It was the custom in the Gereformeerde churches that six weeks before Good Friday, ministers would preach about the passages dealing with Jesus’ suffering.
Vantage Point
This is an opinion column in which readers share their thoughts about an issue of interest to the church, challenge others, or reflect on something near and dear to their hearts.
In my work facilitating support groups and assisting in workshops, I have seen the difficulties of caring for a person living with dementia.
Anger over issues is always present in our churches. That doesn’t make it right; in fact, it is wrong.
I’ve stood before a mirror and cried at my reflection, embarrassed of the woman I’d become. I’ve hidden my body behind sweaters and jackets and squeezed into Spanx and camis and, all the while, wanted only to feel comfortable in my own skin.
I know Sunday mornings are not the peaceful, relaxed times that so many of your friends enjoy.
I remembered learning that if someone isn't speaking your love language, they can love you, but you won’t feel it.
I think this “three-legged stool” of home, church, and school is now cracked and wobbly because we are neglecting discipleship and instruction as a result of our preference for absorbing the world’s culture rather than transforming it.
In a sense, I had embraced All Lives Matter as a movement many years ago.
From elementary school until I graduated from high school, I was subjected daily to taunting and teasing from my peers. It happened so often that they broke me.
A lot of things, including many worship practices, have changed in the congregation where I worship because of COVID-19.
There are still those who believe that those with depression or other mental illnesses should “pray it away” rather than take medication.
Why is this movie relevant? First, it is a lovely reminder that God creates whole ecosystems based on diversity.
I am touched when I see teenagers raising their hands in contemporary worship, singing at the top of their voices, with tears flowing down their cheeks.
The Apostles’ Creed is something valuable and beautiful, just like a gem.
Opinion: It underestimates the breadth and depth of racism to focus largely on white racism and hammer away at white guilt.
Many Christians who have walked closely with people who are same-sex attracted recognize a purity of love in many long-term, committed same-sex relationships in today’s modern society.
Now surveys show that only about half of the community members attend church regularly.
At the table, usually the emphasis was placed on the assurance of forgiveness of sins, but I often asked myself whether, through his Supper, our Lord also spoke to other burdens we might carry to the table.
It will take more time and money, but kingdom building was never going to be fast or cheap.
That’s what I told my son after he sat me down and told me he wants to become a woman. My son was baptized in the CRC. He attended Sunday school and youth groups and went on mission trips.
I have gone from pulling weeds on Sunday to pruning back unruly shrubs and even, on occasion, to mowing the grass. After church we sometimes join friends for Sunday brunch at a restaurant. I do not wear a WWJD bracelet, but I do wonder how Jesus would react.
What is your church’s brand? What do people in your community think about when they hear your church’s name mentioned? Not too long ago, our entire denomination and every individual congregation were known as the “Dutch church.” We have made great strides in shaking that image. But to no longer be known as something hardly qualifies as a strong brand.
The opportunities and open doors to reach out to those who are “least” are without limit.
Your church’s organ can bridge the gap between young and old and provide an amazing depth and richness not only to the sound, but to the experience.