Blessed are those who
hunger & thirst
for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
-Matthew 5:6
collage
consistory
Monday, September 8, 2025
Monday, September 1, 2025
Why Thoughts & Prayers 🙏 are a good thing 👍
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2
Thoughts and prayers are a good thing, but you might want to say it in a different way, because the left has tried to demonize the phrase . I usually simply say condolences and then add the following: 🙏✝️♥️ .
Here here's why thoughts and prayers DO matter :
****
In the aftermath of a tragic accident, when grief is raw and the weight of loss feels unbearable, one of the most immediate and heartfelt responses people often offer is, "You are in my thoughts and prayers." While some ridicule this phrase as empty or inadequate, dismissing it as a mere platitude, its true value lies in its power to express compassion, solidarity, and faith. Rather than being trivial, "thoughts and prayers" can be profoundly meaningful, both for the giver and the receiver, especially in moments when human words and actions feel insufficient.
At its core, prayer is an act of empathy. To pray for someone is to acknowledge their suffering and lift it before God, asking for strength, healing, or comfort on their behalf. It is an act of love, even from a distance. For the grieving, knowing that others are praying can remind them they are not alone—that their pain has not gone unnoticed and that a larger community is holding them in care. While a prayer cannot erase loss, it can give survivors courage to endure the long journey of healing.
Furthermore, "thoughts and prayers" often serve as a bridge to action. Critics sometimes accuse prayer of being a passive response, but in reality, it frequently inspires concrete support. Many who begin by praying also bring meals, donate funds, volunteer time, or simply sit quietly with the hurting. Prayer softens hearts and stirs compassion, turning inward reflection into outward service. To ridicule prayer is to misunderstand that it often fuels the very acts of generosity that follow.
In contrast, those who decry "thoughts and prayers" risk undervaluing the spiritual dimension of human resilience. Tragedy touches more than the body; it wounds the soul. While medical care, financial help, and counseling are vital, spiritual support also plays a crucial role in recovery. When people pray, they invoke hope beyond human limits, pointing to the possibility of peace even in the darkest hours. For believers, prayer anchors them in the promise that suffering is not meaningless and that God's presence can bring comfort where human efforts fall short.
Ridicule, on the other hand, often stems from frustration that prayer cannot instantly fix what has been broken. But this critique assumes that prayer is meant to be a replacement for tangible action, rather than a companion to it. True prayer is not escapism; it is engagement with both the sorrow of others and the power of God. By contrast, dismissing prayer altogether risks silencing a vital language of compassion, leaving the grieving without the comfort of shared faith and solidarity.
Ultimately, "thoughts and prayers" after a tragic accident are a gift, not a weakness. They remind us that even when we cannot control circumstances, we can still surround the suffering with love, lift them up before God, and commit to walking beside them. Far from being hollow words, they are a sacred offering of presence, compassion, and hope—the very things most needed when tragedy strikes.
👎☹️Biography of U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D–Michigan’s 3rd District)
This is so sad that another Christian Reform individual from a more conservative part of West Michigan (Hudsonville) for some reason became a far Lefty. it's just unbelievable and sad. She even went to unity Christian. I understand a little bit of knee-jerk against some of the bad Xtreme far right conservatives in West Michigan but to bounce all the way to the left like she did is a little bit inexplicable. ☹️
And then her husband is a professor of journalism at Calvin And undoubtedly is a left-leaning individual given the subject he teaches as well as to whom he's married. It's a sad commentary on West Michigan in general, even though there's still a lot of conservatives there and Trump routinely rallied there because he knew that he had some significant support, but Calvin which also used to be considered conservative is now seemingly moving leftward without any hope of coming back 👎.
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Biography of U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D–Michigan's 3rd District)
Early Life & Education
Born: February 22, 1982, in Michigan; raised in Hudsonville, a suburb of Grand Rapids .
Family background: Her mother was a public school teacher; her father was a sports journalist for The Grand Rapids Press. Her ancestors immigrated from the Netherlands, and she was raised in the Christian Reformed Church .
