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17 ANNUAL CONVOCATION of the Evangelical Association of Reformed & Congregational Christian Churches

Reinholds, PA

September 18-20, 2015

CONVOCATION 2015 “Be Strong and Courageous!”

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9) Welcome to Convocation 2015! On behalf of Swamp Christian Fellowship, I want to extend our heart-felt greetings. We are excited to have you come to worship and fellowship with us at the 17 th Annual Convocation of the Evangelical Association. Much like past convocations, we are looking forward to inspiring speakers, educational workshops, uplifting worship and the strengthening of friendships. I invite you to pray for this event, especially for the keynote speakers and workshop leaders. In the pages to follow there is biographical information on our speakers and a brief description for each of the workshops. We are grateful to each of these persons who will help us explore this year’s theme, “Be Strong and Courageous.” This phrase is found at least 11 times in the scriptures. They are words of encouragement. Moses spoke them to Israel and to Joshua. The Lord spoke them directly to Joshua. Three tribes of Israel spoke them back to Joshua. Joshua spoke them to his army. David spoke these words to Solomon in building the temple. Hezekiah spoke these words to his warriors in defending Judah. In every case, these words were spoken at a time when danger loomed on the horizon, enemies were to be confronted and great challenges were to be undertaken. It is my prayer that as you hear these words spoken at Convocation, you will receive strength and courage from the Lord. May the power of God fall upon you, causing you to rise up against every enemy of the Gospel, to overcome every challenge in ministry and to boldly confront the dangers of a changing and hostile culture. Glory to God and blessing to you. I look forward to being your host in September. Pastor Craig Snow

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and SERVICES Thursday, September 17 9:00AM – 5:00PM

EA Board of Directors

Friday, September 18 8:00AM – 8:00AM – 9:00AM 9:00AM – 11:00AM 11:00AM – 2:00PM 2:00PM – 4:00PM 4:00PM – 5:30PM 5:30PM – 6:30PM 7:00PM – 8:00PM 8:30PM

Registration Continental Breakfast Speaker: Larry Kreider Free time Speaker: Sam Rohrer Free Time Dinner Worship – Speaker: Terri Roberts Fellowship

Saturday, September 19 8:00AM – Registration 8:00AM - 9:00AM Continental Breakfast 9:00AM – 10:30AM Worship - Speakers: Steve Lapp and Jacob Lapp 10:45AM – 11:45AM Workshop Session #1 12:00PM – 1:15PM Lunch 1:30PM – 2:30PM Workshop Session #2 2:30PM – 3:00PM Break 3:00PM – 4:00PM Workshop Session#3 5:00PM – 6:00PM Dinner 7:00PM – 8:30PM Worship Speaker: Representative Rick Saccone

Sunday, September 20 9:00AM – 10:15AM Worship Speaker: Jim Barnes 10:15AM – 10:30AM Hospitality 10:30AM – 11:30AM Sunday School NURSERY IS AVAILABE ONLY ON SUNDAY DURING WORSHIP. NOTE FOR WORKSHOP LEADERS: Each workshop is scheduled for one hour, but if more time is needed feel free to use a part of the break time afterwards.

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Courageous Speakers Larry Kreider, after serving as senior pastor of a church in Pennsylvania for 15 years, currently serves as International Director of DOVE Christian Fellowship International, a network of churches scattered throughout six continents. He is a featured speaker at conferences throughout the United States and internationally, and travels extensively to train Christian leaders worldwide. Larry has written more than 30 books, including the Biblical Foundation Series in English and Spanish, Authentic Spiritual Mentoring, Starting a House Church, Speak Lord! I’m Listening, House to House, 21 Tests of Effective Leadership and Building Your Personal House of Prayer. Over 500,000 of his books have been sold and translated into over ten languages. Larry and his wife, LaVerne, have been married 43 years, have four children, four grandchildren and live in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

After a week of revival meetings at his church, seven year old Sam Rohrer recognized his need for a Savior. With his dad’s guidance, he put his faith in Christ that night. Motivated by his mother to choose Biblical heroes, Sam was drawn to Joseph and Daniel. Perhaps his admiration for those two men caused him to wonder if he might someday preach or enter the political field. After majoring in Business and graduating from Bob Jones University in 1977, he worked in the business world for 15 years. In 1992, God redirected Sam’s steps into state government. For the next 18 years, he served as a State Representative in Harrisburg. Being an elected official also opened up possibilities for him to share his testimony and to preach in many churches across the state. As a minister of God in government, Sam developed empathy for the similar challenges faced by pastors in the pulpit. In June of 2012, Sam was chosen to lead the Pennsylvania Pastors Network. Uniting his experience in public policy and his love for pastors, he encourages pastors to boldly preach Biblical Truth, especially on issues affecting our current society. In July of 2013, the inception of the American Pastors Network enabled the creation of new state chapters and a nationwide voice for Truth in the public square. Sam now serves as President of both Pennsylvania and American Pastors Networks. Sam and Ruth Ann have been married for 36 years and are parents of six children and grandparents of eight. They have homeschooled their children for 23 years and are active members of their local church.

