The Banner

In the March 1 episode of conservative podcast The Bulwark, “Alienated America,” host Charlie Sykes converses with Tim Carney, author of a book also called Alienated America. Carney set out to understand why people in certain rural areas of the U.S. feel less alienated than others in similar situations. 

In this tender, meaningful picture book set in a loving church community, the late Patricia McKissack celebrates generosity and kindness.

This month Sam Huizenga replaced Gary Bekker as director of Raise Up Global Ministries, the Christian Reformed Church’s unit of training programs working to raise up Christian leaders.

Ordained in 1954 and with a nearly 40-year career with the Christian Reformed Church, Earl Dykema passed away on March 1. He was 90 years old. 

At one point or another, most of us wonder about the afterlife. What happens when we die? Will we remember our lives from here on earth? Will we recognize loved ones? What about our pets?

There is nothing inherently unchristian about minimalism, and there are certainly significant parallels to Jesus' teaching on money and possessions.

A community garden at New Era (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church and its associated farmers’ market is making fresh veggies affordable for seniors and connecting neighbors.

Five Christian Reformed congregations in Grand Rapids, Mich., are hosting a series of workshops to help people learn how to reduce carbon emissions in their everyday lives.

Readers of Three Hours will find in its reflections a worthwhile, spiritually enlightening space in which to dwell during Lent.

For those who like a comedy that makes them think—and possibly cry—as much as it makes them laugh, the Canadian show Kim’s Convenience fits the bill.

While the person you meet in the grocery store may not recognize the denominational name “Christian Reformed Church in North America,” you can find common ground by simply saying your church is part of the Christian church.

Patti Rokus has produced another remarkable picture book combining her visionary rock sculptures, engaging narrative, and Scripture texts to tell the story of Jesus.

In this gorgeous album, singer-songwriter and mandolinist Andrew Marlin travels through variations of longing and loss.

Roger Van Harn, an ordained pastor of the Christian Reformed Church for 42 years, died on Feb. 9. He was 86.

If you mention genealogy in a group, it’s likely someone has had some experience with it—or knows someone who has. You’re also likely to pick up on some friendly competitiveness about how far back their roots could be traced.

Eating the “clean fifteen,” seeking out grass-fed beef—has been tiring. And so far it has not fixed the world.

We know the gospel writers are only rubbing our noses in human limitations because they are setting us up to watch God blow those limitations out of the water. 

This spring The Banner is saying goodbye to two longtime staff members. Kristy Quist is leaving the Mixed Media editor role March 22. Judy Hardy, associate editor, will retire May 31.

Jerry Frens, who was still active as a part-time chaplain, died unexpectedly and tragically on Feb. 15, after being struck by a vehicle near his home. He was 75.

First inspired by a summer music festival in South Dakota, Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Le Mars, Iowa, has been holding its winter Praise Band Fest for the past 15 years.

Captain Marvel moderates the use of her gifts by conviction, not convention.

Over the course of 150 years, three strong women from the same Michigan family are drawn into racially charged relationships and confront different kinds of racism in this potent debut novel.

Should we celebrate that parks are cleaner, that creativity is blossoming, that local business is thriving? Or should we mourn that the most vulnerable members of our city are quietly being forced out of their homes as rents shoot up and homes become less and less affordable? Can we do both?