Education:
Graduated from Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville (Class of 2000) .
Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Gordon College in 2004 .
Received her J.D. in 2011 from the University of Maryland School of Law (Thurgood Marshall School of Law) .
Early Career & Legal Background
Worked as a social worker, including at the AIDS Action Committee and Catholic Charities in Washington D.C., focusing on housing advocacy and assisting LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination .
Clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in a special immigration unit .
Served with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as an attorney advisor for the Board of Immigration Appeals (via the Attorney General's Honors Program) from 2013 to 2017, focusing on immigration and civil rights during the Obama administration .
Upon returning to Michigan, she worked at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and engaged in private practice—also volunteering for the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund .
Political Career
2020: Ran for Congress in Michigan's 3rd District but was defeated by incumbent Republican Peter Meijer .
2022: Ran again and won, flipping a historically Republican stronghold—the first Democrat and first woman to represent Grand Rapids in Congress since the 1970s .
Her win was part of a strategic midterm effort, aided by redistricting and campaign tactics that positioned her as the Democratic nominee against a Trump-endorsed GOP candidate .
In Office:
Took office on January 3, 2023, serving Michigan's 3rd Congressional District (which includes Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and more) .
Re-elected in 2024 with about 53.7% of the vote .
Historical significance: She is the inaugural female and motherly Representative for her district—bringing fresh representation to West Michigan .
Committee assignments (118th and 119th Congresses): Serves on the Small Business and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees .
Ongoing work: Active legislator—engaged with community issues like clean water, clean energy, and immigrant rights; also involved in broader policy and representation matters .
Personal & Community Perspective
Identifies as a pro-choice Christian, notably introducing herself on the House floor with that phrase during debates—emphasizing her faith and nuanced views on abortion policy .
Her campaign emphasized pragmatic, bipartisan values—reflective of West Michigan's desire for "common-sense solutions," economic stability, healthcare improvements, and democratic values .
Has a strong family presence: married to Jesse (sometimes reported as Scholten/Scholton), with two sons—James and Wesley—and remains deeply rooted in West Michigan community values .
---
Summary
Born February 22, 1982, in Hudsonville, MI
Education B.A. (Gordon College), J.D. (University of Maryland)
Early Career Social work, immigration law, DOJ, Michigan advocacy
Political Milestones Elected to U.S. House in 2022; re-elected in 2024
District Michigan's 3rd Congressional District
Committee Roles Small Business; Transportation & Infrastructure
Personal Christian, mother, attorney, community-driven legislator
*****
Her husband
Jesse Holcomb is an associate professor of journalism and communication at Calvin College (now Calvin University) in Grand Rapids, Michigan .
He earned his B.A. from Gordon College (in Massachusetts) around 2003 and later received a master's from George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs in 2009 .
In a profile discussing his move to Calvin, Holcomb mentioned that his decision was influenced by the fact that his wife (Hillary) grew up in the Grand Rapids area and still has family there—not the other way around .
So while Hillary Scholten is a native of Hudsonville, there's no indication that Jesse Holcomb shares that hometown background.
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Saturday, August 30, 2025
CRC-NAVY- Chaplain-receives- distinguished-service-award
https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/08/crc-navy-chaplain-receives-distinguished-service-award
"
On Aug. 1, 2025, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Lloyd Wicker, who most recently served with the U.S. Coast Guard, was honored with the Military Chaplains Association Distinguished Service Award during the association's annual training event in Columbia, S.C., the very community where Wicker first attended Chaplain School in 2014. He calls it "a full-circle moment."
re Sept 12: Day of the Bible 📖🙏✝️🇺🇲
What's Going on?
At the U.S. Congress level: Republican Representatives Michael Cloud (Texas) and Glenn Thompson (Pennsylvania) are co-sponsoring a resolution to establish September 12 as "The Day of the Bible" nationwide. The date marks the anniversary—September 12, 1782—when the Continental Congress, under the Articles of Confederation, officially approved the publication of the first complete English-language Bible printed in America, known as the Aitken Bible or "Bible of the Revolution." This coming September 12, 2025, will mark the 243rd anniversary of that event.
