ARP Magazine - Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

NOVEMBER 2011 

We are also Pilgrims 

in this land... 

Plus: 

A Letter to Our Readers pg 3 

The First Pilgrims pg 5 

WM Prayer Emphasis Program pg 9

Contents November 2011 

FEATURES 

3 A Letter to Our Readers 

ARP Magazine Board Chairman Oran Smith updates readers on 

ARP Magazine operations and challenges you to participate in a 

promotion to support the denomination’s publication. —Oran Smith 

5 The First Pilgrims 

This Thanksgiving, we remember their hardships. —Rev. Ray Cameron 

6 Moderator’s Focus 

Do you want your church to grow? 

MINISTRIES 

—Rev. Andrew Putnam 

7 Synod Emphasis: The Offer of the Free Gospel 

Prayers were prayed, the Bible was taught and preached, and people 

loved each other...but our church was dying. —Rev. Scott Robar 

8 A Pastor’s Perspective 

Practical steps toward obedient churchmanship. —Rev. Dean Turbeville 

9 2012 Prayer Emphasis Program 

Prayer is a developed lifestyle, a cultivated habit binding us to God. 

—WM Spiritual Life Chairman Kathy Folks 

COVER 

PHOTO 

Blessed are those whose strength is in 

you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage 

(Psalm 84:5). 

ISSN 0362—0816 

THE ASSOCIATE 

REFORMED 

PRESBYTERIAN 

VOL. XXXVI NO. 9 

Delores P. McDonald, Editor 

Susan L. Tanner, Assistant Editor 

Advertising rates on request; ask 

for current rate card. Advertising 

competitive with any agency or institution 

of the Associate Reformed 

Presbyterian Church is not accepted. 

Publication of advertisements 

does not necessarily constitute an 

endorsement by this magazine. 

BOARD OF THE ASSSOCIATE 

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN 

Dr. Oran Smith (2013), Chairman; Walter F. Payne 

Jr. (2012), Vice Chairman; Rev. Charles Hammond 

(2014); Leslie Milling (2013); Joel Reed (2015); Rev. 

Sam Roper (2017); Charles Walden (2015); Gail 

Fowler (2017); John Wingate (2017); Martha Waldrop 

(ARP Women’s Ministries representative). 

21 Bonclarken 

22 Christian Ed Ministries 

23 Erskine 

EVERY MONTH… 

24 Outreach North America 

25 World Witness 

26 ARP Women’s Ministries 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian (Publication No. 

USPS 414770) is published monthly by the Board of 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland 

St., Ste. 110, Greenville, SC 29601-3696. Telephone 

(864) 232-8297, Ext. 236. Subscription rates: $20 one 

year, $38 two years, $54 three years. For churches in 

the Church Club Plan: $16.50 a year (90% participation) 

or $17.50 a year (75% participation). Periodicals 

Postage paid at Greenville, SC 29601, and additional 

mailing offices. 

POSTMASTER: Send address correction notices to 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland 

St., Ste. 110, Greenville, SC 29601-3696. 

16 News in Brief 

19 Prayer Calendar 

28 All in Our Family 

30 Classified Ads 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible 

Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society. 

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway 

Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

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2 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

A Letter to Our Readers 

Dear Subscriber, 

Because of our strong renewal rates, chances are, you have been with ARP Magazine for some time. During that time, 

you have seen lots of changes. As for me, it’s amazing to see the improvement in our denominational magazine since I 

first subscribed in 1994. I hope you agree the contrast is like night and day – better design, better organization, more 

family life, more reformed theology, and more news than ever from our Church make The ARP a must for everyone. 

But as you may have also noticed, printed publications have really taken a hit lately. This is especially true for newspapers, 

but magazines like The ARP haven’t escaped unharmed. Folks don’t read as much as they used to. And, some readers 

have switched to electronic versions of their favorite publications, or enjoy online content that is not subscription based 

(paid), but ad based (free). 

At the same time, magazines with over 1,000,000 subscribers do quite well because of the scores of ads they contain. 

Unfortunately, another favorite magazine I subscribe to has become mostly advertising. 

But here at ARP magazine, we don’t publish for advertisers, we publish for you. That’s why I’m taking this unique opportunity 

to appeal to you to help us expand our tent. 

One of the biggest challenges for any ministry (or business) is finding new customers. The ARP is no exception. Producing 

a great, inspirational product is only half the job. To be effective, the content must be read. And except for printing, 

the cost is the same, whether we have 3,000 subscribers or 10,000. 

To help us expand, I have included a handy “Renew Me and Give Three” form on the back of this page. 

The deal is simple. If you will renew (or extend) your subscription at the regular rate of $20, we will send the magazine 

as a gift from you to three friends for the special rate of $16.50 each. You receive a Christmas present for those who are 

so difficult to buy for, and we are introduced to new friends! A good bargain for everyone. We will even send a “Do Not 

Open ‘til December 25” card to your friends announcing your gifts. 

Of course, you don’t have to give three – you can give two or one...or one each to every member of your Sunday school 

class or circle. (If the number reaches 8 or 10, we will make you an even better deal.) 

Will you help us reach out...and honor a friend or three...and share the ministry of the ARP Church? 

Your magazine is working harder than ever to inform and inspire you, but we are only partially funded by Synod, 

therefore we have taken this unique opportunity in this November issue to ask for you help. We hope you will answer the 

call and take this opportunity to share the gift of The ARP with you family and friends. 

Thank you for your help. 

Grace and peace, 

Oran P. Smith 

Chairman 

Board of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian 

P.S. You will notice fewer magazines in your mailbox in 2012. This is a cost 

saving measure we regret. But, based on our staff’s research, our annual subscription 

rate for the minimal advertising we carry is still a real bargain, and our new 

schedule is more common to magazines. To close the gap, please be sure to provide 

us with your email address so we can send you news in between issues of the 

printed edition. There is no charge for ARP News Update to subscribers. 

One more thing: you may have never heard this before, but please know that we 

sincerely thank you for your subscription. 

NOVEMBER 2011 3

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ARP Magazine • 1 Cleveland Street • Greenville, SC 29601-3696 


The First Pilgrims 

By Rev. Ray Cameron 

I 

imagine many know the names 

William Bradford and Squanto. 

But you may not know their personal 

stories, which are both sobering 

and encouraging. 

William Bradford was the first governor 

of Plymouth Plantation, and 

was deeply committed to Christ. He 

boarded the Mayflower in 1620 with 

his wife, Dorothy, and sailed to America 

to seek refuge with other likeminded 

believers – to worship freely. 

Yet Bradford knew what it was to be 

a pilgrim without a home at an early 

age. His father died when he was oneyear-old. 

His grandfather died when 

he was six. And his mother died when 

he was seven. Under religious persecution 

at age 18, he fled his homeland 

of England to live in Holland. A few 

years later, he married Dorothy, and 

they had a son. 

When it was time to sail to America, 

many agonized over the perilous 

journey before them – and their family’s 

fate. The Bradfords chose to to 

leave their only child, 4-year-old John, 

behind – for fear of losing him. After 

finally arriving in America, the Mayflower 

anchored off Cape Cod. While 

Bradford and many of the Pilgrim 

men were were off exploring places 

to settle, Mrs. Bradford fell overboard 

and drowned. 

Mr. Bradford remarried two years 

later, and had three children. Meanwhile, 

his son, John, made a safe journey 

to Plymouth to join his father. 

Of course, years before Bradford 

and the Pilgrims settled in America, 

tribes of Native Americans were living 

on this land. But in 1608, English 

traders kidnapped many of them, 

including a 12-year-old boy named 

Squanto, sailed to Spain, and sold 

them into slavery. A monk took pity 

on Squanto and brought him into his 

home, where he was taught the Bible 

and English. When the monk learned 

English ships were sailing to America, 

he sent Squanto to live with a family 

in England, so he would one day be 

able to sail home. 

Ten years after he was kidnapped, 

Squanto finally arrived home. But he 

soon found an epidemic carried by 

white men had wiped out his entire 

village. Squanto lived nearby with a 

neighboring tribe, until he discovered 

a group of English families had settled 

in the village that was once his home. 

But it had been a difficult first winter 

and spring for the Pilgrims there, and 

many had died. 

One can only imagine William 

Bradford’s amazement and gratitude 

when he heard the kind Indian stranger 

say, “Good morning, my name is 

Squanto.” Squanto soon taught the 

starving Pilgrims how to fish and 

plant corn. In his journal, Bradford 

would later call Squanto “a special 

instrument sent of God for their good 

beyond their expectation.” 

Children’s author Eric Metaxas 

draws a biblical analogy from 

Squanto’s life and imagines Bradford’s 

conversation with Squanto: 

“It is like the story of Joseph, from 

our sacred Scriptures... Like you, Joseph 

was also taken from his home 

and sold as a slave. But God had a 

plan for him. Through Joseph, God 

was able to save many people from 

starving. What man intended for 

evil, God intended for good.” 

Then Bradford smiled at Squanto 

and said, “Perhaps God has sent you 

to be our Joseph.” 

And you know the rest of the 

story: Months later, Bradford, Squanto, 

the Pilgrims, and many Indians 

would celebrate the first Thanksgiving 

together. 

This Thanksgiving, as we remember 

their hardships, and perhaps bear 

our own, might we also draw strength 

from their hopeful perseverance, gratitude 

to God, and joyful celebration. 

For the psalmist reminds us that we 

are also pilgrims in this land, and 

how blessed are those whose strength is 

in you (God), whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 

As they pass through the Valley 

of Baka (literally, ‘weeping’), they make it 

a place of springs; the autumn rains also 

cover it with pools. They go from strength 

to strength, till each appears before God 

in Zion (Psalm 84: 5-7).? 

Ray Cameron is pastor of Lake 

Placid (FL) ARP Church. 

NOVEMBER 2011 5

Moderator of Synod 

REV. ANDREW K. PUTNAM 

Moderator 

Do You Want Your 

Church to Grow? 

In considering the challenges before 

the ARP Church, the need for new 

mission work and ministry, I have 

one important question I want you to seriously 

consider: Do you want your church 

to grow? 

Don’t be too quick to answer. Most 

folks would say “yes,” but in truth they 

don’t want the church to grow – they just 

don’t want it to die. There is a huge difference 

between wanting the church to grow 

and just not wanting it to die. 

If you want the church to grow, you 

are willing to see the kind of revival and 

growth that we find in the book of Acts, 

where thousands were added daily. You 

want new folks, that are different than 

you, to become involved and active in the 

congregation. You are willing to let the 

Holy Spirit take over and do some amazing 

and radical things in the church. 

Growth: Outside Comfort Zone 

If you want the church to truly grow, 

you are going to be concerned with reaching 

the lost, the unchurched, those that are 

completely different than you. It will involve 

stepping outside your comfort zone, 

changing the way you “do” church in many 

cases and intentionally being welcoming 

and friendly to folks you don’t know. 

It may require you to give up a long 

held position in the church, so that new 

people can get involved (maybe an official 

position or just something you’ve always 

done). If you want the church to grow, then 

the ministry of the church is not about you, 

but about others. This does not require giving 

up on our theology or watering down 

the Scriptures – far from it. We should 

preach and live the Word with boldness. 

But there is a world of difference between 

a book of the Bible like 2nd Timothy, 

and the unwritten “book of 2nd opinions.” 

The old adage is that there are seven 

words you should never say in church: 

“We’ve never done it that way before.” 

If you want the church to grow, then you 

need to turn that phrase into a challenge 

to do things new, rather than use it as an 

excuse to keep doing the same old thing. 

Dying: No Change Necessary 

If all you are really concerned about 

is whether or not the church is going to 

die, all you need to do is figure out how 

many folks your church is going to lose in 

the coming year, and aim to replace them. 

Preferably with folks just like them (who 

perhaps tithe more money). If your concern 

is that the church doesn’t die, then 

the programs and activities at the church 

should be designed around your comfort, 

your concerns, and your needs only. 

Outreach, if any, needs to make you 

feel comfortable and good, without causing 

you to have to work too hard. The 

preaching, while perhaps biblically solid, 

shouldn’t cause you any real concern, nor 

should it “step on your toes.” Instead, it 

should educate and edify, while justifying 

your preconceived notions. 

