Contents November 2008

FEATURES
3 Moderator’s Corner – “Gospel Verbs”
God’s written Word provides all of the truth and wisdom
needed for navigating life’s twists and turns. He has
given us the Holy Spirit to guide us through and to enable
our understanding of everything in Scripture. —Gordon Query COVER
PHOTO
4 SYNOD EMPHASIS–The Indispensable Word:
Darwinism Reversed New ministers and new ARP Center
staff, seen here in front of Greenville
It is faith, based on the trustworthiness of God (who makes ARP Church in Greenville, SC, met
promises and keeps them) that enables men to go where Sept. 30 for a day of presentations by
science cannot. —Dr. James A. Hunt directors of the agencies of General
6 Trusting God in uncertain times Synod.

The current financial crisis is one of many opportunities Christians have

ARP
to point the world to Christ. In times of uncertainty, we must not show ISSN 0362—0816

the same fear, worry and anxiety that the world experiences. Instead, we
must display the generosity, confidence and love for wisdom that come
from a life lived before the face of God. —Rev. Paul D. Mulner
7 Insight on the Adult Quarterly
Growing into one body–insight into the first lesson THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
of the month in Christian Education Ministries’ VOL. XXXIII NO. 11
Adult Quarterly. —Dr. William B. Evans Delores P. McDonald, Editor
8 The Psalms, written to mold and admonish Susan Lever, Assistant Editor
The Psalms are specifically targeted at our hearts, Advertising rates on request; ask
to change them, and to change us through them. for current rate card. Advertis-
ing competitive with any agency
The Psalms are meant to give us new emotions, or institution of the Associate
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constitute an endorsement by this
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Women’s Ministries lays out three days of praise, prayer and BOARD OF THE ASSSOCIATE
testimonies for your church to follow for the annual Prayer Emphasis REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
Program. Personal testimonies from Rita Beamguard and Robin Rowell Walter M. Payne Jr. (2011), Chairman; Dr. Oran Smith
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reveal how prayer has affected their lives. retary; Linda Hardin (2009); Dr. Peggy Gray (2010);
Rev. Charles Y. Todd (2011); Rev. Max Bolin (2009); Har-
old Robertson (2013); Martha Waldrop (ARP Women’s
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2 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

MODERATOR’S CORNER
Gospel verbs
The previous list of verbs is
taken from the four Gospels and
shares a common thread. Present-
GORDON QUERY ed chronologically, these Gospel
Moderator verbs depict only those actions
initiated by others toward Jesus
throughout His earthly lifespan.
So much of who we are is shaped
by a series of significant events oc-
T
hink of the following words curring over our lifetime.
as snapshots of significant Often we have no say in our
moments in Jesus’ life. lives as influences – both positive
Wrapped and negative by nature – are thrust
Visited upon us. At other times we expect
Worshiped these events to take place but are
Moved unsure when they will occur.
Circumcised Only the Christian, however,
Baptized can honestly recognize God’s hand
Tempted peculiarly, strategically directing
Tested these events. Even so, the severity
Rejected of impact in each case will deter-
Anointed mine the difficulty of acknowledg-
Supported ing God’s goodness and sovereign-
Questioned ty over it.
Betrayed Gospel verbs are intended to
Kissed penetrate our minds, to mark our
Seized souls, with pictures of how the
Bound Master responded to life’s events
Arrested during His 33 years on Earth. Fur-
Denied ther, they are intended to direct
Led away and encourage our ways of react-
Tried ing when facing any manner of
Wept over circumstances, especially the sur-
Scourged prises of life.
Stripped Whether it is a positive or a
Dressed negative event, it is easy to offer
Crowned advice concerning one’s response
Mocked when the shoe is on someone else’s
Beat upon foot. However, when surprised by
Spit upon suffering personally or caught off
Crucified guard by upsetting news of a fam-
Abused ily member or close friend, what is
Insulted your posture?
Died How prepared are you to deal
Wrapped with life’s sudden changes? Per-
Buried haps the more searching question
Guarded is: do you know how to prepare?
NOVEMBER 2008
God never intended for us to
deal with the ups and downs of life
on our own. Unfortunately, we act
too often as if we are on our own.
When we become unglued, even
distraught, over a significant turn
of events and see no hope of recov-
ering from it, we are operating on
our own.
God’s written Word provides all
of the truth and wisdom needed for
navigating life’s twists and turns;
therefore, we are able to know bet-
ter. Furthermore, He has given us
the Holy Spirit to guide us through
and to enable our understanding of
everything in Scripture.
Let’s say you are traveling by
air and suddenly go down, crash-
ing into an uninhabited landmass
without water or vegetation for
hundreds of miles. You are the lone
survivor without any resources.
Suddenly, as you are facing starva-
tion on the third day, a helicopter
medic spots you and safely lands.
You are brought on board and
offered food and drink, but you
refuse it! “Preposterous!” you re-
spond – and you are correct. But
let’s take this a step further: What
truly is preposterous is to die of
starvation from not knowing the
answers to the sudden predica-
ments of life, when all the while
the answers lay on your nearby
table in a book called the Bible!
What is it that prevents you from
picking it up and reading it today?
God’s Word is His lifeline for you
and an anchor for your soul in the
storms of life.
We can be better prepared for
the major events of life that af-
fect every one of us. Take time ev-
ery day of the week to read your
Bible.G
3
 T h e In dIspensa
bl
word
e
By Dr. James A. Hunt
John 1:1-14
S
ince Charles Darwin’s Origin of
Species was published in 1859,
men and science have devoted
considerable time to investigation, ob-
servation, and postulation. It would
be unfair, indeed, to dismiss this ef-
fort as fruitless. Remarkable discov-
eries have come to light as a result of
genetics and chemistry and the effort
to prove or disprove Darwin’s theses.
At this time, the conclusive proof of
evolution is still lacking.
In this article, my assignment is
not to argue to disprove Darwin’s
evolutionary postulations. The scien-
tists are doing that very well. Rather,
I would address those who will con-
sider that debate in the light of the
Bible’s assertions.
Science and the Bible are not nec-
essarily mutually exclusive. The
wisdom writer, Solomon, wrote, “It
is the glory of God to conceal a mat-
ter; to search out a matter is the glory
of kings” (Proverbs 25:2). Solomon
knew the relationship between God’s
creation and science. Furthermore,
Solomon knew the relationship be-
tween science and those who study
it. He goes on to say in Proverbs 25:3,
“As the heavens are high and the
earth is deep, so the hearts of kings
are unsearchable.”
Whether scientist or minister, doc-
tor or banker, craftsman or laborer,
it is undeniable that our hearts are
inclined to wickedness and unbelief.
The influence of the Holy Spirit, with
the Word, is indispensible to anyone
who would understand the Bible and
science.
As Darwin’s observations have
been reviewed and as archeology and
astronomy have added new informa-
tion, conclusions have been made
4 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
Darwinism
reversed
which take Darwin beyond the natu-
ral bounds of the scientific method.
Some scientists want to force the pro-
cess backwards to origins and thus
exclude a sovereign God who has in-
telligently created what exists.
The principle assumed, which
takes science to this area of origins, is
“uniformitarianism,” which teaches,
“...given sufficient time, processes
now at work could account for all the
geologic features of the globe” (Hen-
ry M. Morris, Scientific Creationism,
Master Books, 1985, p. 92). Thus, op-
erations we observe now have always
been in operation. Therefore, no su-
pernatural creation by command can
be admitted.
God’s Power Revealed
In the Bible, God has revealed
Himself to man as creator and main-
tainer of the world. Throughout the
Bible God both claims to have created
and demonstrates that He can enter
natural processes in a supernatural
way. As of now, science has not given
credible explanation for the origin of
things which science observes and
describes.
John 1:1-5 is a sweeping statement
of God’s creative power. The creation
is a dynamic work of the Trinity. Fa-
ther, Son, and Holy Spirit, each and
all, were involved in the creation and
in the illumination of darkness – both
physically and morally. So the Scrip-
ture affirms.
John’s statement is a fact that no
man can measure or disprove. We see
the results of creation having taken
place. We study it and learn of the
marvelous complexity and consis-
tency. Still, some scientists insist that
there can be no “intelligent” design.
Without question, the theory of
Darwinian evolution has gained pop-
ularity and acceptance throughout
academic and institutional science in
our day. However, that is not to say
that all science and scientists agree.
Indeed, as in Darwin’s own day, there
seems to be another factor at work, of
which Solomon spoke, and that is the
willfulness of men’s hearts to reject
God.
The writer to the Hebrews reflected
the heart element in this Darwinian
debate. He said, “By faith we under-
stand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God, so that the things
which are seen were not made of
things which are visible” (Hebrews
11:3).
It is faith, based on the trustwor-
thiness of God, who makes promises
and keeps them, that enables men to
go where science cannot. But man’s
problem is that he will not acknowl-
edge God as he has revealed Him-
self in nature and trusting his own
thoughts, his heart is darkened (Ro-
mans 1:18-22).
While the Word of God does not
tell us everything we desire to know,
it does tell us truly what we need to
know (Deuteronomy 29:29). What we
desire to know becomes the calling
of men to “search out” what God has
made. And what God has revealed
in His Word is “…full of grace and
truth” (John 1:14).
So, John ties together the creation
power, the incarnation power and
the resurrection power. “In the be-
ginning was the Word… All things
were made through Him… And the
Word became flesh and dwelt among
us…” (John 1:1-14). To reject any one
of these expressions of God’s power
is an assault on them all.
A friend of mine said that what one
does with Genesis 1-3 is an indicator
of that person’s orthodoxy. When he
said that I thought it was a bit “over
the top.” However, as I follow this
debate and the debate concerning the
inerrancy of Scripture, I am evermore
inclined to agree.
God, who has the power to become
incarnate man by a virgin birth, is the
God whose power is sufficient to do
what He has claimed. God who cre-
ated the world out of nothing is able
to restore life to the dead. God who
became man and who is creator of
the world is able, by the power of the
Holy Spirit, to give life and under-
standing to rebellious men.
The God who created is the God
who has converted many, including
scientists, to know this power. This
God who enables science is the God
of Sanctification, calling men to faith
and to moral holiness beyond the
urges of “animal” man.
By Faith
Recently, while studying the Feed-
ing of the Multitude in Luke 9, I began
meditating on the faith of Abraham
as noted by Paul in Romans 4. There
we are told that all of God’s promises
of justification, holiness and sanctifi-
cation are summarized in Abraham’s
faith. Abraham “…believed - the God
who gives life to the dead and calls
things that are not as though they
were” (Romans 4:17).
Old, and without a child, Abraham,
Paul says, “…was strengthened in his
faith and gave glory to God, being
fully persuaded that God had power
to do what he had promised”(Romans
4:20-21). After feeding the multitude,
Jesus asked His disciples “who do
men say that I am?” Then, “who do
you say that I am?” God cares what
people think about Him and His Son,
Jesus Christ.
We believe that Christ fed 5,000,
and more, with only five loaves and
two fish, a miracle which was very
well attested. Is it so much of a stretch
that this God could also bring life to a
dead body, give a child to an old man
and his barren wife, and “create all
things by the word of His power?”
The Word of God is indispensible
for understanding life, salvation, and
the conclusions of science. Charles
Darwin seemed to understand the
NOVEMBER 2008
implications of his
postulates
about ori-
gins. And,
he, who
once had
respect for the
Bible, turned
against it, los-
ing his way in
life and,
appar-
ently, for
eternity.
Despite
Charles
Darwin’s
early
teaching,
it was his
beginning
doubt
about Gen-
esis 1-3 that
led him to read
Charles Lyall’s
Principles of
Geology. This
book ridiculed
belief in recent
creation in favor of an old earth, and Darwin reversed the movement,
denied that Noah’s flood was world- slipping from the light of the Gospel,
wide; this, of course, was also a de- although not saving light, to an ever-
nial of divine judgment. increasing darkness of despair. At
the end of his life, we are told that he
Divine Judgment was virtually without hope (John M.
Most conspicuous in Darwin’s tes- Brentnall and Russell M. Grigg, Cre-
timony is the recurring theme of a di- ation Ministries International, www.
vine judgment. He said, “I can hardly christiananswers.net).
see how anyone ought to wish Chris- Charles Darwin has influenced the
tianity to be true; for if so, the plain world in very profound ways. How-
language of the text seems to show ever, the Gospel of the crucified and
that the men who do not believe, and risen Christ is far more profound and
this would include my Father, Broth- determinative in the world. Scientists
er, and almost all my best friends, will will continue to “search out” the hid-
be everlastingly punished. And this is den things of God. As this evolution
a damnable doctrine” (James Moore, debate continues, we may be sure
The Darwin Legend, Baker, 1994, p. that Darwinism is reversed every
10, and 318). time the Holy Spirit stirs the heart of
Darwin’s “faith,” like many since a sinner to believe what is written in
him, is that there is no judgment. It the Word.G
is regrettable that Charles Darwin did Dr. Hunt is the pastor of Coddle
not learn of the grace of God in the Creek ARP Church, Mooresville, NC.
saving work of Jesus Christ, and of He and wife Catherine have three
the joy of forgiveness in the Christian grown children.
life. Most folks, when converted to *Resources: Christiananswers.net;
faith, move from darkness to new life AnswersInGenesis.org; Institute for Cre-
by the light of the Bible. ation Research, San Diego, CA.
5
 Trusting God in
Uncertain Times
By Paul D. Mulner
S
evere market drops, financial
crises, and emergency bailouts
will dominate the news and
many water-cooler conversations
today. The panic has spread from
“Wall Street to Main Street” – to use
the political catch phrase. Whether
or not we believe the media’s presen-
tation of the severity of the current
financial distress, there is no doubt
that millions of people are filled with
fear about what will happen to their
banks, mortgages, and retirement ac-
counts.
Scripture does not demonize
wealth, or the wealthy, the way many
do today. Financial blessings are from
God, are to be received with thank-
fulness toward Him. These blessings
are intended to foster generosity. God
promises to meet the physical needs
of His people, just as He continu-
ally clothes the lilies of the field
(Matthew 6:28-30).
Yet Scripture never once
commands us to pursue
wealth. It never instructs
us to be concerned
with or consumed by
how much we will or
will not have in the
future. Instead, Scrip-
ture offers far more
helpful and comfort-
ing instruction for
believers, especially
during these uncer-
tain financial times.
Seek Wisdom,
Not Gold
How much better to get
wisdom than gold! To get un-
derstanding is to be chosen rath-
er than silver (Proverbs 16: 16).
How reassuring this measure of a
6 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
successful life is! Solomon does not
suggest that gold and silver have
no value, but he does put them in
their appropriate place: beneath
wisdom. Proverbs begins with Sol-
omon’s instruction: The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction
(1:7). The Christian can live a joyful,
productive life without the benefit of
wealth. Even the richest on earth will
not have joy and security for long if
they lack godly wisdom.
News reports show traders panick-
ing on Wall Street, frantically shout-
ing loudly, trying to avoid losing all
the wealth they’ve worked for. They
appear to be filled with fear about the
future, uncertain of what to do or who
to trust.
Solomon says, Wisdom cries aloud
in the street, in the markets she raises
her voice…How long, O simple ones,
will you love being simple? How long
will scoffers delight in their scoffing and
fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my
reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit
to you; I will make my words known to
you (1:20-23). This is the solution to fi-
nancial peace: heeding the reproof of
God and seeking the knowledge He
provides.
If we fail to listen to God’s call and
seek gold rather than wisdom and
silver instead of understanding, wis-
dom will be far less generous to us:
Because I have called and you refused to
listen, have stretched out my hand and no
one has heeded, because you have ignored
all my counsel and would have none of
my reproof, I also will laugh at your ca-
lamity; I will mock when terror strikes
you…when distress and anguish
come upon you (1:24-27).
This disastrous result
should easily be avoided
by believers. We should
never seek wealth over
wisdom. When we ask
God to give to us, we
should be asking for
wisdom rather than
abundance in our
retirement portfolio.
Christ’s Plan for
Financial Peace
Humans are un-
able to abandon
their quest for wealth
without supernatural
intervention. In our fall-
en state, we are filled with
worry about what we have
and don’t have. We are anx-
ious about finding out how to get
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
I nsight
Quarterly
on the
Adult
The following is a synopsis of the first les-
son for November in the Adult Quarterly
Sunday school curriculum produced by
Christian Education Ministries of the ARP
Church.
By Dr. William B. Evans
EDITOR, ADULT QUARTERLY
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16
I
n this lesson Paul deals with the
spiritual means whereby the
unity of the church is established
and deepened. In our contemporary
church context, characterized as it is
more by disunity rather than unity,
this is a message that is as timely to-
day as it was in the first century.
Unity of the Spirit (4:1-6)
In these verses Paul pointedly re-
minds us that walking “worthy of
the calling to which you have been
called” involves such personal quali-
ties as “humility and gentleness,”
“patience,” and “bearing with one
another in love.” These are the very
qualities that further unity in the
church.
Indeed, this unity must be the con-
scious goal of all Christians. We must
be “eager to maintain the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace (verse 3).
This last statement about the “unity
of the Spirit” reminds us that the uni-
ty that should characterize the church
is not mere sentimental emotion. It
is a work of God’s Holy Spirit, and
a primary goal of the Spirit’s work is
peace (see Romans 8:6; 14:17; 15:13;
Galatians 5:22).
In keeping with this, Paul now
elaborates on this spiritual foundation
of the church’s unity. These verses are
framed in Trinitarian fashion, speak-
ing of the Spirit as “one body and one
Spirit.” Then referring to Christ, the
incarnate Son of God, as “one Lord
[i.e., Jesus Christ], one faith, one bap-
NOVEMBER 2008
Growing into
one body
tism.” And finally, God the Father is
“one God and Father of all.”
Here we must notice the recurring
word “one” in these verses. By fram-
ing our understanding of the church
and its unity within the Trinitarian
context, we are reminded of how the
unity of the Church has its founda-
tion in the tri-unity of God himself as
Father, Son, and Spirit.
Unity of the Faith (4:7-13)
Paul now speaks of the gifts that
Christ himself pours out upon the
church through the Spirit. But how
did Christ come to be the source of
the grace that “was given to each one
of us?” In verse 9 Paul elaborates on
this theme in an interesting way by
quoting Psalm 68:18. The eternal Son
of God first of all descended to “the
lower parts of the earth.” And fur-
thermore, the one who descended has
won a mighty victory.
Commentators differ as to what
this verse may mean. Some take it to
refer to a descent into hell where he
released the souls from captivity. Oth-
ers, less imaginatively, understand
this to refer to Christ’s incarnation
as He came to this Earth and to His
victory over the forces of evil. Clearly
there is mysterious language here,
but Paul’s fundamental point is clear:
Christ won a mighty victory. Evil has
been overcome. Moreover, the vic-
torious one who fills the whole uni-
verse can also fill us with His grace
and unite the Church.
Not only has Christ won a mighty
victory, but He is constantly bestow-
ing gifts upon His people. We read
in verse 11 that He has provided the
church with apostles, prophets, evan-
gelists, pastors and teachers. Each of
these New Testament offices was im-
portant for equipping God’s people
and for “building up the body of
Christ” at that crucial time.
Finally, in verse 13, Paul reminds
us that the unity of the church in-
volves unity of belief and doctrine.
An important goal here is that “we
all attain to the unity of the faith and
of the knowledge of the Son of God.”
This is a vital point today, for we
live in a time when doctrine is often
viewed with indifference. While true
Christian unity involves more than
unity in right doctrine, it never in-
volves less!
No Longer Children (4:14-16)
Continuing his emphasis on teach-
ing and doctrine from the previous
verses, Paul now describes the ma-
ture Christian life. We must move be-
yond spiritual infancy. To be a spiri-
tual infant is like being tossed back
and forth by the waves of the sea and
like being blown this way and that
by fierce winds. Here Paul notes that
such people lack spiritual discern-
ment and are ripe for deceit by those
who cunningly prey on the church.
Positively, the mature Christian is
one who speaks “the truth in love.”
It is difficult to bring these two ele-
ments—truth and love—together.
Some are so concerned for the truth
that they beat their fellow Christians
over the head with it. Others are so
intent on loving others that the truth
of God’s Word gets short-changed.
Mature Christians keep the two in
balance. As discerning believers, they
know what the truth is and as loving
believers, they handle that truth re-
sponsibly.G
Dr. Evans is Younts Professor of Bible
and Religion at Erskine College, Due
West, S.C. He also serves as chairman
of the Department of Bible, Religion
and Philosophy at the college.
7
Teaching, admonishing Erskine Theological Seminary

