On May 4, 2016, Mr. Michael B. Deckinga began his position as the Vice President of Advancement at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, IN. The VP of Advancement nurtures the Seminary’s external relationships and advances its mission through marketing, communications, and development. Mr. Deckinga’s work includes managing fundraisers and gifts as well as providing … Continue reading Mid-America appoints new Vice President of Advancement
Mid-America no longer going with the “Flo”
Vice President of Administration retires after 35 years Over 100 people gathered on the evening of May 11, 2016, to celebrate Florence Kooiman’s 35 years of faithful service to Mid-America Reformed Seminary . The bittersweet celebration also marked her retirement in the summer of 2016 from her position as Vice President of Administration. Anyone … Continue reading Mid-America no longer going with the “Flo”
Smooth Sailing for RCUS Synod in California
No controversial issues came up during the 270th Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, when it met from May 16-19, 2016, at Grace Reformed Church in Bakersfield, CA. “I would have to say that this year’s Synod was unique in that there were no major decisions or position papers to approve,” … Continue reading Smooth Sailing for RCUS Synod in California
Sioux Falls church plant organizes
In a joint worship service held with Hills URC on May 8, 2016, the Sioux Falls United Reformed church plant formally organized as Christ Reformed Church (URCNA). Rev. Spencer Aalsburg led the service, installing two elders and two deacons as Christ Reformed’s first council. Attendees participated in a fellowship meal after the service and … Continue reading Sioux Falls church plant organizes
Pella’s heritage: Broken teacups and blooming tulips
During the first week of May, 300,000 tulips in beds lining streets and filling parks of Pella, IA, usually bloom. Whatever the condition of blossoms, local people celebrate their Dutch heritage with an extravaganza of colorful parades, folk dancing, interesting exhibits, and delicious food. Copious amounts of food. Visitors can feed their inner child … Continue reading Pella’s heritage: Broken teacups and blooming tulips
Reaching out in Jersey City
What do you know about Jersey City? It’s the second most heavily-populated city in New Jersey with an ethnic diversity befitting it as the home of Ellis Island. It’s also the location of a young URCNA church plant, Grace Reformed Church. When the work began meeting for worship on September 1, 2013, a core … Continue reading Reaching out in Jersey City
Faith community rallies around a church after fire damages building
“Ridiculously surreal.” That’s how Senior Pastor Stu Kerns described the phone call informing him of a fire at Zion Church (PCA) in Lincoln, NE. This was the second time he’d received such a call. The previous building at a different location had been completely destroyed by fire in 2007. “I felt like this is … Continue reading Faith community rallies around a church after fire damages building
Seminary’s alumni conference focuses on conflict
You or your pastor may be all too familiar with conflict within the church. According to Rev. Jeff De Boer, Director of Enrollment Management at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, it is the primary reason for pastors leaving the ministry. “Preparing for and reflecting on conflict is very important for the continued well-being of the church,” … Continue reading Seminary’s alumni conference focuses on conflict
Independent Reformed church seeks URCNA affiliation
After more than forty years as an independent congregation, Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, MI, hopes to affiliate with the United Reformed Churches in North America. At a meeting on March 2, 2016, Immanuel’s congregation voted unanimously in favor of affiliation. The consistory of Covenant URC in Kalamazoo brought an Article 32 recommendation regarding … Continue reading Independent Reformed church seeks URCNA affiliation
Four years of church planting in Michigan
On February 5, 2016, an OPC mission effort in Fremont, MI, became a particularized church and took the name Bethel Reformed OPC. The church installed Rev. Vern Picknally, who has served the work for over four years, and two elders: Mr. Brian Guikema and Dr. Ted Vander Kooi. (The latter is the brother of Rev. … Continue reading Four years of church planting in Michigan
Glenda Faye Mathes 