The Vine

Branching

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Richmond First celebrates 200 years

Volume 11, number 3 ~ November, 2012 Published by: Presbytery of the James ~ 3218 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23227

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By Marika Byrd and Dr. Charles A. Summers

The USA was a mere infant when John Rice

Holt gathered shop keepers, merchants and dock-

workers to form Richmond’s First Presbyterian

Church. Over the decades, as the membership

grew, First moved from its original location near

the docks at Rockets Landing to five different loca-

tions, arriving at the present location in Rich-

mond’s West End in 1950. First’s rich history in

Richmond includes a primary role in the establish-

ment of Union Theological Seminary (now Union

Presbyterian Seminary) and the founding of several

other congregations in Richmond over the past two

centuries. Its missionaries and mission trips have

reached the U. S. and into Africa, Korea, China,

Belarus, and Central America.

“Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present,

Transforming the Future is the theme of First’s

Bicentennial year. Special events have taken place

throughout 2012.

Worship on January 29 focused on Celebrating

the Past with guest speaker Dr. Jack Sadler, Pastor

Emeritus, who served as First’s Senior Pastor from

1974—1999. This Sunday also saw the introduc-

tion of the commissioned hymn “Let All We Do

and Say Give Breath,” composed by Dr. Thomas

Troeger. The hymn text by Sally Ann Morris in-

corporates the Bicentennial theme as well as First’s

mission statement, “Inspire, Nurture, and Serve To

The Glory of God.” Other service music was cho-

sen to honor the Presbyterian Scottish heritage.

The beautiful Bicentennial banner, which features

the three-part Christian Trinity Cross, was unveiled

at this service.

In March, a special reception honored those

with 50 or more years as members of the congrega-

tion, and the Presbyterian Women celebrated their

rich history with a program led by past moderators.

A special worship service on May 13 turned to

Celebrating the Present, as First welcomed guest

preacher Dr. Brian Blount, President and Professor

of New Testament Studies at Union Presbyterian

Seminary. A highlight of the service was the mag-

nificent Reunion Choir of over 50 singers repre-

senting First’s chancel choir members past and

present who gathered for the weekend. June

brought another musical event, the presentation of

Franz J. Haydn’s The Creation, with orchestral

accompaniment, by the combined chancel choirs of

First and Second Presbyterian Richmond.

As First turned its focus to Transforming the

Future, in October the congregation closed out the

year with a Celebration Dinner as well as the visit

by guest speaker Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Benton

Family Associate Professor of Christian Education

at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA.

With hearts grateful for the many blessings of the

past 200 years, First looks forward to many more

years of ministry. In the words of Pastor Dr.

Charles A. Summers, “The Christian faith is not

about the past. It is about the future that God in-

tends for us and for the whole creation. The best

years of our ministry are in front of us. God is al-

ways able to do more than we can ask or imagine.”

Sanctuary First Presbyterian Church, Richmond.

Branching through Presbytery of the James

Grace Covenant Honduras Mission Trip By Ron and Susan David

Exciting news from the Honduras mission of

Grace Covenant Church! As we prepare for our

annual mission trip to Southern Honduras

(January 1-12, 2013), we are happy to report that:

Our eye surgeons were able

to perform almost one hun-

dred surgeries in January,

2012, mostly cataracts, sev-

eral pterygia and one foreign

body removal from the eye.

Our collaboration with Cen-

tro Christiano de Servicious

Humanitario de Honduras

continues to be strong. We

will have a third surgeon in

2013, and a fourth year med-

ical student from VCU School of Medicine

who will do her senior project, tracking out-

come measures.

Hospital San Lorenzo is energized by the an-

nual visits from the surgical team. They are

actively fundraising to build a perma-

nent eye clinic on the grounds of the

hospital. They have already received

the donation of a suite of eye exami-

nation equipment from the govern-

ment of Spain.

Two Grace Covenant members

traveled to Tegucigalpa in June,

where, with nine others, including PC

(USA) missionary, Rev. Mark

Wright, we hammered out the Arti-

(Continued on page 6)

THE VINE, NOVEMBER, 2012 2

Eighty-second Stated Meeting

October 20, 2012

Chester Presbyterian Church

The Vine is published by Presbytery of the James

3218 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23227.

Editorial Rights Reserved. Articles without by-lines are

written by the editor. The Vine is a publication mailed free

to members of Presbytery of the James.