The Architectural Setting

Upcoming Conferences

one another in Psalms

Of Christian Worship
Exploring the Intersection of Architecture, Theology,
and Worship

with
Dr. David Gobel
Savannah College of Art and Design
By Rev. David E. Vance Dr. Hughes Oliphant Old

A
Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary
fter a serious accident, my fa- think the words of the song should struct us.
Dr. Terry Johnson
ther lived the last five years of Presbyterian
Independent change. Church Often the editors of hymnals Maybe you once read a biography
his life with a severe head inju- Dr. Markdo change the words. But something
E. Ross and said, “I want to be a Christian
Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary
ry. And even after he had trouble rec- different happens when we sing the like that. I see how so-and-so had a
ognizing his own children, I could say
Independent Presbyterian Church
Psalms. It is not the words which heart for God, and I want to imitate
to him, “Show me thy ways, O Savannah, Lord, have
Georgia to change. We have to change. that.” These men were inspired by
thy paths O teach thou me.” And he The words need to change us. God’s Spirit for this very purpose,
February 5 - 7, 2009
would say, “And do thou lead me in In the Psalms, God took the great- to teach us how we can also be men
thy truth, therein and women af-

my teacher be….
My sins and faults
of youth, do thou,
O Lord, forget.
After thy mercy
think on me and
for thy goodness
great.”
That is Psalm
25 from the Scot-
tish Psalter. My
father grew up in
Scotland singing
the Psalms. And
those songs stayed with him
Information
on speakers,
registration and other information on the Savannah conference contact Crystal Tolbert
life, even when he couldby emailnot
at tolbert@erskine.edu
ber much else. What conference
we learn contact
has a remarkable power in our mind
and in our soul. Music, says Luther,
is “a fair and lovely gift from God …
next to the word of God the mistress
and governess of the feelings of the
human heart.”
Rhyme adds great strength to rea-
son. Truth appears all the more beau-
tiful to us when it sings—or in Paul’s
words—when the word of Christ
dwells in us richly. And so, not only
at church, but in our day-to-day lives,
we must always be teaching and ad-
monishing one another in psalms (Co-
lossians 3:16). How can we do so?
They Teach Us
The Psalms are a mold for our Chris-
tian experience.
When you sing hymns, you some-
times feel a tension. Sometimes you
8 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
WP
ter God’s own
here are the heart.
salms? Some schol-
ars spend a great
“The State of Congregational Psalm Singing deal of time spec-
after Fifty Years of Worship Renewal” ulating about the
with
John Witvliet, Director of the Institute of Worship at Calvin College original situation
Hal Hopson, Nationally respected church music composer and clinician that caused the
Terry Johnson, Independent Presbyterian Church author to write a
Robert Glick, Erskine College and Theological Seminary
Robby Bell, Erskine College and Theological Seminary
particular Psalm,
Mark E. Ross, Institute of Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary but I think those
scholars have
Erskine College and Seminary, Due West, SC
February 26 - 27, 2009 missed the point.
The psalmists
all his
estitinerary
sessions, and saints of atall
is available time and recorded
www.erskine.edu/seminary. For left out many specifics for a good
remem- ortheir
inner For
(803) 771-6180. lifemore
here as a onmold
information for our
the Psalms reason. They are writing songs for
toShanon
singJacksonChristian
at sjackson@erskine.edu or (864) 379 -David
experience. 8885. was a all God’s people to sing at all times.
remarkable man of God. God said, “I The psalmists usually describe their
have found David son of Jesse a man experiences in general terms because,
after my own heart; he will do every- even though times and circumstances
thing I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). change, our emotions and our experi-
It makes you think, “How did a man ences stay the same. Psalms are songs
like that pray? I wonder what his in- of experience to guide our piety and
ner spiritual life was like, that God devotion in every circumstance of
would say that about him.” life.
God does not want you to wonder. The Psalms are written to be es-
Just the opposite—God raised David pecially instructive to us in times of
up for this very purpose, as a model difficulty. The most common kind of
of devotion. And He inspired David’s Psalm is called a lament, a kind of song
prayers and songs and most intimate which we need to learn to sing. There
expressions of communion with God is a general feeling in Evangelical pi-
for us to use: “The Lord is my shep- ety that we should never be down:
herd, I shall not be in want” (Psalm Christians should always be up and
23:1). God inspired Moses, a man chipper; and to have faith means not
whom the Lord knew face to face; to be sorrowful.
Solomon, the wisest of the men of The book of Psalms frees us from
old; Asaph the seer; and many other that and teaches us to be honest with
eminent saints to write songs to in- ourselves. Christians are a crying peo-
ple who mourn with those who mourn
(Romans 12:15). And God does not
want us to come before him and pre-
tend everything is fine. Psalm 62 says,
Trust in him at all times, O people;pour
out your hearts to him, for God is our ref-
uge. Selah. (Psalms 62:8).
The Psalms teach us how to express
our sadness sinlessly and honestly
before God. And there is a refresh-
ing honesty in the Psalms that hymn-
writers shrink back from. They teach
us likewise about going through the
crisis of faith (Psalms 73). They lead
us through anger (Psalm 4). In gen-
eral, the Psalms guide our hearts and
our prayers and our piety as we take
these songs through the experiences
of our lives.
They Admonish Us
The Psalms earnestly warn God’s peo-
ple and the wicked.
The Psalms have been losing pop-
ularity in many parts of the church.
Erskine College & Seminary, together
with Synod’s Worship Committee,
will hold a conference in February to
investigate the reasons why. Why are
Psalms not sung? Or at best, why are
only bits and phrases of them sung
here and there? Perhaps one obvious
reason is that they repeatedly, urgent-
ly admonish us.
Nearly all the Psalms deal with the
judgment of the wicked, beginning
with very first, Therefore the wicked will
not stand in the judgment, nor sinners
in the assembly of the righteous (Psalm
1:5). The Psalms are not seeker-sensi-
tive by modern standards. They are
intentionally very, very plain-spoken
in order to break hard hearts. And
we need to love these songs because
we are commanded not only to teach
but also to admonish one another with
Psalms.
A common problem when men
write songs is not what they are say-
ing. The problem is what they are not
saying. Our hymns do not lack ortho-
doxy, but they are very selective. And
we must beware Marcion’s approach
to song, excluding anything which
speaks of judgment. As one example,
though many hymnals include Psalm
95, “Oh, come, let us worship and
bow down…,” they usually include
only the first half of the Psalm and
stop in the middle of verse 7, “…for
He is our God, and we are the people
of His pasture, and the sheep of His
hand.”
Of course, as the book of Hebrews
repeatedly reminds us, there is a very
important turn in the Psalm we need
to hear. The verse continues, “Today, if
you will hear His voice: do not harden
your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in
the day of trial in the wilderness….”
We need this part of the Psalm too.
We need the warm invitation to wor-
ship, and we need the bracing admo-
nition not to be those “whose hearts
go astray, and they have not known
my ways. So I declared on oath in
my anger, They shall never enter my
rest.’” (Psalm 95:10-11).
Our understanding of God is pow-
erfully affected by the evil spirit of
the age. And as David’s Psalms are
sung, may the evil spirit depart for a
time, as it did from Saul when they
were sung to him. At every turn,
the Psalms admonish God’s people
against turning away from God and
admonish God’s enemies of the cer-
tainty of their future judgment. And
we must likewise learn to “teach and
admonish one another in psalms.”
Conclusion
The Psalms transform our hearts.
Some books tell us primarily what
to think and what to do. But the
Psalms are different. They are specifi-
cally targeted at our hearts, to change
them, and to change us through them.
There is a great deal of theology in
the Psalms. But it is all theology in
context. It is not just “God is good,”
but “my God is good,” or “my beloved
God is good.” It is, “Praise the LORD
for the LORD is good” (Psalm 135:3).
Being a Christian is not just about
what we believe and do. It is very
much tied up with how we feel. And
the Psalms are meant to give us new
emotions, righteous emotions. Maybe
you have never felt any real love for
God, any need for God, any holy af-
fection for God in Christ, but you
want to. Is that you? The Psalms can
change you, and warm your heart so
that you can say with David, “I love
the Lord, because” (Psalm 116:1).
When the Psalms have pressed you
into their mold, you can weep over
a city. You can serve tirelessly. You
can love sincerely. You can suffer pa-
tiently. You can rejoice with the truth.
And you can turn the world upside
down. It was said of those in our past,
“Psalm-singing created a race of he-
roes.” May God make such heroes of
us in our day through His songs.G
Rev. Vance is pastor of Redeemer
ARP Church in Blacksburg, VA. He
is also chairman of Synod’s Worship
Committee.

