Understanding Our Poverty - Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

MARCH/APRIL 2012
the FALL
Plus:
3 ARP Ministers Address “Falling Into Sin” pgs 3-5
Getting to Know Our RPCNA Relatives pgs 7-11
Sunday School, a Thing of the Past? pg 15

Contents March/April 2012
FEATURES
3 Are We Mardi Gras or Easter Christians?
There is forgiveness for every prodigal who returns repentant.
—Rev. Chad Reynolds
4 Where Was the Church When the Lights Went Out?
What happens to the one in Christ who falls prey to the wiles of the
enemy?
—Dr. Wilfred Bellamy
5 The Fight
God’s Spirit indwells us, yet the remnant of our sinful nature is still
present.
—Rev. Eddie Spencer
6 Moderator’s Focus
Connecting with our sister denomination.
MINISTRIES
14 Bonclarken
15 Christian Ed Ministries
16 Erskine
17 Outreach North America
18 World Witness
—Rev. Andrew Putnam
7 History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of
North America
“The theological complexion of the denomination has certainly
become more Reformed and confessional in recent decades...”
—Rev. Thomas Reid
9 An Overview of the Work of the RPCNA
A Renewed Emphasis on Training
—Matt Filbert
15 Sunday School: A Thing of the Past?
What would happen if we had the same passion and enthusiasm for
Sunday school that sports fans have for their favorite sport?
—Judi Hodges
19 ARP Women’s Ministries
COVER
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“The steps of a man are established... though he
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upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 ESV).
ISSN 0362—0816
THE ASSOCIATE
REFORMED
PRESBYTERIAN
VOL. XXXVII NO. 2
Delores P. McDonald, Editor
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2 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Are We Mardi Gras or Easter Christians?
By Rev. Chad Reynolds
In his March 7, 2011, blog entitled,
“Mardi Gras Culture in the Bible
Belt South,” Russell Moore points
out a startling connection between the
celebration of Mardi Gras as a lead-up
to the Lenten Season for Roman Catholics
and the “wild oats” time many
evangelical Christians go through in
their late teens and early twenties – as
a lead-up to a more “settled down”
life of church involvement.
Near the end of his blog Moore concludes,
“The end result of this kind of
‘Christianity’ is as bleak as the morning
after Mardi Gras. Settling down
isn’t the same as repentance. Giving
up one appetite for another isn’t the
same as grace.”
We all need to “grab hold” of this
conclusion. How many of us are
Mardi Gras Christians? That is, we
grew up in the church, went out and
sowed our wild oats (a la the prodigal
son), and then settled down. Notice
I did not say that we returned as
the prodigal did – contrite, seeking
forgiveness. We simply returned as if
nothing was out of the ordinary. We
had our “Mardi Gras” time of life and
now it’s the “Lenten Season.” Time to
settle down.
I would daresay such a description
fits more than a few of us and we are
okay with that. But should we be?
And, is it okay if our kids go through
the same experience? Besides, have
we truly settled down? Is settling
down even enough?
Our behavior may not be as riotous,
but have we been brought to the
point of submission to Christ? Perhaps
we look more respectable – we have
a good job, the kids are all provided
for, we pay our tithe, and serve on a
committee or two at church. But did
we ever repent of turning from Jesus
in the first place? Did we come back
seeking forgiveness or did we return
expecting that Christ would simply
overlook our hiatus of sinfulness?
Dead to Sin
In Romans 6:1-2, 10-11, Paul asks
and then answers a series of questions
that are fitting for this discussion.
“What shall we say then? Are
we to continue in sin that grace may
abound? By no means! How can we
who died to sin still live in it? ... For
the death he died he died to sin, once
for all, but the life he lives he lives to
God. So you also must consider yourselves
dead to sin and alive to God in
Christ Jesus.”
It is not normative or responsible
to engage in a “Mardi Gras” season
of life. It is in fact unacceptable biblically,
but there is forgiveness for every
prodigal who returns repentant.
In fact, for the repentant soul there is
a heavenly celebration to be had that
puts any Mardi Gras parade to shame
(Luke 15:22-24; Hebrews 12:22-24;
Revelation 21:1-5).
The disappointing truth is that so
many have returned without repentant
hearts. We have returned, saying
effectively, “Well I got that out of my
system. Now I’m ready to come back
and settle down.” Such a return does
not display the grace of having died
to our sin with Christ. If we have not
died with Him, how can we hope to
be raised with Him to new life?
Alive With Christ!
We live in a world in which it is
“always Mardi Gras and never Easter,”
Moore says, but that does not
and should not define us as Christians.
Instead, may we be the people
whose lives display the fact that for
those in Christ, it’s always Good Friday
and always Easter!
In the remaining weeks before we
celebrate the resurrection of our Lord,
may we ponder anew that God has
not overlooked any of our sins. He
has dealt with them, each and every
one, on the cross – through the sacrifice
of His Son, Christ Jesus.
Let us also consider the truth that
through the grace of repentance, we
have died together with Him to our
sin and now live eternal days of Easter
– having been made alive together
with Christ. In Jesus, we have not
simply settled down, we have been
redeemed and raised to new life. In
Him there is no longer Mardi Gras but
always Easter. To that I say, Amen!?
Chad Reynolds is senior pastor of
Lake Wales (FL) ARP Church.
Russell Moore is the teaching pastor
at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville,
KY, (www.russellmoore.com).
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MARCH/APRIL 2012 3

Where Was the Church When the Lights Went Out?
By Wilfred A. Bellamy, Ph.D.
Several years ago, a friend and
I were asked to cover four
Wednesday evenings of preaching
at the Key Biscayne Presbyterian
Church in Miami, FL. I wasn’t exactly
sure what to prepare until I had heard
the first message, so I waited. His title
was “What Do I Do When the Lights
Go Out?”
It was a poignant message regarding
the Christian who had fallen
into sin and was suffering its consequences.
I followed with a series of
three messages that asked the question,
“Where Was the Church When
the Lights Went Out?” It is a question
that has long haunted me.
It seems that the church is always
there, offering fellowship to those who
appear to be walking in traditional
fashion with no recognizable blemish.
But suddenly, when most needed, in
the loneliness of sin, the church turns
away. Simply, the church is not there
for the backslidden Christian.
So what happens to the brother or
sister in Christ who falls prey to the
wiles of the enemy? Do we cast him or
her away as if they have some dread
disease that we fear may pollute us?
Do we thank God that “we are not as
other men are?” Or do we remember
it was the Lord Jesus who said, “He
that is without sin among you, let him
cast the first stone” (John 8:7).
reconciliation, and to promote the peace, purity, and edification of the church.”
None of this denies the need for discipline of the ecclesiastical kind, but it
does deny a punitive action that adds to the distress of the one who has gone
astray. Shunning a sinner, in this context, is itself sin.
What then must we do as the Body of Christ when a brother or sister is found
in a serious fault? Can we turn away and leave them to suffer their consequences
alone? Or may we take a leaf from the book of nature and gather around the
one who is wounded, to succor, sustain and encourage him or her?
Pray, Love, Communicate
First, we must pray, even yearn, before God for the needy ones. Perhaps having
lost their way, they feel they have no right to pray for themselves. We must
also bear their loved ones high on our heart, knowing that in their inner circle
the distress may be almost more than they can bear.
Next, we must show our love for them; more now than ever. They are hurting,
feeling their shame and the horror of what they have done. That’s a lonely
place to be. Yet they are family, brothers or sisters in Christ, and we must reach
out to them in kindness. We do not minimize sin by caring, but we cherish the
sinner when we do.
Communication, reaching out, affirming, reminding, while never endorsing
the sin or the details of the occasion of sin, fills the void that occurs when a
brother or sister falls. It closes the gap between the need of the individual and
the available comfort of the church in its broader dimension.
Next comes the courageous handling of the situation in the Session of the
church. The lines of disciplinary process are clearly defined – not by pragmatism,
nor by the way of the world, but as the court of the church, the court of primary
jurisdiction. The Session is accountable for the manner in which it moves
to bring about the reconciliation and restoration of a backslider.
So may it be said when the question is asked, “Where was the church when
the lights went out?” We, the family of Christ, were there front and center, seeking
to “restore him (her) gently.”?
Restore Gently
In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul writes:
“Brethren, if someone is caught in a
sin, you who are spiritual should restore
him gently. But watch yourself
or you also may be tempted. Carry
one another’s burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Our Book of Discipline reminds us
that “the purpose of discipline is to
bring about the reconciliation of man
to God and man to man and to engage
the people of God in the ministry of
4 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

By Rev. Eddie Spencer
In his classic book, Holiness, Bishop J.
C. Ryle titles one chapter, “The Fight.”
He says, “A true Christian is not just
known for his inner peace but his inner
turmoil.” What exactly could Ryle mean
by “inner turmoil”?
The Apostle Paul artfully contrasts the
sinful nature and the Spirit nature in the
book of Galatians, teaching us about this
inner turmoil. “So I say, live by the Spirit,
and you will not gratify the desires of the
sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires
what is contrary to the Spirit, and the
Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.
They are in conflict with each other...”
(Galatians 5:16-17). This is “The Fight.”
The fact that the Christian life is a fight
is commonly what the “Joel Osteens”
(advocates of a “prosperity gospel”) of
the world forget to tell Christians. They
maintain that when we become a Christian,
life becomes easier. After all, we are
recipients of God’s free grace in Christ.
We are freed from the penalty of sin, the
bondage of the Law and promised a life
that is truly life. And yet the Bible teaches
that on this side of Heaven, life also becomes
harder.
In Christ we’re given a new spirit nature
when we’re regenerated and converted.
God’s Spirit indwells us, yet the
remnant of our sinful nature is still present.
The two remain in constant conflict
with each other.
And the fight is not just between our
old and new natures, but with the evil
one and his forces of darkness. “For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Consider the biblical metaphors employed
to describe the Christian life.
“Fight the good fight of the faith...” (1
Timothy 6:12). “Brothers, I do not consider
myself yet to have taken hold of it. But
one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead”...
(Philippians 3:13). “Therefore, since we
are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).
The Fight
Train Spiritually
If we are going to “fight the fight” and
“run the race,” we must learn how to
train ourselves spiritually. “... Train yourself
to be godly. For physical training is
of some value, but godliness has value for
all things, holding promise for both the
present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy
4:7, 8). The training commences when
we declare war on anything that keeps us
from spending time with God.
If you have never considered yourself
to even be in such a “fight,” commit
to reading the Scriptures and praying 30
minutes a day for a week. Rest assured,
you will attract the attention of the enemy.
When we declare a commitment to
seek after God, we will be attacked. The
Christian life is a spiritual fight.
Sometimes the spiritual fight is clearly
overt and easily identified. Sometimes the
fight is much more subtle and less identifiable.
Following Paul’s observation of the
fight between our spirit and sinful nature,
he says, “But if you are led by the Spirit,
you are not under law” (Galatians 5:18).
So, what does this mean?
As we fight with our sinful nature,
are we going to live with the spiritual
freedom that comes from the gospel, or
under the bondage of the law? Are we
going to define our Christian lives by our
performance (what we do), or by the gospel
(what Christ has done for us)? This is
the fight that many of us wage. Many of
us are trying to live the Christian life, but
are baffled when there is so little love, joy,
peace and patience... the reason? We are
not living in the power of the gospel.
If you study the litany of the acts of
the sinful nature, many of us may feel
pretty righteous. Such sins as “debauchery,”
“witchcraft,” “drunkenness,” and
“orgies” are not particular spiritual
battles for most of us. But what
about “selfish ambition?”
“envy?” or “jealousy?”
Where do these sins originate?
What is the root cause
of these sins? Why do we
drive ourselves so hard toward
personal achievements (selfish
ambition), often neglecting things
of eternal value and relationships on
earth with those who love us most? In the
first Rocky film, when Rocky Balboa was
preparing to fight Apollo Creed, he insightfully
said, “If I can just go 15 rounds
with the champ I will know I am not a
bum.” Like Rocky, we maintain the drive
to prosper and possess, because many of
us think we must achieve and acquire
things to be “somebody.”
Selfish ambition is the result of living
under the law of performance. We do
not trust the gospel that declares we are
already somebody – God’s “somebody,”
the sons and daughters of the King of
the Universe.
Consider other sins in Paul’s litany
of sinful acts, such as jealousy, envy, factions
and discord. What is the origin of
those sins? We resent because we think
others are superior to us. Such negative
emotions and the poison they inject into
our relationships are the result of performance-based
thinking. We feel inferior
because we think we do not measure up
or we feel that others are superior to us.
We are indeed guilty of not measuring
up to the Judge of the universe.
Yet in Christ, the Judge has
declared us righteous in his sight.
Living in the Spirit, which produces
the fruit of love, joy peace... begins
with a conscious awareness of what
God has done for us in Christ. Is our
identity rooted in what Christ has
achieved for us or how we may be
able to perform well enough for us to
feel significant?
The good life, “life that is truly
life,” is a life filled with love, joy... It
is a life worth living.
But it’s a fight.?
Eddie Spencer is senior pastor
of First Presbyterian Church,
Gastonia, NC.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 5

Moderator of Synod
THE RPCNA: OUR SISTER DENOMINATION
REV. ANDREW K. PUTNAM
Moderator
Between Synod meetings, a
number of board and committee
meetings take place. Some
carry out the day to day operations of
the denomination, while others are
tasked with developing goals, philosophies
and plans to guide the denomination
and help it become more
efficient. Every effort is being made
to be good stewards of our resources,
while preparing this denomination to
move forward in its ministry and service
to the Lord.
As the ARP Church looks forward
to our future, it is important to know
our past. We are one of the oldest
Presbyterian denominations in North
America. We have a unique heritage
and set of experiences over the past
200-plus years. But we are not alone
in our work. There are other denominations
that share aspects of our
theology, history, government and
ministry.
Have you ever wanted to connect
with a long lost family member? This
month the Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Magazine will give you that opportunity.
Our sister denomination,
the Reformed Presbyterian Church
North America (RPCNA) will be featured
in this issue.
About a year ago the RPCNA
dedicated an issue of their magazine
to featuring information about
their sister church (the ARP) and we
thought it would be a good idea to do
the same this year. I’m sure you will
be struck by the similarities (and the
differences) we have with this sister
NAPARC member.
They share our love for the singing
of Psalms, have missionaries
and churches in parts of the world
we have yet to reach and established
Geneva College. Recently, we jointly
developed a new Psalter for the ARP
Church and the RPCNA.
As you will see in this issue, we
share a common historical background
as well. I hope you will take
the time to get to know your relatives
as there are many opportunities for
the two denominations to work together
in the coming years.?
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson delivers a keynote
address during the 200th anniversary
celebration of the Reformed Presbyterian
Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh,
Pa.
The RPCNA Synod at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA.
6 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