Rep. Glenn Thompson stated:
> "I am proud to introduce this resolution observing September 12th as 'The Day of the Bible,' honoring when the U.S. Congress … approved the first English Bible printed in America in 1782. Since then, scores of Americans have found strength, guidance, and meaningful discernment of God's Word in its pages."
Rep. Michael Cloud added:
> "More than any other source, our Founders cited Scripture… Marking this day reminds us that the Bible is not only the bedrock of our liberty, but the living Word of God…"
The resolution proposes that the President issue an annual proclamation naming September 12 as "National Bible Day," encouraging schools and civic organizations to observe it.
---
At the Pennsylvania state level: State Senator Doug Mastriano has already introduced and passed a resolution (Senate Resolution 131) in the Pennsylvania Senate, officially designating September 12, 2025, as "The Day of the Bible" in Pennsylvania.
The resolution emphasizes the historical importance of the Aitken Bible, noting that Congress approved it on September 12, 1782, in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. It frames the Bible as both a spiritual and cultural foundation of American liberty.
The Senate approved the resolution with a 26–24 vote on June 26, 2025.
---
Summary Table
Jurisdiction Action Taken Key Purpose
U.S. House (Pending) Resolution proposed by Reps. Cloud & Thompson Establish September 12 as National Day of the Bible nationally
Pennsylvania State Senate adopted Resolution SR 131 Designate September 12, 2025, as The Day of the Bible in Pennsylvania
---
Context & Significance
Historical Basis: Both efforts commemorate the congressional authorization of the Aitken Bible—America's first complete English-language Bible—on September 12, 1782, during the Revolution.
Cultural and Civic Messaging: Proponents view the Bible as having shaped American moral values, cultural heritage, and political principles. The designated day would promote reflection on those influences in schools, civic life, and beyond.
Constitutional Considerations: While not deeply explored in the official statements, at least one commentary (RedState) raises the question of whether a federal "National Bible Day" might face constitutional challenges tied to the Establishment Clause.
---
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania has officially recognized September 12, 2025, as "The Day of the Bible" through Senate Resolution 131—already passed in the state Senate.
At the federal level, a similar resolution has been introduced by GOP representatives, proposing to establish the date nationally. It has not yet passed both chambers.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
what do we know about Rev. Dr. Zachary King ? 2022 CRCNA’s newly created General Secretary
i started noticing Mr. King's presence on the Synod livestream, and then i've seen him mentioned here and there, sometimes it seems as if he's making subtle anti-conservative comments, maybe anti-Trump too (ie "as we go thru these tough times..") . I kept reading and researching and as I suspected, he's not originally from the CRC community. He crossed-over from Pentecostal. Sure, he did get two masters from Calvin Seminary, but what about college? Couldn't find it. Then he went off to the far left liberal Amsterdam atmosphere . My suspicion is that because he's not an original "insider" (ie homegrown ) he's likely grown a little bit of resentment towards those who are and is trying to build his own power base with "outsiders". Maybe even a little supercillious towards those who grew up in the CRC. Add his mission work and other degrees and his wife's double masters degree at Calvin Seminary, and, well, you decide for yourself. Are they actually OVER QUALIFIED at this point ? Do we want or need a church or denomination governed by people striving to simply get to the "top" of the administration pyramid so they can be the "big boss" to the "little people" ? The CRC in general is a simply denomination of simple people scattered across the USA . The Grand Rapids CRC people may be much more infiltrated with various "educated" people because of their proximity to Calvin, but in general we are simple down-to-earth denomination founded by Dutch immigrants originally for the sake of Dutch immigrants. THese ancestors of Dutch immigrants still exist and live across America mostly basic people doing basic jobs and looking for basic fellowship at their local CRC on Sunday, and to help their kids grow in the faith. The CRC was never intended to become a denomination governed by the super intelligentsia for the pawns to support . IT's time to go back to our basic roots and stop trying to apologize to people who come from the outside and put them in positions above the people who birthed the church. There's nothing wrong with being a simple denomination of simple immigrant ancestry living simple CHristian lives. We don't need to become a "sophisticated" denomination with leaders who get their doctorate at the University of Amsterdam, etc. who scoff at the simplicity of simple conservative folk.
