Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHPaul MathewsJerry O'NeillJ.E. McElroy]. Paul McCrackenStan CopelandRay HemphillGene SpearJonathan WattShigeru TakiuraBob McCrackenS. Bruce Willson Bruce Stev/artSumito SakaiBob HenningJim KernLeverne RosenbergerRay McCrackenBob McFarlandPhil MartinTony CowleyMarion McFarlandClarkCopelandBill PihlPaul MartinGodfrey FranklinRalph JosephGlenn McFarlandJohn O. EdgarDavid CoonBill EdgarSidney VanCampRobert HemphillThe report of the Committee on Psalm Music was taken up. TheClerk assumed the chair for the consideration of this report. Thematter before Synod was a fifteen-minute discussion. The Chairmanproposed that in view of earlier discusion and the pressures of time,the discussion not be held. The report as a whole, at therecommendation of the chairman, was referred to the Committee.The report of the Presbytery Review Committee was taken up.The recommendation was adopted. The report as a whole wasapproved and is as follows:STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORTby the Presbytery Review CommitteeReview of PresbyteriesThe Lord continues to bless us in our presbyteries. He has given usgifted people laboring diligently in the work of service. We enjoy the work ofvigorous pastors and we pray for some who are afflicted with serious illness intheir own body or in the members of their households. Others are dealingwith particularly difficult spiritual assaults and we must continue to pray forand labor with them in these.We enjoy many opportunities for ministry in old and new places as wesee older works growing and new works being established. Many of theseopportunities are answers far beyond our prayers and plans. Some works arenot growing and we continue to pray and labor that greater blessing would beextended to these congregations also. The Lord is answering our constantprayer for new pastors as evidenced in nearly 20 men under care as studentsof theology. We must pray for the wide spread need for more ruling elders.We rejoice in a new presbytery as the Japan Commission was organized assuch at this Synod.One strong proof of spiritual health in our congregations is theconfirmation of the covenant of grace in the hearts of our covenant youngpeople as evidenced in their public professions of faith and directIU