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Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
Discipleship Corner
What's Happening in Christian Ed.
Church Music
Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study
The Sneeze
Welcome to the Walker Family
Teacher Training Seminar
The Teacup
Women of Faith
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From your Pastor |
At our stated General Synod meeting in June 2009, the court voted to adopt a memorial from First Presbytery instructing the Moderator of Synod to form a special commission to investigate whether the oversight exercised by the Board of Trustees and the Administration of Erskine College and Seminary is in faithful accordance with the Standards of the ARP Church and the Synod? previously issued directives.
The Erskine College Mission Statement:
“To equip students to flourish by providing an excellent liberal arts education in a Christ-centered environment where learning and biblical truth are integrated to develop the whole person. (Taken from the Minutes of 2009 General Synod)
Other directives from Synod:
A Christ-centered environment is one that supports conformity to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Erskine provides for a holistic and transformational education that takes into account the intellectual and spiritual formation of students... Erskine College is committed to the integration of learning and biblical truth...In this process human learning informs the development of a Christian worldview, and biblical revelation informs the content and practice of human learning.
(Taken from the Minutes of 2009 General Synod)
Here are the highlights of the Commission's report.
1. A hopelessly divided board. (A preliminary report issued by the commission on February 19, 2010 found irreconcilable and competing visions among board members in several ways, including the integration of faith and learning on campus.)
2. A majority of the board in opposition to the directives of the General Synod of the ARP Church
3. Misappropriation of funds
4. An Endowment that has not changed much in the last 15 years, and cannot sustain itself at the current spending
5. An academic dean who is openly opposed to the Erskine Mission and who berates the General Synod in the media
6. An English professor who openly acknowledges that he stands in defiance of the
Erskine Mission and evangelical Christian faith, and mocks the faith of his colleagues
7. A Board that has allowed the antics of the above professor to continue for 30 years without correction
8. A Board that has allowed the hiring of professors in disregard and contradiction to the
Erskine Mission and catalog requirements and protocols of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) one of six private, voluntary, nonprofit regional accrediting associations in the United States.
The preliminary report listed above stated that a significant majority of the professors interviewed had no understanding of how the Christian faith could be meaningfully integrated into their subject matter. Equally disturbing was the obvious confusion on the college's commitment to biblical inerrancy. The report stated: It is not evident that many new faculty members are committed to inerrancy, and there is little evidence that the Board has made certain that Synod's directives were followed. Seminary faculty, though largely pleased with the Christian commitment and academic credentials of their colleagues, did express concerns that some seminary professors cannot affirm inerrancy as defined by the General Synod, despite assurances of the Administration to the contrary.
While these eight points are the most serious, and recent issues related to the college, the Synod has been dealing with similar issues for 35 years.
After receiving the commission's report at a called General Synod meeting on March 3, 2010, Synod voted 204-to-68 to adjust the direction of the institution, in part by restructuring the Erskine Board of Trustees, firing and replacing 14 board members and keeping 16 holdovers for a 30-member interim Board of Trustees. (The commission had recommended that the size of the board be cut at the Synod's June meeting from 34 to 16.) The Board had effectively stonewalled previous attempts to strengthen and renew the historic evangelical and Reformed mission of the institution.
Following the Synod's decisions, across the denomination there was a mood of relief and new hope that these ongoing issues at the college and seminary would finally be addressed. However, on campus while people seemed divided, many students voiced support for the Synod's actions. However, a group of outraged alumni began to lobby the SACS accreditors in an effort to revoke Erskine's accreditation, saying that they were afraid of losing academic freedom. (The reality is that some parties want academic license that seeks to subvert the evangelical witness of the ARP Church.)
While the alumni were lobbying the accrediting agency, the current Board Chairman, who is a ruling elder in Tennessee-Alabama Presbytery of the ARP, filed a lawsuit against the Interim Board and General Synod on behalf of Erskine College, citing a threat of harm to Erskine College as a result of the actions taken by Synod. (How can a ruling elder who has taken vows to submit in the spirit of love to the authority of the Presbytery in subordination to the General Synod, and to promote the peace, purity, and prosperity of the Church, then file a lawsuit against the Synod?!?!) One of the major points of contention was the issue of accreditation of both the college and seminary, with the allegation made that this was a 'grave concern.' Another allegation was that the Synod had no right to remove the Board members without following the due process outlined by the bylaws (i.e. the Synod had the right to appoint Trustees, but did not have the right to remove them; that only the Trustees themselves could remove Trustees by following due process.) The aforementioned lawsuit has been withdrawn, however, another lawsuit was filed by the three other current Board members and the Erskine Alumni Association.