Education & Ministry Roles
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Academic Background: Sharon holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Psychology (with pre-med studies) from Calvin University. She later earned a Master of Missions and a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary, followed by Clinical Pastoral Education to become an endorsed chaplain Cascade Fellowship.
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Ministerial Roles:
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Served as a director of Christian education.
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Worked as a church-planting intern in Puerto Rico.
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Taught at Veenstra Seminary in Nigeria.
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Served as intern pastor at Waterloo CRC in Ontario, Canada.
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Functioned as a church and leadership developer in Haiti, alongside her husband, focusing on ministry training and support Cascade Fellowshipsegaarking.blogspot.comlansingchristianschool.org.
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Current Role: She now serves as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator at Heartland Hospice, offering pastoral support for those in end-of-life care Cascade Fellowship.
Ministry in Haiti & Crisis Response
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Disaster Response: Sharon was present in Port-au-Prince during the catastrophic 2010 Haiti earthquake, helping people cope with trauma and providing spiritual care alongside her missionary work
Here's what's publicly known about Rev. Dr. Zachary King, General Secretary of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA):
Nomination & Role Transition
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In early 2022, the CRCNA's Council of Delegates nominated Rev. Dr. Zachary King for the newly created role of General Secretary—a binational leadership position—to guide the denomination through a time of significant change. His nomination was confirmed at Synod 2022, and he officially began on July 1, 2022 (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner, CRC Network).
Previous Experience: Leadership & Mission Work
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Director, Resonate Global Mission (2017–2022): King led the merger of two mission agencies (Home & World Missions), guiding them through restructuring and equipping church-planting movements (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner).
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Missionary in Haiti (2005–2017): King and his wife, Rev. Sharon Segaar-King, served in Haiti, navigating crises—including the 2010 earthquake—with resilient pastoral leadership (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner).
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He also taught at Veenstra Seminary in Donga, Nigeria and served in U.S. contexts before becoming director of Resonate (The Banner, Christian Reformed Church).
Educational & Theological Background
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King earned a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary, followed by a Ph.D. in New Testament from the Free University of Amsterdam (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner).
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He grew up outside of the CRCNA in a Pentecostal setting before being drawn into Reformed theology during his time at Calvin College (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner).
Vision as General Secretary
King stepped into his role at a time the denomination was facing internal divisions, cultural challenges, and administrative restructuring. His leadership focus includes:
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Encouraging spiritual renewal and repentance
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Supporting the integration of ethnic-minority churches
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Reinforcing the CRCNA's engagement in God's global mission
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Helping to unify the denomination through pastoral and collaborative leadership (Christian Reformed Church, The Banner, Christian Courier).
Ongoing Ministry & Leadership
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At Synod 2024, King spoke of "seeds of hope" being planted across the denomination—for revival, global vision, pastoral response, and governance grounded in the Spirit (The Banner).
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In May 2025, King wrote about the importance of unity and shared ministry, drawing on a powerful image from Psalm 133 to express the life-giving power of community across cultures (The Banner).
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He also participated in the dedication of CRCNA's Ministry Support Center in Grand Rapids, grounding the next chapter of ministry in faithfulness to Scripture and community building (Christian Reformed Church).
Summary Snapshot
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | M.Div., Th.M. from Calvin Seminary; Ph.D. in New Testament |
| Career | Missionary in Haiti; Resonate Director; General Secretary (2022–) |
| Leadership Focus | Spiritual renewal, unity, ethnic inclusion, global mission |
| Recent Contributions | Addresses at Synods 2024 & 2025; leadership in denomination transitions |
You said:
ChatGPT said:
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Here's what's publicly known—and what isn't—about where Rev. Dr. Zachary King and Rev. Sharon Segaar-King transferred their membership from before joining Cascade Fellowship Church in October 2024:
What We Know
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A Cascade Fellowship blog post confirms that they transferred their membership to that church from elsewhere—but it does not specify where they were previously members Cascade Fellowship.
