Washington, Iowa, Hosts 92nd Midwest Presbyterial Spring Retreat

More than 50 women attended the spring retreat Apr. 2-3, including visitors from Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The speaker was Rachel Roberts from Bloomington, Ind., RPC. Her message was “Incline My Heart, Lord…to you…to my family…to my church.” She also encouraged devoting time to small-group Bible studies. Following each message the women broke into discussion groups. Additional time was set aside for prayer for missions and for Midwest congregations. The afternoon concluded with a business meeting.

The ladies of Washington graciously extended housing, and their hospitality shone in the wonderful meals prepared by Karen Todd, Janice Skubal, Dorothy Jarrard, Bea Johnson, Roselea Smith, Judy Baird and Lorna Olson. Books and gift items were available for purchase from Crown & Covenant Publications and Lemstone Bookstore. Upon registration each woman received a bag of goodies, thanks to West Chester Savings Bank, Washington State Bank, Columbus Junction Community Bank, the Colgate Company, Geneva College, and several individuals.

The fellowship, food and teaching were a great en-couragement, and the ladies returned home refreshed and looking forward to putting into practice what they had learned.

—Nancy Skubal and Karen Baumgardner

Stillwater, Okla., RPC

This year the Stillwater, Okla., RPC has enjoyed visits from several preachers including Michael Weathers, Adam King, and Noah Bailey. Their sermons were greatly appreciated and gave much encouragement. The CY group enjoyed the Presbytery youth retreats at Clarinda, Iowa, and Lawrence, Kan. Lisa Fisher and Liz Noell attended the Midwest Presbyterial Retreat in Washington, Iowa.

Recently Caleb and Lydia Camp shared their plans to move to the Middle East, where they hope to join a Pioneers team for ministry.

The Stillwater YMCA has agreed to partner with us for a vacation Bible school time this summer. The church will provide a morning program for them for a week in June. They typically have an average of 85 children in their day care, predominantly unchurched. They are especially interested in having the gospel presented to the children. Our pastor, Bruce Parnell, is working on a sports camp theme. Plans are also being made to provide a VBS week at the YMCA in Enid, Okla.

— Elizabeth Noell

Crown and Covenant (Owego, N.Y.) RPC

At Crown and Covenant the members give thanks that the building improvement project has started. The foyer will have a fresh look and also will incorporate flood control measures. A handicapped-accessible restroom upstairs will have a discreet entry from the sanctuary and the mothers’ room. A new utility room will be ready for the eventual upgrade of the heating system, and the pulpit will have a new look.

March was a difficult month. Marilyn Hockenberry was called home to be with the Lord on Mar. 14. A few hours later on Sunday, Elizabeth van der Jagt, beloved mother of John and Antoinette Cantrell, also went to be with the Lord. The congregation rejoices that their suffering is over but greatly misses them both. Pray for the families as they experience this loss of loved ones.

—John Cantrell

Topeka, Kan., RPC

The Topeka, Kan., RPC had a skating party early in February for all the churches in northeast Kansas. Seventy-eight skaters attended and had a great time together.

The congregation’s great effort and desire is to find a new pastor to lead the congregation. Bob McFarland came out of retirement to help in the interim. Please pray with the congregation for God’s guidance in the search.

The congregation recently had the baptism of Adam Nicholas Kerry, second son of Chris and Rebecca Kerry. Rev. Robert McFarland performed the baptism.

—William O. Martin