When the Psalms have pressed you into their mold, you can
weep over a city. You can serve tirelessly. You can love sincerely.
You can suffer patiently. You can rejoice with the truth. And
you can turn the world upside down. It was said of those
in our past, “Psalm-singing created a race of heroes.” May
God make such heroes of us in our day through His songs.
NOVEMBER 2008 9
 ����
�� �����
Catawba Presbytery
Women’s Ministries
Retreat planned
Mark your calendar now for this
retreat on January 23-25 at Bon-
clarken Conference Center, Flat Rock,
NC. Catawba WM will sponsor the
retreat, featuring guest speaker Becky
Moss. Her theme will be “The Cruci-
fied Life.” Details will be made avail- New Minister’s Orientation
able at a later date. Front from left: Rev. Kim Yong-Dae, Mrs. Kim Yong-Dae, Tessa Taylor, Rev. David
Park, Rev. Kyung Sae Lee, Rev. Seung N. Ji, Rev. Baek Vin Ito, Sung Doh Oh; back
row, left: Bobby Anderson, Bob Anderson, Rev. Jarvis Ross, Rev. Rhett Carson,
Rev. Garet Aldridge, Lee Bond, Susan Lever.

New Amity
Homecoming
From right, Jacob Stewart, Mat-
thew Stewart and Jack Morrison
watch and listen to the Word of God
at the 161st Homecoming service at
New Amity ARP Church, Scotts, NC.
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will
walk in thy truth: unite my heart to
fear thy name (Psalm 86:11 KJV).
Photo by Carolyn H. Sherrill, historian
Celebrating 100 years
Francis McCullough, left, the oldest member of the Peachtree Corners Church,
Norcross, GA, celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 11 at a party given by the
Sign up for our church. The church’s youngest member, Marie Carson, center, infant daughter
e-mail newsletter, of Associate Pastor Rhett Carson, right, joined the celebration.
ARP News Update, The party was also attended by approximately 100 church members, friends
and family. Also attending were Bonclarken President Chip Sherer and Eleanor
by sending your request to Richardson, director of development. In past years, McCullough served three
arpeditor@arpsynod.org terms on the Bonclarken Board in various capacities and was actively involved
with Erskine College.
10 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
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Dr. Ligon Duncan

g Praying in the Light
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– Ephesians 1:3-14
Women’s Ministries Conference g The Glorious Church in
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Leslie Nease, left, and Helen Fields at the Annual Women’s Ministries of Second g Obeying in the Light of
Presbytery Conference on Sept. 20 at the Devenger Road Church, Greer, SC. Christ’s Self-Emptying
Nease, a Christian radio talk show host and former Mrs. North Carolina, shared
– Philippians 2:3-13
how she refused to kneel before statues of Buddha as a contestant in the 2007
g The Glorious Church in
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Philippians

Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

g The Glorious Church in I
Thessalonians
g Serving in the Light of
Christ’s First Coming – I
Thessalonians 2:1-12
g The Glorious Church in II
Thessalonians
g Living in the Light of
Christ’s Second Coming – II
Thessalonians 1:5-12

Dr. Bob Cara

g A Synopsis of Paul’s Letters
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NOVEMBER 2008 11
Trusting God…
more. Matthew 6 addresses the heart
issues of money in several signifi-
cant ways. Christ teaches us how to
weather the financial storms of life in
a way that should shock and astound
unbelievers.
The current financial situation pro-
vides a golden opportunity for Chris-
tians to have a positive influence on
the culture. Yet we will miss out on
this opportunity if we respond to
the current uncertainties in our own
way, rather than Christ’s. Our own
instincts of worry and fear are no dif-
ferent than the response of unbeliev-
ers to these uncertain times.
Christ addresses three principles
of financial peace in Matthew 6:
Generosity - Thus, when you give to
the needy, sound no trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and
in the streets, that they may be praised by
others. Truly, I say to you, they have re-
ceived their reward. But when you give to
the needy, do not let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing, so that
your giving may be in secret. And your
Father who sees in secret will reward you
(Matthew 6:2-4).
Part of experiencing financial
peace involves being able to part
with your money. God commands us
to be generous toward those around
us. This is part of the reason why
God blesses His people financially
– to be generous and to help those in
need. God does not provide us with
money to display our greediness to
the world. He blesses us so that we
can bless others.
Charitable giving will cer-
tainly decrease in the next few
months, and maybe years, as peo-
ple live in fear caused by uncertain
markets. Wouldn’t it be tragic if
Christians decreased their giving as
well? This is a tremendous opportu-
nity to show the confidence we have
in God’s provision for us by continu-
ing to be generous, even when “times
are tough.”
Laying up Treasures in Heaven
– Christians are called to be good fi-
12
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
nancial stewards and this includes
good planning and preparations for
the future. Yet we must beware that
our “saving for a rainy day” is not
motivated by a lack of confidence in
God’s provision. Jesus said “Do not
lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and thieves
break in and steal, but lay up for your-
selves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust destroys and where thieves
do not break in and steal (6:19-20).
Treasure is something of tremen-
dous value – something we hold in
high regard. Your savings account can
be an example of good stewardship
– Who knows when the water heater
will break! Or it can be the “laying
up of treasures on earth.” Many who
invested money in respected finan-
cial institutions have now lost it all,
because of the unwise and sometimes
immoral actions of others.
There is no doubt that such a loss
stings – but Christ wants to know if
what you’ve lost is “just money,” or
if you’ve lost your treasure. It is not
wise to consider as treasure any of
our material blessings because they
can be gone forever in a moment. Yet
treasure stored up in Heaven: peace
with God, wisdom, and love for oth-
ers, can never be affected by adverse
market trends or moths or rust or
thieves.
Do Not Be Anxious – And so Je-
sus’ lesson in financial peace ends
with a command that gets right to
the core of our financial insecurity:
anxiety. When we are anxious, we are
not generous. When we are anxious,
we regard our earthly possessions as
valuable treasures. This is not God’s
pattern for financial peace.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious
about your life, what you will eat or what
you will drink, nor about your body, what
you will put on. Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothing? Look at
the birds of the air: they neither sow nor
reap nor gather into barns, and yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not
of more value than they? And which of
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
you by being anxious can add and single
hour to his span of life…Therefore do not
be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’
or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall
we wear?’ For Gentiles seek after all these
things, and your heavenly Father knows
that you need them all. But seek first the
kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you
(6:25-33).
Do we believe that the King of the
universe cares for His people? Do we
believe that the God who clothes the
lilies of the field and feeds the birds
of the air considers us of more worth
than they? Christ says it is so. He says
that He knows and will provide for
all our needs.
The way we respond to difficult
times is not insignificant and can af-
fect others. The reaction of a father
can dramatically affect his whole
family. However, when a wife and
children see that daddy is not afraid
of what tomorrow will bring because
of his supreme confidence in God,
he has made an impact that can be
measured in generations. Coworkers,
employees, and neighbors who wit-
ness the reactions of Christians dur-
ing these troubled times will wonder
how they can have such peace.
How will we live? This is the ques-
tion Christians must ask themselves
each day. In an abundant harvest,
when there is much wealth, we know
of our obligation to show the world
we do not rely on ourselves and our
possessions, but on God – and are
thankful to Him alone for our harvest.
So in times of uncertainty, we
must not show the world the same
fear, worry, and anxiety that they
experience. Instead we must display
the generosity, confidence, and love
for wisdom that comes from a life
lived before the face of God. The cur-
rent financial “crisis” is one of many
opportunities Christians have to point
the world to Christ. Let’s not miss it.
Therefore do not be anxious about to-
morrow, for tomorrow will be anxious
for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own
trouble (Matthew 6:34).G
Paul Mulner is the pastor of Sandy
Plains ARP Church in Tryon, NC,
and editor of The Reformation
Journal.
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NOVEMBER 2008 13
Women’s Ministries –
a great friend
By Chip Sherer
PRESIDENT
P
eggy Mur-
dock, in her
book 1974
book entitled Bon-
clarken, A Story of
Faith, Hope, and Te-
nacity, makes a wonderful statement
that continues to be true to this day.
“In telling the history of Bon-
clarken, several areas have been over-
looked because they were difficult to
‘fit in,’ yet they need to be mentioned.
One important area, which has been
neglected because it was so consistent
that it would have become repetitious
to tell, is the part the Women of the
Church has played in Bonclarken’s
development.
“Synodical, at the very beginning,
held its annual meetings at the Assem-
bly Grounds, when Synod shunned
the opportunity. Local circles and so-
cieties have been a major source for
securing needed funding and furnish-
ings for the buildings at Bonclarken.
To completely evaluate the support of
the Women of the Church would be
utterly impossible.”
What a great statement! How accu-
rate Murdock was in her description
of the vital role Women’s Ministries
(WOC) has played in Bonclarken’s
history.
Structural Fiberglass
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14
Synodical first met at Bonclarken
in 1923. Now understand that 1922
was the first year the summer confer-
ences were held here, so the women
decided almost immediately that their
annual meeting would be held at
Bonclarken. But the women left Bon-
clarken and started having their an-
nual meeting at churches throughout
the denomination. Five years ago,
their annual meeting came back to
Bonclarken, and we are glad to have
them here each July.
The first meeting of General Synod
to be held at Bonclarken was 11 years
later, in 1934. In her book, Murdock
states that the fact that Robert S. Gal-
loway, one of the founders of Bon-
clarken, was to serve as Moderator
in 1934 “probably had nothing to do
with the decision to hold Synod at
Bonclarken whatsoever…”
This same Robert Galloway, in his
early attempts to furnish the build-
ings, made a plea for new interior fur-
nishings to…guess who – the Women
of the Church. And, the requests for
support have continued – as have the
gifts. Today, many Women’s Minis-
tries programs have Bonclarken as
part of their annual support. We re-
ceive over $10,000 each year in contri-
butions directly from Women’s Minis-
tries programs at individual churches
or through Presbyterials.
But, it’s not just the financial sup-
port we appreciate. How many
young people have found their way
to Bonclarken due to the encourage-
ment of the women in their church?
How many visits have members of
Women’s Ministries made to Bon-
clarken for various conferences; and
how many prayers have been lifted
up in support of this conference cen-
ter? Too many to count.
But why have the women been
so incredibly supportive? I con-
tacted Sue Roberson, current presi-
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
dent of Women’s Ministries, for her
thoughts.
“Bonclarken is just a wonderful
place,” said Sue. “From the moment
of my first visit, I fell in love with the
place. Women’s Ministries knows the
important role Bonclarken has played
in many lives and we are happy to
support it.”
Women’s Ministries is represented
on our Board of Trustees by Jane Shel-
ton Dale of Camden, AL. “Bonclarken
is, in many ways, the heart of the de-
nomination,” she said. “It plays such
a huge role in uniting us as a church
family and generations of our women
have recognized that.
Youth conferences, Bible confer-
ences, Synodical Hall, Camp Joy, the
gift shop, those “mountaintop experi-
ences” – we realize their importance
and are more than willing to support
them.”
That Bonclarken is the heart of the
denomination is an interesting notion.
This heart beats strong today because
of the faithful support of Women’s
Ministries.
I know many readers of The ARP
are active Women’s Ministries mem-
bers. Please know how much Bon-
clarken appreciates and values your
support. Feel free to read this article
aloud at your next meeting!G
The Women’s Ministries Annual Silver
Tea at Synodical Hall.
A congregation’s
commitment
By E. Brent Turner of churches that are struggling to find young people. The nursery would
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR people to help with youth groups, be full of helpers who want to help

