Orlando, Fla., RPC

H.P. McCracken, pastor

While Pastor McCracken was traveling for various commitments, including Synod, several men ministered to us: Pastor Lucas Hanna, of the First (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RP Church, preached to us from Romans 5 on “Justification and Suffering” on Apr. 22; Dr. John Tweeddale, the academic dean of Reformation Bible College, preached from 1 John 4:7–12 on “The Life of Love” on June 3; and Dr. Mark Futato, current professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, offered a message from Ephesians 2:1–10 titled “Created for Good Works” on July 1.

Others who ministered to us were Dr. Larry Menninger, pastor of Lake Sherwood OPC, preaching from Psalm 105:1–6, 16–25 on “God and Evil” on June 10 and Elder Joe Worsham, who delivered a message from Acts 2:22–39 titled “When Are You Living?” on June 17.

A special recognition was given to 11-year-old Emily Garrow, daughter of Steve and Stephanie Garrow. She received the 2018 Disney’s Dreamers and Doers Award, which is given to young people who exhibit special attributes that benefit their communities.

Jim and Ruth Pennington relocated to Davenport, Fla., at the end of June. Their move was made more efficient with the help of volunteers from the congregation. “Our next move,” Jim says, “will be to the RP Home.”

Some members recently lost loved ones who are not members of our congregation. These include: Ouida Penkacik, 93, mother of Peggy Terry, on Apr. 21; Jessie Morton, 82, sister of Glenn McFarland, on May 9; Ryan Duffey, brother of Kevin Duffey, in June; and Rebecca Forest, 60, wife of Tom Forest, on June 28.

Pray that the Lord might comfort and strengthen their families’ hearts and bring them peace and a deep sense of His presence.

—Louise Turmenne, correspondent

Sharon (Morning Sun, Iowa) RPC

Bryan Schneider, pastor

This summer’s vacation Bible school was a 50-year milestone for Virginia Johnson. Virginia began serving as director in 1968, following years of faithful teaching. At age 90, she still serves in this capacity with a willing heart and great enthusiasm. The VBS program raised over $500 to be sent to Cush4Christ mission in South Sudan.

The most recent sermon series, presented by Dr. John Wiers, has been from the Gospel of John during the morning service and the book of Revelation in the afternoon. Dr. Wiers has filled the pulpit for the past year as our congregation searched for a pastor.

The members of our congregation are grateful to the candidates who were willing to travel great distances to share God’s Word and spend time with us. John and Roselea Smith have served as hosts to the candidates, and sometimes their families, throughout the past year. We’re looking forward to the ministry of Bryan Schneider as he moves his family to southeast Iowa to pastor our congregation.

—Terri Hutcheson, correspondent