The shore of Chesapeake Bay provided a scenic setting for the 83rd General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, when it met at Sandy Cove Conference Center in North East, MD, on June 8-14, 2016. Throughout that time frame, this assembly celebrated the denomination’s 80th anniversary. Part of that recognition included displays and videos … Continue reading 83rd GA celebrates OPC’s 80th Anniversary
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Transformation: From prison to pulpit
It’s a long journey from a prison cell to a church pulpit, but Lowell Ivey has traveled it by God’s grace. On May 27, 2016, the former prisoner was ordained and installed as the organizing pastor for Reformation Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, VA. “My testimony is the Lord’s testimony as he’s worked by … Continue reading Transformation: From prison to pulpit
Smooth Sailing for RCUS Synod in California
No controversial issues came up during the 270th Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, when it met from May 16-19, 2016, at Grace Reformed Church in Bakersfield, CA. “I would have to say that this year’s Synod was unique in that there were no major decisions or position papers to approve,” … Continue reading Smooth Sailing for RCUS Synod in California
Sioux Falls church plant organizes
In a joint worship service held with Hills URC on May 8, 2016, the Sioux Falls United Reformed church plant formally organized as Christ Reformed Church (URCNA). Rev. Spencer Aalsburg led the service, installing two elders and two deacons as Christ Reformed’s first council. Attendees participated in a fellowship meal after the service and … Continue reading Sioux Falls church plant organizes
The Senator and the Seminary
Republican senator Ben Sasse, from Nebraska, spoke at the May 28, 2016, commencement service of Westminster Seminary California. His topic was “Never Again Will Jerusalem Grieve.” Mark MacVey, Vice-President for Enrollment Management, said about the speech, “Senator Sasse reflected on his experience in the U.S. Senate and provided observations regarding the unique cultural challenges … Continue reading The Senator and the Seminary
Pella’s heritage: Broken teacups and blooming tulips
During the first week of May, 300,000 tulips in beds lining streets and filling parks of Pella, IA, usually bloom. Whatever the condition of blossoms, local people celebrate their Dutch heritage with an extravaganza of colorful parades, folk dancing, interesting exhibits, and delicious food. Copious amounts of food. Visitors can feed their inner child … Continue reading Pella’s heritage: Broken teacups and blooming tulips
Renewed Strength
This morning, two of my favorite Scripture texts became real to me as never before. You probably love these passages as well. The first is Isaiah 40:28–31. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding … Continue reading Renewed Strength
Puritan project
Since last March, I've been writing biographical sketches about Puritans. These will appear in Puritan Heroes, which I'm writing with Dr. Joel Beeke for Reformation Heritage Books. Puritan Heroes will be formatted similarly to RHB's popular Reformation Heroes. Marketed for all ages, it will be written to appeal to twelve-year-old readers. This is a big project that I was reluctant … Continue reading Puritan project
God’s faithfulness in the fire
A massive fire destroyed much of the Faith United Reformed Church building in West Olive, MI, on May 13. No one was inside at the time, and Pastor Matthew Nuiver was one of the first to notice smoke as he drove up that morning. “Initially I thought maybe it was a brush fire,” he … Continue reading God’s faithfulness in the fire
Birthdays and Rebirth
Who doesn't love a birthday party? Celebration and gifts. Cake and ice cream. No one loved a birthday party better than my sister, Joan. I vividly remember the day my parents arrived home from the hospital with Joan. Mom got out of the car, and I ran forward, happy to finally see the mother my … Continue reading Birthdays and Rebirth
Glenda Faye Mathes 