World wide communion Sunday takes on new meaning when hearing a Russian minister proclaim the gospel and testify to God’s transforming power in his life. On October 2, 2011, Rev. Ruslan Moroz spoke at the morning worship service of Christ the Redeemer Church (CREC) in Pella, IA, and at the evening service of Ebenezer Reformed … Continue reading Russian pastor’s faith journey
Compassion “above and beyond” Mt. Everest
Karen Parman and the other cancer survivors who trekked to Mt. Everest’s base camp forged an amazing bond of friendship (see her story on pages 10-14 of the August 24, 2011 Christian Renewal). Members of the group, known as the “Above and Beyond Cancer” team, made their historic trek in April of 2011, but have … Continue reading Compassion “above and beyond” Mt. Everest
RCNZ Synod: Stability above earthly tremors
For the first time in the nearly 60 year history of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ), the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bucklands Beach hosted a Synod meeting. Synod’s location was moved to this church on the upper shore of the North Island due to recent earthquakes around Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. … Continue reading RCNZ Synod: Stability above earthly tremors
URCNA Classis Central sustains candidate, passes songbook overtures
When Classis Central US met at Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, on September 12 & 13, 2011, its agenda and atmosphere were lighter than recent meetings. Business included finishing a candidacy examination and dealing with a four overtures, three dealing with a federational songbook. On Monday evening, Classis conducted the biblical exegesis portion of … Continue reading URCNA Classis Central sustains candidate, passes songbook overtures
Gift of building results in church merger in Lancaster, PA
It has been a bit confusing that the only two URCNA congregations in Pennsylvania were both named “Covenant,” but in the future it will be easier to distinguish between the two. Covenant Reformed Church in eastern Lancaster County, PA, obtained a permanent building in July by merging with a local congregation and adopting that congregation’s name. … Continue reading Gift of building results in church merger in Lancaster, PA
“Light and heat” in Puritan Reformed Conference on Holy Spirit
It’s no secret that the topic of the Holy Spirit sometimes gets short shrift in Reformed circles, but an August conference hosted by Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) focused on “The Beauty and Glory of the Holy Spirit.” The conference was held from August 25-27, 2011, at the Prince Conference Center in Grand Rapids, MI. According … Continue reading “Light and heat” in Puritan Reformed Conference on Holy Spirit
Missoula work begins worship services
URCNA candidate Jared Beaird exhorted at the initial worship service of the Missoula Reformed Fellowship in Montana on August 28, 2011. The consistory at Belgrade URC oversees the work, although separated from Missoula by about 200 miles of mountain driving. “There is a steering committee in Missoula that reports to our elders,” says Rev. Mark J. Stromberg, … Continue reading Missoula work begins worship services
New Reformed seminary behind bars: Opening doors within locked cells
The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 13 & 14 of the October 5, 2011 issues of Christian Renewal. Doors have opened for a unique Reformed seminary within the walls of a prison in the Chicago area. A Board of Directors for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary initially met on July 25, 2011, … Continue reading New Reformed seminary behind bars: Opening doors within locked cells
Reformed Mission Services hires Interim Director
The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 20 of the August 24, 2011, issue of Christian Renewal. On July 1, 2011, Reformed Mission Services (RMS) hired Rob Brinks (Cornerstone URC; Hudsonville, MI) to a two-year position as its Interim Director. Rob currently works part-time for RMS while continuing regular full-time employment. RMS is a … Continue reading Reformed Mission Services hires Interim Director
RYS Convention 2011: Faith under construction
The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 16-19 of the August 24, 2011, issue of Christian Renewal. How can you hold the attention of over 600 high school students for five days? It helps to prohibit personal electronics such as cell phones, computers, iPods, and video games. Many young people at a recent … Continue reading RYS Convention 2011: Faith under construction
Glenda Faye Mathes 