Wednesday, July 29, 2009

29 July 2009


Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] North Korea Steps Up Execution of Christians
[2] Another Eritrean Christian Dies at Military Prison Camp
[3] Michigan Public High School and its Muslim Principle Sued for Firing Coach over his Association with a Christian Volunteer Coach
[4] Weeklong 'Abortion is Not Healthcare' Campaign Kicks-off in Washington DC
[5] New York Congresswoman Reads Article Defending Eugenicist and Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger into the Congressional Record
[6] Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Sotomayor Nomination to U.S. Supreme Court 13-6 in Spite of Evidence that Sotomayor Lied Under Oath during Confirmation Hearings
[7] Glasgow, Scotland Homosexual Christian and Muslim Art Show Encourages Defacement of a Displayed Bible
[8] Church of Scotland Minister Resigns over Induction of Homosexual Minister at Aberdeen, Scotland’s Queen's Cross Church
[9] Dutch Reformed Church and Reformed Church of Zimbabwe Congregations Battle over Church Building
[10] Juan Carlos Gutierrez is First Nicaraguan Ordained as Presbyterian Pastor in Nicaragua
[11] ReformingMinds Offering Free Download of Reformed Family Worship Book
[12] Joel Beeke on “Practical Reasons for Retaining the King James Version
[13] New Wineskins Convocation VI Details Announced
[14] Second Reformed Church of Pekin, Illinois Celebrates 135th Anniversary
[15] Alberta, Canada CRC Church Fights Reintroduction of Video Lottery Terminals into Town Bars and Lounges


[1] North Korea Steps Up Execution of Christians

Andre Vornic of BBC News reports in a 24 July 2009 article that North Korea of late has stepped up executions of Christians, and is performing some of the executions publically. North Korea allows only the worship of its founder Kim Il-Sung, and his son, Kim Jong-Il, and otherwise views religion as a major threat. It is estimated that 30 thousand North Korean Christians worship secretly in their homes. The U.S. government states that owning a Bible in North Korea may be sufficient grounds for the torture and disappearance of the Bible’s owner.

Vornic writes of a report from South Korean Christians about a North Korean woman that lived in a village near the Chinese border that was arrested and charged with distributing Bibles, spying for South Korea and the United States, and helping to organize dissidents. The woman was publically executed in June 2009, and her parents, husband, and children were sent to a prison camp.

+ BBC, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS, England, Fax: 020-8008-2398


[2] Another Eritrean Christian Dies at Military Prison Camp

Eritrean Christian Yemane Kahasay Andom, 43, a member of the Kale-Hiwot church in Mendeferadied, Eritrea, died 23 July 2009 at the Mitire Military Confinement Center, after being imprisoned at the Mitire facility for the past eighteen months.

Andom was weakened by continual torture while imprisoned, and died from a severe case of malaria. Andom’s condition was further weakened by solitary confinement in an underground cell the two weeks prior to his death for his refusal to sign a recantation form. Open Doors said that most Christians would interpret the signing of such a form as being a denouncement of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Andom’s death at the Mitire facility brings to three the number of Christians who have died in the prison camp in 2009, and brings the total number of Christians in Eritrea killed for their faith to nine. More than 2800 Christians in Eritrea are imprisoned for their faith.

+ Open Doors USA, Post Office Box 27001, Santa Ana, California 92799, 949-752-6600, Fax: 949-752-6442, usa@opendoors.org


[3] Michigan Public High School and its Muslim Principle Sued for Firing Coach over his Association with a Christian Volunteer Coach

Gerald Marszalek of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan, coached wrestling for thirty-five years, earned more than 450 wins, was elected to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, and was named "Sportsman of the Year" by the All-American Athletic Association.

One of Marszalek's assistant coaches, Trey Hancock, held a summer wrestling camp that was not connected with the school or Coach Marszalek, in which a Muslim camper converted to Christianity. Fordson’s Muslim Principal Imad Fadlallah was allegedly so upset by the conversion that he punched the student and informed him he had disgraced his family.

After the wrestling season was over, Coach Marszalek was not allowed to reapply to his coaching position in violation of the rules of the Dearborn Federation of Teachers Union, of which he is a member. Marszalek says that his union refused to help him.

A lawsuit on behalf of Coach Marszalek has been filed by the Thomas More Law Center claiming violations of both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions and statutes. Coach Marszalek is seeking back pay, injunctive and declaratory relief, damages, and to be reinstated as coach of the wrestling team.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented: "We are getting a glimpse of what happens when Muslims who refuse to accept American values and principles gain political power in an American community. Failure to renew coach Marszalek's contract had nothing to do with wrestling and everything to do with religion."

+ LifeSiteNews.com, Incorporated, Post Office Box 25382, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15220, 866-787-9947, lsn@lifesitenews.com

+ Thomas More Law Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, 734-827-2001, Fax: 734-930-7160, info@thomasmore.org


[4] Weeklong 'Abortion is Not Healthcare' Campaign Kicks-off in Washington DC

The weeklong ‘Abortion is Not Healthcare’ (AINH) Campaign kicked off Sunday 26 July 2009 with a prayer vigil in front of the Cannon House Office Building in front of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s office.

One of the AINH activities included a 27 July 2009 news conference with Dr. Alveda King, , Dr. Johnny Hunter, the Rev. S.E. Broden, and other African-American leaders, to discuss the tragic impact taxpayer funded abortions will have on the African-American community, and will be speaking out against the funding of Planned Parenthood because of their racist agenda.

Event organizer, Reformed Presbyterian pastor the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, stated: "'Abortion is Not Healthcare' is a public, prophetic witness calling upon Speaker Pelosi, President Obama and the members of Congress to embrace human rights and stand against the violence of abortion. If the President and Speaker have their way, every American will be forced to pay for the killing of innocent children through taxpayer funded abortions….We are asking the pro-life and faith community across the nation to join us in prayer as we seek God for mercy and justice."

Another AINH activity was a 27 July 2009 demonstration and pro-life witness led by young women challenging First Lady Michelle Obama, who participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Caroline Family Practice clinic in Bowling Green, Virginia, to embrace human rights and social justice and stand against taxpayer funded abortions. Shortly before the ribbon-cutting ceremony was to begin, the event was moved indoors in order to avoid the pro-life demonstrators. The Christian Defense Coalition remarked that “it was clear that the First Lady did not want a public witness for life to compete with her event.”