D
o you re- teach youth Sunday school classes, the parents out so the parents don’t
member be- serve in Children’s Church, or help have to be in the nursery. If this were
ing asked lead a group of children in Bible true, our youth would be getting calls
this question from study. Why do so many churches or text messages from members who
the Book of Wor- struggle with these things when the let them know they are praying for
ship? – “Do you congregation stands to make this them.
the members of this commitment? Is there any wonder so Just as we should daily remember
congregation in the many of our youth go off to college our marriage vows, we should also
name of the Church and end up leaving the church? daily remember our vows to God
of Christ, undertake with these par- A couple of weeks ago my son, concerning the responsibility for the
ents the Covenant responsibility for Jessie, cut his finger on one of the Christian nurture of the children in
the Christian nurture of this child?” doorways at church. We rushed to our churches.G
Of course you remember this ques- the emergency room and he left with

tion is asked when a child is baptized.
We have heard this question many
times and have stood and answered,
“Yes, we will undertake with these
parents the Covenant responsibil-
ity for the Christian nurture of this
child.”
But I wonder what this actually
means to those of you who answer in
the affirmative – that you should give
money to the youth program? Or,
maybe you believe you should help
in the nursery, if you have a child
in the nursery. Maybe you take it to
mean that you will correct this child
if you see them misbehaving.
Yes, these are all good points, but
there is so much more in this com-
mitment. I have talked to a number
four stitches in his finger. Four stitch-
es may not sound like a big deal, but
it was to my 13-year-old son.
The next day, one of the deacons of
the church called and asked to speak
to Jessie. He had heard about what
had happened and called to check
on him. I can’t tell you how much
that meant to my son. As a parent, it
meant a lot to me as well. It is difficult
raising children today and parents
need as much help and encourage-
ment as we can give them.
How well are you doing in the
commitment you made to the children
who were baptized in your church?
If we all took this commitment seri-
ously, there would be a line of people
waiting to help lead and teach our
24 Tips for
Sunday school
teachers
Each month we will cover one of 24
tips for Sunday school teachers from
the book What Every Sunday School
Teacher Should Know by E.L.Towns.
Tip Number 10
Developing a Lesson Outline
is Important!
One of the challenges a teacher
faces each week is to find the right
structure in building a lesson. Just
as the muscles in your body take
shape around your skeleton, so
the content of your lesson needs a
structure to help you present truth
and to help your class members re-

����������
Available from CEM member the lesson.
A lesson outline is like a road
map that will keep you from getting
A History of the
�������
���������� lost and help you arrive at your des-
tination. Teachers who are unsure
Associate Reformed
���������
������������� of their outlines find it hard to con-
centrate while teaching a lesson,
Presbyterian Church
�������
����������������
which leaves the students frustrat-
(REVISED EDITION) ed. When you use a good outline,
���
you will find it easier to remember
������������ by Ray A. King your important principles and be

$20 more likely to communicate in an

effective way.

NOVEMBER 2008 15
Young alumni share teaching
award for service in China
S
ome 5,000 freshmen at SIAS In-
ternational University, Xinzheng,
in the Henan province of China,
recently voted for “Most Outstanding
Teacher of the Year” – and chose two
Erskine College alumni to share the
award.
Drew Carlisle of Es-
sex Junction, VT, and
Ashley Neely of Rock
Hill, SC, both 2007
graduates, returned
from China June 12 af-
ter a year of teaching
oral English to fresh-
men. Along with their
teaching prize, they
brought home vivid
memories.
Getting there
Carlisle, who earned Drew Carlisle
a history degree at
Erskine, said a history
course piqued his interest in China
and he started inquiring about teach-
ing abroad once he was accepted into
a master’s program and had a year
to wait before beginning graduate
work.
After seeking advice from Erskine
graduate Hannah Collier about her
experience in China, he learned about
SIAS International University, “home
to the largest contingent of American
foreign faculty in China,” Carlisle
said.
Neely, a business administra-
tion graduate, considered carefully
whether to make the commitment to
teach in China. “The application to
serve as an SIAS professor filters each
applicant to see whether they would
be an appropriate fit for the environ-
ment and community,” she said. “Af-
ter applying and serious prayer I ac-
cepted the offer to teach in China for
a year.”
“SIAS is a new university, founded
by a Chinese businessman who be-
16
came a naturalized U.S. citizen,” Car-
lisle explained. “He hires Christians
because they are honest and have a
good work ethic. The motto of the
university is ‘East meets West.’”
Living there
For both Carlisle
and Neely, “East meets
West” meant confront-
ing the realities of liv-
ing and working in Chi-
na, from transportation
difficulties to linguistic
and cultural barriers.
Transportation prob-
lems, ranging in sever-
ity from inconvenient
to nearly nightmarish,
were part of life in Chi-
na for the two English
teachers.
Neely said traveling
around China was the
most challenging aspect of her expe-
rience. “When I rode in a taxi for the
first time in China, I was told it was
best to keep my eyes
looking at my shoes,”
she said. “They pass
and play ‘chicken’ con-
stantly. The buses do
the same.”
Carlisle, too, en-
countered travel dif-
ficulties, once after a
severe winter storm
had caused problems
with rail travel. “I was
stranded in the south-
ern city of Guangzhou
with 800,000 Chinese Ashley Neely
people at the train sta-
tion trying to get home from their
Chinese New Year vacation.”
Mutual impact
Exploring Chinese culture, travel-
ing around China and even in other
Asian countries during school breaks
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
– Carlisle went to Indonesia for surf-
ing, Thailand for rock climbing and
Vietnam for scuba diving – the two
teachers enjoyed opportunities most
people will never have. But as they
reflect on their year in China, their fo-
cus is on their students.
“It was quite a rewarding adven-
ture,” Neely said. “The most positive
feature of being a teacher in China was
spending time with the students. The
majority of them have open minds
and want to learn more about spoken
English and American culture.”
The time the teachers spent with
students, in class and elsewhere, re-
sulted in real progress, according to
Carlisle, who said he videotaped his
students early in the fall and again in
late spring.
“The change in their English
speaking ability was profound,” he
said. “I really admire
their hard work. It is
incredibly rewarding
as their teacher to see
their improvement and
desire to learn.”
Because “foreign fac-
ulty are very visible,”
Carlisle said, he and
Neely knew that “wit-
nessing by example”
was important.
“Our position as
role models and as for-
mative teachers in the
lives of our students
was heightened because the novelty
of our race and citizenship,” he said.
Just as Carlisle and Neely made an
impact on their students’ lives, their
students made a deep impression on
them.
CONTINUED ON PG. 19
American teams
in Wales
Missions is the task that our Lord has
given to the Church. This past summer,
100 Americans and one Canadian re-
sponded to the short-term missions as-
signment in Wales. We are grateful for
all the teams who took part in serving
at various churches in eight locations
in south Wales. The mission teams have
always been a great source of encourage-
ment and help in sharing the Gospel and
Christ’s love.
—Frank van Dalen
Executive Director
Report From
Short-term Mission Teams
By Dottie Bigham
The Fayetteville ARP Church
(TN) Team returned to Jerusalem
Baptist Church in Pentrebach for the
fifth year. In addition to the Holiday
Bible Club, afternoon games on the
field, and the evening coffee house
for older youth, the team taught Sun-
day school, children’s church and a
special needs group.
nacle Church hosted the first team 11
years ago. This team is working hard
to involve church people in ministry
to their village.
The First ARP Church (Rock Hill,
SC) Team returned to the Coedpen-
maen Baptist Church in Pontypridd
for the third year. Young people
attend this church, five of whom
worked with the team and then went

W
on a mission trip to west Wales the
ales – Once again God used
following week.
the summer activities and
mission teams who came
to Wales to encourage believers and
bring new ones to Himself. Five of
the teams returned to communities
where they have worked in the past,
building on relationships started in
The First Presbyterian Church
the past and maintained throughout
(Columbia, SC) Team returned to
the year through letters and the inter-
Glyn Coch Christian Fellowship for
net.
the fourth year. Glyn Coch is a village The Church of the Atonement
with a reputation for being a rough (Silver Spring, MD) Team went for
place. One mother expressed how the the first time to Seion Baptist Church,
village is a different place during the Maerdy in the Rhondda Valley. The
week the team is there. church has a new pastor who is eager
to reach out into the community.

The Greenville ARP Church (SC)