By Thomas Reid
The Early Years
Who or what ultimately rules
over churches and nations?
Is it a self-appointed human
authority, acting through his chosen
subordinates? Or, is it the risen Christ,
“ acting through His word, the Bible, as
acknowledged in a written covenant?
The answers given to these questions in
17th century Britain led to the separate
existence of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church of North America (RPCNA).
The churches in the British Isles were
only partially improved during
the 16th century movement
for reformation within Roman
Christendom. A second wave of
reform was led by the Puritans,
who emphasized the unique authority
of Christ in His Church
through the Bible. Their efforts
culminated in the signing of the
National Covenant of Scotland in
1638 and then the Solemn League
and Covenant between England,
Scotland, and Ireland in 1643.
These Covenants committed
both the British government and
the established Churches to recognizing
Jesus Christ as the King
and Head of the Church and his written
Word as the supreme authority for
both government and church, and to
bringing about a unity in the churches
in worship, doctrine, government, and
discipline, along Puritan lines.
An assembly of theologians at Westminster
Abbey was convened later in
1643 to guide the British Parliament
and churches concerning these matters,
producing the Westminster Confession
of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms,
and other useful documents.
Following a tumultuous period,
which included the British Civil War,
the restoration of the Stuart monarchy,
History of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church
of North America
the “Killing Times” of intense persecution
of those “Covenanters” firmly
attached to the Covenants, and the almost
bloodless Revolution of 1688, the
two Covenants were eventually abandoned,
along with the principles which
animated them.
A few thousand people, mostly Scots
or Scotch-Irish, established a precarious
existence outside the established
churches in the three Kingdoms. These
“Reformed Presbyterians” were organized
into presbyteries in Scotland in
1743 and in Ireland in 1763.
Reformed Presbyterian Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA.
When the theological moderatism of
the Church of Scotland was challenged
by the “Marrow Men” in the 1730s,
leading to a secession from that denomination,
the Reformed Presbyterians refused
to join with the Seceders, whom
they viewed as inadequately committed
to the Covenants and as veering too
close to the error of Amyraldianism, or
hypothetical universalism, in their view
of the offer of the gospel.
Many members of both denominations,
under pressure from the authorities
in church and state, emigrated to
North America, seeking greater freedom
and opportunities for advancement,
and founded local churches. The
two traditions then established presbyteries
in the British Colonies (the Seceders
or Associate Presbyterians in 1753
and the Covenanters in 1774), to gather
their scattered congregations together.
Movements to Unite
Once 13 North American colonies
declared their independence from the
United Kingdom, movements gathered
steam to unite the two denominations
into one, to more effectively serve the
new nation. Union came in 1782, with
the formation of the Associate
Reformed Church.
However, remnants of both
Reformed Presbyterians and
Associate Presbyterians continued,
alleging that vital principles
had been abandoned
in the effort to bring about
this ecclesiastical union.
The Christian nation, the
united Church, expected
to be founded at the end of
the War for Independence,
instead established a non-
Christian constitution in
1787, and the new nation
continued a drift away from
biblical Christianity.
The continuing RPCNA soon made
two momentous decisions: 1) forbidding
its members to hold slaves, effectively
killing the Church in the southern
states. Whole congregations moved
from the Carolinas to the north, particularly
Illinois and Indiana. 2) enjoining
a severe form of “political dissent,”
by which members did not vote, hold
public office, or serve on juries, as each
action involved incorporation by oath,
directly or indirectly, with a non-covenanted
government. This stand led to
periodic divisions, most notably in 1833
and 1891.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 7
RPCNA

RPCNA
Old Main building at Geneva College.
Growth & Maturity
Membership in the RPCNA peaked
in the latter years, with 11,800 communicant
members, before falling to a low
of about 3,600 in 1988, and before rising
to 4,800 today, plus 1,900 baptized covenant
children.
At first, congregations were established
either in large port cities on
the eastern coast, where Covenanters
arrived from the Old World, or in
Scotch-Irish farming communities from
Vermont through Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Iowa, and eventually Kansas. When
the good farmland ran out, the Church
stopped growing westward, except for
a few urban churches planted along the
West Coast.
Scattered and poor, Reformed Presbyterians
found it difficult to develop
denominational institutions, but did so
throughout the 19th century. A Presbytery
was reconstituted in Philadelphia
in 1798, then a Synod 10 years later.
The Reformed Presbyterian Theological
Seminary was founded in 1810,
making it the fifth oldest seminary in
the nation still in existence.
Geneva College was founded in
Northwood, OH, in 1848, and was relocated
to Beaver Falls, PA, in 1880.
The first foreign missions effort began
in Haiti in 1847. The Reformed Presbyterian
Home for the Aged was opened
in 1897 in Pittsburgh, PA.
In 1888, the RPCNA became the first
Presbyterian denomination anywhere
to approve having women as deacons.
In the latter part of the 20th century, the
Church also took stands against abortion
and pornography, but refused to
heed the entreaties of some of its members
to condemn the Vietnam War.
As more and more Presbyterian denominations
abandoned the purity of
worship advocated by the Puritans and
codified in the Westminster Standards,
the RPCNA gradually became distinctive
in its worship, which is offered
without man-made hymns and musical
instruments; special days such as Christmas
and Easter are not celebrated.
Since World War II, a growing effort
to start new Reformed Presbyterian
congregations has gradually gathered
steam – very necessary as the Church’s
historic centers saw congregations decline
and often close. Urban churches
failed to effectively minister to changing
neighborhoods, losing members to
suburbia, before, much smaller in size,
eventually fleeing there themselves.
Rural churches have disappeared
at an alarming rate, as farming areas
have become depopulated and their
Reformed Presbyterians have gone
off to the cities for work or study and
failed to return. In the past 50 years,
new churches have been organized
in two provinces and 15 states, some
where there had never before been an
organized Reformed Presbyterian presence.
Eighty-three Reformed Presbyterian
congregations (including mission
churches) now exist in twenty-three
states and three provinces.
Theological Renewal
Over time, the RPCNA’s interest
in bringing reform to society gradually
was deformed into something approaching
social gospel liberalism. By
the 1930s, the Church was using the
liberal Presbyterian Church’s Sabbath
School materials. The Synod almost
approved women elders in 1938.
But J.G. Vos, son of Geerhardus Vos of
Princeton Theological Seminary, joined
the Church and led a work of theological
renewal, which has helped to transform
the denomination. Dr. Vos taught
a generation of students as a Bible professor
at Geneva College and edited the
journal Blue Banner Faith and Life for
over thirty years. Contacts with other
conservative Presbyterian or Reformed
denominations, including the Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Church, have
encouraged this shift.
Some traditional practices have been
discarded, or at least de-emphasized,
such as total abstinence from beverage
alcohol, and political dissent has been
recast as the seeking of Christian principles
in politics and government. Some
RP congregations now use fermented
wine in their observance of the Lord’s
Supper, and some RPs have served as
elected officials.
The theological complexion of the
denomination has certainly become
more Reformed and confessional in recent
decades, which has created some
tensions. For instance, women deacons
continue to serve, but are challenged by
many as unbiblical.
But, relations with the other Reformed
Presbyterian Churches – in
Scotland, Ireland, Cyprus, East Asia,
and Australia – are deepening. And, as
iron sharpens iron, are leading us all
into a greater uniformity in Reformed
theology, worship, government, and
discipline. In this way, something of
the vision of the Westminster Assembly
of Divines is being realized among us.?
Thomas Reid is librarian and registrar
at Reformed Presbyterian
Theological Seminary. He pastored
in Ireland, Canada, and Kansas
and is a graduate of Westminster
Seminary and La Faculté de Théologie
Réformée, Aix-en-Provence,
France.
8 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

A Renewed Emphasis on Training
By Matt Filbert
Train up a child in the way he should
go; and when he is old, he will not depart
from it (Proverbs 22:6 KJV).
RPCNA
One area of emphasis in the RPC-
NA has been that of training or discipling
the next generation. This emphasis
was much appreciated by me
as I was a growing up in a rural congregation
in Kansas. This particular
congregation was an older congregation
with very few youth.
However, I was blessed to have
been taken under the wings of several
pastors who retired in Winchester, KS.
Rev. Paul White, then a retired pastor
in his 90s, would pull me aside after
each service to see what I had learned
from the sermon and to encourage me
in my biblical study. My theological
library grew as he equipped me with
tools to aid me in my devotions.
Not only did Pastor White provide
me with help and counsel, he
also proved a wonderful model of
a “Christian servant.” When I was
only 8 or 9, I visited my friend, Rev.
White, on his deathbed. What a shaping
event to hear him speak with
great anticipation of standing before
Christ’s throne and lifting his voice in
praise of the Almighty. There wasn’t
the hint of fear, only enthusiasm to
see God’s promises realized.
Shortly after Rev. White passed
into the presence of Christ, God
brought another retired pastor to
Winchester. Pastor Wylie Caskey had
been used of the Lord in my father’s
life and now in his retirement, God
would use him to further shape my
own life, in preparation for service in
His Church.
My discipleship under Rev. Caskey
began after his hip replacement,
when the avid gardner asked me to
come and help tend his yard and garden.
These weekly visits were quite
encouraging, as he would inquire
A seminary student and his family.
about my life, and help me find answers
to problems I was facing from
God’s Word. Even after he regained
strength, he continued to make time
to disciple me and he began to urge
me in the direction of the ministry.
During high school, God brought
another mentor into my life, Pastor
Robert Tweed. Dr. Tweed built upon
the previous labors of my earlier
mentors to further expand my understanding
and to build in me a vision
for ministry.
Many a late night was spent in his
kitchen, discussing the various needs
and opportunities that existed around
Christ’s Church and how they might
be met. These conversations helped
to emphasize that Reformed theology,
rightly understood, is not a mere
exercise of the mind, but provided
the arms and legs to undertake the
problems of the day as they are found
in the Church and the community.
Concerted Efforts
My experience in the RPCNA
certainly would today be echoed by
many. In the past 20 years, the RPCNA
has put more and more emphasis on
discipling and training of the youth.
Presbyteries across the denomination
are providing more retreats and
seminars that are heavy on the study
of God’s word and how it practically
applies to all areas of faith and life.
In addition to monthly or quarterly
retreats, each Presbytery utilizes an
annual family conference to further
train and encourage young and old
alike. Every four years, the RPCNA
organizes an International Family
Conference that involves members
from across the denomination and
sister denominations around the
world. These conferences are another
important component of the teaching
and discipling emphasis of the denomination.
Our Synod has created a Youth
Ministries Committee to provide
training across the Presbyteries for
those seeking to improve their teaching
ministries and take full advantage
of the time we have with our youth, to
see them grow and find their place in
Christ’s church. More and more congregations
who happen to be located
close to colleges and universities are
making concerted efforts to train and
equip students.
RP Theological Seminary
The Reformed Presbyterian Theological
Seminary also plays a significant
role in the shaping of the next
generation of servants in the church
through its Theological Foundations
MARCH/APRIL 2012 9

RPCNA
These short-term
trips facilitate working
closely with pastors
and sessions
of the host congregations,
as well as
spending extended
periods with the host
church to build more
lasting relationships.
On each four to sixweek
trip, the team is
involved in practical
work with an emphasis
on outreach.
2008 conference,Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI.
Team members are
forced out of their comfort zones and
into real ministry situations, where
they can discover the tools which God
has placed in their toolboxes under
their parents’ teaching, their pastor’s
preaching, and their personal study
of His Word.
It has been exciting
to see men and women
discover these tools
and a passion for using
them to His glory.
for Youth program (TFY). This program
runs for three weeks each summer
and is open to high school juniors
and seniors across the denomination.
The first and third weeks are filled
with lectures by the Seminary professors,
exposing participants to a fuller
understanding of Church history and
exploring the riches of Reformed theology.
To our great joy, we have found
that the participants keep asking for
more and more teaching each year.
In the second week, the participants
are broken into small groups
of four or five and assigned to work
alongside pastors, elders, and other
church workers in area congregations.
This provides the youth with an
opportunity to see those biblical and
theological concepts put into practice
in the day to day life of the church,
and also provides the young men and
women with an opportunity to contemplate
how they might increase
their own participation and service in
their local church.
RP Missions
Building upon the foundation
laid by faithful parenting, preaching,
teaching, and the efforts of presbyteries
and the seminary, RP Missions,
the short-term mission arm of the
denomination, has labored for more
than 15 years to provide mission opportunities.
These are initially limited
to those in high school and college,
where participants could work alongside
established congregations to
sharpen their outreach/evangelism
skills and further refine their understanding
of God’s call on their life.
Geneva College
Another partner in
this effort to see young
people grow in their understanding
and appreciation
of God’s Word is
Geneva College. Established
by the RPCNA
in 1848, the college has
labored to see men and
women equipped to
become servant-leaders,
glorifying and enjoying God, as
they seek to transform society for the
kingdom of Christ.
Geneva is comprised of more than
1,850 students and provides the RPC-
NA with a wonderful opportunity to
reach a diverse community with the
riches found in God’s Word in preparation
for a life lived for Him.
Results
So what fruit has been seen from
such efforts to train up the youth?
Such a concerted effort has led young
men and women to better communicate
the truths of God’s Word in a
winsome and respectful manner.
The opportunities afforded youth
to work closely with the leadership of
the Church has led to a better understanding
of the Presbyterian system
and to better appreciate the day-today
operation of their local church
and how they might participate in it
to His glory.
We have seen a growing number of
men encouraged to consider ministry
and missions and begin at an earlier
age to make decisions that will move
them in that direction.
We are also seeing a growing interest
in the area of missions. The
youth who have been privileged to
work in close proximity to the leadership
of the church and to see how
the Church operates are themselves
growing more interested in being of
use to Christ. Some, who have taken
time out of their summers to labor
with missionaries on the short-term
Psalm singing at the 2004 conference.
trips, have discovered a sense of call
to missions. Many are now serving in
more full-time capacity in places like
Japan, South Sudan, Cyprus, Scotland,
Northern Ireland, Australia and
in countries that cannot be named.
Please continue to pray for us
in this effort to sharpen and polish
these Covenant gems that God has entrusted
to our care that His kingdom
may continue to expand throughout
the world.?
Matt Filbert is an elder and the
director of RP Missions: www.
rpmissions.org.
10 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Home Mission Work of the RPCNA
By Bruce Parnell
Convinced the work of evangelism
and church planting proceeds from
the very throne of God and Christ’s
mediation, the RPCNA has labored
steadily to plant new churches. The
result is a combined total of 91 organized
congregations and mission
churches. Of these, 25 have been
planted since 1987. Twenty five percent
of the total RPCNA membership
resides in these newer churches.
Biblical Conviction
The RPCNA and ARP share a deep
commitment to the doctrines of grace.
We believe Christ sovereignly saves
sinners and He does so particularly
through the proclamation of the gospel.
This takes place formally when
the church ministers through the
Word and sacraments. It also takes
place privately when individuals
share the gospel and disciple others.
Without question, we believe Christ
has called us to sow and reap.
Much like the ARP, the heritage
of the RPCNA stems from the Scottish
Reformed Presbyterian Church
as it immigrated to the USA. In broad
strokes, the development of the
church often followed the course of
members as they located first in the
east, then relocated across the country
due to opportunities for land. The
trend of relocation has continued and
is now motivated by education, jobs,
etc. To carry out Christ’s mandate, the
church must constantly plant churches
in order to thrive and not wither.
The Call To Plant
In 1987, the Home Mission Board
of the denomination set the “Time to
Plant” vision before the church. The
denomination then consisted of 77
organized congregations and mission
churches. More recently, in 2005
the Synod adopted the 2020 Vision,
making church planting a renewed
priority for the denomination and
specifically praying that God would
bless the RPCNA to grow to have a
combined total of 100 organized congregations
and mission churches by
the year 2020.
As noted, we currently stand at 91.
That means that since 1987, and taking
into account that some congregations
have closed since then, 25 new
congregations and mission churches
have been planted, representing each
of the six North American Presbyteries.
God has graciously been at work
building His church, inspiring the denomination
to sow generously in the
work of church planting. The seed
has been scattered broadly, sometimes
falling on hard, weed-choked
ground, but other times falling on
rich, fertile soil that has produced a
great harvest.
Unique Features
Along with church planting pastors,
the RPCNA has also made use of
Regional Home Missionaries (RHM)
and a mentoring program called
Resident In Training (RIT). Regional
Home Missionaries have been used
by two Presbyteries to be something
of a point man in outreach. The RHM
is often the first contact for those
inquiring about the possibility of
church planting. He also serves by
investigating new or developing opportunities.
The Resident In Training program
was developed for the purpose
of matching a young pastor with a
proven church planter. This men-
torship gives young pastors the opportunity
to be discipled further in
the pastoral ministry in the specific
needs of church planting; so they, in
turn, may plant healthy, growing,
multiplying congregations. The program
provides two years of grant and
matching grant money in order to
support such a mentorship. In many
cases, the RIT pastors have been used
to help daughter a new congregation
under the oversight of the mentoring
pastor/congregation.
Strategies For Church Planting
This vision emphasizes actual
church planting, believing that Christ
uses the means of the church to gather
the elect. With that in mind, the Home
Mission Board has established a ‘Reducing
Aid’ plan to fund new works.
Aid begins at $36,000 in the first year
and then reduces over the course of
six years. Closely related is the strategy
of training men for the ministry as
reflected in the Resident In Training
program. This strategy is also reflected
in aid offered for summer interns
to get practical experience in the area
of church planting.
In the broad picture, the strategies
of emphasizing churches and
training are reflected most in how
the HMB funds and encourages the
Presbyteries. For instance, the HMB
has been encouraging the model of
daughtering because of the mentoring
aspect and the beginning position
of strength for the new work. These
mother/daughter works typically
rise up at the initiative of congregations.
Other strategic plants also come
from the initiative of Presbyteries.
For more information, please visit
www.RPHomeMissions.org.?
Bruce Parnell is pastor of Stillwater
(OK) Reformed Presbyterian Church
(a 1990 church plant) He serves on
the RPCNA Home Mission Board.
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MARCH/APRIL 2012 11
RPCNA