Submissions, corrections, letters of request or request for

additional copies should be sent to: Clifton Edwards, Edi-

tor; Presbytery of the James; 3218 Chamberlayne Ave.,

Richmond, VA 23227

or email [email protected].

Presbytery of the James

United for Mission in Haiti

By Mary Jane Winters

A wooden bell. A gift from Haiti. Try to ring

it. Ah . . . no one hears the sound of a wooden

bell—or the cry of the poor. Those from the Pres-

bytery of the James who traveled to Haiti October

4-11, did hear the cry of the poor and more than

that, they saw how God was at work in the mission

initiatives of the Haitians as they respond to the

vast needs in that country. “We know POJ can

make a difference in the lives of our brothers and

sisters in Haiti. We have the opportunity to come

along side and give them a hand up - not a hand

out. Their perseverance in some of the most diffi-

cult conditions imaginable is impressive and inspir-

ing. It is time for

us to act!” urged

Bill Nix, from

Fredericksburg

Presbyterian

Church, a mem-

ber of the team.

“We returned in-

spired by what is

being done and

committed to fur-

thering this work

by supporting a

new mission posi-

tion in Haiti,” said

Nan Johnson from the Brandermill Church.

The Presbytery of the James is joining with

Presbyterian World Mission to send a new mission

co-worker to Haiti. Many churches and individuals

have given funds to help Haiti, but a new mission

worker on the ground can assist with those funds

and with teams who come and by providing coordi-

nation, leadership training, and advocacy as a wit-

ness to Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity for all

churches in the Presbytery of the James to unite in

God’s mission in Haiti and make a difference.

“no one hears the sound of a Wooden bell”

the Christian presence in Syria and how precari-

ous their lives are. Grounding his remarks in

scripture and faith, he called for initiatives that

will bring peace, democracy, open elections, and

freedom of religion. He answered numerous

questions on a wide range of issues and engaged

his hearers with new insights and perspectives.

Majd spoke at Bon Air Presbyterian Church, at

Union Seminary, at an event jointly hosted with

St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Ca-

thedral, Westminster Canterbury in Richmond,

and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Char-

lottesville. Majd Lahham is the first International

Peacemaker assigned to the Presbytery of the

James in recent memory. Bon Air Presbyterian

Church initiated the request through POJ and pro-

vided the host family. The World Mission Pur-

pose Group provided coordination, promotion,

and speaking opportunities.

Majd Lahham, a deeply committed Christian,

teaches at one of the universities in Syria and also

works with his church’s ministry to the many peo-

ple within his country who have lost their homes

because of the war. He had scheduled an event for

students in his class. “When three did not show up,

I was angry. It was required. I called them on their

cell phones. There was no answer,” Majd said.

Then he learned that they were on the way when a

suicide bomber exploded himself and a truck of

TNT and it was impossible to even recover their

bodies. Majd had declined the offer of the Peace-

making Program to come to the United States and

speak, but that experience changed his mind.

The need for peace in Syria is urgent. Chris-

tians are only 8% of the population and most like

Majd are Orthodox, belonging to the oldest Chris-

tian church, based in Antioch. Majd spoke about

International Peacemaker Provides a Timely Voice for Syria

PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES IN

The Presbytery of the James held its 82nd stated

meeting on Saturday October 20, 2012 at Ches-

ter Presbyterian Church.

Altogether 234 people attended the meeting, includ-

ing 93 teaching elders and 111 ruling elders,

representing 69 congregations.

We enjoyed worship in Chester church's beautiful

sanctuary. The service included the reading of

the Necrology, the installation of the Youth

Council, liturgical dancing by students from

Virginia State University, music by the Chester

church choir, a message by Larry Chottiner on

the raising of Lazarus, and the celebration of

the Lord's Supper.

We welcomed three new ministers, Elizabeth For-

ney, Keith Johnston, and Daniel Hrach. We met

the new Executive Director of Camp Hanover,

Doug Walters, and his family.

We examined and approved for ordination the new

Director of Admissions at Union Presbyterian

Seminary, Kate Boswell. We examined and

received as a candidate for ministry as a teach-

ing elder Noell Rathbun (Ginter Park). We

thanked Ruling Elder John Flournoy for his six

years on the Nominating Committee.

The presbytery thanked Brennen Keene and

Gloria Freye for donating their excellent

legal services to help us complete the pur-

chase the property at 3218 Chamberlayne,

the site of the presbytery office.

We established administrative commissions for

four churches to work with congregations

that have expressed their desire to withdraw

from the PC(USA): Spotsylvania, Christ, St.