Team returned for the 10th year to the
Rhydyfelin Methodist Church. This
team was joined by others from Can-
ada, Burlington, NC, and four Welsh
students. The students grew as they
The First Presbyterian Church The Ebenezer Presbyterian
saw students like themselves sharing
(Lake Wales, FL) Team returned to Church (Rock Hill, SC) Team went
their stories and modeling leadership
Tabernacle Baptist Church in Yny- for the first time to Temple Baptist
skills. They learned how to speak
sybwl for the fourth year. God used Church in Pontypridd, a large church
boldly about Jesus Christ and not
the ministry of this team to bring a of about 100. They were delighted
scare off the young people.
young man to Himself. The Taber- CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
NOVEMBER 2008 17
Shape church’s future
through prayer
By Dr. Alan J. Avera
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
D
id you know
our presby-
teries have
over 40 mission
congregations or
exploratory works
in progress as po-
tential new church-
es? These budding
congregations could have a tremen-
dous impact on the future of the ARP
Church. But what will that impact be?
I urge you to help shape that im-
pact by praying for the home mission
work of our presbyteries. But how
will you know what to pray?
We have a monthly email prayer
update that we send to everyone who
requests it. You can request our email
Outreach Prayer Update by calling
the ONA office at 864-232-8297 (ext.
229), or by sending an email request-
ing it to ona@arpsynod.org.
Here is a testimony from one busy
pastor, Fred Carr of Church of the
Atonement in Silver Spring, MD,
about how he uses the Outreach
Prayer Update:
Like most pastors I face a full inbox
every day. I’m not looking for more mail!
However, I make a practice of scroll-
ing down the page to notice the names
of people and places I have a personal
acquaintance with and interest in. You
have addresses linked to the page, so it’s
easy for me to type out a short message
of encouragement to various mission de-
velopers.
I do a lot of praying at my desk in front
of my monitor, so with the names of our
church plants, I pray as I read my email.
A second advantage is that it keeps me
aware of how the ARP is growing. From
time to time I talk to people here in DC
who aren’t acquainted with the ARP
(imagine!). It helps me to explain how the
Lord is using us to branch out into the
northeast and middle America. Thanks
18
again to you and your staff for this work.
John Adams, an elder at Tirzah
ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC, has
helped his church develop a phone
tree prayer team of 28 prayer part-
ners. The prayer partners get a weekly
notice of how to pray for our church
planting network and for ARP church
planters.
Hope Chapel:
Bringing Renewal and Hope
to the City of Greensboro
By Rev. Todd Jones
Last summer, Mi-
chael Van Patter and
I traveled to Bay St.
Louis, Mississippi with
Christ Community’s
youth group to help
re-build houses devastated by Hur-
ricane Katrina. Our team partnered
with Lagniappe, a local PCA church
plant. While in Bay St. Louis, we
saw first hand how a church plant
whose mission is singularly focused
on the renewal of a city can bring
about spiritual, social, and cultural
renewal and transformation. This
missional model combines with
Nehemiah’s call for restoration and
renewal of our cities to confirm our
call and inspire our vision to plant
a church in Greensboro that brings
hope, healing, and restoration in the
university communities and sur-
rounding neighborhoods.
With the blessing of First Presby-
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
Have you and your church set up
a way to regularly pray for our newly
developing congregations? Our sov-
ereign God chooses to use prayer as a
primary means of grace.G
tery, Michael and I are working with
a launch team of 29 adults and 9
children to plant a daughter church
of Christ Community called Hope
Chapel. Michael is serving as direc-
tor of worship and arts. We are fo-
cusing on the university area of the
city, an area with over 27,000 stu-
dents, professors, young profession-
als, and young families. This area is
a historic, vibrant and culturally rich
community with many un-churched
people waiting to be engaged with
the good news of the Gospel. Like
Lagniappe, it is our desire that Hope
Chapel would bring about renewal
to this area of our city.
As Paul reminds the Ephesians
in the first chapter of his epistle, the
kingdom of God is at hand. The
church is God’s chosen instrument
to model kingdom life and to serve
as an agent of the kingdom to bring
about renewal. At Hope Chapel,
we consider it a privilege to join the
restoration that Jesus inaugurated
when He came to our world over
2000 years ago. We are committed
to preaching the good news of the
Gospel and demonstrating the ef-
fects of the Gospel through loving
and caring for the disenfranchised,
poor, and needy in our communi-
ties. It is our desire that the city of
Greensboro hears the Gospel and
experiences its impact as good news
in such a way that the Holy Spirit
CONTINUED
sets hearts on fire for our great God.
Please pray for us over the next
weeks and months as we continue on
this missionary journey. Please ask
the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts
of everyone we meet to convict them
of their sin and to draw their hearts
to our Heavenly Father. We long to
see God’s glory revealed in the city of
Greensboro. There is much work to
do, but together through the power of
the Gospel and the work of the Holy
Spirit we trust that God is on the
move and that He is going to restore
the beauty of the city and transform
the lives of many in Greensboro.G
Young alumni…
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
“I cannot generalize about the Chi-
nese people, but I do know I have had
students or experiences that prove
they are humble, have servants’
hearts and love learning,” Neely said.
Carlisle agreed. “I will miss them
dearly.”G
It’s time for the
ARP Magazine
subscription drive.
If your church has not received
campaign materials,
contact the editor at
arpeditor@arpsynod.org
or call Susan Lever,
1-800-849-2771, ext. 236.
CHURCH PEW CUSHIONS
Padded seats or reversible cushions
DON GREEN UPHOLSTERY
Call collect (864) 277-3795
Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673
Got News?
If you have a news article or story
that you think should be in The ARP
Magazine, e-mail Editor Delores
McDonald arpeditor@arpsynod.org
NOVEMBER 2008
November Prayer Calendar
Synod’s Committee on Worship has authorized this calendar for use in private de-
votions 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 individu-
als listed below in your daily prayers.
WEEK ONE 9 Galatians 2:11-21. Union ARP
Church (73/9), Richburg, SC; and
Edgemoor ARP Church (215/54),
MEMORY VERSE Edgemoor, SC: Rev. J. Allen Der-
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we rick, pastor.
are to grow up in every way into him
who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians WEEK THREE
4:15
CATECHISM
Q.4. What is God?
MEMORY VERSE
Not that I have already obtained this
or am already perfect, but I press on to
A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and make it my own, because Christ Jesus
unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, has made me his own. Philippians 3:12
power, holiness, justice, goodness, and
truth. CATECHISM
Q.6. How many persons are there in the
1 Ephesians 4:1-6. Trinity ARP Church
(51/30), Chatham, ON: Rev. Henry
G. Bartsch, mission developer.
Godhead?
A. There are three persons in the God-
head: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
2 Ephesians 4:7-16. Ebenezer Presby-
terian Church (464/81), Rock Hill,
SC: Dr. R. Boyce Wilson, pastor.
Ghost; and these three are one God, the
same in substance, equal in power and
glory.
WEEK TWO
MEMORY VERSE
10 Psalm 46. Idlewild ARP Church
(78/12), Charlotte, NC: Rev. S.
Barry Eller, pastor.
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God
would justify the Gentiles by faith,
preached the gospel beforehand to Abra-
11 Philippians 1:3-11. Brighton Pres-
byterian Church (97/13), Brighton,
TN: Dr. Meredith L. Cavin, pastor.
ham, saying, “In you shall all the nations
be blessed.” Galatians 3:8 12 Philippians 1:12-18. Linden ARP
Church (70/9), Gastonia, NC: Rev.
J. Michael Lineberger, pastor.
CATECHISM
Q.5. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and
13 Philippians 1:19-26. Piney Creek
Presbyterian Church (40/5), Taney-
town, MD: Rev. H. Paul Matthews,
true God. pastor.
3 Acts 15:1-5. Retired minister’s wid-
ow: Mrs. Mary Wardlaw, Columbia,
SC, on her birthday.
14 Philippians 1:27-30. Missionaries:
Rev. and Mrs. Scott Andes, Kazakh-
stan.
4 Acts 15:6-11. Missionaries: Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew Howard, Wales. 15 Philippians 3:17—4:1. Young Me-
morial ARP Church (242/31), An-
5 Acts 15:12-21
Dottie Bigham, Wales.
. Missionary: derson, SC: Dr. L. Thomas Richie,
pastor.
6 Romans 10:5-9. Retired missionary:
Imogene Covone, Golden Gate, FL,
on her birthday.
16 Philippians 4:2-9. Retired minis-
ter: Dr. C.M. Coffey, Davidson, NC,
on his birthday. Retired minister’s
widow: Mrs. Martha Morris, Potts-
7 Romans 10:10-17. Prosperity ARP
ville, AR, on her birthday.
Church (48/8), Taft, TN: Rev. C.
Dana Crowell, pastor.
8 Galatians 2:1-10. Mayesville Pres-
byterian Church (84/20), Mayes-
ville, SC: Rev. Brian C. Peake, pas-
tor.
19
 WEEK FOUR
MEMORY VERSE
As for you, always be sober-minded, en-
dure suffering, do the work of an evan-
gelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy
4:5
CATECHISM
Q.7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are, his eternal
purpose, according to the counsel of his
will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath
foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
17
2 Tim. 1:3-7. Lemira Presbyterian
Church ARP (37/7), Sumter, SC: Mr.
Dan Rowton, supply pastor.
18 2 Tim. 1:8-14. First ARP Church
(163/23), Lancaster, SC: Rev. Kyle
E. Sims, pastor.
19 Romans 1:8-17. Retired minister:
Dr. L. M. Allison, Due West, SC, on
his birthday.
20 2 Tim. 2:8-13. Spartanburg ARP
Church (80/11), Spartanburg, SC:
Rev. Peter A. Waid, pastor.
21 2 Tim. 2:14-19. Hillside Presbyte-
rian Church (57/5), Burlington, NC:
Rev. William Prince, pastor.
22 2 Tim. 3:14-17. Ebenezer ARP
Church (87/20), Lexington, VA: Mr.
Sam Ruley, Clerk of Session.
23 2 Tim. 2:1-3; 4:1-5. Retired minis-
ters: Rev. R. Lionel Morgan, Hunt-
ersville, NC, and Dr. Douglas O.
Jones, Rock Hill, SC, on their birth-
days.
* denotes mission church.
Membership figures represent the number of active communicant members/noncommunicant
members.
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.
20
WEEK FIVE
MEMORY VERSE
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient
for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly of my weaknesses, so that
the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
CATECHISM
Q.8. How doth God execute his decrees?
A. God executeth his decrees in the
works of creation and providence.
24
John 16:25-33. Stony Point ARP
Church (9/0), Stony Point, NC:
Rodney Oiver, Diaconate Chairman.
New Amity ARP Church (70/14),
Scotts, NC: Bobby Hager, Clerk of
Session.
25 1 Thess. 2:13-16. Retired minister:
Rev. Bob E. Murdock Sr., Rock Hill,
SC, on his birthday.
26 Romans 8:18-25. Unity ARP Church
(75/15), Piedmont, SC: Rev. R.
Mark Wright, pastor.
27 Acts 14:21-23. Chaplain: Rev. Mi-
chael A. Kelly, US Army, Fort Bliss,
TX.
28 1 Peter 4:12-19. Retired mission-
ary: Dr. E. Reynolds Young, Flat
Rock, NC, on his birthday.
29 Psalm 44:17-26. Chaplain: Rev.
Paul G. Patrick, Erskine College.
30 2 Cor. 11:16-18, 21-30; 12:9-10.
Missionaries: Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Os-
borne, Mexico.
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
November Events
2 ARP Magazine Sunday
2 Daylight Savings Time Ends
4 Election Day (US)
5 Minister and His Work
Committee, Bonclarken
6-7 Board of Benefits Meeting, 1
p.m. orientation, 2:30 meeting,
Bonclarken
7-9 Catawba Presbytery Middle
School Retreat, Bonclarken
8 Florida Presbyterial Women’s
Ministries Board Meeting, 11
a.m., Bartow Church
10-11 Outreach North America Board,
Bonclarken
11 Remembrance Day (Canada);
Veterans Day (US)
12-14 Dunlap Board Meeting,
Bonclarken, 3 p.m.
14-16 1st & 2nd Presbytery Middle
21-23
School Retreat
Catawba Presbytery Senior
High Retreat, Bonclarken
23
26-30
Christ the King Sunday
Thanksgiving Break, Erskine
College
TBA
27
Thanksgiving Break, Erskine
Theological Seminary
Thanksgiving Day (US)
27-28 ARP Center Offices closed,
30
Thanksgiving Holidays
First Sunday of Advent
American teams…
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
to have the team help them in their
continued outreach to the community
around their former building.
First ARP Church (Gastonia, NC)
Team went for the first time to The
Bay Church in Cardiff. The church
had organized a soccer school, and
the team was essential in making the
week go smoothly, with almost 60
young people.
We thank each church that sent
people to Wales and those who re-
sponded to the Lord’s call to go and
work to further the Kingdom of God.
It was a rewarding experience for all
who went.G
 ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Daughters of the Covenant
SUE ROBERSON
President
“It was He who gave some to be apos-
tles, some to be prophets, some to be evan-
gelists, and some to be pastors and teach-
ers, to prepare God’s people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be
built up until we all reach unity in the
faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the
whole measure of the fullness of Christ”
(Ephesians 4: 11–13).
W
ith the “changing of seasons,”
do you sometimes stand in
