State of NC Recognizes Calvin
First Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church adopted a resolution at its spring 2009 meeting calling upon the State of North Carolina to recognize the anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. In response, the following letter was issued over the signature of Governor Beverly Perdue:
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor
August 10, 2009
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is a pleasure to join the First Presbytery [of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church sic] in recognizing the 500th Anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. His teachings are the foundation of the Presbyterian and other reformed churches and have guided generations of Christians across the globe.
During a time when heretical views were condemnable by death, John Calvin worked to reform the Catholic Church. His scholarship helped lead a movement of religious change across Europe and inspired his masterpiece, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
John Calvin’s influence can be felt in how we live and govern. His notions of freedom of men and liberty are principles that helped form our nation, and it is my privilege to honor John Calvin and his teachings as part of our heritage.
Sincerely
Bev Perdue
Senior Alert! Time for Bonsenior
It’s time to finalize plans for the annual senior adult conference of the Associate Reformed Church. The 2009 Bonsenior conference will be held Oct. 19-23 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. The theme for this year is “Our God Our Help in Ages Past, A Hope for Years to Come” (Psalm 90).
Join Christian Education Ministries staff and seniors from throughout the denomination for a week of Bible study, seminars and workshops, crafts, games, fellowship and relaxation.
Worship leader for the week will be Dr. John Cook, pastor of Thomson (GA) ARP Church. Bible study leader will be Rev. Lee Shelnutt, pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church (ARP), Albemarle, NC.
Morning devotions will be led by Rev. Ray Cameron, pastor of First Presbyterian Church (ARP), Lake Placid, FL. It’s not too late to register! Forms are available by email from Greg Hamer at ghamer@arpsynod.org., or call Christian Education Ministries at 864-232-8297, ext 234.
Erskine Committee Announced
Moderator Dick de Witt has announced the members of the Erskine commission formed at the direction of General Synod in June. They are:
John R. de Witt – Moderator, General Synod
William C. Marsh – Pastor, Christ Community Church, Greensboro, NC
Paul T. Mulner – Pastor, Sandy Plains ARP Church, Tryon, NC
Gordon S. Query – Past Moderator, Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC
George Samuel Robinson – Elder, Oconee ARP Church, Seneca, SC
Roger N. Wiles – Pastor, Covenant of Grace ARP Church, Winston-Salem, NC
Kenneth B. Wingate – Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC
Steve Maye, Vice-Moderator, is serving as an advisory member.
Tribute to Eunice Shriver
This is a statement by Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability, following the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Agoura Hills, Calif., on Aug. 17, 2009.
“The staff, volunteers and the families we serve at Joni and Friends salute the life of Eunice Shriver, a visionary woman who, through the founding of Special Olympics, vastly improved the quality of life for tens of thousands of disabled children and adults around the world.
“Long before accessibility became commonplace, Mrs. Shriver pioneered a new way of thinking for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the area of sports.
“She will be missed and all of us at Joni and Friends applaud her example and courage.”
Family Bible Conference CDs
If you did not attend this year’s Family Bible Conference, you missed hearing Dr. Mark Ross expound on the Sovereignty of God from the book of Acts, with topics like “The Decree of the King”, “Shepherding after God’s Own Heart”, and “Petitionary Prayer to a Sovereign God”.
Rev. Rick Phillips spoke from the book of Jonah with topics like “But Jonah, But the Lord”, and “For Pity’s Sake”.
You can still hear these two wonderful speakers on CDs from Vista Audio Productions. See the ad on page 10 of the September ARP Magazine or call or email arpeditor@arpsynod.org, (864) 232-8297, ext 237 for more information.
ONA’s High M-Pact Training Rescheduled
The Sept. HIGH M-PACT Training with Ken Priddy has been rescheduled for Oct. 9-10 at RTS Charlotte. You may register at www.outreachnorthamerica.org/church-renewal/
The schedule will run as follows:
Friday Oct. 9
1:00-2:30 Session 1
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:00 Session 2
4:00-4:15 Break
4:15-5:30 Session 3
5:30 – 7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:45 Session 4
Saturday Oct 10
8:45-10:30 Session 5
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:30 Session 6
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Session 7
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-4:00 Closing Session
ARP Magazine Drive
Please look for your church’s Magazine Drive information coming to you by mail in a few weeks. This newly designed packet, which gives you step-by-step instructions, will help you get new subscriptions and renewals, resulting in a successful fall campaign. If your church does not receive this information, please contact our office at stanner@arpsynod.org or by calling (864) 232-8297, ext 236. Thank you.