The Moderator of our General Synod, the Reverend Dr. John Richard deWitt, said he and his fellow delegates are struck with grief, shock and dismay over the progress of a lawsuit against us. He said it is the tradition of the Presbyterian Church to make decisions at various levels, and if those decisions are deemed to require further examination, we do that in an orderly way, under the provisions of our Book of Government. It is a firm conviction with us that we do not seek redress by going to law, a conviction based squarely in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Most of us find it difficult to understand why the church, which is the proprietor of Erskine College and Seminary, should not be able to put in place trustees who represent the mind and heart of the sponsoring body. None of us could have been completely certain that no legal action was being contemplated, but - because of the apparent harmony and willing submission to the decisions taken by the synod - we did not expect such a challenge
My closing thoughts are simply this:
1. Based on 1 Corinthians 6 which reads, “When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?,[ESV] how do you justify dragging brothers into court? Now I realize that not all Erskine alumni are Christians, but some of those who are responsible for pushing this lawsuit strongly profess their faith in Christ. Earlier I mentioned that there was confusion on the college's commitment to biblical inerrancy, and in my opinion this some of the fruit of that. Besides this is clearly a matter that should be settled by the Church.
2. The institution belongs to the ARP Church, and Synod has been dealing with the problems relating to the college the last 35 years, and
3. Concerning this business of due process; Many other boards have trustees that are appointed by, and removed by authorized entities, while at the same time they have a separate set of instructions as to how a Trustee can also be removed for cause. For example, a representative of the ARP Women's Work who appointed as a voting ex-officio member by action of the women, that individual can be changed by the simple vote of the women at any time. There is also a portion of the state law concerning non-profits that says the power of appointment of trustees includes the power of removal. The commission did their homework before they made the recommendation to remove the board. It was certainly not a hasty decision, and all factors were considered. At some point you just have to do the right thing.
In summary, Synod has been working gently for many years to turn around our increasingly secularized Erskine College. I believe the current lawsuit speaks volumes on just how secularized it has become, and serves as an example that Synod made the right decision. These are very serious matters that require our constant prayer. If you would like to follow these proceedings, you can read further at www.the aquilareport.com. I believe it is a very fair and balanced report.
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Grace and peace,
Pastor Adams |
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Discipleship Corner |
The scriptural pattern of morning and evening sacrifice (e.g., Ex.29:38-39) was seen by David as providing a pattern for his prayers (Ps. 5:3 and 141:2), and likewise by the Apostles (Acts 3:1 and 10:9), the early church, the Medieval monastic orders, and the Reformers as providing a pattern for Christian practice. Even our own Westminster Confession of Faith joins the concept of Sunday services in one chapter titled Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day. There really seems little left to discuss concerning this one day in seven because it is very clearly commanded and has been practiced for over 2,000 years. In reality the bigger question is what should I be doing with the remaining six? I'm glad you asked.
The answer is easily stated, hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) Jesus took this commandment one step further, but when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22: 34-40) Unfortunately stating the answer is quite simple, the application when left to ourselves is impossible. We are commanded by Jesus to be life-long worshipers 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
As stated, worshiping in a corporate setting with a community of believers is one day in seven. Your session has prayerfully considered the events of the Sabbath Day and are convicted that our order of worship is correct for both morning and evening services. In an excerpt from O Come Let Us Worship by the late Dr. Robert Rayburn, he stated, Christians who have assembled to worship the Holy God of creation and redemption should look upon the place of worship as a very special place and should realize the importance of leaving behind all the trivialities of life when they enter into the house of prayer to render homage to the sovereign Ruler of the universe and the God of all grace. It is the sessions prayer that we are providing you a very special place where you are able to gather with a community of saints and worship the great I Am
So back to the original question, what do you do with your other six days? I suggest partaking in appropriate means of grace as an individual believer, family member, or small group. By appropriate means of grace I am referring to prayer, Psalm singing, reading scripture, and suffering. Are you and your family partaking in the means of grace? If able the session also encourages each family to become a member in a Faith Family Fellowship Group. We believe the Faith Family Fellowship Group will help your worship growth in loving your neighbor as yourself.
Some (not very) historic background: The Seiffers have been operating a community group for quite a few years in their home on Merritt Island. A Titusville community group has also operated on and off over the last few years. Last year the session placed more emphasis on the community group model as a means to disciple members outside the Sabbath Day. Our stated purpose of the Faith Family Fellowship Group is to unite small groups of families to support one another in prayer, growth in their knowledge of God, serve as an outlet to express God-given spiritual gifts, and an opportunity to share the Gospel beyond our Sunday morning and evening worship services.