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

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[5] New York Congresswoman Reads Article Defending Eugenicist and Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger into the Congressional Record

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey of
New York, on 21 July 2009, read an article titled: “Margaret Sanger - Setting the Record Straight,” by Dr. Ellen Chesler of Hunter College of the City University of New York, into the Congressional Record in defense of Margaret Sanger, eugenicist and founder of Planned Parenthood. The article dismisses Sanger’s critics for publishing false information about Sanger on the Internet and for taking Sanger’s most vile writings out of context.

University of California at Berkeley freshman Katelyn Sills, on her “Stand Up and Speak Out” blog, that the negative view of Margaret Sanger is not because of misleading information on the Internet but is from Sanger’s own books and actions. Sills, referencing Sanger quotations from War Against the Weak, by Edwin Black, writes:

Sanger was an outspoken Social Darwinist who condemned charity because it supported a certain population that she termed “human waste.” In her 1922 book, Pivot of Civilization, Sanger devoted a full chapter to this viewpoint called “The Cruelty of Charity.” “Organized charity itself,” she wrote, “is a symptom of a malignant social disease… the surest sign that our civilization has bred, is breeding and is perpetuating constantly increasing numbers of defectives, delinquents and dependents. My criticism, therefore, is not directed at the ‘failure’ of philanthropy, but rather at its success.””

Sills describes how Sanger believed in mass sterilization of this “human waste,” and how Sanger “surrounded herself with some of the eugenics movement’s most outspoken racists and white supremacists…,” one of whom, Leon Whitney, said of the Nazi gassing of 50,000 to 100,000 of those the Nazi’s deemed unfit, “While we were pussy-footing around…the Germans were calling a spade a spade.”

Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the United States. Approximately one in three pregnancies among black Americans is terminated by surgical abortion.

+ Stand Up and Speak Out Blog


[6] Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Sotomayor Nomination to U.S. Supreme Court 13-6 in Spite of Evidence that Sotomayor Lied Under Oath during Confirmation Hearings

According to a 28 July 2009 press release from the Traditional Values Coalition (TVC), the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on 28 July 2009 confirmed U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 13-6 in spite of evidence that Sotomayor continually committed perjury while under oath during the recent confirmation hearings.

Sotomayor denied under oath that she is an advocate of the philosophy of Legal Realism, which espouses that a judge can impose his own view upon a case, when in a 1996 Suffolk Law Review article, Sotomayor embraced as her own Legal Realism and the views of former Yale Law School professor Jerome Frank, a major architect of Legal Realism. Sotomayor testified that a judge must be faithful to the law and to the Constitution, while Sotomayor’s previous writings and speeches clearly support the use of foreign law in making rulings.

When asked about pro-abortion briefs filed by the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLSEF),
Sotomayor denied knowing about the briefs when internal documents from the PRLSEF, presented at the hearing, prove that Sotomayor sat on PRLSEF’s litigation committee and helped prepare lengthy documents outlining dozens of legal cases that the group had filed.

TVC concludes that
Sotomayor “…is a committed judicial activist who will impose her personal views on all Americans as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court,” and that during the recent confirmation hearings, Sotomayor was “…masking her radical liberal ideology behind a façade of humility.”

+ Traditional Values Coalition, 139 "C" Street Southeast, Washington DC 20003, 202-547-8570, Fax: 202-546-6403, mail@traditionalvalues.org


[7] Glasgow, Scotland Homosexual Christian and Muslim Art Show Encourages Defacement of a Displayed Bible

A Bible and a container of pens was exhibited at the Glasgow, Scotland, Gallery of Modern Art (Goma), in an exhibit titled, “Made in God’s Image,” put together by organizations representing homosexual Christians and Muslims, along with an notice to visitors saying, “If you feel you have been excluded from the Bible, please write your way back into it.” Write the visitors did, including obscenities and profanities toward God, and satire of Genesis 1:1.

Critics including a spokesman for the Church of Scotland were not impressed by the art exhibition producers’ promises to remove the most offensive of the writing, instead asking why the exhibit was allowed to be staged in the first place. Susie Squire, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, commented: “People pay their council tax to get their [garbage] collected, not to fund pornography and destruction of religious texts.”

Goma additionally hosts the sh[OUT] project, which includes an exhibition featuring homosexual pornography and a series of “community outreach” events designed to tackle homophobia.

+ 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


[8] Church of Scotland Minister Resigns over Induction of Homosexual Minister at Aberdeen, Scotland’s Queen's Cross Church

Church of Scotland minister the Rev. Thomas Mackinnon has resigned as pastor of the Kilmuir and Logie Easter congregation, near Invergordon, Scotland, in protest of the Church of Scotland’s induction of a homosexual minister as the pastor of Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen, Scotland.

There is fear among some in the Church of Scotland that the recent appointment of a homosexual minister at Queen’s Cross Church could cause the greatest divide since the Disruption of 1843, when part of the Church of Scotland broke away to form the Free Church of Scotland.

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

+ 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


[9] Dutch Reformed Church and Reformed Church of Zimbabwe Congregations Battle over Church Building

Missionaries from the predominantly-Afrikaans Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa established he first branch of the predominantly-black Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, in 1891, and the two church’s congregations in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have shared the same premises ever since—until recently when the DRC congregation sent an eviction notice to the RCZ congregation, giving the RCZ until the end of August 2009 to move out of the church building. Though the RCZ became an autonomous denomination in 1977, the two Bulawayo, Zimbabwe congregations have continued to share the church building and have periodically held joint services since then.

Members of the RCZ are fighting the eviction, arguing that the two congregations were essentially one church. The RCZ congregants blame the problem on the latent racism of some in the DRC congregation, and described several incidents with the DRC congregation that led the RCZ congregants to their racially-based conclusion.

DRC officials and congregants declined to explain their actions to a journalist investigating the impasse between the two congregations.

+ The ZimDiaspora Limited, 19 Mortimer street, Derby DE24 8FW, England, 01332430593

+ Reformed Church in Zimbabwe

+ Dutch Reformed Church, Posbus 13528, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa, 27-0-12-342-0092, Fax: 27-0-12-342-0380, algemenesinode@ngkerk.org.za


[10] Juan Carlos Gutierrez is First Nicaraguan Ordained as Presbyterian Pastor in Nicaragua


Juan Carlos Gutierrez was ordained on 4 July 2009 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, by the Peninsular Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Mexico, becoming the first Nicaraguan to be ordained as a Presbyterian Pastor in Nicaragua. Gutierrez was officially installed as Pastor of F. Iglesia Presbiteriana Shalom Nicaragua in Esteli, Nicaragua on 26 July 2009.


