When Classis Pacific Northwest met on October 18, it unanimously sustained Angelo Contreras as a candidate for ministry in the URCNA and passed an overture of recommendations for the federation’s Songbook Committee. Classis met at Trinity URC in Visalia, CA, with elder Paul Scharold (Grace URC; Kennewick, WA) serving as Chairman and Rev. Chris Gordon (Lynden URC; … Continue reading URCNA Classis Pacific Northwest: New candidate, songbook overture
URCNA Classis Western Canada: Many overtures and much advice
When Classis Western Canada of the URCNA met on October 13 & 14, 2011, at Emmanuel Reformed Church of Neerlandia, AB, most overtures on the agenda related to a federational songbook. Others proposed regional synods and sermons on the URCNA website. Classis also handled multiple matters of advice to the churches. Emmanuel’s Rev. Ralph Pontier chaired the … Continue reading URCNA Classis Western Canada: Many overtures and much advice
Christ and Culture lecture series in Indiana
Immanuel URC’s series of four lectures titled “Christ and Culture: Whose Kingdom Is It Anyway?” explored a new view of natural law and two kingdom theology. Professor Alan Strange, from Mid-America Reformed Seminary, spoke at the lectures held on consecutive Thursday evenings during September in DeMotte, IN. The idea for a series on this subject … Continue reading Christ and Culture lecture series in Indiana
Rev. Richard J. Miller installed at Bellingham
In a surprising turn of events, both pastors at Dutton United Reformed Church in Michigan preached farewell sermons on the same day. At the morning worship service on August 21, 2011, Rev. David Klompien spoke on “To God Be the Glory” from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. At the evening service on that same day, Dutton’s co-pastor, … Continue reading Rev. Richard J. Miller installed at Bellingham
Slavic Reformation Society reps visit U.S.
Eight Eurasian pastors associated with the Slavic Reformation Society (SRS) visited various locations in twelve states and met with the 2011 CREC General Council during the first week of October. The primary focus of the visit was the General Council of the CREC, formerly the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches, but now known as the … Continue reading Slavic Reformation Society reps visit U.S.
Vern Picknally installed at Fremont OPC
When Rev. Vern Picknally was installed at Fremont Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), the man who charged him was the same man who challenged him to ministry. “Rev. Ken Klett, Covenant PCA in Holland, MI, gave the charge to me,” says Rev. Picknally. “He was my pastor (associate pastor, actually) in New Jersey from 1989 until … Continue reading Vern Picknally installed at Fremont OPC
Russian pastor’s faith journey
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
Glenda Faye Mathes 