At the October meeting the Elders voted to change our current term office system for elders and deacons to one of permanent status. In the past, men have been elected to three year terms. In the future, anyone elected will serve permanently as an elder or deacon until such time that he can no longer do so.

Some who have been at Calvary for a few years may remember that this is not the first time the elders have addressed this issue. In the Fall of 1989, the elders presented this to the congregation for its approval. It was passed in that congregational meeting, but the vote was so close that it was deemed best to reconsider the issue and it was tabled.

The elders had presented the proposal then in a spirit of not wanting to run rough shod over the congregation, and because it would be a new system from what had been past practiced. While the elders may have had good intentions then, they now believe they erred by not simply making the change and then doing whatever was necessary to explain why permanent was perceived by them to be more Biblical than the term approach. Our Book of Church Order specifies that the congregation votes on a limited number of items, that the Church is more properly led by elders who Christ has raised up to lead and not by the will of a majority. Our congregation votes on officers, the number it wants to elect, the salary and benefits of its pastors, and issues relating to the buying and selling of property. Your elders believe that issues such as to whether or not officers will serve terms or be permanent is something more properly decided by the elders in their leadership responsibility.

All current officers will complete the term to which they were elected and will then have to be elected again by the congregation to serve in this new permanent status.

John Murray in Vol. 2 of Collected Writings of John Murray (p. 351 - 356) gives a concise explanation. His explanation is particularly addressed to elders, but applies in principle to the office of deacon as well.

It is quite obvious that the qualifications for eldership are well defined in the New Testament (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; cf. Acts 20:28-35). The qualifications are of a high order, and they imply that the person possessing them is endowed with them by the Holy Spirit and by Christ the head of the church. The implication is that the person thus qualified is invested with these gifts and graces to the end that he may serve the church of Christ in that capacity for which these endowments fit him. There are diversities of gifts in the church of God, and the gifts possessed dictate the function or functions which each person is to perform in the unity of the whole body. Now the gifts for eldership are not of a temporary character. If a person possesses them, the implication is that he permanently possess them. Sadly enough he may through unfaithfulness lose them. But when a man possesses them we must proceed upon the assumption that he is going to prove faithful, and we may not entertain any suspicion to the effect that he is going to prove unfaithful. The simple fact is that when a man possesses certain endowments which qualify him for eldership, we must proceed on the assumption that they are abiding, and permanently qualify him for the discharge of the functions of the office.

When the congregation elects a man to the office of elder, and when the session ordains him to the office, both the congregation and the session must be convinced that he is possessed of these qualifications. When they act otherwise they violate the New Testament institution. But this judgment on the part of congregation and session involves more than the conviction that he is possessed of these qualifications; it is also judgment to the effect that, by reason of the gifts with which he is endowed, Christ the head of the church, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in the church, are calling this man to the exercise of this sacred office. In other words, the congregation and session ought to recognize themselves as merely the instruments through which the call of Christ and of his Spirit comes to effect. The Church is acting ministerially in doing the will of Christ. The word of Paul to the elders of Ephesus is surely relevant to this fact: 'Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to shepherd the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28).

When these two facts are co-ordinated, namely, the permanency of the gifts which qualify for the office, and the judgment of the church that Christ is calling this man to the exercise of the office, it seems to me quite inconsistent with all that is implicit in the judgment and action of the church, for the person in question to be ordained and installed in the office for a limited term.

It is true that we sometimes speak of ordination being for life, that even though a man is not actively serving in the office for which he is ordained he is still an elder or deacon. In principle this is true, but often not in practice. For instance, in practice he is not shepherding a portion of congregational families as are other elders, he isn't wrestling issues with other deacons in need cases that have arisen, etc.

The reason other churches adopt the term approach is based on both good and poor reasoning. A good reason is not overworking a man, allowing him time to rest between terms. because of the demands of the office. But unfortunately, too often the term approach has been favored because it gets "new blood" in office, or is a good way to get rid of an officer who isn't doing his job.

