ARP News Update
NORTHEAST PRESBYTERY WELCOMES
THREE NEW KOREAN CONGREGATIONS
By Rev. Daniel Rhee
Sunday, July 5 2009, was a day of special blessings for Northeast Presbytery and three Korean churches that were officially welcomed as member congregations of the Presbytery. The three churches, New Vision Presbyterian Church, ARPC in Woodside, Queens, NY; Holy Fire Presbyterian Church, ARPC, in Livonia, NJ, and The Flock Presbyterian Church, ARPC located in Whitestone, Queens, NY, were officially received by Northeast Presbytery during the Presbytery’s adjourned meeting at General Synod on June 10, 2009. The churches and their pastors initially applied for membership at the October, 2008, meeting of Northeast Presbytery.
A welcoming delegation from Northeast Presbytery, Rev. Dr. Ron Pritts, moderator; Rev. Alan Avera; Rev. GJ Gerard; Rev. Dr. C.K. Rhee, and Rev. Dr. Peter T.M. Lee, participated in special welcome services at all three churches, beginning at 11 a.m. at the New Vision Church and concluding at 2:30 p.m. at The Flock Church – with some very fast traveling to and from New Jersey, across the RFK and Washington Bridges (both ways), to welcome the Holy Fire Church at 1 p.m.
New Vision Church
At the New Vision Church, Rev GJ Gerard preached the morning sermon, translated by Rev. Dr. Peter T.M. Lee. Rev. Avera brought greetings from the ARP Synod and a welcome letter from former moderator Rev. David Johnston was provided to the congregation. Rev. Dong Ik Hwang, pastor of the New Vision Church, responded with words of appreciation and expressed thankfulness for becoming part of Northeast Presbytery and the ARPC. Rev. Dr. C.K. Rhee gave the benediction. Afterwards, the welcoming delegation was treated to a delicious lunch of Korean and Japanese foods.
Holy Fire Church
Dashing to Livonia, New Jersey, the delegation welcomed the Holy Fire Church into Northeast Presbytery. Rev. Avera brought greetings from the ARP Synod and Rev. Gerard presented the welcome letter from Rev. Johnston, and also personally welcomed the Holy First Church into Northeast Presbytery and encouraged the congregation to be strong participants in the life and work of the ARPC. Rev. Daniel Rhee, pastor, responded with words of appreciation and expressed thankfulness for the opportunity to become part of Northeast Presbytery and the ARPC.
The Flock Presbyterian Church
Returning to Queens, NY, to welcome The Flock Presbyterian Church, ARPC the delegation heard Rev. Dr. Ron Pritts, moderator of Northeast Presbytery. During the welcoming service, Rev. Dr. Peter T.M. Lee led the congregation in a congregational prayer, Rev. Dr. C.K. Rhee preached the afternoon sermon, Rev. Dr. Ron Pritts brought welcoming greetings from Northeast Presbytery and Rev. Alan Avera brought greetings from the ARP Synod. Rev. Jin K Kim, pastor, responded with words of appreciation and gave thanks for becoming part of the ARP fellowship. Rev. Gerard brought personal greetings followed by the benediction. Following the welcome service the welcome delegation were treated to another time of special refreshments with many Korean dishes, cakes, cookies and fruits.
Branhams’ Commissioning
Len and Wendy Branham will be commissioned by World Witness as missionaries to Pakistan at the Edgemoor ARP Church in Edgemoor, SC, on Sunday, July 19, at 5 p.m. Dr. Branham will serve as the director of the Christian Hospital of Sahiwal. All are invited to attend this very special service.
Oconee Church Concert Series
Oconee ARP is thrilled to present a free concert series this summer, July 15 and August 19, featuring a Julliard-trained pianist, Harry Mursten. Next week, Mursten will play pieces by Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Debussy and Gershwin. “Harry weaves his testimony into his playing, as he also teaches us how to appreciate the music,” says Jingle Robinson. “It will be a night of superlative music.” Each concert begins at 7 p.m. and will last about 75 minutes, followed by desserts and fellowship. Please come!
Family Bible Conference
Don’t forget FBC, July 20-23 at Bonclarken. The conference will convene at 7 p.m. on Monday. Dr. Mark Ross will present the evening worship services Tuesday-Thursday with the “Sovereignty of God “theme. Inspirational speakers Tracie Mills and Rev. Rick Phillips will speak on Tuesday. Rev. Phillips will continue with morning Bible studies on Jonah on Wednesday and Thursday. Other events include the Women’s Ministries’ Showcase, Silver Tea and the last performance by The Morning Glories, celebrating 30 years of music at FBC.