News

At its annual award ceremony, presented online April 30, the Evangelical Press Association honored The Banner with the Award of Excellence in the denominational print category. The Banner received another six awards in the EPA’s Higher Goals categories.

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.

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.

“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.

President Robert Graham, who has led Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont., since 2018, has resigned his position, citing health concerns and border crossing restrictions as factors.

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

Spurred by noticing the many ways users have connected over Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is testing a new prayer post feature.

A big man with a powerful voice, Henry Katerberg was also gentle, honest, and sociable. He died April 4 at age 84.

What constitutes heresy? That’s a question addressed in a report to the Christian Reformed Church’s synod. Included in the Agenda for Synod 2020, the report has yet to be received, but it’s referenced in a formal request to Synod 2021.

Susan LaClear, new director of the Christian Reformed Church’s Candidacy Committee, started April 5. Previous director David Koll will retire at the end of June.

A pastor and missionary who wanted to be known for being a child of God, Merle Den Bleyker died March 23.

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.

Congregants of Alberni Valley CRC in Port Alberni, B.C., placed flowers on a cross outdoors, and pastors of LaGrave CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich., and West End CRC in Edmonton, Alta., preached two services to accommodate smaller gatherings at each.

Two churches, connected through seven years of past work trips and separated by lack of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, came together in worship March 21.

Though not convening this year, the Agenda for Synod 2021 has been released. It contains 14 overtures and three communications related to the human sexuality report. One, by a group of students, was submitted by three different assemblies.

Ralph Bruxvoort, who preached, taught, and lived out a theology centered on God's unconditional love and grace, died March 23.

Ben Wiersma, preaching intern at Sibley (Iowa) Christian Reformed Church, and new member of the local ministerial association, was one of several participants in the association’s revised Easter weekend plan.

Recent reports about instances of bullying and threatening communication received by staff of the Christian Reformed Church’s Office of Social Justice have raised questions about what’s going on and why.

Cadillac (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church, Oak Harbor (Wash.) CRC, and churches in London, Ont., are all participating in community coalitions working toward sheltering community members without housing.

While Americans still believe in God, a growing number have dropped out of organized religion.

An estimated 5,000 people demonstrated in support of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on Sunday, in rallies organized in 14 American cities by the Asian American Christian Collaborative.