Three pastors, all graduates of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, are bidding farewell to their initial congregations and taking up the ministerial mantle in second charges. Rev. Nick Alons (2006) has moved from the United Reformed Church of Prince Edward Island (PEI) to Lynwood URC in Lansing, IL. Rev. Steve Swets (2007) is moving from Immanuel Covenant Reformed … Continue reading URC Pastors taking up new church families
First URC of Oak Lawn: 100 years and counting
The stately building of First United Reformed Church sits on a tree-lined corner of Oak Lawn, Illinois. The historic building reflects a lengthy history of Christian worship, and the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 13, 2015. About 250 people attended that day’s morning service, 180 enjoyed a fellowship lunch, and 200 participated … Continue reading First URC of Oak Lawn: 100 years and counting
Thinking Christianly about vocation, work, and leisure
Protestants traditionally demonstrate an active work ethic, but many—perhaps particularly within Dutch Reformed circles—have more difficulty viewing leisure appropriately. At the annual fall conference of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, Leland Ryken, long-time professor and prolific author, guided attendees in developing a biblical view of vocation, work, and leisure. He addressed each of … Continue reading Thinking Christianly about vocation, work, and leisure
Providence at 10
The 2015-2016 academic year for Providence Christian College in Pasadena, CA, began with an exciting start. The school welcomed the largest class in its history and celebrated a decade of existence. Fall of 2015 marked Providence’s third consecutive year of increased enrollment for freshmen. This year’s incoming class was up 71 percent from last year, … Continue reading Providence at 10
URCNA Classis Pacific NW declares candidate
New Covenant United Reformed Church in Twin Falls, ID, hosted the October 20-21, 2015, meeting of the URCNA’s Classis Pacific Northwest. The candidacy exam of Mr. Benjamin Davenport was the primary matter on the agenda. Examiners and sessions consisted of Rev. Russell Herman (Practica), Rev. Jonathan Van Hoogen (Bible Knowledge), Rev. Nick Smith (Biblical … Continue reading URCNA Classis Pacific NW declares candidate
Writer, speaker, preacher now seminary professor
Kevin DeYoung, a well-known speaker and popular author, will teach for Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) while remaining Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. On October 26, 2015, RTS announced the appointment of DeYoung as chancellor’s professor of systematic and historical theology, beginning January 1, 2016. The position will allow the … Continue reading Writer, speaker, preacher now seminary professor
Luz de Vida’s new building in Ecuador
When the Luz de Vida congregation in Quito, Ecuador, needed to find a new worship location before July 15, 2015, God provided one on July 13—only two days before the deadline. On Sunday, July 19, the congregation began services at the new building with morning worship at 10:00 am and an evening prayer service at … Continue reading Luz de Vida’s new building in Ecuador
Puritan Reformed Conference on God’s Word
The Beauty and Glory of the Word of God was the theme of the seventh annual conference hosted by Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) from August 20-22, 2015. About 425 people attended the conference at the Prince Conference Center in Grand Rapids, MI. This year’s speakers featured Dr. Geoff Thomas, a familiar author and pastor … Continue reading Puritan Reformed Conference on God’s Word
Hope for reformation in Germany
Reformed Christians who value the Heidelberg Catechism may have difficulty imagining Germany as a country requiring reformation. But that’s the reality. Many church buildings are now museums with tourists passing through rather than believers sitting under the preaching of the Word. But gospel light is piercing the dark religious landscape of Germany. Reformed believers … Continue reading Hope for reformation in Germany
Yi Wang: Chinese architect for Italian Reformation
Yi Wang (pronounced Ee Wan) was born in northeast China in 1989. He says, “I know it was a sensitive year, but I didn’t have a choice.” As Yi grew up, he developed an atheistic and evolutionary worldview. But while attending college to become an architect, Yi’s mind often filled with important questions about life … Continue reading Yi Wang: Chinese architect for Italian Reformation
Glenda Faye Mathes 