It took a bit to get going but I am happy to announce that a coordinated effort between the Heeman and Perez families has led to our first established group of 2010 with roughly 5 families. The group meets every other Tuesday night and includes Bible reading, prayer, and suffering together. My personal experience with this group is that it has been very uplifting, enhancing both my individual and family worship. I thoroughly enjoy this bi-weekly meeting with my brothers and sisters as we share one anothers burdens while depending solely on our Savior.
If you are seeking more information about our Faith Family Fellowship Group model visit our website under the ministries tab. Please talk to me if you are interested in being part of a Faith Family Fellowship Group. Don't be surprised if I start talking to you!
(All above citations ESV)
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Yours in Christ,
Bryan Hall |
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What's Happening in Christian Ed. |
Sunday School
Due to the increased class size, more books have been ordered and are available for Adult Two Sunday school class studying "What We Believe & Teach".
"The Shorter Catechism For Today's Young Person", years one and two, have been ordered from Great Commission for Carolyn Plemmons' class.
Sunday school class listings are available on the website and in the narthex and include a description of all classes offered.
Communicants' class is being taught by Bryan Hall.
Missions Weekend: 4/17 & 18
The Moore's from Mexico will speak during our Missions Weekend. They will speak after dinner on Saturday evening, meet with the Jr./Sr. High classes on Sunday morning, and give the message. The Saturday evening dinner will be a BBQ and covered dish.
Vacation Bible School
Frank VanDalen has agreed to be the speaker for our adult portion of VBS. He will be teaching on Revelation. Amy gave the daily themes for the week: Jesus is ... The Way, The Truth, The life, The Sacrifice, The Promise. Bobby will offer a class for the youth. Karen Thornton has volunteered to do the food and Amy will invite her to help plan the menu. Also, a nursery is planned.
Get-Togethers
Paul and Beth Kostner are looking to schedule four get-togethers this year instead of six due to scheduling issues. They are looking to unify the youth. Ideas discussed include a prayer group between Sunday School and church, canoe trip, bike ride and helping the elderly. The Kostners will be out of town from 6/12 until 8/15.
CE Minutes:
Minutes of the committee meeting will be provided for summarizing in the Newsletter.
New Business:
Jack Poole has agreed to represent the diaconate on the C.E. Committee.
The ARP Magazine drive is underway.
Educational Opportunities:
Ligonier National Conference, Orlando, 6/17-19
Family Bible Conference, Bonclarken,7/26-29/10. (Fliers available in Narthex)
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Submitted by
Dave Kalm |
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Church Music |
The following was something I wrote sometime back when the Session was charged with studying church music. I thought it might be worthwhile to provide another perspective from the fine article provided for last month's newsletter by Deacon Bryan T. Hall.
In John 4: 21-24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
In one of Billy Barron's messages, he pointed out that John Calvin and Martin Luther differed on the manner in which we should worship God. I believe he said that Calvin felt God should be worshiped only in ways that people in the bible worshiped, where Luther believed worship would be satisfactory as long as it did not include actions forbidden in scripture.
In our study of contemporary praise music, I believe Billy provided four books to help us make a reasonable decision.
Probably the most scholarly of those books went deeply into what was written about worship as pictured in the Old and New Testaments. The author concluded that there was very little about how early Christians worshiped in the New Testament so most of his prescriptions for worship were derived from the Old Testament. As concerns music, he didn't fall very short of saying that only the Psalms should be sung in worship. Calvin all the way.
In studying worship during our contemporary praise music investigation I have concluded that I am more in agreement with Luther. I believe that worshiping in spirit and truth means that our hearts should be continually in worship of the Lord. I know I fall short in this area. Probably we all do. Things of the world have a great tendency to push God from our thoughts and we don't "Pray without ceasing." as Paul urged in one of his letters.
Isaiah 58: 6-9 says, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, "Here I am"
Micah 6:6-8 says, "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, a man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Samuel told Saul in 1 Samuel 15: 22 " Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
The same thing is said many times in scripture. Zechariah 7:4-10 and Hosea 6:6 are two other scriptures which tell us that God prefers obedience to sacrifice.
I believe to "worship in spirit and truth", we would have to live a life of obedience to the directions of Christ and I don't see how we can worship in spirit and truth only in Sunday morning worship.
That being the case, I believe that if the heart of the worshiper is right with the Lord, the style of music does not really matter. We don't have to go back to only singing Psalms. I don't recall anywhere in scripture where God commands that.
As a matter of fact, there are many instances in scripture where people have worshiped, singing other than psalms. Among those were Moses and the Israelites, Deborah and Mary who each presented a new song to the Lord. A number of the psalms including 33:3, 40:3, 144:9 and 149:1 actually suggest singing a new song to the Lord as does Isaiah 42:10.
