General Assembly and Family Camp 2015 In Review

June 12, 2015

Written by Elder Michael Elliot

May 26-30 2015 the Covenant Presbyterian Church gathered for its General Assembly and family camp.  We have a Spring meeting which regularly involves a family camp and a Fall phone conference for all the elders; this Spring we continued the tradition, enjoying the beautiful setting and facilities at Hidden Acres Christian Center near Dayton, Iowa.

This was one of the largest such gatherings with 60 families and 320 individuals in attendance.  Folks came from coast-to-coast with all 14 CPC churches represented along with visitors from outside the denomination and a representative from a recognized group of churches from Myanmar.

Being a General Assembly (gathering of the representatives of each local congregation) a key focus was business meetings related to the needs of the church.  And being a family camp, there was a healthy mix of fun and relaxation as well.

Three and a half days were devoted to the elders’ business sessions; this included examination of an elder candidate, reports from each church, discussions on topics affecting the whole church such as military service and church incorporation, and presentations from affiliated missions organizations.

The elder candidate, Carl Provost, was recommended by the Credentials Committee and passed his examination with the presbyters.  July 15 he will be ordained to serve Crown and Covenant Presbyterian Church, Conroe, Texas.

The report of churches was an encouraging time in which one elder from each congregation as well as evangelists serving in California and Quebec shared news of the Lord’s work among them.  This was followed by prayer for the church by another elder.  In turn, we heard from all the churches & evangelists and each elder beseeched the Lord’s mercies for their brother and his flock.

The meat of the elders’ work transpired Thursday.  Numerous guests observed the proceedings as the Presbytery adopted revisions to the constitution which strengthened language protecting our sons and daughters from being conscripted into military service in times of unjust war. Presbytery also approved a motion clarifying the definition of statism regarding the church. It has been our aim to live in such a way as to recognize Christ the king of His church, maintain the freedom of pastors to bring God’s word to bear in all areas of life (including politics and legislation), and allow the Bible to determine our polity instead of state codes.

Pastor Naing Thang from Myanmar gave a presentation about the progress of the gospel in his country.  They have been greatly blessed by donations from CPC churches and others which enabled them to purchase a truck this year which has facilitated travel to outlying areas as well as build a school and a well.  Current projects include building a better facility to house the Bible College and buying seed for crops so the mission work can be self-funded. For more information on the ongoing work in Myanmar please visit www.MissionToMyanmar.com.

While the elders labored in their meetings the other attendees enjoyed the full variety of Camp activities: horseback riding, paddle boats, canoes, ultimate Frisbee, and a well equipped recreation center with ping pong, foosball, volleyball, dodgeball, and a swimming pool.  The comfortable dining facilities with above-average camp food ensured a relaxing atmosphere to refuel and connect with other families.

Each morning began with a Chapel service.  Thursday featured a panel discussion covering topics such as Presbyterian Government and Family Worship, a Ladies Round-table Talk on adoption, and an evening English Country Dance.  Wednesday and Friday evenings we enjoyed a full worship service with preaching by  Elders Phil Kayser of Omaha, NE and George Vander Dussen Elk Grove, CA.

Saturday after breakfast everyone departed for home – heading north, south, east, and west.  “Till we meet again” was an oft-heard exclamation as friends new and old look forward to next May’s gathering hosted by our churches in the Central Valley of California, 2017 in Centerville, TN, and 2018 in Conroe, TX.

Maybe we’ll see you there!!