Terri Roberts — Terri Roberts has lived just south of Strasburg, PA for the past 25 years, as wife of Chuck for 45 years, mother of four sons, and as a grandmother of 11, including 2 step-grandchildren. She is a member of Living Faith Church of God. She has survived serious illness and adheres, as a result, to an admirably rigorous diet. Hers was a relatively quiet life until eight years ago, when an unthinkable tragedy in her community, a tragedy for which one of her beloved sons was responsible, propelled Terri into the public’s eye. In 2015 Terri finds herself with another “Bump in the Road.” She describes herself as one who has walked through circumstances beyond her own ability to cope yet has found strength and even joy along the way. Hers is a message of God’s grace given and received and the mountains it can move. Her book “Forgiveness” The Amish School Shooting, A Mother’s Love and a Story of Remarkable Grace, will be available in the Fall of 2015. 4

Courageous Speakers Steve Lapp grew up in Lancaster County, PA as a member of the Old Order Amish church. After a farming accident in 1999, he learned about the healing power of God. While studying the human body, Steve realized that a lot of the reason that people don't heal in the physical often has a spiritual or emotional root attached to it. Steve along with his brother, Jacob, have been working together in the field of emotional healing and have walked the journey together as a team. Steve and Jacob Lapp have been studying emotional healing for more than 12 years and have seen tremendous breakthroughs in helping people find freedom in many areas of their lives. The Lapp Brothers are also involved in international mission/ reconciliation work in Iraq, Israel, Switzerland, France and Germany. In September and again in December 2014, Steve and Jake were involved with a team that was in Iraq. They were ministering to the refugees who were fleeing from ISIS, as well as, government officials. In October, David was involved with a team that was putting plastic on unfinished houses and helping to winterize a village where approximately 5,000 refugees had fled to. Through the Nickel Mines school shooting in 2006, God has opened up tremendous opportunity to minister to and disciple the Kurdish region of Iraq. Dr. Rick Saccone was elected to serve the people of Washington and Allegheny counties in November 2010. He served our country for more than a decade as a United States Air Force Counterintelligence and Special Agent conducting felony, criminal, fraud and counterintelligence investigations and operations worldwide including the counterterrorism task force for the 1984 Olympics in LA and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. After retiring from the USAF, Dr. Saccone remained in South Korea to work as a TV news anchor and later moved on to work in international business for several corporations operating in South Korea and Central America. He later became a representative for an international organization implementing the Agreed Framework with North Korea. As the only American citizen living in North Korea during this time, Dr. Saccone gained invaluable diplomatic experience working and successfully negotiating with international officials to build nuclear power plants. Returning to the U.S. to complete his PhD at the University of Pittsburgh, Rick became a full-time Professor at Saint Vincent College teaching Political Science, Government, International Business and other international courses. When America went to war with Iraq, Rick volunteered for an assignment to the U.S. Army as a civilian. He served in Baghdad and in the hotspot of Mosul as a Senior Counterintelligence Agent responsible for identifying, capturing and interrogating insurgents. After returning to the United States and Saint Vincent College, Dr. Saccone embarked on a Fulbright- Hayes summer scholarship to Egypt studying Islam, history and politics, and, most recently, an education and research scholarship to Africa. Rick has traveled to 72 countries; contributed numerous articles on international politics, business and culture to top national and international newspapers such as USA Today, the Baltimore Sun and the Korea Times, and authored seven books on North and South Korea and one on Iraq. His ninth book was released in 2013 and chronicles the faith convictions of our nation's founders and how they understood the relationship of God and government. Rick resides in Elizabeth Township with his wife, Yong. Married for 36 years they are the proud parents of two sons, Nick and Matthew, both of whom are USAF officers. The Rev. Jim Barnes has served as National Minister of the Evangelical Association since October 2009. Before becoming full-time with the association in 2012, he worked for twenty-one years as the Senior Pastor at Bethesda Evangelical Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout his ministry career, Pastor Jim has been very involved in church renewal and has served on the Board of Directors of both the Biblical Witness Fellowship and the Evangelical Association, two groups seeking to provide options for Bible-believing churches and pastors within the Evangelical, Reformed, Congregational and Christian traditions. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California and currently resides in St. Louis with his wife Patti. 5

WORKSHOP SESSIONS Session 1 10:45-11:45am 1.1 Communication: “Nothing is so simple that it cannot be misunderstood” Freeman Teague, Jr, Laura Kiefer & Carol Musser Ever have times when you feel not heard, misunderstood, or alone in your marriage? It has been said that “If love is the heart of our marriages, then communication is the lifeblood.” This session will explore communication to encourage and enrich intimacy and connection in marriage.

