The following interview with Fritz Liedtke by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 47-49 of the April 16, 2014, issue of Christian Renewal. Viewing the extraordinary fine art photography of Fritz Liedtke opens your eyes to the unique beauty of each person created in God’s image. “Everybody has a history, everybody has secrets, everybody hurts,” he says. … Continue reading Photographer Fritz Liedtke: An eye for incarnational art
Thirsty soul, Psalm 63
Iowa may not have mountain vistas or white beaches, but in summer its lush green fields and rolling tree-covered hills are beautiful. The land between the mighty Mississippi and the churning Missouri, creased by river valleys and meandering streams, displays more summer beauty than I-80 drivers realize. And it's a far cry from the arid wilderness … Continue reading Thirsty soul, Psalm 63
Cloverdale CanRC: Anniversary celebration
Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church in Surrey, BC, marked its 60th anniversary on March 7, 2014. The church’s celebration concluded with the unveiling of a unique mosaic titled: Broken people made whole in Christ. Artifacts from the congregation’s early years were displayed at a program that featured speakers, greetings from former pastors and civic officials, a … Continue reading Cloverdale CanRC: Anniversary celebration
Short meeting for URC Classis Central US
In contrast to the September meeting of Classis Central US of the URCNA—which ran out of time to discuss the four overtures on its agenda—the March 3 & 4, 2014, meeting was the shortest in most delegates’ memory. A contributing factor was an abbreviated exam with a prompt decision. Another reason was that discussion on … Continue reading Short meeting for URC Classis Central US
Fiction focus
Focusing on fiction every Friday has been my longstanding practice, but lately my fiction focus has flowed into nearly every other day. And something else has been flowing. Since mid-May, I've logged an astounding 67,000 words of fiction writing. Okay, so it's only been 66,926 words as of this moment. But the day is young. … Continue reading Fiction focus
Blue butterfly day
Yesterday was a day of blue butterflies. We visited Reiman Gardens in Ames, spending nearly all our time in the butterfly wing, taking pictures and reveling in the profusion of fluttering beauty. About 800 butterflies spend their brief lives in this enclosure, delighting viewers who amble through. My husband excelled at catching the large blue butterflies on … Continue reading Blue butterfly day
Wolterstorff’s expanded view on the arts: Practical activity, meaningful memory, and intrinsic worth
In 1987, Nicholas Wolterstorff wrote Art in Action, promoting practical application of art in contrast to the prevailing view of purely aesthetic contemplation. Rather than keeping art cloistered within the walls of elitist museums and exclusive galleries, Wolterstorff advocated putting art into action to elevate urban areas and ennoble private homes. The book caused some … Continue reading Wolterstorff’s expanded view on the arts: Practical activity, meaningful memory, and intrinsic worth
Silent soul, Psalm 62
What does it mean for the soul to wait for God in silence? The Psalms surge with emotional expressions, communicating deep feelings of joy or despair. They provide a pattern for expressing universal human emotions to a God who hears and answers prayer. But Psalm 62 speaks of waiting for God in silence. Why does … Continue reading Silent soul, Psalm 62
Rev. Edward J. Knott’s journey and leadership
Members of the United Reformed Churches owe Rev. Edward J. Knott a debt far greater than most realize. He provided biblical servant leadership at crucial points in the federation’s history, but this humble hero would be the first to downplay his role and redirect all glory to God. Few ministers have accomplished more during their … Continue reading Rev. Edward J. Knott’s journey and leadership
Confirmation in the Lord’s timing: Mark Vander Pol ordination
Mark Vander Pol was ordained to the gospel ministry during morning worship on February 2, 2014, at Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA. Christ URC’s pastor, Rev. Michael Brown preached from Ephesians 4:1-6 on Christ’s gift of pastors to his church. Dr. Michael Horton, Associate Pastor, gave the charge to the minister from 2 … Continue reading Confirmation in the Lord’s timing: Mark Vander Pol ordination
Glenda Faye Mathes 