Synod 2


Synod 2023 Opening Worship Oi Whi


The 219th meeting of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church began on June 6, 2023. Reverend David Lauten read the names of the deceased Elders from the previous year, followed by memorials of six ministers: J.J. Diaz, Barry Eller, Ray King, Jim Loughner, David Shin, and Greg Slater. “We give thanks for the faithfulness of these men,” Lauten said. Rev. David Lauten led the time of worship from Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”


“The conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel is the beginning of a new adventure,” Lauten said.


There are many spiritual blessings. First, the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel shows us Jesus’ universal Lordship. He has authority. We see Jesus’ universal mission next. “Go.” It is a commitment of His people as He calls us to make disciples. Finally, we see Jesus’ presence with people. We have the promise of deep comfort. 


strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). We have the promise that He is still the God who is with us always. He is the whole of


  “We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender; We go not forth alone against the foe;


Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender. We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.” Communion was led by Rev. Brian Murray, who said, “Without Christ, there is no blessing. We come to the table in faith. There is nothing magical. We have God’s word and  Rev. Stephen Jordan closed with prayer.


Tuesday Afternoon Business


Following Opening worship, Vice Moderator, David Smith, presented the program for the 219th meeting of General Synod. Introductions were made including new ministers ordained and received over the last year. Students and Licentiates introduced themselves as well. Three complaints were  order therefore, it was not discussed. The third complaint from Tony Locke did not pass. The allocation of Synod Funds was approved as presented in the Synod packet. Moderator Bill McKay presented his retiring address to the court, followed by Moderator Elect Rob Patrick. Patrick said, “It has been a blessing to know McKay for a decade. It has been a privilege to see him lead us. His faithfulness draws people.” The shield was transferred, and a Bible was presented to Bill McKay. 


 outreach mission. It was voted to continue this through World Witness and Outreach North America. The second was to consider whether it would be in Synod’s best interest to develop a minimum template for the minutes of its boards, commissions, and committees. A template will be available through the Principal Clerk. The Special Committee on Retirement Fund Crisis Study concluded their report by stating, “At the end of the day, many things led to the crisis, but we as pastors and elders, all delegates together, voted to amend each and every change to our Plan document.” The motion was made to change the  and investment experience.


Tuesday Evening Business


Reverend Jeff Kingswood started the evening session off with worship by reading John 4:21-24. How do we worship? What is our essence of worship? “It is communion with God,” Kingswood said. We rejoice that God has made all things new. A season of prayer followed with delegates gathering in small groups to pray.


Business continued with the Special Commission on Statistical Report Revision, stating they will continue their work another year. The next report was the Special Committee on Women Deacons Study. The committee recommended that the current policy regarding women in the diaconate be reaf-  and let current women be “grandmothered” in. The motion did not pass. A delegate mentioned the size of churches, and without women involved, they  males. The order of the day was reached, and the motion to extend the day failed.


July/August 2023t 202 J l /A A 023 3


Synod 2023


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