Churches that don’t really want to grow, 

should be more concerned with the comfort 

and compatibility of the church members. 

They need to make sure that everyone is 

getting along and in agreement. There is a 

desire to make sure that any new members 

(or visitors) fit a certain mold, appear a certain 

way, make a certain amount of money, 

or hold to a certain theology (before 

they become members or involved in the 

church). Many times, this pursuit of purity 

can occupy the longing for outreach. If you 

don’t want the church to die, it will usually 

survive for a while, at least for one more 

generation. While folks in these churches 

may say they want to grow or revive, they 

may be the first to complain about funds 

going to establish new mission works. 

The concepts of revitalization are hard for 

them to accept. They don’t want to make 

the necessary changes. 

Unfortunately, when you look at the 

statistics and history of the ARP Church, 

it’s easy to see we have a large number of 

churches (new and old) that really don’t 

want to grow – they just don’t want to die. 

If today’s ARP Church is going to be 

obedient to God’s Word, and if it’s going 

to survive, we must change our hearts 

about growing the church. We must become 

open to the work that the Holy Spirit 

can do in our congregations, regardless of 

the church’s age or location and we must 

pray that the Lord will continue to use the 

Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 

for his glory and honor.? 


Our church was dying... 

Synod Emphasis 

By Rev. Scott Robar 

Only 20 people attended Sunday 

morning worship, when 

I first came to New Covenant 

ARP Church in Charlotte, NC, in late 

2010. We seem to be recovering now; 

but we still have a long way to go. 

Of those 20 people, three have died, 

six have moved away, and one is too 

weak to attend. That leaves 10 from 

the original group – all white, all except 

two are retired, and no children. 

New Covenant sits within a neighborhood, 

which, according to statistical 

information, is 50% black, 35% 

white, and 15% “other.” Clearly the 

demographics have changed since 

the church’s formation in 1967. Some 

might think the change in the neighborhood 

was brought about by the 

decline of the church. Yet, as far as 

I can tell, the real problem was that 

two dying churches merged in 1967 

and continued dying, because meaningful 

evangelism and outreach had 

never been, nor did it become, part of 

the church’s ministry. 

Please understand that prayers 

were prayed, the Bible was taught 

and preached, and people loved 

each other. It’s just that all of that 

was mainly confined within the 

church building on Sunday mornings. 

Please also understand that as I 

describe what we have done, it is very 

clear to us that the Lord is at work in 

our midst – apart from Him we can 

do nothing. 

You will be relieved to know that 

there is nothing here that is hard to 

grasp – no expensive seminar, no 

lengthy study, and no need for a 

praise band. Our small church only 

has one musician. Our worship 

services are unashamedly Reformed 

and traditional. 

We’ve more than doubled in size 

in 20 months, although we’ve lost 10 

of the original group. Now we average 

between 35 and 40 in attendance. 

Thirteen people are newcomers from 

the neighborhood, six more are from 

beyond the neighborhood, and 12 

more are there because the man of 

the house is on staff (which includes 

my family). That’s 41 people. Fifteen 

of those are children. There had not 

been children in the church for many 

years. Of the 41 people, 15 are black, 

one is Asian, two are Hispanic, and 

23 are white. We’re looking like the 

neighborhood and we are looking 

like heaven (Revelation 5:9). 

Cause for Growth 

Our turn-around has been aided 

greatly by two things – hiring interns 

from a nearby seminary and providing 

lunches after worship. We pay 

$3,000 per year for two interns (Reformed 

Theological Seminary doubles 

that money for their tuition), and 

we let another intern use the manse 

rent-free. Two more seminary-trained 

men have also joined us. 

Sunday is our big day for “work” 

as it is described in Isaiah 58:6-14. 

We not only attempt to do the things 

listed there; we also hope to receive 

those blessings, in the form of personal, 

church, and community revival. 

The interns teach Sunday school in 

rotation. They preach once every two 

months. My call is part-time, so this 

works out well. 

Our lunch provides a perfect opportunity 

to get to know people’s 

needs – there are plenty! We’re just 

loving people – it’s that simple. All 

newcomers attend the lunches. After 

lunch, the interns and I have a 

meeting. We talk about all sorts of 

things and pray. Then we listen to 

and critique the sermon for the coming 

Sunday. Then, some of us go into 

the neighborhood knocking on doors, 

and others go to a local nursing home 

to provide a worship service at 3:30 

p.m. Other members join us there. 

When a church is dying, some hard 

decisions need to be made. We had 

to sell our Bonclarken house. We no 

longer have a music director or secretary. 

However, the New Covenant 

congregation has given me what I 

asked for – several interns – energetic 

young men with servants’ hearts who 

are also evangelists. 

Most of you reading this are terrified 

by the idea of witnessing to 

strangers; yet that is no big deal to 

most seminarians. If your church is 

within an hour of a good seminary, 

you really should avail yourselves of 

the blessings these interns can bring 

to your church. You’ll also be a blessing 

to these future pastors, their families, 

and the congregations they will 

later serve.? 

We are looking like the neighborhood 

and we are looking like Heaven. 

NOVEMBER 2011 7

A Pastor’s Perspective... 

Churchmanship is 

not penmanship 

By Pastor Dean Turbeville, All Saints’ 

ARP Church, Charlotte, NC 

Many in our churches think 

of churchmanship as a 

modest and antiquated 

virtue, rather like good penmanship 

or knowing how to tie a bow tie: 

nice enough, but not really important 

in life. Others have drunk the 

post-modern Kool-Aid and believe 

that any concern for the organizational 

and procedural life of the 

institutional church is not sufficiently 

“spiritual” and/or “relational.” 

But if our understanding of churchmanship 

is taken from the New 

Testament, we get a very different 

picture. Paul labored heroically to 

both establish congregations and 

to see that they were organizationally 

healthy. The appointment of 

qualified leaders, the maintenance of 

sound doctrine, and the discipline of 

unrepentant sinners in the churches 

fill the pages of his epistles. 

The unity and doctrinal cohesion 

of the early church was secured in a 

general assembly of the church’s leadership 

in Jerusalem. All of this was 

more than just ensuring that things 

were done “decently and in order,” 

though that was no small concern (1 

Corinthians 14:40). 

Churchmanship is also a crucible 

of the soul and battlefield for the kingdom. 

Paul’s language to the Galatians 

is almost war-like. And nobody’s 

light burned brighter for the maintenance 

of the visible church in faithfulness 

like Jesus Christ, of whom it was 

said, “zeal for the Lord’s House consumes 

him (John 2:17).” His clearing 

the temple of moneychangers 

and his establishing the Church as a 

confessional institution at the time of 

Peter’s declaration of Jesus’ messiahship 

are examples of churchmanship 

par excellence. His affirmations and 

rebukes to the seven churches in the 

Revelation are the epitome of lovedriven 

churchmanship. And he gives 

we who serve him the ministry of the 

keys of the kingdom, that we might 

continue in his train (Matthew 16:19). 

Decades of Neglect 

The evangelical Protestant 

church’s current low ecclesiology 

and contempt for churchmanship are 

not only evidence of our superficial 

reading of Scripture, but they also 

constitute an abandonment of our 

reformational heritage. Moreover, 

the near-apocalyptic decline in the 

corporate life of American denominations 

of the Church can substantially 

be traced to decades of negligent and 

gutless churchmanship. When I was 

a minister in the PCUSA, I saw constant 

evangelical isolationism: “I’ll 

just pastor my own church and leave 

church politics to those who are interested 

in it” (i.e., inevitably liberal 

clerics who had little interest in the 

ministry of the Word). 

And, indeed, I know that I have 

often been a lazy churchman myself; 

I must repent and embrace the high, 

holy and often hard calling of serving 

the Head of the Church through such 

a labor. 

So, in good hope, and preaching to 

myself first of all, I would urge the following 

seven practical steps towards 

an obedient churchmanship: 

• Show up to your session, presbytery 

or General Synod meeting, and 

be prepared: read everything sent to 

you in advance. We should no more 

fail to do this than we would fail 

to show up to preach on Sunday or 

to be prepared to lead worship. Do 

not leave the meeting early for any 

light reason. 

• Pray as elders for the work of 

the courts of the church. And it is an 

especially good sign when congregations 

actively pray for these meetings 

as well. The era of keeping congregations 

in the dark about the large 

issues in church affairs should end. 

• Speak up when you are convicted 

about some matter before the 

court. Relying on more outspoken 

men to speak is a dereliction of duty; 

in all likelihood they are only speaking 

because they know you will not. 

• Both large church officers and 

small church officers are presbyters 

and should contribute in this way. No 

false modesty or unbiblical inferiority 

complex should thwart the vows we 

all made at our ordination. And the 

same can be said for ordained seminary 

professors: it is your church too! 

• Combine passion for truth with 

dignity and respect for the court. Remember 

that it is the visible church 

which is “the Kingdom of our Lord 

Jesus Christ, the house and family of 

God, out of which there is no ordinary 

possibility of salvation” (Westminster 

Confession, Chapter XXV, II). 

• Love your fellow presbyters as 

brothers, but be willing at any point 

to do the right thing for Christ and 

the church, even if your best friend 

thinks differently. 

• Take a multi-generational view of 

the church, accepting our role as spiritual 

fathers to others. In this way, we 

leave a more faithful institution to our 

sons who will lead it in the future. It is 

hard to think of a better gift we could 

give them and others who will make 

up the church of the future. 

In sum, churchmanship is far more 

than a modest virtue. It is for brave 

hearts, sanctified minds and loving 

spirits. In all of this, may Christ be 

glorified, and his church reclaimed 

as the “church of the living God, the 

pillar and foundation of the truth!” 

(1 Timothy 3:15)? 


Prayer Emphasis 2012 

Praise, Privilege, Posture, Penitence, Passion, Power, 

Priority, Plan, Petition, Perseverance, Promise 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it, with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). 

Day 1 – Privilege, Posture, Praise 

Verse – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be 

made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). 

Shorter Catechism Q.98 “What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to 

his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.” 

ARP Psalter with Bible Songs – “O LORD, I Will Exalt You” #30 

”Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” #205 

Hymnbook – “Be Thou My Vision” #303 

“At the Name of Jesus” #143 

Trinity Hymnal – “Holy God We Praise Your Name” #103 

“Soldiers of Christ, Arise” #575 

This Prayer Emphasis, including scripture references and questions, 

is intended to bless, encourage and strengthen our prayer 

lives. Prayer is a developed lifestyle, a cultivated habit binding 

us to God. Jesus’ fulfillment of the Covenant of Grace is faith’s 

foundation, the springboard of our call to prayer. 

What is prayer? Prayer is privileged communication with God, 

priority responsibility for Christians deepening our relationship 

with our Heavenly Father. It is coming to Christ and laying 

our requests before Him, seeking Jesus’ face, kneeling to His 

Lordship, submitting to God’s will. Jesus is the only way to the 

Father (John 14:6) and the sacrifice of the cross the source of 

forgiveness to penitent, repentant hearts. 

Prayer is hard work that encounters supernatural conflict. 

Spiritual warfare causes us to struggle to pray. Satan discourages 

at every opportunity. We must be prepared and recognize 

the warfare. We should be prayer warriors wearing Ephesians 6 

Christian armor with prayer part of our sure defense. 

Some of our best lessons on prayer may be a 

parent’s example. 

Why should I pray? Pray because you are weak and He is strong, our Lord, our Eternal Father, our source for all of life. 

Pray because you love God, want to glorify Him and because Jesus told us to pray (Luke 18). James 4:2b says we don’t 

have because we don’t ask. Satan uses struggles and trials to discourage us from praying – depression, stress, grief, 

exhaustion, inadequacy, lack of eloquence, ill health, or spiritually dryness. Persevere, focusing on the Godhead – eyes 

on Jesus (Hebrews 12). Trusting God strengthens faith and fades anxieties. 

How do I pray? Reverently approach God, devout in your pleading, coming into God’s holy presence with humility 

and thanksgiving – earnestly, fervently, genuinely worshipful. Pray “in Christ” (Ephesians 1; 1 John 5:20), remembering 

praise is key in prayer. The process starts within you to rejuvenate and enrich your prayer life, for you must come 

confessing your own sinfulness, forgiving others. Heart humility is the right attitude, this “heart posture” is more 

important than physical posture. 

