Wednesday, December 29, 2010

29 December 2010

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] New Medicare Regulation by Executive Fiat Adds ‘Death Panel’ Coverage for Doctors that Advise Patients on ‘Voluntary Advance Care Planning’ Including End-of-Life Treatment

[2]
Some TSA Major Airport Checkpoints Miss up to Seventy Percent of Test Weapons

[3]
Fifty-Six Year Old Woman Rape Victim and Pacemaker Patient Arrested for Refusing TSA Molestation at Austin, Texas, Airport

[4]
Church of Scotland Moderator’s Ring Stolen in Residential Burglary

[5]
Ecumenical News International Suspends Operations after Fifty Percent Funding Cut from World Council of Churches

---

[1]
New Medicare Regulation by Executive Fiat Adds ‘Death Panel’ Coverage for Doctors that Advise Patients on ‘Voluntary Advance Care Planning’ Including End-of-Life Treatment

A 25 December 2010 New York Times article by Robert Pear titled “Obama Returns to End-of-Life Plan That Caused Stir” reports that the administration of U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama, by executive fiat, has issued a new Medicare regulation adding coverage for doctors that advise elderly patients on ‘voluntary advance care planning’ including end-of-life treatment during the Medicare-covered annual physical examination or wellness visit.

The health care bill signed into law in March 2010, which nationalized virtually the entire U.S. health care industry, did not include provisions for ‘advance care planning’, due to widespread objection that the resultant ‘death panels’ will lead to federal government health planners cutting off health care for the critically ill.

In 2011, the 78 million members of the “baby boomer” generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, begin reaching sixty-five years of age and will normally begin Medicare coverage.


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


[2] Some TSA Major Airport Checkpoints Miss up to Seventy Percent of Test Weapons

A 17 December 2010 ABC News article titled “Man Boards Plane at IAH with Loaded Gun in Carry-On” reports on a Houston, Texas businessman that accidently carried a loaded Glock semi-automatic .40 caliber pistol in his otherwise empty carry-on bag through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security at the Bush Intercontinental Airport and onto the airplane. The businessman reported the security lapse when he reached his destination airport.

An ABC News source that was briefed on recent TSA security test results said that at some major airports, the TSA inspectors failed to find seventy-percent of the test weapons taken through TSA security checkpoints.


+ ABC News, 7 West 66th Street,
New York, New York 10023, Contact Page

+ U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington DC 20528, 202-282-8000, Contact Form


[3] Fifty-Six Year Old Woman Rape Victim and Pacemaker Patient Arrested for Refusing TSA Molestation at Austin, Texas, Airport

A 22 December 2010 KVUE.com article by Jim Bergamo titled “Woman Arrested at ABIA after Refusing Enhanced Pat Down” reports that a fifty-six year old woman rape victim’s pacemaker-type device set off a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) detector at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, and the woman was led to a female TSA employee and three Austin Police Department officers where the woman was told that she was to be patted down.

The woman expressed concern that her constitutional rights were being violated and said that she would accept being examined with a wand in lieu of a pat down, but was refused. The woman then agreed to be patted down if the TSA officer would not feel her breasts. The TSA agent refused, the woman traveler refused, was arrested, pushed to the floor, handcuffed, dragged twenty-five yards across the front of the airport security station, then banned from the airport.

The TSA subsequently issued a statement saying: "Our officers are trained to treat all passengers with dignity and respect. Security is not optional."


+ KVUE.com, 400 South Record Street, Dallas, Texas 75202, 512-459-9442, Fax: 512-533-2233, Contact Page

+ U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington DC 20528, 202-282-8000, Contact Form


[4] Church of Scotland Moderator’s Ring Stolen in Residential Burglary

A 24 December 2010 BBC article titled “Moderator's Ring Stolen in House Robbery” reports that Church of Scotland moderator the Rt. Rev. John Christie’s residence was burglarized sometime between 22 and 24 December 2010, and that along with Christmas presents and a wallet, the gold ring of office for the moderator of the Church of Scotland was stolen from the residence.


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

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


[5] Ecumenical News International Suspends Operations after Fifty Percent Funding Cut from World Council of Churches

A 25 December 2010 Ekklesia article titled “Geneva Based ENI Suspends Operations, but Promises ‘Restructuring’” reports that Geneva, Switzerland-based Ecumenical News International (ENI) has suspended operations after a cut in funding of fifty percent from the World Council of Churches, who provided ENI’s main source of funding.

A restructuring of ENI has been promised, but there are no details available at this time.


+ Ekklesia, 2nd Floor, 145-157 St. John Street, London EC1V 4PY, England, 0845 056 5445, press@ekklesia.co.uk

+ 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 Council of Churches, 150 route de Ferney, CH-1211, Geneva 2, Switzerland, 41-22-791-6111, Fax: 41-22-791-0361


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

22 December 2010

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Dr. Charles Chao, Co-Founder of the Reformation Translation Fellowship, Dies at Age Ninety-Four

[2]
U.S. Health Care Nationalization Death Panels Begin with Food and Drug Administration Rationing of Late-Stage Breast Cancer Drug Avastin

[3]
Leader of German Protestant Association Says a Europeanized Islam is Prerequisite for Interfaith Dialogue

[4]
Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children’s Ministry Recruiting Young Adults for 2-11 July 2011 Mission Trip to Transylvania, Romania

[5]
Ohio PCUSA Pastor Charged with 112 Counts of Downloading, Trading, and Possessing Child Pornography

[6]
Georgia PCUSA Organist Suspended and Jailed after Bond Revoked when January 2010 Child Pornography Charges Discovered

[7]
RTS Charlotte President and RTS CEO-Elect Michael Milton to Present New Bible Study Series, “Faith for Living”, on NRB Network

[8]
Calvin 2009 Website Moves to Permanent Location as a Four-Language Repository of John Calvin Resources

---

[1]
Dr. Charles Chao, Co-Founder of the Reformation Translation Fellowship, Dies at Age Ninety-Four

Dr. Charles Chao, who founded the Reformation Translation Fellowship with Dr. J.G. Vos, died 16 December 2010 at age ninety-four at a nursing home in San Dimas,
California.

J. Bruce Martin, President of the Reformation Translation Fellowship Board and clerk of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), penned a fitting tribute to Dr. Chao on 18 December 2010:

“….The Board of the Reformation Translation Fellowship gives thanks to God for the extensive ministry God gave this man particularly through the translation of theological works into the Chinese language. When westerners, including all missionaries, were expelled from China in the 1940’s, Reformed Presbyterian missionaries used the means of the written word to continue the work they had started. Dr. Chao was key to this work since for decades, he was virtually the only translator. The account of his escape from the communists is a thrilling account of God’s working in behalf of his people. That account is recorded in Charles’ autobiography, Out of the Tiger’s Mouth. Check your church library for a copy of it and if it isn’t there, order it. After living in Japan for a few years he came with his wife and ten children to America in 1958. I was able to attend the Westminster Seminary graduation in which Dr. Chao received his second doctorate degree. The Asian students there were greatly disappointed that Dr. Chao’s health prevented them from being able to visit after the ceremony with this man whose work had meant so much to them in their understanding of the faith. Dr. Chao’s son, Jonathan (who also served the Reformation Translation Fellowship extensively) and daughter, Helen, preceded him to the joy of eternity with the Lord. Please remember in prayer the family that awaits that joy, particularly Pearl who was his wife for seventy-eight years.”


+ Reformation Translation Fellowship, c/o Rev. William L. Roberts, Post Office Box 2345, Terra Haute,
Indiana 47802, 812-327-5296, Bill4RTF@gmail.com

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


[2] U.S. Health Care Nationalization Death Panels Begin with Food and Drug Administration Rationing of Late-Stage Breast Cancer Drug Avastin

A 17 December 2010 article on Andrew Briebart’s BigGovernment.com website titled “Death Panels Begin: Reaction to FDA’s Decision to Begin Rationing” reports that the United States Food and Drug Administration on 16 December 2010 announced the rationing of the late-stage breast cancer drug Avastin because the FDA claims that Avastin side effects outweigh the drug’s benefits. On the same day, the European Union’s equivalent agency announced that Avastin would not be rationed.

The BigGovernment.com article published condemnations of the FDA action from several U.S. congressmen and senators, the Susan B. Komen Foundation for a Cure, the Pacific Research Institute, the 60 Plus Association, and the Wall Street Journal.


+ Breitbart.com, 149 South Barrington Avenue #401, Los Angeles, California 90049

+ U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, 888-463-6332, druginfo@fda.hhs.gov


[3] Leader of German Protestant Association Says a Europeanized Islam is Prerequisite for Interfaith Dialogue

A 23 November 2010 article by Anli Serfontein of Ecumenical News International titled “German Protestant Head Says a European Islam Needed for Dialogue” features a 17 November 2010 interview with the Rev. Nikolaus Schneider, Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), an association of twenty-two German protestant church bodies, where Schneider cited the lack of German-speaking imams among the 4 million Muslims in Germany and the problems the language barrier poses for interfaith dialogue with the Muslims.

Schneider wants German universities to teach Muslim clergy the German language, welcomes the newly established Islam theology faculties at three German universities, supports efforts to introduce Islamic religious education in schools for Muslim students, and said that one of his main priorities as EKD chairman is to set up as soon as possible a meeting with representatives of Islam in
Germany.

Schneider commented: “"We need an Islam that has an academic formation in our country and at our universities, an Islam that is able to enter into dialogue with the social sciences and with the natural sciences in our country.”

Schneider said of Muslim imams: "They don't know our cultural background, and they cannot preach in such a way so that they can provide orientation to the conditions of our society, but they preach as if the people are still living in Turkey."

The Evangelical Reformed Church is a member of the EKD.


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

+ Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), Church Office, Herrenhäuser Straße 12, D-30419 Hanover, Germany, 49-511-2796-0, Fax: 49-511-2796-707, info@ekd.de

+ Evangelical Reformed Church (ERK) Postfach 1380, Saarstr. 6, 26789 Leer, Germany, 49-491-9198 0, Fax: 49-491-9198-251, info@reformiert.de


[4] Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children’s Ministry Recruiting Young Adults for 2-11 July 2011 Mission Trip to Transylvania, Romania

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI)’s Youth and Children’s Ministry is recruiting young adults between eighteen and twenty-five years old for a mission trip to the Transylvania region of Romania 2-11 July 2011 to assist PCI missionaries Csaba & Ilona Veres in conducting an English Language Camp for ten- to sixteen-year olds from the Transylvania region of Romania.

The camp will be based in one of the Romanian Reformed Church (Hungarian Reformed) centers in the Brasov region of Transylvania, and will consist of normal camp programs and activities along with English lessons and conversation. Additionally, the PCI group will be working alongside and encouraging local Christians serving as volunteers with IKE, the Romanian Reformed Church’s (Hungarian Reformed) Youth Board.

The cost of the mission trip is approx. UK£650, and applications are due by 21 January 2011.


+ Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Church House, Belfast BT1 6DW, Northern Ireland, 028-9032-2284, Fax: 028-9041-7301, Info@PresbyterianIreland.org

+ Romanian Reformed Church, 410210 Nagyvárad(Oradea), Kálvin János utca 1. Szám, Romania, 259-453-286, partium@rdsor.ro


[5] Ohio PCUSA Pastor Charged with 112 Counts of Downloading, Trading, and Possessing Child Pornography

A 16 December 2010 article by Bill Sheil of Fox 8 News titled “Local Pastor Charged with Over 100 Counts of Child Porn” reports that following a six month investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, twenty-seven adults and three juveniles have been charged with crimes related to child pornography, including the Rev. Dr. Mark Griggs, pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)) in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, who is charged with 112 counts of downloading, trading, and possessing child pornography.

Prosecutors allege that Griggs downloaded and saved images of children being sexually abused onto his computer, and traded child porn images from both his home and church computers. Griggs’ attorney denies the charges, saying that the child pornography was downloaded from the ‘Limewire’ file sharing site without Griggs’ knowledge. Prosecutors dismiss Griggs’ claims of innocence, one saying: “The amount of downloading and file sharing [Griggs] has is significant."

The PCUSA Presbytery of the Western Reserve issued a 16 December 2010 statement about Griggs' arrest, which stated: "We do not have much information about this situation yet but the Presbytery takes allegations of misconduct very seriously and will cooperate with authorities in their investigation."

A statement on the St. Andrews website noted by Fox 8 News’ Bill Sheil describing Griggs’ "commitment and love of children" was not locatable when the website was accessed the evening of 20 December 2010.


+ Fox 8, 5800 South Marginal Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, 216-432-4240 Contact Page

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

+ Presbytery of the Western Reserve, 2800 Euclid Avenue Suite 500, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, 216-241-3966, Fax: 216-241-3969, info@preswesres.org


[6] Georgia PCUSA Organist Suspended and Jailed after Bond Revoked when January 2010 Child Pornography Charges Discovered

A 15 December 2010 article by Alexis Stevens in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution titled “Church Organist Headed Back to Jail” reports that bond for Jeremy Christopher Rush, organist for two months until suspended at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, Georgia, was revoked after Rush’s 16 January 2010 arrest related to the possession of seventy child pornography images was discovered. Rush’s January 2010 US$50,000 bond included the condition that Rush not be around children under sixteen years of age.

Rush’s attorney contends that Rush did not violate his bond conditions because the organ Rush played was in the choir loft, which is ten feet above the church’s main floor.


+ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30346, 404-526-5151, mjoseph@ajc.com

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


[7] RTS Charlotte President and RTS CEO-Elect Michael Milton to Present New Bible Study Series, “Faith for Living”, on NRB Network

Faith for Living, a new Bible study series with Dr. Michael Milton, of Reformed Theological Seminary, will air on the National Religious Broadcasters Network each week on Direct TV channel 378 on Mondays at 8:30 a.m., Thursdays at 3:30 a.m., and Fridays at 7:30 a.m., beginning 3 January 2011. Sky Angel will carry the program on channel 126. You can also watch the program online at FaithForLivingTV.com

For 2011, the series is titled "A Doxology in the Darkness: How God Transforms our Pain into Praise." Dr. Milton invites viewers to tune in by television, radio, or online to learn about what could also rightly be called a Christian response to suffering.

The Faith for Living radio program currently airs on WHVN - 1240 AM and 104.3 FM, in Charlotte, North Carolina at 10:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. It also airs in several areas of South Florida: In the Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Florida area, it airs on WAFG-FM 90.3 at 7:30 p.m., on Sundays. In the Key West, Florida, area, it airs on WKZG-FM 88.3, and in Marathon, Florida on WKGZ 106.9 FM on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. The broadcast is also available for listening twenty-four hours a day on http://www.accradio.com/ and on http://www.sermonaudio.com/, and is updated weekly.


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

+ Reformed Theological Seminary, 2101 Carmel Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226, 704-366-5066, Fax: 704-366-9295

+ National Religious Broadcasters Network, 404 BNA Drive, Building 200, Suite 400,
Nashville, Tennessee 37217, 615-866-2702, Fax: 615-348-1412, info@nrbnetwork.org


[8] Calvin 2009 Website Moves to Permanent Location as a Four-Language Repository of John Calvin Resources

The international internet platform created to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin is being redeveloped as a worldwide platform of comprehensive knowledge and information about the
Geneva, Switzerland, reformer.

The new website, http://www.john-calvin.org/, features information, documents, games, and products about Calvin in four languages. International Calvin experts from
Germany, Switzerland, South America, and the United States have been developing and expanding the web page, which first went online in 2007, into a worldwide central knowledge and information platform. The platform operates under the auspices of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches.

A section titled “calvin bio,” on http://www.john-calvin.org/ presents a short biography of Calvin, a timeline with insights into the church and the cultural environment of the 16th century, as well as texts about Calvin as a person. Another section, titled “calvin theo,” introduces the basics and key terms of Calvin’s theology, a complete showcase of his works, and a selection of secondary texts. In addition, “calvin actio” offers materials that provide entertaining insights and a playful approach to the topic. Finally, “calvin promo” features several products that can be ordered online, including Calvin chocolates, as well as a large selection of books. A new Calvin logo can be downloaded from the site.

WCRC President, Jerry Pillay, welcomes “the only site on the internet that compiles expert knowledge about Calvin from around the world in four languages”.

Pillay adds: “I am particularly happy about the fact that the Reformed Churches from
Brazil, the Netherlands, Poland, and Hungary have also announced their cooperation.”


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

+ Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, Sulgenauweg 26, Bern 23, Switzerland, 41-31-370-25-25, Fax: 41-31-370-25-80, info@sek.ch




Wednesday, December 15, 2010

15 December 2010

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Reformed Theological Seminary – Atlanta Settles Into New Facilities in Marietta, Georgia

[2] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Spring 2011 Theology Conference Announced

[3] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Winter Term Classes Available for Non-Credit Audit by the Public

[4] First Annual Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary 2011 Conference Announced

[5] United Reformed Churches in North America Church Planting Conference Announced

[6] Brazilian Committee on Psalmody Prepares Brazilian Portuguese-Language Psalter

---

[1] Reformed Theological Seminary – Atlanta Settles Into New Facilities in Marietta, Georgia

An article by Melanie Benedict in the December 2010 byFaith Magazine titled “New RTS-Atlanta Campus Expands Ministry, Adds Visibility” reports on the summer 2010 move of Reformed Theological Seminary – Atlanta (RTS – Atlanta) from the Church of the Apostles in north Atlanta, Georgia, to the 25,000 square foot former corporate headquarters for Venture Homes in Marietta, Georgia.

Ms. Benedict writes: “The new facility allows for permanent office space for staff and faculty, as well as room for a chapel. The additional space also means the seminary can host convocations.”

RTS – Atlanta president John Sowell is pleased with the space for a library on the new campus, where books that have been gathered for many years and put into storage are now available to the students for research and study. Sowell additionally pointed out RTS – Atlanta’s record enrollment for fall 2010, especially in the MDiv program, which he attributed to the availability of the new expanded facilities.


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

+ Reformed Theological Seminary – Atlanta, 1580 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067, 770-952-8884, Fax: 770-952 8686, jsowell@rts.edu


[2] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Spring 2011 Theology Conference Announced

Registration is available for the 8-10 March 2011
Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (GPTS) Spring 2011 Theology Conference, "Power From On High: The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit."

The annual conference will be held at Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville,
South Carolina. Online registrations is available at:

http://www.gpts.edu/conference/registration/index.php

The GPTS Spring Theological Conference annually seeks to address both the theological and practical needs before the church today. Essential to the well-being of the church and the individual Christian is the work of the Holy Spirit.

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Ian Hamilton, who will speak on the topics of "Regeneration and Conversion" and "Sanctification."

Other conference speakers and topics include:

-- Dr. Morton Smith - "The Person of the Holy Spirit”

-- Dr. Joseph Morecraft III - "Westminster Standards and the Spirit"

-- Pastor William Shishko - "Witness and Seal of the Spirit”

-- Pastor Ryan McGraw - "John Owen on the Spirit"

-- Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. - "The Spirit and Preaching”

-- Dr. John Carrick - "The Spirit and Revival"

-- Dr. George W. Knight III - "Cessation of the Gifts"


+ Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 200 East Main Street, Post Office Box 690, Taylors, South Carolina, 29687, 864-322-2717, Fax: 864-322-2719, info@gpts.edu


[3] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Winter Term Classes Available for Non-Credit Audit by the Public

The 2011 Winter term at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary begins on 3 January 2011 with three classes available for non-credit audit by the public. Two additional classes will begin the following week. Contact Registrar Kathleen Curto (registrar@gpts.edu) for enrollment information.

The course offerings, dates, credits and instructors are:

-- Reformed Worship
3-7 January 2011 2 units Dr. Joseph Pipa

-- Introduction to Homiletics
3-12 January 2011 3 units Dr. John Carrick

-- Reformed Pastor
3-7 January 2011 3 units Rev. William Shishko

-- Presbyterian Church History
10-14 January 2011 2 units Dr. C.N. Willborn

-- Old Testament Biblical Theology
10-14 January 2011 3 units Dr. Mark Herzer


+ Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 200 East Main Street, Post Office Box 690, Taylors, South Carolina, 29687, 864-322-2717, Fax: 864-322-2719, info@gpts.edu


[4] First Annual Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary 2011 Conference Announced

The first annual Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary (CRTS) 2011 Conference “Living Waters from Ancient Springs,” in honour of Dr. Cornelis Van Dam upon the occasion of his retirement, is scheduled for 7 January 2011 at the CRTS in
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Registration information is available at:

http://www.canadianreformedseminary.ca/general/conference_2011.html

Conference speakers, topics, and respondents include:

-- Dr. Gert Kwakkel – “Exodus Narrative & Sinaitic Covenant” - Dr. G.H. Visscher

-- Dr. Al Wolters – “Wordplay and History in Daniel 5” - Dr. J. Smith

-- Dr. James Visscher – “Bavinck on Creation” - Dr. J. VanVliet

-- Dr. Nelson Kloosterman – “Old Testament, Ethics & Preaching” - Dr. A.J. de Visser


+ Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, 110 West 27th Street,
Hamilton, Ontario, L9C 5A1 Canada, 905-575-3688, Fax: 905-575-0799, Contact Page

+
Canadian Reformed Churches, Post Office Box 43021, RPO Kildonan Place,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2C
5G5 Canada, comments@canrc.org


[5] United Reformed Churches in North America Church Planting Conference Announced

The United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) has scheduled a church planting conference for 28-30 March 2011 at the Hyatt Place Denver Airport in Denver, Colorado. There is no registration fee, and the registration deadline is 1 February 2011. Further information is available at:

http://www.coramdeourc.org/events/cpc

The intended primary audience for the conference are URCNA church planters, consistory members of churches that are sponsoring or interesting in sponsoring a church plant, core group members of current church plants, and those who assist in funding church planting. The secondary audience is other interested parties in confessional Reformed church planting, such as seminary students, members of URCNA congregations, and those in North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) churches.


+ United Reformed Churches in North America, c/o
Mr. Bill Konynenbelt, 5824 Bowwater Circle Northwest, Calgary, Alberta T3B 2E2, Canada, 403-286-0521, Fax: 403-286-0759, urcna@shaw.ca

+
North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council, c/o Rev. Ron Potter, 136 Grand Avenue, Forest City, Pennsylvania 18421, 570-785-4012, reformed@nep.net


[6] Brazilian Committee on Psalmody Prepares Brazilian Portuguese-Language Psalter

In a 10 December 2010 article titled “The Psalms in Brazilian Portuguese,” David Koyzis of The Genevan Psalter blog reports that the Brazilian Committee on Psalmody is preparing for publication sometime in 2011 a Brazilian Portuguese-Language Psalter, which is planned to be a versification of all 150 psalms set to both Genevan tunes and to more familiar hymn tunes.

+ The Genevan Psalter, c/o Redeemer University College, 777 Garner Road East,
Ancaster, Ontario, L9K 1J4 Canada, 905-648-2131, Contact Page

+ Brazilian Committee on Psalmody

+
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, December 8, 2010

8 December 2010

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1]
Scottish Bible Society to Celebrate King James Bible 400th Anniversary with Road Show Rewrite by 16,000 Britons

[2]
United Nations Climate Change Meeting in Cancun, Mexico, Begins with Appeal to Mayan Goddess of the Moon, Reason, Creativity, and Weaving

[3]
Church of Scotland Moderator Joins Scottish Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Islamic Leaders in Condemning Climate Change Inaction

[4]
Church of Scotland Moderator Calls for Churches, Charities, and Government to Join Together in “Big Society” Focused on Poverty and Homelessness

[5]
U.S. Military Chaplains Told "Embrace Homosexual Military or Get Kicked Out"

[6] Further Information About the Recent Protest Against Mackenzie Presbyterian University

[7]
LBGTQ Youth Group at Brooklyn, New York, RCA Church Formed to Provide Solace and Comfort to Non-Heterosexual Adolescents

[8]
Terrorist-Linked Muslim Public Affairs Council Trains U.S. Transportation Security Administration Airport Screeners How to Handle the Koran and to Screen Muslim Travelers

[9]
Purported Relics of Christ’s Crucifixion Stolen from Roman Catholic Church in India

[10]
December 2010 Reformation Voice Available for Download

[11]
Correction: Two Associated Presbyterian Church Congregations in Scotland’s Hebrides Islands Agree to Merger

[12]
Late-Term Abortionist LeRoy Carhart Opens Abortuary in Germantown, Maryland

---

[1]
Scottish Bible Society to Celebrate King James Bible 400th Anniversary with Road Show Rewrite by 16,000 Britons

A 5 December 2010 article by Martyn McLaughlin in The Scotsman titled “Rewrite to Mark 400 years of Bible” reports that the Scottish Bible Society (SBS) in 2011will be marking the 400th anniversary of the start of the creation of the King James Bible (KJV) by means of a road show to busy public places in Scotland, England, and Wales where it is expected that more than 16,000 individuals will be asked to rewrite two verses each of the approx. 33,000 verses in the KJV, with the results to be published on the Internet.

SBS Director of National Ministries, Fiona McDonald, commented: “"The germ of the idea for the Authorised Edition was formed in Scotland and when it was published, it changed parts of the world. The anniversary is a way to encourage people to look at the Bible in a fresh way.

"The roadshow is something that hasn't been done before, and we're going to be setting up wherever people hang out, from streets to shopping centres and car parks. We don't want to be hiding in church buildings."

The KJV was first proposed in 1601 by then-King of Scots James VI who proposed a new English Bible version to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland. In 1603, King of Scots James VI became King James I of Scotland, England, and Ireland. The KJV was first published in 1611.


+ The Scotsman, Barclay House, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, Scotland, 131-620-8620

+ Scottish Bible Society, 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5XU, Scotland, 44- 0-31-337-9701, Fax: 44-0-131-337-0641, info@scottishbiblesociety.org

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


[2] United Nations Climate Change Meeting in Cancun, Mexico, Begins with Appeal to Mayan Goddess of the Moon, Reason, Creativity, and Weaving

A 29 November 2010 article by Juliet Eilperin in The Washington Post titled “Cancun Talks Start with a Call to the Gods” reports that on 29 November 2010 in Cancun, Mexico, at the beginning of a two-week meeting at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres began the meeting with an appeal to the Mayan goddess of the moon, reason, creativity, and reason, named “Ixchel.”

Ms. Eilperin addressed the delegates from 193 countries, saying: “Excellencies, the goddess Ixchel would probably tell you that a tapestry is the result of the skilful interlacing of many threads. I am convinced that twenty years from now, we will admire the policy tapestry that you have woven together and think back fondly to Cancun and the inspiration of Ixchel."


+ The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20071, 202-334-6000, Contact Form


[3] Church of Scotland Moderator Joins Scottish Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Islamic Leaders in Condemning Climate Change Inaction

A 28 November 2010 BBC article titled “Climate Change Failure is Moral Outrage: Faith Leaders” reports that Church of Scotland Moderator the Rt. Rev. John Christie joined with counterparts in the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and a senior figure in Scotland’s Islamic community in sending a letter to United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister David Cameron, which urged the UK government to do all it could to ensure progress was made at the United Nations climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico.

The letter states: “"Millions of people in developing countries are already being affected by increasingly severe storms, droughts and changing weather patterns, despite having done little to cause the problem….This is why it is vital that the UK government does everything it can to ensure agreeing a fair, ambitious and legally-binding global agreement on climate change is at the forefront of negotiations in Cancun. The final agreement must also include vastly improved greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the wealthiest nations and greater financing for poor countries to help them cope with the challenges brought on by climate change….It is a moral outrage that as yet developed countries appear unwilling to find the money so urgently needed to deal with this issue."


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

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

+ The Vatican, Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy, 39-6-69-88-35-11, Fax: 39-6-69-88-54-47, Contact Page

+ Scottish Episcopal Church, 21 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5EE, Scotland, 0131-225-6357, Fax: 0131-346-7247, Contact Page

+ United Nations, 327 East 48th Street,
New York, New York 10017, 212-963-7162, Fax: 212-963-7055, Contact Page


[4] Church of Scotland Moderator Calls for Churches, Charities, and Government to Join Together in “Big Society” Focused on Poverty and Homelessness

A 3 December 2010 article in The Scotsman titled “Backing for 'Big Society'” reports that that Church of Scotland Moderator the Rt. Rev. John Christie, in a speech before Members of the British Parliament (MP’s) called for churches, charities, and government to join together in creating a "Big Society," focused on poverty and homelessness.

Mr. Christie commented: "The Christian Church has been working to create a Big Society for 2000 years…. It is my belief that the [proposed] coalition allows a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of doing things differently."


+ The Scotsman, Barclay House, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, Scotland, 131-620-8620

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


[5] U.S. Military Chaplains Told "Embrace Homosexual Military or Get Kicked Out"

A 2 December 2010 press release by former U.S. Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt of Pray In Jesus Name Ministries titled “Chaplains Told ‘Embrace Homosexual Military or Get Kicked Out’” reports on U.S. Senate hearings on and the implications to U.S. military chaplains if the current policy toward homosexual military members known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) is repealed.

Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Chaplain Douglas Lee (Presbyterian Church in America) is quoted as saying that if DADT is repealed: "There's a strong possibility that a chaplain wouldn't be allowed to proclaim what their own faith believes, and not give people the information they need to be a good Christian or a good Muslim or what have you. If there's no protection for the chaplain to be able to speak according to his faith group, that might affect the number of chaplains we recruit or our ability to do our duty for the troops."

Alliance Defense Fund attorney Dan Blomberg, who represents a group of chaplains who have already been illegally silenced and pressured to embrace homosexuality in violation of their faith, when asked if active chaplains can be accused of insubordination if they publicly oppose changes to DADT, said the chaplains have been informed by their chain of command that "they should not be commenting on this at this time."

Mr. Blomberg continued: "One chaplain stood up in a high-level meeting created precisely for the purpose of getting service members' thoughts on the repeal of the [DADT] policy. And he asked 'What should chaplains do? What should people of faith do if this policy changes and we have problems of conscience with how it’s going to affect us?' That [chaplain] was told by a high-ranking member of the panel that they should just get out of the military."

The press release quoted a Washington Times article reporting that U.S. Army Lt. General Thomas Bostick is demanding that Christian soldiers be fired as bigots if they oppose repeal of DODT and quotes the general as saying:

"Unfortunately, we have a minority of service members who are still racists and bigoted and you will never be able to get rid of all of them. But these people opposing this new policy will need to get with the program, and if they can't, they need to get out. No matter how much training and education of those in opposition, you're always going to have those that oppose this on moral and religious grounds just like you still have racists today."

Former U.S. Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt of Pray In Jesus Name Ministries in 2007 was court-martialed and honorably discharged for praying "in Jesus name" while in uniform.


+ Pray In Jesus Name Ministries, Post Office Box 77077, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80970, 719-360-5132, chaplaingate@yahoo.com

+ U.S. Navy, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, 2000 Navy Pentagon, Washington DC 20350, Contact Page

+ United States Senate, Washington DC 20510, 202-224-3121, ahazen@aoc.gov

+ U.S. Army, 1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301, 703-697-0050

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

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

+ The Washington Times, 3600 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington DC 20002, 202-636-3205


[6] Further Information About the Recent Protest Against Mackenzie Presbyterian University

The following press release has been issued by Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil:

A group of activists organized a demonstration in front of the Mackenzie university, around 6 p.m. on November 24, 2010. Their purpose was to protest the pronouncement of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPB) against the PL 122/2006 bill (known as the "anti-homophobia law”) that has been posted on the Mackenzie Presbyterian University site since 2007. Over 3,000 participants were expected, but only about 400 showed up in front of the gates of the institution on Itambé Street. From there, the group went on to Paulista Avenue with a significantly reduced number, as reported by various agencies such as Globo News [TV], Folha de São Paulo [newspaper], CET [the traffic control agency], the UOL site [server/news] and dozens of other informational sites. Classes in the university functioned normally.

The opposition of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil to this bill is based not only on common sense and on specialized legal analyses (that consider the bill "unconstitutional"), but above all on the Christian principles that direct both the denomination and Mackenzie. There is nothing new happening here: when the students enroll in the institution, they sign an educational services contract in which there is a clause explaining its confessional character. This does not mean persecution for those who do not subscribe to these Christian foundations. On the contrary! There is no record in the university's history of discrimination of any kind, be it against homosexuals, be it against students that profess other religions (or none). All of these have access to the same benefits (including scholarships).

Nevertheless, ever since the IPB text was "discovered" on the Mackenzie site by the activists this year, the university and the person of the Chancellor have been harshly attacked and accused of "homophobia." Filmed on video, the protestors demanded the firing of the Chancellor, whose photos have been plastered on various homosexual sites, accompanied by words of hate. The virulence that characterizes these expressions of indignation, even before the bill is approved, confirms that it is dangerous when society finds itself hostage to a militant minority that seeks to impose its points of view by means of pressure and slander, not allowing Christian persons, churches or organizations to simply affirm that homosexual conduct is sinful.

To better explain their biblical posture (based on love and not on separatism, and that preaches respect for all), Christians, who share the same vision about homosexuality, united to prepare a manifesto called "Mackenzie University: In Defense of Religious Expression." The text was reproduced on about 8,000 Christian and conservative sites, receiving more than 36,000 citations on the Internet. It was translated into languages like German, Spanish, French, Dutch and English and posted on sites in various foreign countries such as the USA, France, Germany and Portugal. Hundreds of manifestations of solidarity to Mackenzie were received in various ways, including in the well-known blog by Reinaldo Azevedo (contributor to VEJA magazine), one of the country's most read and respected political commentators. By responding to the accusations of "homophobia" with solid and biblical arguments, Christians believe that their posture contributed to the fact that the protest against the IPB document received so little public support.

We, as Christians, are pleased and thankful for all the support received and for the prayers that God's people offered on behalf of the Mackenzie Presbyterian University and its Chancellor, Rev. Augustus Nicodemus Gomes Lopes. We plead with God's people to unite in supplication and intercession so that God Almighty may pour out His Holy Spirit upon the evangelical church in this country. We urgently need revival, so that Christ crucified may be exalted, believers sanctified, the Holy Scriptures freely preached, sinners converted and our country transformed, to the glory of our triune and gracious God.


+ Instituto Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Rua da Consolação, 930, Cep 01302-907, Consolação, São Paulo, SP/Brasil, Brasil, 11-2114-8000, centralatendimento@mackenzie.br

+ Igreja Presbiteriana do Brasil, São Paulo, SP/Brasil, Brasil, portalipb@ipb.org


[7] LBGTQ Youth Group at Brooklyn, New York, RCA Church Formed to Provide Solace and Comfort to Non-Heterosexual Adolescents

A 2 December 2010 article by McCarton Ackerman in the Greenpoint Gazette titled “Support for LGBTQ Youth at the Reformed Church” reports that Pastor Ann Kansfield of the Greenpoint Reformed Church (Reformed Church in America (RCA)) in Brooklyn,
New York, recently formed a youth group called “Somewhere,” described by the church as “a queer-friendly, God-centered, sanctuary for youth,” for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) adolescents and supporters of the same in response to what is described as “the recent rash of gay youth being bullied.”

Pastor Kansfield and her partner, co-pastor Jennifer Aull, were “married” by Ms. Kansfield’s RCA minister father, who was in June 2005 suspended from the ministry indefinitely for presiding over Ms. Kansfield’s and Ms. Aull’s “marriage ceremony.”

Pastor Kansfield commented: “Churches do not necessarily have the reputation of being welcoming to anybody that’s different. It’s ironic since Jesus was a victim of bullying because he was different. He was the complete archetype of a bullied person….It hurts to have your church tell you that being gay is a sin and that God doesn’t love you. Being gay is not a sin. I just want one kid to hear the message that God loves them and that they don’t have to change.”


+ Greenpoint Gazette, 597 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn,
New York 11222, 718-389-6067, jeff@greenpointnews.com

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


[8] Terrorist-Linked Muslim Public Affairs Council Trains U.S. Transportation Security Administration Airport Screeners How to Handle the Koran and to Screen Muslim Travelers

A 6 December 2010 article by Connie Hair in Human Events titled “Muslim Brotherhood Front Group Trains Airport Screeners” reports that the terrorist-linked Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) announced 24 November 2010 that 2,200 U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Safety Officers, the week of 15 November 2010, completed a two-month training course taught by MPAC that instructed the airport screeners on such procedures as how to properly inspect a Koran and how to properly screen Muslim passengers, e.g. if a woman wears hijab and needs a secondary screening she should be screened in a private area by a female TSA safety officer.