Giles, and New Hanover.

After careful consideration and debate, we ap-

proved the recommendation of the Office

Park Task Force, distributing from the pro-

ceeds of the sale of the old presbytery office

property in Glen Allen about $1,800,000 for

a variety of good works.

The presbytery approved the proposed 2013

budget with one exception. We sent the

Shared Mission Support item back to com-

mittee to see if it could be increased.

Thank you, Moderator Mary Baril and parlia-

mentarian Steve Hicks, for guiding us

through the sometimes tangled debates!

Thank you, Chester Church, for your excel-

lent hospitality and delicious lunch!

Rev. Gordon B. Mapes and Rev. Larry Chottiner serve Communion at 82nd Stated Meeting.

Next Meeting

February 16m 2913

Union Presbyterian Seminary


Understanding missiology to be “the systematic

study of all aspects of mission,” Stanley H. Skres-

let’s new book introduces this academic field in a

comprehensive fashion. Both theological and secu-

lar studies of mission receive attention in this treat-

ment of the field, which also describes the develop-

ment of missiology over the past century. Skreslet

(D.Min.’89) is the F. S. Royster Professor of Chris-

tian Missions at Union Presbyterian Seminary and

academic dean on the Richmond campus.

‘Comprehending Mission’

Stan Skreslet’s new book

“The renaissance of mission studies in the last

twenty years begs for scholarly attention and as-

sessment,” commented Amos Yong of Regent

University School of Divinity, “Stanley Skreslet is

a sure guide with a command of the territory.”

Stanely H. Skreslet

By Albert Connette

“God has sent the right people, at the right time,

to the right place, with the right message!” This was

a comment made by one of the East Gambella

Bethel Synod leaders at the conclusion of training

sessions Albert Connette and Jesse Mercer of

Olivet Church in Charlottesville led in Ethiopia re-

cently.

The East Gambella Bethel Synod (EGBS) arose

out of the Presbyterian Church’s mission to the

Anuak people along the border of Ethiopia and Su-

dan. It is part of the large and rapidly growing Ethi-

opian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EE-

CMY). Albert had shared in a mission partnership

of Shenandoah Presbytery with another EECMY

Synod for many years before Olivet

Church, where he serves as pastor,

began developing a mission partner-

ship with EGBS.

Several Olivet members have

visited EGBS for fellowship, shar-

ing and training since the beginning

of the partnership in 2010. But re-

cently the Synod had experienced

some conflict and division and so

Albert and Jesse had been asked to

teach on forgiveness, Christian unity

and evangelism during their August

visit. The daily teaching sessions began and ended

with devotions, prayers and rousing singing. Albert

and Jesse’s teachings were translated simultaneous-

ly into Anuak and Amharic for the Synod leaders,

evangelists and pastors present from three different

ethnic-linguistic groups. Olivet and EGBS’s pray-

ers that God would bless this time of sharing, fel-

lowship and leadership training were an-

swered. “We knew all of these scriptures”, one par-

ticipant commented, “but now God has burned

them on our hearts so

we can practice the

forgiveness and humil-

ity needed to bring

healing and unity in

our Synod.”

Albert and Jesse

were welcomed to

Gambella and sent off

with delicious meals of

traditional Anuak dish-

es and singing accompanied by drums. During

their stay in Gambella they also met with the Syn-

od’s management committee to discuss their part-

nership, worshipped with a congre-

gation on Sunday and spent time

visiting with PCUSA missionary,

Michael Weller, who lives in Gam-

bella.

While in the capital of Addis Ababa

Jesse and Albert were able to share

a meal with Niles and Ann Reimer,

retired PCUSA missionaries who

worked with the Anuak people for

many years and are now completing

the translation of the Bible into

Anuak. They also shared lunch with

EECMY President, Rev. Wakseyoum, EECMY

Director of Mission and Theology, Rev. Yonas,

and Director of the coordinating office for the

EECMY Synods with Presbyterian connections,

Rev. Teferi. They also visited several Christian

ministries that work with the thousands of street

children in Addis and had lunch with a group of

Ethiopian youth who grew up on the streets with a

youth who has now been adopted by a family in

the Olivet Church.

‘right people, right place at the right time’

Connette, Mercer share & train

at East Gambella Bethel Synod

Participants in EGBS training sessions

Jesse Mercer with young EGBS

evangelist who has founded 14

churches in his region of Gambella.

