New Life Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford, B.C., builds connections over small-group meals with “Let’s Do Lunch” Sundays.
News
Stories from people, congregations and ministries of the CRCNA, reported by The Banner's news editor and a team of regular correspondents and Church Worldwide news from the Religion News Service. Send news tips to news@thebanner.org.
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Having been up or down 1 percentage point since 2021, the percentage of Americans who say religion is “very important” in their lives seems to have leveled off, at 47%.
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As of June, Peter Noteboom, a commissioned pastor of the Christian Reformed Church, will complete his service as general secretary for The Canadian Council of Churches.
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Ninety-six-year-old organist Mildred “Millie” Meyer has been playing for Bunde Christian Reformed Church in Clara City, Minn., for 82 years.
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Grants were awarded, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, for capital projects, programming and interpretation, or project planning.
In Memoriam: Rev. Peter Breedveld
1931-2026READ MOREA thoughtful, positive and encouraging pastor, Peter Breedveld’s life was defined by his faith in Christ. He died Feb. 2, just two weeks short of his 95th birthday.
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Compelled by faith to call the attention of siblings in Christ, a couple of groups published letters in February concerned that “dignity and truth are diminished” and there’s a “moral and spiritual collapse” in the United States.
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Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park (Ill.) Christian Reformed Church, is one of eight new pastors named to the now 52-member council of The Gospel Coalition.
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Incorporating workshops offered by its own congregants, Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., forgoes a traditional Vacation Bible School with an annual summer Praise Days program.
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Marv Vander Vliet, a pastor and mission leader in the Michigan juvenile justice system, “was a wise person with a deep understanding of God’s Word” who “loved people well.” He died May 20, 2025, at age 80.
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As of the beginning of February, the number of Christian Reformed churches with a pastoral vacancy—those actively searching to fill it—is about 18% of the total number of organized congregations.
In Memoriam: Rev. Gerard Ringnalda
1928-2026READ MOREA pastor turned chaplain, Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care and modeled faithfulness in his walk with Jesus. He died Jan. 25, at age 97.
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The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church met by video conference Feb. 4-6, receiving ministry reports, updates on budget projections, and matters to share with Synod 2026.
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“We pray that our church, and all the other churches in the Twin Cities metro, can be children of the light that can shine the light of the gospel of Jesus into dark and hurting places.”
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Synod 2026 anticipates a 10-year planting and renewal plan for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. The Council of Delegates glimpsed the renewal pathway at its February meeting.
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The recently formed Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee of the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates will be the mechanism for diverse networking groups, such as Consejo Latino, to share reports with synod.
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A review of the team created to support individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church suggests extending the mandate while equipping other resolution-seeking structures.
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The Evangelical Immigration Table experiences some loss of participation as evangelical Christians in the U.S. see division grow with increased scrutiny on immigration enforcement.
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Sixteen congregations from nine different denominations or church networks are part of a community-wide effort to read through the Bible in 2026.
In Memoriam: Rev. Dick M. Stravers
1927-2026READ MOREA much-loved pastor with a passion for justice and desire for a better world, Dick Stravers was a kind and compassionate man. He died Jan. 12 at age 98.
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A year-old women’s evangelistic training ministry developed out of the Multiplication Network is equipping Global Coffee Break participants to reach unchurched friends, neighbors, and family members.
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Remembered as a bridge-builder with a kind, thoughtful demeanor, Neil Vriend’s ordained ministry included churches in Ontario and Alberta. He died Dec. 18 at age 93.
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Catholic leaders, pastors and families say the joint U.S.-Nigeria strikes feel like long-overdue recognition of their suffering, and a fragile test of whether safety will finally follow.
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Martin, a former leader at the American Bible Society who was named CEO in November, says the magazine will focus on building a healthy culture, telling redemptive stories, and pursuing civil dialogue in evangelicalism's big tent.