NOVEMBER 2011 9

The truth of the Gospel should shape our praying. Bible prayers, especially the Psalms, are models for us, reflecting 

every aspect of human experience – from utter despair to hopeful elation; fear to rage; doubt to faith; discouragement 

and loneliness to love, unity and strength. 

What do I pray? Some of our best lessons on prayer may be a parent’s example. Pray for what God lays on your heart, 

possibly as The Lord’s Prayer guides – praising God; for His kingdom; that His will be done; for daily provision; for 

forgiveness of sins and your forgiveness of others; for protection from sinning and evil, and for His honor and glory. 

When? Ephesians 6:18 says “at all times.” Prayer should be a natural part of our lives as is God’s Word (Colossians 

3:16-17). Some prayer times are short, others lengthy. 

Where do I start? The Puritans said something like, “Pray until you pray.” As you pray more, it becomes more natural. 

Jesus begins and ends The Lord’s Prayer with worship, honoring and respecting God who is holy and worthy of 

worship. Coming pridefully takes His name in vain. We are sinners so we can only come into God’s presence through 

Christ. 

Awesome, merciful, loving Father in heaven, hallowed be your holy name. We praise you for who you are, thankful for 

our blessings and your easy, strong yoke of help, rest and peace. Renew, refresh, delight and inspire us in your service. 

In Christ we pray, Amen. 

Quote: “If we never know what it is to commune with God as our Father, we fail to grasp the meaning of what Jesus Christ accomplished 

for us” – Derek Thomas. 

Pray for: ARP pastors, officers and church staffs; The ARP Center; Synod, ARPWM, government and family leaders. 

Verse – “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

Day 2 – Passion, Power, Pattern, Priority 

Catechism Q.99 “What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? A. The whole word of God is of use to direct 

us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called 

The Lord’s prayer.” 

Psalter – “How Blessed the Man” #166 

“Listen to My Words, O LORD” #5 

Hymnbook – “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #399 

“Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!” #139 

Hymnal – “Come, Ye Disconsolate, Where’er Ye Languish” #615 

“Come, O Come, Thou Quickening Spirit” #331 

Anchored in Christ we won’t drift. Jesus is our lifeline. God is holding us in His loving arms. Prayer draws us close 

to God (James 4:8), helps us focus on Him (Philippians 3:10), and is the route to forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Pray with the 

saints of the Bible, or use The Lord’s Prayer Jesus gave us, a great prayer and a wonderful model. Make each petition 

your own, praying it from your heart in your words or from different translations. 

What should I ask? Ask in Jesus’ name (John 16:24) and receive that your joy would be made full. Prayer clarifies our 

needs (Colossians 1:9, Philippians 4:6). It allows us to lift up others (Psalm 55:1, Ephesians 6:18). When you feel prayerless, 

remember that Jesus the Priest intercedes for you. God always answers rightly, even when He says “wait,” which 

can lead to renewed strength as in Isaiah 40:31. 

What if I don’t feel like praying? Commit your prayer life to God, cultivating healthy prayer habits. Praying encourages 

(Luke 18:1) and comforts (Psalm 4:1). It pleases God (Proverbs 15:8). Jesus made prayer a priority, so passionate in 

Gethsemane that He sweated blood. Prioritizing prayer means blessing – and time, sacrifice and discipline. 

What if my prayers sound stupid and seem pointless? God knows our hearts and hears the prayers of His children. 


Confess, giving it all to Him, for He cares and wants to hear you ask. Prayer should not be a me-centered list, but 

should lift up needs and burdens as you seek God’s will for your life. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but 

in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 

In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the contrast between lengthy, hypocritical, manpleasing 

babbling and genuine heartfelt prayers. He says to “...go into your inner 

room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret...” 

and ”...when you are praying do not use meaningless repetition...” 

What help can I get? There is no perfect formula, timing, or technique. Consciously 

plan to pray, setting goals. What helps you focus – lists, a specific time, a certain 

structure or order? For accountability, consider a prayer partner, prayer group, 

or being mentored or discipled. Try a prayer journal for writing out your prayers 

– and God’s answers. 

How can my prayers make a difference? Starting and concluding with worship, 

The Lord’s Prayer also emphasizes the priority of God’s kingdom. We should pray 

for the lost to come to Christ and the church to grow with the blessing of God’s 

truth in its rightful place. That is kingdom praying. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us 

not to be anxious “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Pursuing 

the things of God challenges and blesses. 

Prayer helps us through all hazards and hurdles to the finish line. God is at the beginning 

and end, helping you at every footfall, each uphill and downhill encountered. 

The Balm of Gilead will heal all wounds and the crown of righteousness 

awaits you. 

Jesus is our lifeline. 

We believers are not alone. Jesus says (John 8:3), “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you 

shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Hebrews 7:25 reminds us “...he is able to save forever those 

who draw near to God through Him since he always lives to make intercession for them.” The Holy Spirit interprets 

your prayers into elegant missives to heaven. 

Philippians 4:3 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Praise God! We can even pray. 

Gracious Triune God, make us Prayer Warriors, passionate about prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Quotes: “Prayerlessness is often an index to our ignorance of God“ –D. A. Carson. 

Pray for: Christian Education Ministries; Erskine College & Seminary; ARP Magazine; Bonclarken. 

Day 3 – Plan, Petition, Perseverance, Promise 

Verse – “Evening, morning and noon I will pray” (Psalm 55:17). 

Catechism Q. 100 “What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us? A. The preface of the Lord’s prayer (which is, 

Our Father, which art in heaven) teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to 

a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.” 

Psalter – “But as for Me, I’ll Call on God” #55C 

“Answer When I Call” #4 

Hymnbook – “Sweet Hour of Prayer” #398 

“The Church’s One Foundation” #437 

Hymnal – “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” #644 

“Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face” #378 

NOVEMBER 2011 11

Prayer eloquence is the language of the heart, not the 

vocabulary level or melodic quality of your voice. Abraham’s 

devotion, Hannah’s earnestness, Daniel’s love for 

God, Paul’s diligence, David’s heart, Jacob’s wrestling 

with God, Moses’ reliance on God and Elijah’s courage 

and passion are examples of genuineness in prayer, but 

so is a child’s simple plea to God. 

How does prayer communicate? As we learn to listen 

to God speak through His Word, guiding us through 

the Holy Spirit, we hear truth. Amazingly, in prayer the 

sovereign God of creation, timeless ruler of all existence, 

is listening to and communicating with us personally 

because He loves us. Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our 

hearts to Him, bringing our joys and sorrows to Him. 

Pray to God’s glory and according to God’s will. 

How do my prayers relate to God’s will? Prayer leads us initially to the forgiveness Christ offers in salvation and 

evolves as we genuinely seek His will in our lives. We should want God’s will and learn about it through preaching and 

teaching, earnestly praying for it to be fulfilled, seeking to be obedient to it. God is listening to us and we need to listen 

to Him through His Word, His servants, His creation. In Colossians 1:18 Paul prays for the filling “...of the knowledge of 

His will in all wisdom and understanding.” 

God made the universe from nothing. Mankind also made a contribution – sin. That is all we have to offer God. Be 

thankful that Jesus took our sin on Himself. Acknowledge your unworthiness of anything other than hell, telling God 

how thankful you are for the gift of eternal life with Him (John 5:24; 6:44, 47; 3:16, 36; 14:6). 

What does this mean in my life? God requires obedience. Trusting God is our confidence. We need not be anxious, but 

this does not preclude having an orderly plan (1 Corinthians 14:40) and setting biblical goals. The gift of salvation was 

costly, but it is also priceless. Praise God He has given it to us through Christ because He is our only hope as this is a 

debt we cannot pay. John 3:16-17 engraves it in our memories and hearts. 

How do I pray for others? Pray to God’s glory and according to God’s will and as Ephesians 6:18 tells us “With all 

prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition 

for all the saints.” 

Can I really do this? Habits can be weights or they can be wings. Seek God’s glory letting His agenda dictate yours, 

making His desire your own, His will your purpose and His honor your goal. Make time with God a habit in your life, 

and make prayer a priority and a passion of praise. Aim to be like the healthy church in Acts 2:42 “... continually devoting 

themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It can start with us. 

Be sober-minded, obedient, alert and discerning insofar as you are able. Motives can become selfish and words are inadequate, 

but when we humble ourselves before God seeking His will and glory, He is blessed and hears the cry of our 

hearts as we kneel at the foot of the cross. 

May the Amen of our prayers be a coda of agreement with you, our loving Father in heaven, the ruler of the universe and 

gracious King who answers our prayers. Make us people of prayer. In Christ we pray, Amen. 

Quotes: “Our prayers must be fervent, of course, and they ought to be frequent, but they do not need to be fancy.” Philip Ryken 

Pray for: Missionaries, church planters, youth, children, elderly, & the military.? 


A Devotion From Serenity Acres 

By Barbara Thayer 

I 

never thought tombstones and 

memorials could tell a story, until 

our recent trip to Europe. We went 

to many cathedrals and visited an old 

graveyard beside a church. Instead of 

listing only a name and the dates of 

birth and death, these folks from long 

ago wrote about the person who was 

buried at the site. 

The cemetery at the Church of the 

Holy Rood Stirling, Scotland 

The impressive memorials told of 

those who gave their lives for their 

beliefs. 

In the Cathedral of St. Giles in Edinburgh, 

Scotland, there was a tomb 

of a man who had served the king, 

but was ultimately beheaded for his 

Reformed faith. Other cathedrals 

had memorials to women who were 

listed not only as beloved wives but 

also as god-fearing women who died 

in the faith and touched other lives. 

What a beautiful tribute to a life, and 

I thought to myself how much I want 

that to be said of my life as well. 

When we finish this race, what will 

be our legacy? Obviously, the graves 

of those I observed had made it their 

When We Finish Our Race... 

life’s ambition to live for Christ, and 

to this end we are all called. In his 

letter to the Corinthian church, the 

Apostle Paul uses an athletic metaphor 

to describe how we are to run 

with perseverance in our Christian 

life: “Do you not know that in a race 

all the runners compete, but only one 

receives the prize? So run that you 

may obtain it. Every athlete exercises 

self-control in all things. They do it to 

receive a perishable wreath, but we 

an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; 

I do not box as one beating the 

air. But I discipline my body and keep 

it under control, lest after preaching 

to others, I myself should be disqualified” 

(I Corinthians 9:24-27). 

Paul’s use of this metaphor is effective 

in that an athlete has to discipline 

himself/herself in order to reach their 

goal. It requires perseverance, singlemindedness 

and determination. Our 

mindset, if we are to make an impact 

on our world, is to look only at the 

goal of our high calling in Christ. 

With every activity we do, we need 

to remember our purpose is to glorify 

God in word and deed. The people 

whose graves I visited lived their 

lives in this manner. They made a difference 

in their sphere of influence, 

and the testimony is written in stone 

– literally. 

In his letter to Timothy, Paul further 

expands on this idea of focusing 

on the goal: “I have fought the good 

fight, I have finished the race, I have 

kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid 

up for me the crown of righteousness 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, 

will award to me on that Day, and not 

only to me but also to all who have 

loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7- 

8). This is the testimony we need to 

strive for in our own lives. It’s not 

how we built our business, made the 

most money, had the biggest house on 

the block, or became a famous person. 

Instead, we are to reflect the character 

of Jesus Christ in our lives so that others 

might be drawn to Him. 

Key Elements 

We run our race well when we do 

not neglect three disciplines: fellowship, 

Bible study and prayer. These 

are the key training elements which 

we must embrace in order to face the 

challenges that come our way in life. 

Training for a race is not easy. No one 

said it would be. In fact, Jesus said 

we would face tribulations in this 

life, but He also told us to be of good 

cheer, because He has overcome this 

world. With the Holy Spirit as our 

trainer, we do have what it takes to 

live a legacy before our family, community 

and church. 

As we lift up our Lord before 

others, He will one day lift us up 

as well.? 

The tombs of a husband and wife in a 

chapel wing of the Church in Stratford 

on Avon 

NOVEMBER 2011 13

Give Thanks! 