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The post also notes that their ministerial credentials are now held by Cascade Fellowship CRC, in keeping with denominational practice Cascade FellowshipChristian Reformed Church.
What's Not Publicly Available
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The specific church or denomination they previously belonged to is not mentioned in any public sources that I could find.
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It's possible they were members of a CRC congregation (given Zach's leadership within CRCNA) or another Christian Reformed church, but this isn't confirmed online....
Thursday, August 21, 2025
some of you CRC'ers have heard of "Bellflower" (a tiny CA CRC hub) but don't know much about it
https://the-beauty-of-bellflower.blogspot.com/
i found this "bellflower blog" which is also about los angeles county and southern california news, but seems to have been started by somebody affiliated with Bellflower CRC and Valley Christian.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
"Ark of the Covenant mystery blown wide open as 'biblical relic' is discovered'' | Daily Mail Online
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14963685/Ark-Covenant-mystery-biblical-relic-discovered.html
"
Archaeologists have uncovered ruins in Israel they believe once housed the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred, gold-covered chest described in the Bible. ..
Adding to the discovery, excavators have found over 100,000 animal bones, mostly from sheep, goats, and cattle, and predominantly from the right side of the animals, aligning with Leviticus 7, which states that the right side was reserved for priestly offerings.
'This isn't a coincidence,' Dr Stripling told The Christian Broadcasting Network. 'The evidence of sacrificial rituals here is overwhelming, and it matches the biblical account to a degree that's hard to ignore.' ..."
Thursday, July 24, 2025
a congressman since 2011 (CRC , Calvin) "Bill Huizenga won’t run for Michigan Senate" -
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/23/congress/bill-huizenga-michigan-senate-00470679
"
Born to a family of Dutch Americans, Huizenga is the co-owner and operator of Huizenga Gravel Company, a family business in Jenison, Michigan. In the early 1990s, he worked in real estate. He left real estate in 1996, becoming an aide to U.S. representative Pete Hoekstra..."
Thursday, July 17, 2025
How did Average Dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & CRCNA bigwig ? B/c he married a Borgdorf ?
How did Average Dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ?
"delegates concerned that shifting offices closer to Calvin U& Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere...
How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ?
"delegates concerned that shifting offices closer to Calvin U& Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhereHow did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ?
"During CRCNA discussions about moving from the 28th Street headquarters, some delegates voiced worries that shifting offices closer to Calvin University and Calvin Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere .
A delegate cautioned:
> "There is a culture that's being developed that's not really reflective of the whole of the CRC..."
📌 Background & Appointment
Responsibilities:
🛠️ Previous Experience
🏛️ Roles at CRCNA & Grand Rapids HQ Changes
🧭 Focus & Vision
🧾 Summary
Name Position Start Background
Dan DeKam Director, U.S. Ministry Operations July 3, 2023 Christian education leader, administrator
Has a strong education leadership background and deep ties to West Michigan schools
[(only Muskegon?)]
As the administrative head, he now oversees CRCNA's U.S. ministry operations, emphasizing collaboration, stewardship, and unity.
Played a leading role in the relocation of CRCNA's U.S. HQ and guides ministry boards amid cultural and governance transitions.
Did he give an update at CRC synod '25? Why isn't he required to attend Synod for that matter ? Why does the CRCNA main office have to be in West Michigan for that matter ?
How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ⁉️
How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ?
"During CRCNA discussions about moving from the 28th Street headquarters, some delegates voiced worries that shifting offices closer to Calvin University and Calvin Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere .
A delegate cautioned:
> "There is a culture that's being developed that's not really reflective of the whole of the CRC..."
📌 Background & Appointment
- Responsibilities:
🛠️ Previous Experience
🏛️ Roles at CRCNA & Grand Rapids HQ Changes
🧭 Focus & Vision
🧾 Summary
| Name | Position | Start | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan DeKam | Director, U.S. Ministry Operations | July 3, 2023 | Christian education leader, administrator |
- Has a strong education leadership background and deep ties to West Michigan schools
- [(only Muskegon?)]
