25 February 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Virginia Senate Committee Kills Bill to Restore State Police Chaplains’ Right to Pray In Jesus’ Name
[2] PCUSA Alabama Presbyteries Vote Whether or Not to Weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment
[3] Maryville College Cancels Americangirlmodel Premier Campus Event without Notice
[4] Auburn Theological Seminary names Katharine Rhodes Henderson New President
[5] Three EPC Presbyteries Address the Ordination of Women as Teaching Elders
[6] Rome Bringing Back the Doctrine of Indulgences
[7] British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Invites Roman Pope Benedict XVI to Visit Great Britain
[8] Glasgow Artist Chastises Church of Scotland for Emphasis on Environment Instead of Saving Souls
[9] Presbyterian Church of Wales Supports Devolution in Written Submission to the All Wales Convention
[10] ARP Synod 2009 Registration Available Online
[11] Dallas Theological Seminary Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies Dr. Harold Hoehner Dies 12 February 2009



[1] Virginia Senate Committee Kills Bill to Restore State Police Chaplains’ Right to Pray In Jesus’ Name

The Virginia Senate Courts of Justice Committee on 23 February 2009 voted to kill HB2314 (House Bill 2314), which would have restored the rights of Virginia State Police (VSP) chaplains to pray publicly "in Jesus’ name."

Virginia governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee Tim Kaine in 2008 ordered that VSP chaplains not pray in Jesus’ name.

Six VSP chaplains resigned their chaplaincies in the fall of 2008 rather than obey the governor’s order that they publicly deny Jesus Christ.

The Virginia House of Delegates had successfully voted by a more than two-to-one margin to pass HB2314 in January 2009.

Ironically, the Virginia motto is ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis,’ which is Latin for ‘Thus Always to Tyrants.’

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com


[2] PCUSA Alabama Presbyteries Vote Whether or Not to Weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment

In recent meetings, two Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) presbyteries in Alabama voted on whether or not to weaken section G-6.0106b of the PCUSA Constitution that requires “…fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness.” for ministers being ordained.

The PCUSA’s north-central Alabama Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley in a 19 February 2009 meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, voted 77-75 to weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment.

In a 21 February 2009 meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Alabama, the PCUSA’s North Alabama Presbytery voted 48-34 not to weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment.

As of 23 February 2009, the national vote is 40-24 against weakening the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment according to the Presbyterian Lay Committee. For the amendment to weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment to go into effect, eighty-seven of 173 PCUSA presbyteries would have to approve the weakening amendment by mid-May 2009.

+ AL.com, 2901 2nd Avenue South, Suite 260, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, 800-701-0898

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Presbyterian Lay Committee, Post Office Box 2210, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645, 828-758-8716, Fax: 828-758-0920, laymanletters@layman.org


[3] Maryville College Cancels Americangirlmodel Premier Campus Event without Notice

Americangirlmodel, “a not for profit educational and charitable foundation dedicated to young ladies in the pursuit of wholesome appearance and purity,” had a signed and paid-in-full contract to hold their Grand Premier event at Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)-affiliated Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee on 14 February 2009, Valentines Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On the eve of the scheduled event, 13 February 2009, Maryville College administrative vice president William Seymour contacted an Americangirlmodel worker stating that the event was being canceled by the college without explanation.

Americangirlmodel event coordinator Melanie Shaw said, "Thousands of hours and dollars were spent in planning this premier event. It's sad to think that a Christian college would breech its contract the night before without any explanation, knowing we would not be able to find an alternative location in time.”

“The College's decision ruined Valentines Day for a lot of girls looking forward to the screening which promotes and introduces girls who believe in high moral standards and values into media and film industries that model those strong family values. This is definitely not the conduct we expected from a Presbyterian [PCUSA] College, especially towards a not-for-profit educational and charitable foundation for girls."

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[4] Auburn Theological Seminary names Katharine Rhodes Henderson New President

Auburn Theological Seminary’s (ATS) board of directors on 19 February 2009 elected Katharine Rhodes Henderson ATS’s new president. Henderson succeeds Barbara G. Wheeler, who has been president of the New York, New York seminary since 1979. Henderson will take office July 1.

Henderson joined the ATS staff 15 years ago and is currently an executive vice president. Henderson also has experience in parish ministry and a commitment to multifaith engagement, women’s leadership and business ethics, and bringing religious issues before the public.

As president, Henderson’s goals will focus on highlighting ATS as a center for religious leaders to find theological depth, multifaith understanding, and literacy about the moral dimensions of public issues.

Henderson has a multifaith staff, among whom the programs leaders include Reform Rabbi Justus N. Baird who leads ATS’s multifaith work, and a Palestinian Muslim who directs Face to Face/Faith to Faith.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[5] Three EPC Presbyteries Address the Ordination of Women as Teaching Elders

Three Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) presbyteries at their recent meetings addressed in varying ways the ordination of women as teaching elders.

The Presbytery of Mid-America met at Central Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, Missouri on 30-31 January 2009. By two to one margin, the presbytery approved a proposal to draft an overture for General Assembly consideration calling for the creation of two affinity presbyteries within the geographic bounds of the presbytery. One affinity presbytery "would ordain only men to the office of teaching elder and one would be free to ordain men and women to the office of teaching elder."

