by

A Day of Prayer & Fasting

Moderator Calls for a Day of Prayer & Fasting

As we learned last week, Andrew Brunson, former ARP minister and missionary to Turkey (presently a member of the EPC) and son of Ron and Pam Brunson, who has been unjustly imprisoned, has been indicted. His court date is April 16 at 9 a.m. Turkish time and 2 a.m. EST. No evidence has been put forth to substantiate any of the accusations against Pastor Brunson.

Therefore, following the example of our own Mississippi Valley Presbytery, as Moderator of General Synod, I call for a day of prayer and fasting, on Saturday, April 7, in advance of Andrew’s court date.

Please consider taking a portion or the whole day to fast and pray as able. Pray that Andrew’s attorney will be allowed to access files that have been sealed to this point and review the evidence in order to prepare a proper and effective defense. Pray that our own national leaders including incoming Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and the President, will engage effectively with the Turkish government to secure Andrew’s release and safe return home. Petition unto the Lord on behalf of Andrew that his faith would remain strong and that the comfort of the Scriptures and Holy Spirit would sustain him, on behalf of his family bidding their anxious fears be stilled, on behalf of Andrew’s captors that their hearts be changed, and on behalf of his fellow prisoners and others that the light of the Gospel would penetrate their souls and that they be brought to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

As you make these petitions, remember all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer under the hand of oppressors and enemies of the Gospel. Pray that the Lord would hear our cries, that the schemes of the evil one will be thwarted, and that the cross of Christ would be lifted high through faithful Christian witness. Pray that this persecution would give courage and boldness to other workers in the Muslim world. Pray to the end that one day it will be certain that, the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.

Let us set apart April 7 as a day to unite our voices again on behalf of Andrew Brunson and let us not despise the day of small things!

Lee Shelnutt, ARPC Moderator

 

 

by

Prayer Requests

Stephen Jordan

Please pray for Reverend Stephen Jordan. He has injured the muscles in his lower back. The pain has been unbearable. He can barely walk, sleep, or get comfortable. He has not been able to pastor and it has been over a week. He has seen a doctor twice, an orthopedic and a chiropractor. His spine is fine so it is muscular. Rev. Jordan says, “Thank you for your love and support. I don’t know when this trial will end. This has been the most pain I have ever experienced, but I am leaning on Christ more and more every day.”

Lee Shelnutt

“Dear ARP family, I want to thank you all for your well wishes, messages, prayers, and love. As many of you know, I had a follow-up surgery this past Friday to deal with kidney stone issues. I am grateful to report that the surgery went wonderfully well. There wasn’t significant scar tissue and the doctor was able to remove two stones. I still have one in a kidney, but that wasn’t the main concern this go round. I’m well on the road to what the doctor says will be a quick recovery and possibly treatment to help me produce less in the future. I am blessed to have you all as dear family and friends. No matter what the outcome may have been, God was and would have been gracious to me and worthy of all thanks and praise. SDG!”

 

by

ARP News

Committee on Nominations

Urgent Request!

Recommendations are needed for the Committee on Nominations to complete their work.

The Committee on Nominations asks that you prayerfully consider those who might serve our denomination, specifically for the following boards and committees:

Benefits
Dunlap
Stewardship
Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs
Inter-Church Relations
Revision
Worship
Synod Reading Clerk
Synod Assistant Clerk


If you know of someone who is qualified and willing to serve in any of these areas, please forward a recommendation form to Cindy Scott. You can find details on requirements for each board and committee plus the necessary forms here.(http://arpchurch.org/nominations/)

Email it to Cindy Scott (cscott@arpsynod.org) immediately.

 The deadline to submit recommendations is April 1.

Thank you for prayerfully considering those who might serve our denomination.

 

by

ARP News

March/April 2018 ARP Magazine

Screen Shot 2018-03-01 at 11.48.59 AM

Here is the newest ARP Magazine issue.

Be sure to read the cover story on page 22. The Moderator’s Challenge begins on page 4 followed by Rev. Mark Ross’ Synod Emphasis article. There are lots of exciting news bits from each agency such as The Lodge at Bonclarken has been paid in full, the Julia Hardeman Rhodes Award winner is announced and Erskine Seminary has a new John R. & Jane E. de Witt Library.

Don’t miss any issue. Contact our office if you would like to receive a complimentary print copy or to subscribe!

 

 

World Focus 2018

by

ARP News

Billy Graham

As you know by now, Reverend Billy Graham passed away February 21. What you may not know is that he grew up in the Chalmers Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. While that church has closed, the building still stands. There have been several articles mentioning his childhood in the ARP Church. Chip Sherer, President of Bonclarken, shared a short video of an interview with Billy Graham when he mentions visiting Bonclarken. Reading stories about Billy Graham and the testimonies from those attending his Crusades is a great reminder of the Moderator’s Synod theme from Zechariah 4:10 “Don’t despise the day of small things.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/retro-charlotte/article69512727.html

by

ARP News

Prayer Request

Please pray for Retired Minister David Warf in the sudden death of his son ,28, yesterday, February 26. Reverend Warf is the supply pastor of New Lebanon ARP Church in Sinks Grove, WV. Please pray for Rev. Warf, his wife Harriet, and their family during this time.

by

ARP News

Prayers for the Moderator

Moderator Lee Shelnutt went in for lithotripsy on Wednesday. He had to go to the ER on Thursday morning due to complications before and after lithotripsy. That led to an outpatient surgery to remove a previously lodged kidney stone, the residual from lithotripsy, and insert a catheter. After a couple of weeks for healing, he will have a follow up surgery.