Compiled by Susan Tanner
Eggsperiments
By Suzanne Lever
What do you do with leftover eggs? Eggsperiment, of course!
How strong is an egg shell? Take out
the “insides” of 4 raw eggs from the
small end. Put masking tape around
the middle and cut the shells to make
4 small domes. Place them, dome side
up, in the shape of a square or rectangle,
depending on the size of the
books you will test. Place one book at
a time on top of the four shell domes
and see how many pounds they
will hold. (Hint: The secret is in the
“dome” shape.)
Will a hard-boiled egg fit into a bottle?
You will need a bottle with an opening
slightly smaller than the egg. (I
have an old milk bottle.) You will also
need a peeled egg, newspaper and a
match. Light a small piece of newspaper
and put it in the bottle. Immediately
place the egg in the mouth of
the bottle. The egg will be sucked into
the bottle. (Hint: It has to do with air
pressure.) That’s not the end of the
experiment. To get the egg back out,
simply hold the bottle upside down
and blow hard into it.
Can an egg float? Put water in a clear
plastic cup and then place the egg
in it. What happens? (It sinks.) Now
take the egg out and stir in 3 or 4
tablespoons of salt. Place the egg in
the water again and watch what happens.
(Hint: If the egg does not float,
add more salt.)
Myra Jean waits for her turn to stir the salt
before the egg is added.
Is it raw or hard-boiled? Spin an egg on
a smooth surface. Place your finger on
top to stop it, If it continues to spin,
it is raw. If it stops, it is hard-boiled.
(Hint: It has to do with the insides being
solid or liquid.)
Everyone makes a guess of how many
books they think the egg shells will hold.
Everyone watches and waits to see if
the egg will drop into the jar.
Suzanne shows (left to right) Myra Jean,
Peter, Spencer and Elizabeth Sims how
to spin the egg.
Elizabeth and Spencer look on as the
first book is added to the egg shells.
Suzanne demonstrates the egg
will not fall out of the jar once
inside without the last step in the
experiment.
Elizabeth uses her finger to stop
the egg to test if the egg is hardboiled
or raw.
The sixth book is added carefully.
Elizabeth, 12; Peter, 7; Spencer, 5; and Myra Jean, 3; are the children of Rev. Kyle and
Kelly Sims of First ARP Lancaster.
Suzanne Lever is a retired elementary school teacher. She is a member of the First ARP
Lancaster Church where she teaches first through fourth grade on Sunday nights. She
is the Tiger Cub leader and assistant Scoutmaster for Pack 72.
12 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

The Reason We Celebrate Easter
Read these Bible verses together as a family, explaining the meaning of each
important Easter event to your children and as a reminder to you.
Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11
A very large crowd spread their
cloaks on the road, while others cut
branches from the trees and spread
them on the road. The crowds that
went ahead of him and those that followed
shouted, “Hosanna to the Son
of David!” “Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna
in the highest!” (Matthew 21:8-9).
Maundy Thursday – Luke
22:7-23
In the same way, after the supper
he took the cup, saying, “This cup
is the new covenant in my blood,
which is poured out for you”
(Luke 22:20).
Connect the dots to make a
picture you can color.
Good Friday – Mark 15:21-41
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried
out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani?” – which means, “My
God, my God, why have you forsaken
me?” (Mark 15:34).
Easter – Matthew 28:1-10
He is not here; he has risen, just
as he said. Come and see the
place where he lay (Matthew
28:6).
If you or someone in your church has an idea
for The Family Page please send your ideas to
Susan Tanner at stanner@arpsynod.org or call
864-232-8297.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 13

Bonclarken
CHIP SHERER
President
Early March brings the wonderful
blossoming of spring,
as the beauty of God’s creation
comes alive once again. Spring
leads to summer, and I hope summer
makes you think of Bonclarken!
We’re once again hosting a wide
variety of ARP events this summer,
providing experiences for guests of
all ages. These events provide great
opportunities for worship, education,
fellowship, and recreation – make
plans now to join us!
The following information can
be found on our website at www.
bonclarken.org/arpevents.
Bonclarken –
The place to be this summer
Camp Joy – a fourth session of
Camp Joy has been added in 2012.
Weeks include June 3-8, June 24-29,
July 1-6, and July 15-20. Camp Joy is
CEM’s camp for special needs adults
and features a one-on-one campercounselor
environment. Camp Joy
enters its 33 rd year of service to campers,
counselors and families.
Music/Drama Camp – July 1-6.
A great opportunity for boys and
girls who have completed grades
2-8 to have lots of fun in a musical
production.
Music Conference – the 51 st annual
Music Conference is scheduled for
July 8-13. This conference is a wonderful
week of music, fellowship, and
fun for all ages.
Women’s Ministries - July 22-23.
The annual business meeting of ARP
Women’s Ministries.
Family Bible Conference – July
23-26. Powerful Bible teaching and
helpful seminars highlight this great
week for the entire family. Matt Miller
and Athole Rennie will be serving
as worship leaders this year.
Camp Bonclarken – July 15-20 and
July 22-27. Camp Bonclarken offers a
unique camp experience for boys and
girls who have completed grades 2-8.
If you have children or grandchildren
this age, I encourage you to seriously
consider a week of Camp Bonclarken
for them. Registration material can
be found on our website.
We look forward to seeing you
here this summer!?
208th Meeting of General Synod
– June 5-7. Contact Cindy Scott,
cscott@arpsynod.org, for more information
on registration or Sheri Clark,
sclarke@bonclarken.org, for more information
on housing.
Horizon – June 11-16 and Quest
– June 18-23. These are two of our
most important weeks of the year as
we host the high school and middle
school conferences of Christian Education
Ministries (CEM). These conferences
combine teaching of God’s
Word with fellowship and high energy
fun. These youth are the future
of our denomination and we appreciate
the opportunity to host these two
conferences. More information can
be found at www.arpcem.com.
14 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

SUNDAY SCHOOLS: A Thing of the Past?
JUDI HODGES
Sports fans. We all know one.
With logos on everything and
team flags flying high, sports fanatics
will give up a weekend to drive
long distances to attend a game, paying
an incredible price for a ticket.
Real fans know all the players and
their stats; will debate hours over
strategy, and watch the recorded
game over and over. Gathering in
crowds, friends are made for life who
share little outside this passion. They
will try passionately to persuade you
to become a fan too.
What would happen if we had this
same passion for Sunday school?
Our Calling
We are called to be disciples; then
commissioned to make disciples – going,
teaching, baptizing. So what’s
happening? Are we, the older generation,
fulfilling our task? Are we
examples of what we preach? Are
we memorizing Scripture, tackling
today’s faith issues, deepening our
walk with Christ, daily exercising our
faith in the way we live, not forsaking
the fellowship of the body?
Will those following after us seeing
and becoming disciples as we live it?
How often do we hear, “I am not an
evangelist/teacher. I can’t talk about
it, but they will see my life and it will
convince them.” Apparently there is
something wrong in this approach. It
certainly doesn’t reflect the command
we are given in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 to
constantly present God in all we do
and say every day, in our walk.
The reality is that the majority
of our college students are leaving
home, and subsequently the church,
in droves. Less than 4 percent of
this generation is being reached with
the Gospel.
One in five churched youth will
walk away in their college years, with
little solid ground for standing fast.
And no real connection to the body
of believers. Many buy into the idea
they can be strong in faith without
the church.
It’s sufficient to believe in God, to
live a good life, and get some input
from the occasional book, internet
sermon or retreat activity. However,
they have failed to grasp the provision
Jesus has made for teaching and
fellowship with the corporate body
of believers.
Without support, accountability,
and the mutual sharpening of the
Word, college students are vulnerable
to social pressures and the pursuit of
relationships, which are not always
beneficial. Like many visitors who
enter the church, they don’t find a
connectedness to keep them there.
Our Challenge
The challenge of Christian education
is to teach with depth and application
to bring our children to a point
of maturity, equipped to walk with
Christ. Are we raising a generation
of covenant children who know Bible
verses; the great stories of the Scriptures;
the structure and history of the
church, but who have not learned to
apply the teaching to their own lives?
Do they fail to see it as relevant or
powerful in their lives?
Our Fears
Fear of change, fear of rejection
and fear of failure keep us from acting
as disciple-makers. We are afraid of
moving out of our comfort zone. But
God is a God of change. He doesn’t
change. His Word and its truth
doesn’t change. But He changes us. It
is His ultimate purpose to change us
to be like His Son, Jesus.
Often bound by fear of rejection
from our families, loved ones or peers,
we don’t want to talk too strongly or
be too religious in our talk. We fear
being seen as narrow or intolerant.
But God calls us to reason together, to
persuade, to be quick to listen, slow
to speak, to proclaim with the power
of the Spirit. When God was silent,
it was not a reward, nor a tactic for
evangelism. It was a judgment on
hard hearts and disobedience.
Why are we silent?
We must realize this generation is
hungry to hear and desperate for purpose.
Are we worried we may get it
wrong, alienate the hearer or do harm
by teaching wrongly? We may do
those things, but we have the Father,
Savior and the Holy Spirit who are
more powerful and loving and gracefilled
than our mistakes and failures.
Our Common, Powerful Gospel
The Spirit is at work within us
and promises the words we need.
We need to prepare ourselves with a
reason for our faith. We need to arm
ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit,
His Word. We need to love God and
others passionately enough to speak;
to commit to be an example; to be
uncomfortable at times; to do what
we are called to do...to be, and to
make disciples.?
CHURCH PEW CUSHIONS
Padded seats or reversible cushions
DON GREEN UPHOLSTERY
Call collect (864) 277-3795
Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673
MARCH/APRIL 2012 15
Christian Education Ministries

Understanding Our Poverty
Erskine
by David Norman
At my first formal opening convocation
at Erskine, I offered three
cultural dynamics I hoped would
characterize my tenure as president: academic
integrity, financial sustainability,
and service to the poor.
The third may seem odd, more fitting
for a mercy ministry than an institution of
higher learning. I admit the phrasing was
intentionally provocative. My hope was to
spur a conversation about the broader nature
of poverty and our relationship with
it as an academic community that identifies
itself with Christ – who closely identified
himself with the poor.
As I pursued these ideas through various
speeches and conversations with individuals
and groups, the broader concept
of human restoration and flourishing has
emerged as the central theme. So what is
Erskine’s role in relationship to poverty
and human restoration?
During this academic year, the Erskine
community has been working toward a
better understanding of poverty and our
role as an academic community in addressing
it.
I’m using the following outline to help
guide us in that conversation.
Humanity’s Purpose
Humanity exists to bear the divine
image, individually and corporately, endeavoring
to fill all creation with the love
and justice of the Creator. However, in our
fall we have forsaken His love and justice:
thus every aspect of humanity has been
radically impoverished.
Aspects of Our Poverty
While there may be several ways approach
it, I’ve broken poverty down into
four basic aspects: mental, social, economic,
and physical. What we commonly call
“spiritual poverty” might be seen as the
sum of these.
radically demonstrated on the cross, frees
our minds to understand reality correctly,
because we are no longer threatened by
God’s absolute authority. Only when we
understand the truth correctly can we
move beyond training to true education
and address mental poverty.
Social Poverty
Stemming from our wrong understanding
of reality, our relationship with
God is broken. Because we bear his image
corporately, all other relationships are also
strained or broken. The results are as personal
as narcissism, self-hatred, or loneliness,
and as global as racism and war.
Christ, in suffering the consequences of
humanity’s rebellion, and rising again to
new life, offers a life of restored relationships
with both God and our fellow image-bearers.
We participate in the rebuilding
of relationships through activities as
far ranging as forgiving one another, offering
hospitality, and advocating for social
justice.
Economic Poverty
Our broken relationships lead to distrust
and injustice. Our flawed political
and economic infrastructures make it impossible
to distribute key resources justly
to all those who need them in the amount
they need.
Our restored relationship to the
Creator in Christ makes us heirs of
the heavenly kingdom and empowers
us to act with love (working with
and for those we would ordinarily
exclude) and justice (aggressively confronting
oppression within us, among us,
and around us). As Christians, we work
toward the alleviation of economic poverty
by fully engaging in the economic
system, seeking sustainable and humanitarian
economic development.
Physical Poverty
A lack of basic necessities, such as
suitable food, water, or shelter, is usually
the result (directly or indirectly) of other
forms of poverty. We may also experience
physical poverty as a result of forces in nature
stemming from the cosmic effects of
humanity’s rebellion. Christ experienced
absolute physical poverty on the cross.
He then physically rose from the grave as
the first fruit of his kingdom, in which all
forms of poverty will be alleviated. In response,
we work to address physical poverty
through direct physical aid.
The Ultimate Solution
In the ultimate demonstration of love
and justice, our Creator has forsaken himself
rather than forsaking us, so that we
can enjoy him fully. While the solution
was accomplished in the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, it will only be
fully realized when he returns. For now,
participating in the solution entails a significant
amount of suffering as we recognize
our inability to fix ourselves or those
around us – while our gratefulness drives
us toward a deeper passion for His love
and justice.
How Does Erskine Fit?
Erskine is an academic community
that exists to glorify God by equipping
students to flourish as whole persons for
lives of service. God has blessed Erskine
tremendously, but I believe we tend to under-appreciate
the scope of her transformative
mission.
We must intentionally integrate a
shared understanding of the human condition
into our respective roles as a denomination,
alumni, trustees, administrators,
faculty, staff, and students. We must
address each aspect of our own poverty,
so we can contribute to the flourishing of
others, addressing each aspect of the poverty
around us.?
Mental Poverty
God is the author of truth, while we
are disposed to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness”
(Romans 1:18). God’s love, Creation, Fall, Redemption, Glorification; oil on canvas, Grace Han
16 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

