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Gathered in the auditorium of Redeemer University, Synod 2025 shared communion and was led in worship by First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, Ont.

We were determined to find the ducks that were quacking in the middle of the forest. But that’s not what we found.

Power-over is coercive, controlling, and manipulative. Power-with is collaborative and authoritative.

Synod hears each year from the chair of the Council of Delegates. Vice-chair Greta Luimes, who is also chair of the Canada Ministry Board, shared this year as well.

In a wide-ranging address noting various parts of the Christian Reformed Church, general secretary Zachary King looked at themes of rebuilding and renewal.

Elaine May, project manager for Gather, shared with Synod 2025 some of what the church learned and experienced through the 10 events and looked at principles for next steps.

World Renew director Carol Bremer-Bennet encouraged the 18 women delegates to the Christian Reformed Church synod: “you are not alone.”

Michael Winnowski, a retired pastor, former synodical deputy, campus chaplain, specialized transitional minister, and newly trained spiritual director is serving as Synod 2025’s parliamentary adviser.

A team of students from Chatham (Ont.) Christian High School accompanied Pastor Nate Van Denend of First CRC in Chatham to lead worship as Synod 2025 commenced.

A May classis meeting that saw 10 churches disaffiliate and more than 50 pastors leave the denomination also included unified worship that was “like an embrace within the departure.”

We need not a new approach, but a return to the ordinary tools by which Christ has always formed his people.

Orphaned and homeless in London 1665, all Rose and Lem have left are their wits, each other, and three bottles of Thieves Oil—a medicinal blend Father created that can protect people from the sickness.

A 92-year-old WWII veteran escapes his nursing home to return to Normandy for D-Day.

In Strange Religion, award-winning author and New Testament teacher Nijay Gupta traces the emerging Christian faith in its Roman context, showing how the first Christians dared to be different.

Recognizing the shared interest among neighboring churches to engage younger members, the idea of holding a collective training event took root.

An ominous butterfly house. A sinister legacy. An untraceable killer. Don’t miss this award-winning faith-based novel.

Immerse yourself in reading, from a book about creativity and justice to an enthralling novel about restoring an old lighthouse.

As I write this article, I’m wearing the handmade friendship bracelet Maddi gave me. She made it herself. She even tied it on my wrist for me. It’s been with me ever since.

The supplement to the Agenda for Synod 2025 includes a Gather Initiative report, a new overture, updates from the Council of Delegates, and several comments on material already on the agenda.

Christian leaders stress that the council and its anniversary still have relevance in the modern day, despite theological divides.

Classis meetings throughout the spring have included the disaffiliation of 16 congregations, the release of 56 ministers of the Word, and the approval of eight commissioned pastors, four ministers, and two new organized congregations.

A chaplain who brought a sense of peace and comfort to patients and fellow chaplains alike, Marj Kooy died April 17. She was 75.

We must demand accountability for those who have been notified of abuse allegations, only to rationalize, cover up, and even deny them.