Southside (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC (see pictures)

GORDON KEDDIE, PASTOR

It was farewell to Indiana for the Blackwood and Fisher families as they boarded a plane for Australia on Jan. 26. A large number of friends from the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery bid farewell to Ed and Nancy Blackwood and their children Charity, Maria, Tamara, and Benjamin during the evening service at Southside RPC on Jan. 22. Their oldest sons, Allen and Zachary, will continue their studies at Purdue University. Ed has taken a two-year commitment to minister to the congregations of Frankston and McKinnon of the Reformed Presbytery of Australia.

On Jan. 22, the Lafayette RPC and others from the presbytery said goodbye to Brandon, Megan, and Jolene Fisher. The Fishers will settle in Geelong, Australia, where Brandon will work for a member of the Geelong RPC.

These families will be sorely missed. Pray for God’s blessing as they minister in Australia. Already plans are being made for many visits “down under.”

—Jane Keddie, correspondent

Orlando, Fla., RPC

DAVID SMITH, PASTOR

In 2005, the church welcomed Rev. Jim and Ruth Pennington to the congregation since their retirement from missionary service in Japan.

The Sabbath school utilized the series, Share Jesus W ithout Fear, led by Elder Jay Worsham. James Wanliss presented a series on “A Christian’s Look at the Muslim Faith.” Pastor David Smith presented a video series on the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Catechisms. Rev. Pennington is currently teaching a series on heaven and hell.

Pastor Smith has been preaching a series of sermons on the epistles to the Thessalonians.

Last summer, the children participated in a Stepping Stones program sponsored by various families. The theme was, “The Whole Armor of God.” This was held in lieu of vacation Bible school and proved very successful.

Five Bible study groups meet each week. Two meet at the church in the morning, and the others meet in homes in various communities.

Carol and Roland Herring will soon be moving back into their home, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Charlie in 2004.

Matt and Corrine Hunter joined the church as communicant members and Taylor Hunter as a baptized member. Other newly baptized members are Abby Worsham and Jeremiah Tacey. The congregation welcomed Mary McCracken back to the membership.

The Genevans gave a concert at the church in March. The congregation held many social events, including a campout at the Worshams’ ranch in April, a Memorial Day picnic at Jim Wright’s home, a Night on the Town dinner in June, and a Fall Festival in November. The congregation ended the year with the annual Christmas program.

—Phyllis Tacey, correspondent