The Presbytery of the East met 6-7 February 2009 at Dundalk Presbyterian Church in Dundalk, Maryland. The recommendation of the presbytery's special administrative commission was approved. In part, it declared that "each presbyter has liberty to vote their conviction regarding the ordination of individuals as Teaching Elders in the Presbytery of the East;" that the presbytery will not prohibit candidates for ordination as Teaching Elders due to their “gender;" and that "all members will be treated during the entire (examination) process with charity, grace, and the respect due to one who seeks to submit themselves to Scripture and the calling of the Holy Spirit."

The Presbytery of Florida met 13-14 February 2009 at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and voted to appoint a special committee to study the ordination and reception of women as Teaching Elders. Previously, the Presbytery had voted to prohibit women from serving as teaching elders.

+ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 17197 North Laurel Park Drive Suite 567, Livonia, Michigan 48152, 734-742-2020, Fax: 734-742-2033, webmaster@epc.org


[6] Rome Bringing Back the Doctrine of Indulgences

In a 9 February 2009 New York Times article, reporter Paul Vitello describes how in recent months the Roman Catholic Church is again making available the spiritual benefit of indulgences, what Vitello describes as, “a sort of amnesty from punishment in the afterlife.”

Pope John Paul II began reversing the post-Vatican II minimization of the doctrine of indulgences, and this reversal has gained much greater momentum under Pope Benedict XVI.

Vitello simplifies the complex doctrine as follows: “According to [Roman] church teaching, even after sinners are absolved in the confessional and say their Our Fathers or Hail Marys as penance, they still face punishment after death, in Purgatory, before they can enter heaven. In exchange for certain prayers, devotions or pilgrimages in special years, a [Roman] Catholic can receive an indulgence, which reduces or erases that punishment instantly, with no formal ceremony or sacrament.”

“There are partial indulgences, which reduce purgatorial time by a certain number of days or years, and plenary indulgences, which eliminate all of it until another sin is committed. You can get one for yourself, or for someone who is dead. You cannot buy one — the church outlawed the sale of indulgences in 1567 — but charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one.”

A significant number of the ninety-five theses Martin Luther posted on the door of Wittenberg Cathedral on 31 October 1517, thus igniting the Protestant Reformation, dealt with the abusive practices surrounding the unbiblical Roman doctrines of Purgatory and indulgences.

+ New York Times, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, 212- 556-1234, executive-editor@nytimes.com

+ The Vatican


[7] British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Invites Roman Pope Benedict XVI to Visit Great Britain

During an audience with (Roman) Pope Benedict XVI on 19 February 2009, British Prime Minister Tony Brown invited the pope to visit Great Britain. The proposed papal visit would be only the second visit to Great Britain by a Roman pontiff since King Henry VIII, in 1534, dissolved ties with Rome and established the Church of England. The only other visit of a Roman pontiff was that by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

Brown is the son of a Church of Scotland pastor.

+ The Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, England, 020-7938-6000, news@dailymail.co.uk

+ The Vatican

+ Church of England, Church House, Great Smith Street, Westminster, SW1P 3AZ, England, +44(0)20-7898-1000

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 4YN, 0131-225-5722


[8] Glasgow Artist Chastises Church of Scotland for Emphasis on Environment Instead of Saving Souls

Glasgow, Scotland artist Peter Howson turned to the Church of Scotland (CoS) nine years ago after overcoming drug and alcohol abuse. Howson now believes that it is the CoS that has lost its way because of the Kirk being too interested in saving the planet rather than in saving souls.

In an interview with CoS magazine Life and Work, Howson said, “"I think the Church of Scotland is being a bit namby pamby. I think it needs some sort of revival to get back to its traditional roots. The whole thing with green issues, with saving the planet - that's not the church's job. The church's job is saving souls. To go with the green stuff is a disaster. It's revolting to me."

+ The Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, England, 020-7938-6000, news@dailymail.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 4YN, 0131-225-5722


[9] Presbyterian Church of Wales Supports Devolution in Written Submission to the All Wales Convention

The Presbyterian Church of Wales (PCW) has submitted a written submission dated January 2009 to the All Wales Convention (AWC) expressing its support for more powers for the National Assembly for Wales.

In the written submission, the PCW notes that further devolution is important in order to strengthen democracy in Wales.

The PCW Officers of the Church and Society Department, who were responsible for preparing the submission, will present oral evidence to the AWC on 23 April 2009 in Wrexham, Wales.

+ Presbyterian Church of Wales, Tabernacle Chapel, 81 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DD, Wales, 44-0-29-20627465, swyddfa.office@ebcpcw.org.uk


[10] ARP Synod 2009 Registration Available Online

Registration for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church’s (ARP) 205^th Annual Meeting, ARP Synod 2009, is available online at www.arpsynod.org/synod.html.

ARP Synod 2009 will be held 9-11 June 2009 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in East Flat Rock, North Carolina.

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729


[11] Dallas Theological Seminary Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies Dr. Harold Hoehner Dies 12 February 2009

Dr. Harold Hoehner, 74, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), died 12 February 2009.

Dr. Hoehner taught and provided leadership to the academic work of DTS for forty-two years, twenty-seven of those years as Director of Ph.D. Studies and twenty-four as chairman of the New Testament department.

In 2006, the DTS New Testament faculty, former students, and fellow scholars published a book on New Testament exegesis as a tribute to Dr. Hoehner as their teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. The editors concluded the preface with these words: “Most of all [Dr. Hoehner] has shown us what it means to be a man of God, committed to Christ and His gospel, and reflecting the fruit of the Spirit over a lifetime of faithful service.”

