Trinity Organized
On April 23, 2009, God having given Trinity ARP Church, Chatham Ontario, Canada elders and deacons, 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. – Rev. Henry Bartsch
High lights of 2009 Stated Spring Meeting
Canadian Presbytery
• The Canadian Presbytery convened as a Court of the Church on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. Trinity ARP Mission Congregation (Chatham, ON) acted as the host congregation for these meetings.
• Mike Flewelling (Trinity Presbyterian Church – Woodstock, NB) moderated the meeting. Twenty-two (22) persons (presbyters and guests) were in attendance.
• Rev. Kevin Carter presented a “Theological Discussion” on the “The Emerging Church – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
• General Synod Moderator Gordon Query addressed the presbyters.
• The Presbytery received Dr. Russell Kosits as a candidate for the ministry. He is placed under the care of the presbytery as a student of Theology. Dr. Kosits preached his first of three sermons toward his future licensure.
• Licentiate Bill Van Doodewaard is finishing his internship with Sycamore Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) in Komoka, Indiana. He will be travelling to Scotland in May to complete his studies for his PhD.
• Rev. Brian Murray was elected to serve as the moderator of the Canadian Presbytery for 2009/10. Rev. Kevin Carter will serve as the vice-moderator.
• Jennifer Hovestadt presented her report on the activities of Women’s Ministries over the past year and shared some of their hopes for future retreats and works.
• Reports were presented regarding the continuing work of Rev. Fariborz Khandani with the Iranian/Muslim community in Toronto, Rev. Rudy de Vries’ work with Cornerstone Bible Institute in the Canadian Prison system and Dr. Jack Whytock’s work with MT3.
• The Canadian Presbytery was pleased to join with the Trinity ARP Mission congregation as they were organized (& “dressed”) as a Particular Church of the Canadian Presbytery. They are now officially Trinity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (Chatham, ON).
Tennessee Alabama Presbytery
The spring meeting of the presbytery was held March 20-21 at the New Albany (MS) Church.
Steve Woods, representing Birmingham Seminary, presented the work of the seminary, and its approach to theological education.
David Galletta, World Witness missionary, spoke on the work of the Mobile Theological Training Team.
• A motion was passed that the Moderator’s Special Committee on a Sexual Harassment Policy continues and prepare a document for each Session in the Presbytery. “This policy document should help in assuring consistency of practice and action within the Presbytery, provide an information base for educating both minister, members of Presbytery and lay persons, and serve as a model for local congregations in their development of personnel policies.”
• A motion carried to ordain Barney Heyward and to install him at the Lincoln ARP Church as an evangelist, in accordance with provisions of the Form of Government.
The following recommendations carried:
• That Presbytery request that Lincoln ARP Church conform to the Standards of the ARPC, especially with regard to the Session and that Presbytery appoint Roy Hulling as moderator.
• That Henry Lewis Smith be approved as stated supply at the Camden, Bethel and Prosperity Churches, and that Roger Brown be approved as stated supply for Cleveland Street (MS) ARP Church.
Dot Tribble Receives Award
Dorothy Green Tribble is the recipient of this year’s Third Annual Julia Hardeman Rhodes Award, presented on April 28 at Erskine Theological Seminary. Dr. Neely Gaston presented the award at a special chapel for Tribble’s outstanding service to the ARP Church. “I am very appreciative,” she said. “It has been a pleasure to serve my denomination in various capacities throughout my life, and have the opportunity to use my talents for the Lord.” Read more in the June issue of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian.
2009 Erskine Seminary Graduates
The following ARPs will graduate in 2009 from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, SC:
Graduating May 16:
Shannon Lee Bond, Master of Divinity (military chaplain; supply Abbeville ARP)
William Howard Elder, Jr., Master of Theology (pastor, 1st ARP, Frostproof, FL)
Ralph Jackson Gore, Jr., Doctor of Ministry (ETS professor; Army Res. chaplain)
Robert Erskine Patrick III, Doctor of Ministry (pastor Bartow (FL) ARP)
Edward Brent Turner, Doctor of Ministry (exec. director Christian Ed. Ministries)
Graduating Sept. 1:
Timothy Lee Brooks, Master of Divinity (military chaplain)
Michael Lynn Horne, Master of Divinity (supply Long Cane ARP)
Timothy Roy Watson, Doctor of Ministry (pastor New Sterling ARP)
Bonclarken Photo ID
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. 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. – Sarah Wightman Brice
Monthly Prayer Calendar
Don’t forget about the Prayer Calendar, printed in every issue of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian. 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. In support of the ARP denomination, we ask that you include the churches and individuals listed in your daily prayers.
Pastoral Renewal Program
Please notice the Erskine Seminary ad on the back page of the June Associate Reformed Presbyterian. A two-week pilgrimage to Israel for mid-career pastors with at least five years experience as pastor, currently serving as senior or associate minister, is being offered. This is funded by the CF Foundation. For copy of application and details, visit www.erskine.edu/seminary. Applications accepted postmarked through June 5, 2009.