Moderator’s Challenge


Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace


BEARD MCAULAY Moderator


a high school member of our choir, whispered in David Hooks’ ear, “Mr. Beard is here, and he’s the Moderator of Synod.” So, they proceeded to include me in a song about what they were thankful for! Of course, I was a little embarrassed but honored to be thought of by this next generation of ARPs. That brings me  But that is not the case. If I had the chance to speak to the group, here is what I would have said about that: 


efore I cover the Moderator’s Theme for the year, I want to speak about my experience this past week at the Bonclarken Music Conference. Although this is the September/October issue of the magazine, I am writing this on July 18 to meet the publishing deadline. My wife (Pam) and I and 11 others from our church attended the music conference July 12-17. I registered as a baritone and sang in the adult choir all week, which culminated in the large singing event last night in the YAB at Bonclarken. The Lord was  to adult, sang songs they had prac- ticed all week. Many thanks to the clinicians, accompanists, musicians, and counselors that made it happen. Special thanks to Chip Sherer and the Bonclarken staff, Trip McGill and Lynn Grimsley, conference directors, and Rev. Philip Bunch, who preached and taught on Psalm 23 all week. The morning worship services were a wonderful, daily highlight. But an- other most memorable highlight was when Pam and I decided to stay up late on Wednesday and Thursday night to attend the Nibble Nook sing- ing and devotions that began at 9:45 PM, led by David Hooks, his son An- drew, and Eric Riley (all incredibly talented musicians!). Anne Logeman,


B the Moderator’s


conference. I was last here between 11th and 12th grade, in the year 1983. Yes, they had already invented music and camps and even the Nibble Nook by then. That was 43 years ago, but I guarantee we were right here singing songs about Jesus every night, just like you are. I am also certain that the songs, the clothes, the hairstyles were quite different. But there is one especially important thing that has not changed: Hebrews 13:8 says, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ He is the same Lord and Savior that your grandparents and my grandparents worship, some of them still here with us, some of them in Heaven. So, my word to you is to live out these camp songs that you sing here at the top of your lungs. Be thankful for Jesus. Think about Jesus and what He has done for you “all day, all night” as I just heard you sing. When I see this group, I imagine I am looking at our future pastors, pastors’ wives, elders, deacons, music directors, VBS directors, and the list goes on and on. Start think- ing about that now. The ARP theme for this year is ‘Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace’ from 2 Peter 3:18. This theme is not just for the adults. It is for every ARP from infant to toddler to kids your age all the way up to old guys like me. Growing does not start once you are grown! Growing starts as soon as you can understand the word Jesus.” Having covered what I wanted to say to the kids at the Nibble Nook that night, let us turn now to the broader message to all members of the ARP Church.   and Savior Jesus Christ,” backs our theme approved at General Synod for the year, July 2026 – June 2027, “Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace.” And just a quick aside here. Originally, I wanted the theme to be just one


word: JESUS. But after seeking out much counsel on the matter, I decided I    Nook audience: Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Now back to 2 Peter 3:18a. When we read this verse, we must ask why Pe- ter starts it with “But.” What comes before it? We will start back at verse 13 to get the idea: “13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And


2 Peter 3:18 “Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace” 4 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian


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