Under the permanent approach a man who is overwhelmed still can be given time off. We've done this even within the term system. We've had men who had family obligations that were given time off within the three year term to which they were elected. As for "new blood", nothing prevents these men from being elected and serving. As for the officer who will not fulfill his responsibility, to use terms of office as a backdoor approach to church discipline is most unloving to him and dishonoring to Christ. Officers in disobedience must be humbly confronted. Our Book of Church Order speaks to this, but even more so does the Bible.

My experience has been that the term approach has been appreciated for commendable reasons in our church by both officers and the congregation. Officers have enjoyed seeing an end to their term, not being over-committed and, they liked to lead people who want them as their officers, so a vote of confidence feels good. Congregations think things are fine now, but aren't so sure they will be four years down the road and in an effort to maintain strength they don't want to commit too far into the future, they see themselves with a responsibility to elect various terms as in state and national elections, to see how things go and if they need to make corrections later.

But both officers and congregations err when they reason this way. Officers need to realize that their term is "life" and the plain truth is that those who lead God's people aren't always going to be popular with those whom they are called to lead. Remember how Moses was out of favor with the Israelites or Paul with Christians at Corinth. We all enjoy being liked but being an officer isn't a popularity contest. Officers are to serve because they are called, not because they are liked. Here is the tragedy of what can happen in the term approach. I've seen faithful officers carry out their responsibility before God which was unpopular with certain families in the congregation and when it came election time they were not re-elected. The Lord didn't take away their gifts and calling, but popular opinion attempted to do so. If the officer was truly in error he should have come under the proper procedure of discipline as spelled out in Scripture.

Likewise, congregations must understand that their responsibility is limited to acknowledging those God has raised up to shepherd the Church. Elders are the primary guards over the church, not the congregation. The Church is not a democracy where men are elected representing various interests and carrying out the will of the voters. God forbid! The Church's head is Christ, His officers lead on His behalf, according to His will, and in service to the people of God. Service to God's people does not equal doing the will of the people.

Some elected under this permanent system will still have occasion to leave office. Some will take time off for rest, others may come under conviction they were never called in the first place, some may move to another location, and some may leave to be a part of the church in glory. Sadly some officers, as Paul warns, may even renounce the faith or have to come under discipline for neglecting their responsibility. Should the congregation ever become dissatisfied with an officer there is provision in our Book of Church Order for him to be removed.

For peace of mind for any who fear this change, allow me to encourage you with what it is that we enjoy in this congregation. I have seen officers, especially elders, examined here more closely than in some presbytery exams. We, as a church, try to practice humble confrontation according to Biblical pattern. I know of no other church that practices our "gentleman's agreement" that anyone elected must receive at least 80% of the vote (not counting abstentions); the Book of Church Order requires a simple majority (51%).

Over the course of the next two months the elders want to encourage you to bring any questions and concerns you may have to our attention. You may speak with us informally or contact me and I will set a time when you may address us as a group at a regular meeting in November or December.

May God bless us all to do His will to the glory of Christ as King and Head of the Church.

The Reformation grew out of an era that was strongly dependant on the sinner showing his outward sorrow for sin as manifested in various acts of penance or extra giving to the church. This is a fitting time to re-examine the aspects of true repentance as we celebrate Reformation Day (Luther nailed his 95 Theses up on October 31, 1517). Repentance is also a necessary study because of the "improper relationship" to which President Clinton admitted and his subsequent requests for forgiveness.

As in Luther's day, our culture is increasingly dependent on man's efforts to make moral changes. Encouraged attire for the accused at a court appearance is clean, neat clothing, a nice haircut, and a shaved or properly trimmed beard. I recently read one lawyer's advice to his clients: "Dress as if you are going to church." Such an appearance projects a changed attitude and life. Minimally the jury is tempted to think that this nice looking person's environment waylaid him; he is not to blame. Or perhaps he shares some blame, but his dress and bowed head show his life is ready to go in a different direction.

The Bible teaches that repentance is not a change of clothes. It is an inward turning from sin and turning to God, purposing to walk in the path of obedience. It must begin inwardly. Then it will produce visible fruit.

