We place a lot of importance on the new year and making all kinds of resolutions. But perhaps we don’t need a new year on a humanly constructed calendar to signal us to seek a more sanctified life.
As we prepare to commemorate the 500th anniversary next year, I suggest that this year and every year we remember with a bit of sadness that while the Reformation was necessary, it was also unfortunate.
Stories are powerful. Even simple stories have the ability to engage us on many levels, not just our heads but our hearts. What is your story? Where has God placed you, and what journey are you on?
Sam Huizenga describes what it means to be collaborative in her work coaching and training leaders of small groups. What about you? Do you have a story about working collaboratively with another church or ministry?
Stephanie Williams, M.D., chief of the blood and marrow transplant program at Spectrum Health in Chicago, talks about what it means to her to be part of the CRC. Do you have a story about what it means to you to be Christian Reformed?
Darleen Litson, a member of Four Corners CRC in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, tells the story of her call to leadership. What about you? Do you have a story about cultivating leadership?
Mark Hilbelink, pastor of Sunrise Community Church in Austin, Texas, describes how “The Weirdest Little Church in Texas” set out to call and nurture disciples. How about you? Do you have a story about discipleship?
Kevin DeRaaf, pastor of Faith CRC in Burlington, ON, tells the story of how his church moved their ministry beyond church walls. How about you? Do you have a story about your church engaging with its community?
For too long the church has been silent about the moral travesty of climate change. Today, the Pope has said, “Enough is enough,” and the Christian Reformed Church welcomes his voice.
We’re realizing more and more that having two agencies produces a gap or, at least, discontinuities. Many times, we have to travel just a city block or two to cross boundaries of culture and language.
We were so very close to what we had identified as the perfect family. But God had other plans. Paul was born with congenital heart defects and Down syndrome, and that wasn’t what we had in mind.