Tim Postuma
I work for the CRC as 'web guy'. But that doesn't mean I'm a coder (others are way better at that than me). I'm first and foremost a communicator, so what I love to do is look for ways we can better communicate as a denomination using technology. I get to listen for ideas that are out there, come up with a few of my own, and help them become reality. Examples include the Network website and the Digital Library. I also connect with the web/communications people for each of the CRC ministries. So if you have ideas for how we can better communicate using technology you can feel free to route suggestions through me. We WANT those ideas. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba - go, Jets - but now live in Grand Rapids, MI (much to my surprise!). My wonderful wife is a CRC chaplain and we have three kids that keep us plenty busy.
Posted in: Overtures 3 & 4: Laying Out the Debate
Note that the Twitter comments weren't about this thread specifically, but a general reference to comments posted on The Banner and The Network. It's easy to find examples that could fit that perception, and hopefully even easier to find ones that could refute it. But that's not the point. To me, it's a reminder that people are reading and forming opinions based on how we talk with each other, and what we talk about. So let's keep doing it as well as we can.
Posted in: U.S. Health Care Reform
Good suggestion, John. We've altered the headline accordingly.
Posted in: Picking A Website Template
Those look good. Perfect timing, as my church is looking at making a change. Thanks for the blog post, and for this particular lead.
Posted in: What is a Reformed Charismatic?
Hi Jan,
As you may already know, TULIP is associated with Reformed theology. If you would like to find a church with those beliefs, here are a couple of links that can help:
Find a Christian Reformed Church (CRC)
Find a Reformed Church in America (RCA) Church
..or you can also look for churches in the "Presbyterian" tradition. If you want to read a bit more about a Reformed worldview, you can see this section on the CRC's 'Reformed accent'.
I hope these links help you find a church home. In fact, many will have Thanksgiving services tomorrow. Maybe call ahead or check their website for times, and then join other Christians in worship tomorrow morning!
Posted in: More than Our Need to Be Right
Thank you, Chris, for this wisdom and for expressing it so well.
Posted in: Opening School Sports to Kids with Disabilities
From the post, it sounds like this is about 'reasonable accommodation' (e.g. a starter light in addition to the starter pistol?) not including anyone regardless of their skill level.
As for little kids keeping score...I have 3 young kids playing sports and what you say is true - they keep score even when the coaches don't. But it's the TEAM score they count. I've heard them complain about kids they perceive to be too agressive or cheating. But I never hear them complain about 'weaker' players on their team. In fact, the cheers are loudest not when the star players score again, but when the kid who hasn't scored all year long finally gets one.
I'm sure that may change as they get older, and the competition intensifies. But let's give those little kids credit where credit is due.
Posted in: More Free Mugs (if you're subscribed)
Any subscriber - whether they're new or have been getting the email for a long time. We didn't want our loyal subscribers to miss out, so we're just planning to pull 5 names randomly from the list.
Posted in: More Free Mugs (if you're subscribed)
You bet!
Posted in: The BIBLE on the History Channel
We've been watching this with our kids (10, 10, 6) and have all cringed at some of the violent scenes. But they're eventually going to see this kind of violence on a screen, and I'd rather it be in this context with us than at a friend's house watching some Hollywood movie.
Other than the violence, they LOVE it and are begging to watch the episodes we've recorded. It's really helped the Bible stories come alive and has triggered good conversation (case in point, last night we watched the episode with David and Bathsheba!). I'm grateful for the series and the discussion opportunities it provides. I appreciate that they show the characters as fallen people used by God.
Posted in: A Community for Every Kid
For years, we've been part of intergenerational small groups (with families, singles, couples). We alternate between meeting with kids (a fun but chaotic soup supper, with some time to sing, share, and pray together) and without kids (calmer with adult conversation, in-depth sharing and study).
I've been AMAZED at the effect of that on our young kids. They truly love their small group and have formed real connections with the other adults. If my wife and I are busy during the service, they'll occasionally sit with them instead. One is a Sunday school teacher, another a kids club leader, others occasionally babysit - all of which adds other dimensions to the relationship and, through that, to our church and their faith.
But it takes time to form those relationships. And, at least in our experience, intergenerational small groups have really helped provide that time.
Posted in: Should the Church Still Send International Missionaries?
Indeed, it's spam. When that happens, you can just hit 'flag for review' and it'll be removed for review.
Posted in: One Login, Many Sites
Thanks for the info. The system should set a cookie to ensure that only appears once per computer (assuming you haven't set your browser to block all cookies). Can you let me know what browser version you are using? Then we'll test and adjust as needed.