 

by

ARP News

World Focus 2018

 

All Ministers & All Churches

On Feb 6, 2018, an email was sent to you asking for your response regarding a quorum for the 2019 ARP/RPCNA Concurrent Synod meeting.  


While we realize that last minute situations could arise that change plans, we would like to understand your commitment at the current time to attend this joint meeting in 2019.    Please click on the following link (or paste it in your browser) to respond:

                                                                https://goo.gl/forms/UXKx2n29VLwrh8EP2

 If you have not already responded, we look forward to hearing from you no later than February 28, 2018.  If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please contact Cindy Scott (cscott@arpsynod.org).

 

ONA Update

Special Florida Prayer Request

February 15, 2018

The tragic school shooting yesterday took place in the community of one of our ARP church planters. Please join them in prayer. 

The Downtown Church, Boca Raton, FL
Rev. Brooks & Amanda Pipher

 

  • Because of the tragedy, this morning I was afforded the opportunity to open with prayer a secular meeting of a group of entrepreneurs.
  • Additionally, we are having prayer gatherings at our home today at noon and 5:15 PM. Some who are planning to come to pray are not believers
  • Please pray that those who are hurting in South Florida might find peace and hope in the Savior who loves the world.
by

ARP News

Statistic Reports

A reminder that statistic reports are due today to Central Services from every church. You can find the forms here.

2018 Work Crew Applications

Christian Education Ministries holds two summer youth conferences, Quest and Horizon. If you would like to be a part of the Work Crew, applications are now available!  Interested applicants should click this link to apply.
https://goo.gl/forms/OPRYQBa1nbZ8euS23

January/February 2018 ARP Magazine

Click on the magazine cover on the left to read the January/February 2018 edition of The ARP Magazine.
Be sure to read the cover story on pages 2,3,22 & 31 which focuses on sharing your story. We are starting an ARPC Member Spotlight section on page 3. This month, read about Jimmy Stanger from Trinity ARP Church in Florida. Read an article from R.C. Sproul on page 22. This magazine went to print three days before he passed away.
This is the start of a new year and I am excited to see what God has in store for the ARP Church. I hope you will enjoy this issue. If you would like to receive a complimentary print copy, please contact our office. If you would like to submit an article or suggestion, please email me, arpeditor@arpsynod.org.
by

ARP News

Carolyn Beaudrot

Carolyn Dendy Beaudrot ended her earthly sojourn January 21, 2018 to take up residence in her “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Born May 20, 1958 to Thomas Chiles and Jane Timmons (Parker) Dendy of Greenville SC. Carolyn spent most of her young life in that city, save for two cherished years in Belgium. Only in her late teens, upon enrollment in Erskine College, did she discover that Due West SC was the home of her heart. It was there she fell in love with her husband of nearly 40 years, Rev. Leland Rufus Beaudrot, and a victorian cottage next to the college campus which would not be theirs until the year prior to her death.

A skilled pianist, she often lent her talent to worship as well as enjoying the solace of music at home. Her husband learned to gage the temper of her mood by how firmly she keyed Hyden’s Credo. Equally skilled in the kitchen, she loved to host holiday feasts with family and friends. From her childhood, she envisioned her dream home, and through the years actually put many designs on paper. But when an opportunity to buy land in Due West and build a home of her design fell through, the house of her dreams became theirs. As she told her pastor not many days before her death, “I had to come home to go home.”

Though buffeted by the headwinds of chronic, debilitating illness, “a strong faith in God and a good sense of humor,” as she would say, buoyed her through life. Her sweet, compassionate spirit won her lifetime friendships and bore witness to foundation of her faith. To that end, she commends to you this prayer of an Orthodox saint, the Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow: “Grant unto me, my Lord, that with peace of mind I may face all that this new day is to bring. Grant unto me grace to surrender myself completely to Thy holy will. For every hour of this day instruct me and prepare me for all things. Whatsoever tidings I may receive during the day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill Thy holy will. Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say. When things unforeseen occur, let me not forget that all cometh down from Thee. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to none. Bestow upon me, my Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in all it’s passing events. Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive and to love. Amen”

Carolyn is survived by her mother, brothers Jim Dendy, Frederick Dendy, and wife Barbara, brother-in-law Charles Beaudrot, and wife Virginia, sister-in-law Nancy Fulmer, and husband Chip, cousin Ginger Dendy, nephew Robert Dendy, and wife Claire, nieces Allison Penn, and husband Brian, and Adrienne Stone, and husband Dave, three great-nieces and a great-nephew, and her husband, Leland.

The memorial service will be 11:00 Saturday February 3 at Due West ARP Church, with a reception to follow. Memorials may be made to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure http://pscpartners.org/donate/ or Due West ARP Church http://www.duewestarp.com/.