing, biblical training, a strong theology recognizable by all his peers, a decent lifestyle, and no known or acknowledged moral flaws. In short, he is an exemplary individual, well respected and honored by acquaintances.

However, he has grown up as an American in an easy-going, no-demands-made American society. If it’s American, it’s Christian. He has been American longer than he has been Christian, and, as a result, he cannot tell the difference between the two.

When he sees himself as one, he sees himself as the other.

Consequently, he feels comfortable as a secular American and equates that with being Christian. He does not have a Christian conscience, as opposed to a secular conscience. His conscience is as good as dead, Calvin says (John Calvin’s Sermons on Genesis). But his conscience needs to bother him, for when it does, God is alerting him to the fact that he has “not walked in purity the way [he] should.”

He will be aware that he is under judgment “because God’s wrath will be hot on [his] heels” and his “bad conscience will haunt [him] like a hundred thousand executioners,” and he will always be “seared in his conscience, experiencing a burning deep down.”

When he is able to distinguish between good and evil, he can judge himself and the sins of others and be a prophet of God’s truth in Christ.

Until then, he will walk like, talk like,

and think like secular society and, from the pulpit, please his secularminded audience like a false prophet and, depriving them of God’s eternal truth, lead them to judgment while they praise him and reward him for making them feel comfortable in their body and spirit.

What’s happening simultaneously is that while they are headed for an eventual reckoning, they are already under judgment, for God is giving them over to their evil, that is, their human desires and preferences.

Judgment is now! Every deed, every thought, every word is being scanned into the book of life.

It is the living conscience, alert to this moment’s endeavors, plans, aspirations, and goals that are not guided by the word of God – that protects the believer from current and future judgment. It is this uninterrupted awareness of judgment and the consequent fear of judgment that keep the faith-filled Christian steadfast as he perseveres, against all hardships and obstacles, all temptations, desires, and distractions, in Christ-like living.

In short, it is his sensitivity to the truth of God’s Word that is the fire in his soul that drives him, against all odds, to be victorious over the human condition. It is God’s Word that needs to break the stony resistance put up

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

by this young minister and his congregation, and that will grant them the power of the Word as fire – a fire which convicts to the point of repentance and resisting all the trials faith is subject to.

There are, perhaps, more false prophets occupying American pulpits than is realized. They challenge their congregations to worthy projects: support of missions, foreign and home; participation in local charities; Christmas and Easter pageants that garner local attention and praise; food cupboards and shelters for the homeless; anti-abortion and similar campaigns fostering Christian values—all worthy projects indeed.

However, those same “prophets” are false in that they do not deliver the Word from God that demands personal holy living. Their congregations, thinking their good deeds are sufficient to make them Christian, are busy with social activities that pagans can participate in as well.

God’s true prophets fire their congregations with God’s Word and hammer them with the need for unremitting holy living, which is exceedingly difficult in a lax society which gluts itself on television shows and racy stories and novels that pander to every human weakness. It also invites the unwary, but willing, unchallenged viewers to share vicariously and without guilty conscience in that society’s lecherous, lustful, adulterous, mean-spirited, vicious, blasphemous and violent world.

As in Jeremiah’s day, those who are comfortable in their sinful natures have not only tolerated their false prophets, but encouraged them.

While being judged in the moment, they are ripe for final judgment.

False prophets, then, are not really difficult to identify after all. They can be identified by their failure to preach the changed-life requirements of the Gospel as announced

by Jesus and proclaimed by the true prophets of the Word. A false prophet is anyone who dilutes the Gospel in any way, under any pretext, and, in that way, encourages his congregation to continue their status quo uninterrupted.

JULY 2009

There are, perhaps, more false prophets occupying American pulpits than is realized. They challenge their congregations to worthy projects...

However, those same “prophets” are false in that they do not deliver the Word from God that demands personal holy living.

The True Prophet

The true prophet, on the other hand, is bold, direct, and does not recoil from the task of addressing his own and his congregation’s sins and spiritual needs with frankness, sometimes with painful frankness.

Like John Calvin the Reformer, he speaks firmly and disapprovingly of all sins, not the least of which is adultery, occasioned by divorce and remarriage, a subject that has been long, even studiously avoided or softpedaled.

He recommends, contrary to modern custom, uncompromising fidelity to one’s oath made before God at the time of the marriage. For him, the unchallenged sin of gluttony is very serious, against which he comments: “If we have an overabundance with which to gorge ourselves, … we must not take a bite beyond our usual need, and we must not drink more than is permitted” (Sermon 11).

Continuing in this sermon, his sharpest rebuke of gluttony is the association he makes with other sins: “… adultery, theft, gluttony, violence, perjury, and blasphemy are abominable to [God].” There is in that assemblage of sins a clear indication that Calvin would recommend a healthy dose of preaching on the seven deadly sins and others, analyzing them all in such detail that even the “blind enlightened” would see themselves, repent, and flee from all Satan’s enticements, for it is concession to our strong and moderate desires that can destroy us, as Calvin implies throughout his preaching.

Hard to Swallow

In other words, if an individual, lay or clergy, hears the message of a true

prophet and still insists on remaining himself, on enjoying himself as “he was born to be,” Calvin will have much to tell him, and that individual will need to resist with clenched teeth in order to avoid the biting truth of this preacher’s biblical and spiritual insights.

We may safely conclude, I believe, that if the reader finds Calvin’s preaching “hard to swallow,” he will discover God’s judgment even less palatable and digestible.

The sermons of Calvin, whose 500th anniversary the Reformed world is celebrating this year, can give guidance in the breaking of that persistent human tendency to be at one with self and the secular. Those same sermons will show the destructive power of sin and the creative and renewing power of God’s Word.

To hear John Calvin today is to hear that prophet of old, Jeremiah, who proclaimed the powerful word of the God who said, “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”

John Calvin may readily be called the Jeremiah of the Reformation. He can be a Jeremiah for our times!G Dr. McGregor, a graduate of Erskine College and Columbia Theological Seminary, holds a master’s degree in French from the University of South Carolina and a PhD from the University of Georgia. He is Professor Emeritus of French and Latin at Clemson University. He was ordained in 1958

by Second Presbytery, has supplied churches in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and has served on boards and committees of Second Presbytery and Synod. He and his wife, Kathryn, have one son and live in Anderson, SC. 5

Insight God Calls People Quarterly to Covenant on the

Adult

The following is a synopsis of the first lesson of the month in the Adult Quarterly Sunday school curriculum produced by Christian Education Ministries of the ARP Church.

By Dr. William B. Evans

EDITOR, ADULT QUARTERLY

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:1-27

D

euteronomy is foundational for our understanding of the covenant relationship between God and his people that informs the rest of Scripture.

On the one hand, Deuteronomy emphasizes that God has graciously and lovingly entered into covenant fellowship with the Israelites. They were chosen by God, not because they were better or more impressive than other peoples, but because of God’s faithfulness and love (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).

God had rescued his people from slavery in Egypt and had led them to Mount Sinai, where the Law was proclaimed, and God had purposed to bring them into the Land of Promise. But with these covenant blessings came sobering responsibilities. Throughout Deuteronomy we see God’s people commanded to live in a way that is appropriate to the covenant relationship they had embraced.

Understanding this larger covenant perspective is important. Many today misunderstand the role and purpose of the Ten Commandments.

They think that keeping the Ten Commandments is a way of pleasing God and earning one’s salvation.

But in Deuteronomy, keeping the Ten Commandments is not a way of earning God’s favor, for God had already lovingly bestowed rich blessings upon his people. Rather, observing the Ten Commandments is the 6

grateful response of God’s people to his grace and mercy!

A Covenant with Us (5:1-5)

Moses now calls upon Israel to accept and obey the terms of the covenant as they are about to enter the Promised Land. Notice the identification of the generation to which Moses speaks with the earlier generation that stood at Mount Sinai. Of the adults that had stood at Mount Sinai, only Caleb, Joshua, and Moses remained, and Moses would soon be dead.

Some of those to whom Moses speaks were only children; many others had not yet been born. And yet Moses speaks as if all of them had been present at Sinai: “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today.”

Evident here is the corporate nature of the covenant that binds the generations into a single people of God (Acts 2:39; Hebrews 7:4-10). Although many of Moses’ listeners had not been physically present at Sinai, they had indeed been covenantally present there at the Mount. Because of this covenantal unity and identity of God’s people, it was now incumbent upon this generation of God’s people to accept the terms of the covenant and purpose to live in accordance with it.

The Ten Words (5:6-27)

The Ten Commandments are best understood as a foundational statement of covenant principles governing the relationship between God and his people. These Ten Commandments concisely express how God’s people are to behave toward God and toward one another.

The first three commands describe the people’s responsibilities toward God. They are to be exclusively loyal to the Lord and worship him alone.

Thus they are to “have no other gods” (the first command), and they must “not make… a carved image” (the second command).

Some may think this second command to be outdated, but even if we do not bow down to images of wood or stone, we are still tempted to replace God in our thoughts and affections with created things.

The third command, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain,” underscores the holiness and sanctity of God’s name. It is not merely profanity and false oaths that are forbidden here, but any effort to use God’s name for our own ends and purposes.

The fourth commandment, “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” serves as a transition from those commands concerning responsibilities toward God to responsibilities to other people.

The Sabbath involves both worship of God and rest from the labors of the week. This latter aspect must have been especially meaningful for the Israelites with their painful experience of servitude in Egypt.

The remaining six commands have to do with responsibilities toward other human beings. The fifth command, “Honor your father and your mother,” underscores the relationships of order and obedience that should characterize the family.

The sixth command, “You shall not murder,” mandates that innocent life must be protected. The seventh command, “You shall not commit adulCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

ARP CHURCHES AT A GLANCE ORA ARP CHURCH

W

hen this church, among the oldest in the Synod, was actually established is unknown. When the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia was organized in 1790, the Ora Church, known at that time as Madole’s Old Field, was mentioned as not having a pastor.

The cemetery was established at that time by contribution of land from Mr. Madole. In 1800, when the Presbytery was divided into First and Second Presbyteries, this congregation became a member of Second Presbytery. In 1809 the name of the church was changed to Warrior’s Creek, named for a nearby stream. In 1936 the name was changed to Bethel.

Because the church was located in the community of Ora, SC, it came to be known as the Ora Church. It is believed that the first elders of the church were Alexander Taylor and Maxey McCormick. The women’s work was established in 1874. Synod met at the church in 1832.

In 1812, Rev. John Renwick, Jr., pastor of a church in Newberry County, entered into a yoked pastorate with the church. Following his resignation in 1825 the church was served by supplies. In 1836 Rev. James L. Young became pastor, and his successors were Revs. David F. Haddon in 1854; Horace Rabb in 1896; Boyce H. Grier in 1901; Isaac N. Kennedy in 1912; Paul L. Grier in 1925; J. Calvin Smith in 1933; W. Craig Alexander in 1937; Robert J. Robinson in 1961; Guy JULY 2009

Ora ARP Church, Gray Court, SC

H. Smith, Jr. in 1964; Allen Larson in 1989; and Robert D. Turner in 1998.

The present pastor, Rev. Samuel F. Roper, has served since 2006. Rev. Haddon, who is buried in the Ora Cemetery preached there for over 50 years and was responsible for much of the church’s development.

