Syracuse, N.Y., RPC

Andrew Schep, pastor

Pastor Schep is preaching a sermon series in the book of James. The congregation was pleased to welcome Melinaanne Kelley into the congregation this past fall. 

The church’s kitchen has been successfully remodeled. The new look has greatly improved the atmosphere and looks wonderful alongside the newly renovated fellowship hall.

The women of the church attended a fall retreat at Stella Maris (Skaneateles, N.Y.) and enjoyed relaxing, talking, and discussing the Holy Spirit with their leader, Wendy Stringer.  The youth attended a fall retreat at Adam’s Eden Camp in Lafayette, N.Y. For the last three months, the junior high and senior high school members have been attending “Guess Who’s Leading Bible Study,” which includes the leader leading a discussion about the book of John and relating personal anecdotes. 

The adults have not been overlooked when it comes to spiritual studies, as is evident in the five classes to attend. Pastor Schep is leading a church history class. Koinoinia, a Bible study whose members consist of the young adults of the congregation, has been working through 1 John. Elder Bob Rice is leading the Westminster Confession of Faith study as well as the covenant theology class. The Happy Hour Bible Study is preceded by prayer for our church neighborhood.      

Our neighborhood outreach has been successful, with the institution of a weekly prayer for the neighborhood and numerous donations of food and clothes.

This year our Thanksgiving service was held at the Central Baptist Church.

During December the congregation had a candlelight service and went caroling. There was a Christmas party for the kids in the church and neighborhood.

This year’s “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” was a great experience for all involved.

The congregation during the past few months has seen a turnover in church officers, with Victor and Margeret Tzen becoming the new chairman and secretary respectively. Lon Keeley and Eleanor Pearlman retired from those offices with six years of outstanding service on their record. 

—Hosanna Keeley, correspondent