Thank you, Elaine! I was going to ask you for this speech, but didn't dare. Now I'm so glad you've shared it this way, and it allows me to share with others, too. Thank you for this clear overview. Praying for you, all of the gifted women and men in the CRC, and the church as it moves forward.
I love the old and the new - there is beauty and truth in both. Our desire to worship God with our whole being sometimes puts us into camps where we feel most comfortable. But as we are being made new in Christ, our worship must connect to the 'ancient' truths and also be new and fresh. Don't get me wrong, the old songs can impact us in a fresh way as much as the new. Maybe those who feel strongly for one or the other could benefit from reading a new book called, "Flow", by Lester Ruth. Here is a description: “Flow (the book) seeks to provide guidance to mainline congregations who sense that their contemporary services are clunky and lack full vitality,” said Ruth. “The book meets that goal by bringing insights about achieving good flow in worship from the originators of contemporary worship into conversation with early patristic sources.
Thanks for your gracious leadership, Elaine. I, too, am thankful for those who have gone before us to prepare the way and break through the wall - showing that the 'game' isn't threatened, it is improved. And to the men (and the Synod of '96) who have recognized that it is in our created human selves as male and female that we reflect the image of God to the world, both gifted and called to serve together. It is in that created oneness and uniqueness that we serve and work for the kingdom to answer the urgent call of the gospel. My mom and dad, and many others in their 'senior' generation have lived through this change and seen the shift from male only leadership in the church to both male and female leaders, and even though this is a major paradigm shift for them, have come to appreciate it and see the benefits.
For many who are still working to walk through the large hole in the wall that you and others have already created, we must continue to pray. May God's love and the passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ lead the way, giving courage and strength to all.
Thanks for writing this and giving us a glimpse into your journey, Elaine. I am so grateful for all the women who have heard the call to ordained ministry and stayed in the CRC to be obedient to that call, even though it's been difficult. I pray that you will continue to hear the affirmation of your choice from CRC members, as well as the confirmation from God that you have been faithful. I'm also so glad that you are lifting up this torch for women and girls in the CRC. I'm convinced that God needs all of his servants - both men and women - to be involved in building the kingdom today, and that includes all of the service and ordained branches of the church.
Thank you, Mark. Barb touched so many lives, had an amazing ministry that God will continue to bless, and will be dearly missed. Love and prayers to her family and coworkers who carry on the mission.
Posted in: Celebrating the Ordinary
Thank you for this beautiful reminder - I am celebrating this.
Posted in: Women's Leadership Recognizes 25 Years (Synod 2022 Remarks)
Thank you, Elaine! I was going to ask you for this speech, but didn't dare. Now I'm so glad you've shared it this way, and it allows me to share with others, too. Thank you for this clear overview. Praying for you, all of the gifted women and men in the CRC, and the church as it moves forward.
Posted in: Setting Up a "Play Church" to Create Worship Wonder
Beautiful! Thank you, Cindy.
Posted in: Why Youth Don't Like New Worship Songs
I love the old and the new - there is beauty and truth in both. Our desire to worship God with our whole being sometimes puts us into camps where we feel most comfortable. But as we are being made new in Christ, our worship must connect to the 'ancient' truths and also be new and fresh. Don't get me wrong, the old songs can impact us in a fresh way as much as the new. Maybe those who feel strongly for one or the other could benefit from reading a new book called, "Flow", by Lester Ruth. Here is a description: “Flow (the book) seeks to provide guidance to mainline congregations who sense that their contemporary services are clunky and lack full vitality,” said Ruth. “The book meets that goal by bringing insights about achieving good flow in worship from the originators of contemporary worship into conversation with early patristic sources.
Posted in: Share Your 3-Word Prayer for the Human Sexuality Conversation
Holy Spirit, come.
Posted in: Discerning the Leading of the Spirit at Synod
Thank you so much, Syd. This is so timely for us as a church and a denomination. I'm grateful for your wise, humble words.
Posted in: Where Did You Worship This Past Sunday?
Friendship CRC, Byron Center, MI. Thankful for the staff and community of grace there.
Posted in: Worship Songs for Difficult Times?
Living Hope, by Phil Wickham; When Peace Like a River (It is Well)
Posted in: The First (Female Minister) Through the Wall
Thanks for your gracious leadership, Elaine. I, too, am thankful for those who have gone before us to prepare the way and break through the wall - showing that the 'game' isn't threatened, it is improved. And to the men (and the Synod of '96) who have recognized that it is in our created human selves as male and female that we reflect the image of God to the world, both gifted and called to serve together. It is in that created oneness and uniqueness that we serve and work for the kingdom to answer the urgent call of the gospel. My mom and dad, and many others in their 'senior' generation have lived through this change and seen the shift from male only leadership in the church to both male and female leaders, and even though this is a major paradigm shift for them, have come to appreciate it and see the benefits.
For many who are still working to walk through the large hole in the wall that you and others have already created, we must continue to pray. May God's love and the passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ lead the way, giving courage and strength to all.
Posted in: Where We Are 25 Years After Ordaining Women as Pastors
Thanks for writing this and giving us a glimpse into your journey, Elaine. I am so grateful for all the women who have heard the call to ordained ministry and stayed in the CRC to be obedient to that call, even though it's been difficult. I pray that you will continue to hear the affirmation of your choice from CRC members, as well as the confirmation from God that you have been faithful. I'm also so glad that you are lifting up this torch for women and girls in the CRC. I'm convinced that God needs all of his servants - both men and women - to be involved in building the kingdom today, and that includes all of the service and ordained branches of the church.
Posted in: Remembering Our Friend Barb Newman
Thank you, Mark. Barb touched so many lives, had an amazing ministry that God will continue to bless, and will be dearly missed. Love and prayers to her family and coworkers who carry on the mission.
Posted in: What Songs Bring You Comfort? Let's Make a Playlist
Because He Lives (Gaither)
We Will Remember (Tommy Walker)
Whom Shall I Fear?