Show Me The Money! Robert Johnson, Acting General Presbyter

I have heard, for some time, people in our Presbytery wondering why we don’t get out there and

spend the $5.3 million or so in assets shown in our audit report. It made me curious too – why would we

need to have that much squirreled away, when there are so many ministry needs around that money could

answer.

So, I asked our Presbytery’s Staff Accountant, Cindy Hollingshead to “show me the money!” She

looked at me funny (it isn’t the first time) and said “What money?” That is when my education started.

It is true that our audit reports show $5.3 million in unrestricted assets. However, only a small portion

of that is liquid and intended for totally unrestricted spending. $1.9 million is set aside as an endowment

and reserve for church development projects – for NCDs and other church development purposes. Obvi-

ously, the endowment itself is preserved, so that places $1.6 million off limits of even that total.

Another $1.6 million are frozen in tangible assets – our buildings, equipment and vehicles, as well as

the value of the land that we hold, including Camp Hanover. This is akin to an individual calculating their

net worth, and including (as one should) one’s house, land and Beanie Baby collection in the total. None

of that can be spent unless it is liquidated, so although it is an asset, it is not the same as cash on hand.

Then, $1.8 million is in what in our auditors call the “POJ Building Fund.” This amount is the pro-

ceeds from the sale of our Office Building, and is soon to be dispersed in mission grants. The amounts

left over are mainly our annual operating expenses – money that passes through about as quickly as it

shows up. So, I got showed the money, all right: it waved to me from the many cages it is locked into!

First Things First Purpose Group

Marriage Enrichment Education

Initiative

$21,000 over a three year period

($7,000; $7,000; $7,000)

“Beloved, let

us love one

another,

because love is

from God; eve-

ryone who

loves is born of

God, and

knows God . . .

If we love one another, God lives in us, and His

love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12.

The Marriage Enrichment Education Initiative

will provide proven Marriage and Relationship

skills education opportunities throughout the

presbytery hosted by member churches. Addi-

tionally it will

train trainers who

can continue to

help couples in

their congrega-

tions/

communities.


Meadows Presbyterian Church,

Charlottesville

Tumaini Vocational Training Centre

Building in Nyeri, Kenya

$40,000 pledge.

“And God is

able to provide

you with every

blessing in

abundance, so

that by always

having enough

of everything,

you may share

abundantly in

every good

work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

In 2007, Meadows Presbyterian Church entered

into a relationship with the Riamukurwe Parish of

the Presbyterian Church of East Africa to help

provide shelter, clothing,

security and food to al-

most 200 children in the

Tumaini Home for Desti-

tute Children and Hu-

ruma Children’s Home.

This project is for the

completion of the Voca-

tional Training Center.

Lord Jesus Korean Church,

Midlothian

Outreach programs using new

Social Mission Center building


($70,000; $70,000; $70,000)

“To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk hum-

bly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Lord Jesus Church has funded one-third of its

budget every year to missions. In recent years,

the congregation of Lord Jesus Korean Church

has committed itself to social missions known

as the Social Mission for Love & Justice, which

has resulted in wide recognition for service to

the community and in revitalization and rapid

growth of church membership.

Small Church Ministry

Purpose Group

Expand the scope of Mission

opportunities for small churches.

“And the king will answer them,

Truly, I tell you, just as you did it

to one of the least of these who

are members of my family, you

did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

$25,000 over three year

($3,750; $6,250; $15,000)

Objectives are 1) To give 15

members of small church con-

gregations the opportunity to

attend one mission trip

(domestic & international)

annually for the next three

years. 2) To increase collabo-

ration among small churches

and 3) To expand congrega-

tions’ vision for spreading the

gospel in Word and deed to

the “outmost ends of the

earth.” Interest sparked in mission is expressed

by seventh-grader Brennan Proctor addressing

the congregation following a day packing meals,

“Yesterday we helped a lot of people and made a

difference in the world. Can we do it again?”

Camp Hanover

Purpose Group

Facilities mainte-

nance and updat-

ing.

$379,000

“Whoever blesses a

neighbor with a

loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be

counted as cursing.” Proverbs 27:14

The overall objective is to focus on preserving

and restoring existing facilities to keep this out-

door ministry available for Presbytery of the

James to enjoy. Needs have been identified and

prioritized.

Needing immediate attention:

Remodeling and updating of director’s house

Roof replacement for Wise Lodge

Required improvement of water system ac-

cessibility through well-water distribution.

