Corey Dykstra has finally cleared the last hurdle in a long, but unexpected delay to beginning his ministry at Walker United Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. The immigration-related delay arose after Dykstra accepted the church’s call in May of 2011. Although Walker URC sought to avoid a delay by having Corey (a Canadian citizen) … Continue reading Border crossing draws near/Dykstra ordained at Walker URC
Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie reorganizes
After being unorganized for several years, the Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie (AB) is once again an organized congregation in the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA). Rev. William Van der Woerd, who has served the congregation for the past five and a half years, explains that the church’s council resigned in 2006. … Continue reading Covenant Reformed Church of Grande Prairie reorganizes
New Zealand Reformation celebrations
Reformation celebrations are rather rare in New Zealand. Yet churches belonging to the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ) hosted some significant Reformation-related events in 2012. Rev. Leo de Vos says about a meeting held on Reformation Day in the Reformed Church of Silverstream, “Some of our churches are not inclined to have services on … Continue reading New Zealand Reformation celebrations
Lethbridge URC begins “preaching station”
On September 30, 2012, about 30 people attended the first worship service Trinity Reformed Church (URCNA) of Lethbridge, AB, held at a preaching station in Medicine Hat. The term “preaching station” may be unfamiliar within United Reformed parlance, but it’s more familiar in Free Reformed dialogue. Trinity’s Rev. Hank Van der Woerd, who was in … Continue reading Lethbridge URC begins “preaching station”
Unique ministry in a Texas prison: What can the Reformed churches do to help?
Brothers Praying for Others is a group of 52 Reformed Christian men who worship together on Sundays and meet daily for Bible study and prayer. And they do this in a maximum security prison in Texas. “The Brothers Praying for Others have sacrificed to be a part of this ministry in prison,” says David Troup, … Continue reading Unique ministry in a Texas prison: What can the Reformed churches do to help?
Avondale RCNZ: Reaching out to a diverse community
Some may envision New Zealand as a paradise of scenic landscapes and simple living on sheep ranches. But while the suburb of Avondale is only 30 minutes from the black sand and surf of the Tasman Sea to the west and only 20 minutes from the white sand of the Pacific Ocean to the east, … Continue reading Avondale RCNZ: Reaching out to a diverse community
Ministry and medical changes for the Sinke family in Woodstock
For Rev. James and Andrea Sinke, health care was an important aspect of the decision-making process before considering his call to Bethel URC in Woodstock, ON. That’s because the Sinkes’ youngest daughter, Sarah, has required special care for continuing health concerns since she was born four years ago. “Sarah’s health care wasn’t our primary consideration,” … Continue reading Ministry and medical changes for the Sinke family in Woodstock
Proclaiming Christ in Portland
Rev. Steven Oeverman was installed as the pastor of Grace United Reformed Church in West Linn (a southern suburb of Portland), OR, on September 23, 2012. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey officiated the service. Rev. Oeverman is a 2004 graduate of Westminster Seminary California (WSC), who had been an associate pastor at Escondido URC since 2006. … Continue reading Proclaiming Christ in Portland
URCNA Classis Pacific Northwest: Joy and pain for delegates
When Classis Pacific Northwest of the URCNA met in Lynden, WA, on October 16 & 17, it had good reasons for rejoicing; it witnessed two successful exams and welcomed a new congregation. It took care of business, passing an overture regarding the Proposed Joint Church Order (PJCO). But it also dealt with a painful situation, … Continue reading URCNA Classis Pacific Northwest: Joy and pain for delegates
An ordination service at Dunedin RCNZ
After a vacancy of four years, the Reformed Church of Dunedin (RCNZ) on the southern part of the South Island of New Zealand, has a minister. Rev. Erik Stolte was ordained on October 13, 2012, in a special service at the Dunedin church. Rev. Robert van Wichen, pastor of Bishopdale Reformed Church in Christchurch (RCNZ) … Continue reading An ordination service at Dunedin RCNZ
Glenda Faye Mathes 