The Chapel at Grace Presbyterian Church was filled to overflowing on Sunday,November 25, 2018 to celebrate an exceptional event: the Chartering of a new congregation in the PC(USA): the Taiwanese American Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas (TAPCLV)!
Moderator Lynne Zenier called the meeting of the Presbytery of Nevada to order after a warm welcome from the Chair of the Chartering Commission, the Rev. Mariano Ordonez. In attendance to celebrate this special occasion were pastors and members from several congregations as well as four pastors who had provided leadership to the Taiwanese congregation over the years. In addition were other Taiwanese pastors from Las Vegas and Los Angeles as well as leaders and friends from the Taiwanese Presbyterian Association.
The Petition to Charter the newest church in the Presbytery of Nevada was joyfully and unanimously approved. In addition,the Charter Members of TAPCLV were received, the first Session and Board of Deacons were elected and installed, the call of organizing pastor the Reverend Po-Chih Paul Chen to be the first installed pastor of TAPCLV was enthusiastically approved, and the Presbytery installed Paul with prayer and the laying on of hands.
The Rev. Jim Houston-Hencken, preached an inspiring sermon titled, “God is Doing a New Thing…Again!” He encouraged the new congregation and expressed the joy of the Presbytery in officially welcoming TAPCLV as the newest church in our Presbytery and in the PC(USA). The service included beautiful and moving anthems presented by the wonderful TAPCLV Choir.
The Lord’s Supper was celebrated by Rev. Paul Chen and Rev. Thomas Chen. Following a time of prayer, Rev. Paul Chen honored the previous pastors as well as members of Presbytery who had supported the congregation with the presentation of beautiful plaques. Before the closing Anthem, a Birthday Cake was presented – celebrating both the 13thanniversary of the congregation (as a fellowship and New Church Development)and the birthday of the new Church! It was truly a wonderful, joyful and memorable worship service for all who were able to be present.
Following the worship service, everyone was invited to share in a delicious and plentiful Taiwanese Dinner, served with gracious hospitality by church members. The fellowship around the tables and the gratitude in our hearts made it a very special time.
May God continue to pour out blessings upon the Pastor Paul, the church leaders andthe entire congregation! Welcome TAPCLV!