Dr. Hoehner is survived by his wife, four adult children, and eleven grandchildren.

+ Dallas Theological Seminary, 3909 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204, 214-824-3094, Fax: 214-841-3664

18 February 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] PCUSA Charlotte Presbytery Votes to Weaken Fidelity and Chastity Amendment
[2] PCUSA Presbytery of the Western Reserve Holding Special Meeting 2 March 2009 for Presentation and Constitutional Amendment Voting
[3] PCUSA Synod of the Sun Grants Commission Authority to Dissolve Congregations
[4] Presbyterian Foundation and New Covenant Trust Announce Voluntary Early Retirement Program
[5] UCC Shocked and Outraged at Oklahoma House of Representatives Motion to Strike Minister’s Syncretistic Opening Prayer Offered after Introduction of Same-Sex Partner
[6] Nine Pro-Life Demonstrators Arrested for “Criminal Trespass” on Birmingham, Alabama Public Sidewalk
[7] Black Pro-Life Religious Leaders in Oakland, California to Support Pastor Convicted for Talking to Abortion Clinic Patients
[8] PCA 37^th General Assembly Will Consider Nine Overtures
[9] Deputy U.S. Attorney General Nominee was Defender of Child Pornography and Abortion


[1] PCUSA Charlotte Presbytery Votes to Weaken Fidelity and Chastity Amendment

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)’s Charlotte (North Carolina) Presbytery on 14 February 2009 reversed their position of prior years, and by a margin of 133-124 with one abstention, voted to weaken section G-6.0106b of the PCUSA Constitution that requires “…fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness.” for ministers being ordained.

For the amendment to weaken the Fidelity and Chastity Amendment to go into effect, eighty-seven of 173 PCUSA presbyteries would have to approve the weakening amendment by mid-May 2009. As of 14 February 2009, thirty-two presbyteries have voted against the weakening amendment and eighteen have voted for the amendment to weaken section G-6.0106b.

+ The Charlotte Observer, 600 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, 704-358-5000, acaulkins@charlotteobserver.com

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[2] PCUSA Presbytery of the Western Reserve Holding Special Meeting 2 March 2009 for Presentation and Constitutional Amendment Voting

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)’s Presbytery of the Western Reserve is holding a special meeting 2 March 2009 at the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio including a presentation by the Rev. Jack Rogers, 213^th (2000) General Assembly moderator, professor emeritus of theology at San Francisco Theological Seminary and author of The Bible and Homosexuality.

The meeting will include time for questions and answers with Rogers and voting on some of the proposed amendments to the PCUSA Constitution.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[3] PCUSA Synod of the Sun Grants Commission Authority to Dissolve Congregations

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Synod of the Sun (SOS) has granted its administrative commission for the Presbytery of South Louisiana (PSL) authority to dissolve congregations within the presbytery. The synod established the administrative commission in 2008.

The SOS established the commission in reaction to PSL churches attempting to leave the PCUSA because of the PCUSA’s continuing abandonment of biblical doctrine and practices. The SOS commission has effectively removed jurisdiction in church property matters from the traditional role of the presbytery and given it to the synod instead.

On 29 October 2007, the largest congregation in the PSL, First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, voted 422-60 to leave the PCUSA, and voted for the church to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church 420-60 with two abstentions.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 17197 North Laurel Park Drive Suite 567, Livonia, Michigan 48152, 734-742-2020, Fax: 734-742-2033, webmaster@epc.org

+ Presbyterian Lay Committee, Post Office Box 2210, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645, 828-758-8716, Fax: 828-758-0920, laymanletters@layman.org


[4] Presbyterian Foundation and New Covenant Trust Announce Voluntary Early Retirement Program

The Presbyterian Foundation and its subsidiary, New Covenant Trust Company, have announced a voluntary early retirement program in an effort to reduce payroll expenses and manage budget cuts.

Employees that are at least fifty-five years old with at least three years of service are eligible for the program, and those taking early retirement will separate effective 23 March 2009.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[5] UCC Shocked and Outraged at Oklahoma House of Representatives Motion to Strike Minister’s Syncretistic Opening Prayer Offered after Introduction of Same-Sex Partner

Cathedral of Hope UCC-Oklahoma City (United Church of Christ) pastor the Rev. Scott H. Jones was invited to deliver the opening prayer for the Oklahoma House of Representatives on 11 October 2009 by Rep. Al McAffrey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jones preceded the opening prayer by thanking McAffrey for the invitation, then introduced his parents and his same-sex partner, Michael Cich. The prayer began with an acknowledgement of current financial problems and war casualties, and a reading of Isaiah 40:28-31.

Jones continued his prayer by averring that diversity is a part of being made in God’s image; by referring to the poor, powerless, outcast, brokenhearted, captive, and bound of Isaiah 61:1-3; and by asking God for courage and wisdom for the representatives to “be instruments of your peace.”

Jones’ prayer concluded, “And in all your many names, we pray. Amen.”

Following the prayer, McAffrey asked that the prayer be included in the House journal. An objection was raised by Rep. John Wright, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who called for a vote on the prayer's inclusion in the official record. After the ensuing chaos was calmed, sixty-four representatives voted to include the prayer in the official record, twenty voted to oppose inclusion of the prayer in the official record, and seventeen abstained from voting.

