Shawnee, Kan., RPC

Wade Mann, pastor

Nathan Beard was the summer intern last year and preached through the book of Titus during his 10-week stay. He was involved in preaching and teaching and experiencing some of the duties of a pastor. He went with the pastor and elders to call on members of the congregation.

A healthy diet of the Word has been faithfully served in small group Bible studies led by elders. Four different groups meet every other week, usually on Wednesday nights, including one for the children called Covenant Kids. On alternate Wednesday nights, a prayer meeting is held at the church.

Worship instruction included a series in Luke and Exodus. Four communion services were held last year. Pastor James Faris assisted with the spring Communion, and Dr. Wayne Spear assisted with the winter Communion.

Seven members were added to the congregation—Aaron Patterson, covenant child; Anthony Nicholl and Mike Bullock, by profession of faith; and four by transfer, Merlin and Lois Wing from Denison Kan., and Rev. Gene and Ruth Spear from Topeka, Kan.

Ron Patterson, elected as an elder, and Harry Ward, elected as a deacon, were ordained and installed last year. Another highlight of the year was Megan Porter sharing her experiences from her service in Iraq, as the congregation celebrated her safe return. Following Hurricane Katrina, the congregation sent monetary gifts to Pineville Orthodox Presbyterian Church, which was supporting 750 families who were housing refugees.

Under the coordination of Matt Boyle, Covenanter Youth sponsor, many youth mowed lawns and shoveled walks for our members in need of this service. The presbytery’s fall youth retreat was hosted by the Shawnee congregation, with Ron Patterson leading the group in a study on Richard Pratt’s Pray with Your Eyes Open.

The Conversation Partners Program began with the idea of matching a member of the congregation with an international student who is seeking to improve his or her English. The purpose: “Befriending our neighbors for Christ through language.” About 12 members continue working with a dozen international students. Mary Jane Ward has directed the program by buying the appropriate books and matching students with instructors. The members have not only helped with English but also befriended these students by sharing their lives, opening their homes, and going places with them. They have worked to find them jobs, helped them to settle into a new country, and shared Christ and fellowship with them.

The second annual Ladies Craft Day was held with several visitors joining in such activities as scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, and more.

A series of recreation nights at the church offered a great opportunity for fun, fellowship, and exercise. Participants enjoyed playing a variety of games including flag football, soccer, kickball, and ultimate Frisbee. The number of visitors who attended were not only an encouragement, but added to the fun as well.

A dinner was held honoring graduates Anne (McCready) Boyle, Andy Curry, Avery Mann, Gretchen (Ostrander) Nicholl, and Adam Wing. A Christian education seminar was held in September with John and Lisa McFarland, of Lawrence, Kan., presenting some ideas on how to improve teaching of both adults and children. Other churches in this part of the Midwest Presbytery were invited.

—Nancy Hemphill, correspondent

Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery Meets

At the spring meeting of presbytery, Rutledge Etheridge was licensed to receive a call. He received calls from Southfield, Mich., RPC, Sycamore (Kokomo, Ind.) RPC, and Providence (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC. He has accepted the call to Providence.

The Westside ministry of the Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC was formed into a mission church. It is located in Avon, Ind. Michael LeFebvre was ordained and installed to this ministry on Jan. 27 as an associate pastor of Second RPC.

The presbytery gave Triangle (Raleigh, N.C.) RPC approval to purchase a place of worship. It is about a mile from where they are currently worshiping.

The officers of presbytery are: Charles Brown, moderator; Raymond Morton, clerk; Ralph Joseph, assistant clerk.

—Ray Morton, clerk