July 2014

‘Sergeant-at-arms’ tool represents ‘non-violent Synod.’

Rev. Sheila Holmes reflects on past year and a lifetime in the CRC.

Approximately 1,700 people attended the service at Vermeer Pavilion in Pella, Iowa.

Lunchtime talk follows college report on academic freedom and confessional commitments.

Growth leads to healthy division.

The two denominations held their first official joint session to adopt a resolution since 1857.

Rev. George Vander Weit served at more than a dozen synods.

Three church leaders killed in violence.

Delegates enthusiastically endorse Old Testament specialist.

Rev. Joel Boot celebrates gains, challenges church to do more.

Synod 2014 is introduced to the new Canadian ministries director.

Current policies and oversight sufficient, synod says.

Anniversaries and retirements acknowledged by delegates.

The officers have a combined 20 years of synod experience, but only one has previously served on the executive.

Air traffic snarls in Chicago delay delegates by two days.

After years of discussion, the CRC has moved into ecclesiastical fellowship with the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.

For the first time, deacons attended synod to bring their perspective to the proceedings.

This year’s synod showed a church moving forward.

Delegates spent Sunday afternoon attending workshops on 18 ministry topics.

“What a wonderful occasion this is,” said synod president Scott Greenway.

CRC colleges asked to continue integrating faith with study of origins.

“This is about the spirit of the thing.”

Delegates did not agree to requests to reexamine the plan for missionaries to raise 90 percent of their support.

“I feel called to this position,” Steve Timmermans told delegates.

“We’ve gained confidence to express our faith. We’ll cherish it for the rest of our lives.”