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Count it All Joy A


By Janet Mitchell, Second Presbyterial


s I look over the year 2020, serving as President of Second Presbyterial, I am once again re-


minded of the scriptures that remind us to “Count it all joy” as in James 1:2. At the publication of this article I do not know if we have come out of hiberna- tion, but what have we learned from this past year? I can base my answer on scriptures from that same book, James. First, despite everything, we should choose joy. ‘Choose’ or ‘count’ has the implication that there is ‘good’ to be gained in the ‘counting’ (James 1:2).  world, our nation, our cities, succumb to fear and terror due to this pandem-   at our circumstances and the personal struggles we face whether they be mon- etary or physical. And yet, we are told to be cheerful. Secondly, the trials and tribulations


are not over! That doesn’t sound very comforting, does it? James 1:2-4 indi- cates that all trials and tribulations are a sanctifying work in us God brings these into our lives to mold us, to train us, and to strengthen us.


“Fall into various trials” tells us the trials are


all around us, as in ‘plunge into,’ and they will be multiple in many forms. In ‘Choosing Joy’ amidst the overwhelming tri- als, we become testimonies to the world around us that has no hope. Thirdly, we learn that this sanctifying process, as we choose joy, will produce fruit in us. The greater our joy the better our fruit.


Galatians 5:22-23 lists


the fruits of the spirit that we are to produce. Trees do not grunt and groan when they produce fruit.  too will produce fruit. James refers to the fruit of ‘patience.’ Interestingly, when trials are received with faith, it produces patience. And we are growing patience as we work with each other,  for answers to our prayers


What is 2nd Presbyterial doing? Several


        staff and many women from various churches we are underway, again “to encourage, equip, and connect the community of ARP women to minister to- gether for God’s glory and purpose.” midst the trials. There is now a Facebook page, 2nd Presbyterial, whereby the women can share prayer re- quests, post event announcements, and encourage one  various geographical areas for the purpose of sharing, pray-    19-20 we will hold our delayed ‘annual’ meeting, in-person, at De- venger Road ARP in Greenville, SC. Our desire is to still help in the provision of  


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES: What Can Small Things Do? By Vicki Marsh


s a person who was “born and raised” in the ARP church, I have enjoyed visiting Bonclarken for over 50 years!  as a Camp Bonclarken counselor, where I learned that a cold, wet wash cloth could cure anything from a skinned knee to homesickness on a camper! I was a volunteer youth advisor at church, church retreats, recreation leader at youth - ily gatherings.  caused many events to be cancelled at Bonclarken in recent months. Therefore, may I propose an experiment? In Mat-  -      of you give individually to Bonclarken. My experiment is asking for funds in addition to what you are currently giving.  it is. If you have not been there—you should go!


A


Send contributions to: Bonclarken c/o Chip Sherer 500 Pine Dr., Flat Rock, NC 28731


January/February 2021 21


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