Christ Reformed Church in Washington, DC, celebrated its status as an organized church in a special service scheduled for 7:00 pm on January 21, 2016. Dr. Brian Lee explains, “We did decide to schedule the service on a Thursday night to allow folks who wanted to attend the time to travel. It turns out … Continue reading URC in DC now ‘organized’ church
URC Pastors taking up new church families
Three pastors, all graduates of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, are bidding farewell to their initial congregations and taking up the ministerial mantle in second charges. Rev. Nick Alons (2006) has moved from the United Reformed Church of Prince Edward Island (PEI) to Lynwood URC in Lansing, IL. Rev. Steve Swets (2007) is moving from Immanuel Covenant Reformed … Continue reading URC Pastors taking up new church families
First URC of Oak Lawn: 100 years and counting
The stately building of First United Reformed Church sits on a tree-lined corner of Oak Lawn, Illinois. The historic building reflects a lengthy history of Christian worship, and the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 13, 2015. About 250 people attended that day’s morning service, 180 enjoyed a fellowship lunch, and 200 participated … Continue reading First URC of Oak Lawn: 100 years and counting
Thinking Christianly about vocation, work, and leisure
Protestants traditionally demonstrate an active work ethic, but many—perhaps particularly within Dutch Reformed circles—have more difficulty viewing leisure appropriately. At the annual fall conference of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, Leland Ryken, long-time professor and prolific author, guided attendees in developing a biblical view of vocation, work, and leisure. He addressed each of … Continue reading Thinking Christianly about vocation, work, and leisure
Luz de Vida’s new building in Ecuador
When the Luz de Vida congregation in Quito, Ecuador, needed to find a new worship location before July 15, 2015, God provided one on July 13—only two days before the deadline. On Sunday, July 19, the congregation began services at the new building with morning worship at 10:00 am and an evening prayer service at … Continue reading Luz de Vida’s new building in Ecuador
Yi Wang: Chinese architect for Italian Reformation
Yi Wang (pronounced Ee Wan) was born in northeast China in 1989. He says, “I know it was a sensitive year, but I didn’t have a choice.” As Yi grew up, he developed an atheistic and evolutionary worldview. But while attending college to become an architect, Yi’s mind often filled with important questions about life … Continue reading Yi Wang: Chinese architect for Italian Reformation
URC ministers conference focuses on the ordinary
About 45 ministers met for a United Reformed Church pastors conference, held from June 1-3, 2015, at Westminster Seminary California (WSC). With a theme of “The Ordinary Ministry,” it was appropriate for Dr. Michael Horton (Escondido URC, Escondido, CA) to speak on Monday evening about his recent book, Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, … Continue reading URC ministers conference focuses on the ordinary
Calvin Seminary appoints URC man to moral theology position
On June 15, 2015, delegates at the CRCNA’s Synod unanimously ratified the appointment of Dr. Matthew Tuininga as Assistant Professor of Moral Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. Dr. Tuininga is a member and licensed exhorter of Covenant United Reformed Church in Pantego, NC. “Moral theology encompasses our understanding of the practical implications of the … Continue reading Calvin Seminary appoints URC man to moral theology position
God’s Spirit at work in women’s prison
If number of tears shed is an indication, Divine Hope’s summer study center at Rockville Correctional Facility was a huge success. Tears sprang to eyes as women inmates shared heartbreaking concerns. Tears flowed as music touched hearts. And tears welled in eyes shining with joy and hope in Jesus Christ. “God mightily blessed the six-week … Continue reading God’s Spirit at work in women’s prison
PCA’s Chicago Metro Presbytery welcomes five new congregations
The Chicago Metro Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) welcomed five new congregations during a celebration service held on May 17 at First Church in Lansing, IL. The five Illinois congregations recently came out of the Illiana-Florida Classis of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). They include First Church and Grace Church, … Continue reading PCA’s Chicago Metro Presbytery welcomes five new congregations
Glenda Faye Mathes 