1.2 Developing Leadership in the Local Church

Pat Novak

This workshop will briefly discuss the Pauline model for developing leadership within the local church. It will also provide some resources for use in developing leadership.

1.3 Healing Prayer Workshop

Dorinda Kaylor

This workshop will explore the compassion, humility, pure heart and spiritual authority needed to bring healing and deliverance to hurting people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Drawing upon prophetic gifts and the Word of God, it will discuss how to get at root issues using a team approach.

1.4 Understanding Ritual Abuse / Dissociative Identity Disorder

Roberta Dimick

The purpose of this workshop is to raise awareness, increase understanding of RA/DID and to inform people of the prevalence of RA/DID.

1.5 Precept Inductive Bible Studies

Joe & Nancy Calkins

Practical discussion on implementing a successful, ongoing Bible study for your congregation, as well as drawing in outsiders. Participants learn to discover the truths of God’s Word for themselves, using the Bible as their primary source instead of just relying on commentaries. Dr. Joe and Nancy Calkins have done this kind of team teachingleading for the past 16 years. They are absolutely convinced that there is no better way to become grounded in the Word on a daily basis, whether you are a teen or an adult.

1.6 Revelation: A Deeper Understanding of Jesus' Letters to the Churches

Krista Keisling

Take a trip to the ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, all in Turkey, in order to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' letters to these churches. Based on my personal experience and pictures, we will discuss what these letters said to their original readers and how these letters might apply to our churches today. Might Jesus be saying the same things to us today? (also offered session 3)

1.7

Evangelism: When Sharing Comes Naturally

Stan Hankins

Each believer in Christ has a story to tell! Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ need not be awkward or better left to professionals. This overview will encourage, equip, and empower Christians to let their light shine in the normal course of life. Areas of consideration include: Motivation for the Imperative of Evangelism, Manner of Lifestyle Evangelism and Methods for Natural Evangelism. (also offered session 3)

1.8 Boldly Preach Biblical Truth

Sam Rohrer

You will be encouraged to boldly preach Biblical Truth, especially on issues affecting our current society.

1.9 Reaching Youth in Your Community Rod Redcay Youth Outreach – Rod Redcay is the Executive Director of REAL Youth Ministry in Denver, PA. In this workshop, he will share time tested ways to reach out to young people in your community. How do I create and grow a youth ministry at my church? What is a para-church ministry and why are they important in youth ministry? Understanding the pros and cons of a church youth group. What are ways to be youth relevant in the 21st Century? What do the terms post-modern, Millennials, Gen X,Y, & Z mean (the different types of generations)? How do I connect with youth in a digital age? How can I connect with students at the public school? 6

WORKSHOP SESSIONS Session 2 1:30 – 2:30pm 2.1… Ape Men, Cave Men, and the Flintstones Part 1: "Bones Don't Lie; Or Do They?"

Russ Hepler

What is the truth about all of the supposed “missing link” Hominid bones that have been found? Was “Lucy” an “ape woman” or just an ape? How can we tell the difference between apes and human bones? What are some of the “missing link” frauds of the past and the present? Do you have Neanderthals living next to you? Come and find out the answers to these and more questions about human origins. (part 2 offered in session 3)

2.2… Living in Freedom Eternally

Robert Schaeffer

It is becoming increasingly difficult in our society to speak out against the condition of homosexuality. Yet the Bible speaks concisely and convincingly against homosexual practice as unnatural and idolatrous, and offers solid evidence that total freedom is possible. This seminar will offer a reasonable defense of the Biblical position, and will explain the emotional and developmental roots of same-sex attraction.

