An independent congregation in Kalamazoo, MI, hoped to welcome Rev. Bill Boekestein as its new pastor in May of 2015. Immanuel Reformed has been vacant for about four years, since Rev. John Byl left in the spring of 2011. Rev. Boekestein, a 2007 graduate of Puritan Theological Seminary, has been serving Covenant Reformed Church in … Continue reading New Minister for Kalamazoo’s Immanuel Reformed
New Westminster URC: Finding the way forward
With only 38 members, New Westminster URC (formerly ORC) in New Westminster, BC, is definitely one of the smaller congregations in the United Reformed federation. But it follows God’s leading to out-distance larger congregations in creative outreach efforts. On January 12, 2015, the church launched its newest endeavor: The Way Forward, an addictions recovery support … Continue reading New Westminster URC: Finding the way forward
By-law changes implemented at NAPARC
When NAPARC (North American Presbyterian Reformed Council) met from November 11-13, 2014, new practices streamlined reporting and increased interaction. According to NAPARC Secretary Ron Potter, recent changes to the organization’s constitution and by-laws affected the November meeting in a positive way. Each member church prepared a standard form that included current statistics, significant actions, and … Continue reading By-law changes implemented at NAPARC
Language ministry to East Indians
True Path to God is a unique language ministry making it possible to reach out to East Indians in local neighborhoods and around the world. And Dr. Kuldip Singh Gangar is uniquely qualified to head up this ministry. Dr. Kuldip Gangar was born in India, immigrated to England when he was nine, and became a … Continue reading Language ministry to East Indians
Conference on the Heart in Pella
The annual fall conference at Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA (November, 2014), explored the crucial question, “Where’s Your Heart?” Speaker A. Craig Troxel, pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Wheaton, IL, and Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, shared wisdom from his upcoming book on the subject. … Continue reading Conference on the Heart in Pella
On TASC: RMS reports on work done and projects to come
It was a busy year for Reformed Mission Services (RMS). Volunteers participated in activities ranging from the biggest ever TASC group, to a first VBS event, to new TASC sites, and a house construction trip. The summer began on June 21-28, 2014, with the largest TASC in the history of RMS, when Trinity URC in … Continue reading On TASC: RMS reports on work done and projects to come
New Director of Enrollment for Mid-America
Rev. Jeff De Boer has been appointed by Mid-America Reformed Seminary to its newly-created Director of Enrollment Management (DEM) position. The 2000 graduate of Mid-America pastored the RCUS congregation in Garner, IA, and currently serves a PCA in North Liberty, IA. He begins in January of 2015. Rev. De Boer said his responsibilities will include … Continue reading New Director of Enrollment for Mid-America
The process of leaving: Churches moving from the RCA to the PCA
In July, Christian Renewal reported that several congregations of the Reformed Church in America had petitioned their classes with the intent to withdraw from the RCA. The most visible of those congregations, University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI, held a second congregational vote on November 23, 2014. At this second meeting, over 95 percent … Continue reading The process of leaving: Churches moving from the RCA to the PCA
URCNA classis and OPC presbytery connect by sharing facilities
URCNA’s Classis Eastern US and the OPC’s Presbytery of New Jersey held concurrent meetings on October 14 & 15, 2014, at Preakness Valley URC in Wayne, NJ. According to Classis Eastern US Stated Clerk, Rev. Drew Eenigenburg, the effort culminated “three years of invitations and preparation by our fraternal relations committees.” The cooperative effort began with the … Continue reading URCNA classis and OPC presbytery connect by sharing facilities
New Covenant URC of Twin Falls, ID: No home yet, but at home in God’s providence
The city of Twin Falls perches beside the Snake River Canyon in southern Idaho. North of the city, the Perrine Bridge spans the expanse, nearly 500 feet above the river. The bridge is popular with BASE jumpers and may be the only manmade structure in the US where such jumping is legal year-round without a … Continue reading New Covenant URC of Twin Falls, ID: No home yet, but at home in God’s providence
Glenda Faye Mathes 