Oakdale, Ill., RPC

Ray Morton, pastor

The Washington County Historical Society recently presented to the congregation a plaque that designates the Oakdale RPC building as a historic site.

During Sabbath school, the congregation finished the series of four lessons, “Share Jesus Without Fear,” led by Dale Musselman, and assisted by Pastor Ray Morton and Rev. Robert Morrow. The congregation participated in the community activity known as the Oakdale Eggstravaganza in March.

On Feb. 13, Pastor Morton and Rev. Dennis Hamilton exchanged pulpits. This provided an opportunity for Pastor Morton to speak to the Tilden Presbyterian Church about the work of the Sparta Crisis Pregnancy Center and the “life issues” that Pastor and Mrs. Morton present to the public schools in the area.

The community week of prayer service meetings were well attended.

The congregation recently had a family night. Everyone met at a local restaurant for the evening meal and proceeded to the church building, where Mr. Don Clark entertained us, talking about his recent trip to Alaska.

The WMF annually takes cookies and fruit to retired and single residents in the area.

—Maxine Musselman, correspondent

Ridgefield Park, N.J., RPC

Bruce Martin, pastor

In April, Pastor Steve Rockhill, from the Lisbon, N.Y., RPC, was the guest minister for communion. His wife, Marie, and their four children accompanied him.

On Apr. 3, Amanda and Karl Dawden, children of Elizabeth Dawden, joined the church.

On Apr. 21-23, the women of the church went to Montrose, Pa., for the St. Lawrence Presbyterial. This year, Professor and Mrs. Ed Robson were the speakers.

On June 5, a fellowship meal was held after the morning service. Following the meal, two new deacons were elected: Les Frances Chao, the treasurer, and Gene Forsythe.

On June 26, Rev. Harold Harrington was the guest minister.

On July 4, members of the church set up a table outside the church as a parade passed, offering water, water bottles, goodies, and booklets about the faith.

—Joan Hammond, correspondent

Sharon (Morning Sun, Iowa) RPC

Ronald Good, pastor

The children’s ministries continue to bring joy and laughter into the church. The evening Bible Club once again met from October through April, serving a number of children from the surrounding communities. The vacation Bible school met the first full week of June. Over 60 community children sang Psalms, heard stories about missionaries, and studied and memorized Bible verses. The emphasis on missionary work accented the fact that all God’s people are missionaries. Caleb Robb and Samantha McElhinney were two of the high school-aged students who volunteered to help.

The annual Christmas program incorporated the talents of all Sabbath school students, high school and under. The fun and hilarious play, Season’s Beatings—Live from Downtown, was an amusing reminder of what the focus of the holiday season, and life in general, should be about.

The congregation enjoyed a luncheon in May that honored five graduates. Missy McElhinney and Levi Robb graduated from high school, Jeff Baird from community college, Charlie Dowers from college, and Pastor Ron Good from a doctor of theology program.

Daniel Pilling attended the RP Seminary’s Theological Foundations for Youth program in July.

The congregation, along with the Washington, Iowa, RPC, met for a series of summer Psalm sings. The last Psalm sing will be held Sept. 4.

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice McDonald and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harsh will soon mark 60 years of marriage. Both couples were married in August 1945. Their examples of honoring marriage vows in an age of throw-away relationships is an important reminder to the following generations about God’s will.

—Terri Hutcheson, correspondent