2.3… Transforming a Nation One Child at a Time

Rick Monyer

A vivid look at how God has transformed a small village in Kenya, Africa using a small town preacher who refused to accept reality over what God told him. 2.4… Christians Trapped Between Secularists and Jihadists:

Living and Ministering in a Godless Society

Daryl Higgins

This hard-hitting, politically incorrect workshop will examine the societal and cultural effects, over the past several decades, of secular progressivism that has permeated all of our culture and society, not only in America but throughout the world. Discover why a Biblical worldview is the only way to understand our increasingly pagan culture, and the rise of radical Islam and Jihadist rhetoric and actions in the world today. This workshop will sound a clarion call for all Christians to stand up, and proudly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord of all the universe, and actively push back against the forward march of statism and secularism in America today.

2.5… SCORE International

John Zeller

As executive director of SCORE, John travels extensively speaking about SCORE and ministering through sports outreach among athletes. In addition to his duties with SCORE, he is the Chaplain to the New York Yankees. Come hear about getting involved with SCORE!

2.6… Short-term Missions: How you can be involved?

Tim Johnston

Tim Johnston, executive director of “Friends In Action International” will present.

2.7… SPEAR—encouraging spiritual, physical, emotional and relational health for Pastors and their families PastorCare Network Clergy The gyroscope of pastoral ministry can quickly whirl out-of-balance when caring for others becomes priority over caring for ourselves and our family. This clergy workshop will offer resources as well as interactive collegial connection to encourage significant investment in healthy personal journey.

2.8… The Mission Field is on Your Doorstep

Ben & Cathy Bidelspach

Learn how you can be involved in sharing the love of Christ with internationals who are studying in a university near you. Ben & Cathy Bidelspach have seen God work in the hearts of hundreds of Chinese students, visiting scholars and their families during the 14 years they served with China Outreach Ministries (COM) at Penn State University. For the past 5 years they have been serving as COM's Campus Ministry Coaches training new COM staff on campuses throughout the United States.

2.9… Confident Prayer

Katie McClelland

James said, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…” (James 4:2-4) Many people today believe that the miracles we read about in the Bible happened only in the 1st Century – don’t put God in a box! Learn to listen for God’s voice to guide your prayers. Discover what hinders the Holy Spirit from flowing in your prayer ministry. Practical ministry time to follow as we practice what we’ve discussed. 7

WORKSHOP SESSIONS Session 3 3:00 – 4:00pm 3.1… Discipleship in the Local Church

Pat Novak

This workshop will discuss the insights of the "Disciple Making Movement" and how to guide a traditional church toward the process of making disciples. This will be especially helpful for "turnaround pastors" who are called to move a church in a new direction. We will explore the definition of a disciple, analyze our own churches in light of this definition and discuss how to get from "here" to "there."

3.2… Ape Men, Cave Men, and the Flintstones Part 2: "Stupid Cave Men, Really?"

Russ Hepler

What does the Bible teach about human history, intelligence and technology? Were there really “cave men”? Why do we find amazing ancient architecture all over the world? Does the Tower of Babel explain the world of people we see today? Why are there “Great Flood” stories from all over the world? Come and find out the answers to these and more questions about the ancient world.

3.3… Revelation: A Deeper Understanding of Jesus' Letters to the Churches

Krista Keisling

Please see course description under Session 1.6

3.4… Prison Ministry - Why, Where, When, and How

Gene Zeller

A brief summary of prison ministry, what is involved and the different aspects of this ministry. 3.5… Living as Noah in a Jonah World John Toms As the difficulties of living as a Christian witness in a deceptional society increases, this workshop will focus on God's message of hope, love, grace and salvation in a world that doesn't want to consider such a worldview valid.

3.6… How does poverty affect the church?

Dorothea Miller

What affects does poverty have on the church and its congregation? How to combat its effects in the church and your community.

3.7… Christians Trapped Between Secularists and Jihadists. Living and Ministering in a Godless Society

Daryl Higgins

Please see course description under Session 2.4

3.8… Evangelism: When Sharing Comes Naturally

Stan Hankins

Please see course description under Session 1.7

3.9 “Like a Mighty Army Moves the Church of God”

Jim Barnes

Although the prevailing opinion in many congregations is that it is best to be "independent," there is still great value in being "connected" through a network of like-minded congregations and clergy. In this workshop we will explore the history and ministry of the Evangelical Association as we discuss the ways in which being part of an association can encourage believers in the work of Kingdom advancement. This workshop, led by our National Minister, is particularly useful for newcomers to the Evangelical Association who want to learn more about the group.