A 12 February 2009 UCC news release “expressed outrage at the perceived discriminatory treatment of a local UCC pastor by the Oklahoma State House of Representatives.” Other UCC officials expressed dismay at “the message of intolerance,” the “bigotry,” and the “disrespect” shown by those who objected to the prayer.

+ United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, 216-736-2100, ogm@ucc.org


[6] Nine Pro-Life Demonstrators Arrested for “Criminal Trespass” on Birmingham, Alabama Public Sidewalk

On 12 February 2009, nine members of the Survivors Campus Life Tour were arrested on a public sidewalk at Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama while distributing literature to students at the campus.

After being threatened with arrest, the Survivors group contacted their attorney who assured them that their location on the public sidewalk and their free speech activity was legal according to local and state laws.

As the Survivors finished their demonstration and were loading their van, the police handcuffed and arrested all nine Survivors without warning - handcuffing one so tightly that it caused her to cry in pain.

Police confiscated the team's video cameras and personal belongings, impounded and searched the Campus Life Tour van, and obtained the Survivors’ hotel address in order to search the hotel rooms. After fourteen hours in jail, all nine Survivors were released from custody the morning of 13 February 2009. The confiscated video equipment and tapes were returned to the Survivors on 16 February 2009.

Kortney Blythe, Director of the Survivors Campus Life Tours, told how when she was questioned at the jail, she stated that the U.S. Constitution protected her right to stand on a public sidewalk. The police officers' response was, "You're in Alabama now." Another Survivor arrested, the Rev. Henry "Bud" Shaver, was told that the sidewalk was not public property for "non-citizens of Birmingham." While jailed, Shaver was informed that some of the jail guards also serve as security guards at a local abortion clinic.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Post Office Box 52708, Riverside, California 92517, 951-750-1114, info@survivors.la


[7] Black Pro-Life Religious Leaders in Oakland, California to Support Pastor Convicted for Talking to Abortion Clinic Patients

Black pro-life religious leaders including the Rev. Johnny Hunter, president of Life Education and Resources Network (LEARN), an African American pro-family, pro-life organization with members in 27 states, are in Oakland, California to support the Rev. Walter Hoye II, who was convicted 15 January 2009 of two misdemeanor counts of unlawfully approaching abortion clinic patients in violation of Oakland's recently enacted ordinance prohibiting any contact with abortion clinic patients within one hundred feet of an abortion clinic. Hoye faces up to two years in prison and US$4 thousand in fines when he is sentenced by California Superior Court Judge Stuart Hing on 19 February 2009.

A 14 April 2008 report by the National Center for Health Statistics states that in 2004, thirty-seven percent of pregnancies for black women ended in surgical abortion, compared with twelve percent for non-Hispanic white women and nineteen percent for Hispanic women. In 2004, 453,000 black babies were aborted while 418,000 white and 269,000 Hispanic babies were aborted, according to the federal report.

Pastor Stephen Broden of Dallas, Texas said, "This is a deliberate attempt to silence the Church and its prophetic role in protecting the innocent lives in our community and especially Black babies. Pastor Hoye represents a legacy of resistance by Black preachers to injustices perpetrated on the beloved community. Prenatal murder of Black babies by the abortion industry should be resisted by every black pastor across this country."

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ LEARN INC, Post Office Box 9400, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311, 910-488-9936


[8] PCA 37^th General Assembly Will Consider Nine Overtures

The Administrative Committee of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has listed nine overtures to be considered at the 37^th General Assembly 16-19 June 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

The overtures include an overture from the James River Presbytery to “Appoint Study Committee on Role of Women in the Church,” an overture from Central Carolina Presbytery to “Amend Book of Church Order (BCO) 59-1 and 59-6 and then grant amended Chapter 59, “The Solemnization of Marriage, Full Constitutional Authority,”” and two overtures from Ascension Presbytery to “Amend BCO 13-6 to Clarify the Examinations that Must Be Sustained by Men Coming from Other Denominations” and to “Amend BCO 13-6 to Require that Men Coming from Other Denominations Must Declare and Have Judged by Presbytery Any Differences with [the modified Westminster] The Confession of Faith and Catechisms.”

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[9] Deputy U.S. Attorney General Nominee was Defender of Child Pornography and Abortion

VirtueOnline columnist Mike McManus in his 11 February 2009 column, “Porn Attorney: #2 at Justice Department?” points out that Deputy U.S. Attorney General Nominee David Ogden for the past twenty-five years has represented such clients as Playboy, Penthouse and the ACLU, arguing against laws limiting pornography and abortion; has opposed filters on library computers to protect children from Internet smut; and has successfully defended the right of pornographers to produce material with underage children.

McManus concludes, “David Ogden is the last man who should be Deputy Attorney General.”