First, we must note that repentance is a gift from God. It is not an action that man can churn up within himself. Man can produce worldly sorrow because either he got caught, or he regrets the consequences of his behavior. God, alone, gives a sinner godly sorrow (2 Timothy 2:25; Acts 11:18). This sorrow is rooted in seeing the stench of one's sins, and that those sins, while they may have been against others, are ultimately against a holy, all-seeing God. Repentant David prays, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight" (Psalm 51:4a).

It is entirely proper to pray that God, if it is His will, would grant lost sinners repentance. At times we may think that the actions of sinners are so awful that we do not care whether they are saved. We may think that God would not save certain people because they are such sinners. Such thinking is too often rooted in our own pride and not in a proper understanding of God's character. No one is such a horrid sinner that God does not have the power to save that person. Our desire should be that sinners be brought to repentance.

The individual must repent of sin. Our sins are far more than "inappropriate activity". The word "sin" (too seldom heard today) brings to our mind God's ethical standard that we have failed to keep. The convicted sinner's immediate desire is cleansing and reconciliation. Broken hearted David expressed this sentiment well: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:2,10).

I cannot imagine David having his lawyers investigate Nathan's life to see what dirt they could make public. Such activity is not the mark of repentance. The penitent will desire to deal with his own sin in honesty and responsibility. There is no reason for excuses. There is an inward desire for a restored relationship - horizontally and vertically.

This desire means asking for forgiveness from those against whom we have sinned. In the midst of repentance our reference to those with whom we have been sinfully involved is not in terms such as "that woman" or "that creep." Instead the repentant will see the person wronged as having really been wronged. The desire is to confront the person, confess the sin, and ask for forgiveness. When a person says he or she has repented one must ask, "Have you gone to those you have wronged and asked for forgiveness?"

Only Christians or those whom the Spirit is regenerating can repent. Remember that repentance is a gift of God. Repentance directly involves our relationship to God -- a fleeing from sin and a fleeing to God.

There must be repentance before forgiveness can be expected. "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him" (Luke 17:3). Note the order of events our Lord sets them forth: if repentance, then forgiveness. Forgiveness flows out of repentance, not out of the blue.

Repentance is personal. The individual who sinned must repent. No one else can repent for that person. Consequences for a sin may last for three or four generations (Exodus 20:5). For example, the children of alcoholics may abuse alcohol. Those children can repent for their own sins. They cannot repent for the sin of their parents.

Repentance also means a desire to flee from that sin (2 Corinthians 7:11). At the very least, this means removing oneself as much as possible from the place of temptation. This may well mean a change of vocation and almost certainly a change of venue. Additional time must be spent with family members in order to restore trust and broken relationships. Where possible, restitution follows repentance. Newly converted Zacchaeus readily saw this. He told Jesus, "...If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold" (Luke 19:8b).

Repentance is not an archaic word. It is vital for the people of any society. Only through true repentance can our relationship with God and others be restored as sin is dealt with in one's own life.

April

• Met with School Board to discuss areas of concern in regard to Calvary Covenant School.
• Discussed long range plans relating to ministry and facilities.
• Discussed possibility of new adopted housing complex for ministry through Operation BreakingThrough.
• Approved Howard Phillips as speaker for Worldview Conference.
• Agreed to allow use of our building for hearing of judicial case for General Assembly.
• Discussed theme of Labor Day Retreat.
• Discussed various shepherding concerns.

May

• Admitted Timothy Moss to the Lord's Table.
• Discussed communication from Deacons relating to church staff and issues of property boundaries.
• Approved Windsor Court Apartments as new community for Operation BreakingThrough ministry.
• Approved bulletin board space for home schooling parents.
• Approved Bill Carr as missionary to support at $1,200 per year.
• Received communications from Women in the Church regarding officers and teachers.
• Received report on recent meeting of presbytery.
• Decided to discontinue using bulletin inserts from the Rutherford Institute and to inform them as to our reasons why.
• Invited Steve Wilkins as pulpit supply for July 12th.
• Affirmed with Calvary Covenant School our desire to see the school grow through the 12th grade.
• Requested school board to develop a six-year financial forecast beginning with the 98-99 school year and report to the Session by May 99. Forecast to include an estimate of true operating cost for school including utilities, classroom space, secretarial help, principal's salary, projected cost of facility and teacher needs as school continues to expand, projected growth rate of students' tuition and contributions, and tentative estimate of financial assistance school might require.

