>Writer Larry Woiwode: Realistic and Reformed

>Rather than author, Larry Woiwode prefers the identification of writer. That appellation is certainly accurate. Descriptive detail and believable characters enliven his realistic work, while his portrayals of sin and redemption reflect his Reformed worldview. His prose soars with the lyrical quality of his poetry. His wide-ranging work demonstrates exceptional literary excellence.And Woiwode has written … Continue reading >Writer Larry Woiwode: Realistic and Reformed

>Makoto Fujimura: Refracting Light and Reflecting Grace

>“…the arts are a glorious gift from God; and in the process of creation lies the joy of God's creative heartbeat.” -Makoto FujimuraOne of the most high profile Reformed Christians in the arts today is Makoto Fujimura, a New York City artist who utilizes ancient Japanese techniques in modern abstract artwork.“I see abstraction as a … Continue reading >Makoto Fujimura: Refracting Light and Reflecting Grace

>Blessed, not Stressed, Psalm 80

>I'll continue my series on Christians in the arts later, but today I'm thinking a lot about how I view my life. God has impressed on me the need to think about my life differently.I often find myself thinking, "I wish my life were simpler." A friend and I are praying that God will show … Continue reading >Blessed, not Stressed, Psalm 80

>Artist G. Carol Bomer: Presenting Word and Image to the World

>On a teaching trip to China in 2006, artist Grace Carol Bomer instructed students in mixed media techniques at the country’s third largest university. This might not be so unusual except that Carol is a Christian and her work is, in her own words, “blatantly biblical.”Carol is a member of Covenant Reformed Church (PCA) in … Continue reading >Artist G. Carol Bomer: Presenting Word and Image to the World

>Reforming Perspectives on the Arts

>“You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”Exodus 28:2 (ESV)My mother and I once sat at my kitchen table, reading the biblical directives found in Exodus 28 for the construction of the priestly garments.“It’s easy to see how people got the idea of wearing their Sunday best to church,” … Continue reading >Reforming Perspectives on the Arts

>URCNA Synod-16, Emeritation of Ministers

>The September 15, 2010 issue of Christian Renewal carried my final report about the actions of the URCNA's Synod London 2010. This report deals with the appointment of a committee to study ministers' retirement. I'm numbering this post to follow the last Synod report I posted on August 9.URCNA Synod London 2010:Committee to study Emeritation … Continue reading >URCNA Synod-16, Emeritation of Ministers

>Two New URCNA Pastors

>This is the second of my two articles about Classis Michigan that appeared in the September 15, 2010 Christian Renewal.URCNA Classis Michigan: Two new pastorsby Glenda MathesTwo pastors, formerly in the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRCA), have affiliated with United Reformed congregations in Classis Michigan and are seeking calls within the URCNA.Rev. Mitchell Dick … Continue reading >Two New URCNA Pastors

>New Church Plant in Grand Rapids

>The following article appeared in the September 15, 2010 issue of Christian Renewal, and is one of two reports of news from Classis Michigan of the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA).URCNA Classis Michigan: One new church plantby Glenda MathesGod’s grace and His sovereignty are reflected in the name of a new URCNA church … Continue reading >New Church Plant in Grand Rapids

>Bret McAtee Interview: The True Scoop

>I interviewed Rev. Bret McAtee after the CRC Synod 2010 in order to provide an opportunity for him to state clearly opinions that were not always reflected so clearly in the official CRC press releases. Several releases include "quotations" from Rev. McAtee, some of which were taken out of context and some of which he … Continue reading >Bret McAtee Interview: The True Scoop

>Living Echoes

>Dear Reader, I apologize for the length of time since my last post. Demanding deadlines and increasing commitments have made my time prime. When my schedule is so full, I don't feel I can spare time for blogging. I also tend to avoid blogging when I feel discouraged because I don't want my negative attitude … Continue reading >Living Echoes