Southfield, Mich., RPC, Ray Joseph, pastor

The year 2000 was not without its trials. Issues that festered unacknowledged culminated into a maelstrom that split the congregation into two, one of which (as of February) is part of another denomination. Several people continue to attempt reconciliation. The congregation now numbers half of what it did only months ago.

Last October, Pastor Ray Joseph was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more recently discovered it needs immediate treatment. While the tumor is quite large, tests for metastasis have returned negative. The congregation asks for prayer for God’s sanctification its members, and for true reconciliation and peace will replace bitterness and unrest. They ask that their hope and confidence will be in Jehovah (Ps. 20) and for the healing of the Great Physician (Ps. 103).

—Becky Manring, correspondent

Syracuse, N.Y., RPC, Kenneth G. Smith, pastor, Brian E. Coombs, associate pastor

On Mar. 2-4, the congregation received a series of four messages from Hebrews 11-12 given by Pastor Ted Donnelly of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on the theme of “Enduring Faith.”

Pastor Smith recently led in a Christian Action Council prayer vigil protesting abortion, and is continuing his series on the book of Matthew. Pastor Coombs is continuing his series on Revelation at the North Syracuse gathering, which recently received Janet Cashen, Kate Lee, and the Beckhusen family (Gerard, Karen, and children Sarah, Kyle, Hannah, and Zachary) into its membership. The Syracuse congregation is also sponsoring R. C. Sproul’s radio broadcasts over the local station WMHR.

Two bridal showers were given recently, one for Jessamyn Bulow at the home of Donna Trexler, and another for Diana Nichols at the home of Floy Smith.

The congregation recently participated in a talent night, a “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?’ fellowship event, and a church spring clean- up day. There was also a sleigh ride at nearby High land Forest. A number of the youth participated in a skating outing, and Teen Improv Night has been re instituted. The Open Gym Nights for all ages have continued.

—Paul Keeley, correspondent

Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery Meets

The Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery met for its regular spring meeting at the Bloomington, Ind., RPC, Apr. 5-7. Pastor Doug Comin of the Triangle (Durham, N.C.) RPC sewed as moderator. Once again, we were able to rejoice in spiritual growth in many congregations and statistical growth for the presbytery as a whole. However, several congregations have experienced difficulties—one even required a judicial commission from the presbytery— and the Evansville, Lansing, and Iron County works have been closed since our last spring meeting.

Much of presbytery’s time was devoted to examinations of candidates for the ministry of the church. Jack Baumgardner, a ruling elder from the Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC; Kent Butterfield, a ruling elder in the Triangle (Durham, NC.) RPC; and Michael LeFebvre, a member of the Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC, were all certified to receive a call.

James Faris, a member of the Lafayette, Ind., RPC, Rich Holdeman, a ruling elder in the Bloomington, ind., RPC, and Tom Sawyer, a member of the Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC, all passed exams toward certification.

In addition, presbytery interviewed Mr. Ian Wise, a licentiate of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church from Clover, S.C. and decided to commend Ian to Reformed Presbyterian congregations as eligible to candidate among them. Ian Wise may be contacted at 730 Idlewood Rd., Clover, S.C. 29710 (Telephone: 803-222-0838). The presbytery rejoices in God’s continuing provision of so many men for the ministry.

Presbytery endorsed a report from a study commit tee calling on Synod to remove the provision of the Directory of Church Government for a congregational chairman, secretary, and treasurer, since we already have congregational officers in the elders and deacons. The study, two years in preparation, was in response to a paper from the Triangle (Durham, N.C.) RPC session.

Presbytery once again dealt with the continuing controversy related to the Almonte, Ont., RPC in the St. Lawrence Presbytery, as one of its ministers and several members of one of its congregations are involved. Presbytery authorized its commission dealing with the matter to petition Synod to erect a judicial commission to “investigate all matters related to the Almonte situation over the recent years” if it determines that such a procedure is warranted.

In light of confusion expressed by some of its members, including one session, presbytery voted to reconsider its approval (at its special meeting in November) of a procedure for dealing with elders and deacons who are unable to subscribe to the standards of the church. This reconsideration will occur at the meeting of presbytery at Synod.

Two papers from the Lafayette. Ind., RPC session asked for clarification of the meaning of “open” session meetings. Presbytery did not have time to consider the response of a study commit tee it formed to respond to these papers and will return to the question at its Synod meeting.

The next annual meeting of presbytery will be held at the Westminster (Prairie View. Ill.) RPC in suburban Chicago, Apr. 4-6, 2002.