+ VirtueOnline, 1236 Waterford Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380

11 February 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] U.S. Senate Votes to Require Higher Education Institutions Receiving Federal Stimulus Funds to Oust Religious Groups from Campus Facilities
[2] Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives to Establish Network of FEMA Camps on Military Reservations to House U.S. Civilians in the Event of a National Emergency
[3] California Federal Judge Rules San Diego State and Long Beach State Christian Groups Cannot Limit Membership to Christians and Proponents of Exclusive Biblical Sexuality
[4] PCUSA Committee Appointed to Study Civil Union and Christian Marriage
[5] PCUSA Leaders Attend Inaugural Prayer Service
[6] Christian Defense Coalition Calls on President Obama to Withdraw Consideration of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services
[7] Association for Church Renewal to Meet 9-10 March 2009 in Arlington, Virginia
[8] New Wineskins/Evangelical Presbyterian Church Transitional Presbytery Commission Withdraws Affinity Presbytery Proposal
[9] Conway Celebration Church of Conway, Arkansas Assists Reformed Church of Nepal
[10] February 2009 Reformation Voice Available for Download
[11] Reformed Presbyterian Witness is 125 Years Old


[1] U.S. Senate Votes to Require Higher Education Institutions Receiving Federal Stimulus Funds to Oust Religious Groups from Campus Facilities

The economic stimulus bill currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate contains provisions requiring that higher education institutions receiving federal stimulus funds deny access to religious groups desiring to use the institutions’ facilities.

An amendment put forward by Senator Jim DeMint to invalidate the discriminatory provisions of the bill was defeated on 5 February 2009 by a vote of forty-three in favor, fifty-four against, and two not voting.

The American Center for Law and Justice promises to challenge these discriminatory provisions in federal court if the they remain in a stimulus package passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama.

+ American Center for Law and Justice, Post Office Box 90555, Washington DC 20090, 757-226-2489, Fax: 757-226-2836


[2] Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives to Establish Network of FEMA Camps on Military Reservations to House U.S. Civilians in the Event of a National Emergency

U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings, a former federal judge who was by the U.S. Congress impeached, convicted, and removed from the federal bench for corruption and perjury before being elected a representative, has introduced the National Emergency Centers Act (HR 645), a bill that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to set up a network of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) camp facilities on military reservations to be used to house U.S. citizens in the event of a national emergency.

The proposed legislation establishes the camps to provide “temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance to individuals and families dislocated due to an emergency or major disaster,” and to “provide centralized locations to improve the coordination of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts of government, private, and not-for-profit entities and faith-based organizations.”

HR 645 additionally provides that the camps can be used to “meet other appropriate needs, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security,” which is feared could mean the forced detention of U.S. citizens in the event of disorder after a national emergency or in the case of total economic collapse.

The bill appears to delegate authority to the U.S. President, as detailed in the National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive, to declare an emergency and take over the direction of all federal, state, local, territorial and tribal governments unilaterally, without consultation with the U.S. Congress.

+ Centre for Research on Globalization, 11 Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 4A7, Canada, crgeditor@yahoo.com


[3] California Federal Judge Rules San Diego State and Long Beach State Christian Groups Cannot Limit Membership to Christians and Proponents of Exclusive Biblical Sexuality

U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003, ruled on 6 February 2009 that San Diego State and Long Beach State Universities can prohibit Christian student organizations, fraternities, and sororities from limiting their membership to professing Christians and those who believe in exclusive biblical sexuality.

In his Every Nation Campus Ministries v. Achtenberg ruling, Burns said that the schools’ nondiscrimination policy was intended to regulate conduct, not speech or association, and stated that this policy “burdens Plaintiffs’ [Every Nation Campus Ministry’s] expressive activity, if at all, only incidentally, while at the same time furthering a legitimate interest in providing all students with the opportunity to participate in the full range of student activities supported by the university.”

A spokesman for the Alliance Defense Fund said that the decision would likely be appealed.

+ First Amendment Center, 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, 615-727-1600, info@fac.org

+ Alliance Defense Fund, 15100 North 90th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, 800-835-5233, Fax: 480-444-0025


[4] PCUSA Committee Appointed to Study Civil Union and Christian Marriage

Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Moderator of the 218th (2008) General Assembly (GA218), the Reverend Bruce Reyes-Chow, has appointed thirteen members to the GA218-chartered Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage.

The committee is to study the history of the laws governing marriage and civil union, including current policy debates; how the theology and practice of marriage have developed in the Reformed and broader Christian tradition; the relationship between civil union and Christian marriage; the effects of current laws on same-gender partners and their children; and the place of covenanted same-gender partnerships in the Christian community.

A report of the committee’s findings will be presented to the 219^th General Assembly, scheduled for the summer of 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[5] PCUSA Leaders Attend Inaugural Prayer Service

Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) leaders Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly, Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, and Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Council attended the 56th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service held 21 January 2009 at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

Representatives from other Protestant denominations as well as representatives from Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths were among those in attendance, and they all sat together at the service. Valentine stated, “Just to see three or four rows of all these religious leaders from so many religious expressions was really an inspiring sight. There was just a real sense of reverence.”

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[6] Christian Defense Coalition Calls on President Obama to Withdraw Consideration of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Christian Defense Coalition on 10 February 2009 called upon President Barrack Hussein Obama to withdraw consideration of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) due to her close ties to late-term abortionist George Tiller, her veto of a Kansas bill that would have reduced late-term and coerced abortions, and because Sebelius’ appointment would open the door for taxpayer funded abortions which was a strong part of the Presidents’ healthcare plan during his campaign.

Reformed Presbyterian pastor and Director of the Christian Defense Coalition the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney said, “On the campaign trail, President Obama talked about his desire to reduce the number of abortions. This was especially true in his talks with faith groups and organizations. However, President Obama's policies put him in direct conflict with his promises.”

"The Christian Defense Coalition and other groups warned Americans if Barack Obama were elected he would become 'The Abortion President.' This became a reality when only days into his Presidency, Mr. Obama reversed the Mexico City Policy which will greatly expand abortions worldwide. It is tragic to consider that the first promise President Obama broke in office was his promise to reduce abortions.”