awe of our Father God and
His creation of our planet Earth? Af-
ter the first day of autumn, I noticed
the leaves beginning to fall from the
trees. It is amazing to contemplate
just how “perfectly” God created
His world. It seems that everything
has been placed into a perfect order.
We can all be confident that God is
in control of all that He has created,
and trust in Him to guide us and lead
us into His will and purpose for our
lives – individually, corporately, and
spiritually.
This is the third month of our
new bible study of Paul’s Letters to
Maturing Churches. I pray that all of
the Women’s Ministries, and WOCs,
are studying this series of New Tes-
tament letters from Paul: Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and 1&2
Thessalonians. These letters are rich
in the Word of God, passed on to us
by Paul as he helps to shape and form
the new body of Christ – the Church
universal.
This month’s study is “God’s Mys-
NOVEMBER 2008
tery Revealed,” from Ephesians 2 &
3. It is a continuing lesson about our
“covenant relationship” with our
Lord that involves accountability. It
also reminds us that our identity in
Christ cannot be separated from the
church. By understanding this fact,
we can then reflect God’s grace to His
family.
A Rich Tapestry
Throughout our lessons, the au-
thor quotes excerpts from By Design,
and the Biblical Foundations for Wom-
anhood Bible Study Series; as well as
verses from Paul’s letters. The author,
Lynn Brookside, has woven a rich
tapestry of the Bible scriptures and
a covenantal perspective that gives
us new insights into who we are in
Christ Jesus.
She compares our study of the
book of Ephesians to “climbing a
hill,” which begins to get more dif-
ficult as we ascend the steep incline.
As we reach the summit, we are into
Chapter 3, and Paul refreshes us as
he expands upon his topic in 3:20–21:
“Now to Him Who is able to do im-
measurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to His power that
is at work within us, to Him be glo-
ry in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever
and ever! Amen.”
As we study our Bibles, we must
pray for understanding and wisdom
to apply God’s Word to our lives. If
we understand that we are daughters
of the covenant, with the privilege of
being part of God’s covenant fam-
ily, then we can reflect God’s grace
to other believers, and act as instru-
ments of unity within His church.
It is imperative as godly, Christian
women, for us to walk in the light of
Christ, and to follow His mandate to
be “salt and light” to a dying world.
All around us are people who need
the “touch” of Jesus to give them
hope for a better tomorrow. We can be
the hands and feet of Jesus in today’s
world, to reach out and let others
know that there is a God who loves
them so much that He allowed His
Son to die for them. Let us truly be-
come who God has called us to be!
God’s Choice
In this election month, much prayer
is needed for our nation, as we elect
a new president. My prayer is that it
will be the person that God chooses
to lead us, for we are in dire straits
at this time in history. I believe if we
are truly a Christian nation, founded
on Christian concepts and principals,
then God is still watching over us.
Even though we sometimes “fall
short” in our Christian walk,” God
is still waiting for us to turn to Him.
Jesus teaches us: “Remain in me, and
I will remain in you. No branch can
bear fruit by itself; it must remain in
the vine. Neither can you bear fruit
unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).
May we pray for revival throughout
our nation, and turn back to God, “in
whom we trust.”G
21
 ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
The end of my rope
ELIZABETH M. BURNS
Administrator
T
hanksgiving season always
brings to mind thoughts of
bounty and abundance. A time
to reflect on the amazing grace of God
that has been poured into our lives
over the past year, filling our lives,
and dinner tables, to overflowing
with many good things.
God intends that His people have a
full life, not just in material blessings
and provisions, but in spiritual bless-
ings and provisions as well. Material
blessings are temporal, and shall one
day pass away. However, spiritual
promises and provisions of God our
Father sustain us in this life and will
carry us safely into the life to come.
Yet despite God’s intention, have
you ever found yourself feeling emp-
ty and without provision? – trying
to look up, but not sure where up is?
Wanting to overcome, but wondering
what’s come over you?
I have. In fact, as I write this article,
I do so in the wake of struggling with
similar thoughts. And I ask myself,
“What in the world happened? How
did I get to this place? When I got to
the end of my rope, why did I believe
it was the end? Am I not a child of
grace, saved by grace, believing in
and relying on God? Of course I am!
But I’m also a child who sometimes
forgets just who and what her heav-
enly Father is.
I am a child who forgets what her
heavenly Father has promised and
has already provided: a child who
forgets an important principle of the
22
grace of God that she is so dependent
upon. To understand and fully enjoy
the grace of God, one must first know
and remember the God of grace:
know who He is and what He has
promised; what He has done, is do-
ing and will do.
Life’s Pressures
An abundant life in God is the re-
sult of an intimate life with God. Yet
intimacy in this most precious of re-
lationships sometimes falls victim
to the pressure of circumstances and
the tyranny of the urgent! Be honest,
haven’t you found your life so filled
with pressing circumstances that
there was no room for God – except
for quick prayer in the morning and
the obligatory glance at the devotion
before getting to the “important” stuff
of the day?
God has taught me (again) that
there is no quicker way to becoming
an anorexic Christian than neglect-
ing the time and intimacy necessary
to nurture my relationship with Him.
God has shown me (again) how im-
portant it is to know Him – really know
Him – so that I might know the real-
ity and benefits of an abundant life.
Before wondering how I reached
such a low place in my life, at the end
of my rope and believing the only
option was to let go, God had been
consistently revealing some specific
things to me along the way. But be-
ing so filled with the circumstances I
was trying to juggle, I just wouldn’t
listen.
Thank God for His persistence,
His grace, His people, and His Word
that calms our fears. Every challenge
of life, every circumstance of life,
and every critical hour, Jesus really is
the answer! This is no cliché. It’s the
very foundation of an abundant life
in God.
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
God is in Control
All of us have, are, and will contin-
ue to be challenged by circumstances,
but we don’t have to face them alone,
nor in a state of forgetfulness or igno-
rance. When circumstances threaten
to undo us, consider the following
truths that might convince you to de-
velop a more intimate life with God.
When circumstances:
• Cause you to feel that no one un-
derstands, remember El Roi - the
God who sees you and knows ev-
ery circumstance.
• Make your life seem out of control,
remember El Shaddai, God Al-
mighty, who is in control of every
circumstance.
• Bring darkness: remember I am the
Light of the world. John 8:12.
• Dictate no way out: I am the Way,
the Truth and the Life (John14:6).
• Are too much to handle: Come to
Me, all who labor and are heavy
laden (Matt.11:29-30).
Thankful for every blessing that
flows from God’s grace, I am espe-
cially thankful for being reminded
of the importance of spending time
alone with Him, in His word, for the
sole purpose of really knowing Him,
so I might enjoy the abundant life He
intends for all His children, despite
challenging circumstances.
Which description fits you: in-
timidated by circumstances that have
come over you; or, intimate with the
God who overcomes circumstances?
Which one do you want to be?G
CONTACT INFORMATION
Elizabeth Burns
2110 Brandon Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 762-9019 (H)
(910) 547-6695 (C)
arpwmadmin@gmail.com
 ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Spiritual maturity
JANA EVANS
Spiritual Life
A
s we contemplate our spiritual
growth, focus on prayer and the
study of Scripture. Most people
I have met seem to find either one or
the other to be easier. There is then a
temptation to decide that whichever
we find easier must be the most im-
portant. However, both are necessary
for us to mature spiritually.
Each year ARP Women’s Minis-
tries chooses a Bible study which we
encourage women in all our local
churches to use during the year. We
alternate between books of the Old
and New Testaments in an effort to
expose ourselves to the whole counsel
of God. We also encourage personal
reading of scripture to increase that
exposure and to help us understand
the unity of the whole Bible.
Prayer Emphasis
Beginning on page 24 of this issue
of the ARP Magazine, you will find the
annual Prayer Emphasis Program. I
hope many of you use this program
in your local Women’s Ministries. If
not, I encourage you to use it individ-
ually. It can help each of us to focus
on the importance of prayer in our in-
dividual life as well as the corporate
life of the church.
I suggest that as you go through
the program you make note of com-
ments that you find challenging. Also
note any thoughts that come to mind
as you prayerfully reflect on the ac-
companying Scriptures. Keep these
notes where you can find them eas-
NOVEMBER 2008
ily and bring them out often to reflect
again on how prayer is helping your
spiritual growth.
May I also encourage you to com-
bine your Scripture reading and your
prayer time? Question 178 of the
Larger Catechism (as well as ques-
tion 98 of the Shorter Catechism)
asks, “What is prayer?” The answer
is, “Prayer is an offering up of our de-
sires unto God for things agreeable to
his will, in the name of Christ, with
confession of our sins, and thankful
acknowledgment of his mercies.”
How can we know his will? While
we may not find the specifics of God’s
will for our lives spelled out in Scrip-
ture, we do find many general guide-
lines there. Further, while we prayer-
fully read and meditate on God’s
Word, we often discover the truth
about the motivation behind those
desires we wish to offer up to God.
Perhaps we will change our prayers
as a result.
How to Pray
Further along in the Larger Cat-
echism, question 185 asks, “How are
we to pray?” The answer is, “We are
to pray with an awful apprehension
of the majesty of God, and deep sense
of our own unworthiness, necessities,
and sins; with penitent, thankful, and
enlarged hearts; with understanding,
faith, sincerity, fervency, love, and
perseverance, waiting upon him, with
humble submission to his will.” It
takes some time and several readings
to digest that answer, but it reveals
the attitude that I find comes when I
read scripture with my thoughts on
prayer.
As I read, I am reminded of God’s
majesty and can immediately pause
and praise Him. I am reminded, in
stark contrast, of my own unworthi-
ness and give thanks for the blessings
He gives me anyway. Both the revela-
tion of God’s character and the sins of
men and women recorded through-
out Scripture cause me to recall my
own sin and I can quickly confess. As
I work through this process and pro-
ceed to offer my petitions to God, I of-
ten find that my attitude and thus my
requests have changed to those more
in line with His will.
I encourage you not to forget
prayer when you engage in focused
study of a particular book of the Bi-
ble, such as the study recommended
by ARP Women’s Ministries. As the
Bible is God’s Word, we need to ac-
knowledge that the Holy Spirit is the
one who helps us understand it. In
prayer we ask for that understanding
as well as the desire and courage to
apply it to our lives.
It is my prayer that we will all
seek to grow spiritually through both
prayer and the study of God’s Word.G
Corrections to
ARP WM
Contacts
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
President
Norma Columbus
18 Scott Street
Brighton TN 38011
(901) 476-9026
Secretary
Susan Cavin
51 Church Ave.
PO Box 36
Brighton TN 38011
(901) 476-7233
cavinrev@bellsouth.net
23
RESPONSIBILITY
Prayer
THE PRIVILEGE
OF
&
Day One
By Rita Beamguard
One of the greatest privileges and
responsibilities we have as Christians
is to pray for ourselves and one an-
other. This privilege is ours because
we are children of God, members
of His covenant family, through Je-
sus Christ. The responsibility is ours
because God commands us to pray.
In Jeremiah 33:3, God tells us to call
upon Him, “Call to me, and I will an-
swer you and tell you great and un-
searchable things, you do not know.”
Jesus tells us to ask of Him, and to
seek Him, in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and
it will be given to you; seek and you
will find; knock and the door will be
opened to you.”
The Bible is full of stories of great
people of faith, calling out to God in
prayer. Throughout the whole book of
Habakkuk, we read about a man who
desperately needed to hear from God
and who was ever confident that God
would answer him (Habakkuk 2:1).
The Psalms resound with the cries of
David, as he continually praises God
(Psalm 29) and calls upon His mercy
(Psalm 51:1).
As God’s people we yearn for fel-
lowship with Him. Prayer is a means
of growing and maintaining our rela-
tionship with Him. Through prayer,
we can express our praise and adora-
tion to God and worship Him. We can
confess our sins and seek forgiveness
because of the blood of Christ, and
we can offer thanksgiving to God for
His goodness and mercy towards us.
Finally, we can bring our petitions
to God, asking both for those things
