Meadowlands Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ont., spread some love this fall—giving 25 people $100 each to bless the community in whatever way God led them.

First Christian Reformed Church in Denver, Colo., hosted its annual Global Bazaar Dec. 7, sharing the “life-changing work” of the participating faith-based missions and fair trade cooperatives.

Peter Sluys lived a joyful life serving his Lord and Saviour. He died Nov. 8 in Edmonton, Alta., at the age of 92.

About 400 ministry leaders attended “GC2: Facing Hard Truths and Challenges of Pastoral Ministry” at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, Ill., last Friday.

As a recognition of Peace Week in late November, the Sarnia-Lambton (Ont.) YMCA presented its Peace Medallion to Christian Reformed Church member Henny Drope, for 25 years of volunteer service in welcoming refugees.

At the “Safe Spaces” conference Nov. 16 the Safe Church Ministry partnership for the B.C. Christian Reformed churches welcomed author Jay Stringer to help ministry leaders and others face realities of sexual brokenness.

Bill Renkema, missionary, church planter and pastor, died Oct. 28. He had an unwavering faith and said of what he wished he could still do, “I’d tell more people about Jesus.” 

Pastor, theologian and professor, Paul Szto, died Oct. 22 in New York City. He was 95.

The senior boys’ volleyball team at Smithville (Ont.) Christian High School are 2019 Ontario champions, earning the Boys’ A title for the second time in six years.

First Christian Reformed Church in Bellflower, Calif., honored nine of their military veteran members Nov. 10, presenting quilts made by volunteer organization Quilts of Valor.

Christian Reformed Church executive director Steven Timmermans joined other denominational leaders and pastors in signing the Evangelical Immigration Table’s call for immigration reform promoting restitution, not mass deportation nor amnesty.

Hoping to expand the kingdom of God by equipping workers, Classis Heartland of the Christian Reformed Church is launching a residency program to help churches grow outward-focused mission workers.

A growing number of congregations are investing time, energy, and resources into church renewal. The Banner shares experiences from churches in Alberta, Washington, and Michigan.

Jacob Kuntz, who had a pastoral heart for people on the edge, served many Christian Reformed congregations in Ontario. He died Nov. 3 at 93.

From a long-running weekly Bible study to support with yard work, Christian Reformed congregations in Holland, Mich., are partnering with the work of Brothers & Sisters Homes, residences for men and women with intellectual disabilities.

Congregation members of Naschitti (N.M.) Christian Reformed Church were prevented from using their building after an arson event in August. On Nov. 17, they returned to the sanctuary.

Bringing together pastors, community workers, and those working to support immigrants to the U.S., Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, hosted a panel discussion Nov. 12.

A number of churches are exploring ways to build affordable housing on their own land—what pastors and other leaders are referring to as YIGBY, or “Yes in God’s Backyard.”

About 150 volunteers from 17 Christian Reformed congregations participated in funding and building a Habitat for Humanity home for a western Michigan family.

From profit-sharing farm enterprises to the recovery of non-marketable produce, organizations across the U.S. and Canada offer a Christian response to hunger.

A week before Veteran’s Day in the U.S., Hillside Community Church in Cutlerville, Mich., welcomed community members to a dinner honoring vets and an evening of learning about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Gordon Van Enk, who served in parish ministry for 25 years and as a hospice chaplain for 24 years, died Oct. 12. 

Students at Rehoboth (N.M.) Christian School created artwork representing happiness, peace, and friendship to share with Syrian children, who will send artwork back in exchange.