+ Martina and Emerson Wilson, PEF Missionaries and Founders, F. Iglesia Presbiteriana Shalom Nicaragua, Apartado 3, Esteli, Nicaragua

+ Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, 425 State Street, Suite 312, Bristol, Virginia 24201, 276-591-5335, Fax: 276-591-5349, admin@pefministry.org

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


[11] ReformingMinds Offering Free Download of Reformed Family Worship Book

In honor of 2009 being the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, Sergio and Ginny Youmans of Thousand Hills Farm and ReformingMinds publishing are offering a free download of their PDF-format Reformed Family Worship Book.

The Reformed Family Worship Book includes 1) Introductory material about Reformed theology, the names of some of the great Reformers, and some lasting effects of the Reformation; 2) The Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Ten Commandments for memorization; 3) The feasts and seasons of the church calendar from a Continental Reformed perspective; 4) Robert Murray McCheyne's Calendar for Daily Bible Reading, which reads through the entire Bible in one year and the New Testament and Psalms twice; and, 5) Three classic catechisms--the Heidelberg Catechism, the Catechism for Young Children, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism--and the schedules to study them throughout the school year.

While visiting the Thousand Hills Farm website, please take a look at the pictures of the Katahdin Hair Sheep raised on the farm, and visit the Home Education Page for links to homeschooling resources.

Ginny Youmans recently joined the editorial staff of the Christian Observer, and we bid Ginny a hearty welcome!

+ Thousand Hills Farm, Giles County, Tennessee, sergevirge@thousandhillsfarm.com


[12] Joel Beeke on “Practical Reasons for Retaining the King James Version

Emmanuel Church Salisbury – Evangelical and Reformed of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, has published an article by Dr. Joel R. Beeke, president and professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, titled “Practical Reasons for Retaining the King James Version.

+ Emmanuel Church Salisbury – Evangelical and Reformed
, 8 Wilton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7EE, England, 01722-322429,
contact-us1@salisburyemmanuel.org.uk

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


[13] New Wineskins Convocation VI Details Announced

The New Wineskins Association of Churches (NWAC) Convocation VI conference "Gathered to be with Him, Sent to be like Him," based on Mark 3-6, is scheduled for 4-6 October 2009 at the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The featured speaker will be Greg Ogden. Greg is the Executive Pastor of Discipleship at Christ Church of Oak Brook, Illinois, and the author of Transforming Discipleship.

NWAC participants on Monday 5 October will be sent into a variety of mission sites to serve in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. The convocation will gather at the river the same evening for a celebration dinner, and several experiences of living in the NWAC vision of a missional church will be shared.

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


[14] Second Reformed Church of Pekin, Illinois Celebrates 135th Anniversary

Second Reformed Church (SRC) of Pekin, Illinois, originally German Reformed Church, celebrated its 135th anniversary on 25 July 2009 with activities including an ice cream social, a variety show, and the ringing of SRC’s German-inscribed bell.

German immigrants desiring to worship in their native language began meeting in homes and community buildings in 1874, then in 1876 built the first church building.
The church bell was installed in 1884, and is inscribed with a German translation of “The Lord God is a sun and shield,” from Psalm 84:11.

Though SRC has long since moved to services in English, SRC traces their origins to the Protestant Reformation and to the Reformed Church which came to America in 1628. SRC is a
Reformed Church in America congregation, and describes SRC as a mainline evangelical church whose motto for the past 135 years has been “Christ is Lord, and this is his church.”

+ Pekin Daily Times, 20 South 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554, 309-346-1111, Fax: 309-346-1446, gratliff@pekintimes.com

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


[15] Alberta, Canada CRC Church Fights Reintroduction of Video Lottery Terminals into Town Bars and Lounges

Pastor Len Batterink of the First Christian Reformed Church of Rocky Mountain House,
Alberta, Canada, is the spokesman for one of several town churches fighting the reintroduction of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) into Rocky Mountain House’s bars and lounges. A 1997 plebiscite, by a two-to-one margin, removed VLTs from the town’s drinking establishments.

Pastor Batterink explained the churches’ opposition to the VLTs, saying: "We understand that it's not for us to legislate what the whole town does with its free time and we're not here to run the moral behaviours of everybody in Rocky Mountain House, but the VLT is a particularly toxic kind of gambling machine. They generate very large revenues, but on the backs of a significant number of problem gamblers."

Six of Rocky Mountain House’s town bars gathered the signatures of ten percent of the populace, forcing a new plebiscite on whether or not to bring back VLTs. The 27 July 2009 vote again rejected VLTs, this time by more than a three-to-one margin.

+ Calgary Herald, 215 16th Street Southeast,
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7P5, Canada, 403-235-7323, Fax: 403-235-7379, calgaryherald@reachcanada.com

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



Wednesday, July 22, 2009

22 July 2009


Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Hizb ut-Tahrir Meets Near Chicago for Khalifah Conference on "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam"
[2] Isle of Lewis, Scotland Hosts First Homosexual Civil Partnership in Western Islands the Day After First Sabbath Day Ferry Service to Mainland Scotland
[3] Church of Scotland Considers Abandoning Parishes Unable to Pay Own Way
[4] Endeavor Astronaut is Son of Former ARP Minister and Synod Moderator
[5] Ecumenical News International Writer Analyzes John Calvin’s Divided Legacy in South Africa
[6] Calvin Conference at Stellenbosch University, South Africa Scheduled 30 August - 2 September 2009
[7] Covenanter International Holiday Conference Scheduled 17-24 July 2010 at Gartmore House in Scotland
[8] William the Baptist Reprint Available from Doulos Resources
[9] PCA 37th GA Report by Stated Clerk Available Online
[10] Baptists Gather in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of the Founding of the Baptist Movement
[11] After 500 Years: John Calvin for Reformed Churches Today Conference Scheduled 3-5 September 2009 at First CRC in Byron Center, Michigan
[12] The Sacred Desk Expositor’s Conference Scheduled 28-29 September 2009 in Mobile, Alabama
[13] Christian Defense Coalition and Operation Rescue Mobilize “Abortion is not Health Care” Campaign to Oppose Abortion Funding in Government Healthcare Legislation
[14] American Vision Offering Five Free E-Books by Gary DeMar Via Email
[15]
Inheritance Publications Offers New Book of 150 Genevan Psalms in Two Keys
[16] Full Bible Publications Offers Constitutional Presbyterianism by Dr. Richard Bacon


[1] Hizb ut-Tahrir Meets Near Chicago for Khalifah Conference on "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam"

Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), the international movement to re-establish an international Islamic state, or Caliphate, met in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a Chicago, Illinois suburb on 19 July 2009 in a Khalifah conference called on "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam," to begin a new campaign to win American recruits.

