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.One crisp Fri
Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care. Although he preached a good sermon, he relished making visits and teaching catechism. He encouraged others to seek justice, speak up for the oppressed, and be grateful in all things. Gerard, 97, died Jan. 25. “To the end, he modeled faithfulness in his
The Gift of Freedom was inspired by author Glenette Tilley Turner’s interview with Alice Brickler, the last living relative of Harriet Tubman to have had personal interactions with the renowned Underground Railroad conductor. When Brickler shared the story of Harriet’s 1854 Christmas Day rescue of h
Train Dreams. Something about this fictional story beckoned. Was that because it was set in the 20th-century logging era? Or was it that Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and William H. Macy were in it? I could hardly tell. But soon my husband, Dave, and I were watching a tender and artful movie with a
In this book of Lenten devotions beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on the Saturday of Easter week, readers have the unique daily opportunity to listen to and engage in Gregorian chant by scanning a QR code along with meditating on a written devotion pertaining to the featured chant.In introd
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.Roberta Vriesema, director of partnership administration—a role that replaced that of chief administrative offic
Knowing there are Christian Reformed pastors and churches in close proximity to the turmoil, tragedy and grief in Minneapolis where public clashes with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers resulted in two deaths in January, The Banner asked, ‘How do you live in this moment as Christ's c
In the past decade or so, there has been a good, healthy shift in the way we do mission work. North Americans going on mission trips used to go with a view to rescue and save the people they were serving. Now, many groups and individuals have a posture of listening and learning. In People Are the We
I remember the days before each of our little ones arrived. Fresh sheets clung to the crib mattress, with soft blankets nearby. The musical mobile hung with anticipation over the place that would soon hold our little bundle. I stocked the changing table with newborn-sized diapers and laundered and f
Our son loves working with his hands, so we think trade school fits best, but his high school counselor is steering him to college based on his test scores. Any advice?What a blessing that your son has these different gifts, even as it creates challenges in discerning how best to use them!I encourag
Leaders in the Christian Reformed Church presenting to the Council of Delegates at its February meeting stressed that the upcoming 10-year plan for church planting and renewal needs personal participation from all corners of the denomination, even as some questioned the practicality of its “aspirati
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, meeting by video conference at the beginning of February, received a report from the first meeting of the Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee, which was formed in October to better integrate diverse leaders and churches within the CRC
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates received a review of the work of the denomination’s Dignity Team—a group of five appointed members that serves as support to individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church and been unable to achieve resolution through other means—a
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.At first glan
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana was published Jan. 30, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added related links and paragraph nine to provide context for the Christian Reformed
When author Jasmine Holmes was growing up, she had two Christian heroes: Corrie ten Boom, Dutch author of The Hiding Place who helped many Jews hide from the Nazis, and Mary Slessor, Scottish missionary to Nigeria. In her introduction, Holmes writes, “Their strong and fearless faith shaped my own fr
Canada native Dan Bremnes provides a deep, personal look into his life with the 15-track record, Hero &The Villain. “I was trying to put into words what I was wrestling with,” said Bremnes in a release. “The feeling that there were two sides of my own character that were at war. It felt like I was l
In the introduction to her insightful, unique collection of 40 devotions that are appropriate for the Lenten journey, author Mary DeMuth explains why surrendering to God is an essential spiritual practice: “Spiritual growth happens after reflecting, considering the sacrifice of Jesus, and preparing
If you drove by one 16-acre field in rural Ontario, you might miss the blue sign with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank logo. But a bigger sign might catch your eye: “Harvest of Hope.” This plot of land is growing more than crops—it’s nurturing compassion, community, and Christ-like care for the hungry.F
Dorothy Littell Greco defines misogyny this way in her new book: “the persistent, insidious belief that men’s ideas, wants, needs, and experiences are more important than women’s and that political, religious, and social systems, as well as intimate relationships, should uphold this principle.”She a