"Now he is considering appointing one of the most radical pro-abortion politicians in the country as the HHS Secretary. It is difficult to imagine that on the campaign trail President Obama talked about unity and the danger of extremism.”

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[7] Association for Church Renewal to Meet 9-10 March 2009 in Arlington, Virginia

The Association For Church Renewal (ACR) will meet at the Holiday Inn – Rosslyn Key Bridge in Arlington, Virginia 9-10 March 2009.

In conjunction with that meeting, ACR leaders are prayerfully considering a joint statement to the press and the church, "Declaring a state of Crisis in the North American Church and a call for Repentance and Renewal".

Meeting registration and other information can be obtained by email at Renewall.acr@gmail.com or by phone at 603-867-7711.

+ Association For Church Renewal, Post Office Box 102, 182 High Street, Candia, New Hampshire 03034, 603-867-7711, Renewall.acr@gmail.com


[8] New Wineskins/Evangelical Presbyterian Church Transitional Presbytery Commission Withdraws Affinity Presbytery Proposal

The New Wineskins/Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) Transitional Presbytery Commission is withdrawing its earlier Affinity Presbytery proposal, which would have gone to the EPC 2009 General Assembly for consideration, and called for the creation of a permanent, non-geographic affinity presbytery.

+ New Wineskins Association of Churches, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101, 888-754-9693, info@newwineskinsassociation.org

+ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 17197 North Laurel Park Drive Suite 567, Livonia, Michigan 48152, 734-742-2020, Fax: 734-742-2033, webmaster@epc.org


[9] Conway Celebration Church of Conway, Arkansas Assists Reformed Church of Nepal

Pastor Cary Cox and Elder Steve Wingo of Reformed Baptist Conway Celebration Church in Conway, Arkansas, recently traveled to Nepal to meet with church planter since 1980, Ram Nepal, and the Himalayan country’s President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, who was elected in 2008 following the abdication of the country’s king.

Pastor Cox said that church planter Nepal was born in Nepal into a Hindu family, became a Christian at an early age, and planted 300 churches in his home country while Christianity was still illegal. Cox tells how church planter Nepal was imprisoned several times, and while imprisoned met several politicians that had been imprisoned for their faith. When persecution of Christians in Nepal reached the point where church planter Nepal was receiving death threats, Nepal fled the country and came to Dallas, Texas where he founded a church for Asian immigrants called International Christian Fellowship and established another church in Washington DC.

Cox goes on to describe how church planter Nepal’s family and orphans Nepal had raised kept the churches going in his absence and planted other churches. After the Hindu Yadav became Nepal’s first democratically elected leader, freedom of worship was given to Nepali Christians.

All of the churches planted by Ram Nepal are organized under the name Reformed Church of Nepal (RCN), and church planter Nepal has assembled a group of U.S. pastors to help train RCN pastors. The RCN churches additionally sponsor orphanages and schools for the orphans and for children in the church’s communities.

+ The Log Cabin Democrat, 1058 Front Street, Conway, Arkansas 72032, 501- 327-6621, Fax: 501-327-6787, scott.morrissey@thecabin.net

+ Reformed Church of Nepal, G. Post Office Box 3230, Kathmandu, Nepal, 977-1-5528320, Fax: 977-1-5534885, reformednepal@wlink.com.np

+ Association of Charismatic Reformed Churches, 695 Eagles Nest Drive, Austin, Arkansas 72007, 501-982-7756, kirkandliz@gmail.com


[10] February 2009 Reformation Voice Available for Download

The February 2009 Reformation Voice is available for download at the Heidelberg Reformation Association website.

+ Heidelberg Reformation Association, Rev. Howard Sloan, Secretary, 5543 Business 220, Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522


[11] Reformed Presbyterian Witness is 125 Years Old

The January 2009 issue of Reformed Presbyterian Witness (RPW) marks the 125^th anniversary of the publication, and contains several articles about Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America publications and the RPW under the direction of various editors during the publication’s history.

+ Crown & Covenant Publications, 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-241-0436, info@crownandcovenant.com

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-731-1177, Fax: 412-731-8861

4 February 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Father of Former ARP Moderator Dies 1 February 2009
[2] Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies Established in Lake Mary, Florida
[3] The Covenanters and the Glorious Revolution Published by Daniel Ritchie
[4] Reformed Congregational Fellowship 2009 Annual Confessional Conference Scheduled for 21-23 April 2009
[5] Presbyterian Men Annual Conference Scheduled for 17-19 April 2009 in Denver, Colorado
[6] George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia has Peaceful Pro-Life Protesters Arrested
[7] Christian Defense Coalition Labels Speaker Pelosi’s Now-Dropped Addition of Contraceptives to Economic Stimulus Package Bigoted, Racist, Elitist, and Anti-Child
[8] Bonclarken Conference Center Seeks Director of Recreation
[9] Historic Preservation Fundraiser for First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, New Jersey Features the New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus
[10] Former PCUS Moderator the Rev. John F. Anderson Dies 31 January 2009
[11] CRC Sri Lanka Condemns Arson and Grenade Attack on Broadcast Station and Subsequent Murder of Newspaper Editor
[12] Institute for Creation Research Marks Charles Darwin’s Origin's 150^th Birthday with February 2009 Acts and Facts
[13] Lafayette Christian Reformed Church of Lafayette, Indiana to Host Benefit Chili Supper 7 February 2009 for Christian School Mission Trip to Mississippi
[14] Excerpt of J. Gresham Machen 1927 Address “What Is Christianity?” to Free Church of Scotland on “Gairney Bridge” Blog
[15] Joel Beeke’s All for God's Glory Reviewed on “Counsel one another” Blog


[1] Father of Former ARP Moderator Dies 1 February 2009

Thomas Leon "Johnny" Bolin, 82, of Hickory Grove, South Carolina, died 1 February 2009 at his residence.

