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.
Yes! Former worship planner, current musician, worship committee member, and participant. I'm also an encourager to all who lead, plan, and participate in worship in the CRC. It is a worthy (but often demanding) calling.
As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God, by Eugene Peterson. This is a collection of sermons by one of my favorite Christian preachers/authors (who died last year). There are 7 groups of 7 sermons (so 49 in all). Since January I've read several sermons each weekend when I have more devotional time in the morning (since I don't have to get ready to go to work). I love Eugene's Peterson's writing and this collection, like all of his work, is inspiring, challenging, and just plain good!
I'm also reading The Lord and His Prayer by N.T. Wright. (Tom Wright). I love his writing, too, and this book on the Lord's Prayer is less dense than some of his other writing.
Calm, Not Busy, by Kivi Leroux Miller - a book geared to those who work in nonprofit communications. (many good tips).
And then there are the many non-serious fiction mysteries or thrillers that I read constantly.
Thank you, Michele. This is good information. Thank God for supportive families. I'm grateful that you've shared this so that our church families can also know how to be more supportive.
I agree with most everything said here. And yes, Kristen, this whole thing must look so ridiculous and sad from your perspective there in Canada. I think you're right that we are for immigration and we also want to be safe. So, I wish our elected officials could stop fighting and admit that we need to work for border security, whatever that looks like, and then move on to comprehensive immigration reform which is so desperately needed. Our border patrol people are asking for help - let's give it to them.
This crisis gives the church lots of opportunity for extending pastoral care to the immigrant. When I was young, I remember our church sponsoring a family from Cuba during the Cuban crisis. I think there were many churches in Grand Rapids that assisted families in the many needs they had as they came here. I wonder what it would be like if every Christian church in the U.S. (and Canada) were available to sponsor at least one of the immigrant families as they came through a port of entry? Some churches do that already, but many don't. I wonder if we have enough churches? I think there has to be a way for us to show Christ's love to the immigrant and also secure our borders so that we can live in safety.
The CRC people are very mission-minded and compassionate and I believe we truly want to help in tangible ways. I can imagine my church being able to even sponsor or adopt several families because we are blessed with resources and people- we already send work teams to Guatamala to help the poor there - this would be a way to help with the crisis on this end. Maybe small(er) churches could team up with other churches in their community - including those who are not CRC, for an ecumenical missional 'welcome' to the community. But you're right - we don't know where to start.
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?
Posted in: What Songs Bring You Comfort? Let's Make a Playlist
Oops - this is from Diane Dykgraaf - I forgot to sign off from Worship Ministries and onto my personal Log in.
Posted in: Any Past or Present Worship Planners?
Yes! Former worship planner, current musician, worship committee member, and participant. I'm also an encourager to all who lead, plan, and participate in worship in the CRC. It is a worthy (but often demanding) calling.
Posted in: What Are Some of Your Favorite Worship Songs? Let's Make a Playlist
Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer, by Margaret Becker, Keith Getty
Peace Like a River (It Is Well With My Soul), the hymn
Is He Worthy, by Andrew Peterson
Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory, (from Rev. 19), A. Jeffrey LaValley
...and whatever is well placed and well led in worship
Posted in: Inspire 2019 in Three Words
Worship-full, connecting, fun!
Posted in: Life, Life, and More Life
You have spoken so clearly on something so important, Sarah Joy. Thank you!
Posted in: What Books Are You Reading in 2019?
As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God, by Eugene Peterson. This is a collection of sermons by one of my favorite Christian preachers/authors (who died last year). There are 7 groups of 7 sermons (so 49 in all). Since January I've read several sermons each weekend when I have more devotional time in the morning (since I don't have to get ready to go to work). I love Eugene's Peterson's writing and this collection, like all of his work, is inspiring, challenging, and just plain good!
I'm also reading The Lord and His Prayer by N.T. Wright. (Tom Wright). I love his writing, too, and this book on the Lord's Prayer is less dense than some of his other writing.
Calm, Not Busy, by Kivi Leroux Miller - a book geared to those who work in nonprofit communications. (many good tips).
And then there are the many non-serious fiction mysteries or thrillers that I read constantly.
Posted in: On Schizophrenia and the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Phenomenon
Thank you, Michele. This is good information. Thank God for supportive families. I'm grateful that you've shared this so that our church families can also know how to be more supportive.
Posted in: Immigration Justice Requires Border Security
I agree with most everything said here. And yes, Kristen, this whole thing must look so ridiculous and sad from your perspective there in Canada. I think you're right that we are for immigration and we also want to be safe. So, I wish our elected officials could stop fighting and admit that we need to work for border security, whatever that looks like, and then move on to comprehensive immigration reform which is so desperately needed. Our border patrol people are asking for help - let's give it to them.
This crisis gives the church lots of opportunity for extending pastoral care to the immigrant. When I was young, I remember our church sponsoring a family from Cuba during the Cuban crisis. I think there were many churches in Grand Rapids that assisted families in the many needs they had as they came here. I wonder what it would be like if every Christian church in the U.S. (and Canada) were available to sponsor at least one of the immigrant families as they came through a port of entry? Some churches do that already, but many don't. I wonder if we have enough churches? I think there has to be a way for us to show Christ's love to the immigrant and also secure our borders so that we can live in safety.
Posted in: Immigration Justice Requires Border Security
The CRC people are very mission-minded and compassionate and I believe we truly want to help in tangible ways. I can imagine my church being able to even sponsor or adopt several families because we are blessed with resources and people- we already send work teams to Guatamala to help the poor there - this would be a way to help with the crisis on this end. Maybe small(er) churches could team up with other churches in their community - including those who are not CRC, for an ecumenical missional 'welcome' to the community. But you're right - we don't know where to start.