The Enemy in the Mirror: Why Believe in Original Sin
03/06/2026

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Infants have

‘Let’s Do Lunch’ Sunday
03/06/2026

On Feb. 22, folks from New Life Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford, B.C., opened their homes and hearts for “Let’s do Lunch” Sunday potlucks. Hosts and guests gathered in small groups to share food, laughter, and fellowship right where they live. It wasn’t just about a meal. It was about practi

Gallup Poll: Fewer Than Half of Americans Say Religion is 'Very Important' in Their Lives
03/06/2026

The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Yonat Shimron, was published March 3, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.The percentage of Americans who say religion is “very important” in their lives seems to have l

On Our Way Home: Reflections on Heaven in the Face of Death
03/06/2026

Colleen Chao wrote this insightful book about heaven after being diagnosed with incurable cancer and wrestling with questions she had about life after death. She’s not afraid to meet Jesus, but her perspective shifted when faced with the prospect of leaving her earthly body and home behind forever.I

Solo Mio
03/06/2026

In the rom-com Solo Mio, Matt Taylor (Kevin James of The King of Queens fame) plans a special wedding for himself and his fiancée Heather (Julie Ann Emery) in Rome, Italy. The problem: Heather never appears for the ceremony but leaves her dressing room for parts unknown. When Matt goes looking for h

Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land
03/06/2026

Journalist Ross Halperin’s profound critique, fast-paced storytelling, and detailed reporting narrate the story of American sociologist Kurt Ver Beek and Honduran teacher Carlos Hernandez against the violent history, politics, systemic injustice, and poverty of Honduras, infamous as “one of the most

Noteboom Steps Down After 9 Years as Canadian Council of Churches Head
03/06/2026

Peter Noteboom, a commissioned pastor of the Christian Reformed Church in Classis Toronto, who has served nine years as general secretary for The Canadian Council of Churches ecumenical organization, is leaving the role as of June 30, 2026. The Council announced the transition in its March newslette

Record-breaking Organist Tenure?
03/04/2026

Lorna Glesne of Bunde Christian Reformed Church in Clara City, Minn., told us about the long service of 96-year-old organist Mildred “Millie” Meyer, who has been playing for Bunde CRC for 82 years. Meyer told The Banner she began playing piano for Sunday school at age 12 and graduated to playing the

Foundation to Future: 2026 Canadian National Gathering
03/04/2026

The Canadian National Gathering will take place May 28-31, 2026, at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont. Held every three years, the Gathering brings together Christian Reformed churches from Canada to discern and explore what God’s call is for the CRC as a community of churches. The theme for 2026

South of Somewhere: A Novel
03/03/2026

T.I. Lowe isn’t shy about addressing difficult topics in her engaging novels, with her latest no exception. South of Somewhere is a story of second chances, addiction, recovery, and renewed hope, all told in Lowe’s signature southern voice.Juniper (Junie) Wilder retreats to her beloved grandmother’s

33 Historically Black U.S. Churches Receive $8.5 Million in Preservation Grants
03/03/2026

The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Adelle M. Banks was published Feb. 24, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length.Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia’’s Ebenezer Baptist Church are amo

What Do I Do With All My Digital Photos?
03/02/2026

I have 10,000 pictures on my phone. How do I get that number down so I can actually find what I am looking for?The problem you’re having is a common one. I read somewhere that the average number is 2,500.William Katerberg is the curator of Heritage Hall, the archives for Calvin University, Calvin Th

Avoiding a Mob Mentality
03/02/2026

There’s so much I appreciate about the 2004 mewithoutYou album Catch for Us the Foxes that, although it's an obscure pick, I rank that sophomore release from the now-defunct, crunchy, hipster, at-one-time-Christian, post-hardcore band as my all-time favorite album.Known for its inventive instrumenta

In Memoriam: Rev. Peter Breedveld
03/02/2026

Peter Breedveld was thoughtful, patient with questions, non-judgmental, and always positive and encouraging. His desire, when he began ministry, was to be “a healer of the wounded human spirit,” said his son, John, at Peter’s memorial service. “His life, his love for Jesus, and his outlook on everyt

Swimming Against the Current
02/27/2026

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Being people

Chichi and Didi Love Their Names
02/27/2026

Chichi and Didi Love Their Names is based on Nigerian American sisters Peace Amadi’s and Ndidi Amadi’s lives. It relates a story common to newcomer, refugee, and immigrant children as they assimilate into unfamiliar communities.Chichi and Didi are looking forward to attending their first day at a ne

The Quiet Girl
02/27/2026

The novella Small Things Like These gave Irish author Claire Keegan international name recognition. So, a 2022 award-winning film, based on her short story “Foster,” is now getting noticed, too.It should. The Quiet Girl is a spellbinding, heart-aching tale of 9-year-old Cáit who is lifted out of neg

Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood
02/27/2026

Many children’s picture books have been written about the enslavement of Africans in the context of the history of the United States. Numerous accounts speak of the brutality meted out on slaves by their owners, the escape of enslaved people to the North, and the role the Underground Railroad played

Calling Out to Christian Communities for ‘Shared Christian Witness’
02/27/2026

A group of African American Reformed pastors and allies published a letter Feb. 16 addressed to “pastors and leaders in the Christian Reformed and Reformed communities,” calling out “what appears to be an intentional diminishing—and in some cases erasing—of Black history in our national story.”The a

CRC Pastor Named Gospel Coalition Council Member
02/26/2026

The Gospel Coalition, a para-church organization founded between 2005 and 2007 to help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel, announced eight new council members Feb. 23. Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park (Ill.) Christian Reformed Church and president of the CRC synod in 2