During the pastorate of Rev. Young, a controversy over ordinances developed and the church divided. Those who left formed a Presbyterian church called Bethel. The church building was used by both congregations until the ARP Church built its own building. In 1896 the Bethel Church sold its interest in the joint building and built the present structure.

In 1953, the Bethel Church dis-

banded and its members were transferred into the ARP Church. An educational building was completed in 1966. A new educational building with a fellowship hall was constructed in 1978.

In 1879, the Ora Church helped organize the church at Woodruff. A large number of ministers grew up in the Ora community or spent part of their early life there. Ora has been one of the best churches in Synod, strongly supporting higher education and missions. Current total membership is 114.G Much of the information for this article was taken from the Bicentennial History of the ARP Church.

7

NEW CHOICES FOR SUBSCRIBERS The ARP Magazine is now available in a downloadable PDF version by email. For one dollar per month, you can receive the entire ARP Magazine online.

Sign up now to receive the ARP Magazine each month in a timely manner.

Read the ARP Magazine online at your leisure – at work or at home.

CLUB PLAN CHURCHES RECEIVE FREE ARP MAGAZINE ONLINE Each church that has 75 percent or more active families subscribing to the magazine qualifies to offer each family the online version free of charge in 2009.

8

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Covenant Way hosts essay contest

Paul Pridmore congratulates essay winner, Hailey McClain.

Top five essay winners with Libby Draffin, front left, and residents Paul Patton and Elise Bridges.

By Paul Pridmore n recognition of Older Americans Month, Covenant Way Retirement Community in Due West, SC, was buzzing with celebratory activities. They included an art contest with Cherokee Trails Elementary School, a dessert bake-off, and most recently, an essay contest for students in Shane Bradley’s class at Dixie High School. These activities were coordinated to “recognize our residents and help others to see them and know they matter,” said Libby Draffin, the activities director at Covenant Way. The students were prompted to write about the value of an older person they know now or have known in the past; and/or the value of the elderly in general. Many students wrote about grandparents, while others wrote about the impressions older Americans had on their young lives. A few students even wrote of the comfort an older person provided during a difficult time.

I

JULY 2009

Almost every essay contained some thread of wisdom these students learned from an elder. For example, essay contest winner Hailey McClain wrote, “Times change, but experiences stick. Their successes, failures, and relationships are stories and advice for me now.” Another student wrote, “I decided a long time ago that instead of me turning to magazine articles, books, websites, and all in between for help in life, why not turn to my elders.”

Approximately 70 essays were received. Certificates and monetary prizes were awarded to 1st – 4th place winners as well as six other students who were all recognized at a celebration at Covenant Way with their teacher, Mr. Bradley, and the residents of Covenant Way. “This is the 3rd year doing this contest and each year it is so rewarding to realize that the youth do indeed recognize and value the wisdom of our elderly,” said Draffin.

During the celebration, resident

Paul Patton thanked the students for “sharing their young minds,” calling it “refreshing.” After the awards were presented, the students and residents enjoyed cookies, soft drinks, and continued to ask the residents about their life, their passions, and their residency at Covenant Way. Many hugs and thanks were shared before everyone departed.

Winners were: 1st - Hailey McClain; 2nd tie - Gloria Harvley and Cassie Owens; 3rd - Ricky Patterson; 4th - Kayla Gymer. Special recognition for Outstanding Writing Achievement was given to Wesley Hill, Boyce Gladden, Erin Iannone, Brandi Lovette, Nikki McMahan, and Sheniqua Scott.G Paul Pridmore is CEO of Covenant Way, a continuing care retirement community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing facilities. It is located in the town of Due West. For more information, visit www.covenantway.org or call (864) 379-2570.

9

pro deo et patria

for god and country 10

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

This article is reprinted with permission from the Cumberland Presbyterian, May 2003.

By Dr. Charles McCaskey “ ro Deo et Patria,” is the motto of the Army Chaplain Corps –“For God and Country.”

Hundreds of men and women have given support to this motto over the years, and still do today.

I could speak for the chaplains from the Navy who are accompanying those “Leathernecks,” and the chaplains of the Air Force and Navy who are aboard aircraft carriers that launch the planes. When these men go into “harm’s way,” a chaplain accompanies them. In the Army, the philosophy is called “Forward Thrust.”

It means the chaplain goes as far as the troops go.

They will be nervous. They will be scared. They have families and friends they left behind. Sometimes they cry – but seldom does anyone see. They are the most vulnerable of all troops.

They have no weapon. It’s forbidden.

A chaplain’s assistant is assigned to each chaplain – an enlisted person who supports and protects them.

The military assignment for the Army and Marines is one chaplain for every battalion with 700-800

P

troops. Chaplains eat the MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) with the troops, go for days without a shower, live through sand storms and are in rolling convoys at 4 a.m. as the troops move out.

The chaplain lives, works and, God forbid, can even die with the troops. Most chaplains will tell you, even though the military offers promotion and a great deal more responsibility, the best days for a chaplain are serving as a battalion chaplain to the troops who become his church and family.

Chaplains make sure that as our service men and women engage in the terrible struggles of war, the matters of faith travel with them. Each chaplain who serves is dedicated to being the church where many of us dare not go. They sacrifice, serve and share. They are servants of God. They come from different religious backgrounds. They are men and women of God who serve their country. “Pro Deo et Patria.” Their troops may call them different names, such as Padre, Rabbi or Chap, but they do so with respect. And no one calls them captain or colonel. Their rank is chaplain.

I smile when people comment – “What a great job! You only have

to work one day a week.” I can’t help but think of those chaplains accompanying troops 24/7. They conduct religious services and make sure those of different faiths are taken care of. They will administer the Sacraments, walk the lines, talk to the young men and women, reassure them, pray with them, comfort them, and help them understand the death of fellow soldiers in battle, and conduct the proper military services.

Some of those chaplains have been citizen soldiers (National Guard) and have been taken from their churches and homes to serve. They have answered the call. Why? For God and country! I can assure you they may or may not agree with the policy, but they have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States of America; and obey the commands of the Commander-in-Chief.

They will carry out the practice of bringing God to man and man to God.G Dr. McCaskey is a retired military chaplain who served in the US Army for 34 years “For God and Country.”

He is a former Moderator of the CPC general assembly and a former chairman of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.

ARP Chaplains at last year’s Synod: Ron Estes, Chris Reeder, Ed Fleagle, Mike Yarman, Ed Brogan (Director of Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel), Joseph Moore, Paul Burns.

Not pictured: Gale G. Cotton, Lawrence E. Hamrick, Mike Hendrick, David Johnston, Paul B. Joyner, Michael R. Keifman, Michael A. Kelly, Charles Steve Rimmer and Barry K. Wells

JULY 2009

11

News in Brief Covenant of Grace Organized

The Covenant of Grace Mission, Winston-Salem, NC, was organized on Sunday, May 3 by an appointed commission from First Presbytery.

Curt Anderson, Thomas Hawkins, Sr., and Phil Williams were elected and installed as elders. Glen Robinson and Vernon Stewart were elected, ordained and installed as elders. Troy Weaver, Jon Welborn, and Doug Small were elected, ordained and installed as deacons.

Rev. Roger Wiles was installed as pastor. Members received were: 85 communicants, 23 non-communicants, three associate members.

The Covenant of Grace Mission was established approximately two years ago. We rejoice in the good work that has taken place there and look to God for his continued blessings on the congregation as it assumes self-support. The congregation is leasing/purchasing a church building located on Harvey Street near Exit 188 on I-40. The church is looking to the future and is laying plans for the establishment of a daughter congregation in Davidson County.G

CHURCH PEW CUSHIONS

Padded seats or reversible cushions

From left, Dr. H. Neely Gaston, Charles L. Mitchell and Erskine’s president, Dr. Randall T. Ruble.

Mitchell receives honorary degree Charles Lummus Mitchell of Rock Hill received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at Erskine Theological Seminary’s commencement service.

Mitchell served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942-46, after studying at Erskine College for a year. He graduated in 1948, and then entered Erskine Theological Seminary, graduating in 1951. During his 60-year ministry, Mitchell has served several ARP churches. He worked as a new church

developer in Statesville, N.C., beginning in 1974, continuing as pastor at Covenant ARP Church there until his retirement in 1988. He has preached in more than 60 churches and served on many boards of the ARP General Synod. During retirement, he has served as minister of visitation at Ebenezer ARP Church. He has been married to Mary Alice Moore Mitchell for 60 years. The Mitchells have three children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.G

DON GREEN UPHOLSTERY Call collect (864) 277-3795 Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673

Structural Fiberglass

STEEPLES All Sizes and Designs Call about free proposals and scaled line drawings for your church

MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Box 388, Troutman, N.C. 28166 Phone 704-528-5321

Now in our 50th year of molding!

12

Singing tradition ends

On Tuesday morning of the Family Bible Conference, July 21, the “Morning Glories” will be singing for the last time. It is the 30th year, and Martha McKenzie says if you have ever sung as a Morning Glory or Dandy Lion, or would like to have your last chance to do so, please come that morning to practice to help lead the morning singing.

If you can’t get up in time to be at the practice, Janet Heidtman and Mrs. McKenzie will still welcome you with open arms. “Come help us sing a joyful noise unto the Lord for the 30th year,” she said. G THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

A pastor’s message to his flock —

Mature Godly Living

R

JULY 2009

doctrine. I see them tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, never able to find a stable lifestyle in the Lord.

They resist sitting down to study how to rightly divide the word of truth.

They mostly rely on emotional and subjective reasoning based on their own experiences and feelings combined with Bible verses they know.

I have also known people who were intelligent in the faith, but did not become great people of prayer.

They somehow concluded that knowledge was a replacement for being dependent upon prayer to live before the Lord.

When our emphasis in life is on ministry, we can’t help but pray. Everyone involved in ministry knows this work is outside of our control and ability. We realize God may use us, but He only is the catalyst that accomplishes effective and genuine results.

Remember, we are only the branches, not the vine. We always should pray and not lose heart – praying about everything, and not having confidence in the flesh.G Rev. Clowers is pastor of Richland ARP Church, Rosemark Road, Millington, TN.

Synod Orientation

By Rev. Gary Clowers ecently I was asked about the important practices of mature Godly living. My response was simply this: 1. Learning sound doctrine, such as a good understanding of systematic theology.

2. To have a wealth of information and application of practical theology.

3. A very detailed and fervent prayer life.

When asked why I believe these to be most important, I answered, “First, let me tell you that I am the most guilty of all the observations and conclusions I am about to make.

These conclusions are mostly the result of my own failures and witnessing these same traits in others.”

I have known church officers, ministers and professors who had an excellent understanding of systematic theology. They knew every chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith and every work of Berkof (theologian) backward and forward; had a solid library of every good Reformed systematic theology author and could recite the Shorter Catechism by memory.

However, they were not very strong in the area of practical theology. By this, I mean the day to day practice of the faith related to Proverbs, Psalms, Deuteronomy, Ecclesiastes and the Prophets, just to name a few. I have concluded that being strong in systematic theology is only half the intellectual need we have to be strong in the faith.

