Syracuse, N.Y., RPC

Brian E. Coombs, associate pastor

After fifty years in the ministry (nine of them spent in Syracuse), Rev. Kenneth G. Smith retired from the office of pastor June 30. A “fare­-thee-well” dinner was given in his honor that day. Pastor and Mrs. Smith also were presented a “gifts concert”—an evening of music and visual arts—on June 28.

Earlier in June, Floy Smith was the featured speaker at this year’s Ladies’ Spring Retreat at Silver Lake Camp.

Six people have made professions of faith since our last report. They are Art Benshadel, Daniel Catroppa, Christine Duttweiler, Laura Pinkerton, and Jesse and Casey Rebles. David and Barbara McCune and daughters were received into membership by transfer from the Eastvale (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC, and Greg Meeker was also received by transfer from Walton, N.Y., RPC.

Accompanied by Nicora Manwaring and Donna Trexler, several of our congregation’s youth attended the International Youth Leadership Conference at Geneva College, June 28–July 1.

—Paul Keeley, correspondent

___________________________________

Winchester, Kan., RPC

Paul Finley, pastor

Spring thankoffering was Apr. 18 following the family night supper. Carrie Faris spoke about her work in Yemen. Her grandfather, Paul Faris, accompanied her on the trip.

Nine covenant youth were received into membership of the church and were recognized on communion Sabbath, Apr. 28th. They are: Daniel Finley, Luke Finley, Lisa Lyon, Jordan McFarland, Alex O’Neill, Eric O’Neill, Derek Scott, Andrew Wallace, and Joel Wallace.

The annual Memorial Day dinner was served by the youth May 27 in the church basement. Proceeds from donations go to help with summer camp expenses. A large number of the youth attended Horse Creek Camp June 24–28.

Pastor Finley is preaching a series of sermons on the Lord’s prayer.

The congregation’s prayers and support continue for the pastor’s wife, Elizabeth, as she completed chemotherapy treatments at Kansas University Medical Center June 14, and will begin radiation treatments soon. The congregation seeks your prayers for Elizabeth and all the Finley family.

—Hazel Sass, correspondent

___________________________________

Coldenham-Newburgh. N.Y., RPC

Charles Leach, pastor

The congregation welcomed nine new members recently. Six were by transfer of membership, and three covenant children made a profession of faith.

Elder emeritus Charlie Shafer celebrated his 90th birthday at the church Feb. 9. Many from the church joined with his family to wish him well and attested to God’s blessings to him over the years.

The congregation hosted a psalm sing and fellowship meal for the Atlantic Presbytery on Apr. 7. About 80 people attended.

There have been three regularly scheduled Bible studies this year. Two are biweekly, meeting in the pastor’s home and the home of Dan and Ruth Bosch, studying the books of Romans and Matthew, respectively. The ladies’ Bible study—meeting every Thursday afternoon—just finished an extensive study on the book of Daniel.

Several members attended the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Presbyterial held in Montrose, Pa., this year.

The Sabbath school is sponsoring a child from Brazil through Compassion International, and the Women’s Missionary Fellowship is helping to support an indigenous pastor in India through the Gospel for Asia program that supports native missionaries in Asia.

In the absence of Pastor Leach, Elder Phil Shafer preached on June 23.

—Lesesne Shafer, correspondent

___________________________________

Walton, N.Y., RPC

Though the congregation has been without a pastor for eight months, the pulpit has only been vacant two Sabbaths during that time. The church has made many new friends during this time and has come to know those who have ministered, and their families. Members have enjoyed hosting visiting ministers and their families. Walton continues to wait on God for His leading.

The congregation is looking forward to having Robert LaMay come to serve as interim pastor for a few months.

His wife will be ministering to her parents in western New York for part of the time. It will be good to see the parsonage being used again.

After the fellowship dinner on June 30, four retirees and two graduates were honored. The local public school system will miss the Christian influence of Bruce and Linda Henderson, Renny Russell, and Jackie Spear. They are making plans for the things they will do in place of teaching; they will be sure to keep busy. Recent graduates Lisa and Jeff Russell will both be continuing their education.

The farmers in the congregation continue to depend on God for their daily needs. The cold and rainy weather was a challenge during planting season. They are now busy bringing in the hay crop. Other members are busy with gardens and lawn work. The young people are busy getting their animals ready for showing at the county fair. The church always enjoys the summer season in Delaware County.

The congregation rejoices with Ann McCready on her engagement to Matt Boyle. Anne is the daughter of Jack and Beverly McCready and is a senior at Geneva College.

—Marilyn Russell, correspondent