July 2021

Over an online video meeting, streamed to YouTube, the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates received new candidates for ministry and blessed them as they take up God’s assigned work. 

The Banner and communications from RCA-CRC Disability Concerns have been recognized with “Best of the Church Press” awards from the Associated Church Press for work produced in 2020.

“Doing acts of service in the community is a great way to get people to talk to you,” said Love Escalon’s organizer, a member of Escalon (Calif.) Christian Reformed Church.

Actions of Christian Reformed classes (regional groups of churches) of the last several months include new emerging churches, a classis name change, and communications to synod, the broadest assembly of the CRC.

The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates received a final report on work toward preventing abuse of power and requested a review of the denomination’s current appeal process.

Christian Reformed congregations reaching out creatively with technology are baptizing new believers and seeing communities grow, even over a distance.

‘Straight shooter’ with a ‘warm heart,’ Dirk Velthuizen died April 14.

Witty and wise, with a deep love for people, Gary Veeneman died April 25.

Huu Phu Nguyen served Vietnamese New Hope CRC in Wheaton, Ill., for more than 25 years. He died April 17.

Acting in lieu of Synod 2021 the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates chose to defer requests for discipline and not rescind an earlier letter of concern. In a new communication it urges synod to “be mindful of the three marks of the true and vital church.”

Celebrating joyful moments like the receiving of candidates for ministry and addressing weighty matters like requests for church discipline, the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates met June 15 and 16.

A 55-50 victory against Jal (N.M.) on May 7 earned Rehoboth (N.M.) Christian School the state championship in varsity boys’ 2A basketball.

Two regional groups of churches in Canada had asked to stop moves toward restructuring. Considering those requests on behalf of synod, the Council said no.

With 76 years of active and retired ministry, Jim Van Weelden loved “to tell the story” of salvation in Jesus Christ. He died April 18.

At Lady Flower Gardens in northeast Edmonton, Alta., the contributions of vulnerable people are valued in the work of community agriculture.

Responding to a request from a Christian Reformed congregation to Synod 2021, the CRC’s Council of Delegates has asked the denomination’s executive director to develop a mechanism that would allow LGBTQ voices to be heard by delegates to the next synod with regard to the human sexuality report.

Finding itself “looking death in the face” last August, Kenosha (Wisc.) CRC is now continuing to minister in its community, supported by a partnership with First CRC in Oostburg, Wisc.