February 9, 2020
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Must We "Approve" Profession of Faith?
Are we approving one's profession of faith, as though we're giving it a pass-fail grade? Might we instead recognize and welcome?
Community Builder
Stanley & Monica Groothof
Church:
About Me:
I’m a husband, dad, friend, and pastor. –S. I’m a wife, mom, friend, and homemaker. –M.
July 23, 2019
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Way More Than Twice
If we leave a worship service on any given Sunday, even the second service, with the attitude that we can now check “worship” off our to-do list, then the Church Order mandating 10 services per Sunday won’t help us!
March 28, 2018
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A Different Sort of King
As Jesus rides the donkey into Jerusalem, a crowd gathers—ordinary citizens waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” The crowds probably mean “Save us from the Romans." But Jesus has his eyes on a bigger enemy.
March 12, 2018
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Encountering Jesus at His Table More Frequently (Part 2)
I don't see coming to the table more often as a threat to our historic and enduring emphasis on the centrality of Scripture. If anything, I’d suspect this may actually help the congregation more deeply comprehend and embrace the Word.
March 7, 2018
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Encountering Jesus at His Table More Frequently (Part 1)
What’s stopping us from inviting Jesus to open our eyes and speak to our hearts by gathering around the Lord’s Supper table more frequently?
September 20, 2017
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Contagious Courage
I see a church community as a place to experience the contagiousness of courage. Surrounded by fellow hikers on the path, we hear and see people cheering us on while we in turn do the same for others.
October 26, 2016
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Job Description for Senior and Associate Pastor?
Our church (Trinity CRC) is considering changing to the model of having a Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor. Do you use this model? If so, would you be willing to share job descriptions for BOTH positions?
September 11, 2016
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The Melodious Part of the Worship Service
Why do we sing in worship services? Why not simply use spoken words? For one thing, songs give us language to describe our experiences. We cling to them like life preservers when our faith is challenged.
April 25, 2016
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Worship Is Like Orange Juice
I was once told that worship is like orange juice. Sunday worship is the concentrate but you need to add water to week experience it all week. Do you ever have days you don't want the concentrate?
March 9, 2016
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Not for Ten Million Dollars
What is it that drives people to do something out of the goodness of their heart with no expectation of reward?
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Thank you, Tyler, for sharing this. Very encouraging to read of the almighty and ever present power of God at work in his world and in your life! ~Stanley
posted on: God's Providence in My Morning Coffee Cup -
Thanks for these reminders... Good timing!
~Stanleyposted on: Learning to Practice Self-Care -
Just read this in the Dordt Voice that people might also appreciate: https://voice.dordt.edu/2019/06/07/on-civil-discourse. It asks what our first priority should be in conversations on divisive...
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Bob captures why I sometimes feel more satisfaction after mowing the lawn or vacuuming than in preparing a message – I can see the rows in the grass or in the carpet! A file stored in my computer...
posted on: Defining Success in Ministry -
Trinity CRC Rock Valley (IA) held a blue Christmas service just this past Sunday evening. It involved a candle lighting and times of reflection. I provided a meditation on Mt 2:16-18 (Herod's...
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Hi Bryan! Something the leadership at Trinity CRC often hears is how it's hard (impossible, actually) to know everyone in a large congregation. The newsletter will not enable us to know everyone;...
posted on: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter? -
Trinity CRC's newsletter here in Rock Valley IA, called "News & Views," is published every other month. It typically includes:
:: a couple articles/reflections on Christian living in...posted on: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter? -
These aren't devotionals but our kids (and we as parents, too) have appreciated these over the years:
:: Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago (highly recommended)...posted on: Family Devotional? -
I, too, wish to express appreciation for you sharing your story. I pray it encourages others and empowers more people to seek help via medical professionals, friends, prayer, and whatever other...
posted on: My Story of Depression and Faith -
Thanks, Colin! I don't address it in this series of articles, but sometime I'd like to blog about the CRC's preparatory forms and being "ready enough" to partake. In part 2 of this series, I talk...