When God sends, what’s your mission?
DR. ALAN J. AVERA
Executive Director
When Jesus appeared to his disciples
after his resurrection, he
commissioned them, “...as the
Father has sent me, even so I am sending
you.” That naturally leads to the question:
How did the Father send Jesus?
One clue is to look at the statements Jesus
made about why he came from Matthew
5:17, 9:13, 10:34; Mark 10:45; Luke 4:18-19,
19:10; John 3:17, 6:38-40, and 10:10):
• To fulfill the Law and the Prophets
• To call not the righteous, but sinners
• To bring not peace, but a sword
• To serve and to give his life as a ransom
for many
• To proclaim good news to the poor and
liberty to the captives, recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty those oppressed,
and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
• To seek and to save the lost
• That the world might be saved through him
• To do the will of the one who sent him –
that everyone who looks on the Son and
believes in him should have eternal life,
and be raised on the last day
• That they may have life and have it
abundantly.
There are things on this list that are obviously
unique to Jesus. He is Savior, and
we are not. He was the perfect sacrifice,
and we are not. Yet, there is a very real
sense in which Jesus sends us in the same
way the Father sent him. Some verbs
stand out as I look at the list above: call,
serve, proclaim, seek, and save.
Think about the call we all have in our
own communities as you read our From
the Field article this month about Duff
and Kristi James’ call to the city of Asheville.
As Duff explains what it means to
be sent to Asheville, think about what it
means to be sent to the place where God
has sent you.?
Outreach North America
City Church of Asheville, NC
By Rev. Duff James
On Jan. 21, 2011, my wife Kristi and
I met with the Church Extension Committee
of First Presbytery to discuss the
possibility of planting a church in Asheville,
NC. As we pass the anniversary of
that first meeting, we are overwhelmed at
what the last year has held for us.
In February, we attended the ARP
church planter assessment. In March, I
transferred my ministerial membership
from Catawba to First Presbytery. In
April, we sold our home in Columbia, SC.
In May, we moved into an apartment near
downtown Asheville. In July, our second
daughter was born. In August, a new
friend committed to being part of our
launch team. In the following months, we
added to our numbers and began meeting
together weekly for fellowship, study,
and prayer.
This process has been fast and full of
significance. More than anything else, our
new life has made us more aware of our
daily reliance on the providence of God.
He is good, and has been good to us.
We are considered a parachute plant
(meaning we dropped into Asheville
without knowing anyone), but we now
have a launch team of nine people who
love the city of Asheville and want to see
the good news proclaimed here. They recognize
the difficulty of proposing Christ
in a post-Christian culture and know
the importance of doing it anyway. They
know that the gospel is the best news for
everyone they come across. They love this
city and have a sense of their gospel purpose
in it.
The Lord has also provided a group of
non-church-going friends who love our
family and care for us well. We are excited
to see what the Lord will do with this
group as we continue to invest time in
them, get to know them more, and begin
to challenge them with the gospel.
Worth the Risk
When we initially told people we were
moving to Asheville, we received several
comments like “Asheville is so out there
and weird. You guys will be great.”
Besides the humor we found in these
comments, wondering if this meant that
people considered us out there and weird,
we also recognized that God has made us
with a certain personality, attitude, appearance,
demeanor, and a fondness for
the city that just might help us to navigate
the culture of Asheville.
As we approach our eighth month
here, we are thankful that God has made
us the way he has and that he is pleased to
use us for his glory in this place.
This work is not easy; it feels unstable,
risky, and sometimes we wonder what in
the world we have agreed to do. But when
the risks overwhelm us, we often remember
words we heard from wiser, more mature
Christians as we considered this new
calling, “Yes, church planting is risky, but
the risk of not going is far greater.”
Think about it. If one person puts their
faith and trust in Jesus Christ as a result of
the ministry of City Church, isn’t the risk
of time, energy, and money worth it?
Please pray that in the toughest times
we would remember and believe this to
be true, that Jesus did not consider the
cost of leaving Heaven to come to earth
too costly, but gave up everything to become
nothing (the form of a servant), that
we might have everything – a relationship
with God himself.?
Duff James and family.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 17

World Witness
FRANK VAN DALEN
Executive Director
of World Witness
Fifteen years ago, one of the
men pictured here stood with
me before a Pakistani magistrate
in the town of Hub Chowki,
a city of 12 million residents and
about an hour-and-a-half drive
from Karachi. He was charged with
illegally transferring ARP mission
property to his own name.
He rationalized the attempted theft
with the excuse that “The purpose of
the Mission is to help poor Christians.
I am a poor Christian. There are too
many others like me for the Mission
to help. So, I will make sure that at
least I gain some benefit from the Mission
by bribing the local land registrar
to put some of the Mission property
into my name.”
Sadly, there we were—two Chris-
“I WILL NOT LIE TO YOU”
tians standing before a Muslim judge,
one accused of theft and the other having
to give testimony that the property
indeed belonged to the Mission. I
would much rather lose property than
bring accusations against a Christian
in a Muslim court (1 Corinthians 6:1–
11). But I had no choice.
When the magistrate asked if this
was the Mission property, I could only
tell the truth. “Yes, the Mission purchased
it at the request of the Karachi
Presbytery in order to protect the
neighboring Christian church property.
The land will be divided into plots
and resold to local Christians. This
man standing beside me has not paid
for his plot of land.”
The magistrate then turned to the
man beside me and asked him, “Is this
true?” Truth is not a highly-valued
product in a Muslim culture. But what
happened next surprised everyone.
The accused stood before the judge
and said, “We are two Christians – this
missionary and I – and like him, I cannot
lie to you. Yes, I did bribe the land
registrar, and yes, I did illegally transfer
the plot of land into my name.”
The judge stated that he had never
seen such honesty before and then responded,
“The land clearly belongs to
the Mission. Have it transferred back
to the Mission’s name. As for this man,
because of your honesty, I will not put
you in jail. You are free to go.”
Fifteen Years Later
Last December, I visited Hub
Chowki, a city of 20 million residents
and a 20-minute drive from Karachi.
The first thing this man of the church
told me was, “Sahib, do you remember
when I tried to steal a plot of land
but could not lie before the judge?
Well, just a few months ago, a Muslim
landowner tried to steal the same
land in the same way. But because I
did not lie, and because the title to the
land was undisputed, we were able
to prove that the land belonged to
the Mission.
“Despite the landowner being one
of the most powerful politicians in the
area, we got our land back. Telling the
truth 15 years ago finally paid off this
year. It was worth it that I ‘lost’ my
plot at that time and had to pay the
full price for it, because I would never
have been able to protect the land by
myself. Now only Christians will be
living beside the Church, and it will be
protected from Muslim extremists.”
Praise God that a simple Christian
sanitation worker told the truth to his
own disadvantage 15 years ago. Praise
Him that this witness continues to this
day as an example of how Christians
should live in a Muslim community.
Praise God that this man is now
an elder in the Hub Chowki Church
and is able to share from personal
experience, “If we say we have no
sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness,” (1 John
1:8-9).?
18 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

ELAINE REED
President
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first
day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an
angel of the Lord came down from heaven
and, going to the tomb, rolled back the
stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was
like lightning, and his clothes were white
as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid
of him that they shook and became like
dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not
be afraid, for I know that you are looking
for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not
here; He has risen, just as He said. Come
and see the place where He lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going
ahead of you into Galilee. There you will
see Him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the
tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to
tell His disciples. (Matthew 28:1-8 NIV)
Imagine the range of emotions Mary
and Mary Magdalene experienced
that Sunday morning so many years
ago. After all of the events leading up
to the first Easter morning, these ladies
were told to go and tell Jesus’ disciples
that He had risen. The scripture states,
the women were “afraid yet filled with
joy.” Are we like these women—filled
with joy to tell others about the risen
Lord—or are we just afraid?
Last year my heart was touched as
one of our young mothers shared an
He Is Risen Indeed
experience of her 5-year-old son. On
Easter day, Max and his older brother
Jack were invited to an egg hunt by
their new neighbors. The couple, Chuck
and Sally, had filled plastic eggs with
various treats for the boys and hid them
in their yard.
As the boys found the eggs, they
opened them one by one to discover
money and candy; but then Max found
another egg. He opened the egg and it
was empty! He exclaimed with sincerity
and excitement, “Look, it is empty, just
like Jesus’ tomb!” Courtney, his mom,
replied, “You are right – Jesus rose from
the dead!” In Max’s eyes, he had found
the best egg – the special egg.
We are told in Genesis 50 that man often
intends a thing for his own ends, but
God intends it to accomplish the good
He is working out in our lives. While
Chuck and Sally did not intend for the
egg to be empty, God intended Max to
glorify Him by sharing with this couple
the Good News—the exciting news—
that Jesus is alive.
Max’s mom shared with her neighbors
that at the church’s egg hunt she
had used specially filled plastic eggs
(called “Resurrection Eggs”) to teach the
children about the Passion Week. She
explained the significance of what was
in each egg; the last one was empty, signifying
Jesus rising from the dead. Just
as God intended Max to share his enthusiasm
over finding the empty egg, God
intended Courtney to share the significance
of the empty tomb.
During the Knowing the Will of God
series, Dr. RC Sproul noted, “...every
Christian is responsible to be able to bear
witness to their own faith and to give
testimony to their own faith,” (Renewing
Your Mind, 01-Jan-2012). While everyone
may not be gifted as an evangelist or
able to speak with complete strangers in
the local department store, like Max and
his mom, we are to speak boldly to those
we know or when asked by anyone.
Too often we avoid conversations
about God and religion rather than
walking through the door of opportunity
that God has placed before us. This experience
opened the door for Courtney
and her boys to demonstrate the love of
Christ by developing a friendship with
their new neighbors. Max continues to
tell them with enthusiasm what he has
learned about Jesus and the Bible.
This Easter Sunday, when the pastor
says, “He is risen!” – may we all respond
with confidence and excitement, “HE IS
RISEN INDEED!” And, like the women
at the tomb, may we be filled with
joy and run to tell others about our
risen Lord.?
Save The Date
98th Annual Meeting
of ARP Women’s
Ministries
July 23, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.
Mike and Lib Patrick
Room (The Lodge)
Bonclarken Conference
Center, Flat Rock, NC
ARP Women’s Ministries
MARCH/APRIL 2012 19