We must be people who understand and practice love, forgiveness, humility, discernment, trustworthiness, friendship, repentance, marriage, parenting, honesty, dependence, compassion, self control, boldness, self denial, etc.

There are people who really love the Lord and are very passionate, but don’t have a foundation of sound

New ARP employees and new ministers enjoy each other’s company during orientation in March. They are from top, Andy Stagner and wife Ellie (assoc., First ARP Rock Hill, SC); Mike Basie(assoc., Pisgah ARP, Gastonia, NC); Brian Such, Central Services director of finance); Will Barron (licentiate); John Autry and wife Sharon (assoc., Community Chapel By the Sea (FL)); Cheryl Chastain (administrative asst., Greenville (SC) ARP); Rudy and Kathy de Vries (Canadian evangelist); Moises and Cindy Chan (pastor, Havana (AR) ARP).

13

Happy 100th Birthday to Helen Kennedy!

M

artha Helen Kennedy, daughter of Porter Blair Kennedy and Rachel Bessie McGill Kennedy, was born April 14, 1909, in Sharon, SC, where she grew up and graduated from Sharon High School in 1926. She enrolled in Winthrop College in the fall of 1926 and four years later she graduated with a bachelor’s degree, financed on her own.

During the depression years, jobs were hard to find. However, she was fortunate to locate a teaching position in Ruby, SC, which paid $75 per month. She taught in Ruby from 1930 until 1945. In 1945, she returned to Sharon to teach social studies and Latin at Sharon High School.

She continued to live at the homeplace and served as the family historian. She enrolled in the graduate program at Winthrop and received a master’s degree in 1949. When Sharon High School closed in 1955, she transferred to York, SC, and taught social studies and Latin.

She also served as Middle School librarian until she retired in 1974.

Helen Kennedy has been an active contributor to the civic affairs of Sharon. She served as president of the Sharon Woman’s Club seven times. She and Doris M. Thomas compiled a book, Remembering Sharon 1889-1989 Fact and Fiction. With the help of a committee, she also prepared a Sketch of Sharon ARP Church, Catawba Pres-

bytery 1796-1980. She was a member of the church choir, taught Sunday school for 50 years from 1946 to 1996, served as president of the Women of the Church and secretary-treasurer of World Missions.

She is a descendent of William McGill, Sr. who was elected to the House of Representatives, and served York for eight full terms in the General Assembly. Other offices he held included militia captain (1810), commissioner of public buildings in York (1814-1826), Justice of the Quorum, York (1834-1838), Magistrate, York (1843), and Commissioner of the Poor, York (1849).

Mrs. Kennedy still owns land in York County that was part of a state land grant by Gov. William Moultrie, and has been a resident at Morningside Assisted Living in Lexington, SC, since 2004.G

Covenant Way �������������������������������������

�������������� ������������ ������������ ���������������������

����������� ������������������� ������������������ �������������� ������������������� 14

���������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������

����������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������� THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Christian Education Ministries

High school grads leaving church

By Dr. Brent Turner

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

R

ecently I spoke at a baccalaureate service for my daughter’s graduation. I was asked to speak on “the church.” While studying for this talk, I found some startling statistics that shook me. The Southern Baptist Convention’s Council on Family Life reported in 2002 that roughly 88 percent of evangelical children are leaving the church shortly after they graduate high school.

That’s right, 88 percent! This includes those who went to public school and private schools.

The article stated that of the high school students who were surveyed about leaving, most had not planned on leaving the church. When asked why they did leave the church, their answers were both heartfelt and alarming. The top responses were: • Sex • Guilt • Judgmental (people in the church were judgmental) • Hypocrisy (see people in the church saying one thing and living another way) • Strict Enforcement (see many as legalist) • Freedom (want their freedom and are tired of being made to go to church) • Deceptive dual life culture in the youth group (See youth group members not really living the Christian life) • Lack of a safe place to address failure USA Today conducted a similar survey. Few of those surveyed had kind words for fellow Christians – when they reflected on church life in the four years after high school. Just over half (51 percent) of Protestant young JULY 2009

people surveyed saw church members as "caring" or had other positive descriptions, such as "welcoming" (48 percent) or "authentic" (42 percent).

The news was not all bad: 35 percent of those high school students who did drop out of church said they had resumed attending church regularly by age 30. But what alarms me about this is the 12 years they were not in church.

The survey found that those who did stay or returned to church grew up with both parents committed to the church; pastors whose sermons were relevant and engaging; and church members who invested in their spiritual development. Sounds like the survey saw the importance of raising covenant children in the life of the church.

These statistics have to shake us.

Are we experiencing these same statistics in the ARP denomination?

How many of your church's high school graduates remain connected

to a church and continue to serve after they graduate from high school?

Or do they go off to college and stop attending church all together?

I know there are churches who are working hard to prepare their high school graduates for college and many have great college programs.

But I know that many have no programs at all for college students.

I know of one college student in the ARP denomination who proclaimed that he wished more churches had something for college students. He stated that far too often there is no Sunday school or special program for people his age. He said, "They just tend to stick us with the young adults and think we will be alright. I like the young adults, but many are married with children and have no idea what I am going through."

Please take this concern seriously and consider how your church can better minister to your graduating high school students.G

15

Bonclarken

Board of Trustees– more than just overseeing

By Chip Sherer PRESIDENT

M

ay 29, 1948, is an important day in Bonclarken’s history. On this day, at the 1948 meeting of General Synod in Monticello, AR, a special Bonclarken committee made this report: “Up to this time the grounds have been provided free of charge to the ARP Church by a group of Christian men who have not only given the use of the grounds, but have managed it for Synod without Synod having to accept any responsibility for it.

The time has come that this cannot continue and if we are to have use of the grounds, Synod must assume the responsibility. However, we are not accepting a liability, but rather a definite asset.

These men are offering ownership of Bonclarken to Synod.

Your committee therefore recommends: 1. That Synod accept the offer and assume management of the property.

2. That Synod create a governing body for the management of the institution.”

These two recommendations passed unanimously.

Who were these “Christian men” who owned, managed, and kept Bonclarken afloat from our founding in 1921 until 1948? The answer to that question is a topic for a future article.

Since that significant day in 1948, Bonclarken has been governed by a Synod-appointed Board of Trustees.

You may recognize some of these names that served as Synod’s first Bonclarken Board: R.A. Willis, Dr. J.W. Carson, Rev. Murray Griffith, 16

R.S. Galloway, R.J. Hudson, Margaret Blakely, Lena Ware McGill, Dr. C.B. Draffin, Rev. T.B. McBride, Rev. Russell Kerr, Mrs. E.C. Draffin, and E.D. Ellis.

Over the years, hundreds of men and women have served on our Board with the primary responsibility of setting policy for the management of Bonclarken and overseeing and evaluating the work of the executive director (now president).

I’m often asked about our Board, about its membership, duties, and how one goes about getting elected to serve.

Our Board meets three times a year with 20 voting members and five advisory members. Our voting members serve a six-year term, with three new members added each year. In addition to these six classes of three members, the president of the Bonclarken Property Owners Association and a representative from Women’s Ministries have voting privileges. Advisory members include the Moderator, the ModeratorElect, the director of Central Services, the director of Christian Education, and the chairman of the Bonclarken Board of Advisors.

The 2008-09 Bonclarken Board is chaired by Rev. Calvin Draffin of Due West. Other members, their church, and hometown are as follows: Lou Ann Aheron Ebenezer, Rock Hill, SC Jim Ashburn First ARP, Statesville, NC Welch Bostick Greenville, Greenville, SC Renea Casterline Centennial, Columbia, SC John Cerny Highlands, Atlanta, GA Sarah Dagenhart First Rock Hill, Rock Hill, SC

Jane Shelton Dale Camden, Camden, AL Clint Davis Chester, Chester, SC George Greene First Presbyterian, St. Petersburg, FL Dallas Hemp Edgemont, Middlebrook, VA Frank Hunt First Presbyterian, Lake Wales, FL Floy Jumper Peachtree Corners, Buford, GA Lee Logan Due West, Due West, SC Jimmy Matthews Tirzah, Rock Hill, SC Shon McClung Pressly Memorial, Andulasia, AL Sandra McCollum New Albany, Blue Mountain, MS Frances Ramsey Pinecrest, Flat Rock, NC Neil Stikeleather Back Creek, Harrisburg, NC Dick Weisner First ARP, Lancaster, SC Our Board makes annual recommendations to Synod’s Nominating Committee for new members. The Nominating Committee also receives applications from others interested in serving on our Board and selects three persons for approval by the General Synod.

If you are interested in serving on the Bonclarken Board, please let me know. I share with our Board those interested for their recommendations to the Nominating Committee.

Providing much more than just oversight, the Bonclarken Board is a group of people dedicated to our mission of “providing and promoting a Christian environment for inspiration and renewal.” I am thankful for their dedication and leadership.G

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Do you know?

Each month, we will run one of the black and white photos hanging in The Lodge at Bonclarken. If you know the names of the people pictured, please email, call or write the editor at arpeditor@arpsynod. org; 864-232-8297, ext 237; or ARP Editor, 1 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601-3696. Be sure to give any background you remember about the photo and the church you attend. The information will be published in subsequent issues.

MAY PHOTO:

The four young men pictured on page 17 of our May issue were sitting around the campfire at the Bonclarken lake, strumming guitars and banjos and singing, “Won’t You Be My Salty Dog” to campers attending Camp Bonclarken in 1964.

Former ARP Magazine editor Zeb Williams remembers it well because he took the photo! The first person to make a positive identification was Carrie Wilson of Flat Rock, NC. She is the mother of Boyce Wilson, the one wearing white socks and penny loafers. “I had all four of them in Cub Scouts,” she said. They are: from left, Boyce Wilson, Calvin Todd, Charles Todd and Hamp Sherrod. Boyce emailed in to say that all of them were Camp Bonclarken counselors, and Hamp was head counselor. Mrs. Wilson remembers

when Boyce and the Todd twins called themselves the Shamrock Trio and she tie-dyed T shirts green for them to wear when they performed.

Also, thanks to Lynn Ledford Crawford and Judy Fowler for replying.

Sarah Wightman Brice writes: The picture in the May ARP brought back wonderful memories for me of idyllic summers spent at Bonclarken in the ‘60’s.

Boyce Wilson and twins Charles and Calvin Todd made wonderful music--sorry I can’t identify the fourth one. Listening

to them—and others—play great old folk songs inspired me to buy my own baritone ukulele and to begin many happy years of making music with others. Even better than the music was the kindness and acceptance shown to a gawky little country girl from Due West. Much of the person that I am was molded by those wonderful older teenagers at Bonclarken. Then later, when I entered Erskine in 1967, many of them were still around, building character in all with whom they came in contact.G

We’ve Moved To the Fall…

2009 Laity in Action Conference September 18-19 Bonclarken Conference Center Flat Rock, NC Keynote Speaker: Rev. Rick Phillips Senior pastor, Second Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC. JULY 2009

17

Erskine

Graduates advised on ‘… an Age without a name’

F

amily and friends joined students, alumni, administrators and faculty members in the Due West ARP Church on May 16 for a commencement ceremony in which 56 graduates received degrees from Erskine Theological Seminary.

