BOOK REVIEW by Glenda Mathes The Help by Kathryn Stockett © 2009 by Kathryn Stockett Berkley Books: New York, NY, 534 pp. While The Help tells about black domestics working for white housewives in Jackson, MS, during the 1960s, it also shows how a young woman loses her naiveté and her place in Southern society, … Continue reading The Help, book review
Hanford URC closes
When Emmanuel United Reformed Church (EURC) in Hanford, CA, held its last worship services on November 27, 2011, its doors closed on a hopeful note. In God’s providence, the husband of a member made profession of faith on that final Sunday. “We’re grateful that the gospel ministry of EURC has not been in vain,” writes … Continue reading Hanford URC closes
Ripon’s Reformation Conference
When Rev. Kevin Efflandt took up the minister’s mantle at Zion United Reformed Church in Ripon, CA, the council determined to work toward hosting an annual Reformation conference. The purpose of the conference, he says, is “not only for the edification of our own people but also to bring the truths of the Reformation to … Continue reading Ripon’s Reformation Conference
Wicked are judged, Psalm 9
If world events discourage you or other people attack you or personal problems oppress you, read Psalm 9. David writes this psalm as if God has already judged the wicked and put an end to evil. He begins by wholeheartedly thanking God and declaring his goodness: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I … Continue reading Wicked are judged, Psalm 9
All aboard!
After sporadic posts for the last four months, I believe I'm finally back onboard with blogging! For that last four months, I've been hurling along the rails of high-speed writing travel. In November I jumped on the NaNoWriMo train, writing a 50k word novel about a girl who lost her mother three years earlier and has … Continue reading All aboard!
Colorado Springs conference on the grace of God
The Springs Reformed Church hosted its fourth annual Colorado Springs Reformation Day Conference from October 28-30, 2011. The Colorado church is affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), sometimes referred to as “the Covenanters” due to its association with the Scottish branch of the Reformation. The denomination consists of nearly 100 congregations … Continue reading Colorado Springs conference on the grace of God
West Sayville celebrates Reformation family-style
Reformed Christians excel at scheduling Reformation conferences for adults, but—honestly—they’re a bit weak on family celebrations. Their biblical perspective on God’s covenantal dealings with His people ought to place Reformed Christians on the forefront of family centered celebrations. West Sayville Reformed Bible Church on New York’s Long Island is making an effort. For the last … Continue reading West Sayville celebrates Reformation family-style
Western Ministerial Conference
Twenty Canadian Reformed and 13 United Reformed pastors attended the Western Ministerial Conference (WMC), held from Tuesday through Thursday, November 1-3, 2011. For the third sequential year, the WMC was held at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, WA, a beautiful venue near Mt. Baker. Most pastors brought their wives; a few also took … Continue reading Western Ministerial Conference
Majestic Name, Psalm 8
When our children were small, Psalm 8 was one of the first psalms I taught them. We rocked imaginary babies in our arms, we flexed arm muscles, we looked up, we wiggled our fingers, we drew moon circles in the air, and wiggled our fingers again for the sparkling stars. Now I'm teaching it to my almost … Continue reading Majestic Name, Psalm 8
Bible Conference focuses on Holy Spirit
Few churches in the URCNA have hosted 16 consecutive annual conferences, but the Reformed Bible Church of West Sayville, NY, sponsored its sixteenth annual Bible conference on October 1-2, 2011. As the conference speaker, Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, explored the person and work of the Holy … Continue reading Bible Conference focuses on Holy Spirit
Glenda Faye Mathes 