ARP Women’s Ministries
ELIZABETH M. BURNS
Coordinator
Wait: to stay in place in expectation
of; a state or attitude
of watchful expectancy.
The definition of the word “wait”
makes it sound like something you
really want to do, like waiting for
Christmas, or your birthday, or
some other joyful celebration. But
when I think of the word “wait,” my
thoughts are not ones of expectancy,
but frustration!
Waiting is not something I like to
do, and I believe many of you agree.
In this fast-paced, microwave-ready,
turbo-speed internet world, waiting
for anything longer than a nanosecond
creates impatience and frustration
in the best of us. Right now;
instantaneous; or yesterday, best describe
how long most people today
are willing to wait for anything.
Waiting at a red traffic light, I
don’t think about the orderly traffic
flow it provides nor the lives they
save, because I am so frustrated at
my schedule being held up and the
inconvenience. Standing in line waiting
to make a purchase at the store or
to board an airplane is nothing short
of agony for some. I particularly do
not like waiting for results of medical
tests, mine or those of the people
I love, or the pets I love – something
I’ve had to do recently.
I want an answer immediately. I
want to know now! Waiting makes
me anxious for many things, causing
me to completely lose sight of the
benefits of waiting, and, occasionally,
WAIT!
to run ahead and say or do something
I may end up regretting. Human nature
wants what it wants and does
whatever it takes to get it now, and
sees no benefit in waiting.
Wait on the Lord
Is it any wonder our Heavenly Father
commands (not suggests) over
and over again that His children
“wait” on Him? It is certainly not
that God is slow at doing things or
needs to take a moment to think how
He might proceed. It is because He
knows what’s best for His children
in every moment and circumstance,
making His ways and timing perfect!
An origin of the word “wait,”
among others, is “to watch” – the intent
being, to remain or be in readiness.
What an exciting concept: to
watch and be ready to see the Lord’s
hand at work on one’s behalf. To
know without question that God has
intervened, He has gone before you
and is immediately present in your
circumstances. Along with Scripture’s
command to wait comes the promised
benefit, such as in Isaiah 40:31, “...but
they who wait on the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount
up with wings like eagles; they shall
run and not be weary; they shall walk
and not faint.”
I saw the truth of the benefits of
waiting on the Lord, listening for His
instruction, and following His guidance
in the development and execution
of the Women’s Ministries Seminar,
“You Are a Woman, You Are A
Christian, You Are Invited: Rethinking
The Ministry of Women.”
Wait Patiently
Anxious to be a support and encouragement
to the women of our denomination
in their relationship with
Jesus Christ, and each other, the faithful
women who serve on the ARPWM
Board were constantly on the lookout
for every way possible to reach out
whenever, wherever, however, to
make a difference for every woman.
Each of us endured times of anxiousness,
when temptation to run ahead
and get something done was strong,
and times when the benefits of waiting
were hard to see or remember.
But because of the faithful prayers
and perseverance of the women
called by God to serve Him here, we
have seen Him intervene and go before
us, assuring us of His immediate
presence in the midst of the planning
and presentation of this seminar.
In January, at Graceview ARP
Church in Mississippi Valley Presbytery,
God encouraged, renewed, refreshed,
and strengthened His women
as they participated in this seminar.
He did so not only through the content
of the seminar, but also through
the hard work, preparation, hospitality
and joy of the women of Graceview.
I told someone recently: nothing
was amiss or missing from this event.
Only God can do that. And only those
who patiently wait on Him know it!
Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently
for the Lord; He inclined His ear to
me and heard my cry.”?
20 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Spending Quality Time with Jesus
KATHY FOLKS
Spiritual Life Chairman
Do you want to be in God’s
Word? Do you read a Bible
verse with a quick cup of
morning coffee and you’re done? Or
do you cradle your beloved Bible,
cherishing your time with Jesus? Are
you eagerly studying God’s Word, or
letting other priorities usurp God’s
place in your life? James 4:8a tells us,
“Draw near to God and He will draw
near to you...” When have you set
apart time to nurture your relationship
with God – to be filled with His
love and guidance?
Bible studies, Christian fellowship,
and prayer gatherings bless and
equip our ARP women. Strengthened
from Hebrews’ theological treasures
and learning about God’s character
and constancy from David’s life, deep
truths about God’s love will beckon
us next to John’s epistles. Then we’ll
look to Proverbs for insight, after
which we’ll delve into Titus.
Jesus must be central in our lives.
Even in such holy times as Christmas
and Easter, or in meaningful experiences
like baptisms, joining the
church, or getting married, we can
lose sight of the Triune God. Another
emphasis may not be anything bad,
but if it takes the focus off Jesus, we
need to rethink our priorities.
The Christmas blessing of Christ’s
incarnation, when He left the glory
of Heaven to live among us sinners,
links clearly with the Easter sacrifice
of His death for our sins, where He
secured Heaven for us by paying our
debt. Only one thing could take care
of our sinfulness. Only Jesus Christ
could do this for us – and He did! He
came as a human baby at Christmas
and grew into a man who paid our
debt, in His sacrifice on Calvary’s
cross. It all fits together. Praise God,
we are a part of it!
Our service to God should be an
overflow of the love, peace, forgiveness,
and grace with which He has
filled us. Opportunities to serve
come as we seek after righteousness.
June’s Oasis (Ladies’ Synod Social at
Synodical Hall); July’s ARPWM program,
and FBC, will give us glimpses
of God’s work among our own ARP
women, representing “Salt and Light”
across our denomination.
A Busy People
The self-focus of contemporary
society pulls us forward fast. Human
beings become human “doings.”
Whether leaders and stars or cogs
and nerds, we are to go – do – get,
and right now! God’s Word instructs
us differently. He gives us peace
and says He will give us everything
we need.
In our instant gratification society,
we consider many wants as needs
and lose sight of how God knows our
needs before we even ask Him. Jesus
left Heaven to come to earth to give
us what we really need – that lasts
forever. We don’t deserve this love
and grace, but He loved us and came
anyway. The God of the universe, the
King of Kings – of now and of all eternity
– picked us! Jesus gave up the
glory of Heaven to come as a baby to
sin-filled earth to be disrespected, rejected,
and killed. He came to serve
us! He met our greatest need, a Savior
– THE Savior, Messiah.
Look to Jesus
When life is stressful, we need
to respond by looking to the right
source for solutions. By focusing on
the problem, sin is emphasized because
our eyes are not on Jesus where
they must be for clear vision. This
reminds me of Paul, a role model for
those of us who are “Type A” personalities.
Once he received Christ as Messiah,
he saw Jesus rightly, although
Paul was still very focused. When
we don’t look to Jesus for help, we
may look in the wrong place or to the
wrong person for the solution, bringing
more sin and worse problems.
Eyes on Jesus, time in His Word, and
a priority of prayer are the right pathway.
Think about your past, present and
future. Once for all (Hebrew 9:28),
Christ died to save us. His sacrifice
provides acceptance and joy, deliverance,
confidence, freedom, forgiveness,
peace and the very indwelling
of the Holy Spirit to help and guide
us. Now and every day, He gives us
the strength to live for Him through
the power of the Holy Spirit.
We must always remember what
Christ has done for us. Praise God that
Jesus did it. Otherwise, there would be
a very different account of the facts of
our eternity. Because our Savior was
born to die, our future is filled with
hope and Heaven.
Join us June 6th at Oasis for Salt
and Light – focus, fun, food and
fellowship.?
ARP Women’s Ministries
MARCH/APRIL 2012 21

All In Our Family
By Sharon Griffin
Personal Mention
BETHANY (SC): Ruth McGill celebrated her
80th birthday Nov. 12, and Hayes Faulkner,
her 85th on Jan. 10.
BURLINGTON (NC): Graig & Carolyn Pulley
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Dec.
12. Amy Gilmore has been named a branch
manager for the Community ONE Bank.
CODDLE CREEK (NC): Allison Leazer was
recently named to the Chancellor’s List at Appalachian
State University.
COMMUNION (CA): Verna Asche recently
turned 91 years old.
EBENEZER (SC): Bill & Joan Young recently
celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Ann
& Ed Mobley celebrated 60 years of marriage
on Jan. 10.
EDGEMOOR (SC): Tommy & Linda Westbrook
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
on Dec. 30.
GASTONIA FIRST (NC): These couples recently
celebrated special wedding anniversaries:
Sadie & Ralph Williams, (53 years,
Dec. 6), Harold & Betty Stowe (55 years,
Dec. 22), Gene & Anne Hanna (55 years,
Dec. 25), Fred & Bootie Morrow (55 Years,
Dec. 27), Alvin & Ann Cain, (57 years, Dec.
30), Harry & Ruby Bryant (68 years, Jan.
14). William Anthony was awarded the
Most Valuable Runner Award, All Conference
at the Gaston Christian High School Athletic
Banquet. Josie Barger received Honorable
Mention in the Keep Gastonia Beautiful 2011
Recycled Art Contest. Paige Huffstetler was
named to the Dean’s List and the Chancellor’s
List at Appalachian State University.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Ethel Wagner turned 98
on Jan. 18, Martha Dickson, 99 on Jan. 19,
and Harriet Armstrong, 98 on Jan. 26.
LINDEN (NC): The congregation bestowed the
honor of Elder Emeritus upon Loyde Black.
MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Bill Fisher was Grand
Marshal of the 2011 Spencer-Salisbury Holiday
Caravan Parade.
MOORESVILLE (NC): Tanner Smith ran two
5Ks in November, finishing first in the 14 and under
boys age group and sixth in the second race.
NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Tammie Lollis-Mitchell
was recently awarded the York District Cub
Scout of the Year.
OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Nellie Harris celebrated
her 97th birthday on Jan. 4.
PISGAH (NC): Miriam Lewis was the Carousel
Princess from Hunter Huss High School.
PROVIDENCE (NC): Shannon Anderson
competed in the NC Chapter of the National Association
of Teachers of Singing Musical Theater
competition, placing third in her division.
RICHLAND (TN): Frank & Shirley Lowe
were married 56 years Dec. 27.
SEBRING (FL): Paul & Gerry Klossner celebrated
50 years of marriage Oct. 17 and Robert
& Barbara Vickers 57 years on Dec. 22.
Those celebrating birthdays in the fall include:
Fern Erues (91st on Oct. 5), Libbie Schrader
(84th on Oct. 6), Sophy Mae Mitchell (80th on
Oct. 10), Al Potgeter (83rd on Oct. 14), Nancy
Davis (80th on Oct. 19), Peg Beacham (85th
on Nov. 11).
SONLIFE (FL): Joe McKenzie received
New Teacher of the Year at Terry Parker High
School.
WILDHURST (VA): Gerald Shiflett
turned 90 years old on Dec. 26.
Marriages
AVON PARK (FL): Ginger Schmidt & Stan
McCracken, Nov. 5.
BURLINGTON (NC): Kevin Limon & Amy
Childers, Oct. 15.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Christina Bryant
& Joshua King, Dec. 17. Cason Brewer &
Nick King, Dec. 30.
EFFINGHAM (SC): Sydney Hamilton &
Lt. John Patrick O’Donnell, Dec. 10.
GREENVILLE (SC): Leah Salvani & Frank
Eppes, Nov. 11.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Tom Scott & Vonnie
Meier, Dec. 14.
NEW ALBANY (MS): Morgan McMillin &
Bradley Littlejohn, Dec. 17.
OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Amy Bradley &
Bradley Shelly, Jan. 7.
SONLIFE (FL): Joe & Erica Nagy, Oct. 29,
2010. Larry & Rose Wakefield, July 16.
Births
BARTOW (FL): Kelly & Jason Lyle, a son
Nolan, Oct. 26. Sue Ellen & Alex Kremper,
a son William Alexander, Oct. 28. Martha &
Austin Milligan, a son Jackson Howard, Nov.
1. Andrea & Brad Smith, a daughter Allie
Grace, Nov. 23.
BETHEL (SC): Anne & Chris Bass, a daughter
Ada Kimbrell, Dec. 16.
BURLINGTON (NC): Elizabeth & Clay
Knight, a son Elam Culbreth, Nov. 15.
CLOVER (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Eric Wilson, a
daughter Elaina Lee, Oct. 14. Mr. & Mrs.
Johnny Neelands, a daughter Piper Mills,
Nov. 18.
CODDLE CREEK (NC): Ron & Stephanie
Eastes, a son Thomas Jonathan, Nov. 12.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Kourtney & Keith
Shaw, a daughter Karina Annette, Nov. 20.
Katie & Joseph Richardson, a son Robert
Michael, Nov. 25. Rhoda Jane & Matt Bowers,
a son Matthew Lee, Jr., Dec. 7. Marni &
Holt Chetwood, a son Robert Locke, Dec. 15.
Ginnie & Patrick Pollock, a daughter Madison
Leigh, Jan. 2. Jessica & Chris Blackwell,
a daughter Evangeline Gloria, Jan. 6.
COMMUNION (CA): Lindsay & Jamiella
Brooks, a daughter Amaris Renee, Dec. 24.
DUE WEST (SC): Bryan & Heather Rush, a
son Nathan Samuel. Evan & Heather Mann, a
son Walker Thomas, Dec. 20.
FROSTPROOF (FL): Sam & Elya Mills, a
son Ezekiel Leslie, Nov. 1.
GASTONIA FIRST (NC): Micah & Carolyn
Bomgaars, a son Luke Diederik, Nov. 20.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Kyle & Allie Conklin, a
son Brian Keegan, Dec. 2.
NEW ALBANY (MS): Sam & Brooklyn Roberts,
a son Samuel Ford, Nov. 9. Britt & Kari
Jackson, a son Nicholas Lamar, Nov. 18.
Charlie & Brittany Malone, a son Kollt Daniel,
Dec. 15.
ORA (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Chad Hester, a son
Dalton Martin, Dec. 14.
PISGAH (NC): Blair & Kristan Gamble, a
daughter Railynn Dawn, Nov. 9.
SONLIFE (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKenzie, a
daughter Ella Ryan, July 14.
Deaths
AVON PARK (FL): Robert L. Billings, 89, died
Nov. 9.
BALLSTON CENTER (NY): Shirley Davis,
87, long-time member, died Dec. 14.
BETHANY (SC): Aileen Welton, 88, died
Nov. 29.
BURLINGTON (NC): Glenda Harris, 63, died
Dec. 15.
CENTENNIAL (SC): Charles Guy Castles,
Jr., M.D., 89, faithful lifetime member, serving
over 50 years as deacon, elder, Sunday
school teacher, died Dec. 15. Leonard King
“L.K.” Walton, 93, deacon, died Dec. 18. Jerry
Hendrick, 69, deacon, died Dec. 30.
22 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