One speaker suggested that modern industrial powers could fall to Muslims the way that Mecca, Saudi Arabia, fell to Mohammed nearly 1,400 years ago. Another speaker said that "if they offer us the sun, or the moon, or a nice raise, or a passport, or a house in the suburbs or even a place to pray at the job, on the condition that we stop calling for Islam as a complete way of life — we should never do that, ever do that — unless and until Islam becomes victorious or we die in the attempt." Yet another called for the replacement of the U.S. Constitution with Sharia Law.

HT has not been designated a terrorist group by the U.S., and it insists that it is only interested in instituting radical change by nonviolent means. Alarmingly, HT's alumni include 11 September 2001 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the late Iraqi terrorist leader Abu Musab Zarqawi, and would-be Hamas suicide bombers, and the group's pro-jihadist rhetoric has led critics to label it a "conveyor belt for terrorists."

+ Jewish World Review, 718-972-9241, schmooze@jewishworldreview.com


[2] Isle of Lewis, Scotland Hosts First Homosexual Civil Partnership in Western Islands the Day After First Sabbath Day Ferry Service to Mainland Scotland

After a long battle between strict Sabbatarians and liberals on the Western Isles in Scotland, the first Sabbath Day ferry service from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, to Ullapool on Scotland’s mainland set sail on 19 July 2009, when ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferry the MV Isle of Lewis, despite recent engine trouble labeled by some an “act of God,” made the initial crossing.

The initial Sabbath ferry crossing between Stornoway and Ullapool, Scotland came one day before the first homosexual civil union ceremony on the Isle of Lewis was held when Gaelic channel BBC Alba Children's television presenter Andrew Robertson entered into a civil partnership with long-time partner Craig Atkins, a manager at the Stornoway arts center. The Free Church of Scotland on the Isle of Lewis defines the civil partnership ceremony as a sin.

+ The Scotsman, Barclay House, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 8AS, 0131-620-8620

+ 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


[3] Church of Scotland Considers Abandoning Parishes Unable to Pay Own Way

Due to several significant problems including a cash-flow deficit caused by a shortfall in income, the Church of Scotland is considering whether or not to abandon a commitment to provide Church of Scotland churches in every part of Scotland by closing churches unable to pay their own way.

A great degree of disagreement exists between Church of Scotland presbyteries over the proposed plan, with presbyteries including Glasgow and Orkney arguing to maintain the poorer churches, and presbyteries including Edinburg defending the closing plan, with Edinburg presbytery member the Rev. Peter MacDonald saying: "It is either [the closing plan] or survival of the fittest."

+ Scottish Christian.com, Glasgow, Scotland, web@ian-ansdell.co.uk

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


[4] Endeavor Astronaut is Son of Former ARP Minister and Synod Moderator

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn and six other astronauts blasted off in the space shuttle Endeavor on 15 July 2009, on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin being the first to walk on the moon on 20 July 1969. Once docked with the International Space Station, Marshburn began participation in three of five scheduled spacewalks to complete installation of a US$1 billion Japanese space station laboratory.

Tom Marshburn’s late father, the Rev. Robert Marshburn Jr., served as pastor of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church in Statesville, North Carolina from 1950-1969, and served as Moderator of the ARP Synod in 1964 and 1983.

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


[5] Ecumenical News International Writer Analyzes John Calvin’s Divided Legacy in South Africa

On 9 July 2009, the eve of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Genevan reformer John Calvin, Ecumenical News International (ENI) writer Anli Serfontein, reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa, published an article titled, “Calvin Leaves Divided Legacy in South Africa.”

Serfontein writes that South Africa has experienced the greatest influence from John Calvin of any country in the world, quoting Dirk Smit, professor of systematic theology and ethics at the University of Stellenbosch, who told students at the Protestant Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands, in April 2009: "In South Africa, the reception of Calvin has been deeply ambiguous and controversial, and it remains so until today."

Serfontein says that South African Dutch Reformed Calvinists were among the most strident supporters of apartheid, using theology as a justification for apartheid, and with the exception of one small denomination, eventually became and now are among apartheid’s most vociferous opponents.

The roots of South African Calvinism are said to date to 1685 when many Calvinist French Huguenots fled to the Netherlands after the Edict of Nantes was revoked. An offer by the Dutch East India Company to the French Huguenot refugees to go to South Africa for an initial period of five years was readily accepted, and once arrived in South Africa, the Huguenot immigrants received farms and implements. Religious wars raging in Europe convinced most of the immigrants to stay in South Africa after the five years period was completed.

The Huguenot immigrants to South Africa were mostly well-educated people. Many doctors, teachers, pastors, and lawyers were among the first to arrive in South Africa, and the Huguenot families became the progenitors of many of South Africa’s major Afrikaner families.

Serfontein describes the industriousness of the Huguenot immigrants that stemmed from Calvinistic beliefs, and how this industriousness described as the “Protestant Work Ethic” contributed significantly to economic and religious factors in South Africa. Serfontein says that the immigrants became increasingly detached from their European roots and influences, and that some historians believe Huguenot immigrants were not influenced in any way during the entire age of enlightenment.

The late 19th century to early 20th century divisions by skin color and national origin leading to the establishment of four separate Dutch Reformed churches is noted, and how in 1948 under the leadership of Daniel Malan, a former Reformed pastor who became prime minister of South Africa, traditional racist practices were transformed into the apartheid ideology of the ruling party, and mixed church services were thus no longer possible.

Serfontein concludes the article by recounting South Africa’s history from the latter half of the 20th century to date that led to the destruction of the apartheid system, and describes how in 1983 the Rev. Allan Boesak described to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches assembly his theological perspective based on the doctrines of John Calvin and Karl Barth.

+ Ecumenical News International, Post Office Box 2100, CH – 1211, Geneva 2, Switzerland, 41-22-791-6111, Fax: 41-22-788-7244, eni@eni.ch

+ World Alliance of Reformed Churches, 150 route de Ferney, Post Office Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, 41-22-791-6240, Fax: 41-22-791-6505, warc@warc.ch


[6] Calvin Conference at Stellenbosch University, South Africa Scheduled 30 August - 2 September 2009

The Faculty of Theology of Stellenbosch University in South Africa is hosting a Calvin Conference celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, 30 August – 2 September 2009. The conference theme is “John Calvin’s Relevance for Today.”