30 days of Gratitude for the Thanksgiving 

month of November! 

By Jennifer Jordan and family 

Materials: 

Wood board (although you can use just about any flat surface you want) 

Canvas (any color) 

Staple gun 

Mod Podge 

Glue gun 

Glue stick 

Variety of coordinating scrapbook paper 

Different colored thin ribbons (I used brown, green, yellow and orange) 

Light-colored Cardstock for writing your “thankful message” on. 

30 Coin Envelopes. Mine were 3 3/8” x 6”. 

Hole punch 

Directions: 

• Get a wood board. Mine is a piece of plywood measuring 24” x 28”. Using a staple 

gun, attach the canvas to the piece of plywood. 

• Take your 30 coin envelopes and cut them down to 3 3/4” tall. Make sure you cut off 

the top part that is already open so you still have the pocket to insert your cards in later. 

• Use a glue stick to adhere the scrapbook paper to the front of the envelope. I used a 

variety of coordinating papers. 

• Lay out your cards on your board. I was able to do five rows of six cards each. I 

wanted to arrange them first so I could make sure no two matching papers were right 

next to each other. 

• I then used my Silhouette to cut out the numbers 1-30, but you could use stickers, 

stencils, create a Word Document or go online to find some printable numbers to cut out. 

• Use Mod Podge to glue on the numbers to the cards and then Mod Podge over the 

entire front of the card to cover your scrapbook paper. It makes the card sturdier and 

helps it to last for years to come. Be careful not to glue your envelope shut! 

• After your Mod Podge is dry, hole punch two small holes in the top of your envelope. 

Just hole punch the scrapbook paper side. Take your ribbon and put it through both 

holes and tie a knot. 

• Use your glue gun to adhere your envelopes to your board. This is where I tried a 

few different glues.....learn from my mistakes....the glue gun worked the best by far!!! I 

also recommend that you place the hot glue a little bit away from the edges of the envelope. 

This allows your cards to go in and out more easily in a later step. 

• Use Mod Podge to adhere your “Give Thanks” (or the phrase of your choosing) to 

the top of your board. I used my embroidery machine to create the words. Then, Mod 

Podge over the whole phrase. 

• Cut out light-colored cardstock to slide into your envelopes. Mine ended up being 

two light shades that I cut to 3” by 4 1/2”. Place them inside your envelopes. 

Each night in November at dinner time, I am going to pull the cardstock out on the 

appropriate day and have each person write or say what they are thankful for that day. 

When next year rolls around, I’m going to use the same cardstock and have them write 

on the back. For the following years, I’m just going to add some more cardstock in the 

envelopes. 

Stephen and Jennifer Jordan live in Muscle Shoals, AL. Stephen is currently seeking a call. 

Their children are Noah, 12, Elijah, 8, Elizabeth, 6 and Phoebe, 2. 


As the leaves fall outside, take advantage of the many opportunities to involve 

your kids in ministry and outreach. Here are a few ideas: 

Pumpkin Carving Party 

Coordinate with other parents in your church to 

provide supplies, then invite families in your neighborhood 

to a pumpkin carving party at your house. Have 

a cookout, a carving contest and maybe a marshmallow 

roast. Pass out party favors for kids and parents and 

include some church information, a nice handwritten 

note of thanks and a candle for their jack-o-lantern. 

Leaves of Thanksgiving 

This fall, instead of bagging all the leaves covering the 

yard, save pretty ones and start a family project. Have each 

family member take three leaves and write something they 

are thankful for on each one. Collect them in a basket. In the 

days leading up to and during Thanksgiving and Christmas, 

have a family member read a leaf and lead in prayer. You 

might keep this basket year-round as a reminder of God’s 

goodness and a conversation piece for guests. 

(Ideas from onmission.com) 

Leaf Rake Party 

Adopt a family - for example, a single mother, elderly couple, 

couple with a newborn - in your neighborhood who need 

some yard work done and arrange a work day. Involve the 

kids. Break out the rakes and blowers and give the kids their 

own responsibilities, explaining why you’re doing this work. 

“We want to share the love of Christ with this family.” Show 

them by example how to share the gospel. 

Candy Corn Drop 

All you need are some small paper cups 

and a few bags of candy corn. First, give 

each player a paper cup filled with candy 

corns. Have players stand in a line with an 

empty paper cup between their feet. Holding 

a candy corn to their chin, they have to 

try to drop it into the cup by their feet. The 

person who drops the most corns into his 

or her cup in one minute wins! 

(Ideas from www.thebanner.org) 

Thanksgiving games 

I’m Thankful 

Start with the youngest person in your group. That person 

says something they are thankful for, like “I’m thankful for 

mashed potatoes.” The next person repeats what the first person 

says, and add something of their own: I am thankful for mashed 

potatoes and a warm bed.” The next person repeats those two 

things and adds another: “I’m thankful for mashed potatoes, a 

warm bed and my cat.” Keep going until everyone has had a 

chance to add something or until someone messes up. 

Thankful 

Words 

Answers from October puzzle: 

Down Across 

1. God 2. The Lords Prayer 

3. Three 4. Everywhere 

5. Pray 6. Ten 

7. Everything 8. Bible 

9. Christ 

10. Heaven 

Give everybody at your table a pencil and a 

piece of paper. Challenge them to see how many 

words they can make out of the letters in the words 

“Thanksgiving Day.” Words have to be longer than 

two letters, and no people names are allowed. Don’t 

forget that plurals count as separate words. 

Family Memory Verse 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever 

(Psalm 107:1). 

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. 

NOVEMBER 2011 15

News in Brief 

David Sides, French Camp Church, Receive Laity Awards 

By Delores McDonald 

During the Laity in Action Conference Sept. 15 & 16 at Bonclarken, families gathered to hear Dr. John W. P. Oliver speak on the theme, 

“Valiant in Battle: Less Heralded Men of God.” Ann Marie Tribble from the Ora Church served as music leader with Harriet Linderman 

as pianist. 

Following Dr. Earl Linderman’s Friday night Psalm Sing, special music was provided 

by the Pinecrest Church Choir and Veronica Unda. A ladies trio from Reformation Church 

also sang. In special duet by Anne Marie & Kathryn Tribble. Kathryn signed the words. 

Missionary Updates 

Missionaries Rob & Rachel Turner from Turkey brought an update of their work. Missionary 

candidates Mark & Natasha Witte shared their testimony and spoke on their 

upcoming work in Mexico. Short-term Mission Coordinator Sheila Osborne provided instruction 

for the children in attendance. Following the Friday evening session, the ladies 

of the Sandy Plains Church hosted a reception in Founders Hall. 

John Lutz from the Pisgah Church was in his usual place as the sound tech guy. George 

and Alita Moser served as conference registrars. 

David Sides and wife Betty. 

Onesimus Award 

David Sides from the New Sterling Church, Stony Point, NC, was the recipient of this year’s Onesimus 

Award (Slave to Christ). Mr. Sides has been married to his wife Betty for over 55 years. He is an 

elder in the New Sterling Church. He has taught Sunday school and served as a lay preacher. He has 

served First Presbytery as moderator on three occasions and currently serves as reading clerk. 

Sides is also a former Moderator of the General Synod. For seven years, he worked for North 

Carolina Soil and Water Conservation and lived in Raleigh. A farmer and avid gardener, he is known 

throughout the region for his generosity in providing delicious produce to friends and neighbors. 

Barnabas Award 

The 2011 Barnabas Award was presented to the French Camp (MS) Church. Many know of French 

Camp and associate it with the boarding school on its campus. However, there is an active ARP congregation 

there too. Many from the congregation are greatly involved in ministering to the students 

at the school. They provide encouragement and mentoring and develop strong personal relationships 

with the student body. In the past three years, there has been significant growth in the church. Attendance 

of local folks averages 120. When the school is in session, 

the students swell the congregation’s attendance with over a 100 more. Located in a rural setting, the 

congregation is making a great impact on the community around it. 

As the group from French Camp accepted the award, each told of the parts they play in the life of 

the church, elder Larry Littlejohn had this to say: 

“Each person here today has presented something of the diversity of opportunities which the Lord 

gives us there. Our anchor though is neither our rich heritage nor our bright future, which we anticipate. 

Our anchor is in the truth of the Word and the person of Jesus. 

“Since joining the ARP, we have been so blessed to find others of like heart and mind. We have 

been encouraged by your testimony and fellowship. Members of the Mississippi Valley Presbytery 

joined us in prayer and supported us with their presence when we requested a gracious release with 

our property from the PCUSA. 

“Now four years later, the French Camp Church continues to receive confirmation that we made 

the right decision in joining the ARP. We have experienced many blessing as a result of our union. One 

of the main ones is the emphasis on missions. Teams from our church went to Wales, Austria, Mexico, 

Dallas/Fort Worth, and New York this last year. 

“Thank you for recognizing what the Lord is doing in our church with this Barnabas Award. We 

invite you to come and see firsthand what He is doing to display His glory in French Camp.” 

French Camp Pastor Alex Coblentz adds: “We are still astounded and humbled to have received 

any recognition at all... It’s not about us! God has been so good to us, and it is we who have been 

tremendously encouraged by our new-found brothers and sisters in the ARP.? 

From left, Turner family, Witte family and 

Sheila Osbourne and daughter. 

Pastor Alex Coblentz, far left, 

and group from French Camp. 


News in Brief 

Betty Sides 

Receives 

Survivor Medal 

Betty and David Sides on their recent 

trip to Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, 

where Mrs. Sides received the 75-year 

survivor medal. Since the program began 

in 1970, only 41 medals had been awarded 

to individuals who have survived 75 

years or more with type 1 diabetes. Mrs. 

Sides was the 42nd recipient, and traveled 

from Stony Point, NC to receive the 

award. During her trip to Joslin, she also 

participated in the “50-Year Medalist 

Study,” which began in 2005. The study 

is looking at how individuals with 50 or 

more years of type 1 diabetes may be protected 

from developing diabetic complications 

including eye, kidney, nerve and 

heart diseases.? 

Mississippi Valley Presbytery 

Fall Stated Meeting, October 3-4, 2011 

Providence Reformed Church 

Bartlett, TN 

• Heard from Rev. Frank van Dalen, about 

the work of ARP missions throughout 

the world. 

• Heard from Dr. David Norman about the 

work of Erskine College and Seminary 

• Elected Mr. Larry Littlejohn, an elder 

at the French Camp Presbyterian 

Church, as the incoming Moderator 

of MVP. 

• Heard a sermon by Rev. Matthew Heathman 

on 2 Samuel 7:18-20. Rev. Heathman 

was also examined by the presbytery 

and received a call to the Covington ARP 

Church (Covington, TN). 

• Heard a report from the Minister and 

His Work Committee concerning the 

formation of a church in the home of a 

minister of the presbytery without the 

permission of the presbytery. The minister 

repented of his error and asked 

the forgiveness of the presbytery, which 

was granted. 

• Received Rev. Mike Yarman, a retired 

U.S. Army chaplain, as a member of the 

presbytery. 

• Dissolved the pastoral relationship between 

Rev. T.J. Gentry and the Covenant 

Reformed Presbyterian Church. 

• Revised the procedure for churches requesting 

loans for purchase of property 

from the presbytery.? 

Peachtree Corners Helps Stop Hunger 

On Sept. 17, members of the 

Peachtree Corners ARP Church joined 

the fight to “Stop Hunger Now” by 

packaging over 10,000 meals which 

will be distributed through school 

feeding programs and orphanages 

in impoverished areas around 

the world. 

Each highly nutritious, dehydrated meal package serves six 

people and is easily transported, stored for up to five years 

and distributed to those in greatest need. 

ARP minister, Jeff Lewis, helps distribute these and other 

types of necessities to the people of Haiti.? 

Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery 

Fall Stated Meeting, Sept. 17-18, 2011 

Hanmaum ARP Mission 

Madison, AL 

• Held a workshop for members conducted by 

Steve Brown of the PCA. 

• Heard a report from the Muscle Shoals Property 

Commission regarding progress in negotiation 

for the potential sale of the property in 

Muscle Shoals, AL. 

• Approved a motion to reserve funds from the 

sale of the Muscle Shoals property for use in 

new church development. 