that we need and those we desire.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that
24
we don’t have to worry about any-
thing, instead we should pray about
everything; tell God all our needs,
and not to forget to thank Him. If
we do this we will experience God’s
peace, which is more wonderful than
any human can understand. His
peace will keep our hearts and minds
calm and quiet while we are trusting
in Jesus.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Joseph Scriven, author of this
great hymn, understood the peace
that comes from prayer, when writ-
ing these words to his mother who
was critically ill in Ireland. Having no
material resources to send to her, he
could only send a reminder that the
most perfect of friends, Jesus Christ,
was near to her.
Scriven was a man who had per-
sonally experienced the friendship of
Jesus through a life filled with trag-
edy. As a young man in Ireland, his
fiancée accidentally drowned the
evening before their wedding. Soon
after this tragedy, he set sail for Can-
ada – seemingly destined to live his
life alone, with Jesus as his only close
friend. Some years later a second fian-
cée contracted tuberculosis and also
died prior to their wedding. Scriven
never intended to publish this hymn,
but how thankful we are that some-
one discovered this treasure. When
asked if he was really the author he
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
replied, “Jesus and I wrote it togeth-
er” – evidence of a close relationship
with the Lord, Jesus Christ!
Let us not forget our responsibil-
ity to pray for ourselves and for oth-
ers, whether in a time of need, while
seeking His forgiveness and mercy,
or during a moment of praise and
thanksgiving. Be reminded today of
what a privilege it is “to carry every-
thing to God in prayer.”
Prayer Focus
• Commit to making prayer a prior-
ity in your life.
• Schedule a time to pray each day
• Make a prayer list or journal
• Pray Scripture
• Pray the prayers of others
Something to Think About
Take to heart the words Paul wrote
to the Philippians and to us in Chap-
ter 4:6-7 and make a conscious deci-
sion not to worry anymore. Instead,
pray about everything, tell God all
your needs, and thank Him. Paul
said that if you do this, you will expe-
rience a kind of peace that no human
can understand. Does that sound like
something you might desire?
Remember, the way to worry about
nothing is to pray for everything. Will
you leave a legacy of worry or prayer?
Scripture Verses
Jeremiah 33:3
Matthew 7:7
Habakkuk 2:1
Psalm 29
Psalm 51:1
Philippians 4:6-7
Ephesians 6:18
 Suggested Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs
Bible Songs
58 Bow and Adore
105 The Penitent’s Prayer & Confession
106 Whiter Than Snow
Day Two
By Rita Beamguard
What a privilege to carry every-
thing to God in prayer. O what peace
we often forfeit, O what needless pain
we bear. All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus has
been my favorite hymn since I was a
young girl. The first one Mrs. Stewart
taught me to play on the piano. What
a comfort those words had become
to a small girl praying for Daddy to
go to church with the rest of the fam-
ily. While I had never even heard the
word intercessory prayer I was deep-
ly committed to the practice of bring-
ing another before the throne of God.
It was Mama who first taught my
brother, Mark, and me to pray in in-
tercession. Releasing us from a long
standing tradition of heckling and
nagging Daddy that would begin in
earnest on Friday evening and usu-
ally end in tears on Sunday morning.
“He’s not even listening to you any-
more but, I know someone who will,”
she told us.
I’ll never forget the smothering dis-
appointment I felt when Daddy did
not go to church with us after a week
of praying. Had I done something
wrong? Why hadn’t prayer ‘worked’?
I refused to give up. The next week I
prayed double time. I tried to be the
perfect child thinking that maybe I
had not been good enough for God to
answer my prayer. I couldn’t wait for
Sunday morning to reap what I had
sown all week. When Daddy came
to breakfast that morning dressed in
work clothes I excused myself from
the table and retreated to my room to
cry.
I softly sang the words to myself.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cum-
bered with a load of care? We should
never be discouraged, take it to the
Lord in prayer. I was beginning to
NOVEMBER 2008
Trinity Hymnal
629 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
634 Sweet Hour of Prayer
32 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
understand prayer doesn’t work like
a charm only when one follows the
steps exactly. When the three of us
were settled into the car to drive to
church Mama said, “We’re going to
keep on praying and that’s that.”
Mark and I were encouraged by
the faithful example of my mama and
her stubborn unwillingness to give
up. Over the years as I prayed day
in and day out I began to truly un-
derstand the peace that comes with
carrying that heavy burden to God in
prayer. By all appearances our prayer
appeared to go unanswered. Daddy
was becoming an alcoholic. He with-
drew more and more from our home.
Going to church was the last thing he
was likely to do.
However, my trust that God would
answer our prayer increased even as
the likelihood of a change dwindled.
It seemed that the more we prayed
the farther Daddy got not only from
church but from us. The time I was
spending in prayer was growing my
faith. My prayer began to mature and
become more centered on God’s will.
The more I understood of God’s love
and grace, the more I understood that
Daddy needed more than just a seat
in church – he needed to personally
know God’s forgiveness and mercy.
All the time, Mark and I were grow-
ing up physically and spiritually. We
had some wonderful spiritual men-
tors who invested heavily in us. Pas-
tor Fred Griffie, our minister at Ra-
mah Presbyterian Church, impressed
upon us that God is sovereign. He as-
sured me that God would not make
a mistake or forget about Daddy. The
more I learned about the attributes of
God the more I understood the truth
of those words from the hymn I loved
to sing.
I truly was privileged to come into
the presence of a Holy God where I
The Hymnbook
397 More Love to Thee O Christ
419 From Every Stormy Wind That Blows
433 Christ is Made the Sure Foundation
had no right to be. I had done nothing
to deserve the honor of being heard
by Him. I began to change my atti-
tude from feeling like I deserved for
my prayer to be heard and answered
because I was good enough to take
the time to pray, to knowing God
hears my prayers because he chooses
to and He will answer them because
He chooses to do so.
In 1980 God began to answer the
prayers we had faithfully prayed for
almost ten years. Daddy entered into
treatment for alcoholism, but it was
several years before he was ready
to go to church. Over the next few
years I felt like I was just getting to
know him. He became a wonder-
ful grandfather to my children and
my niece and nephews. While there
was no doubt in his mind that he had
gotten sober by God’s power, he just
couldn’t believe that God would save
someone like him. He had waited too
long; committed one sin too many.
Again we prayed for him, except
now there were five of us. Mark was
now a Baptist minister. He and I had
each married. Tabitha and Jonathan
joined our circle. We prayed with
Daddy when he was sick; sometimes
seemingly close to death. We prayed
with him at church services when the
Word of God would pierce his heart
and move him to tears. Always we
prayed for him.
When Daddy died on Dec. 15, 2005,
I was at a loss. I didn’t know how to
pray. Fear and grief overtook me. That
night I prayed for peace, but it would
not come. All through the night I kept
waking up, only to remember the
awful truth. Each time I awoke, Jona-
than’s arm was around me holding me
tight against his shoulder in the crook
of his arm. What a place of comfort
and safety. Peace washed over me as
I realized that Daddy was at that very
25
moment in the ultimate place of com-
fort and safety in the arms of the Sav-
ior. I knew how to pray. I gave praise
and thanks to God for teaching me
who He was through all those years
of coming to Him in prayer interced-
ing on behalf of Daddy.
Praying for Daddy taught me to
leave God’s business for Him to take
care of His way. I learned to not expect
prayers to be answered in my time
and my way. I’ve learned to lean fully
on the sovereignty of God rather than
what seems to be a sure bet according
to worldly conditions. When it looks
like all is lost, I take it to the Lord in
prayer. Is there trouble anywhere? I
should never be discouraged. In His
arms He’ll take and shield me. I will
find a solace there.
Scripture Readings
Luke 15:1-10
I Corinthians 7:12-16
John 17:20-26
Adoring the Father in Prayer
Day Three
By Robin Rowell
I adore my father. I always have.
He is my spiritual mentor, my best
friend, my hero. He gave my sister
and me a wonderful life full of ad-
venture and love. Most of all he lives
before me a life dependent on Jesus
for all things. I am forever indebted
to him and find joy and pride when I
think or speak of him. I enjoy being in
his presence and receiving from him
his wisdom, support, and love.
This is but an earthly glimpse of
our heavenly Father, but He is far
greater! He is Creator, Sustainer, and
The Great I Am! He is our Father who
provides for the needs of His chil-
dren. His infinite grace in Christ Je-
sus has provided for our salvation. In
every way He is worthy of our praise
and adoration. We delight to be in his
presence and receive from Him all
26
Suggested Hymns, Psalms
and Spiritual Songs
Bible Songs
65 Penitence and Pardon
267 Our All-Sufficient Help
290 God Knows Me
Trinity Hymnal
629 What A Friend We Have in Jesus
616 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
478 I Love to Tell the Story
Contemporary
Waiting for a Prayer
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Grace Like Rain
Prayer Focus
• Unsaved: known and unknown
• Needs within your church family
• That your church would be an ac-
curate reflection of the love, mercy,
and grace of our Lord to the com-
munity
that is ours in Christ.
“When we humble ourselves like
little children and put on no airs of
self-suffiency, but run happily in to
the joy of our Father’s embrace, the
glory of his grace is magnified and
the longing of our soul is satisfied.”
—John Piper
When we come humbly to our
God as a child to a father, we find joy
in his presence. As we come to him
in prayer we honor him. Our prayer
is a form of worship and He receives
the glory. The psalmist tells us to de-
light yourself in the Lord. “Your have
made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your pres-
ence, with eternal pleasures at your
right hand” (Psalm 16:11).
I usually find myself praying what
I call “arrow” prayers, full of what I
want or need at the moment, hoping
they will shoot straight to the throne
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
Something to think about:
How sensitive are we to the plight
of the unsaved? What could we do to
raise awareness to the fact that this is
the calling of the church: “Go into all
the world and preach the Gospel to
every creature.” In what way is your
church praying for the community?
– The world?
The Bible says there is joy in heav-
en over one sinner who repents. Can
you imagine what Heaven is like
when that joy is expressed? How do
we as a church body celebrate when
one sinner repents?
When my parents were first mar-
ried, they experienced tragedy. Mama
reacted by moving closer to God. Dad-
dy responded by moving away from
God. Could the church have made a
difference in his response? How?
I Corinthians 12:26: “If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it.”
How can we become more aware
of the needs within our churches?
In what ways can we better address
those needs?
and get an immediate answer. But the
Spirit, Who is gentle, reminds me that
I am coming to “God the Father, hal-
lowed be thy name.” As I slow down
and take time to remember Who He
Is, my prayer begins to change and
the adoration overflows.
In scripture we find wonderful
prayers of praise and adoration, espe-
cially those of David. Before David’s
death, he prays before the assembly,
“Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel,
Our father forever and ever. Yours, O
Lord is the greatness, the power and
the glory, the victory and the majesty
for all that is in heaven and in earth is
yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
and You are exalted as head over all”
(I Chronicles 29: 10-11).
Now there’s a prayer of adoration!
We can take this very prayer and
pray it ourselves. Using scripture is
a wonderful way to praise and adore
the Father. Other scriptures which
can be used in prayers of praise are:
II Chronicles 6:12-20, Psalm 145,
Luke 1:46-55, Exodus 15: 1-18, and I
Samuel 2:1-10.
“Prayer humbles us as needy and
exalts God as wealthy” —John Piper.
When I begin my prayers in adora-
tion for who God is and for His won-
derful gift of Jesus, His Son, my focus
changes. When my prayers become
God-centered instead of self-centered,
then peace and joy follow. I was once
• To continually have His praise in
my mouth
• To live for the praise of His glory
Something To Think About
If you haven’t already, begin
a prayer journal. List words and
phrases from the Bible that describe
God’s nature. Meditate on these and
use them to begin your prayer time.
Try beginning your prayer time
by singing a song of praise to God
or reading a hymn of praise. Psalm
147:1 “For it is good to sing praises
to our God”.
Read the Lord’s Prayer from Mat-
thew 6:9-13. What does the word hal-
lowed mean? How can you hallow
the name of the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit in your prayer time?G

