Kristen Vanderberg

Thanks Ron. This is a great reflection. I think there is also an interesting parallel in that people know which country clubs are "exclusive" and hard to get into. In the same way, some of our congregations get a public perception of being cliquey or closed off. It would be great if we could strive to be the welcoming kind. That doesn't mean that we have no standards or no expectations, but placing a value on hospitality and welcome definitely changes how others see us. 

Thanks Paul.  Here is an answer from Faith Alive/CRCNA Permissions:

Though Faith Alive Christian Resources was dissolved as an agency of the CRCNA in 2013, the CRCNA maintains the Faith Alive imprint and continues to publish and reprint various materials (see FaithAliveResources.org). Some Discover Life study materials remain available in print or in digital editions at FaithAliveResources.org/collections/discover-life.

Faith Alive/CRCNA does not generally allow photocopying of its published materials, whether in print or out of print. Older, retired publications tend to be out of date and may include out-of-date pedagogy. The Discover Life series in particular includes a number of materials in its "AfterWord" section that are borrowed from other sources, and we are not at liberty to extend permission of the use of any of those materials copyrighted by other publishers. Photocopying of copyrighted materials without permission would be a violation of copyright law.

We suggest using published study materials that are still available through Faith Alive -- and alternatively many used Faith Alive publications can be found at reasonable prices on internet sites such as Amazon.com, Abebooks.com, Goodreads.com, and so on.

The CRCNA is inviting all CRC congregations to hold a time of prayer for immigrant churches and our governments on September 7. We are also inviting all CRC members to attend a virtual prayer vigil on YouTube on September 10 at 7:00 P.M (Eastern). You can find a sample prayer and more information at this post: https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/immigration/invitation-virtual-prayer-vigil-immigrant

Thanks Ryan. I love the Bible journaling idea. When you finish going through it once, will you start a new Bible for your daughter too?  If you are looking for other ideas,  I know that Thrive also has several great resources on this area: https://www.crcna.org/FaithFormation/resources/family-faith-formation-resources

Thanks Ron. I walk my dog every morning (in addition to shorter walks throughout the day). I'm surprised by the things I notice just because I'm out walking. It isn't only an awareness of times that God talks to me on a walk, but also noticing when the birds return after winter, or when the leaves start changing in the fall. I notice which households are up early with me, and who the other dog walker and joggers are. It doesn't seem very profound, but in our culture where we tend to be constantly busy, this kind of awareness of the little things has been a gift to me.  

Thank you for sharing your story Ryan. If anyone wants to get a glimpse of Ryan and some of the young people that he works alongside, his Clarington Youth ministry was featured in this video for Gather.

Thanks for this post Zach.  In my role as director of communications for the CRCNA, I hear lots of stories from our congregations, and some of them display this exact benefit of community -- being able to discern together what the Spirit is telling us.  I'll try to find a few examples, but this story about prayer cohorts is one that immediately came to mind. Praying together helped individuals discern what God was telling them for their congregations. Or this story about a specific congregation whose council prayed and discerned a new future that involved letting go of their old name and identity.  Do you have other great communual discernment stories? 

Thanks Sarah. Happy new year to you as well.

Thanks for this question Chad. I'm curious to see how others will answer it. In my household, the debate over the ideal temperature for the thermostat is an ongoing one.  Do we really need it to be cold for sleeping?  :)

I'm partial to 68 degrees F (20 Celsius) for winter settings. 

Thank you Kyla for your vulnerability in sharing this post. It also reminds me of how much I miss the theatre in these COVID times. I'm praying that it will come back soon, for both the actors and the audience's sake.