The introduction to this series of news reports about Synod Nyack 2012 compared Synod to a young adult, settling into positive patterns and making wise decisions. Each of the four synods I have observed demonstrated increasing maturity and unity, and these characteristics were more obvious this year. One of the reasons for the maturity and … Continue reading The battle for the church will never stop (Synod 2012)
Keeping the website accurate and up-to-date
Gary Fisher was reappointed as the URCNA webmaster. The Website Oversight Committee was asked to develop documents detailing his duties as well as guidelines for posting material to the site. The consistory of Grace URC in Waupun will continue to oversee the Website Oversight Committee until the next synod. Synod reminded the churches to update … Continue reading Keeping the website accurate and up-to-date
URCNA Synod: Defining the meaning of synodical actions
Those who have attended previous synods know the confusion created by the adoption of documents without a clear definition of how they are to be regarded by the churches. Synod London 2010 had asked the Ad Hoc Synodical Rules Committee to address this issue. That committee drafted a document that defines synodical actions and describes … Continue reading URCNA Synod: Defining the meaning of synodical actions
URNCA ecumenical relationships: Phase Two with the RPCNA awaits ratification
The URCNA has two standing committees dealing with ecumenical relationships. CERCU (Committee for Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity) and CECCA (Committee for Ecumenical Contact with Churches Abroad). Both committees brought to Synod reports containing recommendations, which advisory committees passed on to the floor. Although most recommendations were adopted quickly and unanimously, it seemed like Synod … Continue reading URNCA ecumenical relationships: Phase Two with the RPCNA awaits ratification
Sorting out the emeritation process
When a retiring minister moves to another location and begins attending a different church, there may be some confusion as to which church ought to be holding his ministerial credentials. Additionally, there exists within the URCNA a wide range of discrepancy in the practice of funding ministers’ retirement funds. One study committee brought its recommendations … Continue reading Sorting out the emeritation process
The changing face of URCNA missions organization
In the URCNA, missions is a given. What was not a given, however, was how to do it, organizationally, that is. That delegates clearly desired to promote missions and church planting was evidenced by the quick adoption of the recommendations to establish a Missions Committee and to ask the existing Ad Hoc committee to serve … Continue reading The changing face of URCNA missions organization
URC to collaborate with OPC on songbook
Participants and observers say that one of the best things about Synod is the singing. Hearing hundreds of men wholeheartedly praising God fills hearts with grateful awe. The URCNA loves singing aesthetically pleasing arrangements of biblically articulate hymns and psalms. And over the next few years, the URCNA will be cooperating with the OPC toward … Continue reading URC to collaborate with OPC on songbook
URCNA Synod 2012: A prayer-full gathering near the Hudson
Although it's rather old news by now, I intend to post my Christian Renewal reports on the URCNA Synod Nyack 2012 now that they've appeared in print. The following overview appeared on pages 6-7 and 10 of the July 11, 2012, issue of Christian Renewal. My picture of the delegates appeared as a nice two-page spread (pp 8-9), large … Continue reading URCNA Synod 2012: A prayer-full gathering near the Hudson
Little One Lost – Synod launch
I received word from the publisher that, Lord willing, Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss will launch at the URCNA Synod Nyack 2012! Only a very limited number of copies are scheduled to arrive at the college on Thursday, where they'll be available at the Reformed Fellowship table at half-price, only $5! You … Continue reading Little One Lost – Synod launch
URCNA Synod 2012 Agenda Summary
[The following article will appear in the May 23, 2012 issue of Christian Renewal. I'm posting it now with editorial permission so that it is available in a timely manner. ~ Glenda Mathes] At 403 pages, the provisional agenda for the URCNA Synod Nyack 2012 may seem overwhelmingly deep, but it’s not as difficult to wade through … Continue reading URCNA Synod 2012 Agenda Summary
Glenda Faye Mathes 