Jon Norton, Executive Pastor of The Synod of New York, to which our church belongs,  recently visited St Croix and posted some notes about our church and the St. Thomas church in his newsletter to the Synod.

I’ve excerpted some of his comments here:

REGIONAL SYNOD OF NEW YORK
SECOND WEDNESDAY NEWS
February 2010

REGIONAL SYNOD WEBSITE IS UP and RUNNING…The address is http://www.nysynod.com.  It contains the latest news and events, columns, prayer chapel, picture gallery, media player, and even your local classis pages.

NOTES FROM the CARIBBEAN…

            The churches of the Regional Synod have responded generously to the Haiti relief effort. In addition to monetary gifts, other churches have been working at uniting orphaned children with their families here in the States. Many are assembling cleaning kits, baby kits, school kits and personal hygiene kits.  Thank You All  for your generosity and your prayers!

            I was supposed to have been in the delegation from the RCA that was in Port Au Prince when the earthquake struck.  I would have been in the house with Rev. James Seawood, current General Synod President and pastor of Brighton Heights Reformed Church, Staten Island, when it collapsed.  Because I went to St. Thomas for their 350^th Anniversary celebrations, I missed the Haiti trip.

            More than 350 people came for the 350^th celebrations at St. Thomas.  The church was packed and the balcony filled.  There were 5 preachers, most of whom stayed within their 5 minute time limit.  There was lots of music, lots of smiles and lots of happy remembrances.  It was a day of rejoicing!  In addition to the anniversary celebrations, the church family is excited about their call to the Rev. Jeffrey Neevel to be their new pastor.  Jeff has been a very effective associate pastor for a while and is moving quickly into the hearts of the people and the many effective ministries of the church within the community.

            Rev. Rodney Koopmans is the pastor of the church at St. Croix.  They have a very lively Jazz vespers that meets on a regular basis.  As a co-sponsor of an ecumenical feeding program, the needs of some of those in financial crisis on the island are met. 

The St Croix church also houses a school for challenged children founded and run by Janie Koopmans.  It is one of only a very few such schools in the whole Caribbean.  They have a waiting list of children wanting to attend.  As always finances are a challenge; contributions would be welcome.

            We can be proud of our two churches in the Caribbean and their ministries.  We can be proud of the work we are doing to help found the Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic.  All these churches are growing in numbers as they minister in the name of Jesus Christ.

 –Jon Norton, RSNY Executive Minister

OPENING DOORS TO DISCIPLESHIP…Online training program equips educators…

Go to the website: www.openingdoorstodiscipleship.com.  You will need to register first, then log in.  The RCA denominational code 59315 is needed to register. If you have questions or need help, please contact Kathy Dykhuis (kdykhuis@rca.org).

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