- As the administrative head, he now oversees CRCNA's U.S. ministry operations, emphasizing collaboration, stewardship, and unity.
- Played a leading role in the relocation of CRCNA's U.S. HQ and guides ministry boards amid cultural and governance transitions.
Would you like more details on any specific aspect—like the move to the new building in Grand Rapids, his governance role, or his earlier educational achievements?
Did he give an update at CRC synod '25? Why isn't he required to attend Synod for that matter ? Why does the CRCNA main office have to be in West Michigan for that matter ?
Friday, June 27, 2025
Remember our Bible translators 🙏✝️❤️🌍"Pray with them, listen to their struggles" – supporting indigenous Bible translators around the world -"
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pray-with-them-listen-to-their-struggles-supporting-indigenous-bible-translators-around-the-world/
"
The ministry provides communities with written Bibles, sign language, as well as oral and audio Scripture. "We really want to be able to provide scripture in any way that people need," says Stedman.."
Thursday, June 19, 2025
summary of Synod 2025
provided by ChatGPT (always double check & verify)
"Synod 2025 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), held June 13–19 at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, addressed several significant issues affecting the denomination. Here's a summary of key decisions:(thebanner.org)
🔗 Ecumenical Relations
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Reformed Church in America (RCA): Synod affirmed the CRCNA's relationship with the RCA as a "church in communion," contingent upon RCA officebearers' willingness to sign the CRCNA's Covenant for Officebearers when required. This decision follows a review of the RCA's stance on human sexuality, noting that while the RCA officially holds the same convictions as the CRCNA, there is latitude within the RCA for differing practices. (thebanner.org)
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Alliance of Reformed Churches: Synod agreed to pursue a church-in-communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches, recognizing it as the closest ecumenical category of relationships the CRCNA has.(thebanner.org)
🏛️ Governance and Structure
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Office of General Secretary: Synod decided against creating a separate legal entity for the Office of General Secretary, citing recent leadership and structural changes that have addressed previous concerns.(thebanner.org)
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Loan Fund Governance: The Council of Delegates was granted authority to make changes to the mission and governance of the Christian Reformed Church Loan Fund, Inc., U.S., streamlining decision-making processes.(crcna.org)
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Ministry Reviews: Synod approved a guideline for conducting ministry reviews, aiming to enhance accountability and effectiveness within the denomination.(thebanner.org)
📖 Theological and Doctrinal Matters
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Bible Translation: The Bible Translation Committee recommended against using the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) for general worship, citing concerns about its translation methodology and faithfulness to the original texts. The ERV may be suitable for specific contexts like children's worship or devotional reading. (thebanner.org)
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Assisted Suicide: A task force report on assisted suicide reaffirmed the CRCNA's position against the practice, emphasizing compassionate palliative care and pastoral support for those facing suffering and end-of-life issues. (thebanner.org)
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Virtual Church: Synod acknowledged the potential of virtual churches to embody the three marks of a true church but emphasized the need for intentional planning, particularly regarding the administration of sacraments and church discipline. (thebanner.org)
🧭 Church Unity and Disagreement
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Covenant Community Toolkit: Synod tasked Pastor-Church Resources with developing a toolkit to help churches discern their hopes for covenant community, especially in light of potential covenant realignments. (hesedprojectcrc.org)
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Survey on Disagreement: The Office of the General Secretary was directed to create a survey to gather feedback from churches on how to navigate respectful disagreement within the denomination, with results to be shared transparently.(hesedprojectcrc.org)
🧱 Church Order and Discipline
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Confessional Alignment: Synod reinforced the requirement that all officebearers affirm the CRCNA's confessions without reservation. Those with reservations are expected to either align with the confessions, submit a confessional-revision gravamen, or resign from office. (christiancourier.ca)
