The first-ever Reformation Conference hosted by Christ URC in Santee, CA, drew an astounding number of first-time visitors. Of the approximately 130 attendees, more than 60 were not church members. “The idea behind the conference was to provide San Diego with an opportunity to be introduced to the Reformation and Reformed theology,” explains Rev. Michael … Continue reading URC in Santee reaches out with Reformation teaching
Second man called to teach full-time at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary
When Classis Central US of the URCNA convened on September 15, 2014, the primary item on the agenda was the colloquium doctum of Rev. Ken Anema, who served Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI, for almost 21 years and recently began teaching inmates through Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary. A requirement for that … Continue reading Second man called to teach full-time at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary
Waterdown’s Living Hope URC: Building a church from the outside in
Over 80 people attended the first service of Living Hope United Reformed Church in Waterdown, ON, on September 14, 2014. The new venture is a daughter church under the authority of Living Water Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brantford, ON. Living Water’s minister, Rev. Greg Bylsma, preached at the first service from Matthew 11:28-30 on “The … Continue reading Waterdown’s Living Hope URC: Building a church from the outside in
Trinity Reformed of Cape Coral: Florida URC’s ebb and flow
Nestled among the popular beaches and tourist attractions of southern Florida, sits one of the most isolated churches in the URCNA. Trinity Reformed Church in Cape Coral is almost 900 miles and over 13 hours from its nearest URC neighbor (Covenant URC in Pantego, NC). Located near many vacation destinations, it receives numerous visitors but … Continue reading Trinity Reformed of Cape Coral: Florida URC’s ebb and flow
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?
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
Short meeting for URC Classis Central US
In contrast to the September meeting of Classis Central US of the URCNA—which ran out of time to discuss the four overtures on its agenda—the March 3 & 4, 2014, meeting was the shortest in most delegates’ memory. A contributing factor was an abbreviated exam with a prompt decision. Another reason was that discussion on … Continue reading Short meeting for URC Classis Central US
Rev. Edward J. Knott’s journey and leadership
Members of the United Reformed Churches owe Rev. Edward J. Knott a debt far greater than most realize. He provided biblical servant leadership at crucial points in the federation’s history, but this humble hero would be the first to downplay his role and redirect all glory to God. Few ministers have accomplished more during their … Continue reading Rev. Edward J. Knott’s journey and leadership
Confirmation in the Lord’s timing: Mark Vander Pol ordination
Mark Vander Pol was ordained to the gospel ministry during morning worship on February 2, 2014, at Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA. Christ URC’s pastor, Rev. Michael Brown preached from Ephesians 4:1-6 on Christ’s gift of pastors to his church. Dr. Michael Horton, Associate Pastor, gave the charge to the minister from 2 … Continue reading Confirmation in the Lord’s timing: Mark Vander Pol ordination
Glenda Faye Mathes 