June

• Admitted Cord and Tina Cohee upon transfer of membership from First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Admitted Buster Williams upon transfer of membership from Grace Baptist Church in Watertown, New York.
• Approved a list of teachers for Labor Day Retreat.
• Decided that Calvary Covenant School should seek and plan to be accredited by an accrediting organization, and that a plan for accreditation be submitted by the year 2008.
• Approved three changes to the school's Constitution.
• Received testing reports from the school.
• Elected Ed Moore and Paul Anthony to attend the July 18th meeting of presbytery.

July

• Admitted Steven Doskey to the Lord's Table.
• Acknowledged Roy Pace had joined Kirkwood Presbyterian Church.
• Approved Bill Nikides, MTW missionary, to be new speaker for Labor Day Retreat.
• Conferred with school board regarding recent changes in Constitution.
• Heard report on Worldview Conference growth and gave committee permission to explore the possibility of holding two conferences next year.
• Called a Congregational Meeting to act on boundary line issue.
• Received report on presbytery meeting.

August

• Approved shepherding questions for 1998 shepherding visitation to include the following:

1. Explain how you and your family use Bible study, prayer, and devotions regularly during the week: As a family? As an individual?
2. How would you describe your knowledge and understanding of the Bible? Are there particular areas of the Bible or subjects in which you would like to receive more teaching?
3. (For husbands)
   1. How do you exercise your role as head of the household in leading your wife?
   2. How do you exercise your role in teaching and leading your children?
4. (For wives) How do you support your husband in his role as head of the household?
5. Are there areas of ministry in which you believe you have a calling to serve?
6. What ministry role can you fulfill in welcoming visitors who attend the church?
7. How do you spend the Lord's Day?
8. 1. How do you pray for the ministries of the church?
   2. How should we pray for the missionaries supported by our church?
9. What type of covenant group would you be challenged to be involved in?
10. Are there ways that I, as your elder, can assist your family in your spiritual life?
11. Is there any other matter you would like to discuss?
12. Are you seeking to resolve any offense (that love does not cover) with any particular individual(s)?
• Received Sanda Moldovan upon profession of faith.
• Received Chris and Andrea McClure upon transfer of Chris's membership from Sycamore Reformed Baptist Church in East Moline, Illinois, and Andrea from Edgewood Baptist Church in Edgewood, Indiana.
• Received Bentley and Debbi Rayburn together with their son, Micah, upon transfer of their letter from Spring Meadows PCA Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Received Cassandra and Carrissa Rayburn upon profession of their faith in Jesus Christ.
• Received Amy Campbell upon transfer of her membership from Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church in Suffolk, Virginia.
• Received Eric and Irene High upon transfer of their membership from Calvary Baptist Church in Heidelberg, Germany.
• Transferred Richard and Jaime Wilmoth to Bethel Presbyterian Church in Clover, South Carolina.
• Deacon communications - Received copy of letter for general distribution regarding use of our facilities.
• Approved Deacons' request for special medical need for a member of the congregation.
• Approved Ed Moore and Sam Derr to attend the next meeting of presbytery.
• Adopted the following statement regarding teaching materials for covenant groups and other study groups of the church: The Session expects all teachers using any material other than Holy Scripture to carefully evaluate the material and clearly point out the interpretive contextual errors present, if any. The fact that materials are approved by the Session for use in covenant groups at CRPC should not be construed as a full-fledged endorsement of everything contained in them.

September

• Received Terry Mixer and daughters, Amber, Carrie and Ashley Hitchens, and son, David Hitchens, upon reaffirmation of their faith in Jesus Christ.
• Received Baron and Jaime Reinhold upon transfer of their membership from Ortega Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Received quarterly school board report from school board chairman.
• Approved mission committee recommendation of trip to either Belize or Jamaica next summer.
• Decided to proceed with nominations for church officers through October 31st.
• Received and approved 1999-2000 Sunday School schedule.