Speakers who have confirmed participation at the conference include Serene Jones, Setri Nyomi, Katie Cannon, Rachel Baard, Dirkie Smit, Allan Boesak, John de Gruchy, Coenie Burger, Piet Naudé, Russel Botman, Eddy van der Borght, Martien Brinkman, Gijsbert van den Brink, Fanie du Toit, Andries Cilliers, Robert Vosloo and Ernst Conradie.

+ Calvin Conference 2009, Faculty of Theology, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa, 27-21-808-3255, Fax: 27-21-808-3251, teologiefees@sun.ac.za


[7] Covenanter International Holiday Conference Scheduled 17-24 July 2010 at Gartmore House in Scotland

The 2010 Covenanter International Holiday Conference is scheduled for 17-24 July 2010 at the Gartmore House, located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in Scotland. The conference theme is “Reformation and Revival in the Church Today: Studies in Haggai” presented by Professor Robert McCollum.

A downloadable application form and information on accommodations is available at http://www.rpc.org/chc/.

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 98 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AG, Northern Ireland, 44-1232-660-689, Fax: 44-1232-823-794, info@rpc.org


[8] William the Baptist Reprint Available from Doulos Resources

J. Ed Eubanks, Jr. has edited, updated, and annotated James M. Chaney’s 1877 book William the Baptist, which is now available from Doulos Resources in paperback for US$7.95 plus shipping, and is also available from Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle format.

Scripture quotations have been changed from the King James (Authorised) Version (Majority Text-based) to the English Standard Version (ESV), the ESV being characterized as an “essentially literal” translation that used the 1971 Revised Standard Edition as its starting point, and utilizes the Masoretic Hebrew text and the 27th edition Nestle and Aland Greek text.

+ Doulos Resources, 2420 Donelson Drive, Eads, Tennessee 38028, 901-451-0356, Fax: 610-870-7373, info@doulosresources.org

+ The Standard Bible Society, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, 888-682-5577, Fax: 630-682-4785, info@gnpsbs.org


[9] PCA 37th GA Report by Stated Clerk Available Online

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has made available online the stated clerk’s report on the 37th General Assembly held 16-18 June 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

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


[10] Baptists Gather in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of the Founding of the Baptist Movement

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the European Baptist Federation (EBF) will gather in the Netherlands 24 July-1 August 2009 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Baptist movement. The EBF will host ‘Amsterdam 400’ 24-26 July 2009, and the BWA Annual Gathering will be held in Ede, the Netherlands 27 July-1 August 2009.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is the location of the world’s first Baptist congregation, founded by British exiles in 1609.

+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com


[11] After 500 Years: John Calvin for Reformed Churches Today Conference Scheduled 3-5 September 2009 at First CRC in Byron Center, Michigan

The After 500 Years: John Calvin for Reformed Churches Today Conference is scheduled for 3-5 September 2009 at First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan.

Conference speakers are Professor Ronald L. Cammenga of Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary (PRCATS); the Rev. Christopher J. Connors, pastor of the Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia; Professor Russell L. Dykstra of PRCATS; Professor David J. Engelsma of PRCATS; Professor Barrett L. Gritters of PRCATS; the Rev. Steven R. Key, pastor of the Hull,
Iowa Protestant Reformed Church; and the Rev. Angus Stewart, pastor of the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church of Northern Ireland.

Conference information is available at:

http://www.500yearsofcalvin.org

+ Protestant Reformed Churches in America, c/o 4949 Ivanrest Avenue, Grandville, Michigan 49418, webmaster@prca.org

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


[12] The Sacred Desk Expositor’s Conference Scheduled 28-29 September 2009 in Mobile, Alabama

The Sacred Desk: A History of Expository Preaching from the Reformation to the Present Expositor’s Conference is scheduled for 28-29 September 2009 at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church (CFBC) in Mobile, Alabama.

Conference speakers are Dr. Joel Beeke, President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and Dr. Steven J. Lawson, Senior Pastor of CFBC, a pastor for twenty-eight years, and the author of fifteen books, including The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards, The Expository Genius of John Calvin, and Foundations of Grace: A Long Line of Godly Men.

The conference registration fee is US$125, and registration is available online at:
http://www.christfellowship.cc/site/eregister1.asp?sec_id=3078&event_id=933.

Conference information is available at the CFBC website, by phone at 251-461-2242, or by email at info@christfellowship.cc.

+ Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, 445 Azalea Road, Mobile, Alabama 36609, 251-461-2242, info@christfellowship.cc

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


[13] Christian Defense Coalition and Operation Rescue Mobilize “Abortion is not Health Care” Campaign to Oppose Abortion Funding in Government Healthcare Legislation

The Christian Defense Coalition (CDC) and Operation Rescue have mobilized a campaign to begin 26 July 2009 in Washington DC, called "Abortion is Not Health Care," to oppose taxpayer funded abortions being included in U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama’s US$1.5 trillion health care plan scheduled for congressional voting the week of 27 July 2009.

The campaign will focus on fighting to ensure that: 1) not one penny of public money is used to pay for abortions; 2) that the "Conscience Clause" is not removed from health providers that decline to perform abortions; 3) that there will be no federal mandate requiring health plans to cover abortions; 4) that no state law restricting abortion will be invalidated; and 5) that Planned Parenthood never becomes an "essential community health provider."

Reformed Presbyterian minister and CDC director the Rev. Pat Mahoney comments: "The most critical item on the pro-life agenda is stopping the Obama-Pelosi health care plan which includes taxpayer funded abortions. If abortion becomes part of a health care entitlement, it will add at least twenty-five years to our struggle toward ending the violence of abortion in America.”

“If President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have their way, Pro-life Catholics and Evangelicals would be forced to pay for abortions. People of good will who believe that human rights begin in the womb would have to pay for the brutal crushing of that innocent life.”

“'Abortion is Not Health Care' will be a public and prophetic witness to ensure that tax dollars are never used to diminish women and trample social justice. President Obama talks about being a progressive leader who embraces human rights and equality for all. It is tragic that he would turn health care, which is supposed to heal and bring comfort to those in need, into something that destroys innocent life."

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

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741

+ Operation Rescue, Post Office Box 782888, Wichita, Kansas 67278-2888, 800-705-1175, Fax: 916-244-2636, info@operationrescue.org


[14] American Vision Offering Five Free E-Books by Gary DeMar Via Email

American Vision is offering for free by email five E-books by Gary DeMar.

