Geneva (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC

Bruce Backensto and Keith Black, pastors

Following unanimous votes at simultaneous congregational meetings on Dec. 15, Geneva (Beaver Falls, Pa.) and the First (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPCs merged. Pastor Bruce Backensto and Pastor Keith Black will serve as co-pastors. The new congregation will operate under the name “Geneva Reformed Presbyterian Church” until the merger is complete, after which a new name may be chosen if it is the will of the merged congregation. (See feature article, p. 6.) The congregation rejoices in the opportunity to take advantage of the strength of the combined group.

Rev. Robert Tweed and his wife, Elaine, served the denomination for several months in Ireland.

In late summer, Jamie and Jill Tweed moved to Kansas, along with children Elaina, Knox, Emma, Boyd, and Lydia. Shortly thereafter, Thomas Gray accepted the position of assistant chaplain at Geneva College, and he and his wife, Caramel, moved into the area, joining the congregation along with children Avery, Clayton, Benjamin, Gracie, Abigail, and James.

Although many members of the congregation are enduring physical impairments, there is great joy in the balance of growing young families.

—Marilyn Roll, correspondent

Elkhart, Ind., RPC

The Elkhart, Ind., RPC has appreciated the willingness of pastors to fill the pulpit each Lord’s Day since the Andy McCracken family moved to Columbus, Ind. The congregation thanks God for Ed Blackwood, Martin Blocki, James Faris, Dave Hanson, Rich Holdeman, Michael LeFebvre, Bob McCracken, Bob McFarland, Jared Olivetti, Frank Schutz, and John Tweed. The congregation has enjoyed getting better acquainted with these men and profited greatly by their teaching ministry.

On Nov. 28, the congregation rejoiced to welcome the Kevin McClintoch family into membership through their public profession of faith in Christ. Their six children were baptized and greeted with hugs and handshakes before the morning message.

David and Becky Landow joined the youth team that traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., during their Christmas break. Both returned with great enthusiasm for evangelism and with prayerful hearts for that congregation.

The social committee planned and executed a festive Christmas dinner in the church basement. Decorations of wreaths, holly, poinsettias, candles, and cinnamon/applesauce ornaments made by the youth, plus musical entertainment by some of these young people and by a guest pianist, gave the congregation and many friends a lovely evening.

The congregation continues to serve fresh lunch to the community around the church building on Thursdays. For the third year, the congregation was asked by the WeVac Company next door to cater their Christmas dinner for approximately 50 people. The congregation desires to meet the spiritual needs of these folks, as well as serve them in practical ways. There is a much more comfortable camaraderie as a result of this attempt at outreach. The annual Valentine’s Day dinner is another opportunity to fellowship with these acquaintances.

The congregation desires prayer in seeking the Lord’s guidance in finding a man of His choice for its undershepherd. The session has found that Barry York, presbytery’s appointed interim moderator, has been extremely helpful during this period without a pastor. God is faithful to His people always.

—Lynn McCracken, correspondent

Ridgefield Park, N.J., RPC

J. Bruce Martin, pastor

On Jan. 9, after the morning service, the congregation and visitors were welcomed to a fellowship luncheon, after which was the communion service. At this afternoon service, the congregation took a special collection for victims of the tsunami disaster.

Elder Glen Chin had a special treat for the members on Dec. 30, when those interested went skiing during the day, followed by pizza for all at the Chins’ home and a game night for children and adults.

On New Year’s Eve, members went ice skating at the rink in Hackensack and then went to the Chins’ home for Scripture lessons. Other members enjoyed the First Night celebrations in Tea­neck, N.J.

On Jan. 22, a blizzard hit the area, forcing Pastor Martin to cancel the morning and evening services on Jan. 23.

The annual congregational meeting is scheduled for Mar. 19.

—Joan Hammond, correspondent