https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Wed, 24 Apr 2024 23:52:07 +0000 Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:19:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/way-more-twice Last month I had the privilege of serving as a delegate from Classis Iakotato to Synod 2019 of the Christian Reformed Church. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/way-more-twice Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:19:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/different-sort-king Probably to the surprise of some, Jesus does not arrive in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding on a stallion with guns blazing as people might have expected a king to do. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/different-sort-king Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:11:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/encountering-jesus-his-table-more-frequently-part-2 So what’s stopping us from inviting Jesus to open our eyes by gathering around the Lord’s Supper table more frequently? Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/encountering-jesus-his-table-more-frequently-part-2 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/encountering-jesus-his-table-more-frequently-part-1 The story of Jesus’ post-resurrection encounter with the disciples on their way to Emmaus is one of my favorite Gospel stories. It begins with despair and ends with joy. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/encountering-jesus-his-table-more-frequently-part-1 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:57:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/contagious-courage While we were in British Columbia this summer, my 10-year-old son and I hiked the Abby Grind. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/contagious-courage Wed, 20 Sep 2017 17:18:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/melodious-part-worship-service Why do we sing in worship services? Why not simply use spoken words? I can think of at least three reasons. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/melodious-part-worship-service Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:36:39 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/worship-orange-juice Back when I was serving Telkwa CRC, a wise man once told me that worship is like orange juice. The service you attend on Sunday is the concentrate. But you add water so you can experience it all week long. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/worship-orange-juice Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:43:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/not-ten-million-dollars One day as Mother Teresa was working in the slums of Calcutta dressing the wounds of a dying leper, a tourist asked permission to take a photograph. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/not-ten-million-dollars Wed, 09 Mar 2016 14:46:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/hospitality/gracious-welcome In Psalm 87, it’s nothing short of astonishing to read who will all be welcome in Zion, God’s holy city. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/hospitality/gracious-welcome Mon, 29 Feb 2016 16:39:24 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/im-hypocrite-too As dozens of media outlets have reported, reality  TV star Josh Duggar has been outed as one of the 32 million people who used the cheating website Ashley Madison. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/im-hypocrite-too Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:30:45 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/favorite-hymns-i-dont-want-forget I think Lift Up Your Hearts is outstanding. It has become my primary hymnal, the first one I turn to for planning worship. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/favorite-hymns-i-dont-want-forget Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:13:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/preaching/other-miracle-transfiguration If there’s one disadvantage to knowing Bible stories, it’s that they don’t always surprise us anymore. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/preaching/other-miracle-transfiguration Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:02:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/not-complaints-department A while ago, I was in a meeting where a couple concerns were raised about the worship service that past Sunday. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/not-complaints-department Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:34:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/invited-part-2 Talking about inviting children to the Lord’s table, people sometimes turn to the apostle Paul’s commands to the church in Corinth and ask, Can children “examine themselves” while “discerning the body of Christ?” If not, will they be p Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/invited-part-2 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/invited Like all good fathers, our heavenly Father seeks to nourish His children. He feeds us with His Word and feeds us with the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/invited Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:30:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/hungry When I miss a meal, I can tell. (When my hunger starts making me cranky, then everyone else can tell, too!) It’s pretty important for me to have breakfast, lunch, and supper each day for my body to function properly. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/hungry Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:30:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/redefining-friendship As far as I know, my wife Monica and I are friends with everyone at Telkwa CRC who is on Facebook. We are also friends with my mom (who just recently signed up to see what it’s all about) and Monica’s mom. Stanley & Monica Groothof https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/redefining-friendship Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:18:26 +0000