+ American Vision, Post Office Box 220, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127, 770-222-7266, Fax: 770-222-7269, mail@AmericanVision.org


[15]
Inheritance Publications Offers New Book of 150 Genevan Psalms in Two Keys

Inheritance Publications is offering a new book of sheet music for organ and chorus titled, Voor De Opperzangmeester (VDO) or 150 Psalms in 2 Keys by Cor van Dijk for US$ 82.46. VDO includes all 150 Genevan Psalms in two keys, along with appealing preludes and interludes in a moderately easy style. A Klavarscribo edition is available for US$85.00.

Additionally, Inheritance PublicationsJohn Calvin 500 Years Specials, with discounts of up to twenty-five percent, are available through 31 July 2009.

+
Inheritance Publications, Box 154, Neerlandia, Alberta T0G 1R0, Canada, 780-674-3949, Fax: 775-890-9118


[16] Full Bible Publications Offers Constitutional Presbyterianism by Dr. Richard Bacon

Full Bible Publications, the book publishing arm of the Christian Observer, is offering a new book:

Constitutional Presbyterianism by Dr. Richard Bacon, Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church Reformed in Mesquite, Texas, and Contributing Editor for the Christian Observer, is a 140 page book that is an introduction to Constitutional Presbyterianism — what it is and how it differs from the way most Presbyterian and Reformed churches practice polity in the church today. The cost for download is US$2.50, and the cost for the printed edition is US$9.80 plus shipping.

+ Christian Observer, 9400 Fairview Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110, 703-335-2844, christianobserver@christianobserver.org


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

15 July 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg Espouses Eugenics as the Goal of Abortion in 7 July 2009 New York Times Article
[2] Internal Revenue Service Demands Coalition for Life of Iowa Not Picket or Protest Against Planned Parenthood as Condition of Tax Exempt Status
[3] Prayer Vigil Held at U.S. Supreme Court 12 July 2009 on Eve of Confirmation Hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor
[4] Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down Injunction Allowing Pharmacists Not to Dispense “Plan B” Abortion Pill
[5] Reformed Church in Zambia and Zambia Government Cooperate to Mitigate Global Economic Crisis
[6]
Eleven Christians Murdered by Muslim Terrorists in Somalia and Iraq 10-12 July 2009
[7] TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Says it is Heresy to Say Individuals Can Get Right with God
[8] TEC General Convention Deputies Repeal Ban on Ordination of Homosexual Bishops
[9] Burmese Christian Karen Tribal Group Suffering at the Hands of the Myanmar Military Regime
[10]
Doctor Celebrates 100th Birthday by Giving US$100 Thousand to Bethany Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan
[11] First Reformed United Church of Christ of Kenton, Ohio, Celebrates 150th Anniversary at a 12 July 2009 Special Service
[12] Zion United Church of Christ of Hagerstown, Maryland, Played Role in Retreat from Gettysburg in July 1863
[13] Hungarian Freedom Fighter Joseph Szarka, 78, Dies 8 July 2009
[14] Oak Hill Christian School Offering Online High School Biology and Chemistry
[15] Answers in Genesis Offers Limited-Time Free Access to Digital Edition of April-June 2009 Answers Magazine
[16] PCA Historical Center Acquires Abraham Lance Lathem Papers
[17] Full Bible Publications Offers Two New Books


[1] U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg Espouses Eugenics as the Goal of Abortion in 7 July 2009 New York Times Article

In a 7 July 2009 New York Times article titled, “The Place of Women on the Court,” U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was asked several questions about the feminist agenda, and gave apparent support to eugenics by stating, Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe[v. Wade 1973] was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.

Approximately one in three pregnancies of black U.S. citizens is ended by surgical abortion.

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


[2] Internal Revenue Service Demands Coalition for Life of Iowa Not Picket or Protest Against Planned Parenthood as Condition of Tax Exempt Status

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), while evaluating the Coalition for Life of Iowa (CLI)’s application for tax exempt status, has questioned the educational nature of CLI’s materials, prayer meetings, talks, and other pro-life activities, and has demanded the CLI swear to limit its "picketing" and "protesting" of Planned Parenthood as a condition of CLI being given tax exempt status.

The Thomas More Society, which is defending the CLI, sent a letter to the IRS stating that the IRS’s unwarranted ultimatum reveals prejudice toward a pro-life organization and, by extension, the pro-life movement, and that such demands should never arise in the IRS’s decision-making process to grant tax-exempt status for any applicant non-profit organization.

Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S., was founded by eugenicist Margaret Sanger, of whom PP continues to lionize and honor abortion advocates in Sanger’s name. Sanger was an ardent advocate of abortion for what she considered to be lower classes of people, and Sanger cooperated with and supported other eugenicist activities around the world including the eugenics laws in several U.S. states that forced sterilization on people the state considered to be in lower segments of society, and the involuntary medical experimentation by Nazi Germany on people the Nazi’s considered to be in lower segments of society.

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

+ Thomas More Law Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, 734-827-2001, Fax: 734-930-7160, info@thomasmore.org


[3] Prayer Vigil Held at U.S. Supreme Court 12 July 2009 on Eve of Confirmation Hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor

The Christian Defense Coalition (CDC) held a prayer vigil at the U.S. Supreme Court on 12 July 2009 on the eve of confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

Reformed Presbyterian pastor and CDC Director the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney stated, "On [13 July 2009,] the confirmation hearings begin for Judge Sonia Sotomayor who is being considered for the next Supreme Court Justice. If confirmed, her decisions will impact generations to come. In response to this, we are gathering at the Supreme Court to pray that God will direct the hearings and guide the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We will be praying that the truth will be brought out about the record of Judge Sotomayor. We will also be praying that if she is confirmed, God will direct her heart to embrace justice and our founding principles. These founding principles support a culture of life, family and freedom of religion.”

“We are asking Christians across the nation pray Proverbs 21:1, which proclaims that God can direct and guide those in power. The faith community is not powerless in this process and we believe that God can change and lead the heart of Sonia Sotomayor to make decisions that affirm justice and equality. Through prayer, Judge Sotomayor could be the vote that brings down Roe v. Wade. We will also be leaving roses to remember the over 50 million children that have died through abortion and call upon the Supreme Court to live up to the words etched on the outside of their building; 'Equal Justice Under Law.'"

