Okay, I admit it. I've avoided writing a meditation on this psalm. Psalm 38 isn't very cheerful or particularly inspiring. In fact, it's downright depressing. This psalm is a lament, the largest category of psalms. This particular lament is penitential, expressing sorrow for sin, but also contains striking descriptions of physical pain, personal persecution, and … Continue reading God will answer, Psalm 38
Slow learner
Some life lessons we're slow to learn and God keeps teaching. Lessons like waiting, trusting, and resting. Even at my mature age, I'm still a novice. I try to wait patiently on God's will, trust completely in his provision, and rest calmly in his care. But when urgent matters continually pull me from my work … Continue reading Slow learner
Border crossing draws near/Dykstra ordained at Walker URC
Corey Dykstra has finally cleared the last hurdle in a long, but unexpected delay to beginning his ministry at Walker United Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. The immigration-related delay arose after Dykstra accepted the church’s call in May of 2011. Although Walker URC sought to avoid a delay by having Corey (a Canadian citizen) … Continue reading Border crossing draws near/Dykstra ordained at Walker URC
DON’T PANIC (in large, friendly letters)
Douglas Adams is the famous author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the source of many memorable quotes among which the most notable may be, "DON'T PANIC," which appears on the front of the fictional guide in large, friendly letters. Google marks what would have been Adams' 61st birthday today with one of its fascinating interactive … Continue reading DON’T PANIC (in large, friendly letters)
Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie reorganizes
After being unorganized for several years, the Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie (AB) is once again an organized congregation in the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA). Rev. William Van der Woerd, who has served the congregation for the past five and a half years, explains that the church’s council resigned in 2006. … Continue reading Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie reorganizes
Little One Lost reviews
Two reviews of my book Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss are now available online. Both appear in publications of the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church). Because I am not affiliated with this denomination, I'm a bit surprised but extremely grateful to the OPC pastors who picked up and reviewed the book. A review by John … Continue reading Little One Lost reviews
New Zealand Reformation celebrations
Reformation celebrations are rather rare in New Zealand. Yet churches belonging to the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ) hosted some significant Reformation-related events in 2012. Rev. Leo de Vos says about a meeting held on Reformation Day in the Reformed Church of Silverstream, “Some of our churches are not inclined to have services on … Continue reading New Zealand Reformation celebrations
Creative writing interview
Today a student sent me questions for an interview. I found some of the questions thought-provoking and thought the interview might be worth sharing. How would you define creative writing? Creative writing is generally fiction and poetry, although more genres of nonfiction are being increasingly identified as creative. The most notable modern example is what's … Continue reading Creative writing interview
Lethbridge URC begins “preaching station”
On September 30, 2012, about 30 people attended the first worship service Trinity Reformed Church (URCNA) of Lethbridge, AB, held at a preaching station in Medicine Hat. The term “preaching station” may be unfamiliar within United Reformed parlance, but it’s more familiar in Free Reformed dialogue. Trinity’s Rev. Hank Van der Woerd, who was in … Continue reading Lethbridge URC begins “preaching station”
Unique ministry in a Texas prison: What can the Reformed churches do to help?
Brothers Praying for Others is a group of 52 Reformed Christian men who worship together on Sundays and meet daily for Bible study and prayer. And they do this in a maximum security prison in Texas. “The Brothers Praying for Others have sacrificed to be a part of this ministry in prison,” says David Troup, … Continue reading Unique ministry in a Texas prison: What can the Reformed churches do to help?
Glenda Faye Mathes 