Southside Presbyterians in Ministry

Purpose Group

Relocation of

Madeline’s

House

$100,000 Pledged

(depending upon funds

raised locally)

“And the king will

answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one

of the least of these who are members of my family,

you did it to me.’” Matthew 25.40 (NRSV)

Madeline’s House is a 33-bed facility for domes-

tic and sexual violence shelter, which provides a

safe haven for abused women and children. The

only such shelter in Southside Virginia, it serves

twelve counties. Its site is being sold and a new

home must be found.

Office Park Task Force awards $1,800,000 to 12 grant requests

THE VINE, NOVEMBER, 2012

Culpeper Presbyterian Church

Manna Ministry

$27,000 (over a three year period)

($9,000; $9,000;, $9,000)

“For I was hungry and you gave me some-

thing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me some-

thing to drink, I was a stranger and you invited

me in . . .” Matthew 25:35

Manna Ministry seeks to share nourishment,

compassion, and hope in Christ’s Name to all

who enter. The Ministry serves a meal to anyone

in need of a meal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and

Fridays from 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m. The meal is

served at the Culpeper Presbyterian Church Fel-

lowship Hall. Our objective is to increase the

meal service to five days a week and hire a paid

coordinator to oversee the ministry.

Stewardship Purpose Group

Assistance to congregations in stew-

ardship

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness there.” Psalm 24:1


($75,000; $50,000; $25,000)

Establishment of a stewardship office within

the presbytery structure

Provision of resources for year round stew-

ardship to all of the congregations in the

presbytery

A program of planned giving that each con-

gregation could benefit from in establishing

individual congregational planned giving

programs.

Assistance in capital campaigns for congre-

gations whether they are for a particular pro-

ject or for needs of the congregation that re-

quire capital funds.

Annual stewardship conference Collabora-

tion with Union Presbyteri-

an Seminary in offering

continuing education

events in stewardship or in

providing training and

seminarians in the areas of

stewardship.

Everything we have is a

gift from God.

Union Presbyterian Seminary

Evangelism

$280,000 (Over a four year period)

($100,000; $80,000; $60,000; $40,000)

“As for you, always be sober, endure suffering,

do the work of an evangelist, carry out your min-

istry fully.” 2 Timothy 4:5

Union Presbyterian Seminary has committed it-

self anew to supporting the church’s ministry of

evangelism. Union recognizes the evangelistic

task of the church and the responsibility of the

pastor to provide leadership for that task. Union

is committed to train the leadership necessary for

the revival of the 21st century church. The objec-

tive of this project is to create an Evangelism Pro-

gram to equip pastors and educators who are pas-

sionate witnesses to Jesus Christ, and who will be

vital participants in God’s revitalization of

Christs’s church.

Tabor Presbyterian Church, Crozet

Crozet Cares

“Now the company of those who believed were of

one heart and soul, and no one said that any of

the things which he possessed was his own, but

they had everything

in common. And

with great power

the apostles gave

their testimony to

the resurrection of

the Lord Jesus, and

great peace was

upon them all.

There was not a

needy person

among them . . .” Acts 4:32-34

$105,000 (over a

three year period)

$35,000; $35,000;

$35,000)

Crozet Cares is a pro-

ject designed to bring

the unique needs of

our rapidly growing

rural community under

the aegis of a Tabor

Presbyterian Church

USA initiative in the

areas of health education and arts/entertainment.

EDUCATION

HEALTH

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Haiti Purpose Group

New Mission Co-Worker to Haiti

$125,000 (over a three year peiod)

$62,250; $42,000; $20,750

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit

has come upon you; and you will be witnesses

in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to

the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The project entails the recruitment, involvement

and support of as many churches in Presbytery

of the James as possible working together to

become involved in and financially support the

new mission co-worker(s) in Haiti for three

years, and hopefully beyond. The people of Hai-

ti, Presbytery of the James and the Presbyterian

Church (USA) would all benefit from this pro-

ject.

Woodville Presbyterian Church,

Richmond

Transportation

“Equipping God’s people for the work of minis-

try.” Ephesians 4:12-13.

$35,000, purchase of a van and one year’s insur-

ance premium.

The overall project goal is to connect to the

Church Hill Community through Evangelism,

Christian Education, and Mission. Over the past

five years, Woodville has experienced wonderful

opportunities to nurture a limited number of

youths through a Saturday Enrichment Program

and an Ecumenical Camp Program. These pro-

grams allowed us to connect with many families

within the Church Hill community. Transporta-

tion for these programs and others is critical to

the success of all programs. Currently members

of the congregation use their personal vehicles to

bring children to functions of the church.

