On the final day of Synod, and the court heard the message “Love Mercy!” from Micah 6:8 and Zechariah 7:9. Pastor Ed Blackwood (Colorado Springs RPC) spoke of the enduring theme of mercy in relation to Micah’s context, Zechariah’s context, and our context today.

As a first matter of business, a report was presented by a judicial committee for Communication 24-11. In conjunction with that report, members of the court were blessed to witness representatives of the Pacific Coast Presbytery repenting to representatives of two families “for not taking greater care in communicating the results of our investigation” and thereby failing to protect their reputations. Forgiveness was freely granted by the families, and the court lifted their hearts in praise to God. Related matters with other parties remain unresolved; therefore Synod subsequently voted to refer those matters to a seven-man judicial commission.

Then the Synod returned to Communications 24-01 and 24-02, operating with an expedited schedule in order to complete the trial by the noon deadline for adjournment. After an extensive period of discussion the Synod voted to sustain one aspect (out of five) of the complainant’s appeal of Great Lakes–Gulf Presbytery’s decisions–on the grounds of irregularities in the proceedings. This finding was announced to the parties involved. A special commission of three previous Synod moderators was tasked with applying Synod’s decision.

As Synod went past its planned time for adjournment, the Finance Committee briefly reported. This committee is primarily made up of presbytery- and Synod-elected representatives, many of whom are deacons. Its purpose is “to meet the financial needs of RPCNA boards, agencies, institutions, and missions by evaluating financials and making recommendations to Synod on how to allocate funds.” This includes the Reformed Presbyterian Missions & Ministries fund. Last year’s RPM&M contributions totaled $548,517. This was $67k less than 2022 contributions but exceeded the 2023 goal of $525K by $23,517 (or 4.5%). The committee expressed its gratitude for the generosity of individual contributors and for the faithful contributions of many congregations; 76% of giving came from congregations and 24% of giving came from individual contributors. Twenty-nine congregations and mission churches did not contribute to RPM&M in 2023. The goal for 2025 is $550,000.

Several committees had little or no time to report to this Synod, but their written reports were received:

Youth Ministries Committee - The committee sponsors youth leadership conferences each year except for International Conference years, when they coordinate the youth program for that conference. The committee also supports the Theological Foundations for Youth program and RP Short-Term trips.

RP International Conference Advisory Committee - The first RPIC in 8 years begins June 25 with nearly 2,000 registered conferees. This year the schedule culminates with Lord’s Day services on the last full day. Pastor Warren Peel from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland will be the keynote speaker. The conference committee thanked the multitude of people who have made the conference possible.

Central and South America (CASA) Committee - On Aug. 6, the first Spanish-speaking congregation in Reformed Presbyterian history was established, the Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada in Batuco, Chile. Its pastor, Marcelo Sanchez, was recently fined by the government for refusing to vote in a public election on the Lord’s Day as a matter of conviction; he is appealing. Two mission works are also being explored in the Santiago region. The first 31 psalms have been translated for a Spanish psalter based on the tunes of The Book of Psalms for Worship. The National Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bolivia has reached out in hopes of establishing stronger ties with the RPCNA.

Church History Committee - Long-time archivists John Mitchell and Ralph Joseph have retired after almost 20 years of faithful service. Most weeks they have made a three-hour, 120-mile round trip to the seminary, where they meticulously scanned and cataloged, packaged and stored a trove of minute books, sermon notes, diaries and memorabilia, photo albums, ciné film reels, and interesting artifacts with a connection to the RPCNA at home and on her many mission fields. The archives are outgrowing the room in the seminary where they are housed, and so consideration of alternative spaces is underway.

Church Revitalization Committee - This committee’s focus is to be able to help presbyteries and congregations recognize, acknowledge, respond to, and eliminate symptoms of decline before they actually occur; as well as to help address the difficult issues of decline and revitalization where they may already exist. In the past year, a church revitalization grants was provided to Laramie, Wyo., RPC and was approved for Elkins Park, Pa., RPC. The committee also offers a sabbatical grant program and encourages pastoral refresher retreats. To consult with the committee about these or related matters, contact Chairman Drew Poplin (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or another member of the committee.

Just prior to adjournment, retired pastor Bill Edgar announced that he and his wife, Gretchen, who is accompanying him this week at Geneva, are celebrating their 55th anniversary today.

Following a prayer of adjournment by Moderator Tom Fisher, delegates of the 2024 Synod made their way home, with many gathering in about 10 days for the RP International Conference. The dates for the next RPCNA Synod are June 17-20, 2025, at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.