Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

186 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
computer expertise there has produced what may be the first World Wide We
homepage of any congregation in the denomination. Anyone, around the world,
can access the Reformed Witness Pageif they have a Web browser. The URLis
http://www.reformed.com. It gives a full listing of all churches in our Synod, and
offers literature for downloading. In this, Southfield has shown leadership that can
be followed by other congregations. They have begun more organized work in the
Lansing area. As mentioned, they have onsite leadership. As well, they now have
a meeting place, a television show on the local access cable channel, and they have
begun worship services. Further, the Iron County Reformed Fellowship, 'way up in
the Upper Peninsula',is sponsored by Southfield. Several families are regularly
meeting together there. Southside Indianapolis' evangelism program has seen some
success. They are needing much more room, which is why they are expanding
their building. They have begun a new Junior High ministry, and have appointed
elder John Hanson as their Coordinator of Youth Ministries. Many of their young
people were able to participate in summer mission trips. Sparta has some smallgroup
Bible studies now going, and believes that they may be beginning to see
some fruit from their seed planting. Their money is getting tight, though.
Sycamore continues to grow. They continue an active evangelism program, and are
developing quite a mercy ministry in their area. They have further developed work
at the local Indiana University branch, and have been aaive in helping with mission
developments in the Elkhart/Goshen, IN, area. Westminster is retrenching this
year. They lost around 40 members, mostly due to job transfers, but the Lordis
rebuilding them quickly. The Lord is building the Session, too, for which we give
thanks.
Strong interest continues in the seminary level training that has been offered in
the Indianapolis area. Many Reformed Presbyterians have eagely participated as
students. The anticipated emphasis in the coming few years will be Church
History, from the Primitive, Medieval, and Reformation eras to the present.
Our Young People's work continues under the direaion of Richard Johnston,
John Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. James Long, and the presbyterial CYPU staff. We
plan on no Presbytery conference this year, with the running of the International
Conference at Calvin this year.
Presbytery has met once since the last meeting of Synod, on 22-24 February at
Columbus, IN. This was our stated "Spring" meeting. It was generally a very
encouraging and loving time.
Dear brethren, we again implore your prayers for us. As we often sing in Psalm
122, "Pray, then, for the peace of Salem. May they prosper who love you! Be
there peace within your walls." Pray that we will remain true to our professions,
our Covenants, to the Covenant of Grace, and to the Head of the Covenant, the
King of Zion and King of Kings, the only Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Respectfully submitted for the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery,
Phil Pockras, Assistant Clerk of Presbytery