Syracuse, N.Y., RPC

Andrew Schep, pastor

Pastor Schep has been preaching through the Gospel of Matthew. He has also been conducting a communicants’ class for young people.

The White Lake Reunion was held in Syracuse in February with John Edgar as the speaker. Jenny Evertz and Chris Huggins arranged for housing and fun activities, which included ice skating, a movie, roller skating, and bowling. A few weeks later, the congregation exhibited their dramatic, musical, and artistic gifts at a church talent night organized by Caleb and Kathy Donath.

Members and friends are excited by the prospect of three new households soon to be established. Joyce Bulow hosted a bridal shower for Kelli Neas. Catherine Meeker hosted a double bridal shower for her twin sisters, Linda and Christine Charlton.

The congregation is keeping Gordon College junior Amy Trexler in prayer as she studies this spring in Kenya. Longtime members and adherents received a joyful update on a previous prayer concern when they learned that Citadel cadet Paul Keeley finished in the top five percent of runners in the Boston Marathon. Sixteen years ago, Paul was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cyst in his right leg that necessitated several operations and a long period of restricted mobility.

A Good Friday evening program, “What Wondrous Love Is This,” was presented with Scripture readings and choral music. Instead of a fellowship dinner, a delicious Easter brunch was held before the service on Easter Sunday. After the service, the beautiful spring flowers that had decorated the sanctuary were distributed throughout the church neighborhood.

Additional activities to involve the church neighbors are being developed. Alvaro Robles and Matt Trexler coordinate “Friday Night Live,” which meets every other Friday for recreational activities for the teen boys of the church and its neighborhood. Jessamyn Cantrell and Teresa Rice have organized a cooking class in the church kitchen for an enthusiastic group of young ladies.

—Nancy Keeley, correspondent

Hazleton Area, Pa., RPC On Apr. 30, four new members were accepted into membership upon their profession of faith: Gerald Rizzo and his wife Jody Todd, Gerald M. Rizzo, and Rebekah Ann Olivieri.