Also during the commencement service, Charles Lummus Mitchell of Rock Hill and the Rev. Wayne Bernard Murdock of High Point, N.C., received honorary degrees.

This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Daniel O. Aleshire, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Dr. Randall T. Ruble, president of Erskine College and Theological Seminary, welcomed the guests, and told the graduates, “You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. You think you’re finishing, but you’re just beginning.”

Erskine Board of Trustees Chairman Guy H. Smith III, who brought greetings from the Board of Trustees, cited William Butler Yeats’ assertion that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” and told graduates, “I hope you leave here with your fire lit.”

Dr. H. Neely Gaston, executive vice president of the seminary, introduced Aleshire. As he began his commencement sermon, Aleshire looked at the graduates and asked, “I wonder how many books you’ve read over the past several years?”

He jokingly recalled Liza Doolittle’s exasperation with Henry Higgins’ attempts to correct her grammar and diction in the musical “My Fair Lady”: “Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words!”

He took as his scripture text a passage from Acts in which the Apostle Paul is telling the story of his conversion to King Agrippa. Paul is interrupted by Festus, the procurator, who 18

Brent Turner receives stole from R.J. Gore and Mary Lowe. The executive director of Christian Education Ministries earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.

shouts at Paul, saying that his learning is driving him mad, a charge Paul denies.

Assuring the graduates that learning will not drive them mad, but “will steady your soul,” Aleshire spoke about the challenges of the postmodern era, “a time without a name.”

“It’s past the time whose name we used to know,” he said. “Whatever it is, it’s complex. Other times flowed naturally into the next time, but the future is churning out of the present in unpredictable ways.”

Pointing out that the fastest growing “religious preference” in the United States is “none,” Aleshire said Christians affirm, “The God who was is the God who will be.”

However, “the will of God is not the only influence in the world,” he said. “Hell has its fury.”

The church needs “missional leaders” who will “multiply their gifts,” and believe “the Gospel really matters,” Aleshire said. They will be “passionate leaders uninterested in

their personal status.”

The studies they have undertaken in seminary are important, Aleshire told the graduates, because leaders’ gifts “can’t be used as effectively without the learning.”

As the seminary graduates engage in ministry, “Your task is to inspire, lead, educate, admonish,” Aleshire said, adding that their task may take them to “new places with new names that have never been reached before.”

“We don’t know the name of this new time, but we know the name of the day,” he concluded. “This is the day the Lord has made.”

Aleshire is an ordained minister who served on the faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1978-90. He holds the M.Div. degree from Southern Seminary and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, Tenn. He joined the staff of ATS in 1990 and was elected executive director in 1998.G

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Mr. Smotherman is a member of Peachtree Corners ARP Church and the World Witness Board. He recently traveled to Pakistan and sent the following email back to his friends. have just returned from Sahiwal, Pakistan. Why, you ask? In 1913 my church denomination established and still operates the Sahiwal Christian Hospital in that village of over 300,000 people. I was the only non-medical or non-ordained American member of the hospital and mission board that met in Sahiwal in May. Their priority recruiting requisite was for someone with solid business experience, but the director said that I would do in the meantime.

Over the months prior to my departure, I’d heard how courageous I was to volunteer for this board and to travel to Pakistan with all the disturbing news these days. So, what I would like to do is share with you the real courage I encountered. Believe me, there is no simple way you can, but try to imagine you are in Sahiwal, Pakistan.

Imagine . . . you are a Pakistani girl growing up in Sahiwal. So, right there you are a third-class citizen in a thirdrate village of a third-world country.

Imagine . . . you are 5 to 16 years old and from a Christian family in a nation of over 98 percent Muslim, including a not-so-insignificant contingent throughout the country of extreme fundamentalists, including the Taliban, fomenting contempt for women and sheer hatred toward Christians.

Imagine . . . you are considered poor in a country where squalor is middle class.

Imagine . . . your poor parents had the audacity to want you, a girl, to be educated in a Christian setting with Western curriculum, while substan-

I

JULY 2009

tially all other females have no chance for any education at all.

Imagine . . . you are boarded and schooled at our hospital campus away from your home with 180 other Christian girls just like you.

Imagine . . . like those who have preceded you, there’s a very good chance that you will someday enroll in the hospital’s nursing and midwife school, which is highly recognized and recruited by hospitals throughout the Middle East, especially for OB-GYN skills.

Imagine . . . for the first time in your life you have hope.

Imagine . . . you have the prettiest dark eyes, shining with the same joyful smile as our own daughters and granddaughters.

Courage? As I think of the task these girls and young women face every day, I have zero standing in terms of courage. I just can not imagine. So,

I’m not sending this message for you to compare the USA to Pakistan; there is no comparison. I’m not sending this message so you can send it to 10 friends for prayer, although prayers are appreciated.

Notice, there is no “God Bless America” or even “Amazing Grace” playing in the background. I’m not asking you to consider what Jesus would do. I’m not intending to affirm that Islamic fascists are indeed evil people.

I’m not asking you to send a form letter to your senator or to sign an over-blown petition, or turn on your headlights, or fly a flag, or wear a ribbon, or toot a horn. You get enough of those emails already.

I’m only asking you to support one courageous girl for a year. That’s it.

I’m glad to be home now, and by the way… God has blessed America.

—Glen SmothermanG

Glen Smotherman with some of the 180 girls boarded at the Christian Hospital.

19

World Witness

Courage in Pakistan– Imagine

Outreach North America

Spiritual renewal, strategic initiative

This is an excerpt from “Teach a Church to Fish” by Ken Priddy, director of Church Renewal hurch revitalization is the marriage of spiritual renewal and strategic initiative. My observation over the years is that most churches tend to approach revitalization through one or the other, but not both, rendering the attempt at revitalization incomplete.

The spiritual without the strategic typically manifests as a spiritual pep rally, full of inspiration, passion and emotion, but void of cohesive action steps. The mountaintop experience wanes when back in the valley and true revitalization never transpires.

On the other hand, the strategic without the spiritual typically grabs onto the methodology du jour, sometimes creating momentary statistical spiking, but failing to establish health and growth that will sustain.

There is much to be learned about revitalization from a study of the Old Testament books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Note that each of these leaders served in exile, and each would play a vital role in the return of their people to the land that had been promised to Abraham.

Esther, at the risk of her own life, intervened with King Ahasuerus on behalf of her people, the Jews, who were about to be exterminated at the hand of Haman. Her sacrificial action preserved a nation, prompted by the often quoted words of her uncle, Mordecai, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Susa, the capital city of Babylon. Upon receiving a distressing report concerning the state of the Jews remaining in Jerusalem, and of the city itself, Nehemiah wept,

C

20

mourned, fasted and prayed for days (Nehemiah 1:4).

In his prayers he acknowledged the faithfulness of God while interceding for his own sins and the sins of his family and his people. This is a picture of how revitalization begins through spiritual renewal.

Later, Nehemiah prays, “give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11b). Who was this man? This man was the king. And why did Nehemiah need the granting of success and the mercy of the king?

Someone had to return to Jerusalem to revive the people and restore the city, and he was that someone.

Knowing that this was beyond his capability, he prayed for God to give him success. Knowing that he would need much favor from the king, he prayed for God to grant him mercy in the sight of Artaxerxes.

Nehemiah is a picture of the synergistic relationship between spiritual renewal and strategic initiative, and the rest of the Book of Nehemiah unfolds the story of how the people and their city were restored.

Ezra was a descendent of Aaron,

the chief priest, and he was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses. Ezra returned to Jerusalem to re-establish the Law of the Lord as the law of the land. We are told that the hand of the Lord his God was upon him.

Why did God choose Ezra and why was God’s hand upon him? Ezra 7:10 tells us, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Ezra studied the law, he lived the law and he taught the law.

What is there to learn from the model given us by Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther? What do we see in them and the accounts of the restoration that God brought to His people through them? We see sacrifice, we see heartfelt concern, and we see weeping, mourning, fasting and prayer.

We see commitment, we see planning, and we see the taking of risks.

They were people of action, people who took responsibility, people who stepped out in faith, people who were used by God in ways far above the ordinary. What about us? How far will we go spiritually and strategically to be used by God in bringing about the revitalization of our churches?G

Organizing Trinity Church

By Rev. Henry Bartsch s a new century dawned, a few families within Chatham-Kent in Ontario, Canada, sensed the leading of God to begin the research necessary to assess the potential of a new church plant.

Part of that process involved an invitation to the ARP Church to meet with these families.

Responding to that invitation were Dr. Jack Whytock, Rev. John

A

van Eyk, Rev. Bill Campbell – representatives of the North East Presbytery’s outreach committee, and Brian Murray as an observer. This took place at an informal barbecue in August of 2000.

CONTINUED >

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

The idea took root. A local steering committee was struck, a Bible study began, and the process gained momentum. One of the requirements of the presbytery committee was for the group to solidify their understanding of Covenant baptism. In the due course of that study (under the capable teaching of Rev. John van Eyk), some Christians from Essex County joined the ranks and the numbers swelled.

Finally, in April of 2001, the Northeast Presbytery of the ARP Church received Trinity Presbyterian as a mission work. A provisional Session consisting of the elders of Woodstock Grace Presbyterian was established by the presbytery. April 29th of the same year marked the occasion of the first Lord’s Day services for Trinity – with over 70 in attendance!

The framework of ministry having been established, the provisional session interviewed those wishing to become members. Subsequently, a local elder was added to the session and a local deacon began the work of the diaconate. Following two years of quality pulpit supply by visiting preachers, the Canadian Presbytery (having been formed within the ARP in the interim) ordained and installed Henry Bartsch as the mission developer in Chatham-Kent. His local work in the Gospel ministry began in May of 2003.

Then finally on April 23, 2009, with elders and deacons in place, the Canadian Presbytery formally organized our church into a particular congregation. The service was a real blessing, with many in the community attending and rejoicing with us. This is not the end of a process, but a new beginning. And we pray that, through our church, Christ may increasingly be the light and life of men.G

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy July 4th!

JULY 2009

July Prayer Calendar

Synod’s Committee on Worship has authorized this calendar for use in private devotions and family altars throughout the denomination. Scripture readings, memory verses and Westminster Shorter Catechism questions correspond with those used in the Adult Quarterly Sunday School curriculum published by Christian Education Ministries.

In support of the ARP denomination, we ask that you include the churches and individuals listed below in your daily prayers.

WEEK ONE MEMORY VERSE

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 5:15

CATECHISM

Q.39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.

1 2 3 4 5

Psalm 132:11-18. Hernando Presbyterian Church (40/4), Hernando, MS: Rev. Steve R. Woods, pastor.

Retired minister: Rev. James Coad, Jr., Flat Rock, NC, on his birthday.

Hebrews 8:6-12. Newberry ARP Church (142/15), Newberry, SC: Rev. Anthony Locke, pastor.

Romans 11:25-32. Missionary: Dottie Bigham, Wales.

Matthew 22:34-40. Global Vision ARP Church, Flushing, NY: Dr. Peter Tae Mun Lee, mission developer.

Deut. 5:1-9, 11-13, 16-21. Living Waters Presbyterian Church (35/25), Lake Wylie, SC: Cam Duke, clerk of session.

