On our honeymoon 40 years ago, David and I tented in Yellowstone National Park. When we walked into Old Faithful Inn, we were so struck by its rustic architecture and unique beauty that we said, "We're going to come back and stay here some day." We vaguely thought "some day" would be when we were … Continue reading Mourning into dancing (Vacation saga 1)
Synod adopts “Doctrinal Commitment” affirmations
In response to an overture, Synod Schererville 2007 appointed a study committee to report on the level of doctrinal commitment necessary for membership in the URCNA. That committee brought an evenly divided report to Synod London 2010, which accepted neither opinion, but asked the committee to come back to the next synod with a new … Continue reading Synod adopts “Doctrinal Commitment” affirmations
The Suffering Shepherd, Psalm 22
Before the psalter's most famous and beloved Psalm 23, where vivid imagery of green pastures and still waters portrays the Lord as our sufficient Shepherd, we read in Psalm 22 of Christ as our suffering Shepherd. This psalm, written about 1,000 years prior to the birth of Jesus (and hundreds of years before the practice … Continue reading The Suffering Shepherd, Psalm 22
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
Confident and capable heroes sprint through John Buchan's action-packed novels. If you've never read any of Buchan's work, this first of his novels about Richard Hannay is a great starting gate. In the introduction to The Thirty-Nine Steps, Robin W. Winks writes that the book is "often said to have established the basic formula for the … Continue reading The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
URCNA Synod: Defining the meaning of synodical actions
Those who have attended previous synods know the confusion created by the adoption of documents without a clear definition of how they are to be regarded by the churches. Synod London 2010 had asked the Ad Hoc Synodical Rules Committee to address this issue. That committee drafted a document that defines synodical actions and describes … Continue reading URCNA Synod: Defining the meaning of synodical actions
URNCA ecumenical relationships: Phase Two with the RPCNA awaits ratification
The URCNA has two standing committees dealing with ecumenical relationships. CERCU (Committee for Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity) and CECCA (Committee for Ecumenical Contact with Churches Abroad). Both committees brought to Synod reports containing recommendations, which advisory committees passed on to the floor. Although most recommendations were adopted quickly and unanimously, it seemed like Synod … Continue reading URNCA ecumenical relationships: Phase Two with the RPCNA awaits ratification
God’s power and blessing, Psalm 21
The content of Psalm 21 naturally follows the content of Psalm 20 and seems to flow from it. Psalm 20 is a beautiful expression of God's rescue of those who trust in him Psalm 21 rejoices in the blessings bestowed after that powerful rescue. While David rejoices because God has finally established him as a … Continue reading God’s power and blessing, Psalm 21
Sorting out the emeritation process
When a retiring minister moves to another location and begins attending a different church, there may be some confusion as to which church ought to be holding his ministerial credentials. Additionally, there exists within the URCNA a wide range of discrepancy in the practice of funding ministers’ retirement funds. One study committee brought its recommendations … Continue reading Sorting out the emeritation process
The changing face of URCNA missions organization
In the URCNA, missions is a given. What was not a given, however, was how to do it, organizationally, that is. That delegates clearly desired to promote missions and church planting was evidenced by the quick adoption of the recommendations to establish a Missions Committee and to ask the existing Ad Hoc committee to serve … Continue reading The changing face of URCNA missions organization
Trusting in God’s Name, Psalm 20
In God's perfect timing and following recent discussion with friends about trusting in God, Psalm 20 becomes more meaningful than ever. Do you feel that today is your day of trouble? Read and rejoice in this psalm! The psalm begins with seven exclamations pleading for specific actions and outcomes (Psalm 20:1-5, ESV): May the Lord answer you … Continue reading Trusting in God’s Name, Psalm 20
Glenda Faye Mathes 