Rev. Randall Klynsma has accepted a call as associate pastor for St. John’s Reformed Church (RCUS) of Lincoln, NE, tasked with planting a church in the Omaha metropolitan area. Rev. Klynsma took up his new responsibilities on February 1, 2016. The mission work, now known as Omaha Reformed Church, has been holding worship services since … Continue reading New church planter for RCUS work in Omaha
Changing the Ethos of Chicago
On February 14, 2016, Justin Beach was ordained as Associate Pastor at Ethos Chicago, a unique church that meets for weekly worship at the historic Biograph Theater in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the city’s north side. “God has led me on a journey I never knew I would take,” Justin says. “Ten years ago … Continue reading Changing the Ethos of Chicago
In His time: Patient waiting leads to Lynden, Washington call
For Mark Vander Pol, the call to become Pastor of Congregational Life for Lynden United Reformed Church in Lynden, WA, came in God’s perfect timing. He and wife Michelle finalized the adoption of their two children on February 24, he planned to resign from his work as a chemist on March 18, and the family … Continue reading In His time: Patient waiting leads to Lynden, Washington call
New minister for Spanish Language Ministry in Ontario, CA
Taylor Kern was ordained on January 31, 2016, at Ontario URC in California to pastor the church’s Spanish language ministry. Ontario’s minister, Rev. Adam Kaloostian, led the evening worship service and officiated the ordination, assisted by Spanish-speaking elder, Gabriel Martinez. Rev. Jaimeson Stockhaus (PCA) preached and presented the charge. Other pastors in attendance included Rev. … Continue reading New minister for Spanish Language Ministry in Ontario, CA
URCNA Missions Committee gathers for face to face meeting in Orlando
With members from every classis across the United States and Canada, the URCNA Missions Committee generally meets through video-conference calls or communicates via email. But it aims for two face-to-face meetings per year, and January 26-28, 2016, seemed the perfect time for committee members to gather in sunny Orlando, FL. Classis SWUS representative Rev. Michael … Continue reading URCNA Missions Committee gathers for face to face meeting in Orlando
Oord ordination in Indiana
The ordination of a man with the last name of Oord provides many opportunities for word play. But the service for James Oord on January 7, 2016, at Community URC in Schererville, IN, truly was extraOordinary in some ways. Two of the participating pastors share a long and unique relationship with the Oord family, while … Continue reading Oord ordination in Indiana
URC in DeMotte purchases new building
At a congregational meeting on December 14, 2015, Immanuel URC in DeMotte, IN, voted to purchase a building and parsonage. Immanuel’s Chairman of Consistory, Mark Van Der Molen, relates what led to the proposal. “As a bit of background, Immanuel has been evaluating plans for new construction for a number of years, and that … Continue reading URC in DeMotte purchases new building
An open door in Uganda
People often say that God doesn’t close a door without opening another, and we frequently see it happen. More rarely the newly-opened door requires stepping over the threshold into a different country. But that huge step of faith for the David and Rashel Robbins family is actually the fulfillment of their lifelong dreams. Even … Continue reading An open door in Uganda
Remembering Dr. Richard J. Venema
On November 30, 2015, the Lord took home to glory Dr. Richard J. Venema at the age of 93. He served many churches in multiple federations and was well-known within the Reformed community as a forthright defender of God’s truth. Writing a memorial piece always carries the danger of either idolizing or idealizing a … Continue reading Remembering Dr. Richard J. Venema
New Associate Pastor for Redeemer RCUS
On November 1, 2015, Redeemer Reformed Church (RCUS) in Golden Valley, MN, ordained and installed Tim Marinelli as an associate pastor. Pastors and elders from all three Minnesota RCUS congregations, a St. Paul OPC, and other officebearers—including Rev. Marinelli’s father-in-law—participated in the laying on of hands. As Rev. Marinelli takes up his ministerial mantle, … Continue reading New Associate Pastor for Redeemer RCUS
Glenda Faye Mathes 