5


R E T I R E D D. Clyde Bartges ..................................................................................................................................... 70

James Griffes ........................................................................................................................................... 60

Howard Leming ...................................................................................................................................... 60

Norman Nettleton .................................................................................................................................... 60

Russell Davis ........................................................................................................................................... 55

Everett Hellmuth ..................................................................................................................................... 55

Richard Sommers .................................................................................................................................... 55

Choon Duk Suh ....................................................................................................................................... 55

Carroll Londoner ..................................................................................................................................... 50

David MacFarlane ................................................................................................................................... 50

Harold Wallof .......................................................................................................................................... 50

Kenneth Davis ......................................................................................................................................... 45

Robert Pierce ........................................................................................................................................... 45

Virginia Barksdale .................................................................................................................................. 35

William Charles ...................................................................................................................................... 35

Judith Allen ............................................................................................................................................. 30

Dixie Brachlow ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Celestine Cox .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Sue Cyre .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Tom Waltz ............................................................................................................................................... 15

A C T I V E

Charles Pickell, Meadows Church .......................................................................................................... 60

Nathan Dell, All Souls Church ................................................................................................................ 55

Donald Langfitt, Kirk O’Cliff ................................................................................................................. 55

Robert Temple, Village Church .............................................................................................................. 50

Charles Brown, Hebron Church .............................................................................................................. 40

Terry Woodard, Aberdour/Emporia First ................................................................................................ 35

Hyun Bae, Lord Jesus Korean Church .................................................................................................... 30

LoAnn Fairman, Providence Church, Gum Spring ................................................................................. 30

Jay Sanderford, Blue Ridge Church ........................................................................................................ 30

Willie Woodson, Richmond First United Church ................................................................................... 30

Albert Connette, Olivet Church .............................................................................................................. 25

Alex Evans, Richmond Second Church .................................................................................................. 25

Ken Goodrich, Sandston Church ............................................................................................................. 25

Gordon Mapes, Chester Church ............................................................................................................ 25

Laura Sugg, Westminster Church, Charlottesville .................................................................................. 25

Mark Valeri, E. T. Thompson Professor of Church History, Union Presbyterian Seminary .................. 25

Ann Cherry, Member-at-Large ............................................................................................................... 20

Dwight Nave, Covenant Church ............................................................................................................. 20

Sarah Nave, Covenant Church ................................................................................................................ 20

Marion Paul White, Wesley Church ....................................................................................................... 20

Mary Kay Collins, Richmond First Church ............................................................................................ 15

Gay Lee Einstein, Member-at-Large ....................................................................................................... 15

Carla Pratt Keyes, Ginter Park Church ................................................................................................... 15

Nelson Ould, Richmond Third Church ................................................................................................... 15

Elaine Bowen, Member-at-Large ............................................................................................................ 10

Joel Morgan, Westminster Church, Richmond ....................................................................................... 10

Durk Steed, St. Christopher’s School ...................................................................................................... 10

Joshua Choi, Member-at-Large ............................................................................................................... 5

Scott Crannell, Member-at-Large ........................................................................................................... 5

Kevin Germer, Christ Church ................................................................................................................. 5

Gordon Lindsey, Scottsville Church ....................................................................................................... 5

Jeffrey Lee, New Hanover Church .......................................................................................................... 5

Cheryl Sumner, Montrose Church .......................................................................................................... 5

Glenda Hollingshead, Colonial Heights Church ..................................................................................... 5

Joseph Young, Oak Grove Church .......................................................................................................... 5

Disabled? Maybe.

Handicapped? No.

Talented, Yes!

George Dennehy plays many instruments. Resident of Ashland, attends New Hanover.

By Louis Williams

In Romania, disabled/handicapped people are

viewed as cursed by God and are ostracized by the

people. George Dennehy was born in Romania

with no arms. His parents loved him enough to give

him up for adoption so he could have a better life.

At eight he learned to play the cello with his

feet. At the age of 18 he began to

play and sing in such places as the

Ashland Strawberry Faire. As a

result, George was asked to per-

form with an internationally recog-

nize rock band, The Goo Goo

Dolls.

A Romanian film crew heard

about George through a video on

the internet. They came to the U.S.

to film a local story on George and his family. Now

it is time for George to return to Romania where he

will get to meet his biological parents.

