>Rev. James Admiraal has probably heard a lot of naval rank jokes, and he may be hearing even more about being a “retired admiral” when he retires from his position as Senior Pastor at Cornerstone URC in Hudsonville, MI, on December 31, 2010.This will actually be the second retirement for Rev. Admiraal. He retired in … Continue reading >Second Retirement for URC Pastor
>Writing Update
>He will tend his flock like a shepherd;he will gather the lambs in his arms;he will carry them in his bosom,and gently lead those that are with young.Isaiah 40:11It's been some time since I posted specific news about my writing projects, and I do have some significant news to share. In November, I signed a … Continue reading >Writing Update
>Classis Michigan deals with pastoral relationships
>Classis meetings frequently include weighty discussions, but that was particularly true when Classis Michigan of the URCNA met on October 12, 2010, at Bethel United Reformed Church in Jenison, MI.Rev. Jason Tuinstra (Bethel-Jenison) chaired the meeting with Elder Myron Rau (Covenant-Kalamazoo) serving as Vice-Chairman. Rev. Greg Lubbers (Covenant-Byron Center) is the Stated Clerk for Classis … Continue reading >Classis Michigan deals with pastoral relationships
>Grace trumps the grave, Psalm 88
>It's tempting to simply skip Psalm 88 and go on to Psalm 89, which begins by extolling God's love and covenant faithfulness. This morning that sounds infinitely preferable to Psalm 88's lament.Psalm 88 is a long lament, but—unlike most in the Psalter—it does not include an assertion of confidence or hope in God. This lack … Continue reading >Grace trumps the grave, Psalm 88
>Pastor installed in Winnipeg URC
>After a month of camping across Northern Ontario and another month of living in two different furnished houses, Rev. Rich Anjema and his family are settling into their new ministry in Winnipeg and anticipate settling into their new home in December.Rev. Anjema served Hope Reformed Church in Woodbridge, ON, for over ten years; for six … Continue reading >Pastor installed in Winnipeg URC
>Born in Zion, Psalm 87
>In seven short verses, Psalm 87 extols the church by directing the reader's mind from the loveliness of the covenant with the patriarchs to the glories of Jerusalem at the height of Israel's power to the beauties of the church within an ugly world and finally to the splendors of the eternal holy city.The church … Continue reading >Born in Zion, Psalm 87
>Official NaNo Winner
>This says it all!
>Seven Deadlies
>Quickly now—can you name the Seven Deadly Sins? If not, you’re probably not alone. Sin isn’t a popular topic these days and the concept of Seven Deadly Sins may seem like an archaic vestige of the Middle Ages.The idea of Seven Deadly Sins, however, began long before the Middle Ages. In the seventh century, Pope … Continue reading >Seven Deadlies
>David’s Prayer, Psalm 86
>Back at the end of Psalm 72, we read, "The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended." But fourteen psalms later in Psalm 86, another prayer of David appears.David's prayers echo with emotions and images that touch the common chords on the harp strings of human hearts.He begins Psalm 86 confessing not only … Continue reading >David’s Prayer, Psalm 86
>Four-year vacancy ends for Burlington, WA URC
>After four years, the United Reformed Church in Burlington, WA, finally has a minister.Rev. Mark Stewart, who served Covenant Reformed Church in Newton, NJ, for ten years, was installed on Friday, October 8, 2010, as the church’s new pastor.Three local Reformed ministers participated in the installation service. Rev. Chris Gordon of Lynden URC led the … Continue reading >Four-year vacancy ends for Burlington, WA URC
Glenda Faye Mathes 