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
URC of Wellsburg: keeping and sharing the faith
Who says a small church can’t do big things? With only 11 families on the membership rolls, the United Reformed Church of Wellsburg is Classis Central’s smallest organized church. But it hosts an annual women’s retreat that brings Christian sisters together from beyond ecclesiastical boundaries. The annual retreat at a nearby Christian camp grew out … Continue reading URC of Wellsburg: keeping and sharing the faith
Small Churches: Measuring success or faithfulness?
The emergence and popularity of megachurches in recent years has led many church-goers to think of success in terms of numerical growth, but small congregations often surpass larger counterparts in important elements like fellowship and unity. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. The ultimate indicator of success is faithfulness. Any true church—no matter it’s size—is one that … Continue reading Small Churches: Measuring success or faithfulness?
CRCNA/RCA Synods
CRCNA/RCA Synods strengthen denominational union When the Synods of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) met in mid-June of 2014, they narrowed the increasingly thin 157-year-old gap between the two denominations. Both Synods met during the same time frame on the campus of Central College in … Continue reading CRCNA/RCA Synods
Ordained to serve in Ecuador
Pablo Landázuri’s ordination marked the conclusion of one chapter in his life and the beginning of another. “I feel that this milestone was the end of a long and intense process,” he says, “but mainly the beginning of a great task.” That great task is bringing the Reformed faith to the people in Pablo’s native … Continue reading Ordained to serve in Ecuador
Uriah Courtney — wrongfully convicted
In 2005, Uriah Courtney was convicted for a crime he did not commit and sentenced to life in prison. He was released and exonerated in 2013 after new DNA testing proved his innocence. Because he was accused of a sexual assault on a minor, he was not permitted to see his son for the entire … Continue reading Uriah Courtney — wrongfully convicted
New pastor for URC in Sunnyside
Jordan Huff was ordained to the gospel ministry and installed as Minister of the Word and Sacraments at the United Reformed Church of Sunnyside, WA, on Friday, April 11, 2014. About 50 people attended the service, officiated by Rev. Chuck Tedrick (Calvary URC in Loveland, CO). Rev. Craig Davis (Grace URC in Kennewick, WA) read … Continue reading New pastor for URC in Sunnyside
Milan annual conference on family
A Reformed congregation in Milan, Italy (Chiesa Evangelica Riformata ‘Filadelfia’ [CERF]), hosted a conference on April 25-26, 2014. Speaker Rev. William Boekestein (Covenant URC in Carbondale, PA) addressed six subjects related to marriage and family, based primarily on Colossians 3:17-21.In his introduction on Friday, Rev. Boekestein discussed family dynamics. “Without question, relationships can be difficult,” … Continue reading Milan annual conference on family
Cultivating amazement for God’s grace: Rev. Robert De Vries
While Rev. Robert W. DeVries has officially retired twice, he continues to be active in the ministry. He served for several years as the Clerk of Classis Eastern US of the URCNA, and still fills the vacant pulpit of the New Haven URC in Vermont a few times per month. Christian Renewal recently interviewed him … Continue reading Cultivating amazement for God’s grace: Rev. Robert De Vries
Walker URC’s centennial celebration
As Walker United Reformed Church celebrated its 100th anniversary, its members remembered the past while looking to the future with thankfulness to God. The theme verse chosen for the occasion was Psalm 145:4, “One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts” (KJV). A special centennial celebration took place on … Continue reading Walker URC’s centennial celebration
Glenda Faye Mathes 