The reporter and film crew hope to change the

hearts of the Romanian people so that they will

value disabled people. This is the purpose of the

trip. George is accompanied by his mother, Sharon

Dennehy and Marti Williams.

In a very simple and non-threatening way

George also shares the gospel of Jesus by explain-

ing that God does not make mistakes and he does

not see himself as a mistake.

George Dennehy

cles of Incorporation for KHISH Proyecto Vi-

sion.

We had the opportunity to attend a meeting of

the Presbytery of Honduras. With translation

help and introductions from Rev. Mark, we

were able to outline our approach in serving the

people of Southern Honduras. The presbytery

includes sixteen churches with lay pastors, all

in Central and Southern Honduras.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity to bear

witness to His healing power!

(Continued from page 1)

Grace Covenant Honduras Trip


The Wood Ministry is one of many community endeavors at Rockfish Presbyteri-an in Nellysford, VA. Started a number of years ago by Ray Koon, men and women gather at the church on Tuesday mornings to split and deliver wood that has been donated to us from sources throughout Nelson County. Sam Alexan-der, current “leader”, coordinates pickups and deliveries. With the help of a split-

ter, a few chain saws, and a lot of questionable backs, Rockfish delivers free firewood to folks who depend on their stoves and fire places for heat during the winter. Sam’s motto is, “No pine, only hard wood for our neigh-bors.” This ministry has been a great opportunity for Rockfish Presbyterian to serve the folks of Nelson County. (center) Julia Jet, fire wood recipient.

ABERDOUR James (Jimmy) Thompson

AMELIA Hazel Clarke,

Margaret Bultje, Harvey Llewellyn

BLUE RIDGE Carol Joyce Chapman,

Susanne Humphlett Raileanu

BON AIR Louise P. Armstrong

BURKEVILLE James Perkins Agnew, II,

Annie Lee Parsons

CAMPBELL MEMORIAL Donald W. Beard, Walter Lee Harding,

Donald Miller, Rodney W. Smith, Jr.

CHARLOTTESVILLE FIRST Karen Lee Kennedy,

Barbara Ann Holmes Stoudt

COLONIAL HEIGHTS Warren Gardner, Byron Haner

GINTER PARK Jack Bell, S. Miller Eason,

Howard Ostergren

FREDERICKSBURG William J. Kinnamon, Jr.

LAKESIDE Robert Lee Hill, David R. S. Peters,

Richard H. Yearwood, Jr.

LAWRENCEVILLE Robert Earl Temple

LOUISA James D. Scharf

MADISON Claire Louise Schmdt Jaenke,

Edward Drank Peterson

MITCHELLS Esther Putnam White

MONTROSE Edward Roger Call

NEW COVENANT Martha Staton

OAK GROVE Martha Missouri Jeffrey Owens

ORANGE Leroy Crowder, Andrew “Skinny” Redmon,

Jeanne Taylor

OVERBROOK Harry Morgan Bluford

PETERSBURG SECOND Roy L. Christian, Kathleen T. Maitland

RICHMOND FIRST William Willis Berry

PROVIDENCE FORGE Daniel Benjamin Ice

RICHMOND FIRST William Willis Berry

RICHMOND SECOND Robert Wright Bedinger, Sr.,

Homer K. Buerlein

RIVER ROAD

Glad N. Applegate,

Edmund Blalock Gibson,

Richard P. James,

Benjamin Rice Lacy, IV,

Dr. J. Gary Maynard, Jr.,

Richard W. Wiltshire

SCOTTSVILLE Walter (Jimmy) Oslin

SOUTH HILL Ann Fitzgerald

SOUTH PLAINS Janet Riddle

ST. ANDREWS Helena Dunkle, Bonnie Shelton,

Patricia Taylor

ST. GILES

C. Aubrey Featherston, Jr.,

Donald O. Phelps, Robert D. Wendell,

John J. Wickstead, Jr.

TUCKAHOE Eileen Honkala, Mary Shumate

VILLAGE Betty Clement, Mary Anne Fisher

WESTMINSTER CHRLOTTESVILLE John Guerrant, Joseph Payne

WESTMINSTER RICHMOND Barbara Rice

WYLLIESBURG Jean Baxley Vaughan

Necrology*

*Ruling and Teaching Elders, September 2011-September 2012

Teaching Elders

Donald G. Dawe Julius S. Garbett

William Samuel Morris Robert W. Ratchford

Leslie Cransford Robinson George B. Telford, Jr.

