Orlando, FLA., RPC

Nathan Eshelman, pastor

Our congregation was blessed when pastor-elect Nathan Eshelman joined us on Sunday, Feb. 28, for worship along with his family. They moved from California, where Nathan had served as pastor at the Los Angeles RPC. His parents live in Florida and, because they have health concerns, being close to them was an important factor in his decision to accept the call to Orlando RPC.

The week after he arrived, Nathan, his wife, Lydia, and their eldest daughter, Anna, renewed their membership vows publicly on Sunday, Mar. 7, in front of our congregation. After the service, which was officiated by Elder Jim Pennington, we held our first fellowship meal since state COVID restrictions began. The fellowship meal, supervised by Debra Goerner and the social committee ladies, was scheduled partly as a means of welcoming the Eshelmans and partly because we needed this fellowship time together. It provided that needed boost of personal connection once again. The fellowship meal will continue on a monthly basis as it did prior to COVID.

On Sunday, Mar. 14, Pastor Eshelman delivered a message to our congregation. On Thursday, Mar. 18, his installation as our new pastor took place in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. The congregation is delighted to have him and his family present with us.

Anticipated events for the congregation include the annual Walk for Life on May 1 to benefit Choices Women’s Clinic. Bible and book studies that are meeting or may meet soon include the women’s Bible study; the college-age and career group, which began meeting Apr. 3; and the book study hosted at the Goerner home on Thursday nights, which will study The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.

— Louise M. Turmenne, correspondent

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Quinter, Kan., RPC

Matthew Sexton, pastor

A “watch party” was held in Quinter, Kan., at the home of Max and Fran Mann to watch the livestreamed presentation honoring Rev. Robert H. McFarland. He was presented the Faithful Servant Award by the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary at their annual support dinner on Mar. 12.

Some of those present remember Bob being the pastor of Quinter RPC from July 1966 to Dec. 1982.

— Fran Mann, correspondent