In coming issues, Christian Renewal hopes to share reflections from a few experienced ministers within the Reformed community. This first article features a man who’s no longer with us, Dr. Peter Y. De Jong, who was called home on August 28, 2005—two months to the day short of the 90th year on his earthly sojourn. … Continue reading A PY perspective
Candidacy exams dominate the agenda at URCNA’s Classis Central US
Attending the September meeting of Classis Central US of the URCNA was a genuine blast from the past. It reminded many older folks of childhood Sundays, when summer services were made more comfortable with whirling wall fans. But the past was only a memory as office-bearers looked to the future by examining two men as … Continue reading Candidacy exams dominate the agenda at URCNA’s Classis Central US
Jersey City plant to begin services
Grace Reformed Church of Jersey City, a church plant under the supervision of Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship, hoped to begin worship services on September 1, 2013. The group meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Culinary Conference Center of the Hudson County Community College, located at 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Although Messiah’s Council originally determined … Continue reading Jersey City plant to begin services
Dayspring church plant in Boise
A church plant on the far east side of Boise, ID, is moving forward with faith and vision. Dayspring Reformed Church, a church plant under the supervision of New Covenant United Reformed Church in Twin Falls, ID, may have a rather unusual name, but it is rooted in Scripture. Dayspring comes from the prophecy of … Continue reading Dayspring church plant in Boise
Prison seminary holds second commencement
Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary held its second commencement ceremony on June 15, 2013. Nine men, who had completed thirty credit hours in their first year of seminary instruction, received a Certificate in Christian Studies. Graduates were in a celebratory mood. “It was so good to see my students in high spirits,” says Professor Nathan … Continue reading Prison seminary holds second commencement
New minister for Rock Valley URC
After serving Bethel URC in Calgary, AB, for nine years, Rev. Joel Vander Kooi was installed as Minister of the Word and Sacraments in a ceremony on May 16, 2013. Sioux Center URC, led the service and emphasized the preaching of the Word as he spoke on “Fulfilling Your Ministry” from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Rev. … Continue reading New minister for Rock Valley URC
OPC 80th General Assembly: California dream
When the 80th General Assembly (GA) of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) met from June 5-8 in Moraga, CA, it was the first time in 23 years that the Assembly was held in California and the first time ever in northern California. Voting equipment detained due to a train derailment arrived just in time, but … Continue reading OPC 80th General Assembly: California dream
PCA GA: Déjà vu on many issues
At the 41st General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) commissioners may have felt a sense of déjà vu as they dealt with many issues that have been considered at previous assemblies. The PCA GA met from June 18-21, 2013, in Greenville, SC. Online reports gave the Assembly mixed reviews. Some aspects … Continue reading PCA GA: Déjà vu on many issues
2013 RCA General Synod undermines previous Synod’s decision
When the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) met from June 20-25 at Central College in Pella, IA, it practically reversed last year’s decision on homosexuality, removed conscience clauses regarding women’s ordination, and instituted a requirement for churches to be shaped by the Belhar Confession. It adopted a missional strategic goal program … Continue reading 2013 RCA General Synod undermines previous Synod’s decision
URCNA ministers’ and missions conferences at June’s end
Mid-America Reformed Seminary was the site for back-to-back URCNA conferences in June. The Ministers’ Conference ran from June 24-26 and the Missions Conference was held from June 26-28. This was the second Ministers’ Conference. The first conference two years ago grew from an idea at Synod London. “Three years ago at Synod London a plan … Continue reading URCNA ministers’ and missions conferences at June’s end
Glenda Faye Mathes 