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

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[4] Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down Injunction Allowing Pharmacists Not to Dispense “Plan B” Abortion Pill

From the same court that ruled the words “under God” in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance to be unconstitutional, and that declared the Christian cross monument on federal land in the Mohave Desert commemorating soldiers that died in World War I to be unconstitutional, comes an 8 July 2009 ruling striking down a temporary injunction granted by a lower court that put on hold a Washington State requirement that pharmacists dispense medications to which they are morally opposed such at the “Plan B” abortion pill.

The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) had filed an amicus brief in the case, urging the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to protect pharmacists' rights of conscience. PJI President Brad Dacus commented, "Today's [8 July 2009] ruling immediately endangers conscientious pharmacists in Washington State and also strikes a blow at medical professionals throughout the West Coast. The Ninth Circuit's reinstatement of these anti-conscience regulations, despite strong evidence that they targeted people of faith, renders the Free Exercise Clause [of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution] meaningless."

+ Pacific Justice Institute, Post Office Box 276600, Sacramento, California 95827, 916-857-6900 Fax: 916-857-6902, pji@pacificjustice.org


[5] Reformed Church in Zambia and Zambia Government Cooperate to Mitigate Global Economic Crisis

At a recent fund raising tea sponsored by the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ), in a speech read by Lusaka (Zambia) Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Chinjili Zulu on behalf of Lusaka Province Minister Lameck Mangani, Province Minister Mangani shared that there was need for the Zambian Government and the RCZ to work together in finding solutions to the global economic crisis saying: “…The Church, therefore, has an enormous role to play in these hard economic times." Mangani additionally said the Zambian Government was happy there was unity among members of the RCZ, and said that the spirit of oneness among believers should be promoted. Mangani implored congregants to donate generously towards the intended purpose of the fund raising tea—a resource center for orphans and vulnerable children in society.

At the same fund raising tea, RCZ Charlestone (Zambia) minister-in-charge the Rev. Madalitso Banda said the aim of the fundraising party was to raise funds for the establishment of a resource center for the benefit of vulnerable children surrounding Charlestone. Banda pledged the RCZ's continued support to the Zambian Government in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the economic problems, and said the RCZ would in whatever way possible, assist in helping the vulnerable in society.

+ AllAfrica.com, 920 M Street Southeast, Washington DC 20003, 202- 546-0777, Fax: 202-546-0676

+ Reformed Church in Zambia, Post Office Box 38255, Olympia Park, Lusaka, Zambia, 260-211-295369, info@rczsynod.co.zm


[6]
Eleven Christians Murdered by Muslim Terrorists in Somalia and Iraq 10-12 July 2009

Somalia Muslim Al-Shabaab terrorists in the south-central town of Baidoa, Somalia, beheaded seven Somalis for being “Christians” and “spies” on 10 July 2009.

Muslim terrorists in Baghdad, Iraq, exploded a car bomb outside a church during the weekend of 11-12 July 2009, killing four and wounding at least another sixteen. Five other bombs were exploded outside Baghdad, Iraq churches during the same period.

+ Open Doors USA, Post Office Box 27001, Santa Ana, California 92799, 949-752-6600, Fax: 949-752-6442, usa@opendoors.org


[7]
TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Says it is Heresy to Say Individuals Can Get Right with God

At the triennial meeting of the Episcopal Church (TEC) in Anaheim, California, on 8 July 2009, TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told the assembled delegates a "great Western heresy" is the evangelical notion “…that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God," and that this “heresy” is behind many problems facing the church and the wider society.

Schori continued, "It's caricatured in some quarters by insisting that salvation depends on reciting a specific verbal formula about Jesus. That individualist focus is a form of idolatry, for it puts me and my words in the place that only God can occupy, at the center of existence, as the ground of being."

Schori continued, saying that countering individualistic faith was one reason the theme chosen for the meeting was "Ubuntu," an African word that describes humaneness, caring, sharing and being in harmony with all of creation. Schori elaborated, "Ubuntu doesn't have any 'I's in it," she said. "The 'I' only emerges as we connect -- and that is really what the word means: I am because we are, and I can only become a whole person in relationship with others. There is no 'I' without 'you,' and in our context, you and I are known only as we reflect the image of the One who created us."

Schori said that "heretical and individualistic understanding" contributes to problems like neglect for the environment and the current worldwide economic recession.

+
Associated Baptist Press, 200 Maryland Ave Northeast, Washington DC 20002, 202-548-5244, david@abpnews.com

+ Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue New York, New York 10017, 800-334-7626, cdawkins@episcopalchurch.org


[8] TEC General Convention Deputies Repeal Ban on Ordination of Homosexual Bishops

At the triennial meeting of the Episcopal Church (TEC) in
Anaheim, California, on 14 July 2009, TEC General Convention deputies passed, by a seventy-two percent margin, a resolution that effectively repeals the 2006 resolution placing a moratorium on the ordination of homosexual bishops.

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

+ Institute on Religion and Democracy, 1023 15th Street Northwest, Suite 601, Washington DC 20005-2601, 202-682-4131, Fax: 202-682-4136, info@theird.org

+ Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Avenue New York, New York 10017, 800-334-7626, cdawkins@episcopalchurch.org


[9] Burmese Christian Karen Tribal Group Suffering at the Hands of the Myanmar Military Regime

The Karen tribal group of rural eastern Myanmar is suffering extensively because of fighting between Karen National Union and the Myanmar military regime. Thousands of Karen refugees have crossed into Thailand to escape the fighting, and another half-million persons in eastern Myanmar have been displaced and have suffered atrocities committed by the Myanmar military regime.

Vision Beyond Borders President Patrick Klein elaborated: "Villages are being surrounded, and rockets are lobbed in. The Myanmar regime then goes in with machine guns and mows down whoever is still alive, and then the evidence is burned. There are reports they're also blockading villages so the people can't go out and get food; it is also reported that women are being raped and men are being set on fire while they're alive. And, they're actually poisoning the water supplies now. We're hearing reports they're even lobbing rockets across the Thai border into the refugee camps, and Thailand is doing nothing to stop it."

Klein continued: "When God's people pray, things begin to happen. So we'd like to call people to pray, and to get involved. [Americans] can contact their congressmen and let them know we know what's going on in Burma, and we would like to see this stopped. People are coming to know the Lord, but I know they're really struggling in Burma. The church is struggling inside Burma. People have felt like they're forgotten. But as Christians pray, the Christians in Burma will know that God is with them. And as word gets back that Christians are praying, it'll encourage them."