—Tom Reid, Clerk of Presbytery

Alleghenies Presbyterial Meets

“Loving God With All My Heart” was the theme of the 116th annual convention of the Presbyterial of the Alleghenies, which met at the North Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC on Apr. 7. It was hosted by the North Hills Women’s Missionary Fellowship.

Gretchen Robson gave a warm welcome to the group. Vida Grace Brown, president, led in a meditation on Psalm 119:65-72. She emphasized that affliction may be caused by God because it may be a source of mercy and joy and he a testimony to the world when godly people remain steadfast. Elaine Tweed, precentor and program chairman. led in singing Psalm 1191 and other psalms throughout the clay’s program. Ann O’Neill introduced the seminary wives who were present.

Literature Coordinator Karen Hicks reviewed briefly and recommended the following books: For teenage girls, the Kristi Miller Series; and for boys, The Culdesac Kids, by Beverly Hills. She also suggested The Redemption of Sarah Cain, by Beverly Lewis; celebrating the Sabbath, by Bruce A. Ray; and from Ostrich to Standing Stone by Betty McBee. The last author is a member of the North Hills congregation and was present to autograph her books.

In the morning the main speaker, Becky Magill, spoke about “The Blight of Bitterness and the Freedom of forgiveness.” She spoke candidly with examples from her own life and from the Bible of how bitterness can develop and grow in one’s heart, but if we concentrate on God’s costly, substitutionary, and voluntary sacrifice and suffering on our behalf and His forgiveness of us, then we can learn to forgive others and get rid of the bitterness in our hearts. This sets us free to love others and to love God with all our heart.

In the afternoon Becky Magill spoke about “The Plague of Pride and the Blessing of Brokenness.” Pride comes when we focus on self, wish to be praised and appreciated, and complain about and find fault with others. Elements of prideful complaining include forgetting God, ingratitude, unwillingness to accept God’s will, and doubting God. We move toward repentance and brokenness when we listen to God, remember God’s blessings, humbly submit to God’s will and believe God’s promises. This leads to blessings from God and love for Him and others.

Another highlight of the clay was a drama, “Is There Hope for Me?” which was presented by several of the North Hills women. Five women played the parts of the ancestresses of Jesus— Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. A narrator and a duet singing appropriate psalms completed the cast. Catherine Metzger was the director.

Missions Coordinator Beverly Carson prepared a list of many prayer requests. After lunch, the group at each table prayed for as many items as time allowed.

The memorial service was led by Marjorie Sanderson. Twelve women were honored and remembered— Erma Bruce, Frances Caskey, Martha Edgar, Betty Ernie, Ruth Finley, Mabel Hemphill, Esther Logan, Esther Mitchell, Bernice Patton, Muriel Wachter, Ethyl White, and Virginia Wissner.

President Vida Brown presided at the business meeting. It was voted to continue as the Presbyterian Project and Emergency Fund for RP Seminary students. New officers elected to serve two year terms are: President, Rose Weir; Second Vice-President, Marilyn Roll; Corresponding Secretary, Norma White; Treasurer, Joan Markey; Sanctity of Life Coordinator, Jane Warden; Literature Coordinator, Andrea Tweed; Political Responsibility Coordinator, June Miller.

Thanks for a fine clay was given by Roberta McElroy.

Beverly Carson invited the Presbyterial to meet at College Hill (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC, April 6, 2002.

Elaine Tweed led in singing Psalm 116A. The new president led in a closing prayer.

—Marion McMillan, recording secretary

Midwest Presbyterial Meets

The 84th Convention of the Midwest Women’s Presbyterial met at the Topeka, Kan., RPC Apr. 19 and 29. President Louise Moore of Lawrence, Kan., presided. Jeannie Work, of Quinter. Kan., chaired the program committee.

The convention theme was “Let Us Consider..,” The theme verse was Romans 15:4 and the theme psalm was 48B. Ginny List from Milbourne, Fla., was the special speaker on the topics “Let Us Consider the Walk” and “Let Us Consider the Talk.” Ginny has ministered with her husband, Gene, in Central and South America, Mexico. Papua New Guinea. South Korea. and England. The evening speaker, Pastor Joe Griffo, spoke on “Let Us Consider the Cost.”

It was our privilege to have Synodical President, Kathy Stegall. of Lawrence. Kan., bring her greetings personally. The Midwest Presbyterial-Western Division meeting takes time for business, but the most enjoyed times are those of praise, prayer, and sharing.

The 2002 Midwest Presbyterial-Western Division will be hosted by the ladies from Sterling, Kan., on Apr. 18- 19, 2002.

—Carlene Hutcheson, Recording Secretary