WEEK TWO MEMORY VERSE

You shall eat no leavened bread with it.

Seven days you shall eat it with unleavened bread, the bread of affliction—for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste—that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 16:3

CATECHISM

Q.40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Eccles. 11:7—12:1. Lemira Presbyterian Church (37/7), Sumter, SC: Dan Rowton, supply.

Psalm 77:3-15. Faith Chapel (17/3), Pleasant Garden, NC: Rev. Terry Crahen, mission developer.

Psalm 105:1-11. Retired minister: Rev. Guy H. Smith, Clover, SC, on his birthday. Rochester Bethel Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY: Rev. Chong Hun Byun, pastor.

2 Kings 23:1-3, 21-23. Fuller Memorial Church (19/0), Durham, NC: Dr. Darrell C. Pond, supply.

Luke 22:7-13. Retired minister’s widow: Barbara Lauderdale, Due West, SC, on her birthday. Good News Presbyterian Church (85/33), Frederick, MD: Rev. Peter J. Kemeny, pastor.

1 Cor. 5:1-8. First Gastonia ARP Church (796/189), Gastonia, NC: Rev. R. Edward Spencer, pastor.

Deut. 16:1-8. Freedom Bridge ARP Church, Southern Pines, NC: Rev. Donald Jordan, mission supply.

WEEK THREE MEMORY VERSE

And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded to be done.” Leviticus 8:5

CATECHISM

Q.41. Wherein is the moral law summarily comprehended?

A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.

21

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Psalm 100. Lincoln Memorial ARP Church (55/0), Fayetteville, TN: Rev. Barney Heyward, supply; Rev. Roy N. Hulling, associate pastor.

Joel 2:12-16. Johnston Presbyterian Church, Johnston, SC: Rev. Paul Volpitto, supply. Retired minister’s widow: Jeanie Bridges, Newell, NC, on her birthday.

Corinthians 9:6-12. Louisville ARP Church (84/12), Louisville, GA: Rev. R. Douglas White, supply.

Matthew 21:28-32. Rock of Faith Church, Downey, CA: Rev. Stephen Kim, pastor.

Romans 11:33—12:2. Lauderdale ARP Church (160/18), Lexington, VA: Rev. James D. Graves, pastor.

Romans 15:1-6. Reformed Hungarian Church (22/6), North York, ON: Rev. Frank Z. Kovacs, pastor.

Leviticus 8:1-13. Richland ARP Church (85/45), Millington, TN: Rev. Gary E. Clowers, pastor. Chaplain: Barry K. Wells, Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

WEEK FOUR MEMORY VERSE

The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23

CATECHISM

Q.42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?

A. The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.

20 21 22 23

Luke 4:14-19. Chaplain: Paul Burton Joyner, Holloman Air Force Base, NM. Matthew 18:21-35. Garrison Memorial ARP Church (11/0), Bessemer City, NC: Rev. Vaughn E. Hathaway, supply.

Luke 10:25-37. Missionaries: Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Allers, Germany.

Matthew 9:35-38. Long Creek ARP Church, Columbia, SC: Rev. Paul A. Pepin, pastor.

24 25 26

Luke 7:11-17. First ARP Church (163/23), Lancaster, SC: Rev. Kyle E. Sims, pastor.

Matthew 25:31-40.

Reformed Theological Seminary Professor: Dr. Robert Cara, professor of New Testament and Chief Academic Officer.

Leviticus 25:8-21, 23-24. Hope Presbyterian Church (151/49), Tampa, FL: Rev. Michael A. Jones, pastor.

WEEK FIVE

4-11 5-10

10

MEMORY VERSE

But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Numbers 11:29

12-17 16-27 19

CATECHISM

Q.43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?

A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

20

27 28

21

29 30 31

Psalm 142. Grace Presbyterian Church (40/0), Winter Springs, FL: Rev. Kim S. Payne, pastor.

Exodus 16:1-12. Gilead ARP Church (90/4), Huntersville, NC: Rev. Robert L. Hunter, pastor. Retired minister’s widow: Katherine Rogers, Charlotte, NC, on her birthday.

John 6:41-51. Lower Long Cane ARP Church (24/0), Troy, SC: John A. Dansby, clerk of session.

John 6:60-68. First Presbyterian Church (35/1), Monroe, NC: Rev. Kenneth J. McMullen, supply.

Erskine Theological Seminary Professor: Dr. Dale Johnson, professor of Church History and director of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies.

1 Cor. 10:1-11. Hickory Springs ARP Church, Warren, AR: Rev. Michael L. Garvey, supply.

* denotes mission church.

Membership figures represent the number of active communicant members/noncommunicant members.

Lessons and/or Readings based on International Sunday School Lessons. The International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2001 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

22

1 4

July Events

20-23

24 26-31

Canada Day (Canada) Independence Day (US) Holiday Appalachia Mission Camp Joy Session III, Bonclarken Music Drama Camp, Bonclarken Summer Final Exams, Erskine College Bonclarken Music Conference Wales Mission Trip ARP Women’s Ministries Executive Committee, 2 p.m., Synodical Hall, Bonclarken; ARP Women’s Ministries Executive Board, 7 p.m.

ARP Women’s Ministries Annual Meeting, Chapel, Bonclarken Family Bible Conference, Bonclarken First Presbyterial Board Meeting, noon Sandy Plains Cottage, Bonclarken.

Erskine Alumni Board of Directors Camp Bonclarken, Session II

Insight on the Adult Quarterly

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

tery,” requires that the lives of God’s people be sexually pure.

Commands eight, “You shall not steal,” and nine, “You shall not bear false witness,” underscore that God’s people are to be honest and trustworthy in all their dealings. Finally, the tenth command, “You shall not covet,” teaches that God’s people are to avoid the desire for the things of others that leads to unhappiness and to other forms of sin.G Dr. Evans is Younts Professor of Bible and Religion at Erskine College, Due West, S.C. and serves as chairman of the Department of Bible, Religion and Philosophy.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

SUE ROBERSON President

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6: 10-12).

W

ith half the year gone, you may want to take a selfinventory. Have you accomplished any of the goals you set for this year? It is always good to see where we have been, and where we are going – at least once a year – in preparation for what might be around the corner in our lives.

God gives us only one day at a time. What we do with each day is up to us, but I would think our Father God would want us to always be prepared to meet whatever may come each day. Jesus teaches us to live one day at a time, and not be concerned about yesterday, the past, or what tomorrow might bring.

He tells us in Matthew 6: 34, “…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.”

Truly, we are to take each day as it comes, praying that the Lord bless this day and guide us in all that we do to honor Him and glorify Him. As a young mother with four growing children, and working as JULY 2009

a teacher, I had to learn the value of taking “one day at a time.” Sometimes it seemed like all my best laid plans at home and school would fall into pieces, no matter what I did.

I learned that God sometimes causes disruptions in our well-laid plans to give us a teachable moment – not only for yourself, but also for your students, or your own children.

It was as if God was saying, “Stop, and rest in ME! I am in control – relax and know that I am God!” I learned to give each day to God, asking His blessing and guidance for that day. After all, He is the one who controls the universe and all that is in it! Neither you nor I can change anything – only God can! We cannot change the circumstances of each day, no matter how hard we may try.

But we can depend on what Jesus has taught us from His Word, and not worry about tomorrow, or yesterday.

The Apostle Paul, as a transformed and dedicated disciple of Jesus, wrote to the church in Ephesus that the Ephesians were to understand they were a part of the church universal, not just one place or building. He continues to prepare them to be ready for spiritual warfare by putting on the whole armor of God. As I have shared Paul’s words with you at the beginning of this article, let us be diligent in remembering that each day we must “put on the whole armor of God.” I remember when my children were young, I wrote out Ephesians 6: 10-18 on a sheet of paper and posted it on the refrigerator in our kitchen so that I would see it every morning.

I literally prayed these verses every day for God’s protection over our family, and as a reminder to be alert and pray for all the saints. It is the least we can do for each other in

God gives us only one day at a time.

What we do with each day is up to us, but I would think our Father God would want us to always be prepared to meet whatever may come each day. today’s world, and especially for our families.

I hope you have made plans to attend Women’s Ministries Annual Meeting at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 20 at the Bonclarken chapel. The Family Bible Conference begins that night.

I suggest you attend the Annual Meeting and stay over until Tuesday afternoon. This will give you an opportunity to attend the Bible study on Jonah and go to the WM Showcase to gather information to take home to your local WM. The ARP WM Board has also planned to have a session on Monday morning (before the Annual Meeting) for all the Treasurers – Local and Presbyterial. Our ARP WM Treasurer, Tracey Smith, will be the moderator for this event (If your treasurer cannot come, please appoint someone who can attend for your church or Presbyterial).

Let us give thanks to our Lord, and buckle up our armor to meet whatever may come – knowing that we are HIS forever.G 23

ARP Women’s Ministries

One day at a time

ARP Women’s Ministries

Weighed down by anxiety?

ELIZABETH M. BURNS Administrator

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad (Proverbs 12:25).

A

nxiety is not a good thing.

Webster defines anxiety as, “pain or uneasiness of mind respecting some event, future or uncertain; concern; solicitude; care disquietude.” Nothing ruins a day more or makes life miserable like pain or an uneasy mind.

The anxiety of an unbeliever is understandable since they have only themselves and limited natural resources to rely on in this world.

The believer, however, is another matter. We have God himself to rely on…

Anxiety is something many people suffer from, unbeliever and believer alike. The anxiety of an unbeliever is understandable since they have only themselves and limited natural resources to rely on in this world. The believer, however, is another matter.

We have God himself to rely on, He who is “THE resource” and He who is without limit.

24

The anxiety of a believer is unjustifiable in light of this truth. Yet we struggle with it, don’t we? I do.

Particularly in recent weeks as I’ve found myself in a flurry of activity preparing for some important events, both personal and professional. The uneasiness of my mind brought pain and disquietude to my life, which caused me to lose my perspective on God and therefore my joy in Him. But at just the right moment, a dear and precious friend sent an email that made me glad – a good word that helped to clear my vision and correct my perspective. Thank God for dear friends who know what is right and are faithful to speak it.

Are any of you struggling with the weight and pain of anxiety in your life today? Do you need something to clear your vision and correct your perspective of God? Well, He has provided just what you need at just the right time: Family Bible Conference!

And what a Family Bible Conference it’s going to be (see FBC schedule in ARP Magazine’s June issue). “Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God” is the perfect remedy for our uneasy concern of events both present and future. It is not too late to make arrangements to attend, nor is it too late to invite a friend or neighbor to come with you.

Of course, Family Bible Conference comes only after the Annual Meeting of Women’s Ministries, which will be held on Monday, July 20, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Bonclarken chapel. Kathy Barron, vice president of Women’s Ministries, has worked hard to put together an outstanding line up of musicians and speakers, all of whom will come together to share many good words designed to energize and excite our women for a new

year of ministry in the local churches.

If you are looking for suggestions and ideas for your ministry, I want to encourage you not to neglect God’s provision through this event.

Though we are just entering into the month of July, it is not too early to plan on attending the Annual Meeting of your Presbyterial. Here you will receive all the information you will need for a successful start to your women’s ministries, and will have an opportunity to speak with other women about their women’s ministries, getting the inside scoop on what works and what doesn’t. Contact the president of your Presbyterial for all the details of this important meeting that you don’t want to miss.