+ Mission Network News, 1159 East Beltline Avenue Northeast,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-942-1500, 616-942-7328,
info@mnnonline.org

+ Vision Beyond Borders, Post Office Box 6770, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801, 307-672-5995


[10] Doctor Celebrates 100th Birthday by Giving US$100 Thousand to Bethany Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan

Retired pediatrician Dr. H. Sidney Heersma celebrated his 100th birthday by giving US$1000 for every year of his life to Bethany Reformed Church (BRC) of Kalamazoo, Michigan and its ministries.

US$15,000 of the gift was earmarked for Friendship House, located next door to BRC, the former parsonage that is now home to Restore ministries, which helps people who have been incarcerated to re-establish themselves in the community; a Loaves and Fishes food pantry; and the Christian Resource Center, which is supported by several churches and last year gave US$40,000 to people in need.

After the morning service on 11 July 2009, a new sign in front of Friendship House was unveiled, proclaiming it to be the Heersma-Schrock Friendship House, named for Heersma and his daughter, Claudia Schrock, who was his primary caregiver from 2002 until her death 28 January 2009, and who was a member and former deacon at BRC. Other family members present were Heersma's son, James, and one of Schrock's daughters and her husband, Cynthia Schrock and Michael Seeley.

+ Michigan Live LLC, 339 East Liberty Street, Suite 210,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, feedback@mlive.com

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


[11] First Reformed United Church of Christ of Kenton, Ohio, Celebrates 150th Anniversary at a 12 July 2009 Special Service

The First Reformed United Church of Christ (FRUCC) of Kenton, Ohio, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special service on 12 July 2009.
During the same service, FRUCC pastor the Rev. Thomas Eisenman celebrated his 55th anniversary of ordination.

FRUCC was founded on 15 July 1859, when 20 people organized themselves as members of the Reformed Church in America. Pastor Eisenman described the German roots of the Reformed Church, saying: "Persecution in Germany led members to flee first to Holland, then England, and then on to North America."

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


[12] Zion United Church of Christ of Hagerstown, Maryland, Played Role in Retreat from Gettysburg in July 1863

The Zion United Church of Christ (ZUCC) in Hagerstown, Maryland, for a brief time following the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the U.S. War between the States, played a pivotal role in the retreat of Confederate forces commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the pursuit of the Confederate forces by a Union Army Michigan cavalry brigade commanded by General George Armstrong Custer.

The Confederate forces used ZUCC as a stronghold on 6 July 1863 as the Confederate Army and General Lee passed through Hagerstown, Maryland, and General Custer used the ZUCC bell tower to observe Confederate movements on 12 July 1863 after his brigade pushed the Confederates to the western edge of the town. A Confederate sniper’s bullet meant for General Custer hit one of the church tower’s bells instead.

ZUCC was organized in December of 1770 as the First German Reformed Church, and was during the U.S. War between the States and later called the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church before the church assumed its current name. Ten American Revolutionary War veterans are buried in the ZUCC cemetery.

+ The Historical Marker Database, 703 924-6108, publisher@hmdb.org



[13] Hungarian Freedom Fighter Joseph Szarka, 78, Dies 8 July 2009

Hungarian freedom fighter Joseph Szarka 78, died 8 July 2009 of age-related illnesses. In 1956, Szarka moved from his home in Bicske, Hungary, to live in the United States after unsuccessfully battling the Soviet-controlled Hungarian government.

Joseph Szarka was a well-known figure in the Hungarian community of greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Szarka served as president of the McKeesport (Pennsylvania) Hungarian Social Club, the Pioneer Old Hungarian Family, and the McKeesport (Pennsylvania) Hungarian Dance Group. Szarka additionally was a member of the American-Hungarian Social Association of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) and a chief elder and sat on the church council at the Free Hungarian Reformed Church of McKeesport (Pennsylvania), where he was a member for fifty-two years.

Joseph Szarka is survived by five daughters, two sisters, and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held 13 July 2009 at the Free Hungarian Reformed Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

+ Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 34 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, 412-263-1100

+ Calvin Synod, C/O Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop, 7319 Tapper Avenue, Hammond, Indiana 46324, 219-931-4321, kkludwig@aol.com


[14] Oak Hill Christian School Offering Online High School Biology and Chemistry

Oak Hill Christian School is offering, for the 2009-2010 school year, live and fully interactive online high school biology and chemistry classes utilizing Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro. The cost per class for the school year is US$410 plus the cost of books.

A downloadable, printable class registration form is available here:

http://www.oakhillcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/registration.pdf

+ Oak Hill Christian School, 11480 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, Virginia 20190. 703-796-6887, office@oakhillcs.com


[15] Answers in Genesis Offers Limited-Time Free Access to Digital Edition of April-June 2009 Answers Magazine

Answers in Genesis is offering, through 30 September 2009, free access to the online digital edition of the April-June 2009 Answers magazine here:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/surveys/digi-mag-promo.asp?utm_source=AiGSuperSpecials&utm_medium=email&utm_content=MainPanel_FreeAnswersDigitalSampleEdition&utm_campaign=SS07092009

+ Answers in Genesis, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky 41080, 859-727-2222


[16] PCA Historical Center Acquires Abraham Lance Lathem Papers

The PCA Historical Center, an archive and manuscript repository for the Continuing Presbyterian Church, announces the acquisition of the papers of Abraham Lance Lathem including Lathem’s sermon notes, Summer Bible School curriculum and correspondence, and historical notes on the churches served by Dr. Lathem.

+ PCA Historical Center, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63141, 314-469-9077, archivist@pcahistory.org

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

+ Bible Presbyterian Church


[17] Full Bible Publications Offers Two New Books

Full Bible Publications, the book publishing arm of the Christian Observer, is offering two new books:

1) 52 Reformed Sermon Outlines contains fifty-two Reformed sermon outlines by Dr. Edwin Elliott, Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Manassas, Virginia, and Publisher of the Christian Observer. The cost for download is US$2.50, and the cost for the printed edition is US$12.50 plus shipping.

2) The Heidelberg Catechism (Paraphrased) contains a paraphrase of the Heidelberg Catechism by Dr. Chuck Baynard (Pastor of Clover Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Clover,
South Carolina, and Associate Editor of the Christian Observer) with commentary as needed and the original Heidelberg Catechism text preserved as footnotes, plus fifty-two sermon outlines by Dr. Edwin Elliott based on the fifty-two Lord's Days of the Heidelberg Catechism. The cost for download is US$2.50, and the cost for the printed edition is US$15.95 plus shipping.

+ Christian Observer, 9400 Fairview Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110, 703-335-2844, christianobserver@christianobserver.org