CLOVER (SC): Janet Mann Wingard, 87,
died Oct. 12.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Richard Hall de-
Montmollin, 88, Elder Emeritus, Vice-Moderator
of Synod in 1993, died Nov. 23. Alexander
de Witt Graham, 92, elder, died Dec. 6.
Norma Broaddus “Toni” Zoeller, 82, former
missionary to Vietnam, died Dec. 7. Richard
James Baldauf, 69, died Dec. 11. Pauline
Proctor McLean, 95, died Dec. 27. James
Keith Smith, 67, died Jan. 3. Martha “Marty”
Woodford Little, 68, died Jan. 3.
CRAIG AVE./TABERNACLE (NC): Betty
Crowell Wilson, 90, long-time member, died
Nov. 13.
DUE WEST (SC): Hans Gerhard Engler,
Ph.D., 84, Professor Emeritus & Adjunct Faculty
Member in Foreign Languages at Erskine
College, deacon, elder, died Nov. 11.
EBENEZER (SC): Robert Harry Teuton, 81,
died Jan. 3.
FAITH (Oxford, FL): Harold A. Treat, 91, died
Nov. 14.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Billie Lindsay Towry,
85, member for over 65 years, died Nov. 17.
Margaret Sullenberger Johnson, 99, died
Dec. 5.
FRENCH CAMP (MS): Brandon West, 24,
died Nov. 22. Ruby Stevens, 83, died Nov. 26.
FROSTPROOF (FL): Merle Alma Knoll, 88,
died Nov. 12.
FULLER MEMORIAL (NC): Annie Belle Perry,
84, longtime member, died Jan. 7.
GASTONIA FIRST (NC): Carrie Christian
Wilson, 95, member for 72 years, mother of
ARP minister Rev. Boyce Wilson and Mary
Lineberger (wife of Rev. Mike Lineberger),
died Dec. 18.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Milton Rhodes, Ph.D.,
89, died Dec. 14. Ted Vandenburg, Jan. 15.
LAUDERDALE (VA): Ruby Sorrells Goodbar,
94, died Nov. 20. Wanda Brown Kirby,
77, died Jan. 4.
MINT HILL (NC): Martha Armstrong Berry,
91, longtime member, died Jan. 9.
MOORESVILLE (NC): Peggy Popp, 80, died
Nov. 15.
MOUNT CARMEL/ ABBEVILLE (SC): Catherine
Harter McAlister, 82, died Nov. 2.
NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Mary McFadden
Suttle, 87, died Dec. 13.
PROVIDENCE (SC): Nita Price Hitt, 93,
member since 1941, Sunday school teacher,
Women’s Ministries member, died Aug. 24.
ROWAN (SC): Thetis Strock McCreight, 90,
Sunday school teacher, died Nov. 4. Henry
Stewart “H” Glover, 86, World War II veteran,
deacon, elder, Elder Emeritus, died Dec. 29.
SHERWOOD FOREST (SC): Gordon Graham,
77, long-time member, died Dec. 28.
SHILOH (SC): Edgar Lathan Robinson, Jr.,
92, died Dec. 2.
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Elizabeth
“Boots” Barber Cashion, 84, died Jan. 11.
TIMBER RIDGE (VA): Nancy Plogger
Graves, 73, died Oct. 15.
UNITY (Lancaster, SC): James E. Belk, 61,
died Jan. 1.
YORK (SC): John Ingram Barron, Jr., 91,
lifelong member, deacon, elder, Sunday school
teacher, father of ARP minister Rev. William L.
Barron and John Barron, died Dec. 31.
New Communicant
Members
BETHANY (SC): Terry & Karen Nance, Anna
Rhyne.
BETHEL (SC): Meg Cathcart, Mac Renwick,
Lisa Sanders.
CENTENNIAL (SC): Francie Sanders Perdue,
Judy Doudoukjian, Laura Hanford.
CLOVER (SC): Kristin Dover, Austin
Burrell, Jennifer Brown, Beth Watts, Amber
Jackson.
CODDLE CREEK (NC): Sam & Pat Gromis,
Daniel Fisher.
COMMUNION (CA): Aaron Davies, Jamiella
Brooks.
EDGEMOOR (SC): Grady Bolton, Nicholas
Bolton.
FAITH (Merritt Island, FL): Paul Kramer, Louis
& Sarah DeSalvo, Terry & Jean Greenfield.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Billy & Angela Bunn.
GOOD NEWS (MD): Emma Howard, Mark &
Lajean Burns, Chloe Burns, Noah Burns.
GRACE FELLOWSHIP (NS, Canada): Scott
Anderson, Rob & Nicole Corbett.
GREENVILLE (SC): Brad & Sara Cain, Jonathan
Greer, Dick & Janet Mitchell, Harriet
Nubson, Joe & Emily Patrick.
GUM TREE (MS): Clay Coggin, Dave & Sandra
Finkle, Bram Finkle, L.V. & Christie McNeal.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Tim & Barbara Sewall.
LAUDERDALE (VA): Brittany McDaniel,
Tamela McDaniel.
NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Charlie & Joy Feemster,
Bill Heath, Ben & Betty Jackson, Scott
& Ellen Jackson, Courtney Miller, Stan Parrish,
Russell Williams.
NEW ALBANY (MS): Steven Lofton.
NEW PERTH (NC): Stacy Masi, Jake and
Jack Masi.
REFORMATION (NC): Sarah Ellen Carson.
ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Tom Anderson,
Tiffany Dagenhart, Molly Andrews Grigsby,
Betty Miley Musselman.
ROWAN (SC): David & Sharon Armstrong.
SALEM (TN): Bob & Kay Burton.
SONLIFE (FL): Christopher Williams, Priscilla
Williams, Brytannee’ Bass, Larry Wakefield,
Erica Nagy, Joe Nagy, Kevin Carter.
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Rex Jenkins.
TIMBER RIDGE (VA): Charles L. Graves.
UNITY (Lancaster, SC): Alayna Deason,
Anna Grace Langley, Catherine Anne Langley,
Michael McCowan, Tanner Muenich.
Special Services
MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Orphan Sunday was observed
Sunday, Nov. 12. Susan Trivette prepared
a “taste” of rice which represented what
an orphan meal is like around the world.
SONLIFE (FL): The church celebrated their
two-year anniversary March 6, 2011.
Installations
BACK CREEK (NC): Deacons – Eric Baucom,
Alan Cochrane, Bob Kaestner, Bob
McInnis, Steve Ott, Mark Viehweg. Elders
– Michael Barnhardt, Chad Bryant, Cliff
Cooksey, Ross Fowler.
BETHANY (SC): Deacons – David Gordon,
Daniel Robinson, Rick Turner.
BETHEL (SC): Deacons - Bruce Baker, William
Medlin. Elders - Sabie Cathcart.
BRIGHTON (TN): Deacons – Nick Goulder,
Peter Simonton, Alton Woods. Elders
– Kenneth Boswell, Randy Goulder.
BURLINGTON (NC): Deacons – Glenn Owens,
David Robinson, Mark Vestal. Elders
– Dick Fuller, Gene Parks.
CLOVER (SC): Deacons – Angelo Amabile,
Geoff Swanson, Ron Wallace, Rob Wallace.
Elders – Bill Jackson.
CODDLE CREEK (NC): Deacons – Doyle
Keever, Jason Brawley, Sam Carpenter,
Dan Nietupski. Elder – Bob White.
COVENANT (Statesville, NC): Deacon – Ron
Gadish. Elders – Jim Beam, Mike Raymer,
Rick Shroyer.
CROWDERS CREEK (NC): Deacons – Gavin
Bell, Matt Grigg, Wayne McAllister, Martin
Moses. Elders – Tommy Davidson, Mike
Moses, Rick Oates.
DUE WEST (SC): Deacons - Toney Storey,
Mark Wilson. Elder - Tracy Carter.
EBENEZER (SC): Deacons - Kevin Brown,
Paul Guzewicz, David McKeown, Doug Stover.
Elders – Dale Dawson, Mike Donovan,
Ronnie Jackson, Mike McFall, Frank Rivers.
GASTONIA FIRST (NC): Deacons – Kevin
Cherry, David Hooks, Jim Kelly, Carl Long,
Bob Rouse, Tom Wallace, Marshall Welch,
John Williams. Elders – Bob Beckett, Ellis
Fisher, Ken Henry, Wade Huss, Bob Sytz.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 23

GREENVILLE (SC): Deacons – Jay Crout,
Steven Lewandowski, Bill Milling, Brown
Parkinson, Jenks Patrick, Daniel Williams,
Lucas Young. Elders – Mickey Baker, David
Junker, Wes Page, Phillip Reavis.
GREENWOOD (SC): Deacons – G. C. Bowyer,
Jimmy Cox, Houston Davis, Rosemary
Sulc. Elders – Marshall Long, Keith Talbert,
Billy Patrick.
OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Deacons – Bill
Gibson, Todd Smith, Eric Sorrells.
ORA (SC): Deacons – Fleming Blakely, Bill
Tribble. Elders – Harold McClintock.
PISGAH (NC): Deacons – Robbie Foy, Henry
Oates, Treasure Teague, Doc Thompson,
Maxy Wolfe.
PROVIDENCE (NC): Deacons – J.D. Elmore,
Rick Hoover. Elders – Wes Marquand.
RICHLAND (TN): Deacons – Finley Glenn,
John Rountree, Justin Rublaitus, Billy
Wayne Stroud, Mike Thomason. Elders – B.
H. Billingsley, Dale McDaniel, Robert Mitchell,
Scott Pitman, Keith Wilder.
ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Deacons - Rachel
Crawford, David Kulbok, David Ledbetter,
Tom Simpson, Ginger Smith, Frank Wilkerson,
Chet Wingate, Polly Wingate.
ROWAN (SC): Deacon – John Reed. Elder
– Ken Itterly.
SALEM (TN): Deacons – Ernie Draffin, Joseph
McDaniel, Thomas Simpson. Elders
– Buddy Bibb, Kerry Regen.
SCOT’S KIRK (SC): Elder – Dale Johannesmeyer.
SHILOH (SC): Deacon - Dan McGinn, Phillip
Robinson. Elders - Ronny Ghent, Lang Ligon.
STATESVILLE FIRST(NC): Deacons – Jimmy
Kyles, Wanda Isenhour, Doris VanHoy,
Steve Davidson. Elders – Jim Ashburn,
John Lewis, Gene Isenhour.
YORK (SC): Deacons – Richard Cizek, Carroll
Moore, Andrew Rollins, Rodney Smith.
Graduations
BETHEL (SC): Peter M. Frish (Newberry College).
CAMDEN (AL): Floyd Wesley “Buddy” Buchanan
(University of AL).
EDGEMOOR (SC): Darius Murphy (Clemson
University).
FROSTPROOF (FL): Sarah Futral (Master’s
Degree, University of FL).
GASTONIA FIRST (NC): Josh Payne (Clemson
University).
LAUDERDALE (VA): Daniel Mutispaugh (TN
State University).
PROVIDENCE (NC): Ruth Rowell (Winthrop
University).
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Chris Wise (Air
Force Basic Training).
YORK (SC): Spencer Miller (University of SC).
Catechism Recitals
BARTOW (FL): Katherine Patrick and Rachel
Patrick recently recited The Shorter Catechism.
Jonah Patrick recited First Catechism.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Diana Andes,
daughter of missionaries Victoria & Scott Andes,
recited The Children’s Catechism.
Women’s Ministries
ARSENAL HILL (SC): Officers for 2012 are:
President Linda Brand, Vice-President Carol
Evans, Secretary Becky Riley, Treasurer
Patsy Jacobs. The 2011 Life Membership
was awarded to Patsy Jacobs.
BETHEL (SC): Officers for 2012 are: Beth
Hughes, President; Willene Peterson, First
Vice-President; Beth Harwell, Second Vice-
President; Martha Renwick, Secretary; Anne
Bass, Treasurer.
CENTENNIAL (SC): Margaret (Peggy) Mills
Howard was honored as a Partner in Ministry
in November.
COLUMBIA FIRST(SC): Mardi Smith and
Carolyn Whiting are this year’s W.O.C. Golden
Angel recipients.
DUE WEST (SC): Love Gifts were recently
presented in honor of Elise Bridges, Galita
Coad, Beck Holbert Eleazer, Sarah Kennerly,
and Annelle White. Life Memberships
were bestowed upon Sarah May McFerrin,
Linda Gettys, Jo Ann Griffith, and Sarah
Jane King. Alpha Smith, Libby Draffin,
and Dot Carter were honored as Partners in
Ministry. Memorials were given in memory
of Dr. James M. Bell, Sr., Barbara Lauderdale,
and Ann Robinson. Officers for 2012
are: President Sandra Gettys, Vice-President
Effie Jordan, Secretary Jo Anna Kennedy,
Treasurer Dot Carter.
EBENEZER (SC): A Life Membership was presented
to Frances Russell. Love Gifts were
given in honor of James Covington, Vernie
Cannon, Vonda Demarest, Mary Alice Mitchell.
Officers for 2012 are: President Melodie
Howell, Vice-President Penny Morrow, Secretary
Janice Louttit, Treasurer Jackie Reardon,
Past President Margaret Sellers.
GREENVILLE (SC): Officers for 2012 are:
Holly Ridgell, President; Ellen Scroggs,
President-elect; Dawn Stewart, Secretary;
Susan Crout, Treasurer.
SHILOH (SC): 2012 Officers are: Betsy
Rushing & Carol McConnell, Co-Presidents;
Patricia Gardner & Sarah Baer, Co-Vice-
Presidents; Suzanne Lever, Secretary; Mary
Ella Jordan, Treasurer.?
In Memory of Mary Mozelle Wetmore Gaither
February 13, 1914 – January 7, 2012
Mary Gaither, 97, passed away on January 7, 2012, in Statesville, NC. She
was born on Feb. 3, 1914, in Harmony, NC. Mary attended Mitchell College
in Statesville and furthered her education at Appalachian State Teachers College,
where she earned a teaching certificate. She taught for eight years in
Iredell County schools and then left to join her husband, Sam Carson Gaither,
in Gaither Building Company of Statesville.
Sam and Mary were married for almost 60 years and were blessed with
three children, Jerry, Sam Jr., and Jane Gaither Yelton. She had four grandchildren
and four great grandchildren.
Mary was the oldest charter member of Covenant ARP Church in
Statesville, where she taught Sunday school for many years and was a
faithful member of the choir. She served in various offices of Women’s
Ministries of Covenant and for several years as treasurer of First Presbytery
Women’s Association.
Mary was an avid gardener and bridge player and she also enjoyed
sewing and knitting. She and Sam traveled extensively through the years
and Mary recorded their travels through photography and in her journals.
Her last days were spent at Statesville Place, an assisted living home. She
was always smiling and happy to welcome her family and friends. She was
even presented a trophy at Statesville Place for the patient with the “most
positive attitude.”
Mary was a very gracious lady of great faith who loved and served her
Lord and Savior for all of her life. She was truly a Proberbs 31 woman who is
greatly missed, but will never be forgotten.
24 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

March Prayer Calendar
Synod’s Committee on Worship has authorized this calendar for use in private devotions and family altars throughout the denomination.
Scripture readings, memory verses and Westminster Shorter Catechism questions correspond with those used in the Adult Quarterly
Sunday School curriculum published by Christian Education Ministries. In support of the ARP denomination, we ask that you include
the churches and individuals listed below in your daily prayers.
MEMORY VERSE
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride
and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse
speech (Proverbs 8:13).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment requireth the
maintaining and promoting of truth between
man and man, and of our own and
our neighbour’s good name, especially in
witness-bearing.
1
Psalm
2
Colossians
3
Romans
4
Proverbs
8. Effingham Presbyterian
Church, Effingham, SC: Rev. Brian
Lewis Howard, pastor.
1:15–19. Columbia First
Presbyterian Church, Columbia,
SC: Rev. Sinclair Ferguson, pastor;
Rev. L. Craig Wilkes, associate pastor;
Rev. David Lauten, associate
pastor; Rev. Derek Thomas, associate
pastor; Rev. Neal Mathias, associate
pastor.
8:18–25. Chaplain J. Michael
Hendrick, Patrick AFB, Air
Force.
8:22–35. Retired ARP Magazine
Editor: Ben Johnston, Travelers
Rest, SC, on his birthday.
MEMORY VERSE
The Word became flesh and lived for a
while among us. We have seen his glory,
the glory of the one and only Son, who
came from the Father, full of grace and
truth (John 1:14).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth
whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious
to our own or our neighbour’s good
name.
5
Exodus
6
Psalm
WEEK ONE
WEEK TWO
12:1–8. Flock Presbyterian
Church, Whitestone, NY: Rev. Jin
Kwan Kim, pastor.
111. Christ Presbyterian
Church, Bradenton, FL: Rev. Bryan J.
Jurkowski, pastor.
7
8
9
10
11
Genesis 1:1–5. Grace Community
Church, Lucama, NC: Rev. Randy
Jenkins, mission developer.
Isaiah 40:21–26. Clemson Korean
Presbyterian Church, Clemson,
SC: Rev. Jae N. Park, mission developer.
Mark 1:1–8 Chalmers Memorial ARP
Church, Charlotte, NC: Rev. Robert
Lionel Morgan, pastor.
Luke 24:44–49. Devenger Road
Presbyterian Church, Greer, SC:
Rev. Patrick D. Malphrus, associate
pastor.
John 1:1–14. Centerpoint ARP Church,
Lewisville, NC: Dr. Robert Wilson, mission
developer.
MEMORY VERSE
This, the first of his miraculous signs,
Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He
thus revealed his glory, and his disciples
put their faith in him (John 2:11).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.79. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou
shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor
his man-servant, nor his maid-servant,
nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that
is thy neighbour’s.
12
13
14
15
16
WEEK THREE
John 17:1–5. Ebenezer Presbyterian
Church, Rock Hill, SC: Dr. R.
Boyce Wilson, pastor; Rev. Melvin
Wines, associate pastor.
John 5:39–47. Cooperative missionaries:
Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Dix,
Waxhaw, NC, Wycliffe Bible Translators.
John 7:10–18. Missionaries: Dr. & Mrs.
John L. Carson, Mobile Theological
Training Team (MT3).
John 8:48–59. Edgemoor ARP
Church, Edgemoor, SC: Dr. J. Allen
Derrick, pastor.
John 12:36b–43. Cooperative missionary:
Rev. Milad F. Doss, Sandford,
FL, Evangelism Explosion.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 25
17
18
John 17:20–24. Retired minister:
Rev. Robert E. Sherer, Troutman,
NC, on his birthday.
John 2:1–12. Hillside Presbyterian
Church, Burlington, NC: Rev. William
Prince, pastor.
MEMORY VERSE
For God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have
eternal life (John 3:16).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requireth full
contentment with our own condition, with
a right and charitable frame of spirit toward
our neighbour, and all that is his.
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
WEEK FOUR
Matthew 5:13–16. Cooperative Missionaries:
Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Humes,
Spain.
Job 24:13–17. Edgemont Presbyterian
Church, Covington, VA: Rev. Donald
Bowker, pastor.
Psalm 52. Retired minister’s widow:
Gladys Marshburn, Atlanta, GA, on
her birthday.
Numbers 21:4–9. Cedar Springs
ARP Church, Elberton, GA: Dr.
Loyd Melton, supply and Erskine
Theological Seminary Professor of
New Testament.
2 Kings 18:1–7a. Chaplain Michael
Yarman, Fort Jackson, SC, Army.
Nehemiah 9:9–15. Erskine Theological
Seminary Professor: Dr.
George M. Schwab, Associate Professor
of Old Testament.
John 3:11–21. Covington ARP
Church, Covington, TN: Rev. Richard
Kenyon, supply.
WEEK FIVE
MEMORY VERSE
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this
world. If it were, my servants would fight
to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now
my kingdom is from another place” (John
18:36).

SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth
all discontentment with our own estate,
envying or grieving at the good of our
neighbour, and all inordinate motions
and affections to any thing that is his.
26
27
28
Psalm 43. Bethel Presbyterian
Church, Los Angeles, CA: Rev. Eok
Bong Kim, pastor.
Psalm 86:8–13. Edwards Memorial
ARP Church, Cayce, SC: Rev. John
M. Rogers, pastor.
John 18:1–11. Missionaries: Rev.
& Mrs. Ashton T. ‘Tat” Stewart, Persian
Ministry.
29
30
31
John 18:12–18. Ebenezer ARP
Church, Blue Mountain, MS: Ed
Dees, clerk of session.
John 18:19–24. Cleveland Street
ARP Church, New Albany, MS: Rev.
Roger Browning, supply.
John 8:31–38. Jesus Tree Presbyterian
Church, Great Neck, NY:
Rev. Kyung Sae Lee, pastor.
* denotes mission church.
Lessons and/or Readings based on International
Sunday School Lessons. The International Bible
Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2001
by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
March Events
Florida Presbytery ARPWM Spring Retreat, FFA
Campground, Haines City, FL - dates TBD
1-2 Northeast Presbytery Stated Mtg, location TBD
2-3 Erskine Presidential Scholarship Competition Mississippi Valley ARPWM Retreat
2-4 Catawba, First and Second Presbytery, Super Senior High Retreat, Bonclarken
5 First Presbytery ARP Home Board Mtg 7 p.m.
5-6 Mississippi Valley Presbytery, French Camp, MS
6-8 World Witness Board Meeting, Bonclarken
8 Multi Cultural Ministries, 11a.m., ARP Center
10 Florida Presbytery Elder/Deacon Training, Lakes Wales ARP
10 Florida Presbytery ARPWM “You are a Woman, You are a Christian, You are Invited!”
11 Daylight Savings Time Begins - Spring Ahead
11-16 Camp Joy Florida (CEM)
13 Second Presbytery, 10 a.m., Due West ARP
13 Catawba Presbytery, 10 a.m., Centennial Church, Columbia, SC
16 ARP Magazine Board Meeting, ARP Center, 9:30 a.m.
16-18 First and Second Presbyteries Middle School Retreat, Bonclarken
16-17 Tenn/Ala Spring Stated Meeting, Pressly Memorial, Red Level, AL
17-25 Erskine College Spring Break
17 Virginia Presbytery Stated Meeting, 7 p.m., Lauderdale Church
21 William H. Dunlap Orphanage Conf Call
22 Committee on Administration 8:30 a.m. Executive Board, 10:30 a.m., Greenville ARP
22 First Presbytery’s Senior Adult Spring Fling, 9 a.m., New Sterling Church, Stony Pt, NC
23 World Witness Fellowship Dinner, Bethesda,MD
23-24 Canadian Presbytery ARPWM Retreat TENTATIVE
23-25 Catawba Presbytery Middle School Retreat, Bonclarken
26-27 New Minister/Synod Employee Orientation, ARP Center
27-28 ONA Spring Board Meeting
31 Erskine College Spring Open House
31 DEADLINE: Reports to Synod
31-4/8 Erskine Seminary Spring Break
26 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

April Prayer Calendar
Synod’s Committee on Worship has authorized this calendar for use in private devotions and family altars throughout the denomination.
Scripture readings, memory verses and Westminster Shorter Catechism questions correspond with those used in the Adult Quarterly
Sunday School curriculum published by Christian Education Ministries. In support of the ARP denomination, we ask that you include
the churches and individuals listed below in your daily prayers.
MEMORY VERSE
Jesus answered, “You would have no power
over me if it were not given to you from
above. Therefore the one who handed me
over to you is guilty of a greater sin” (John
19:11).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.82. Is any man able perfectly to keep
the commandments of God?
A. No mere man since the fall is able in this
life perfectly to keep the commandments of
God, but doth daily break them in thought,
word, and deed.
1
John
18:28–37. Elsberry ARP
Church, Elsberry, MO: Rev. Conrad
Cheatham, pastor.
WEEK TWO
MEMORY VERSE
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!
As the Father has sent me, I am sending
you” (John 20:21).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.83. Are all transgressions of the law
equally heinous?
A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason
of several aggravations, are more
heinous in the sight of God than others.
2
1
3
John
4
Leviticus
5
John
6
Psalm
7
WEEK ONE
Timothy 1:12–17. Fairlea ARP
Church, Ronceverte, WV: Rev. John
Isaac Hughes, pastor.
19:4–16. Retired minister: Dr.
Harry T. Schutte, Gastonia, NC, on
his birthday.
24:10–16. Faith Presbyterian
Church, Merritt Island, FL: Rev.
Robert E. Adams, pastor. Missionaries:
Mr. & Mrs. Alistair Mitchell, ARP-
Connect.
19:17–25. Grace Fellowship
Church, Sydney Mines, NS: Rev.
Richard Barnes, pastor.
31:1–5. Covenant Family Fellowship,
Birmingham, AL: Rev. Kerry
Ptacek, pastor. Community Chapel-
By-The-Sea, Melbourne Beach, FL:
Rev. David Walkup, pastor.
John 19:38–42. Ebenezer ARP
Church, Wrens, GA: Rev. Gary L.
Jones, pastor. Connections Presbyterian
Church, Huntsville, AL: Rev.
Bob Illman, pastor.
8
John 20:1–10, 19–20. Faith ARP
Church, Sumter, SC: Jackson R.
Odya, clerk of session.
MEMORY VERSE
His disciples remembered that it is written:
“Zeal for your house will consume
me” (John 2:17).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.84. What doth every sin deserve?
A. Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and
curse, both in this life, and that which is
to come.
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
WEEK THREE
1 Chronicles 28:1–10. Retired minister:
Rev. Williams M. Harris, Jr., Raphine,
VA, on his birthday. Faith Fellowship
ARP Church, Spring, TX: Rev.
Robert Ferguson, pastor.
Psalm 132:1–14. Retired ministers:
Rev. David R. Ellis, Farmington, ME
and Rev. John S. Banks, Suffolk,
VA, on their birthdays.
2 Chronicles 30:1–9. Faith Presbyterian
Church, Leakesville, MS: Rev. David
Storment, pastor.
Psalm 122. Due West ARP Church,
Due West, SC: Rev. Calvin Draffin,
pastor.
Luke 2:41–51. Fairmount Presbyterian
Church, Sewickley, PA: Rev.
Anthony Cowley, pastor.
Psalm 69:6–15. Retired minister: N.
Lanier Ellis, Charlotte, NC, on his birthday.
John 2:13–22. Retired minister: Dr.
Randall T. Ruble, Due West, SC, on
his birthday.
WEEK FOUR
MEMORY VERSE
God is spirit, and his worshipers must
worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.85. What doth God require of us, that
we may escape his wrath and curse due
to us for sin?
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God
due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith
in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with
diligent use of all the outward means
whereby Christ communicateth to us the
benefits of redemption.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 27
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Psalm 1. Ballantyne Presbyterian
Church, Charlotte, NC: Dr. John Currid,
pastor; Rev. Robert Arendale, associate
pastor.
Psalm 42. Future Vision Presbyterian
Church, Flushing, NY: Rev. Jin
Hwa Kim, supply.
Revelation 22:10–17. Retired minister’s
widow: Mary McClelland, Kissimmee,
FL, on her birthday.
2 Kings 17:26–34. Christ Community
Church, Greensboro, NC: Rev. Bill
Marsh, pastor; Rev. Bryan Crotts, associate
pastor.
John 4:16–22. Retired minister: Dr. Troy
L. Pritt, Warren, AR, on his birthday.
John 4:35–42. Retired minister: Rev.
Zeb C. Williams, Lexington, VA, on
his birthday.
John 4:7–15, 23–26, 28–30. Coddle
Creek ARP Church, Mooresville,
NC: Rev. James A. Hunt, pastor.
MEMORY VERSE
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have
always obeyed – not only in my presence,
but now much more in my absence – continue
to work out your salvation with fear
and trembling, for it is God who works in
you to will and to act according to his good
purpose (Philippians 2:12-13).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is saving grace,
whereby we receive and rest upon him
alone for salvation, as he is offered to us
in the gospel.
23
24
25
WEEK FIVE
Isaiah 29:17–21. Concord ARP
Church, Concord, NC: Rev. J. Mark
McClamrock, pastor.
Genesis 1:14–19. Retired minister’s
widow: Suzanne Elliott, Gastonia,
NC, on her birthday.
Exodus 13:17–22. City Church of
Greensboro, Greensboro, NC: Rev.
James White, pastor.

26
27
28
29
John 9:18–23. Retired minister and
Principal Clerk of General Synod:
Dr. C. Ronald Beard, Columbia,
SC, on his birthday.
John 9:24–34. Retired minister: Dr.
James L. MacLeod, Augusta, GA,
on his birthday.
John 9:35–41. Missionaries, Erskine
Theological Seminary Associate Professor
of New Testament and Director
of the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry
Program: Dr. & Mrs. James Hering,
Mobile Theological Training Team.
John 9:1–17. Retired minister: Rev.
John E. Hill, Charlotte, NC, on his
birthday.
WEEK SIX
MEMORY VERSE
No one can come to me unless the Father
who sent me draws him, and I will raise
him up at the last day (John 6:44).
SHORTER CATECHISM
Q.87. What is repentance unto life?
A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace,
whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of
his sin, and apprehension of the mercy
of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred
of his sin, turn from it unto God, with
full purpose of, and endeavour after, new
obedience.
30
John 6:1–15. Communion Presbyterian
Church, Irvine, CA: Rev. Kent
Moorlach, mission developer.
* denotes mission church.
Lessons and/or Readings based on International
Sunday School Lessons. The International Bible
Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2001
by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
April Events
3/3-4/8 Erskine Seminary Spring Break
1 Palm Sunday
5 Maundy Thursday
6 Good Friday
7 Catawba Children’s Retreat, Tirzah Church, York, SC, 10 a.m.
8 EASTER
10 First Presbytery Mtg, 10 a.m., Location TBD
13-14 ARPWM Exec Board Meeting, Bonclarken
18-19 Minister & His Work, Bonclarken
19-20 Board of Benefits, Bonclarken, 3 p.m.
20-21 Second Presbytery ARPWM Spring Retreat, GA Baptist Conf Center, Toccoa, GA
20-21 Virginia Presbytery ARPWM Retreat
24 Florida Presbytery Meeting, Hope Church, Lutz, FL
24 First Presbytery Elder’s Assoc, 7 p.m., Location TBD
26-27 Board of Stewardship, Bonclarken
26-27 Canadian Presbytery, Riverside ARP, Cambridge, ON
27 Erskine Open Golf Tournament
27-28 Erskine Alumni Weekend
28 Northeast Presbytery Elder/Deacon Training, Church of the Atonement, Silver Spring, MD
28 Northeast Presbytery ARPWM “You are a Woman, You are a Christian, You are Invited!”
Here’s a great idea for parents. Use the
following book to prepare your children
for the upcoming Easter season.
It’s available through your Christian
Education Ministries Resources for
$14.50.-Carole Ellis
Wait Till You See
the Butterfly
By Doreen Tamminga
Little Becky does not believe her
brother when he tells her that caterpillars
turn into butterflies, until
her mother confirms that it is true
– and then she sees a butterfly start
to break out of its cocoon. But what
does all this have to do with Easter
and the death and resurrection
of Christ? In Doreen Tamminga’s
engaging tale, the first of more than
40 short stories for boys and girls in
this book, the connection is made
clear. “Sometimes we read to our
children just for pleasure, and sometimes
we do so to instruct them,”
says Mrs. Tamminga. “These stories
were written with the intent of
pointing children to the Lord Jesus
as the only Savior from sin, and to
encourage Christian living. I hope
they will be a blessing to many
young hearts. “The stories in this
book are arranged in three groups,
for 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12-year-olds. A
topical index shows where to find
stories on particular themes.?
28 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

So that the body of Christ may be
built up...
Discover how the ARP Magazine can help you
and your church develop strength for victorious
Christian living.
In your home, or at work, we want to be the
bench press; ab roller; treadmill; weights, and
exercise bike to help you improve the quality
of your Christian walk.
But we’re not dumbbells...
While we believe you need us -- we know we
need you! Your subscription strengthens us,
and increases our ability to serve our Lord
through the ministry of the ARP Church.
Don’t sit around doing nothing! Start workingout
to encourage your families to subscribe to
their denomination’s magazine!
Subscribe by completing the form below...
Online at arpmagazine.org...
Or call 864-232-8297 ext 236.
$__________ My tax deductible donation to help with operational expenses.
MARCH/APRIL 2012 29

