Christian Heritage RPC

Location: Endicott, N.Y.

Organized: 2014

Members: 11 communicant; 7 baptized

Pastor: Doug Chamberlain

Website: www.christianheritagerpc.org

What is left when major employers leave and then the city is devastated by three floods? Faithful believers.

The Christian Heritage RP Church is the legacy of much work in the greater Binghamton area of New York. Established as a mission church after a devastating flood, our small group has remained faithful to the kingdom of our Lord. Pastor Arthur Fawthrop carried on the work long after his stated retirement and kept the light shining in Endicott.

In April 2014, Cory Valentine was elected as an elder, and the church became an organized congregation. Doug Chamberlain was appointed as pastor. The facility we rent from the United Methodist Church suits our needs very well. He has also brought many visitors to our services, some of whom have continued to become a part of our body. Our adult Sabbath School recently completed a look at what it means to be a church member, and our hope is that the body will grow by encouraging one another to use the gifts that God has given.

The first thing that a visitor usually notices about our congregation is the abundance of children. We have been blessed with a vibrant group of young people who enjoy taking part in the life of the church. During the week, some of our young people are homeschooled, others are witnessing in public schools, and a few are growing in their faith at a Christian school. Many brightened a part of a neighboring community when Isaac organized the sprucing up of a park as a part of his Eagle project.

A counseling center, a banquet hall, a pharmacy, a scout troop (and honor society), two college campuses, a psychiatric center, three public schools, five sports teams, various gardens, and five communities in two states have this in common: they are all places where those who attend Christian Heritage are shining the light of the gospel. Even though our weekday activities are extremely varied, we come together each week and have lively discussions of how God’s Word applies to our lives and the world around us. Sunday conversations often continue after worship at a member’s home.

Our outreach to the world includes a lovely young lady from Korea (Jessica, who lives with one of our families) and the care of an Ethiopian boy (through Compassion International).

Our congregation has had a connection with Walton RPC for many years. We will no doubt remain close even though they have recently switched presbyteries. The elders of that congregation were instrumental in keeping the work here in Endicott alive and well. We are thankful for their efforts and sacrifice.

The third Sunday of each month brings both a celebration of the Lord’s supper and a fellowship meal following the service. We enjoy the great cooks that God has provided. Ben or Michele often bring a culinary highlight to the meal, but almost everyone knows their way around the kitchen. If a month has a fifth Sunday, we enjoy a psalm sing. Wendy tends to be our leader due to her lovely voice. Also, for the past two years, we have held an autumn psalm sing at which many from Walton, Syracuse, Clay, and other churches have joined us. New faces from the community, as well as familiar ones who had been a part of the congregations in the past, have praised God together at these events.

Prayer Requests

• That our new families will become integrated into the body.
• That Rosalia and all of our children will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
• That our outreach through our various activities will bear fruit.
• For Leona, Steve, and Alice as they grow both in the Lord and as a part of the Fawthrop household.
• For Henry and his desire to further his training and use the gifts that God has given.
• For Cory as he completes his doctoral studies.
• For parents to model the fruit of the Spirit before their children and the watching world.