Mr. Bolin is the father of the Rev. H. Max Bolin, former Moderator of Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), and long-time pastor of Old Providence ARP Church in Spotswood, Virginia.

Mr. Bolin is survived by his wife, his son, a daughter, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two brothers, a sister, four step-daughters, and twelve step-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Mr. Bolin was held at the Unity Baptist Church, in Hickory Grove, South Carolina on 3 February 2009.

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729


[2] Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies Established in Lake Mary, Florida

The Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies has been founded in Lake Mary, Florida by Ligonier Ministries to “…establish a destination for study, fellowship, and collegial interaction essential to Ligonier's goal to "further equip Christians to know what they believe, why they believe it, how to live it, and how to share it."”

Faculty members include Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. D. A. Carson, Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., and Dr. Mark E. Ross.

Programs of study include the Doctor of Ministry Program for pastors; Certificate Programs in Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, Philosophy, and Ethics; Teacher Training; Church Officer Training; Continuing Education Seminars and Retreats; Online Distance Education; Pastor's Conferences; and Undergraduate Programs.

+ Ligonier Academy, 400 Technology Park, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, 407-333-4244, Fax: 407-333-4233


[3] The Covenanters and the Glorious Revolution Published by Daniel Ritchie

Daniel Ritchie has published the book The Covenanters and the Glorious Revolution available from Lulu for US$4.31 as a 477KB download, or for US$10.34 plus shipping for a 106 page paperback book.

Ritchie describes the book as “…an analysis of the response of the Scottish Covenanters to the Glorious Revolution in Great Britain. Unedited editions of the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant have been included in the book.”

+ Lulu, 10930 Raven Ridge Road #107, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614, 919-676-6222


[4] Reformed Congregational Fellowship 2009 Annual Confessional Conference Scheduled for 21-23 April 2009

The 2009 Annual Confessional Conference of the Reformed Congregational Fellowship (RCF) is scheduled for 21-23 April 2009 at the Salvation Army Wonderland Conference Center in Sharon, Massachusetts.

The conference will explore the subjects of saving faith and repentance that leads to life, which are explained in chapters 14 & 15 of the Savoy Declaration, the historic standard of confessional Congregationalism.

A conference brochure is available for download from the RCF website.

+ Reformed Congregational Fellowship


[5] Presbyterian Men Annual Conference Scheduled for 17-19 April 2009 in Denver, Colorado

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) annual conference of Presbyterian Men is scheduled for 17-19 April 2009 in Denver, Colorado.

Conference workshop subjects include “Challenges in Fighting Racism,” “Challenges in Disaster Assistance,” and “Challenges in Mentoring and Tutoring.” Worship and study activities will be based upon Philippians 2:14-15 and Hebrews 10:24-25.

For more information, contact conference Registrar Troy Carroll at 303-322-7981 or by email at pelham32@msn.com, from conference Chairman Rogers McCallister at 303-355-3318 or by email at rogersmccallister@champion.com, or Bob Abrams and Charles Stanford in the Presbyterian Men Louisville, Kentucky office at 888-728-7228 X5435 or by email at pmen@pcusa.org.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[6] George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia has Peaceful Pro-Life Protesters Arrested

Two college-age members of the Survivors Campus Life Tour were arrested on 26 January 2009 while on the public campus of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia.

The Survivors members quietly held signs, distributed literature, and spoke with interested students. After a student complained about the Survivors being on campus, a police officer told them to leave the campus. The students refused to stop their free speech activities protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that states “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech…,” and two Survivors were arrested and charged with causing a disturbance even though police later described the group as polite, well behaved, courteous, and respectful.

Ironically, GMU is named after the author of the Virginia Declaration of Human Rights, a document that significantly influenced the founding documents of the United States of America. George Mason’s colonial-era home, Gunston Hall Plantation, is located fourteen miles from GMU.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com


[7] Christian Defense Coalition Labels Speaker Pelosi’s Now-Dropped Addition of Contraceptives to Economic Stimulus Package Bigoted, Racist, Elitist, and Anti-Child

Responding to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's subsequently-dropped decision to add contraceptives to the economic stimulus package, the Christian Defense Coalition (CDC) labeled Pelosi’s action as bigoted, racist, elitist, and anti-child.

The CDC stated that, “It is unthinkable that the Speaker of the House would try to stimulate the economy by seeking to reduce the number of children.” The CDC continued, “This policy would lay the foundation for racism and eugenics because it would seek to reduce the number of children to the nation's poorest economic groups, which tend to be persons of color and other minorities.”

Reformed Presbyterian minister and Christian Defense Coalition Director the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney stated, "I was stunned to learn that…Speaker Pelosi defended a move to make contraceptives a part of the economic stimulus package. This is one of the most bigoted and anti-child policies I have ever seen embraced by a public official. It is hard to believe that this kind of legislation is coming out of America. One would expect it more from China or other oppressive governments.”