I mention last, but by no means least, a valuable resource: God’s Word! The recommended study books for Women’s Ministries are: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah by Bryan D. Estelle; and Heirs of the Covenant

by Susan Hunt. Talk about anxiety!

Weighed down by uncertain and unknown future events, Jonah chose to disobey God and found himself in the belly of a big fish! But it was the good Word of God that changed not only Jonah, but also the people of Nineveh.

This is a must read; as is Heirs of the Covenant. What parent or grandparent doesn’t suffer from a moment or two of anxiety when considering the future of their children and grandchildren? What better way to remove that anxiety and leave a legacy of faith for our children by integrating Christian education into every aspect of life.

May we and the children be made glad by the speaking and teaching of His good Word. Order your copies today (To order, see our ad on pg. 25.)G

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

09-10 ARP Women’s Ministries Study Books ����

� � � � � �

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������

��

����

�� ���

�

���

� ���

� ��� ���

������� ���

����� ���������� ���������� ������� ���� ����� ����� �������� ���������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������� ��� �� ������ ������� ��� �������� ���� ���� ������������ ��� ����� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ��� ����� ��������� ��������� ��� ���������� �������������� ����� ������� ������� ������������� ������� ���� ��� ����� ���� ������ ��������� ����� ���� ������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ��� ������������ ���� ������� ������ ���� ������� ����� ���� ����������� ���� ����������������� ��� ��������� �������� ����������� ��� ����� ����� ��� ������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� �����������������������������

2009-2010 Study Books �������������������������������������������������� o �������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������� �������������� o ������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� NC residents need to add 7% sales tax to their orders.

Orders over $15 ship free, less than $15 add $3 for shipping.

��������������

������ � �������������

������������������������������������������������ ��������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������� ������������������������������������������������������

���

� �� ��� � � � ��� ��� ��� � � ��� ���

�����

�����

�

������������������������������� ������������� ������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������ ������������������ ����������������� �������������������������� ������������������������������ ��������� ������������������������������ ������� ������������������������

�������������

JULY 2009

25

Mystery Ministers

By Carolyn Beaudrot inadvertently omitted Rev. Charles Mitchell’s name from the list of oldest ministers in last month’s article. With a birth date of Dec. 2, 1922, he should have been in the No. 4 position. My deepest apologies to Rev. Mitchell, and my thanks to his lovely wife for calling it to my attention.

Now, on to the oldest churches!

As most ARPs know, the old Brick Church in Fairfield County, SC, is our oldest building still in existence.

While it’s not in regular use, a special service is held there by Catawba Presbytery periodically lest we

I

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE

ROBAR CHRISTIAN BOOKSELLERS. We buy, sell and trade new and used Christian books. Contact us at Robarbooks.com.

SERVICES SABO GRAPHICS® WEB & GRAPHIC SERVICES: Providing great finished graphics from design stage to finished printed product, or website. Large format print capabilities. Mention ARP Magazine and receive a 10% discount. 864.268.4266 or www. sabo.ws.

FOR RENT BONCLARKEN HOME Completely renovated weekend or weekly rental at 200 Pine Drive: full kitchen; complete with washer/dryer and dishwasher. Cozily sleeps 10. $105 per night.

Available year-round. Call Chris Nowak at 828243-9942 for reservations.

26

forget our rich heritage. That church was built of bricks made by people in the community in 1788. Imagine!!

Two hundred and twenty one years ago and it still bears witness to the strong faith of our ancestors.

Wonderful, but which are the three oldest still in regular use? Well, the answer may surprise you. We actually have a full dozen churches which were built prior to the Civil War and are still in full use.

Oldest church building honors go to Piney Creek Presbyterian Church in Taneytown, MD. The church’s website tells us “Piney Creek Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian Church in Carroll County, MD. A deed for a grant of land containing two acres, and the use of a spring, was given on Feb. 15, 1771, for a consideration of five shillings in trust for a church and burying grounds. A very plain log structure was built. In 1818, the log building was torn down and the present brick structure was built on the property.” That building was remodeled in 1869 and the bell tower was added early in the 20th century.

Second place is awarded to New Windsor (MD) ARP Church, which is actually yoked with Piney Creek! The present church building and manse were constructed in 1841 at a cost of $3,543. One unusual fact about this

church is that it was English Presbyterian rather than Scottish. Both Piney Creek and New Windsor churches transferred from the United Presbyterian Church to the ARP denomination in 1981. Rev. Paul Matthews III has been the shepherd of these congregations since 1998.

Third place goes to Union ARP Church in Richburg, SC, which also holds the distinction of having been ARP since its early days. The congregation settled at Richburg in 1794 and built a log house; its first official appearance on record was in 1796 at the meeting of Synod in Philadelphia. The present church building was erected in 1848, at which time the log house became the session meeting place. Rev. Dr. Allen Derrick ministers to this venerable congregation.

The remainder of the dozen antebellum church buildings are: Broad Creek, VA (1849); Camden, AL (1850); Cedar Springs, SC (1853); Columbia (SC) First (1853); Hopewell, TN (1854); Lower Long Cane, SC (1856); Timber Ridge, VA (1857); Tirzah, SC (1857); Hopewell, GA (1856-1870).

The final question for this month: When did we begin sending missionaries to Mexico? It was the late 1870s. See next month’s article for details!G

EMPLOYMENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

French Camp Academy Internship Program French Camp Academy in French Camp, MS, is a Christian boarding school for young people (mostly teenagers) who come from broken or troubled backgrounds. We are not a reform institution or a college prep school, but a safe environment in which young people in crisis can live and learn. We are looking for young adults who have a heart for today’s youth and want to be used by God. We offer a one-year internship with the possibility of full-time employment after the first year is completed. If you love youth and think God may be calling you into full-time ministry, contact us at www.frenchcamp.org.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Lake Wales (ARP) is seeking a full-time Director of Christian Education. This person would oversee a growing ministry to families with young children. S/he must love the Lord, ascribe to evangelical and reformed theology, and have a heart for people. For more information about our church please check our website, www. lakewalesfpc.org. Please send requests for information and resumes to dce@lakewalesfpc. org First Presbyterian Church, 16 N. 3rd Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853. Resumes will be accepted until August 1, 2009. 863-676-0711.

HOLD A SENIOR Stewardship Seminar for your next program without cost or obligation.

Contact William Deaton at (704) 376-7051.

REAL ESTATE WHITE OAK VILLAGE, Affordable Community in Hendersonville NC. New Homes starting at $139,900. Call Noah George (828) 775-7474.

FLAT ROCK, NC - Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for custom homesites adjacent to Bonclarken with some lots overlooking lake.

Limited availability. Call 888-281-9329.

Advertise here for 30¢ a word.

E-mail arpeditor@arpsynod.org

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

All In Our Family

By Carolyn Beaudrot

Personal Mention BETHEL (AL): Robert Dale Olinger was presented with the Eagle Scout Award on April 13. Scott Mitchell received the Erskine College Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and was recently elected chairman of the Board of Trustees. Laurie Dale and Morgan Harper have been selected to attend Girls State and Boys State.

BETHLEHEM (SC): Anna Lee, 14, was selected to attend the SC Governor’s School for Dance and Humanities this summer.

BRIGHTON (TN): Amanda Heath was one of the recipients of the “Outstanding Women in Tipton County” awards.

Benjamin James Cavin competed in the Tennessee Spring Special Olympics and won the Gold Medal for the 50 meter freestyle and the Silver Medal in the 50 meter backstroke.

BURLINGTON (NC): Mr. & Mrs. Jim Little celebrated their 51st anniversary.

LAKE PLACID (FL): Bill & Dorothy Ruge were honored for their 67th wedding anniversary which was May 16. Rodger & Phyllis Dalman also celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on May 21.

Church member Chuck Burrus is the new interim choir director.

Tim Smith took his team to the state playoffs for the 15th year in a row; they are currently ranked 7th in the state.

Coach Dwayne Jackson’s Mooresville Sr. High girls’ track & field team won the Blue Devil Invitational and the Iredell County Championship.

LAKE WALES (FL): A retirement reception was held May 24 for Rev. Dr. David Rockness who has served as senior pastor for over 30 years. Kyle Maloof, a senior at Flagler College, was honored at the Athletic Awards Banquet as most valuable tennis player of the year and academic All American. He also received the Flagler College Athlete of the Year Award.

June Ryan celebrated her 86th birthday on April 27. Kit Taylor was honored recently for her 105th birthday. Lois Pike was awarded first place for Non-Instruction Personnel by the Polk County Charter School System. Neely Marie Nelson was awarded the DAR Good Citizenship Award at Lake Wales High School.

MOUNT ZION (MO): Hillari B. Lagemann is the first place winner of the Robert J. Stuckey Essay Contest, sponsored by the Friends of the MU Libraries. Her essay, “Fortune Tellers,” in which she reminisced about books she grew up reading and how they affected her decisions as an adult, brought her the $1,500 prize.

CENTENNIAL (SC): Mason Castles has been awarded the prestigious Hollingsworth scholarship to Furman University in recognition of his academic, athletic and leadership achievements.

MAUPIN AVE. (NC): MacKenzie Fisher was honored as one of the top ten scholars in the freshman class at East Rowan High School; she also placed third in the high jump event at the school track meet in April.

CODDLE CREEK (NC): Allison Leazer made the Dean’s List for spring semester at Appalachian State University.

MOORESVILLE (NC): Lillian Deaton observed her 95th birthday on May 2.

Mooresville Sr. High Boys’ tennis coach

COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Sarah Braden is the new assistant director of Female Youth Ministry focused on middle-school students; Ashley Gray is the new assistant director of Female Youth Ministry focused on high-school students. Rick Bunge and Rob Borucki received their Eagle Scout Awards on May 3. Guy Castles won the SCISA state championship for wrestling in the 135-lb weight class. Mason Castles won the SCISA state championship in track for the 1600 meter distance.

DUE WEST (SC): Don Weatherman, Erskine College’s Academic Dean, has been appointed as the next president of Lyon College in Arkansas.

EBENEZER (SC): Rev. Charles Mitchell received an honorary D.D. Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary during their commencement.

EDWARDS MEMORIAL (SC): L.T. & Joann Phillips celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 10.

FAITH (Merritt Island FL): Harold & Carol Calvert were honored on April 26 for their 63rd wedding anniversary.

FROSTPROOF (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Howard Herman were honored on April 12 in celebration of their 57th wedding anniversary.

JULY 2009

NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Grace Gallagher and Ashley Williams were selected to perform in the South Carolina Honors Piano Recital at Winthrop University. Cory Tretsky ran in the Great Harvest Bread 5K race on May 2, coming in first place in a field of over 500 entrants.

OAK RIDGE (SC): Rev. Bill Fleming’s latest book, mentioned last month; title changed to Mapping the Christian Life.

PISGAH (NC): Tyler Reller will compete in the state-level Geography Bee; his teacher said it’s the first time in at least 10 years that a student in Cleveland County Schools had qualified for the state competition. Laradon Pilot was honored as one of Gaston County’s Star Teachers.