• Approved a Memorial to the 2012 General 

Synod to refer the “Revised Form of Government 

Draft 2011” back to the committee of 

Synod for further work and to extend the time 

for consideration before sending to Presbytery 

for ratification. 

• Allowed C. F. Edgar to resign from Presbytery’s 

Christian Education Committee. 

• Named J. Gregory Duke Presbytery’s representative 

to the Synod Board of Christian Education 

Ministries until 2016, and to chair the 

corresponding committee of Presbytery. 

• Named Charles W. Bradley as Presbytery’s 

representative to the Executive Board of Synod 

until 2016. 

• Approved a motion that Presbytery continue 

supporting the Hanmaum and Riverside Missions 

at current levels for one year. 

• Directed the Outreach Tennessee Alabama 

Committee to identify two locations for potential 

church planting efforts and to report the 

same at the Spring Stated Meeting 2012. 

• Directed the Christian Education Meeting to 

plan another workshop to be held in conjunctionwith 

a stated meeting of Presbytery. 

• Accepted the invitation from the Riverside 

ARP Mission to host Spring Stated Meeting 

for 2013.? 

Charles Bradley, Stated Clerk 

Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery 

NOVEMBER 2011 17

News in Brief 

New ministers and new employees attended a 2-day ARP Synod orientation 

program Sept. 26 & 27 at the ARP Center in Greenville, SC. 

Front row (left to right): Soon Jeong Hwang, John Lim, Young Bong Choe, 

Suk Ho Jin, Jen Rolison, Joseph Rolison; Second row (left to right): Shadrach 

Chung, Sam Hoi Jung, Man Soon Park, Melissa Livingston, Cliff Smith, Tobe 

Frierson, Myeong-Jin Hwang, Stephen Frey; Back Row (Left to right): Mario 

Russo, Derek Thomas, David Earle, Jason Allen, Trey McCurry, David Park, 

Judi Hodges; Not pictured: Barney & Tricia Heyward, Brandon Barrett, Scott 

Robar, Paul & Mary Robelot, Derek Thomas. 

Prosperity Celebrates 189 Years 

On September 11, Prosperity, the oldest Associate Reformed 

Presbyterian Church in Alabama, celebrated its 189th anniversary. 

Neighbors from the other churches in the Marion Junction community, 

and ARPs from Camden and Bethel ARP congregations, came 

together for worship and a bountiful meal. 

Coinciding with the national observance of 9/11, Rev. Rabun 

Williams’ sermon emphasized that as Christians, we look back on 

what God has done and build on it as we look forward with hope 

to the Second Coming. Between the final Psalm (Prosperity sings 

exclusively the Bible Songs) and benediction, a moment of silence 

for those lost in the war on terrorism was observed. 

Founded in 1822, just three years after Alabama became a state, 

Prosperity is in a yoked pastorate with Camden and Bethel, and has 

services on the 2nd Sunday of each month.? 

Providence Celebrates 

175th Anniversary 

Providence ARP Church in Clinton, SC, began its 175th 

Anniversary celebration on Sept. 11, 2011, to the sweet sound 

of bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. Bagpiper David McLeod 

is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Daryl McLeod of Greenwood, 

and great grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lowry Wilson 

– longtime members of Providence. 

Special music was also presented by seventh generation 

members Joseph Stewart and Anna Wages. Former Erskine 

President Dr. Randy Ruble was guest minister. Jamey Dagenhart 

has served as student supply for the past year. 

Following the worship service, more than 100 members, former 

members, and guests enjoyed a catered lunch and fellowship. 

Guests were invited to participate in a Psalm sing and go 

to the historic Providence Cemetery, the site of the first church 

building erected in 1836 and located just outside of Clinton. 

In commemoration of this historic day, former member and 

family historian Jane Todd Presseau compiled and edited a first 

supplement to the 1977 History of Providence ARP Church by 

James P. Sloan. The history includes pastors in ministry since 

1977, church officers, baptisms, marriages, deaths, new members 

and loss of members. A pictorial directory and tributes to 

several deceased members are also included. 

Also for this special year, Bob Wages of Atlanta designed a 

commemorative logo, displayed on an outside banner and used 

on bulletin covers.? 

Oldest & Youngest Retired Col. Walter B. Todd, 

Sr. 95, and Allie Wages, 14 months, held by Ruth 

Todd Shealy. 

Rev. Rabun Williams (center) is our 

interim pastor. Prosperity’s elders 

are Bernard Sanderson (left) and 

Tom Moore (right). 

Dr. Nolon Carter is greeted by Dr. Randy Ruble 

after the service. 


November 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 

Do not think that I have come to abolish 

the Law or the Prophets; I have not come 

to abolish them but to fulfill them (Matthew 

5:17). 

SHORTER CATECHISM 

Q.56. What is the reason annexed to the 

third commandment? 

A. The reason annexed to the third commandment 

is, That however the breakers 

of this commandment may escape punishment 

from men, yet the Lord our God will 

not suffer them to escape his righteous 

judgment. 

1 

Psalm 

2 

James 

3 

Luke 

4 

Matthew 

5 

Luke 

6 

Matthew 

WEEK ONE 

32:1-5. Sherwood Forest 

ARP Church, Columbia, SC: Mark 

Hering, student supply. Chaplain 

Lawrence Hamrick, Jr., Fort Campbell, 

KY, army. 

5:13-18. Statesville Korean 

ARP Church, Statesville, NC: Rev. 

Song Choi, pastor. 

6:37-42. Wellspring Presbyterian 

Church, Daleville, VA: Rev. David 

Blugerman, pastor. 

18:21-35. SonLife Church, 

Jacksonville, FL: Rev. Robert Hovey, 

mission developer. 

7:40-47. Sandy Plains ARP 

Church, Tryon, NC: Rev. James 

Mitchell, pastor. 

5:17-26. Retired missionaries: 

Imogene Covone, Gold Gate, FL; 

Kathy Warner, Flat Rock, NC, on their 

birthdays. 

WEEK TWO 

MEMORY VERSE 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly 

Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). 


Q.57. Which is the fourth commandment? 

A. The fourth commandment is, Remember 

the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six 

days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 

but the seventh day is the sabbath of the 

Lord they God: in it thou shalt not do any 

work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, 

thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant nor 

thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within 

thy gates: for in six days the Lord made 

heaven and earth, the sea, and all that 

in them is, and rested the seventh day: 

wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbathday 

and hallowed it. 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

Matthew 22:34-40. Shepherd Road 

Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, FL: 

Rev. Kent Adrian, pastor. 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9. First ARP 

Church, Statesville, NC: Charles 

Rickert, clerk of session. 

Leviticus 19:13-18. Messiah Christian 

Fellowship, Asheville, NC: Rev. John 

Spence, pastor. 

Leviticus 19:33-37. First Presbyterian 

Church, Tucker, GA: Rev. Anthony 

Locke, pastor. 

Ephesians 5:25-33.Travelers Rest ARP 

Mission, Travelers Rest, SC: Rev. William 

L. Barron, mission developer. 

Titus 2:1-5. Progressive Presbyterian 

Church, Princeton, NC: Rev. 

Percy Coleman, pastor. 

Matthew 5:43-48. Shiloh ARP 

Church, Lancaster, SC: Rev. Mark 

J. Miller, pastor. 

WEEK THREE 

MEMORY VERSE 

But when you pray, do not be like the 

hypocrites, for they love to pray standing 

in the synagogues and on the street 

corners to be seen by men. I tell you 

the truth, they have received their reward 

in full (Matthew 6:5). 


Q.58. What is required in the fourth commandment? 

A. The fourth commandment requireth the 

keeping holy to God such set times as he 

hath appointed in his word; expressly one 

whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath 

to himself. 

14 

15 

16 

Genesis 32:6-12. Troy ARP Church, 

Troy, SC: Rev. John Paul Marr, pastor. 

Numbers 14:13-19. Prosperity ARP 

Church, Marion Junction, AL: Rev. 

Rabun Williams, supply. 

2 Samuel 7:18-29. Retired minister’s 

widow: Martha Morris, Pottsville, AR; 

Retired minister: Dr. C.M. Coffey, Davidson, 

NC, on their birthdays. 

NOVEMBER 2011 19 

17 

18 

19 

20 

1 Kings 17:17-23. Pressly Memorial 

ARP Church, Statesville, NC: Rev. 

Stephen Myers, pastor. 

Isaiah 12. Providence Reformed 

Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN: 

Rev. Joseph Donahue, pastor. 

Jeremiah 29:10-14. Retired minister: 

Dr. L.M. Allison, Due West, SC, on 

his birthday. 

Matthew 6:5-15. Reformation Presbyterian 

Church, Hendersonville, NC: 

Rev. Matthew G. Lucas, pastor. New 

Windsor ARP Church, New Windsor, 

MD: Rev. Paul Matthews, pastor. 

MEMORY VERSE 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness 

and all these things will be 

given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). 


Q.59. Which day of the seven hath God 

appointed to be the weekly sabbath? 

A. From the beginning of the world to the 

resurrection of Christ, God appointed the 

seventh day of the week to be the weekly 

sabbath; and the first day of the week ever 

since, to continue to the end of the world, 

which is the Christian sabbath. 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

WEEK FOUR 

Psalm 37:1-8. Grace Hill ARP 

Church, Hillsborough, NC: Rev. 

Ross H. Durham, mission developer; 

Rev. Stephen Crotts, associate 

pastor. 

Matthew 13:18-23. Providence ARP 

Church, Gastonia, NC: Rev. Gilbert 

Rowell, pastor. 

Luke 21:29-36. Retired ministers: Dr. 

Douglas O. Jones, Flat Rock, NC, 

pulpit supply Pinecrest ARP Church, 

Hendersonville, NC; Rev. R. Lionel 

Morgan, Huntersville, NC, on their 

birthdays. 

Matthew 10:24-31. Unity ARP 

Church, Piedmont, SC: Rev. Mark 

Wright, pastor. 

Matthew 10:16-20. Retired minister: 

Rev. Bob E. Murdock, Sr., Rock Hill, 

SC, on his birthday. 

1 Peter 5:6-11. Smyrna ARP Church, 

Smyrna, SC: Ken VanVoorhis, clerk 

of session. 

Matthew 6:25-34. Thomson Presbyterian 

Church, Thomson, GA: 

Rev. John D. Cook, pastor.

WEEK FIVE 

MEMORY VERSE 

Before him all the nations are as nothing; 

they are regarded by him as worthless 

and less than nothing (Isaiah 40:17). 


Q.60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified? 

A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a 

holy resting all that day, even from such 

worldly employments and recreations as 

are lawful on other days; and spending 

the whole time in the public and private 

exercises of God’s worship, except so 

much as is to be taken up in the works 

of necessity and mercy. 

28 

29 

30 

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16, 23-24. Retired 

missionary: Dr. E. Reynolds Young, 

Due West, SC, on his birthday. 

Deuteronomy 5:22-27.Lifeline Community 

Church, Gibsonia, PA: Richard 

Doorley, clerk of session. 

1 Chronicles 16:28-34. Hanha Presbyterian 

Church, Gardena, CA: Rev. 

Sung Ku Kim, pastor; Rev. Kye Jong 

Chung, associate 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. 

November Events 

1 New Church Community (NCC) Meeting (ONA) 

2-3 Minister & His Work Meeting, 6 p.m., Bonclarken 

3-4 Board of Benefits Meeting, 2 p.m. Orientation, 3 p.m. 

meeting, Bonclarken 

4-6 Catawba Presbytery Middle School 

Retreat, Bonclarken 

6 Daylight Savings Time Ends 

8 Investment Committee, Conference Call, 2 p.m. 

9-10 Dunlap Board, 3 p.m., Bonclarken 

11 Remembrance Day (Canada); Veterans Day (US) 

11-13 First and Second Presbyteries Middle 

School Retreat, Bonclarken 

14-15 ONA Board Meeting 

19 Erskine Homecoming 

21-25 Thanksgiving Break, Erskine Seminary 

23-27 Thanksgiving Break, Erskine College 

24 Thanksgiving Day (US) 

24-25 ARP Center Offices closed, Thanksgiving Holidays 

27 First Sunday of Advent 

110 Calvary Home Circle, Anderson, SC 29621 

864-296-5437 

www.calvaryhome.org 

“Providing help and hope to children in need 

through the power of Christ” 


A Venture in Faith 

By Chip Sherer 

PRESIDENT 

“Faith Apartments 

were so named because 

they were just 

that – a venture in 

faith.” - Jim Brice 

I 

always appreciate the feedback 

from my monthly articles and am 

so encouraged by the comments, 

letters, and emails that we receive. 