****Please be aware that the speakers and presenters at EARCCC events come from a variety of traditions. There may be differences in points of theology, polity, and application. Each of our speakers and presenters shares with us a common passion for Jesus Christ, the authoritative Scripture, and the work of advancing the kingdom. (Board of Directors, Evangelical Association, approved March 8, 2013)*****

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ABOUT THE AREA If you have the opportunity and will be taking a few extra days in our beautiful area, we want to take this opportunity to share some attractions and points of interest. Swamp Christian Fellowship is located in Reinholds, we are equal distance between Reading and Lancaster in the heart of “Amish Country.” We are 65 miles from Philadelphia, 50 miles from Harrisburg, 110 miles from Baltimore/Washington International airport, 50 miles from Valley Forge and for the Chocolate Lover – only 30 miles from Hershey, PA! Our area Community Fair will be held the week of September 15-19. It is located 5 miles from the church. The Fair includes animals, farm equipment displays, FOOD, rides and free entertainment. Area Attractions: Historic Ephrata Cloister – 9 miles Hershey Chocolate World / HersheyPark / ZooAmerica – 30 miles Lititz – The Coolest Small Town – Sturgis Pretzels / Wilbur Chocolate – 17 miles Amish Village and Tours – 29 miles Strasburg Railroad / Museum – 30 miles Sight and Sound Theater – 25 miles (Joseph currently showing.) Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction – 26 miles Landis Valley Museum – 19 miles Daniel Boone Homestead – 24 miles Conrad Weiser Homestead – 13 miles Indian Echo Caverns – 34 miles

For the Shoppers:

For the Golfers:

For the Nature Lovers:

VF Outlets – 11 miles Rockvale Outlets – 24 miles Tanger Outlets – 24 miles Cabelas – 33 miles

Galen Hall – 3.5 miles Fox Chase – 5 miles Manor – 5 miles

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Ctr.- 10 miles Nolde Environmental Center 12 miles

Websites for more information about the area: Lancaster - discoverlancaster.com Reading - gogreaterreading.com

DIRECTIONS From Pennsylvania Turnpike: Exit 286. Upon exit from turnpike, continue on Col. Howard Blvd. to 2nd light (Route 272). Turn Right. Following Rte. 272 North to next light. Turn Left on Route 897. Follow 897 to 4-way stop sign in Reinholds. Go straight. Follow Route 897 for 1.4 miles. Turn Right onto Windy Mansion Road (Kountry Korner Drive-in Restaurant on the corner). Follow Windy Mansion to stop sign. Turn right onto Blainsport Road. Church is two blocks on right. Turn right onto Swamp Church Road, church is on corner.

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LODGING HOTELS Comfort Inn Hampton Inn 1 Denver Road 380 E Main Street Denver, PA 17519 Ephrata, PA 17522 717.336.7541 717.733.0661 Rate: $94 / night plus tax Rate: $129 / night plus tax (mention EA Convocation for discounted rates) (5.7 miles from Swamp) (12.7 miles from Swamp) Best Western Plus 2299 Lancaster Pike Shillington, PA 19607 610.777.7888 Rate: $89.99 / night plus tax (11 miles from Swamp)

BED and BREAKFASTS Brownstone Colonial 900 W. Main Street Reinholds, PA 17569 717.484.4460 1 mile

Adamstown Inn & Cottages 355 Clearview Road Adamstown, PA 19501 800.594.4808 5 miles

Historic Smithton Inn 590 Galen Hall Road Ephrata, PA 17522 877.755.4590 8.6 miles

Clearview Farm B & B 144 W. Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 717.738.1322 9.3 miles

CAMPGROUNDS Hickory Run Campground 285 Greenville Road Denver, PA 17517 800.458.0612 3 miles

ShadyGrove Campground 65 Poplar Drive Denver, PA 17517 717.484.4225 4.3 miles

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Sill’s Campground 906 Bowmansville Road Mohnton, PA 19540 717.484.4806 7 miles

2015 Convocation – Registration Form September 18-20 ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF REFORMED & CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES NOTE: Please duplicate this form for each registration as needed. Please print: Name: ________________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ___________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________ Email: ____________________________ Church: ___________________________ Church Position (Pastor, Youth Pastor, etc.) _________________________________ Workshop Choices: 1st Session (10:45am) ____________________________________________ 2nd Session (1:30pm) _____________________________________________ 3rd Session (3:00pm) _____________________________________________ Please check all areas that apply to your registration: _____ Registration – Friday & Saturday - $85 _____ Registration – Saturday only - $65 _____ Pastors & Church Leaders Seminar (Friday morning / afternoon) Total amount enclosed: $ _________________ Please make checks payable to Swamp Christian Fellowship. There is NO late fee. We would greatly appreciate receiving your registration before September 1, 2015. Mail your check and this registration form to: Swamp Christian Fellowship, 390 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA 17569

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390 Swamp Church Road Reinholds, PA 17569 717.336.6748

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