Camps & Conferences Having Full Jo By Philip Bunch, Director of Family Bible Conference


Having Full Joy T


his summer holds a unique opportunity for everyone who attends the Family Bible Conference. I am excited as I begin in the role of Director for our conference–mostly excited because the planning team and committee on camps and conferences has already been hard at work. They have a wonderful summer of camps planned for every ARP and their family (and friends!). Beyond this, I’m also excited because of what retired minister Tom Shoger recently shared: you can and should take a vacation with a purpose. This year, the theme of our conference will be: Having Full Joy. I wonder if you have found yourself in the middle of a season of life that could be described by the word ‘busy’? I know I have. Family Bible Conference offers a great time away from the normal busyness of life. However, it is also more important than mere


rest as a cessation from work. Much like the tools in a craftsman’s toolbox, we need to have our lives regularly recalibrated. That’s ex- actly what Family Bible Conference can do for you and your family. Just think about the theme and the teaching from the Upper Room. In the midst of what certainly was one of the busiest weeks for all of history, Jesus stops and rests and shares a meal with his disciples. He did come that his people may have life and have it abundant or full (John 10:10). But he explains that we are to have his joy in us, John 15:11).  Family Bible Conference now. We look forward to seeing you at Bonclarken in July!


Derek W. H. Thomas is a Reformed pastor and theologian. He retired in December 2023 as the senior pastor of First


Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina. Thomas is originally from Wales. He served as a pastor for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before returning to the United States in 1996 to serve as the minister of teaching at First Pres- byterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2011, he became associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and was appointed senior pastor on August 11, 2013. He has written and edited 15 books and has also produced a volume for the Biblical commentary series published by Banner of Truth Trust and Evangelical Press.


Charles “Chuck” Barrett was called to Wayside Presbyterian Church in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, in April 2015.


 where Chuck also earned a B.A., M.A. in Theology, and Ph.D. in church history. Before coming to Wayside, Chuck served


 at a local Presbyterian church there. He serves as adjunct professor at Belhaven University, Chattanooga. He loves read- ing, hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Chuck and his wife, Bridget, have two children.


May/June 2024


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