Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

24 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEpositive and hopeful. The congregation has now been removed from alldenominational and presbytery aid. Its prospects for the future, as Godblesses the work, are very good.The Sterling Congregation reports that the membership roll started at 76with four loses and three people joining which makes the total 75. The fourloses were three transfers, one death. They have been focusing on improvingtheir worship services this year. Practicing the Psalms the hour beforeworship, especially the new tunes, has been very helpful. Their pastorcontinues to work hard at numerous activities. Besides his sermonpreparation and visitations his time is spent on the radio ministry/ numerouswritings, counseling, speaking at the seminary and youth camps, and activitieswith the college and high school students. One of their youth, DenisePrutow, spent the summer sharing the gospel with the non-Christians at theBoardwalk Chapel in Windowed, NJ. The Sterling Congregation will miss thespirit and fellowship of Marjorie Hutcheson, long time missionary to Cyprusfor the denomination.1994 brought several changes within the life of the StillwaterCongregation. Probably the most notable, as reported last year, was theirmove to the Nazarene Student Center which provides a central location, awarm atmosphere for fellowship, and for worship, better class room spaceand reasonable rent. But location is not everything. A "warm" churchenvironment can be achieved without the Word of God impacting lives. Inthis aspect the congregation continues to learn and serve the Lord. Thepeople of God are called to be holy, conformed to the character of God,being set apart from sin and consecrated for His service. Through manydifferent aspects they strive to be Christ-like.The Topeka Congregation reports that they are outgrowing their 40 yearold building. They are relocating on a 5 acre plot (33rd and Auburn Rd.)where they can construct a new church with an activity center.The Washington Congregation praises God for His evident blessingamong us during the past year. His grace has been apparent in the receptionof several new members, the renewed commitment of a congregational"prodigal," the teaching and fellowship of the church, and the growing desireto minister to the lost. The Session was grieved to have to pronounce anexcommunication this year, but we continue in prayer for our formermember and take solace in the fact that the faithful exercise of discipline,though painful, is a mark of a true church.The Westminster Congregation continues to thank God for His provisionof young adults, many are sons and daughters of the congregation, whodesire to work with the youth of their congregation. Pray for wisdom in thedecision about a new building because their worship room is full most Lord'sdays. Also pray for a spirit of unity as the Lord has allowed them to ministerto many new people, some of which have joined the congregation.Bible Study and outreach continue in Wichita through the faithful workof Sam and Sue Wilkey and the encouragement and oversight of the WichitaCommittee of the Presbytery's Church Extension and Evangelism Committee.