The articles which seem to generate 

the most response are the articles 

that focus on the history of a particular 

building or facility. This month I 

focus on a very popular housing 

facility here at Bonclarken – Faith 

Apartments. 

Jim Brice served as Bonclarken’s 

executive director from 1988 to 2006. 

Jim has told me bits of the story of 

how Faith Apartments came into being, 

but I recently asked him to give 

me the whole story. If you have ever 

spent a night, weekend, or week in 

Faith Apartments, you know them 

to be very efficient and comfortable. 

How these apartments came into 

Bonclarken’s possession is another 

example of God’s providence. 

In late February 1991, Founders 

Hall was almost complete. The goal 

of having Founders open for Synod 

in June 1991 was on schedule and this 

new housing facility was clearly going 

to be a fine addition to Bonclarken. 

“We were so focused on finishing 

Founders that the idea of adding 

another housing facility was the last 

thing on our minds,” Brice said. “But 

God had other plans for us. Ed Cox, 

a member of the Peachtree Corners 

Church and a retired engineer, was 

serving as Bonclarken’s representative 

with Sherman Construction in the 

building of Founders. Ed had just recently 

completed his own Bonclarken 

house on Dirk Lane. 

“Ed received a call from the contractor 

who had built his Bonclarken 

house. The contractor had a contact 

with American Standard Buildings 

(ASB), who had just finished a modular 

set of six apartment buildings for a 

client in Myrtle Beach. The client had 

gone out of business and now ASB 

was stuck with these apartments... 

and they were willing to sell for half 

the original price. Would Bonclarken 

be interested?” 

(A story has circulated that these 

apartments were already on their 

way to Myrtle Beach when ASB found 

out their client was out of business, 

but Jim could not verify this interesting 

twist.) 

“On March 4, 1991, I proposed to 

the Bonclarken Board’s Executive 

Committee that we buy these apartments. 

We anticipated the total cost 

Bonclarken’s Faith Apartments 

(including furnishings and site preparation) 

to be around $300,000, all of 

which would have to be borrowed. 

The Executive Committee was confident 

we could handle the debt and 

agreed to recommend it to the full 

Board. During a conference call on 

March 7, the full Board approved. 

“To say this decision was a venture 

in faith was an understatement. 

I so appreciated the Board’s willingness 

to step out in faith so that Faith 

Apartments could become a reality. 

And not only did we have Founders 

Hall ready by Synod, we had Faith 

Apartments ready as well.” 

I appreciate Jim’s recollection of 

this fine story. Was this rapid action 

taken by the Bonclarken Board 

justified? Twenty years later, Faith 

Apartments continue to be one of 

our most popular housing facilities. 

The Board’s venture in faith in 

1991 continues to be a blessing to 

Bonclarken today.? 

Bonclarken 

NOVEMBER 2011 21

Christian Education Ministries 

Christian Education Ministries would like to recommend the following book as an invaluable tool to help in studying our 

basic resource, the Bible. We feel it would benefit every church to have this resource available and to encourage groups to 

study it. The review is written by Jane Patete, Christian Education Publication’s Women’s Ministry Consultant. 

BIBLE STUDY 

FOLLOWING THE WAYS OF THE WORD 

by Kathleen Buswell Nielson 

Available from CEM - $11.00. 

“Bible study...everybody’s doing it! In the most inventive contexts around the globe, this vital activity is 

taking place. Yet “Bible study” means different things to different people. 

Kathleen Nielson, known to many through her conference speaking and as author of The Living Word Bible 

Study series, has brought her extensive expertise and literary gifts to present us with a clear perspective on 

the Bible and what it means to study it. 

Dr. Nielson asks the penetrating question, “Just what is Bible study?” Is it possible to pinpoint a flexible 

cluster of characteristics that must be present for Bible study to be identifiable and effective? The Church, 

Authority, and Word are identified as three perceptions we follow throughout the book. 

“It is God’s Word that teaches us how the church, the body of Christ, must be fully equipped for the mission 

of making disciples in these last days. That equipping happens through the Word. It is God’s Word that 

teaches his authoritative and loving rule, through his commands that must be obeyed. It is God’s Word that 

is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). 

With this right starting point, Kathleen Nielson guides us in 

the next nine chapters, through a series of five truths about 

God and His Word that have huge implications for how we 

personally study, teach, and train others in faithful and true 

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a literary work; and one story. 

Attention: 

All laypeople and church leaders who delight in the truth 

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succeeding generations. This book offers the reader a clear 

approach for understanding and valuing what true Bible 

study is.? 


Erskine community marks new 

academic year 

DUE WEST, S.C. — “Each one of us is 

a tangled web of life experiences, hopes, 

dreams, fears, and passions,” Erskine 

College and Seminary President Dr. David 

Norman told assembled students, 

professors, staff members and guests at 

the school’s Formal Opening Convocation 

Sept. 8. “But God has called us to be 

here, right now, together.” 

Norman spoke during the worship 

service in the Due West Associate Reformed 

Presbyterian Church. Alluding 

to Erskine’s mission “to equip students 

to flourish,” Norman said rhetoric about 

human flourishing is usually “happy and 

optimistic” but “can sound a bit fluffy,” 

so he took as his topic “The Other Side of 

Human Flourishing.” 

The president said he believes he did 

get one thing right in his first formal 

opening address last year—“If we try to 

be a community that exists for its own 

sake, we are wasting our time.” 

Last year Norman laid out his vision 

for Erskine, focusing on academic integrity, 

financial sustainability, and service 

to the poor. This year, spotlighting the 

element of service, he said academic communities 

“try to offset their elitist tendencies” 

by using a system of service to run 

alongside the academic program. 

But even in such well-intentioned 

efforts, real service to the poor is often 

replaced by “a self-righteous system of 

résumé building” or “some shallow form 

of charity that dehumanizes the poor by 

putting a thin whitewash over the tomb 

of injustice,” the president said. 

address some of the bad things we see 

around us.” 

Norman recounted the story of a 

wealthy friend who began to understand 

service to the poor in light of Jesus’ call to 

“take up your cross.” His comfortable life 

was no longer enough. “He began to see 

a whole new dimension of Christ’s deep, 

authentic, and crazy kind of love.” 

Considering how his friend’s lesson 

might be applied to Erskine as an “authentically 

Christian liberal arts community,” 

Norman said his three-word response 

would be “I don’t know,” summarizing 

about 90 percent of the answer. 

“I’m not giving up on an answer,” he 

explained. “I really think that ‘I don’t 

know’ is the answer. If we can’t admit 

that we don’t know, we can never learn 

anything. And if we think we have it all 

figured out, we are stuck up in our irrelevant 

ivory tower again. This is an intellectual 

aspect of service to the poor.” 

Identify With Poor 

Then Norman homed in on his message. 

“Here is the really, really beautiful 

thing about the other side of human flourishing: 

when we identify ourselves with 

the poor, we join the community that most 

urgently seeks God’s blessing,” he said. 

“And whether that community of 

seekers is defined in spiritual, physical or 

intellectual terms, we recognize our utter 

dependence on God and on each other,” 

he continued. 

Such a community is blessed by 

a whole new dimension of love—“that 

crazy kind” that Norman’s wealthy 

friend discovered. 

Taking up the pulpit Bible, Norman 

read the account in Luke 18 of “the rich 

young ruler” who is seeking eternal life 

and says he has kept all the commandments 

since his youth. Jesus tells him, “... 

sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto 

the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in 

heaven: and come, follow me.” 

Jesus’ response to the man’s unwillingness 

to give up his possessions is his famous 

description of how difficult it is for 

a rich man to enter heaven—“it is easier 

for a camel to go through a needle’s eye.” 

Norman said the passage that immediately 

precedes the story of the rich young 

man—“Whosoever shall not receive the 

kingdom of God as a little child shall in 

no wise enter therein”— represents the 

overall principle the story illustrates. 

“That is the message I really want to 

leave you with today,” Norman said, 

speaking especially to students. “Don’t 

get too uptight! Have faith. Don’t worry. 

Don’t try to prove yourself. Have fun. 

Enjoy God. Enjoy each other.” 

He added, “Take advantage of the 

good things God is doing in, around and 

through Erskine. And don’t worry about 

the bad stuff. That’s my job!” 

Moving toward the conclusion of his 

address, the president said there is a line 

from the epic poem Idylls of the King by 

Alfred, Lord Tennyson that “goes along 

with this theme of the joy that comes 

through childlike humility.” 

The line, etched on one of the walls of 

Erskine’s McCain Library, is: “Live pure, 

speak true, right wrong, follow the King. 

Else, wherefore born?”? 

Erskine 

Task Force Commissioned 

“And that is why, although I talk 

about service to the poor a lot, I haven’t 

rushed off to start some new program or 

system of quick fixes to long-term problems,” 

he said. 

Instead, a task force commissioned by 

the president will offer proposals based 

on “their year of listening and learning,” 

he said. “I believe that together, if we 

are smart about it, we can authentically 

Norman speaks during Formal Opening Convocation at Due West ARP Church. 

NOVEMBER 2011 23

Outreach North America 

Is God Calling You to Grow and Change? 

DR. ALAN J. AVERA 

Executive Director 

In our From the Field article this 

month, Brandon Barrett tells us 

about how a phone call from an 

old friend became the conduit for a 

new call from God. 

These kinds of calls do not neces- 

sarily come just when we are looking 

for a change. Sometimes God knows 

we need to grow and stretch in 

precisely the ways we had not been 

seeking to grow and stretch. Sometimes 

God has been preparing us 

for exactly the kind of challenge that 

only He knew we soon would be 

called to face. 

From my own experience as a 

church planter over 20 years ago, I can 

tell my readers that church planting is 

not easy. In fact, it is the most difficult 

thing I have ever done. Though difficult, 

church planting also has been 

the most rewarding thing I have ever 

done. I grew through the challenges 

of church planting in ways I could 

never have anticipated. 

How is God calling you to grow 

and change? If you are a pastor or 

seminary student, is God calling 

you to the challenging task of multiplying 

disciples through planting 

new churches? If you are comfortable 

in your pew each Sunday, is 

there some way God is calling you to 

be more active in serving your church 

or your community? Perhaps God is 

even calling you to help in one of our 

new congregations.? 

Grace Presbyterian– 

By Rev. Brandon Barrett 

A year ago I answered the phone and 

heard the voice of an old friend. Ten years 

earlier we had been together, along with our 

wives, in a church small group in Chapel Hill, 

NC. They were calling to see if I might be interested 

in moving to Columbia, SC, where 

they now lived, to plant a new church. 

I almost laughed. My wife Liz grew up in 

Charlotte, NC, where they refer to Columbia 

as “the armpit of the South.” We had 

never seriously considered church planting. 

I was serving as the senior pastor of a PCA 

church in Williamsburg, VA – a beautiful 

town that had never been called the armpit 

of anything. As my friend and I talked, Liz 

The Barrett family 

looked at me from across the kitchen and reminded me to at least talk and pray about it before 

saying no. 

That night we had a call from a friend – and the beginning of a new call from God. Over 

the next year, we walked through the process of thinking, praying, and interviewing to be 

the mission developer for Grace Presbyterian Church in Northeast Columbia. Through these 

months, we often thought of closing the door and staying put in Virginia, but at each point we 

simply felt that God had us in the process for a reason and that whatever the outcome would 

be, we were to trust Him and His timing. With each visit to Columbia, we found something 

strange happening to us – we were feeling that Columbia was our home. 

Called to Serve 

Through the process, God made it clear that He was calling us to Columbia to help start 

this church. Since moving to Columbia in June, we have been at First Presbyterian Columbia, 

the sponsoring church of this Catawba Presbytery plant. I have been teaching a Sunday School 

class, getting to know people, and sharing the vision for this new church that God is creating. 