These decisions reflect the CRCNA's ongoing efforts to address theological, structural, and relational challenges within the denomination. If you would like more detailed information on any of these topics, feel free to ask.(crcna.org) "
Monday, June 16, 2025
A Prayer for Synod 2025: Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep
A Prayer for Synod 2025:
Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep
Dear Lord above, as Synod meets today,
At Redeemer's halls, we humbly pray
In Ancaster's peace,
where minds now gather in,
Guide every delegate, from grace within
We think of roots, in lands across the foam,
Our Dutch heritage, a spiritual home
From Reformation fires,
a truth held ever dear,
Calvin's bold doctrines,
dispelling doubt & fear
To New Amsterdam,
a journey then began,
On Manhattan's shores,
God's faithful plan
Then westward moving,
to Michigan's embrace,
In Holland & Grand Rapids,
finding sacred space
By Lake Michigan's vast & calming shore,
Your church took root,
& yearned for more
We recall the split,
from RCA's old fold,
For principles of faith,
a story to be told
A yearning for strict doctrine,
unwavering & clear,
A different stance on revivals,
banishing all fear
From open communion,
some felt a sacred call,
To separate themselves,
standing firm for all
& now we see,
Your Spirit's mighty hand,
The CRC has blossomed,
across this favored land
No longer solely white,
nor Dutch alone in grace,
But diverse peoples,
every creed & every race
From Bellflower, CA,
to Pella's Iowa fields,
& Lynden, WA,
the gospel's harvest yields
In Hamilton, Ontario,
& across the USA,
Your global kingdom shines,
each & every day
We lift Your schools,
where truth & wisdom grow,
Calvin, Trinity, Dordt,
& Central College,
we know
Foundations strong,
where learning lights the way,
Guiding young minds,
to serve You every day
We ponder TULIP's truths,
a doctrine deep & sound,
Total depravity,
where grace is truly found
Unconditional election,
Your sovereign choice above,
Limited atonement, an everlasting love
Irresistible grace,
Your Spirit drawing near,
Perseverance of saints,
banishing all fear
So grant the delegates wisdom, Lord,
in all they shall decide,
That Your good will, not theirs,
will be their guide
Protect their hearts from strife,
their minds from prideful sway,
& lead them onward,
in Your righteous way
For the Church's future,
a beacon shining bright,
May every choice reflect:
Your holy light
This humble prayer we offer,
with hearts sincere & true
In the name of Jesus,
we give our praise to You:
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
Monday, May 26, 2025
Memorial Day 2025
🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼
#MemorialDay2025
https://youtube.com/shorts/4OyfTArfZ-E?si=V7y3lKLSZahVP7s6
🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼
Saturday, May 17, 2025
good ol' lew vandermeer (2012) "Addicted to church? Grand Rapids pastor prescribes alternatives to renew Christian ministry"
Lew was our religion teacher at Grand Rapids Christian in the 80's. Then he went on to start Sunshine CRC (which became quite popular from what I hear, but then subsequently closed ?)
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
quick decision in Rome, wow! first-ever AMERICAN POPE ! They said it would never happen
some of you Protestants and CRCers are saying "Who cares, I'm not catholic" . Well, you should care. We're all part of the same Body of Christ ! Stay informed. PRay he's a good one. The Catholic church effects EVERYBODY ! #PrayTheNews
https://www.the-sun.com/news/14194998/cardinal-new-pope/
"HISTORY has been made as the First American Pope will lead the Catholic church with outsider Robert Prevost taking up name of Leo XIV after less than 24 hours of secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.
The new Pope - known to many as "Father Bob" - stepped out onto the balcony in the Vatican to cheering crowds as he greeted them by saying "peace be with you".
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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Monday, April 28, 2025
you may enjoy this message by Corrie Tenboom (audio, click) (in English)
click below to listen
, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, Netherlands, was a Dutch watchmaker and later a Christian writer and public speaker. She and her family helped many Jewish people escape from the Nazis during the Holocaust in World War II by hiding them in her home. They were caught, and she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her most famous book, The Hiding Place, is a biography that recounts the story of her family's efforts and how she found and shared hope in God while she was imprisoned at the concentration camp..." -wiki
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