I believe the same goes for other things we do in our worship services. As Luther said, if scripture does not forbid it, and our purpose is really to worship the Lord, it's probably all right. If we want something included in the worship because we need it, it probably should not be included. It is not for God. It is for ourselves. That's entertainment.
In Brian T. Hall's fine article on church singing in last month's Newsletter, he wrote the following:
Paul says in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Nothing in the Bible is insignificant and Paul listing Psalms first is key.”
I suppose I can agree that placing psalms first has some significance. However, mentioning hymns and spiritual songs indicates to me that, during the time of the apostles, they apparently did also have hymns and spiritual songs and, again, if the worshipers intent is that his worship be pleasing to the Lord, the style of music is not of prime importance.
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Submitted by
Burt Pearson |
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Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study |
At present we are in 1 Corinthians, although this past month we were studying the concentrated teachings of our Lord in the Gospel of John, the last week before His Crucifixion, in preparation for our Easter Celebration.
By the time this Newsletter is handed out we should be back in 1 Corinthians.
We (not the royal plural but all the ladies who attend!!) would love to have more ladies join us. We would love to have more young mothers as well, the Deacons are graciously covering Baby Sitting costs for us. Join us whenever you have an open Thursday morning...and remember we have a Salad Luncheon with some great fellowship the last Thursday of the month!
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Submitted by
Corlie |
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The Sneeze |
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.
This class would NOT pray during the commencements, not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.
All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED !!!!
The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, 'GOD BLESS YOU'
And he walked off the stage...
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
This is suposedly a true story that happened at the University of Maryland.
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Subimitted by
Anonomous |
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Welcome to the Walker Family |
On March 14, 2010, Rick and Nancy Walker, along with their children Emily and Andy, joined the Faith congregation. Both Emily and Andy were baptized into membership.
Rick is originally from Philadelphia; Nancy is a Melbourne native. Rick's family moved to Melbourne when his dad retired and he met Nancy when they both worked at Montgomery Wards. They will be married 31 years this June.
Both Rick and Nancy work for MediShare Christian Care Ministries, the Biblical alternative to health insurance. Rick is the Quality manager and Nancy works part time as a Health Education Consultant. Nancy also home schools their children.
Emily is 11 and in fifth grade. She enjoys her dolls and is an excellent seamstress already, earning first place in her age category in sewing at the Brevard County Fair this year. She also enjoys writing and has had a poem published in a national magazine. Andy is 9 and in the third grade. His hobbies include Legos, gardening, science and chemistry.
The entire family enjoys camping in their pop-up and many outdoor activities. They have quite their own zoo with 4 cats, 1 dog, 2 turtles, 2 fire-bellied toads (you will need to ask them, not me, what they are), and 10 chickens. They don't currently have any snakes. Additionally Nancy enjoys cooking and they are working on a health-oriented website. Most of their activities evolve around home schooling and the children.
Rick and Nancy were raised Roman Catholic before becoming agnostic for 10 years. They were saved in 1990 and have attended churches ranging from charismatic to finally the Associate Reformed Presbyterian. This is the first time they have formally joined a congregation They were especially drawn to join Faith due to the inclusion of all ages in worship; they love worshiping as a whole family with other families of Faith.
We are glad you have joined us, Rick, Nancy, Emily and Andy!
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Submitted by
Mari Richardson |
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Teacher Training Seminar |
On Saturday, March 20, 2010, Faith hosted a Teacher Training seminar for the Florida Presbytery. Twenty-eight people, many related to some sort of Sunday School function, attended the half day meeting. Click here for a full report on the event, including a couple of photos.
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Submitted by
Mari Richardson |
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The Teacup |
There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "Don't do that." "I don't like it!" "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!"
Then. WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick" I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'
He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then, then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and
knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.
When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'.
Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I
pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"
An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!"
Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you."
The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this .... Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your
prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.
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Submitted by
Brenda Crooker |
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Women of Faith |
Please Mark the Date:
Saturday, April 24th
Women's Prayer Breakfast
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Our speaker will be Kathy Barron, President of the ARP's Women's Ministries (Kathy is Billy Barron's sister-in-law)
Topic will be, Spring Renewal”
In June (date to be determined) we will be having a Pregnancy Resources, Inc (PRI) Baby Shower. Our speaker will be Michele Fuller.
Come and hear what is being done to protect the sanctity of life.
Here is a list of things the Pregnancy Center needs. Feel free to bring one or many to bless lots of new moms.
• Money
• Diapers (newborn size only)
• Wipes
• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Baby bottles
• Newborn clothes (We do request all baby clothes be new)
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Submitted by
Linda Seiffer |
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