Quinter, Kan., RPC

Matthew Sexton, pastor

Our congregation in northwest Kansas recently honored deacon Sam I. Chestnut, who served for 56 years. He was ordained and installed Oct. 2, 1966, during the pastorate of Robert H. McFarland and retired from the diaconate Dec. 31, 2022, under the present pastor, Matthew Sexton.

The congregation had a party Feb. 18 to honor him for his years of service. Some of the labors he handily took care of included weekly recording of funds, repairs of the church building and parsonage, maintenance of utilities, and building exterior upkeep. The congregation is grateful for Sam’s labor in meeting these needs that came about year after year. He also was on Synod’s Board of Trustees as a deacon representative of the Midwest Presbytery serving two terms: 1987–1993 and 1995–2001.

The congregation presented Sam with a photo of the church building and thanked him for his years of serving the Lord as a deacon in Quinter RPC.

—Frances Mann, correspondent

Columbus, Ind., RPC

Joel Hart, pastor

On Apr. 29 the congregation had a special celebration to recognize Ed Schisler’s retirement after 44 years of service as elder. Besides the local church family, many other special guests who had worked with Ed attended, including Jerry and Ann O’Neill, first pastor and wife of the church. It was an evening of praising the Lord for His faithfulness to the church and to Ed and his wife, Lynn, for memories, and for a few sentimental tears.

The occasion began with psalm singing and prayer, followed by live tributes as well as those sent by people who wanted to recognize Ed’s service but could not attend. Jeff Jones, a session member who has known Ed for 30 years, spoke of being mentored by and working with him. Jane Mellinger, also a long-time member, recognized Lynn’s contributions to church life as well as her encouragement of both men and women over the years. Pastor Joel Hart read the tributes of those who could not be there, and Ed and Lynn’s son, Dave Schisler, presented a gift of appreciation, a framed watercolor painting of the church with the verse Isaiah 25:1 : “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” There were several recurring themes: the couple’s hospitality, which included hosting in their home for six years the Bible study that eventually became Columbus RPC; their faithfulness to the Lord’s work; their wisdom in serving; and their love for the Lord, His church, and its members.

Ed and Lynn spoke at the end of the service, recognizing God’s faithfulness, emphasizing that all glory belongs to Him alone. They expressed gratitude to and love for the Lord, the local church body, and each other. The evening ended with a dinner in the fellowship hall, featuring great conversation, good food, and much joy. Although Ed has officially retired as session member, we look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to use him and Lynn.

—Jane Mellinger and Kelly Hoover, correspondents

Orlando, Fla., RPC

Nathan Eshelman, pastor

The Genevans held a concert in the sanctuary on Wednesday, Mar. 8, at 7 p.m. There was a light dinner that preceded the concert. This group of over 50 Genevans was hosted in members’ homes.

On Mar. 10, in Pittsburgh, Pa., our own Rev. Jim Pennington received the annual Faithful Servant award from RPTS for his lifetime of faithful service to the Lord—more than 66 years of ministry.

Our newest ministry opportunity, in Celebration, Fla., is doing very well. They are currently meeting Sundays at 4 p.m. More than 20 folks are currently meeting at the Artisan Clubhouse in Celebration. Our own evening service time was changed to complement theirs, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Rev. Tim McCracken, from Metanoia Ministries, spoke during our Sunday school hour Mar. 26. He discussed his active and rewarding prison ministry work in central California. He urged those who are interested to become involved in the local prison ministry.

Happy news was shared during announcements on Apr. 16. John and Vanessa Le, who have five children, are expecting their sixth child. Other “expectant” ladies are Rachel Jennings, Jenn Mercado, Grace Song, and Vania Valenzuela Valenzuela.

In place of a regular evening worship service, a special memorial service was held in the sanctuary on Apr. 16 for Lucille “Lou” Woofter, who passed away in March. A funeral was held in the sanctuary on Apr. 22 for Elder-emeritus Ed Forest.

The annual Night-on-the-Town Dinner was held to honor this year’s graduates: Nick Goerner, Jayna Johnson, and Will Townsend. The dinner was held on Apr. 20 at the Grills Lakeside in Orlando.

Having already attended a seminary, Joe Johnson is in the process of being prepared for ministry. He and his wife are also awaiting the imminent birth of their first child. Joe has been under the care of presbytery since the fall of 2022 and has passed five exams. Another series of exams will come in the fall, after a bit of a breather to bond with his new baby girl.

—Louise Turmenne, correspondent