God is faithful. Just as He called us here, He is calling others to be a part of this church. 

Recently, we started meeting as a Launch Team: 28 adults and 22 children. We will be 

working together to get to know people in Northeast Columbia, learning how to be a church 

together, and growing as a team in the mission and vision to which we have been called. 

We have a lot to learn about how to reach this part of our city, but there are a few things 

we do know: God has called us to be a church committed to reaching the lost and unchurched 

and de-churched. We want to be, in the words of another pastor, “sinner-safe” – a church that 

welcomes sinners and graciously offers them the words of life. 

We want God’s grace toward us to make us gracious towards others. 

And we want to live daily in the reality that Christians are people 

who have been called into a mission by God – a mission to be his witnesses 

wherever we are, making disciples of all nations, to the glory 

of God. 

We hope to begin public services on Palm Sunday, but we know 

that we have to take our time, get to know our city, and love our neighbors. 

We will not open our doors until we actually know the people 

we hope to reach and are ready to invite them into this community of 

God’s people. 

Liz and I are finding Columbia to be beautiful in ways we had not 

expected. We have been warmly and graciously received here. We are 

making good friends, seeing God’s provision at every step, and growing 

in our heart to see God’s mission go forward here, in Columbia, 

our new home.? 


A NEW FIELD OF SERVICE . . . 

BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER OTHERS FOR MISSIONS 

By Alex and Jamie Pettett 

United States – As you may know, we served 

in Israel with World Witness from 2006-2009. In 

2009, Israel refused to renew our visas. For the 

last several years, the government branch in 

charge of the long-term visas has been intentionally 

weeding out missionaries and Christian 

workers in Israel. The Israeli government told 

us we had to take a leave for six months from 

Israel in order to renew our long-term visa. 

While stateside, I was honored to represent 

World Witness at the Third International 

Congress on World Evangelism in Cape Town, 

South Africa. The Congress challenged us to 

volunteer our respective agencies and churches 

to reach the 600 or so yet unengaged people 

groups in the world. An unengaged people 

group is one that is unreached (i.e. less than 2% 

of the group are evangelical) and has no missionaries 

trying to reach it. 

In southeastern Turkey, I noticed a group 

of Arabs speaking a dialect of Arabic called 

“Northern Mesopotamian.” I remembered that Eric and Laurie Meberg were living in that area and may 

have encountered this group. So, like a good American, I volunteered the Mebergs to “go get ‘em.” 

A few months after returning from Cape Town, the Israeli government issued us a final notice 

stating they would not allow us to obtain a long-term visa. We felt the Lord gently and yet with great 

finality, telling us to move on. We grieved at the closing of this door and occasionally still feel pangs 

of loss. Regardless, the Lord has given us new joy and direction. 

He has called us to face our convictions of reaching the unreached and unengaged. And it is by 

God’s good grace that He is sending us to the very area I volunteered World Witness to reach almost 

one year ago, southeastern 

Turkey. Where non-believers 

may see ironic justice, we see 

perfect providence. 

In October, we joined 

the Mebergs in Mardin to 

spread seed among the unreached 

and unengaged of 

southeastern Turkey.? 

World Witness 

 

Just be 

 

on Sunday 

 

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NOVEMBER 2011 25

ARP Women’s Ministries 

ELAINE REED 

President 

TEACHABLE MOMENTS 

Love the LORD your God with all 

your heart and with all your soul and 

with all your strength. These commandments 

that I give you today are to be on 

your hearts. Impress them on your children. 

Talk about them when you sit at 

home and when you walk along the road, 

when you lie down and when you get up. 

Tie them as symbols on your hands and 

bind them on your foreheads. Write them 

on the door frames of your houses and on 

your gates (Deuteronomy 6:5-9). 

In Deuteronomy Chapter 5, Moses 

gathers the children of Israel 

and restates the Ten Commandments 

for all to hear. As the text continues 

into Chapter 6, the Israelites 

are challenged to incorporate God’s 

laws and precepts daily into their 

lives. Parents are to teach their children 

the knowledge of God’s will; 

demonstrating these instructions are 

for all generations. Even today, parents 

should take advantage of opportunities 

to teach their children about 

God and His desire for their lives. 

Recently, I was reminded of these 

verses as a friend shared a story about 

her son. The boy had been playing 

with a toy he had made with the help 

of his dad. When she entered the 

room, she found her son surrounded 

by Styrofoam pieces scattered across 

the carpet. Imagine the look of disappointment 

that must have been 

on her face. Immediately, the young 

boy realized his actions were wrong 

and he sought the forgiveness of 

his mother. 

As part of his discipline, the boy 

vacuumed up the Styrofoam. Once 

the living room was restored to its 

original condition, the boy picked 

up his toy to resume playing. As he 

looked at his toy, he realized it was 

now disfigured and had been damaged 

forever. He was consumed with 

guilt and remorse. Repeatedly the 

mother attempted to console him. 

She gently brushed away his tears 

and provided reassuring hugs, but 

nothing could change what had happened, 

nor could it remove this overwhelming 

feeling of remorse. 

Lessons Learned 

I wonder how God will use this 

teachable moment as he grows up. 

Will he find himself using this experience 

to help a fellow Christian 

through a difficult time? After hearing 

this story, I recalled several situations 

God used to teach me greater lessons. 

Some took place when I was a child, 

like the time I dropped my baton on 

my kitten’s head—literally knocking 

it senseless. Others occurred as an 

adult, such as hurting someone’s feelings 

without realizing it. 

As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives 

within us. Like a parent, the Spirit 

comforts us in our hour of need. When 

we are grieved so deeply we can not 

find the words to utter, the Spirit intercedes 

on our behalf (Romans 8:26- 

27). He stirs our conscience when we 

sin. He is our Advocate, teaching us 

all things and reminding us what has 

been revealed in scripture (John 14). 

At the point of our effectual calling, 

the Spirit united us to Christ by faith 

(Westminster Shorter Catechism 30). 

It is the same Spirit who raised Jesus 

from the dead, who now lives within 

those that profess Christ as their Savior 

(Romans 8:11). Think of the power 

available to us to resist sin if we 

would only submit to God’s will. 

Is Christianity simply a lifestyle 

for Sunday or is it deeper and more 

meaningful to our lives? Question 

one of the Westminster Shorter Catechism 

states it is the chief end of 

man “to glorify God, and to enjoy 

him forever.” 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary 

defines forever as a limitless amount 

of time. Paul provides a snapshot of 

this concept in 1 Corinthians 10:31— 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever 

you do, do it all for the glory 

of God.” When I fail to glorify God 

by my actions, is my heart pricked 

with guilt and remorse like the boy 

felt when he realized his toy was 

damaged forever? I am afraid not often 

enough. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, 

may we remember to praise God for 

the teachable moments He has used 

to mold our lives.? 

Volunteers Needed 

The 100th Annual Meeting of 

ARP Women’s Ministries will be 

held in 2014. Volunteers are needed 

to plan this special event. If 

you are interested in sharing your 

gifts in support of planning this 

event please contact Elaine Reed 

ARPWM.President@gmail.com or 

843-572-6427. 


TIE ONE ON FOR THE GOSPEL! 

ELIZABETH M. BURNS 

Coordinator 

Give me a moment to explain! 

Recently I was introduced 

to a great idea for reaching 

out to neighbors: “Tie One On Day.” 

This is the brainchild of EllynAnne 

Geisel, whose website (www.apronmemories.com) 

has loads of fun facts 

and history about aprons. 

Geisel’s love of aprons and joy of 

Thanksgiving led her to the idea of 

reaching out to a neighbor in need. 

From her website she says, “Four 

years ago I noticed that Thanksgiving 

was talked about in terms 

more commonly associated with 

stress than joy. I remembered my 

mother’s absolute love of Thanksgiving 

as a day more than anything 

else of sharing and gratefulness. 

So I created National Tie One On 

Day as an annual opportunity to 

“give” to Thanksgiving by sharing 

our good fortune with someone in 

need of a kind gesture.” 

The basic idea is simple and requires 

only two aprons, a loaf of 

bread (or other baked good), and 

a note card. You put on one apron, 

lay the other apron on a table and 

place the loaf of bread in the center. 

Write a short note of encouragement 

or Scripture; place it in 

the pocket of the apron, wrap the 

apron up neatly and tie it, if possible. 

Then, with your apron on, 

walk out your front door to the 

front door of the neighbor you 

have chosen to receive the apron. 

Knock on the door, give them 

the gift, say a prayer with them, if 

appropriate, and off you go. The 

idea from the website is to do this 

on the day before Thanksgiving, 

which this year would be Wednesday, 

Nov. 23. I don’t know how to 

make breaking the ice with someone 

any easier than this! The opportunities 

to use this, I believe, 

are endless and don’t have to be 

confined just to the day before 

Thanksgiving. 

I thought of so many other 

times you could use this idea: any 

holiday of choice; birthdays; anniversaries; 

illness; death; new 

baby; new neighbor; or, just because. 

Now that you’ve met your 

neighbor(s), it makes it a bit easier 

to speak to them on the street and 

to approach them again to invite 

them in for tea or a cool drink. 

I particularly appreciate the 

idea of putting on your own apron 

as you do this. Now before you 

think aprons are too old fashioned, 

let me assure you they are not. 

In fact, aprons are very much in 

vogue right now. Just go on your 

computer and search the word 

“apron,” and you will pull up an 

avalanche of websites devoted to 

aprons – showing them to be very 

much in demand. 

God’s Servant 

But the main reason I appreciate 

the apron is because it reminds 

me that I am a servant – God’s servant; 

a servant to the King. As a 

servant, I’m to do the King’s bidding 

for His sake, not mine, thus 

relieving my “fear” of approaching 

the unknown and of being rejected 

or ridiculed. I’m sure many of 

you have been challenged by our 

Moderator, Andy Putnam, through 

our focus this year, “The Free Offer 

of the Gospel.” 

Like me, maybe you’ve been 

wondering just how you might 

take up this challenge for the sake 

of Christ and His Gospel. I believe 

God has provided a wonderful 

way for women to go boldly forth 

with Scripture notes and prayers 

of blessing to serve and share 

the Bread of Life with those 

around us who are lost and hurting 

and hopeless. 

If you are interested in this for 

your women’s ministries, just go 

to the website listed above and you 

will find everything you need to 

get started. Although this is a secular 

website, this idea can be fully 

wrapped and infused with Christ 

and the Gospel. One of the churches 

in my area which is involved 

in this ministry has set aside two 

Saturdays before Thanksgiving to 

present ideas on different types of 

aprons to use; how to sew your own 

apron; how to tailor the apron’s 

contents for specific needs, which 

could be used any time during the 

year; suggested Scriptures; recipes 

for different kinds of breads and 

appropriate baked goods – along 

with tips and coaching for those 

not quite sure what to say when 

they first knock on someone’s front 

door; and even some ideas on how 

to follow up with that neighbor. 

I thank God for this timely idea 

and for the opportunity to serve 

others on behalf of our King Jesus. 

So join me, won’t you? Together, 

let’s Tie One On for the Gospel!? 

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE: NEW EMAIL 

ADDRESS FOR THE COORDINATOR: 

arpwmcoord@arpsynod.org. 

ARP Women’s Ministries 

NOVEMBER 2011 27

All In Our Family 

By Sharon Griffin 

Personal Mention 

BETHANY (SC): Louise Biggers turned 90 

on Sept. 10. 

CRAIG AVE. TABERNACLE (NC): Bob & 

Norma Owens celebrated their 60th wedding 

anniversary Sept. 2. 

EBENEZER (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Charles 

(Mary Alice) Mitchell celebrated their 62nd 

wedding anniversary Aug. 25. 

FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Drennan Horsley 

celebrated her 80th birthday Aug. 25, Alise 

Austin, her 90th on Sept. 13, and Martha 

Henry, her 80th on Sept. 14. 

GASTONIA FIRST (NC): Mary Rose & 

Tom Campbell celebrated 54 years of marriage 

Sept. 14. 

GREENWOOD (SC): Phillips & Elsie Tinkler 

marked 64 years of marriage on Aug. 30. 

