THE 173RD RPCNA SYNOD IS UNDERWAY

PASTOR RALPH JOSEPH IS ELECTED MODERATOR

Delegates from across North America and from as far away as Japan and Australia gathered in central Indiana today to take part in the 2004 Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.

The Synod is meeting on the campus of Taylor University, an evangelical school in Upland, Ind. This, the 173rd Synod of this denomination, was scheduled to end Friday morning. However, with some mention of a relatively light docket, Synod reset its adjournment time to Thursday night (June 24).

Rev. Robert McFarland, the moderator of last year's Synod, brought the new Synod to order. Rev. McFarland is the regional home missionary for Midwest Presbytery. He focused his retiring moderator's message on what he termed "seven signposts," or "some of the jewels in the crown that are important to us." Paul Mathews, who had been a seminary classmate of Rev. McFarland,
read the Scripture texts, Matthew 28:16-20 and 1 Timothy 3:14-16. Then Rev.
McFarland preached on the following seven signposts he wanted the
denomination to keep in mind in this day:

1. We are Bible-believing Christians
2. We are personally redeemed Christians
3. We are theological Christians
4. We are Reformed Christians
5. We are Presbyterian Christians
6. We are practical, growing Christians
7. We are persevering Christians

Custom and tradition are perhaps most in evidence on the first night of Synod.
There are introductions of new delegates, the election of a new moderator,
and the calling of the roll. The service of pastors, elders, pastor's wives, and
missionaries who have died in the past year is remembered, with thanks
given to God for their lives. Two retired missionaries (Miss Ruth Reade and
Mr. Kenneth Sanderson) have passed away since the last Synod meeting, as
have three pastors' wives and four ruling elders.

Pastor Phil Pockras from the Belle Center, Ohio, RPC nominated for
moderator Pastor Ralph Joseph from the Selma, Ala., RPC, noting Pastor
Joseph's significant service to his presbytery. Pastor Joseph was elected
unanimously and took the gavel.

Some Synods have had to ponder a large number of communications, or
papers, that bring new business to be considered from the lower courts or
from delegates. This year just one paper has been received, one which asks
for a committee to study the ongoing relationship of the denomination with
Geneva College and asks for the formation of a "Geneva College mission
review and support committee."

Tomorrow, the Lord's Day, delegates will be visiting Indiana RP congregations
for morning worship. In the evening, the Synod will have a worship service on
the campus of Taylor University, with Prof. Ed Robson preaching. The service
will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Auditorium of the Rupp Communications
Center in the center of campus. The public is invited.

--Drew Gordon, editor
Reformed Presbyterian Witness