A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF EDWARD PHILLIP HIGGINS NOVEMBER 30, 1923 – MARCH 18, 2009 he Session of the Ebenezer Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Lexington, VA, pays tribute to the memory of elder emeritus, Edward Phillip Higgins, who died Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Alleghany Regional Hospital, Low Moor, VA, at the age of 85.

He was born in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Harry O. and Clara Smith Higgins. He served as a deacon, an elder and later elder emeritus. He was retired from Washington & Lee University and also farmed his entire life. He served in the US Army during WWII. Surviving are his wife, Stella I. Higgins; daughter Doris Nicely; sons James Edward, Billy Wayne, Jack W. and Freddie Higgins; two sisters and one brother. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; and 13 foster children.

We always knew that if there was snow on Sunday morning, we could depend on Ed and his sons to see that it was cleared before the worship hour. He was always willing to bring his tractor and build fences or do whatever needed to be done on the church grounds. He was faithful in his attendance at church until his long illness and hospital stays made this impossible. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and his church. His kindness and sense of humor and his influence will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2009, at the Harrison Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Giles and the Rev. Zeb Carson Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Ebenezer ARP Cemetery.

In his memory, the Session directs that a page of the Session Record be reserved for this tribute, that copies be given to his family and that a copy be printed in The Associate Reformed Presbyterian magazine.

Samuel R. Ruley F.J. Giles Clerk of Session Moderator

T

27

PROSPERITY (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Fred Grigsby celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on May 13. Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Renegar celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 24.

PROVIDENCE (NC): Ryan Branagan and Miranda Marquand were members of Cramerton’s 8th grade band which received all superior ratings at the Carowind’s 33rd Annual Festival of Music.

SEBRING (FL): Neal McCord celebrated his 81st birthday on March 11. Marge Sella was 81 on March 16. Avice Travers was 88 on March 19. Fran Newland was 83 on April 7. Phyllis Smith was 88 on April 16. Mary Ondersma was 86 on April 24.

Carolyn Radebaugh was 84 on April 25.

Special wedding anniversaries include Sylvia & Lynn Parsons, celebrating their 50th on April 11; and Lucille & Neal McCord, celebrating their 60th on April 15.

SHEPHERD RD. (FL): Matt Didway is the church’s new youth director.

TRINITY (FL): Tami Carrow, R.N., was named one of the May 2009 Team Members of the Month at St. Jospeh’s Hospital.

TUCKER (GA): Andrew Moore, 9, and Jacob Moore, 7, were presented choir pins for participation with the adult choir as soloists and antiphonal singers; these two boys have been richly blessed with beautiful soprano voices, which they are using to the glory of God.

WILDHURST (VA): Charles W. “Billy” Fox Jr. celebrated his 86th birthday on April 28.

COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Kourtney & Keith Shaw, a son Nathan Alexander, born April 25.

Marriages

COVENANT (Statesville NC): Amie Rutledge, a son Jaeven Sylas Tindal, born April 6.

CLOVER (SC): Hope Smith & Daniel Robinson, May 23.

COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Cindy Mundy & Robert Keisler, April 25.

ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Elizabeth Susan Eaves & Dr. Chad Friel, April 4.

TIRZAH (SC): Beth Dillinger & Anthony Niger, May 16.

Births BARTOW (FL): Zach & Michele Lassiter, a son Tyson Steven, born March 29. Marc & Karen McLean, a son Grady Collins, born April 11. Justin & Kristi Smith, a son Jude McIntyre, born April 12. Chris & Tara Tibbetts, a daughter Juliette Elizabeth, born April 21. Austin & Martha Milligan, a daughter Ella Claire, born April 23.

BOYCE MEMORIAL (NC): Kelly & Leslie Hendrick, a son Wade Phifer, born April 21. Trent & Cindy Hagans, a daughter Hattie Elaine, born May 5.

BRIGHTON (TN): Christine & Chuck Baker, a daughter Olivia Lynn, born April 13.

28

EDWARDS MEMORIAL (SC): Derek & Dian Sauro, a son Cody, born May 5.

FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Thomas J. & Lauren Kidd, a daughter Alaryss Danielle, born April 21.

GREENVILLE (SC): David & Becky Vick, a son Bennett Wilson, born May 7. David & Joy Vickery, a son David Jackson III, born May 13.

HUNTERSVILLE (NC): Dr. & Mrs. Erland Stevens, a son Aaron Asa, born April 19.

Michael & Laura Cochran, a son Fox Marcus, born April 29.

LAKE WALES (FL): Hill & Pia Griffin, a son Brett Alec, born April 16.

LANCASTER FIRST (SC): Kevin & Rebecca Andersen, a son Athen Lorenzy, born April 23.

NEW STERLING (NC): Condy & Chuck Bowman, a son Joshua Luke, born April 15.

SHEPHERD RD. (FL): C.J. & Jordan Wells, a son Gavin Reid, born May 6.

WORLD WITNESS: Sebastien & Patti Benicourt, a son Silas Kale, born April 18.

A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF CLYDE CALDWELL MURPHY, JR. MARCH 30, 1917 – MARCH 20, 2009 he Session of the Edgemoor ARP Church pays tribute to the memory of Clyde Caldwell Murphy, Jr. He was born in the Edgemoor community and attended the local schools. He joined the Edgemoor ARP Church at the age of 12, when Dr. Robert A. Lummus was pastor. Mr. Murphy’s father was Clerk of Session for 34 years.

Mr. Murphy served his nation in World War II as a sergeant and airplane crew chief in the US Army Air Corp’s 447th Bombardment Squadron. He was involved in campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy and France. He was awarded a number of medals for his service.

For many years, he and his wife, Senie Breland Murphy lived in Jacksonville, FL. He worked for the Naval Air Rework Facility for 37 years. Upon retirement, they moved back to South Carolina to his home community. They had been active in the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. But upon moving back to Edgemoor, they quickly became involved in the ARP Church. Mr. Murphy was elected as an elder, and also served on the church cemetery committee for a number of years.

Funeral services were conducted on March 23, 2009, at the Edgemoor Church.

Burial services at the cemetery included the US Army Honor Guard from Fort Jackson. Survivors include his widow, his son, Clyde C. Murphy III, three nephews and a niece.

In his memory, a beautiful new granite sign has been placed at the entrance to the Edgemoor Church cemetery. We are grateful for this generous gift to honor him and his dedicated work.

We direct that a copy of this tribute be entered into the Sessional Record, that copies be given to the family, and that it be printed in The Associate Reformed Presbyterian.

Adopted by the Session, May 10, 2009.

John W. Hicklin, Jr. J. Allen Derrick Clerk of Session Pastor

T

EBENEZER (SC): Garrett & Julia Brink, a son Garrett Ian, born May 14.

YORK (SC): Jay & Mollie Leake, a daughter Emma Louise, born April 26.

Deaths BACK CREEK (NC): Shirley Dew McManimen, 81, died April 10.

BETHEL (SC): Elder Emeritus George Aubrey Mitchell Sr., 92, died March 30.

BETHLEHEM (SC): Betty Biggs Leslie, 84, died March 23.

COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Margaret Ellen Chandler James, 89, died May 16. William H. Clark died May 19.

EBENEZER (MS): Lucy Stanford, Ebenezer’s oldest member, died April 23, just 11 days before her 108th birthday. Pauline Brewer Wiseman, 95, died May 20.

EDGEMOOR (SC): Ruling Elder Clyde Caldwell Murphy Jr., 91, died March 20.

HIGHLANDS (GA): Lifelong member Pamela Kieffer O’Malley, 84, died Jan. 4.

LAKE PLACID (FL): Robert P. “Bob” Cloud Jr., 86, died April 24.

LAKE WALES (FL): Helen DeWilde Miller, 99, died Dec. 27, 2008.

LANCASTER FIRST (SC): Mary McIsaac Mullen Bowers, 53, died April 30.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

LAUDERDALE (VA): Past deacon and ruling elder Richard Eugene Irvine, 91, died May 5.

MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Deacon and longtime member Paul Edward Stokes, 81, died April 22.

MOORESVILLE (NC): Buford T. Compton, 89, died April 27; a member since 1932, he served faithfully in many capacities, including elder emeritus, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and church treasurer.

NEELY’S CREEK (SC): George Paul Holroyd Jr., 71, died May 6.

NEW ALBANY (MS): Lynda Marie Saunders Barkley, 49, died April 10. Willia Ireta Daniel, 87, died April 20.

OCONEE (SC): Michael Anderson Scott, 61, died April 22.

PINECREST (NC): Matthew E. Benesh, 84, died Dec. 20. Robert C. Nelsen, 70, died Jan. 15. Helen Irene Klaner, 86, died April 26. Ruth Virginia Cook, 91, died April 30. Everett O. Byington, 95, died May 2. Margaret Anne “Peggy” Margosian, 80, died May 12.

PROSPERITY (AL): Carolyn Miley Moore, 78, died May 8.

SALEM (TN): Eloise Waits Moffatt, 74, died March 28. Bobby Gene Malone, 73, died April 21.

SEBRING (FL): Mary C. “Mickey” Palmer, 89, died March 21. George E. Trepal, 96, died March 30.

TRINITY (FL): Dot Brown died March 31.

UNITY (Piedmont SC): Katie Viola King Jones, 89, died May 23.

New Communicant Members AVON PARK (FL): Margaret Phillips; Tom & Selene Stewart.

BACK CREEK (NC): Brannon & Leeann Raines; Mi Young Lee; Dyland & Marie McKeeman; Doug & Carol Ritchie. Also, those who completed the communicants’ class: Gillian Alfred, Catherine Allison, Samantha Barnhart, Sarah Bennett, Taylor Bigham, Jordan Bostrom, Anderson Clark, Bailey Eichman, Angela Fowler, Jackson Guilfoyle, Jay Hanel, Trevor Heffner, Ashley Herrin, Andrew McGehee, Kayla Mirandi, Mary Hannah Newsom, Erin Nicholas, and Marquez Webster.

BURLINGTON (NC): John & Cathy Young.

CENTENNIAL (SC): Karis Casterline.

CODDLE CREEK (NC): Edgar “Junior” Johnson; Nina Wu Alexander.

COVENANT (Jacksonville NC): Richard & Janice Thompson; Mary Spiritosanto.

CRAIG AVE. TABERNACLE (NC): Doris Wright; Carolyn Boyd.

JULY 2009

EBENEZER (SC): Bill, Pamela & Grace Caywood; Kim & Susan Dixon; Biff & Olivia Edge; Doug & Susan Gilbert; Wayne & Barb Holmes; Peter Kim; Cindy Klimpel; Bill & Joan Young.

EDGEMOOR (SC): Daniel Lehman; Laryn Carter; Georgina Carter; Katelyn Beckwith; Jessica Reynolds; John Olvera; Melissa K. Mauney.

GREENVILLE (SC): Mary Ramsey Conner; Matthew Jacob Farish; Ellis Mattison Scott Hiller; Henry Pitman Moore; Robert Hudson Smith; Susan Elizabeth Lever; Jennings McKittrick Tanner; Christopher Steven & Brianne Marsh Lynch.

