Stayed tuned for a continuing saga of Synod Nyack 2012!
URCNA Synod 2012: Songbook
What subject most fiercely fuels worship wars? Music! Traditional or contemporary? Book or screen? Accompaniment or a capella? Organ or guitar? Choir at the front or choir at the back? The list of possible debates is as extensive as styles of music. For years the URCNA has been working on a new songbook, which is one … Continue reading URCNA Synod 2012: Songbook
URCNA Synod 2012: Missions
"What will be the hot topic at Synod this year?" I'm frequently asked that question, but if I've learned one thing in my years of covering major ecclesiastical assemblies it's that you just never know. Some issues are inherently controversial, while other seemingly benign matters end up devouring hours of delegates' time. Discussion often reveals … Continue reading URCNA Synod 2012: Missions
URCNA Synod 2012
We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming over the next few weeks to focus on the URCNA Synod 2012, which will be held in Nyack, NY, from June 11-15. I hope to post regular, perhaps daily, updates. Stay tuned!
URCNA Synod 2012 Agenda Summary
[The following article will appear in the May 23, 2012 issue of Christian Renewal. I'm posting it now with editorial permission so that it is available in a timely manner. ~ Glenda Mathes] At 403 pages, the provisional agenda for the URCNA Synod Nyack 2012 may seem overwhelmingly deep, but it’s not as difficult to wade through … Continue reading URCNA Synod 2012 Agenda Summary
Fool’s gold, Psalm 14
What do you treasure in your heart? Do you seek genuine gold? Or is your life a vain pursuit of fool's gold? Psalm 14 defines a fool as someone who does not believe in God: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none … Continue reading Fool’s gold, Psalm 14
Mid-America Reformed Seminary
This has been a Messenger week. Regular readers know I write for Christian Renewal, but may not be aware that I also write for Mid-America Reformed Seminary, which is located south of Chicago in Dyer, IN. As Contributing Editor for the Seminary's newsletter, the Messenger, I usually write a few articles for each issue and … Continue reading Mid-America Reformed Seminary
URCNA Classis Michigan: Weighty appeals, one overture
When Classis Michigan of the URCNA met on March 13, 2012, at Grace United Reformed Church in Alto, MI, several appeals took most of delegates’ time. Classis Michigan is struggling with many weighty issues related to good order in the churches, several of which have resulted in appeals. Although some of these matters were handled in … Continue reading URCNA Classis Michigan: Weighty appeals, one overture
The Turkish church – a small beginning
The country of Turkey figured prominently in New Testament Christianity. It was home to the seven churches addressed in Revelation, Paul visited many churches in Turkey on his missionary travels, and Peter mentions several locations there. At one point, Turkeywas considered a Christian realm, but the rise and fall of various empires took its toll … Continue reading The Turkish church – a small beginning
Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
Do you ever feel as if God has forgotten you? Does it feel as if he's hidden his face from you forever? You're not alone! Many believers have often felt isolated and alienated, including that psalm master, David. No psalmist conveys the range of human emotions better than David. In his short Psalm 13, he cries from … Continue reading Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
Glenda Faye Mathes 