About 45 ministers met for a United Reformed Church pastors conference, held from June 1-3, 2015, at Westminster Seminary California (WSC). With a theme of “The Ordinary Ministry,” it was appropriate for Dr. Michael Horton (Escondido URC, Escondido, CA) to speak on Monday evening about his recent book, Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, … Continue reading URC ministers conference focuses on the ordinary
God’s Awesome Deeds, Psalm 66
Awesome. How often we hear or use that adjective! Too often it refers to something a little less than awesome: a piece of pizza, a great basketball shot, a friend's kind action, or catching a flight connection. These things can be delicious, amazing, touching, or stress-relieving. But are they truly awesome? Something awesome inspires awe, … Continue reading God’s Awesome Deeds, Psalm 66
Speaking for the Lord
What an incredible week! Last Thursday, I did a book party in the Chicago area. On Friday and Saturday, I spoke as the keynote for a women's conference at Cornerstone URC in Hudsonville, MI. And on Monday, I met with two publishers in Grand Rapids. As I drove on Thursday toward Chicago, a tune kept … Continue reading Speaking for the Lord
Imprisoned for her faith
Marie Durand by Simonetta Carr; Christian Biographies for Young Readers; Reformation Heritage Books; cloth; 64 pages; © 2015 Wrongful incarceration is a hot topic of current interest, but few people realize how many Christians have been imprisoned (often without even the pretense of a trial) for their faith. Arrested as a young woman, Marie Durand remained in prison … Continue reading Imprisoned for her faith
Calvin Seminary appoints URC man to moral theology position
On June 15, 2015, delegates at the CRCNA’s Synod unanimously ratified the appointment of Dr. Matthew Tuininga as Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. Dr. Tuininga is a member and licensed exhorter of Covenant United Reformed Church in Pantego, NC. “Moral theology encompasses our understanding of the practical implications of the … Continue reading Calvin Seminary appoints URC man to moral theology position
God’s Spirit at work in women’s prison
If number of tears shed is an indication, Divine Hope’s summer study center at Rockville Correctional Facility was a huge success. Tears sprang to eyes as women inmates shared heartbreaking concerns. Tears flowed as music touched hearts. And tears welled in eyes shining with joy and hope in Jesus Christ. “God mightily blessed the six-week … Continue reading God’s Spirit at work in women’s prison
PCA’s Chicago Metro Presbytery welcomes five new congregations
The Chicago Metro Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) welcomed five new congregations during a celebration service held on May 17 at First Church in Lansing, IL. The five Illinois congregations recently came out of the Illiana-Florida Classis of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). They include First Church and Grace Church, … Continue reading PCA’s Chicago Metro Presbytery welcomes five new congregations
Fiction’s Delight and Truth
An article I wrote about why Christians should read fiction appears in the November issue of The Outlook. You can page through this online preview to read that article as well as a lovely review of my Matthew books.
Local Book Launch
Fasten your seat belts! Books 2 & 3 of my Matthew in the Middle series will officially launch this afternoon at 5-4-3-2-1 PM. Patricia, whose melodious voice and godly spirit warm listeners' hearts, plans to interview me at 1:00 CT today on KCWN 99.9, where hope shines. If you're out of range of the station's … Continue reading Local Book Launch
West Sayville RBC on Long Island: Fish aplenty; the fishermen few
Stretching 118 miles with a land mass of over 1,400 square miles, Long Island is the longest and largest of any island in the contiguous United States. Almost eight million people in that area results in over 5,000 people per square mile, making it one of the most densely populated areas of the country. … Continue reading West Sayville RBC on Long Island: Fish aplenty; the fishermen few
Glenda Faye Mathes 