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
NAPARC changes by-laws and constitution
When the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC), met on November 19-20, 2013, in Flat Rock, NC, it adopted new by-laws and approved changes to its constitution. The new by-laws are already in effect, but changes in the constitution must be approved by NAPARC member churches. Those actions arose from a report by the … Continue reading NAPARC changes by-laws and constitution
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
Phoenix URC focuses on God’s mission to the city
Phoenix, AZ, named after the mythological regenerating bird associated with the sun, consistently tops the charts of the sunniest US cities. The legendary phoenix can symbolize Christian themes of rebirth and resurrection, and it’s those timeless truths that members of Phoenix URC seek to bring to the almost 1.5 million people living in American’s sixth … Continue reading Phoenix URC focuses on God’s mission to the city
The privilege of proclamation: Reflections on 55 years of ministry
In August of [2013], Rev. Arthur Besteman gave up preaching. He’d hoped to continue until he was 85, the age at which his wife’s father retired, but he was 80 and felt that it was time. He still goes out on pastoral visits and conducts funerals. In fact, the same week he gave up regular … Continue reading The privilege of proclamation: Reflections on 55 years of ministry
Candidacy exams dominate the agenda at URCNA’s Classis Central US
Attending the September meeting of Classis Central US of the URCNA was a genuine blast from the past. It reminded many older folks of childhood Sundays, when summer services were made more comfortable with whirling wall fans. But the past was only a memory as office-bearers looked to the future by examining two men as … Continue reading Candidacy exams dominate the agenda at URCNA’s Classis Central US
Jersey City plant to begin services
Grace Reformed Church of Jersey City, a church plant under the supervision of Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship, hoped to begin worship services on September 1, 2013. The group meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Culinary Conference Center of the Hudson County Community College, located at 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Although Messiah’s Council originally determined … Continue reading Jersey City plant to begin services
Dayspring church plant in Boise
A church plant on the far east side of Boise, ID, is moving forward with faith and vision. Dayspring Reformed Church, a church plant under the supervision of New Covenant United Reformed Church in Twin Falls, ID, may have a rather unusual name, but it is rooted in Scripture. Dayspring comes from the prophecy of … Continue reading Dayspring church plant in Boise
Prison seminary holds second commencement
Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary held its second commencement ceremony on June 15, 2013. Nine men, who had completed thirty credit hours in their first year of seminary instruction, received a Certificate in Christian Studies. Graduates were in a celebratory mood. “It was so good to see my students in high spirits,” says Professor Nathan … Continue reading Prison seminary holds second commencement
New minister for Rock Valley URC
After serving Bethel URC in Calgary, AB, for nine years, Rev. Joel Vander Kooi was installed as Minister of the Word and Sacraments in a ceremony on May 16, 2013. Sioux Center URC, led the service and emphasized the preaching of the Word as he spoke on “Fulfilling Your Ministry” from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Rev. … Continue reading New minister for Rock Valley URC
Glenda Faye Mathes 