On February 14, 2016, Justin Beach was ordained as Associate Pastor at Ethos Chicago, a unique church that meets for weekly worship at the historic Biograph Theater in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the city’s north side. “God has led me on a journey I never knew I would take,” Justin says. “Ten years ago … Continue reading Changing the Ethos of Chicago
In His time: Patient waiting leads to Lynden, Washington call
For Mark Vander Pol, the call to become Pastor of Congregational Life for Lynden United Reformed Church in Lynden, WA, came in God’s perfect timing. He and wife Michelle finalized the adoption of their two children on February 24, he planned to resign from his work as a chemist on March 18, and the family … Continue reading In His time: Patient waiting leads to Lynden, Washington call
URCNA Missions Committee gathers for face to face meeting in Orlando
With members from every classis across the United States and Canada, the URCNA Missions Committee generally meets through video-conference calls or communicates via email. But it aims for two face-to-face meetings per year, and January 26-28, 2016, seemed the perfect time for committee members to gather in sunny Orlando, FL. Classis SWUS representative Rev. Michael … Continue reading URCNA Missions Committee gathers for face to face meeting in Orlando
Oord ordination in Indiana
The ordination of a man with the last name of Oord provides many opportunities for word play. But the service for James Oord on January 7, 2016, at Community URC in Schererville, IN, truly was extraOordinary in some ways. Two of the participating pastors share a long and unique relationship with the Oord family, while … Continue reading Oord ordination in Indiana
Plan to publish Trinity Psalter Hymnal in Autumn of 2017
The joint songbook project of the OPC and the URCNA is nearing completion. December 31, 2015, marked the deadline for churches to submit feedback regarding the proposed hymn collection, which had been posted online for review since May of 2015. Rev. Derrick J. Vander Meulen, Chairman of the URCNA’s Psalter Hymnal Committee, explained that … Continue reading Plan to publish Trinity Psalter Hymnal in Autumn of 2017
URC in DeMotte purchases new building
At a congregational meeting on December 14, 2015, Immanuel URC in DeMotte, IN, voted to purchase a building and parsonage. Immanuel’s Chairman of Consistory, Mark Van Der Molen, relates what led to the proposal. “As a bit of background, Immanuel has been evaluating plans for new construction for a number of years, and that … Continue reading URC in DeMotte purchases new building
Remembering Dr. Richard J. Venema
On November 30, 2015, the Lord took home to glory Dr. Richard J. Venema at the age of 93. He served many churches in multiple federations and was well-known within the Reformed community as a forthright defender of God’s truth. Writing a memorial piece always carries the danger of either idolizing or idealizing a … Continue reading Remembering Dr. Richard J. Venema
New Associate Pastor for Redeemer RCUS
On November 1, 2015, Redeemer Reformed Church (RCUS) in Golden Valley, MN, ordained and installed Tim Marinelli as an associate pastor. Pastors and elders from all three Minnesota RCUS congregations, a St. Paul OPC, and other officebearers—including Rev. Marinelli’s father-in-law—participated in the laying on of hands. As Rev. Marinelli takes up his ministerial mantle, … Continue reading New Associate Pastor for Redeemer RCUS
URC in DC now ‘organized’ church
Christ Reformed Church in Washington, DC, celebrated its status as an organized church in a special service scheduled for 7:00 pm on January 21, 2016. Dr. Brian Lee explains, “We did decide to schedule the service on a Thursday night to allow folks who wanted to attend the time to travel. It turns out … Continue reading URC in DC now ‘organized’ church
Mid-America announces new appointment
The Board of Trustees of Mid-America Reformed Seminary recently announced the appointment of Rev. Andrew Compton as Assistant Professor of Theology to teach Old Testament courses, beginning June 1, 2016. Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, President of Mid-America, says, “Andrew was judged to have the combination of pastoral experience and academic excellence in Old Testament … Continue reading Mid-America announces new appointment
Glenda Faye Mathes 