Robert C. Vaughan, Jr.

Rockfish firewood project


Camp Hanover Celebrates 55 years of Ministry

Labor Day weekend 2012 at Camp Hanover

was a time for celebration. Sixty-plus children

and adults laughed, played, sang together and

worshiped in the woods in Camp Hanover style,

“telling the story” during the fifth annual Family

Camp. Over 200 folks from the “Camp Hanover

Family” travelled from across Virginia and be-

yond to mark the anniversary of 55 years of out-

door ministry taking place at the Camp. The day

was also one of honoring the passion and work of

Bob Pryor, retiring after 22 years of service as

the Camp’s director. Those in attendance were

treated to stirring words and colorful stories

about the history of Camp and the vision of min-

istry for this special place at its inception from

founding Director John Ensign, and had a chance

to meet the new incoming Executive Director,

Doug Walters and his family.

New Executive Director Takes the Reins

Camp Hanover’s new

Executive Director,

Doug Walters, and his

family were introduced

to the Presbytery of the

James at the 82 Stated

meeting of the Presby-

tery that took place at

Chester Presbyterian

Church on Saturday, October 21.

Doug began serving as the Executive Director

on October 1, after he and his family got settled

into the newly renovated Executive Director’s resi-

dence located on the Camp Hanover property near

the entrance. Doug shares that he and his wife

Lynn, and their three children – eight year-old Da-

vid, 6 year-old Joshua, and 2 year-old Kate – are

grateful for the warm welcome they have received

from the camp staff, members of the Camp Hano-

ver Purpose Group, Presbytery staff and other

members of the Presbytery of the James. The ad-

ventures that come with living on-site – hiking the

trails, feeding the chickens, fishing the lake, having

campfires in the woods on cool nights – have been

the high points of the family’s Camp Hanover

experience so far.

Doug is passionate about Presbyterian camp

ministry and brings with him a wealth of experi-

ence and creativity, having served for over a dec-

ade in a variety of leadership roles at various PC

(USA) summer camps and retreat centers. These

sites include Johnsonburg Presbyterian Center in

northern New Jersey, Chesapeake Center in

northeast Maryland, Dogwood Acres in the Flori-

da panhandle, and most recently Ferncliff Camp

& Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Doug has also served multiple terms on the

Board of the Presbyterian Church Camp and

Conference Association.

At the Presbytery Meeting, Doug shared that

he is doing a lot of “listening and learning” in

these early days in his new role, visiting with

past campers and their parents, purpose group

members and pastors, hearing the stories of what

makes Camp Hanover…Camp Hanover. Doug

has been inspired to hear people speak of the rich

spirit of tradition and strong values that are so

integral to this vibrant ministry.

Transformations: Kirkwood IV Updated

ing screen pavilion, into a comfortable, indoor

meeting space now available for year-round usage

by guests visiting Camp Hanover. Spearheading

the effort to revitalize Kirkwood IV gave Camp

Hanover Maintenance Assistant, Jim Marston, an

opportunity to showcase his talents for carpentry.

Along the way, Jim was able to creatively repur-

pose discarded cabinetry and lumber scavenged

from the recent renovations to the Executive Direc-

tor’s residence for new use in the updated building.

The newly insulated building now features

new LP gas heat to keep you warm and toasty on

blustery winter days. New ceiling fans and remov-

able windows keep the air moving when tempera-

tures rise in the summer months. Thanks to the

donation of materials, the costs to update the build-

ing were kept low, and allowed for the additional

lighting to brighten up the space, and the construc-

tion of a small kitchen area with sink, microwave

and refrigerator.

Doug shared at the Presbytery meeting, that

while it was too early in the learning process to

outline his goals for Camp Hanover with any sem-

blance of specificity, his hope was that together

with the churches of the Presbytery, we might look

for new avenues, opportunities and intersections

where Camp Hanover could support the mission

work taking place at the local level, and enhance

the impact and experience of the people each local

congregation is ministering to.

Doug Walters, new Executive Director, Founding director John Ensign and Retiring Director, Bob Pryor.

Old friends and new friends the 5th annual Family Camp over Labor Day weekend.

A handful of talented volunteers and staff

members have transformed Kirkwood IV, an ag-

Jim Marston showcasing his handiwork in the Kirkwood IV kitchen.

Kirkwood IV with new siding and windows becomes a meeting space.

The Vine

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