Dee, you guided the Churches for over two decades and me, for about 10 years. I was Stated Clerk of Classis Chicago South and, more recently, a Synodical Deputy from Classis Grandville. Early on, I tried to sneak a minor infraction past your attention under the motto, "Sometimes you have to break the rules!" Never again. Thank you for your wisdom on several occasions. I might add, during a decade when our classes and councils seemed more likely to ignore the Church Order and Supplements and thus produce increased chaos, you provided much orderliness. May you have a productive and orderly retirement!
Thanks, Sean, for your wise suggestions. As an associate pastor who has used Article 17 some years ago, I did ask for and received a letter of recommendation from my colleague, the lead pastor. But, I did not ask for one from a trustworthy voice in classis who knew both the Church and me. Seeking a call was a difficult and prolonged process. By God's grace, the rest of my ministry career went well. Bryce Mensink
I have not read the interview; but, it seems the Church Order and Synodical Regulations will not answer your question. But, if your Church is open to worship practices not forbidden by Scripture, this is a vote in favor of the Church Year and Liturgical Colors. If your Church wants another visual reminder that they believe "a holy catholic church," this may be another affirmative vote. Furthermore, if your Church values the use of the Heidelberg Catechism, it takes but a little re-arranging to organize the Lord's Days to unfold in harmony with the Church Year. At more than one congregation in the past, I have seen profitable use of the church year, the common lectionary, the Heidelberg Catechism, and vestments that follow the liturgical colors. As far as I know, the chief critics in the congregations voiced no objections to the practices.
Posted in: Dee Recker Retires After 23 Years! Share a Memory or Note Here
Dee, you guided the Churches for over two decades and me, for about 10 years. I was Stated Clerk of Classis Chicago South and, more recently, a Synodical Deputy from Classis Grandville. Early on, I tried to sneak a minor infraction past your attention under the motto, "Sometimes you have to break the rules!" Never again. Thank you for your wisdom on several occasions. I might add, during a decade when our classes and councils seemed more likely to ignore the Church Order and Supplements and thus produce increased chaos, you provided much orderliness. May you have a productive and orderly retirement!
Posted in: Addressing Article 17 Stigma
Thanks, Sean, for your wise suggestions. As an associate pastor who has used Article 17 some years ago, I did ask for and received a letter of recommendation from my colleague, the lead pastor. But, I did not ask for one from a trustworthy voice in classis who knew both the Church and me. Seeking a call was a difficult and prolonged process. By God's grace, the rest of my ministry career went well. Bryce Mensink
Posted in: CRC Stance on Using the Liturgical Calendar and Colors?
I have not read the interview; but, it seems the Church Order and Synodical Regulations will not answer your question. But, if your Church is open to worship practices not forbidden by Scripture, this is a vote in favor of the Church Year and Liturgical Colors. If your Church wants another visual reminder that they believe "a holy catholic church," this may be another affirmative vote. Furthermore, if your Church values the use of the Heidelberg Catechism, it takes but a little re-arranging to organize the Lord's Days to unfold in harmony with the Church Year. At more than one congregation in the past, I have seen profitable use of the church year, the common lectionary, the Heidelberg Catechism, and vestments that follow the liturgical colors. As far as I know, the chief critics in the congregations voiced no objections to the practices.
Bryce Mensink, pastor (retired)