We played church. We even played wedding. I don’t think we ever played funeral. Should children attend the latter?

I GREW UP in the Christian Reformed Church and attended Christian schools that espoused a Reformed outlook.

How do you feel about squash?

I think it’s disgusting. It’s mushy, too orange, and it smells funny.

My bookshelves contain numerous volumes about contemplative life and spirituality—books on the desert fathers, on famous or obscure

Hearing a radio preacher recently, I took note of his prayer to God to send a revival to our land.

Something’s wrong with our honeybees. Millions of them have disappeared.

Calling/Mission

Q Is it ever possible to be unloving in our evangelism?

It was too beautiful a day for something to die. But it did. There was nothing I could do about it.

This year’s synod (the denomination’s leadership convention, held annually in June) was a joy to behold.

Editor’s Note:

A rookie police officer has a little training but no experience. Same thing goes for a rookie preacher.

As a new and contented member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, imagine my shock upon opening The Banner last spring and

Passwords allow you to enter something. They are secret and clever codes. The best passwords have a personal meaning to you.

began my school year with a large set of keys in my pocket.

I carry this sorrow like a stone in my pocket. It’s always there, sometimes chiseled sharp, painful to touch.

Church

Q Many congregations are studying The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Princesses

When I saw the cover of the May Banner, I was quite excited and turned quickly to the related article “The Princ

Religion is the opiate of the masses.
—Karl Marx

A while back an old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard.

At this year’s synod, the annual leadership convention of the Christian Reformed Church, held this month at Calvin College, Grand R

Good news! A cheese factory just started up in our area. Part of a dairy complex. Some of my friends are moving there.

Church

Q Why is leavened bread used in the Lord’s Supper?

Do good manners really matter? Or did adults just make up lots of rules so they would have lots of things to nag kids about?