HUNTERSVILLE (NC): Colin Belvin; Alexia Flynn; Andrew Jackson; Elijah Jackson; Lia Jackson; Noah Jackson; Steele Jackson; Benji Wilson; Rachel Young.

LANCASTER FIRST (SC): Melissa Weisner; Glenn McGuiness; Tim Hardman.

NEW STERLING (NC): Mark, Kim, Madison & Merritt Elliott; Richard Hairyes; Roy Poovey; Andy Hartness.

OCONEE (SC): Bobbie Anderson; John & Kathleen Harris; Terry & Alicia Morris; Michael Anderson Scott.

PINECREST (NC): Fran Schultz; James McDonell; Ernie Poston; Alyssa Myslik.

PISGAH (NC): Andy Dula; Rebecca Gardner; Sarah Gardner; Sayre Hopper; Shea Hopper; Cole Keplinger; Adam Mooneyham; Caroline Pendleton; Blaire Reynolds; and Whit Stewart.

ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Mary Elizabeth Loftus; Sara Simpson.

STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Wanda Moore.

TIRZAH (SC): Joseph & Lauren Faulk, and their children Carleigh and Alexa. Also, children joining by profession of faith were: Victoria Burrell, Jack Caldwell, Blakely Elliott, Audriana Rollins, Mackenzie Rollins, and Danielle Williams.

TRINITY (FL): Wanda Routh; Magdalene Starr.

WHITE OAK (SC): Creighton Elisabeth Ellison.

Special Services BURLINGTON (NC): A missions conference was held May 15-17 with speakers Ali Mitchell, Len & Wendy Branham, and Geoffrey & Christine Fogus, who are preparing to go to Pakistan.

EBENEZER (SC): May 3 marked Homecoming Sunday as well as Ebenezer’s 224th anniversary as a church. Rev. Mark Jenkins preached and there was a covereddish lunch afterwards.

GRACEVIEW (MS): A joint worship service for area ARP churches was held at Graceview on the evening of April 26.

Rev. Frank van Dalen, director of World

Witness, preached; Rev. Brent Turner, director of Christian Education Ministries, also attended.

MOORESVILLE (NC): The church’s new organ was dedicated to the glory of God on May 17.

PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): Missions Week was celebrated in April. Rev. Frank van Dalen, executive director of World Witness, spoke. The Branham family shared their excitement over preparations to go to Pakistan. Also, Rev. Billy Barron spoke about what God is doing at the Travelers ARP Mission in Traveler’s Rest, SC. PINECREST (NC): Rev. Lee Shelnutt was guest speaker at special services April 19-22.

Mission Trips HIGHLANDS (GA): Michelle Hornby has been selected summer intern for the Berlin English Camp in Berlin, Germany.

Graduations AVON PARK (FL): Graduating from high school: Kathleen Richards and Courtney Robinson. Alecia Robinson graduated from South Florida Community College with an associate’s degree.

BARTOW (FL): Director of Education Jamie Self was awarded his Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.

BETHANY (SC): Logan Carroll, Rebecca Thiessen, and Lydia Jones all graduated from high school. Geoffrey Morrow graduated from Winthrop University.

BRIGHTON (TN): Benjamin James Cavin graduated from high school.

CENTENNIAL (SC): Graduating from high school: Kyle Amick, Patrick Bradley, Mason Castles, Matthew David Courson, Evan Felker, Erin Fox, Jimmy Grant, Max Smith and Peter Wylie. College graduates include: Les Braswell, degree in political science from the University of SC; Tate Braswell, a degree in Chinese and English from Wofford College; Lauren Felker graduated from the University of SC Honors College; Heather Isbell Parker earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Capella University; Molly Stevens earned a degree in nutrition and food science from Clemson University; Lauren Wylie earned a degree in history from Erskine College.

CHESTER (SC): Graduating from high school: Chris Cameron, Harriet Kelsey, Rebekah Kerr, Laura Marion, and Matt Stroud.

CLOVER (SC): Kristin Dover and Casey Killian graduated from high school.

29

CODDLE CREEK (NC): Rebecca Baker graduated from the University of NC at Chapel Hill; Logan Johnston from NC State University; Lindsay Hunt received a master’s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina; and Heather Colomb received her master’s degree from the University of NC at Wilmington.

DUE WEST (SC): High school graduates include: Abby Hope and Kelley Griffin.

Also, Marianne King, graduating from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in finance; Haley Kimmons graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Mac Storey completed his master’s degree in international business management from Troy State University. John Storey earned his degree from Wingate University School of Pharmacy.

FAYETTEVILLE (TN): From high school: Katherine Calvin (graduated with honors, and was valedictorian), Haley Crabtree, Macey Patrick, Keri Underwood (with honors), Matthew Walker, and Catie Wilson. Also, Laura Margaret Walker graduated from the University of Tennessee; Brett Whitmore and Katie Whitmore both graduated from Middle Tennessee State University.

GREENWOOD (SC): Jim Blakely earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Erskine College. Elise Foute earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Erskine College.

Brita Long earned a bachelor’s degree in history and French from Furman University. Leslie Horne graduated from Piedmont Technical College’s Nursing Program. Julia A. Pridmore earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art from the College of Charleston. Reb Senn earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Erskine College. David Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Erskine College. Mike Horne earned an M.Div. from Erskine Theological Seminary. Lucas Johnston earned a master’s degree in church music from Erskine Theological Seminary. Barbara Davis earned a master’s degree from Southern Wesleyan.

Jenni West earned a master’s degree from Southern Wesleyan.

HIGHLANDS (GA): Graduating from high school: J.J.Cicala, Jim Curtis, Joey Hunt, Christina Parker, Marcus Pruitt, and Matt Statham.

LAKE PLACID (FL): Bryan Gilde earned his M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Joshua Klatt earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Pensacola Christian College. Jessica Bloemsma earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from University of South Florida. Amanda Followell graduated from University of Central Florida.

30

LAKE WALES (FL): Graduating from high school: MacKenzie Campbell, Charlie Hurst, Caroline Ullman, Coleman Gandy, Heather Pooser, and Neely Marie Nelson (named Student of the Year).

Geneva Younts and David Younts both earned associate degrees from the University of Phoenix; Caitlyn Slattery from Erskine College; David Cathcart from Erskine Seminary.

LAUDERDALE (VA): Harriett Lesley Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Washington & Lee University.

ROWAN (SC): Bobby Geiger, Patricia Tyson, and Paul David graduated from high school. Nathan Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Charleston. Zach Fritch earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Carolina. Drake Accardi earned a bachelor’s degree from Furman University. Jon Maxham earned his Doctor of Osteopathy Degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine; he will be commissioned a captain in the US Air Force.

MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Jessica Foster earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Erskine College. Brittany Harris earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Rowan Cabarrus Community College.

NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Graduating from high school: Beth Fields, Kevin Gaulden, Abby Hieber, Zach Henderson, Jay Matthews, and Cory Tretsky.

NEW ALBANY (MS): Jennie Katherine Ellis, Kayla Gregory, Cameron Gregory, and Walt Henson all graduated from high school. Justin & Jenny Robbins graduated from NEMCC School of Nursing. Brittany Treadaway earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi.

NEW PERTH (NC): Graduating from high school: Robert Brown, Jake Feimster, Macy McAleer, and Alice Holleman. College graduates include: Jamie Michele Knox with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of NC at Pembroke; and Nathan McCall with a M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary.

NEW STERLING (NC): Brent Mauney graduated from boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base.

OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Daniel Campbell graduated from Ferrum College with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Lara Koogler graduated from James Madison University.

PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): Graduating from high school: Emma Auman, Montserat Besong, J.C.Dorr III, Drew Greene, Stephen Hogan, and Rachel Ochieng. Also, Brent Diers earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lee University.

PROVIDENCE (NC): Bethany Weigel graduated from high school. Allyson Bassett received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish & Bible from Erskine College. Ricky Branagan received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of NC, Chapel Hill.

REDEEMER (SC): Jake Adams and Kari Sell graduated from high school. College graduates include: Luke Adams, Alex Limbaugh, and Sam Pike from Clemson University; Quezia Lourenco and Miranda Ulnor from Bob Jones University; Catherine Donald from Wayland Baptist University; Ben Hobbs from University of SC, Upstate; Greg Slattery from University of SC; Caroline McInerney from Greenville Technical College; Sarah McKee from Spartanburg Community College;

SALEM (TN): Jon Robert Jones graduated from high school.

TRINITY (FL): Chris Dundore, Stefanie Brown, and Rodney Dorcelus all graduated from high school.

WILDHURST (VA): Elizabeth Johnson, graduating from Columbia International University.

WORLD WITNESS: Len Branham received his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with a minor in economics from the University of South Carolina.

Catechism Recitals BOYCE MEMORIAL (NC): Monica and Alex Gelot completed reciting the “First Catechism: Teaching Children Bible Truths.”

Womens Ministries COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Dot Tribble has been named the 2009 recipient of the Julia H. Rhodes Award for outstanding service to the ARP Church.G

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you’d like to receive guidelines for news to be included on the All in Our Family pages, e-mail the editor at arpeditor@arpsynod. org. Be sure to contact us if your church has an outstanding program or ministry. It could be used in a feature article. If you take a picture of the event, it could be used to accompany an article or as a photo and cutline. All photos must be taken on “fine” or “high” settings using a digital camera and can be sent to us by email.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Colors of the This month we will celebrate the 4th of July, our country’s birthday. As you know, the

of the United States of America is

,

and

. Have you ever

stopped to think what those colors mean?

Red stands for courage. Many men and women have had the courage to stand up and fight for our country. They have defended our country against our enemies and many have died in the service of our country.

White: White stands for purity. Purity means to do what is right. We hope and pray that our country will always stand for what is right.

Blue: Blue stands for justice. When we pledge allegiance to the

, we

end with the words: “With liberty and justice for all.” That means that in our country, everyone should be treated fairly and with respect.

The colors

,

and

remind us of our country, but these colors also remind

us of Jesus. reminds us of Jesus’ blood that was shed when he died on the cross for our sins. That is very important, because the Bible says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). reminds us that when we give our hearts to Jesus, He washes us and we become as “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible says, “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:10). reminds us of God’s faithfulness. The Bible tells us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and make us clean” (1 John 1:9).

God is faithful to keep His promises. ,

and

. Yes, we are reminded of our great country, but more importantly,

we are reminded of our great Savior, Jesus.

By Miranda Marsh, director of Children’s Ministries at Greenville (SC) ARP Church JULY 2009

31

SERMONS ON GENESIS CHAPTERS 1–11

Translated by Rob Roy McGregor, an ARP minister, with an introduction by Dr. John R. de Witt, Moderator of General Synod and former pastor of Columbia First Presbyterian Church, ARP. “In his masterful translation Dr McGregor has quite wonderfully brought the preacher back to life and allowed us the privilege of being able, with a little imagination, to take our places in St. Peter’s Church on those cold autumn and winter days with the Reformer himself in the pulpit.”

—Dr J. R. de Witt 32

Order from: Banner of Truth Trust P. O. Box 621 Carlisle, PA 17013 Phone: (717) 249-5747 Fax: (717) 249-0604 Item number: 0382 Price: $39 (hardcover only) THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN