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RP Synod 2003: Friday, June 27
SYNOD MEETING OPENS IN BEAVER FALLS, PA.;
ROBERT McFARLAND ELECTED MODERATOR
The 172nd Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North
America was convened at 7:30 pm. Friday by Dr. Wayne Spear,
moderator of last year’s Synod.
As with every meeting of the denomination’s highest
court, worship takes precedence. Assisting Dr. Spear were
Bob McCracken, who opened in prayer, and Bob Morrow, who read
the sermon text: John 17:20-23 and Romans 15:1-9.
Unity was the topic of the Dr. Spear’s retiring moderator’s
address. He said that we can be united in worship and witness
if we 1) focus on the Gospel, 2) keep returning to the Scriptures,
3) cultivate an attitude of acceptance for believers whose
beliefs differ from ours, and 4) live and walk in the Holy
Spirit. With man, he admitted, this is impossible, but with
God nothing is impossible. “We can do better than we
are doing now.” Dr. Spear exhorted the assembly to apply
our unity in Christ in the local church, the denomination,
and the visible church at large.
Over a dozen new delegates were introduced to the court this
evening. Pastor Jeff Stivason had the opportunity to introduce
his father, Bob, as a new delegate who “raised two wonderful
children.” RP Home corporate administrator Bill Weir
introduced Edwin VerBeke as new chaplain at the Home.
One of the big questions on the minds of many on a first
night of Synod is who will be elected moderator. Tonight there
were two men placed in nomination: Robert McFarland and Bruce
Backensto. Pastor Backensto rose to withdraw his name and
requested a unanimous vote for Rev. McFarland. After receiving
the gavel from Wayne Spear, Bob McFarland reflected on his
situation with a joke. He said his mother was pulled over
for speeding at 86 mph when she was 85 years old. She told
the officer that she was over the hill and everything goes
faster when you are going downhill.
The Synod held a time of remembrance for servants of the
church who died since the last meeting of Synod, including
two teaching elders (ministers), three ruling elders, and
five pastors’ wives. Memorials were read for Pastors
Charles Sterrett and Samuel E. Boyle. Dr. Bruce Stewart led
the court in prayer to give thanks for the lives of these
men and women and ask the Lord’s blessing on the family
members who survive.
Clerk of Synod J. Bruce Martin noted with optimism during
his report that the docket this year is not as full as usual,
with several major committees having finished their work last
year and less new business than usual. He expressed his opinion
that Synod could complete its work by Wednesday, a half day
earlier than scheduled.
In a preview of tomorrow morning’s session, Pastor Harry
Metzger, chairman of the Business of Synod Committee, delivered
the committee’s recommendations regarding how this year’s
four “communications” should be directed. The first
communication, or paper, requests a study committee on whether
wine should be permitted in the Lord’s supper. Another
communication seeks to give sessions clearer ability in limiting
the openness of session meetings to observers. Synod will
vote tomorrow on whether to give the four communications to
committees of this Synod, as requested.
The other major emphases of Saturday will be the work of
presbyteries, followed by an evening of prayer.
--Drew and Lynne Gordon, editors
Reformed Presbyterian Witness
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