MPAC was formed in 1986 as a political action arm of the Wahhabi mosque, the Islamic Center for Southern California. An investigative report from the Investigative Project on Terrorism titled “Behind the Façade: The Muslim Public Affairs Council” reports that MPAC “routinely speaks in defense of designated terrorist organizations, as well as individuals and charities that are supporters of terrorism; opposes U.S. counterterrorism measures as part of a consistent knee-jerk reaction claiming bias and discrimination behind law enforcement efforts; and reflects a blatant and conspiratorial anti-Semitism.” The report is available at http://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/misc/358.pdf.


+ Human Events, One Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20001, 202-216-0600, Editors@HumanEventsOnline.com

+ Muslim Public Affairs Council, 110 Maryland Avenue Northeast, Suite 210, Washington DC 20002, 202-547-7701, Fax: 202-547-7704, contact@mpac.org

+ U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington DC 20528, 202-282-8000, Contact Form

+ Investigative Project on Terrorism, 5505 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, No. 341, Washington DC 20015, 202-966-5191, 202-966-5191, stopterror@aol.com


[9] Purported Relics of Christ’s Crucifixion Stolen from Roman Catholic Church in India

A 2 December 2010 article in CathNews India titled “Relics Stolen from Kerala Church” reports that three relics purported to be from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ were stolen sometime before 30 November 2010 from the Holy Cross Church (Roman Catholic) in Matilikam, Thrissur District, Kerala State, India.

The relics are purported to be part of the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, a blood stain of Christ’s, and a piece of towel with which Veronica had wiped her face during the journey of the Passion. The relics were donated to the 10th century church by Roman Catholic Pope Leo XIII (b. 1810, d. 1903), and thousands of Roman Catholic pilgrims come to the church each year to venerate the relics.


+ CathNews India, POST: 25/79-82 Moo 6, Soi Chinnaket 1/45, Nganwongwan Road, Thungsonghong Laksi, Bangkok, 10210 Thailand, 66-2954-9311, Fax: 66-2954-9316, Contact Page

+ The Vatican, Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy, 39-6-69-88-35-11, Fax: 39-6-69-88-54-47, Contact Page


[10] December 2010 Reformation Voice Available for Download

The December 2010 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] Corrected: Two Associated Presbyterian Church Congregations in Scotland’s Hebrides Islands Agree to Merger

A 7 December 2010 article in the Stornoway Gazette titled “APC Congregations Merge” reports that the Associated Presbyterian Churches (APC) congregations of Harris in Seilebost, Isle of Harris, Scotland, and Skye in Portree and Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland, have agreed to a merger on the condition that the Rev. Dr. Wayne Pearce, currently pastor of the APC congregations of Lairg, Scotland, and Rogart, Scotland, becomes the pastor of the merged congregation.

The Associated Presbyterian Churches are a group of approx. twenty Reformed and evangelistic churches that formed in 1989 from Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (FPCS) congregations that perceived the FPCS did not put into practice Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 20: "Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience" and Chapter 26: "Of Communion of Saints."



+ Stornoway Gazette, 10 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS12XE, Scotland, 01851-702-687, newsdesk@stornowaygazette.co.uk

+ Associated Presbyterian Churches, c/o Rev. A.N. McPhail, MA. MTh., APC Manse, Polvinister Road, Oban, PA34 5TN Scotland, 01631-567076, archibald.mcphail@virgin.net

+ Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, c/o Rev. Donald A. Ross, Free Presbyterian Manse, Laide, Ross-shire IV22 2NB, Scotland, daross@donaldalexander.freeserve.co.uk


[12] Late-Term Abortionist LeRoy Carhart Opens Abortuary in Germantown, Maryland

Among the approx. 300 protesters on the first day of business, 6 December 2010, for the newest abortuary of late-term abortionist Dr. LeRoy Carhart in Germantown, Maryland, was Reformed Presbyterian minister the Rev. Pat Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition.

Pat Mahoney stated: "We are gathering on Monday to be a loud and prophetic witness for the dignity of life and human rights. We want to make it abundantly clear that we will prayerfully work to ensure that Maryland does become the late-term abortion capital of America.

"We also want to send a clear message to LeRoy Carhart that we will never be silent while women are being brutalized and innocent viable children are being killed. We will pray, march, rally and be a prophetic voice until the violence stops.

"To the other tenants in the business park we simply say; we will be a constant public presence and witness for life as we embrace justice for all. LeRoy Carhart's business home has now become our home."

On 26 November 2010, LifeNews.com published an article by Steve Ertelt titled “United States Sees 53 Million Abortions Since Roe in 1973,” which cited a National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) report showing that as of 1 November 2010, there have been 53 million abortions performed in the United States. The NRLC report relied on data from the Guttmacher Institute, the former research arm of Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the U.S.


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

+ Christian Defense Coalition, Post Office Box 77168, Washington DC 20013, 202-547-1735, ChristianDefense@gmail.com

+ LifeNews.com, Post Office Box 270841, Fort Collins, Colorado 80527, news@lifenews.com

+ National Right to Life Committee, 512 10th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20004, 202-626-8800, NRLC@nrlc.org

+ Guttmacher Institute, 1301 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Suite 700, Washington DC 20036, 202-296-4012, Fax: 202-223-5756, Contact Page

+ Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 434 West 33rd Street,
New York, New York 10001, 212-541-7800, Fax: 212-245-1845