@
part of a prayer group where one lady
would break into song as we prayed, Visit us on the Web
and we would all join in. Oh what
a privilege to come to God with our
praise as well as our concerns! www.arpmagazine.org
I adore my Father. I haven’t always,
but He called me out of darkness into
his marvelous light. He calls me to
come and sit at His feet, and worship
and learn of Him. I don’t always lis-
ten, but I know He offers me a life of
love and adventure. I am forever in-
debted to Him for choosing me to be
His child.

Scripture Readings
Hebrews 13:15
Psalm 150
Isaiah 42:8
Psalm 148

Prayer Focus
Cause me:
• To know Him and the power of
His resurrection.
• To delight in His presence

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By Carolyn Beaudrot
Personal Mention
SECOND PRESBYTERY: Dr. R.J. Gore, di-
rector of the M. Div. Program at Erskine
Seminary, has been promoted to the rank
of full Colonel as Acting Command Chap-
lain for 108th IET Command in the Army
National Guard.
ATONEMENT (MD): Mavis Franklin cel-
ebrated her 94th birthday Aug. 10.
AVON PARK (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ulrich
celebrated 50 years of marriage June 21.
BURLINGTON (NC): Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm
Campbell celebrated their 61st anniver-
sary Sept. 9.
CAMDEN (AL): Jane Shelton Dale was
presented the Book of Golden Deeds
Award by the Camden Exchange Club.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Harry
Gregory celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary Sept. 4.
DEVENGER RD. (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wal-
lace celebrated their 51st wedding an-
niversary Sept. 1.
DUE WEST (SC): Wanda Coleman retired
from Dixie High School; this fall, she will
be teaching two math classes at Erskine
College.
EBENEZER (NC): Steve McAllister un-
derwent successful kidney and pancreas
transplant on August 21. Mr. & Mrs. Jim
Griffin celebrated their 58th wedding
anniversary in September.
EBENEZER (SC): On Sept. 21, a reception
honoring Rev. & Mrs. Charles Mitchell
was given in honor of their 20 years of
ministry at Ebenezer. He continues to
serve as Minister of Visitation and to-
gether they serve in varieties of ways
within the life of the congregation and
community.
EFFINGHAM (SC): Aug. 18 was “Joe Cal-
cutt Day” at McLeod’s Cardiac Rehab
Center; he was surprised with a party
and a plaque recognizing his perfect at-
tendance for 2007 and 2008. Zeta Isgett
retired from National Welders on Aug.
29.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Master Sgt. Emmett
T. Fowler III received the Army’s Bronze
Star for meritorious service during his
2nd deployment to Iraq; he was a mem-
ber of the 130th RAOC unit of the Ten-
nessee National Guard.
28
FROSTPROOF (FL): Frances Mulcay was
honored on Aug. 24 on the occasion of
her 94th birthday. Mr. & Mrs. Gene
Beaston celebrated their 54th wedding
anniversary on Aug. 14. Mr. & Mrs. How-
ard Chambers celebrated their 52nd an-
niversary on Aug. 10.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Billy Turner was pro-
moted to captain in the U.S. Marine Corps
on July 1; he is an instructor at Quantico
Marine Base. Edna Golden enjoyed her
90th birthday on Aug. 25. Numerous spe-
cial wedding anniversaries were noted
recently, including: Mr. & Mrs. Charles
Moseley celebrating 63 years on Sept. 1;
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Makovsky their 67th on
Sept. 7; Mr. & Mrs. Don Bates, their 52nd
on Sept. 7; Mr. & Mrs. David Robinson,
their 57th on Sept. 15; Mr. & Mrs. Gwen
Rudolph, their 71st on Sept. 16; Mr. &
Mrs. Frank Bond, their 64th on Sept. 19;
and Mr. & Mrs. Bill Steele, their 61st on
Sept. 20.
LINDEN (NC): Jonathan Edmund achieved
the status of Eagle Scout recently. Betty
Hodge received her 58-year pin for Sun-
day school attendance.
MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Lenora Ridenhour
was recognized at the morning worship
service Aug. 17 upon her retirement after
31 years of music ministry to the church;
a covered dish luncheon was held in her
honor.
MOUNT ZION (MO): Mary Agnes Mitch-
ell was honored on Sept. 23, her 90th
birthday.
NEELY’S CREEK (SC): The following mem-
bers received pins for perfect attendance
in Sunday school: David Carter – 1 year;
Charles Montgomery – 34 years; and Ma-
rie Simpson – 37 years.
NEW STERLING (NC): Sandy Moose has
decided to take a break after many years
of faithful service as director of the Chil-
dren’s Choir. Lucille Reese celebrated
her 90th birthday recently. Samuel Don-
nelly was awarded the “God and Me”
Cub Scout award Aug. 10.
OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Katherine Davis
was honored Sept. 4 for her 85th birth-
day. Louise Berry Bradley celebrated
her 85th birthday Sept. 7 with a recep-
tion given in her honor at the church. A
90th birthday celebration was held for
Susie McCormick on Aug. 10.
ORA (SC): Congratulations to Fleming
Blakely who was chosen as “Lion of the
Year” by the Laurens County Lions Club.
PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): Francis Mc-
Cullough, the church’s oldest member,
was honored with a birthday luncheon at
the church for his 100th birthday Sept. 11!
PISGAH (NC): Don Ratchford and Jake
Ratchford were part of the Boy Scout
Troop 4 contingent which travelled to the
Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
NM on Aug. 14-16.
PROSPERITY (AL): Mr. & Mrs. Burns
Sanderson celebrated their 59th wed-
ding anniversary Sept. 1. Mr. & Mrs. Tom
Moore celebrated their 53rd anniversary
on Sept. 3.
PROVIDENCE (NC): Dot Long turned 80
Sept. 13.
PROVIDENCE (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Mc-
Daniel celebrated their 60th wedding an-
niversary in early September.
ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Ruby Cornwall cel-
ebrated her 90th birthday Sept. 14. Mr. &
Mrs. Dick Herron were honored Aug. 31
for their 60th wedding anniversary.
SEBRING (FL): Birthdays of note includ-
ed: Helen Schell, 95 on Aug. 12; Ruth
Furedy, 86 on Aug. 15; John Denning,
91 on Aug. 23, and Edie Trotter, 90 on
Aug. 31.
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Peggy Rickert
was recently inducted into the Reich
College of Education’s prestigious Rho-
dodendron Society at Appalachian State
University, and recognized for exemplary
service to education and community dur-
ing her 50-year teaching career at five
different schools in the Iredell-States-
ville school system.
Marriages
BURLINGTON (NC): Chris Hutelmyer &
Emily Chapman, Aug. 30.
CLOVER (SC): Ashley Killian & Lucas
Young, Aug. 16. Bart Wallace & Maureen
Atta, Aug. 30.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Michael Bailes &
Keri Johnson, Aug. 16. Stan Smith and
Mary Hayne, Aug. 16.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Jeff Beard & Juli Gon-
zalez, Sept. 20.
NEW STERLING (NC): Kristina Hull &
John McClure, July 5.
TIRZAH (SC): Jennifer Knight & Clay
Tritt, July 26.
Births
BETHANY (SC): Mr. & Mrs. John David-
son, a daughter, Felicity Rose, born Aug.
14.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Mr. & Mrs. James
Cathy, a son, Samuel James, born Aug.
19. Mr. & Mrs. Billy James, a daughter,
Lily Faith, born Sept. 9. Mr. & Mrs. Frank
W. Cason, a son, Frank Walker Jr., born
Sept. 15.
COMMUNION (CA): Mr. & Mrs. Jim
Sinnema, a newborn son, Logan, by
adoption on Sept. 17.
EBENEZER (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Jason Vance,
a son, Miles Avery, born Aug. 29.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Daniel
Pitts, a daughter, Katharine Alexandria,
born Sept. 3. Mr. & Mrs. Chad Patrick, a
daughter Alicia Dae, born Sept. 4.
GREENVILLE (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Dixon, a daughter, Natalie Ellen, born
Sept. 4. Mr. & Mrs. Sam Reid, a daughter
Mary Caroline, born Sept. 5.
LAKE PLACID (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Thay-
er, a son, Aidan Palmer, born Sept. 16.
LANCASTER FIRST (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Kyle
Sims, a daughter, Myra Jean, born Aug. 21.
MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Mr. & Mrs. Bryan
Parker, a son, Kelly Ian, born Aug. 7.
Michelle Bradshaw, a son, Skyler Blain
Bradshaw, born Aug. 15.
NEW STERLING (NC): Amber Snyder, a
son Ayden, born Aug. 21.
OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Mr. & Mrs. Wil-
liam Mays, a son, Nicholas Quinn, born
July 9. Mr. & Mrs. Greg Buchanan, a
daughter, Karley Lynn, born July 25.
ORA (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Derrick Griffin, a
daughter, Mariah Lee, born Sept. 9.
RICHLAND (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Brian Ford,
a son, William Sampson “Buck” born July
22.
ROWAN (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Phillip McCoy,
a son, Phillip Reid Jr., born Aug. 28.
Deaths
AVON PARK (FL): Virginia Platz Davies,
85, died June 27. Lillian Angelica Myers,
101, died June 28. Dorothy Clelland died
Aug. 18.
BACK CREEK (NC): Elder Emeritus Charles
Nelson White, 88, died Aug. 21. Also,
lifelong member and a deacon, Thomas
Edward Cochrane, died Aug. 21.
BALLSTON CENTER (NY): Randall R.
Rockwood, 87, died Sept. 7.
CENTENNIAL (SC): J. Armstrong, 40, died
Aug. 17. Kathryn Mintz Caston, 88, died
July 30.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): James E. “Jim”
McKinnon died Sept. 4.
DUE WEST (SC): Thomas Huffman died
Aug.18.
EBENEZER (NC): Thomas Leland Guth-
rie, 83, died Sept. 11.
FAITH (Merritt Island FL): Angelo Frank
Cervini, 89, died Aug. 17.
FAITH (MD): Hugh Warren Easter died
Aug. 24.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): James Scott Fee, a
lifelong member and son of Rev. and Mrs.
Jim Fee, died Aug. 18.
GREENVILLE (SC): Helen Mapp Sloan died
Sept. 19.
LINDEN (NC): John Wilson Morrow, 90,
died Sept. 15; he had been a member for
over 60 years and faithfully served as a
NOVEMBER 2008
ruling elder, deacon, Sunday school su-
perintendent, elder emeritus and trust-
ee.
NEW STERLING (NC): Edith Setzer Mil-
holland, 86, died July 28.
PISGAH (NC): Leola Nell Anderson, 83,
died Aug. 23.
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Carl Mason Al-
exander, a lifelong member, died Aug.
14. Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Sherrill Keller,
89, died Aug. 14.
TIRZAH (SC): Buford Neely Parrish, for-
mer deacon and faithful member for 69
years, died Aug. 29 at age 81.
New Communicant Members
ALL SAINTS’ (NC): Patrick Gretzinger;
Dick & Elizabeth Mooney; Ian & Tina
Piepgrass; Wendell & Iris Piepgrass; Ju-
lia Schwarz.
AVON PARK (FL): Richard & Mary Miller;
David & Lynette Draper.
BACK CREEK (NC): Kimberly Green.
BOYCE MEMORIAL (NC): Conrad & Leslie
Martin.
THE BRIDGE (SC): Ben & Jonna De-
Spain; Adam & Marcia Howard; Richard
& Elaine Collins; Jacques & Elizabeth
Murray; Geovanny Zuniga & Sarai Cam-
pos-Florez; Bryan Zuniga.
BURLINGTON (NC): Pat Riddell.
CODDLE CREEK (NC): Dr. & Mrs. Larry
Lefsky.
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Rachel Bird; Mr.
& Mrs. Michael Clem; Mr. & Mrs. Da-
vid Ely; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Farr; Emma
Gwinn; Daniel Henderson; E. Don Hoyt;
Bryan Miller; Elizabeth Reading; Miss
Carol Ann Reid; Miss Alexa Rodriguez;
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Rudy with children
Jonathan and Susann; Krisdee Schmale;
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Shaw.
COMMUNION (CA): Chris & Shelly Bellew;
Mike & Debbie Ogorek
EDGEMOOR (SC): Jamie, Virginia, and
Chip Bowman; Ryan Lee.
FAITH (Merritt Island FL): Caleb Lemons;
Jack Poole.
GOOD NEWS (MD): John Flowers; Joshua
& Christian Howard; Alyssa Pedersen;
Rusty, Laura, and Jonathan Shipe.
HEPHZIBAH (NC): Brad Chapman; Tag &
Lisa Sigmon; Johnny Weaver.
LOUISVILLE (GA): Elizabeth Polhill
Lovett.
NEW ALBANY (MS): Andy, Kelli and Luiza
Coburn.
PISGAH (NC): Barbara Duncan; David &
Marjorie Spencer; Michael Spencer.
ROWAN (SC): Donna Ward.
SEBRING (FL): Susan Patarini.
STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Adam & April
Rorabaugh with their son Carter; also
Rebecca Lomano.
TIRZAH (SC): Michael & Marita Cope-
land; Dane & Maria Wingate, with chil-
dren Kayla and Emma.
TRINITY (FL): Agnes Reddy.
WILDHURST (VA): Michael Davis Bur-
gette.
Special Services
COVENANT (Statesville NC): Sept. 14 was
Homecoming Sunday. Jeff & Suzanne
Allers, missionaries to Germany, spoke
during the Sunday school hour, and there
was a covered dish luncheon at noon.
HEPHZIBAH (NC): The Service of Welcome
and Reception for the Hephzibah Church
in to First Presbytery was held Sept. 14.
The Commission from First Presbytery
included: ruling elders Tom Patterson,
Kelvin Monteith, and Olen Persons,
Rev. Gilbert Rowell, Rev. Rick Lewis,
Rev. Mike Basie, Rev. Mike Lineberger,
Rev. Mark Tankersley, Rev. Barry Eller,
and Rev. James Hunt.
PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): The 17th an-
nual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service was
held Sept. 7 during the morning worship
service. Once again, they had a bagpiper
and drummer, members of the 78th Fra-
ser Regiment of Foot, and a processional
and recessional of the Scottish flag and
tartan banners by church members.
TIRZAH (SC): Homecoming service was
held Aug. 17, with special services
through Aug. 20; guest minister was Rev.
Jan Senneker.
UNITY (Lancaster SC): Sept. 7 was Home-
coming Sunday, and the new fellowship
hall was also dedicated. Dr. Guy Smith,
retired pastor, and Rev. Charles Ham-
mond, current pastor, each had part in
the morning worship service, which was
followed by a covered dish lunch.
Installations
COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Scott E. Hult-
strand, Barbara S. Hurt, David E. Baxley,
Mark R. Cheslak, Kevin L. Corrigan, Jon
Dando, D. Joshua Elliott, Craig E. Hess,
O. Wayne Jones, Jeffrey C. Kull, John
L. Parrish II, Robert S. Paschal III, Mary
Dana Reading, J. Paul Riddle, Ronald H.
Smith, Peggy J. Stands, Otto Wemmer,
and Richard Werts were installed as
deacons. Charles H. Cate Sr., Russel R.
Dunbar, James W. Fant Jr., S. LeGrand
Harvin, Richard S. McCain, William G.
McMaster, William H. Neely, Gordon S.
Query, O. Stanley Smith III, and Thomas
E. Stonecypher were installed as ruling
elders.
29
Graduations
BALLSTON CENTER (NY): Ensign Glen A.
Premo graduated with honors from Of-
ficer Candidate School in Newport, RI.
EDGEMOOR (SC): David Cox III graduated
from high school with honors in June.
NEW COVENANT (Charlotte NC): Rev.
Jeffrey J. Richards has passed his ex-
ams and successfully defended his dis-
sertation at Philipps-University Marburg
(Germany) and will receive his Divinity
of Theology Degree in October 2008.
PISGAH (NC): Chris Dula graduated from
the Gardner-Webb School of Nursing on
Aug. 2.
Catechism Recitals
BARTOW (FL): Micah Patrick has recited
the First Catechism.
Women’s Ministries
AVON PARK (FL): Hosted the annual meet-
ing of Florida Women’s Ministries on Aug.
23. Officers are: Maxine Johnson, histo-
rian; Connie Crews, treasurer; Cheryl
Sanders, secretary.
BETHEL (AL): hosted the meeting of
the Tennessee-Alabama Presbyterial on
Aug. 15.
DEVENGER RD. (SC): The women invited
all women in Second Presbytery to join
them for the Second Presbytery Women’s
Ministries Conference on Sept. 20. The
featured speaker was Leslie Nease, a
contestant on the 2007 “Survivor China”
TV show.
FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Several members are
newly elected officers of the Tennessee-
Alabama Presbyterial: Cathy Pitts, presi-
dent; Sherry Bartlett, secretary; Gene
Templeton, vice-president; Roberta
Kidd, historian.
JOHNSON CREEK (VA): Virginia Presbyte-
rial Women’s Ministries held their annual
meeting here on Sept. 13 with Elizabeth
Burns, the WM administrator, as the main
speaker.
NEW ALBANY (MS): The Women’s Retreat
was held on Saturday, Aug. 23.G
WHERE DOES THE ARP MAGAZINE
GET NEWS ABOUT CHURCHES
& WHY ISN’T MINE LISTED?
The ARP Magazine receives bulletins,
newsletters, e-mails, phone calls and
faxes from churches all over our
denomination.If we haven’t printed any
news from your church, we may not be
receiving it. Check with your pastor to
see if anyone is in charge of sending
news to us. If not, think about serving
30
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Don’t
Miss An Issue!
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THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
 Which Way?
Have any of you been on a trip? Two of the important things you need on a trip are a and a

. If you are going on a trip, you need to know where you are going and how to go to get there.

The will show you where you want to go, and the will point you in the right direction. The

shows you whether you are going north, south, east, or west.

When you are trying to find your way through the journey of life, you need help to find the to go too.

Each day you face many difficult decisions and it is sometimes hard to know which to turn.

Some people use their feelings to make decisions, but feelings may change from day to day. Some people make

choices by what is popular, but just because everyone else is doing it does not mean that it is the right thing

to do.

There is only one way to know if we are going the right in life and that is to follow Jesus. Jesus is the

. If we follow him, we know we are on the right path and headed in the right direction.

Puzzle
Match the number to fill in the blanks.

LIFE THROUGH
EXCEPT WAY ME 3 7
6 1 8

COMES
JOHN FATHER TRUTH 4
9 5 2

Jesus said, “I am the ____________________, the ____________________, and the

1 2
____________________. No one ____________________ to the ____________________
3 4 5
__________________ __________________
6 7
____________________.”
8
____________________ 14:6
9

By Miranda Marsh, Director of Children’s Ministries • Greenville ARP Church, Greenville, SC

NOVEMBER 2008 31
 Erskine Theological Seminary
Upcoming Conferences

The Architectural Setting

Of Christian Worship
Exploring the Intersection of Architecture, Theology,
and Worship

with
Dr. David Gobel
Savannah College of Art and Design
Dr. Hughes Oliphant Old
Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary
Dr. Terry Johnson
Independent Presbyterian Church
Dr. Mark E. Ross
Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary

Independent Presbyterian Church

Savannah, Georgia

February 5 - 7, 2009

WP here are the

salms?
“The State of Congregational Psalm Singing
after Fifty Years of Worship Renewal”
with
John Witvliet, Director of the Institute of Worship at Calvin College
Hal Hopson, Nationally respected church music composer and clinician
Terry Johnson, Independent Presbyterian Church
Robert Glick, Erskine College and Theological Seminary
Robby Bell, Erskine College and Theological Seminary
Mark E. Ross, Institute of Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary

Erskine College and Seminary, Due West, SC

February 26 - 27, 2009

Information on speakers, sessions, and itinerary is available at www.erskine.

edu/seminary. For registration and other information on the Savannah
conference contact Crystal Tolbert by email at tolbert@erskine.edu or
(803) 771-6180. For more information on the Psalms conference contact
Shanon Jackson at sjackson@erskine.edu or (864) 379 - 8885.

32 THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN