A Night to Remember
By Delores McDonald
The red carpet was rolled out for those with special needs on April 13 at First ARP Church, Rock Hill (SC). As vans and cars arrived, guests were greeted and escorted into the church gym, which had been transformed into a dazzling ballroom filled with sparkling streamers and decorations – complete with a mirror ball.
Soon, the entire room was filled with smiling faces, hugs and dancing feet, as everyone took to the dance floor. The rhythm of the music indicated the theme for the night – “All That Jazz.” DJ George Fields (of Camp Joy fame) did not disappoint as he played upbeat music that had everyone either dancing, singing or swaying to the music.
“The intent was for this dance to be a springboard for further ministry to our special needs community,” said event chairman Jeanie Alexander.
In December, when Alexander read about a church in Charlotte that hosted a prom for a special needs group, she immediately knew she wanted those with special needs in the Rock Hill (SC) area to have the same experience.
As the outreach coordinator for Women’s Ministries at First ARP Church, she discussed the idea with Session Outreach Committee Chairman John Gettys, who agreed they should “hit the ground running” for outreach in 2012.
To see photos of the event and read more about how this ARP church reached out to its community, read the July/August issue of The ARP Magazine. To subscribe online, visit arpmagazine.org or call 1-864-232-8441.
Northeast Presbytery
Welcomes
Somang Church and Pastor
A Service of Reception and Installation of pastor and ruling elders was conducted by the Transition Commission of Northeast Presbytery on March 25, 2012, for the Somang (Hope) Presbyterian Church, Syosset, Long Island, NY.
The Somang (Hope) Presbyterian Church, with 30 adult members, was received under care of Northeast Presbytery at its March 2, 2012, meeting. At this meeting, Rev. David Choi, pastor of the Somang Church was received upon transfer of membership from the New York City Presbytery of the Korean American Presbyterian Church. The Transition Commission of Northeast Presbytery was charged with the responsibility to oversee the necessary procedures to prepare for the official reception of the congregation and installation of church officers and pastor.
Members of the congregation gave their affirmation to unite with Northeast Presbytery, and ruling elders Stephen Ha and Peter Kim were installed to form the Session of the Somang Church, after which Rev. David Choi was installed as pastor.
Rev. G.J. Gerard led the Service of Reception and Installation with Rev. David Johnston, chairman of the Transition Commission, presenting the questions for reception and installation. Rev. Dr. C.K. Rhee, moderator of Northeast Presbytery, announced the official declarations for the reception of the congregation and the installation of the officers. Rev. Dr. Peter Lee also participated with prayer and Scripture readings.
The Somang (Hope) Presbyterian Church worships at the St Bede Episcopal Church on Berry Hill Road in Syosset, NY, only 35 miles from Times Square, New York City.