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[8] Bonclarken Conference Center Seeks Director of Recreation

The Bonclarken Conference Center, assembly grounds for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Recreation.

Applicants should provide a resume and job related recommendations, along with salary requirements, to Bonclarken Conference Center, Director of Recreation Search Committee, 500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731. Please contact Wanda Neal, Director of Human Resources, with questions at 828-692-2223 x226 or by email at wneal@bonclarken.com.

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729


[9] Historic Preservation Fundraiser for First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, New Jersey Features the New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus

The New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus (NJGMC) presented a concert on 31 January 2009 to benefit the US$500 thousand historic preservation project of the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick (RCA), New Jersey.

NJGMC artistic director Steven A. Russell described the concert program, "Raising the Roof Through Music," as including classical pieces, folk tunes, and show songs. Russell said, "We call it our pride repertoire…It's pieces that a lot of other gay and lesbian choruses do. They're not necessarily about being gay, but they're about fulfillment, pride in oneself, human rights, justice." Russell additionally described the musical repertoire as reflecting the themes of vice and virtue, sin and repentance, and coffee.

+ Home News Tribune, 35 Kennedy Boulevard, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, 732-246-5500, shidlay@mycentraljersey.com

+ Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, 800-968-6065, questions@rca.org


[10] Former PCUS Moderator The Rev. John F. Anderson Dies 31 January 2009

Former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) Moderator the Rev. John F. Anderson died 31 January 2009 at his home in Dallas, Texas.

Anderson advocated reunion of the southern PCUS and the northern United Presbyterian Church (USA), and as PCUS Moderator in 1983, led the PCUS into reunion with the USA church, forming the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).

Anderson was a pastor, a U.S. Navy Chaplain in World War II, an early advocate of school desegregation following the 1955 Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court decision, and a booster of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Anderson is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 7 February 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[11] CRC Sri Lanka Condemns Arson and Grenade Attack on Broadcast Station and Subsequent Murder of Newspaper Editor

Responding to the invasion, arson, and grenade attack on the MTV/MBC broadcast network in Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka on 6 January 2009 and the subsequent murder of Sunday Leader newspaper Editor-In-Chief Lasantha Wickremathunge, Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka President the Rev. Roshan Mendis condemned these attacks, saying of the network attack, “The government should make every effort to find the perpetrators of this heinous act and bring them to justice and set a precedent of fair play, sending a stern warning to all those who aim to bring disrepute to the government to beware,” and of the murdered newspaperman Lasantha, “He expressed his views without fear and as a result had to pay the ultimate price.”

Mendis concluded, “All those in power, who are vested with the authority to preserve the tenets of democracy in Sri Lanka, should act now to put a stop to this spate of killings and intimidation and restore the confidence of the public in the government and law and order.”

+ Daily Mirror, 0094-112-479479, Fax: 0094-115-530811, mirror@dailymirror.wnl.lk

+ LankaNest Ltd., 165/2 Dutugamunu Street, Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, 0094-112-820796


[12] Institute for Creation Research Marks Charles Darwin’s Origin's 150^th Birthday with February 2009 Acts and Facts

The Institute for Creation Research is marking the 150^th birthday of “On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life” and author Charles Darwin's 200th birthday in 2009, by publishing in the February 2009 issue of Acts and Facts more than a dozen scientific, theological, historical, and apologetic articles to use in refuting those who “…embrace some form of compromise with the atheistic theories of naturalism, causing them to subjugate the inerrant Word of God to ‘fit’ with that which is alien to the text of Scripture.”

+ Institute for Creation Research, Post Office Box 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229


[13] Lafayette Christian Reformed Church of Lafayette, Indiana to Host Benefit Chili Supper 7 February 2009 for Christian School Mission Trip to Mississippi

The Lafayette Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA) of Lafayette, Indiana is hosting a chili supper on Saturday 7 February 2009 to benefit the Lafayette Christian School’s upcoming mission trip to Mississippi. There is no charge for the meal, but free will donations will be accepted. Please call 765-742-4292 for further information.

+ Journal and Courier, 217 North 6th Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47901

+ Christian Reformed Church in North America, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560, 616-241-1691, Fax: 616-224-0803 crcna@crcna.org


[14] Excerpt of J. Gresham Machen 1927 Address “What Is Christianity?” to Free Church of Scotland on “Gairney Bridge” Blog

The 25 January 2009 post to Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) minister Tim Phillips’ “Gairney Bridge” blog, its motto being “If at first you don’t Secede…,” is an excerpt from the 30 March 1927 address to the Free Church of Scotland by J. Gresham Machen titled, What is Christianity?

+ “Gairney Bridge” Blog

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729

+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk


[15] Joel Beeke’s All for God's Glory Reviewed on “Counsel one another” Blog

Biblical counselor Paul Tautges’ 23 January 2009 review on his “Counsel one another” blog of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary President Joel Beeke’s and eight contributors’ All for God’s Glory, describes the book as, “…a delightful treatment of the theological system known as Calvinism.” and says, “Those who have only been exposed to caustic attacks or false caricatures of Reformed theology should read this warm and engaging book.”

+ “Counsel one another” Blog, ptautges@DelightintheWORD.org

+ Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, 2965 Leonard Street Northeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-977-0599, Fax: 616-285-3246, info@puritanseminary.org