Retirement of Rev E A Rayner, Grafton
With a profound sense of regret, the Australia and New Zealand Presbytery has accepted the resignation of the Rev E A Rayner from the pastoral charge of the Grafton congregation. Mr Rayner cited his advanced age and ill health as reasons for his retirement and assured the Presbytery that this decision had been taken after consultation and much prayerful thought. Several present at the Presbytery meeting spoke of their thankfulness for his ministry in Grafton and throughout the Presbytery since 1976. His sole previous charge was Aberdeen. In accepting his resignation, the Presbytery wished him and Mrs Rayner the Lord’s blessing in his retirement.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Ps 126:5-6).
Rev G B Macdonald, Clerk, Australia and New Zealand Presbytery
Day of Humiliation and Prayer
The Synod has appointed a Day of Humiliation and Prayer to be held in all the congregations of the Church on Wednesday, December 5, on account of our urgent need that God would mercifully intervene to halt the rapid moral and spiritual decline in Christendom, and graciously fulfil His promise, “When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer” (Ps 103:15,17).
Closure of Sengera Mission Station
Following the resignation of Rev K M Watkins from the Kenya Mission, the Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee decided that the Sengera Mission, Kenya, be closed on the completion of Mr Watkins’ contract on 31 October 2012. Mr and Mrs Watkins have left Kenya, but endeavours continue to be made with the Government in Kenya to organise an orderly withdrawal. We very much regret that our mission work in Sengera has come to an end, but this appears to be the will of a sovereign Lord. The desire and prayer of the Committee is that the pure worship of God will continue there. The Committee wish to thank all the supporters of the work in Kenya for their prayers and other help over the years. “My word . . . that goeth forth out of My mouth . . . shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Is 55:11).
(Rev) James R Tallach, Clerk to the Committee
Outreach Fund
By appointment of Synod, the special collection on behalf of the Outreach Fund, is due to be taken in congregations during November.
W Campbell, General Treasurer