PISGAH (NC): Ed Carson recently completed 

50 years of perfect attendance at 

Sunday School. Bill Whitesides recently 

celebrated his 80th birthday. Matt Faulkner 

was selected Most Valuable Player for JV 

Baseball at Hunter Huss High School. 

RICHLAND (TN): Pat & Ruth Billingsley 

celebrated 52 years of marriage Sept. 5. 

SEBRING (FL): Seniors who recently 

marked special birthdays were: John Denning 

(94 years Aug. 23) and Edie Trotter 

(93 years on Aug. 31). George & Kathryn 

Thompson were married 55 years as of 

Aug. 24. 

THOMSON (GA): Bill & Lorena Johnson 

recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. 

WILDHURST (VA): James & Rosalee 

Hedrick were married 54 years in Aug. 

Marriages 

BACK CREEK (NC): Lauren Baucom & 

Jeremy Brown, Aug. 20. 

BURLINGTON (NC): Bob Hilton & Gwen 

Andrews, Sept. 3. 

CROWDERS CREEK (NC): Lauren Elizabeth 

Elliotte & Daniel David Beech, Aug. 

20. Kelly Marie Brooks & Ricky Lee 

Hogue, Aug. 20. 

FRENCH CAMP (MS): Jenn Barlow & Jason 

Geiser, Sept. 2. 

UNITY (Lancaster, SC): Noelle Marie Marsh 

& Brenner Jackson Hartley, Sept. 10. 

Births 

AVON PARK (FL): Matt & Dena Soto, a 

daughter Alma Gloria, July 19. 

BACK CREEK (NC): Erin & Josh Smith, a 

son Harrison, July 30. 

BETHEL (SC): Doug & Christa Herrera, a 

daughter Ana Lynn, Aug. 23. 

CENTENNIAL (SC): Jake & Cristina Ramos 

Deputy, a son Jacob Dallas, Aug. 15. 

CHESTER (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Clint (Patti) 

Davis, a daughter Sarah Grace, Aug. 30. 

COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Legare & Tap 

Gresham, a son Charles Richard, Aug. 16. 

Anna Claire & Jon Dando, a son Charles 

Bridges, Aug. 25. Tracy & Rick Folks, a 

daughter Sydney Michaela, Aug. 26. 

COVINGTON (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Kent Zent, 

a daughter Katherine Elizabeth, July 6. 

EBENEZER (SC): Garret & Julia Brink, a 

daughter Frances Adelaide “Addie,” Sept. 1. 

GREENVILLE (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Matt 

(Lindsay) Miller, a daughter Elise Noelle, 

Aug. 25. 

GUM TREE (MS): Mr. & Mrs. Adam Potts, 

a son Zane. Mr. & Mrs. Clay Coggins, a 

son Todd Kellum. Mr. & Mrs. Raul Cruz, a 

daughter Angelina Isabella. 

NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Eric & Jennifer 

Matthews, a daughter Hollins Gray, July 27. 

RIVERSIDE (AL): Nate and Molly Jaeger, 

twin boys Tim and Mark on June 21,2011. 

Deaths 

BARTOW (FL): Francine Barfield Mercer, 

91, died Aug. 10. 

CRAIG AVE. TABERNACLE (NC): 

Armstrong, 85, died July 28. 

28 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN 

Ruth 

FROSTPROOF (FL): George Jackson, 66, 

deacon, died Aug. 14. Frances “Sweetmama” 

Griffin Mulcay, 96, Sunday school 

teacher, died Aug. 20. 

GREENWOOD (SC): Virginia Dale Puckett 

Cheatham, 89, died Aug. 31. 

LAKE WALES (FL): Francis “Frank” M. 

Coyne, 83, deacon, elder, Elder of Visitation 

for 13 years, died Aug. 29. 

LAUDERDALE (VA): Vanita Hostetter 

Craft, 89, died Aug. 15. William Edward 

Johnson, 91, died Sept. 3. 

NEW AMITY (NC): Mildred Jenkins Miller, 

79, died Aug. 20. 

OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Dennis Woodrow 

Conner, 82, died Aug. 7. 

ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Nancy Collins 

Orr, 83, died Aug. 8. 

SEBRING (FL): John C. Freeland, 91, died 

Aug. 12. Dorothy Fisher, 87, died Aug. 26. 

STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Jean Moore 

Bradford, Camp Joy attendee for 31 years, 

died Aug. 4. Faye West White, 89, died 

Aug. 19. 

New Communicant 

Members 

BURLINGTON (NC): Caroline & Reighanna 

Bailey, Bennett, Janice, & Kathryn 

Richardson, Shauneen Roy, Hannah 

Baird, David & Nicole Newton. 

CENTENNIAL (SC): 

Osborne. 

EFFINGHAM (SC): Ernie Davis. 

Jason & Ginger 

FAITH (Merritt Island, FL): Josiah Soule. 

FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Paisley Cowley, 

Anna Claire Dickey, Hugh & Beth Dickey, 

Caroline Mills, Meg O’Connor, Ashton 

Towry.

FROSTPROOF (FL): Danny & Julie Darby. 

GOOD NEWS (MD): Tommy Antrim. 

GUM TREE (MS): Scotty & Tanya Rudy 

and daughter Savannah. 

LAKE PLACID (FL): Carmen Bonilla, 

Chase Leblanc. 

NEELY’S CREEK (SC): Maggie Bowyer, 

Beth Dickerson, Chandler Fowler, Grace 

Gallagher, David & Courtney Kimball, 

Ryan Williams. 

NEW AMITY (NC): Kim Morrison. 

PISGAH (NC): Haven Jenkins. 

REFORMATION (NC): Callie Oldham. 

SHERWOOD FOREST (SC): Andrew 

MacLeod. 

STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Grace Overcash. 

Special Services 

COVENANT (Statesville, NC): Homecoming 

was held Sept. 18 with Rev. Charles Evans 

preaching. The church was 46 years 

old on Sept. 12. 

FIRST MONROE & REHOBETH (NC): The 

churches held a joint picnic on Sunday afternoon, 

Sept. 18, at Cane Creek Park. About 

70-75 were in attendance for the meal and 

recreation. The two churches are about 20 

minutes apart from each other in southern 

Union County, NC. 

PROSPERITY (AL): The church celebrated 

its 189th year on Sept. 11 with a special service 

and a dinner. Prosperity is the oldest 

ARP church in Alabama. 

SHERWOOD FOREST (SC): Homecoming 

was celebrated Sept. 11. Festivities included 

lunch and a hymn sing. 

UNITY (Lancaster, SC): Homecoming Day 

was held Aug. 28 with guest minister Rev. 

Bob Elliott. The day included a psalm sing 

and a picnic lunch. 

Graduations 

CENTENNIAL (SC): Whitney Fox, Master’s 

degree, Clemson University. 

PINECREST (NC): Karla Reese, Master’s 

degree, West Carolina University.? 

FALL 2011 ARTS CALENDAR 

Please join us for the arts at Erskine this season. 

Theater Productions 

Erskine Players present Shakespeare's The Tempest 

November 3 & 4, 7:30 pm 

November 5, 2:30 pm 

Visual Arts 

Art Department Faculty Show 

Through December 8 

Music 

Talich String Quartet 

Tuesday, November 15, 7:30 pm 

Dr. Craig Cramer, Organist 

Thursday, November 17 

Masterclass – Choral Hall, 3:30 pm 

Recital – First Presbyterian, Greenwood, 7:30 pm 

Erskine Student Chamber Music Ensembles 

Friday, November 18, 8 pm 

An Erskine Christmas 

Friday, December 2, 8 pm 

Saturday, December 3, 6 pm 

(Ticketing information: choirs@erskine.edu or 864.379.8728) 

Women's Chorale Christmas Program 

Tuesday, December 6, 11 am 

Music Department Honors Recital 

Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 pm 

Opera Workshop 

Friday-Saturday, January 6 & 7 

For more information on arts events, call 864.379.8858 

NOVEMBER 2011 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. 

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® 

WEB & GRAPHIC SERVICES: Providing great finished graphics from 

design stage to finished printed product, or website. Large format print 

capabilities. Mention ARP Magazine and receive a 10% discount. 

864.268.4266 or www.sabo.ws. 

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. 

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES - Looking for adults or teenagers who can provide insight 

in using technologies such as: YouTube, Facebook, webcast, etc. Contact Elaine 

Reed at ARPWM.President@gmail.com if you are willing to provide information. 

Come see why our residents live longer, 

happier, healthier lives. 

 

 

 

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Call collect (864) 277-3795 

Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673 


Indelible Grace 

A portable stage was pieced together and set up over the small hardwood platform that usually holds a pulpit, a few chairs and a baptismal font. 

In their places sat a full drum set, guitar amplifiers, and microphone stands. A large screen was mounted in front of the organ pipes. As the band 

members settled behind their instruments, more than 300 people filled the pews of First ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC, and waited in anticipation for 

Matthew Smith to strum the first chord of “I Need Thee Today.” 

Synod’s Committee on Worship sponsored the Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace concert and hymns seminar to expose ARP and other area 

churches to new resources that might enrich their worship. “This was a significant step for our denomination,” said Committee member, church 

planting resident, and emcee of the Rock Hill event Rev. Andy Stager. 

“Just months after the Committee proudly sponsored the 50th Annual Bonclarken Music Conference, 

we honored our musical heritage in a brand new way by exploring ways to bring hymnody 

into modern musical genres.” 

Before the opening song began, Stager welcomed those who came in droves through the back 

doors of the sanctuary to hear this collection of “new-old hymns.” 

During the pre-concert seminar, Matthew Smith told of his personal spiritual renewal as he 

encountered the gospel through hymns for the first time in college. He testified to a major impact 

that the resurgence of hymnody is having on a new generation looking for a robust expression of 

Christian faith. 

“A typical Nashville love song, as well as much current church music, goes straight for the emotions,” 

the Nashville songwriter explained. “But hymns engage your intellect, your imagination, 

your emotions, and your will – all at once. They put the full beauty of Christ on display.” 

The marriage of old hymn texts and new music is proving to be a happy one. In it, believers in 

their twenties and thirties find faith challenged, their intellect stoked, their articulation of the faith 

made more winsome, and their hearts enlarged with Jesus and his gospel. 

Full of word-pictures, hymns like George Mathison’s “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” invite 

The band Indelible Grace draws a large 

audience at First ARP, Rock Hill (SC). 

the church on an ancient journey in which hope thrives in the midst of suffering. “When you sing ‘I trace the rainbow through the rain,’” Smith pointed 

out, “you’re singing covenantal truth. You’re preaching the gospel to one another much better than simply saying ‘well, this too shall pass.’” 

Area youth groups heard electric guitars and hymns together. Winthrop University students from Reformed University Fellowship and Campus 

Crusade, area pastors, elders, and church musicians sang old hymns to new melodies. Young and old sang the gospel to one another as the word of 

Christ dwelt richly in the air of the sanctuary. 

“Judging by the turnout, we seem to have struck a chord,” Stager said of the event. “It delights me to know that our great-grandmothers’ hymnbooks 

are in good use.”? 

Correction: 

At the end of the October magazine feature, A Debtor Nation, on page 7, the concluding line should have been a footnote 

appended to an earlier paragraph in the article, and the fourth of five footnotes in all. The article should have concluded with 

the previous line: “This is a time for repentance, and let us first of all demand repentance of ourselves. We should not expect 

divine blessings to course into the culture until the way is opened by repentance in the church.” 

Kerry Jacobs 

A Southern Author 

Former ARP Missionary 

Living in Greenville, Mr. Jacobs has been writing 

for over ten years. Recently published works 

include Honorable Intentions and The Factory. 

Honorable Intentions: A saga about a man who 

inherits a Charleston plantation only to find 

himself a target of those wanting to possess 

it. His only route of escape? A time machine. 

That’s where the real adventure begins. 

The Factory: The economy of the world has 

collapsed. Jack, retired former Lt. Colonel 

finds a new job at a factory in Atlanta. Little 

does he know the world of hurt he’s about to 

enter. No rights, little respect. Something’s got 

to change. 

Published 2010 Published 2011 

Available from Amazon.com or kerryjacobs.com 

NOVEMBER 2011 31

ARP Magazine - Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

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