CLASSIFIED ADS
Bible Chronology – Bible history without chronology is myth. http://paulhansen.mysite.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Erskine Director of Alumni Affairs Buddy Ferguson announces he will provide
an Erskine representative to speak at your church. “We can come on
a Wednesday or Sunday night, or speak at any other program that fits your
schedule. We are excited to have a chance to meet with ARP churches and
share with them about Erskine.” Contact Buddy Ferguson, PO Box 608, Due
West, SC 29639. Or call his office: (864) 379-8727. Cell: (864) 378-5836.
Email: ferguson@erskine.edu. See Erskine’s website: www.erskine.edu.
Ladies’ Online Bible Study, God Remembered Abraham, http://www.
sistersite.org
FOR RENT
BONCLARKEN HOME Weekend or weekly rental at 200 Pine Drive: full
kitchen; complete with washer/dryer and dishwasher. Cozily sleeps 10.
Available year-round. Call 828-674-8277 for reservations.
FOR SALE
ROBAR CHRISTIAN BOOKSELLERS. We buy, sell and trade new and
used Christian books. Contact us at Robarbooks.com.
BONCLARKEN – Kit and Mary Grier’s home at 103 Sycamore Dr. Approximately
1800 sq. ft. w/ central heat and air. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, great
room with vaulted ceiling. Family room with hardwood floor and stone
fireplace. Two wooden decks and screened-in porch. Laundry room with
W/D hook-ups. Great mountain view! Call Effie Jordan 864-379-2888 or
Bill Grier 828-808-1492.
REAL ESTATE
BONCLARKEN - For Sale: Betty Stewart’s home on Bonclarken Lane,
Flat Rock, NC. Two apartments: 1 with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths; other
has 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths. Deck, garage, laundry room. 2 lots. Asking
$250,000. Call Roxanne Spencer, 704-860-3384.
SERVICES
SABO GRAPHICS®
Signs, Graphics and More: Info at www.sabo.ws or 864.268.4266.
10% discount for all ARPs with this ad.
Design & Function for Web & Print; IIS Hosting; Microsoft Membership Websites;
http://fastzone.com/arp (special page for ARP visitors)
SERVICES NEEDED
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY - Established congregation located in a growing
population area in Catawba Presbytery is searching for a pastor with a heart for
evangelism and church growth who is interested in a challenging bi-vocational
call. If you feel God is leading you in this direction, contact Stephanie Bishop
at Central Services, The ARP Center, by calling 864-232-8297, ext 222 or email
sbishop@arpsynod.org to obtain a Ministerial Data Form.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY - First ARP Church in Statesville, NC, is seeking a
senior minister. Resumes and inquiries may be sent to jacbeeq@hotmail.com or
call Jack Burriss, pastor search committee chairman - 704-902-2907.
Grace Presbyterian Church, daughter church of First Columbia (SC) Church, held its first worship service on Jan. 29, 2012.
“Sunday went so well,” said church planter Brandon Barrett. “it was a beautiful morning of worship.” Grace Church is
seeking to reach out to families in Northeast Columbia.
30 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

September 2-10, 2012
Scotland Presbyterian Tour
Scotland Presbyterian Tour
September 2-10, 2012
Join Charles Carlisle, former Erskine College administrator, on a tour specially designed for members of the ARP Church. Visit Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, St. Andrews,
Dunfermline, Edinburgh and the Scottish Islands of Mull and Iona. Learn more about the Associate Reformed Presbyterians as we visit the graves of Ebenezer and
September Ralph 2-10, Erskine and 2012 the monument at Gairney Bridge.
Culzean Castle The Isle of Iona St. Andrews Gairney Bridge Edinburgh Castle
Day 1: Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012: Depart
You are Our invited adventure to join begins Charles as we depart Carlisle, on a transatlantic former flight administrator to Glasgow, Scotland, of from Erskine Atlanta, GA. College, on a tour
specially designed for members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. We’ll visit
many of Scotland’s Day 2: Monday, highlights, Sept. 3, 2012: Glasgow including Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, St. Andrews, Dunfermline,
Edinburgh Tour and the Highlands the Scottish by bus, visiting Islands the David of Mull Livingstone and Center Iona. in We’ll Bantyre, learn which charts more Livingstone’s about the life and Associate explorations. After touring Glasgow Cathedral of St.
Reformed Mungo, Presbyterians check into the Premier as we Travel visit Inn for key dinner places and a two-night associated stay. with their history, such as the
graves of Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine and the monument at Gairney Bridge.
Day 3: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012: Wigtown, Glasgow
Presbyterian
Breakfast,
Tour
then to Wigtown to see Martyr’s Monument and hear about Convenanters’ life in Scotland.
Day 1: Sunday, September 2, On 2012: to Culzean Depart Castle on the South Ayrshire coast, where Kennedy family gave General Dwight D. Eisenhower a guest flat for life. Back to Glasgow for two nights.
Our adventure begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight to Glasgow, Scotland from Atlanta, GA. Meals will be
eptember 2-10, 2012
served The in flight Isle of and Iona we can relax St. and Andrews enjoy the movies. Gairney IF Bridge Edinburgh Castle
Day 4: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012: Stirling, Oban
Day 2: Monday, September 3, Morning 2012: visit Glasgow to Stirling to see Church of the Holy Rude, where John Knox preached: and James VI was baptized. Just outside church is grave of Ebenezer Erskine. Then
You Upon are our invited arrival to in join Glasgow, Charles our to Carlisle, Stirling tour director Castle former where will James meet administrator VI us was at educated the airport of by Erskine Scottish with Reformer our College, deluxe George air-conditioned Buchanan. a tour Two nights bus at Royal and Hotel we’ll in Oban.
specially begin our designed breathtaking for members tour of the of Highlands the Associate by visiting Reformed the David Presbyterian Livingstone Center Church. in Bantyre. We’ll visit Converted into a
many museum of Scotland’s in 1929, the highlights, tenement including Day block 5: Thursday, where Glasgow, Sept. David 6, 2012: once Stirling, Mull, lived, Iona, Perth, now Obancharts St. Andrews, his life and Dunfermline,
explorations. After touring the
Glasgow Cathedral of St. Mungo, A ferry we’ll ride check to the Isle into of the Mull, Premier then to St. Travel Columba’s Inn Island or similar, of Iona: site where of the we’ll first Christian enjoy a settlement welcome of Scotland. dinner.
Edinburgh and the Scottish Islands of Mull and Iona. We’ll learn more about the Associate
Back to the mainland, then to Oban for a free
We’ll stay in Glasgow for two nights.
evening
IF/D
Reformed Presbyterians as we visit on key your places own. associated with their history, such as the
graves Day 3: of Tuesday, Ebenezer September and Ralph 4, Erskine 2012: Wigtown, and the monument Glasgow at Gairney Bridge.
After breakfast, we will drive down Day 6: to Friday, Wigtown Sept. 7, to 2012: see Perth, the St. Martyr’s Andrewsmonument and hear about life in Scotland for the
rian Covenanters. Tour We’ll return to Glasgow In Perth, see by Scone way Palace, of Culzean where Scottish Castle. kings Situated were crowned. on the In St. South Andrews, Ayrshire where Scotland’s coast, this Reformation began, see St. Andrews University and St. Andrew’s
ptember magnificent 2, 2012: castle Depart is one of Castle, Scotland’s noting the markers most treasured of martyrs: A visit castles. to the monument The Kennedy of Robert the family Bruce – first gave king to General unite the Scottish Dwight people: D overnight stay.
s as Eisenhower depart on a specially our transatlantic created flight guest to flat Glasgow, on the top Scotland floor of from the Castle Atlanta, for GA. his Meals lifetime, will as be a gesture of Scottish thanks for
012 e can America's relax St. and Andrews support enjoy during the movies. World Gairney
Day IF War 7: Saturday, II. Bridge We will Sept. return Edinburgh
8, 2012: to Dunfermline, Glasgow Castle
Edinburgh
the evening. B/D
Gairney Bridge Monument (commemorating formation of the Associate Presbytery).
ptember Day 4: 3, Wednesday, 2012: Glasgow September 5, 2012: Stirling, Oban
This morning we will visit Stirling, Dunfermline beginning (abby with and the church Church founded of by the Ralph Holy Erskine).
n lasgow, Charles our Carlisle, tour director former will meet administrator us at the airport of Erskine with our College, deluxe air-conditioned a tour Rude, bus which and once we’ll functioned as a royal
cathedral. It was here in 1566 that Edinburgh John (tour Knox castle preached and Greyfriars at the Church, baptism where the of National James League VI. Just and outside Covenant is signed).
r
ng
members
tour of of
Highlands
the Associate
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in
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visit
Converted into a the grave of
e tenement Ebenezer block Erskine. where We'll David also once visit lived, Stirling now Castle charts where his life James and explorations. VI was educated After by touring the Scottish the Reformer George
ighlights, including Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, St. Andrews, Dunfermline,
of St. Buchanan. Mungo, we’ll Drive check to Oban into the for Premier 2 Day overnights, 8: Sunday, Travel Sept. where Inn 9, or 2012: we’ll similar, Edinburgh stay where the we’ll Royal enjoy Hotel a or welcome similar B/D dinner.
cottish
w for two
Islands
nights.
of
IF/D
Mull and Iona. We’ll learn more about the Associate
ans Morning worship at St. Giles Cathedral where John Knox first preached. Or go to Leith to see the ARP mission church. Then tour Royal Palace of Holyrood, where John
Day as we 5: Thursday, visit key places September associated
Knox 6, 2012: with
discussed Mull, their
Christianity Iona, history, Oban such as the
nd with Mary Queen of Scots. Tour ends with a traditional Scottish dinner.
ptember Ralph Our tour 4, Erskine 2012: of two Wigtown, islands the begins monument Glasgow
we at board Gairney a ferry Bridge. to the Isle of Mull, then take another short foot passenger ferry from
ill drive Fionnport down to St Wigtown Columba’s to see Island the Martyr’s of Iona. monument The site of and the first hear Christian about life settlement in Scotland of for Scotland, the Iona has been known as a
eturn place to Glasgow of spiritual by way power of for Culzean centuries. Day Castle. 9: Monday, It was Situated Sept. founded 10, on 2012: in the Return 563 South by St. Ayrshire Columba coast, (521-97) this and was a leading center for
rt is one Christian of Scotland’s scholarship most throughout treasured To Europe. Glasgow castles. airport We’ll for then The return take Kennedy flight the home. ferry family back gave to the General mainland Dwight and on D to Oban. The evening is
ansatlantic lly created free to flight enjoy guest to fish flat Glasgow, on and the chips top Scotland or floor other of from the local Castle Atlanta, delicacies. for GA. his Meals We lifetime, might will as be also a gesture like to try of Scottish our hand thanks at Scottish for dancing at the
uring e movies. Skipinnish World
Gairney IF War Ceilidh II.
Bridge
We House. will return B Edinburgh
to Tour Glasgow Price: Castle $2,999 in the evening. B/D
Based on minimum of 20 participants, double occupancy.
, ow September 5, 2012: Stirling, Oban
r l visit will meet Stirling, us at beginning the airport with with the our Church deluxe of air-conditioned the Holy Rude, bus which and once we’ll functioned as a royal
by mer e in visiting 1566 administrator that the David John Knox Livingstone of Erskine preached Center College, Tour at the includes: in baptism Bantyre. on a tour of Converted James VI. into Just a outside is the grave of
David ciate e'll also once Reformed visit lived, Stirling now Presbyterian Castle charts where his life Church. James Return and explorations. air VI We’ll from was Atlanta visit educated (including After by touring current the Scottish air the taxes of $617), Reformer land transportation George via private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach, meals as indicated in itinerary, admission
where to Dunfermline,
all the activities we’ll Royal listed, enjoy Hotel professional a or welcome similar tour B/D dinner. director and local guides, baggage handling (1 bag), all taxes and tips (other than for tour director/driver).
Oban sgow, into the for Stirling, Premier 2 overnights, Perth, Travel where St. Inn Andrews, or we’ll similar, stay
and Iona. We’ll learn more about the Associate
laces eptember associated 6, 2012: with Mull, their Iona, history, Oban Not included: such as the
ds the wn, begins monument Glasgow
we board at Gairney a ferry Bridge. to the Single Isle supplement of Mull, then ($650), take meals another than short indicated, foot beverages passenger except ferry at breakfast, from end of tour tips to tour director/driver, travel insurance, personal items such as
n mba’s to see Island the Martyr’s of Iona. monument The site of and the first hear Christian about life settlement in Scotland of for Scotland, the Iona has been known as a
passport fees.
of er Culzean for centuries. Castle. It was Situated founded on in the 563 South by St. Ayrshire Columba coast, (521-97) this and was a leading center for
p most throughout treasured Europe. castles. We’ll The then Kennedy take the ferry family back gave to the General mainland Dwight and on D to Oban. The evening is
d the chips top or floor other of the local Castle delicacies. for his We lifetime, Contacts might as for also a more gesture like information: to try of Scottish our hand thanks at Scottish for dancing at the
ow, Scotland from Atlanta, GA. Meals will be
ouse. ill return B to Glasgow in the evening. Charles B/D Carlisle at (864) 379-2266 or carlisle@erskine.edu
Edinburgh Castle
Reformation Tours at (800) 303-5534 or info@reformationtours.com
irling, Oban
ith the Church of the Holy Rude, which once functioned as a royal
rt with our deluxe air-conditioned bus and we’ll
ngstone rskine preached College, Center
at the
in
baptism
Bantyre. on a tour of
Converted
James VI.
into
Just
a
outside is the grave of
arts yterian tle where
his life Church. James
and explorations.
VI We’ll was visit educated
After
by
touring
the Scottish
the
Reformer George
here we’ll stay the Royal Hotel or similar B/D
St. Inn Andrews, or similar, where Dunfermline, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
more about
, Iona, Oban MARCH/APRIL the Associate 2012 31
their ferry to history, the Isle such of Mull, as then the take another short foot passenger ferry from
ney site Bridge.
nument
of the
and
first
hear
Christian
about life
settlement
in Scotland
of Scotland,
for the
Iona has been known as a
ounded in 563 by St. Columba (521-97) and was a leading center for

The Heavens Declare
the Glory of God!
Adult Choir Clinician
Kenney Potter
Youth Choir Clinician
J. Marty Cope
Middle School Choir Clinician
Victor Johnson
Junior Choir Clinician
Heather Potter
Primary/Cherub Choir Clinician
Amanda Smith
Bonclarken Music Conference
July 8-13, 2012 | Bonclarken Conference Center, Flat Rock, NC
PLANNED AND SPONSORED BY THE SYNOD COMMITTEE ON WORSHIP
Psalm 108:5
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
For registration forms and more information, please visit bonclarken.org/events.html.