October

• Received Mary Seufert upon transfer of her membership from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, Tennessee.
• Decided to move from term to permanent status for officers beginning with the next election of officers. Those elders and deacons currently serving must finish their terms prior to being elected to any permanent status.
• Approved having a Christmas Eve service this year and Good Friday service next year.
• Approved recommendation from missions committee that youth must be at least 15 years old during the calendar year in which a missions trip is taken and that requests for any exceptions to this policy would be considered on an individual basis by the missions committee.
• Approved school board recommendation that Paul Anthony be added to the school board.
• Elected Joe Sawanowich to serve on budget committee.
• Approved Snyders to replace Hughes in working with teens.
• Approved deacon recommendation of Giles Cutler to replace Tim Tonkovic as Church Financial Officer.
• Received report from recent meeting of presbytery.
• Heard report on various items from Deacons minutes that they have under consideration.
• Established March 2, 1999 as Sessional planning meeting and report time for shepherding visits.

Backyard Bible Clubs
by Kyle A. Sorensen

Nearly 50 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 12, learned about the love God has for his children at two Backyard Bible Clubs sponsored by CRPC this past summer. Each week was organized around the theme of God's "Wonderful Words of Life". Churched and unchurched children sang praises to God, heard five different lessons from the ministry of Christ, listened to a missionary story from Mexico, and memorized five Bible verses. Every child was given a personalized folder with five activity pages to help them remember that day's memory verse. Most of the children were receptive and loved to ask questions as they learned.

A few youth and adults from our church volunteered their time, talents, and backyards, making these Bible Clubs possible. The first Bible Club was held in the Windsor Court apartment complex, our new Operation Breaking Through ministry. Several parents visited the Bible Club and expressed interest in a more permanent Bible study program, both for children and adults. The second Bible Club was held in the backyard of the Livingstone's, serving children inside and outside our church who live in that neighborhood.

Several families in our church are interested in hosting future Bible Clubs. Hosting a Bible Club is an opportunity to share God's love and grace to families in our own neighborhoods who greatly need a church home.

Current OBT Bible Club
by Judy Snyder

Elementary school age children from Windsor Courts Apartments are meeting for a study of Hebrews 11 on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We have had three meetings so far with an average attendance of 10 children.

The children who attend vary, as does their knowledge of the Bible. When one boy was invited to come to the study, he hesitated and exclaimed, "We aren't going to study the Bible, are we?" He came anyway and appeared to be captivated by what was taught.

Some of the comments and questions we have heard are noteworthy. When I was teaching on Genesis and creation, one child asked if I was in the Garden of Eden! On another occasion, I mentioned pain of childbirth for women as a consequence of the Fall. When I asked if anyone knew what the consequence was for men, one child promptly said, "They have to pay child support". Such is the world in which these children live -- a world that affords a wonderful opportunity for ministry.

Please pray for Joshua Hurst and me, that we would accurately teach God's Word with much wisdom, and that we would demonstrate His love. Also pray for open hearts and good attendance.

Bryan Kroll was graduated in June. He is currently attending Thomas Nelson Community College and is pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Sarah Hughes was graduated from Denbigh Baptist Christian School in May and is attending Christopher Newport University. She will major in English and plans a career in Elementary Education.

Katherine Hurst was graduated from Denbigh Baptist Christian School in May. She is attending Virginia Tech and is majoring in Elementary Education.

Mariah Rayburn was graduated from Northridge High School in Utah and is now attending Covenant College.

Cynthia Rush was graduated from Christopher Newport University with a major in Governmental Administration.

Conner Chrisman was born May 6 weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. God bless you Rick and Kelly.

Nathanael Joseph High was born September 22 weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and was 20 inches long. Congratulations Eric, Irene, Hosanna, & Elijah.

Claira Elisabeth Moss was born April 21 weighing 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 19 ½ inches long. We rejoice with Marc, Dona, Joseph, Christopher, Timothy, Andrew, and Kirklan.

Caleb Hurst and Angela Bernyf were married August 15 and now reside in Newport News.

Jennifer Newsom and Andrew Csontos were married July 25 and now live in Alexandria, VA.