Founded by Dutch immigrants from the Netherlands, the Christian Reformed Church in North America has long welcomed immigrant and ethnic communities. That legacy continues today in places such as Chin Christian Church of Kentwood, Mich.The seed of Chin Church was planted when three Burmese refugee fa
As summer turns to fall and fall to winter, some of us have spring on our minds. In particular, what kinds of flowers would we like to see next April or May? There are two approaches to that question. The first is to scatter wildflower seeds. Another is to intentionally plant seeds or bulbs such as
Based on what authors Bruce Hindmarsh and Carolyn Hindmarsh learned and experienced as they led various prayer and discernment retreats through the years, this short book is suitable for large group retreats, small group study, or as a personal devotional study.Focusing primarily on the three Script
Author Olivia Armstrong, a professional storyteller of folktales, folklore, myths, and legends, draws on her expertise in these genres and her imagination to narrate The Birds of Christmas, a tale about the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem in which various birds bring their gifts and abilities to
At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for FreedomBy Erin Entrada KellyReviewed by Sonya VanderVeen FeddemaBorn into a devout Catholic community in 1917 in the Philippines, Joey grew up with a longing to be like Joan of Arc, a fighter.When she was diagnosed with Hansen’s di
I'm usually the type of person who likes to stay busy. In college I put effort into making new friends, joining on-campus activities, and taking classes outside my main field of study. I was usually able to balance all those things pretty well, but the extra logistics of graduation and a senior thes
For the past several years, my job has been related to child care (my own and others). As my children grow, I'm wondering how I can earn income in a different way and still be available for my children. Where do I start figuring out what's next?As you enter a new phase of life, it can be exciting an
Finding Freedom Ranch, a biblically based eating disorder clinic, founded to provide residential treatment not currently available in Michigan, seeks to help young women "find peace with God, peace with themselves, and peace with food." It's one of only a few Christian focused eating disorder clinic
Set against the headlands of England’s South West Coast Path, middle-aged Moth and Ray Winn might look like day hikers without a care. But a closer look shows the cracks, yes, the pain etched into their faces—physical pain and otherwise. What we might be slow to realize is that this couple is beginn
In her previous book, The Art of Living in Season: A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints, author Sylvie Vanhoozer introduced a unique Advent tradition begun in the 19th century in Provence, the region in southern France where she was born and raised. Clay figurine santons—“little saints”—were se
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. The Banner h
In September Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church in Grandville, Mich., piloted a Biblically Faithful, Courageously Loving workshop to equip its council members to lead in a “posture of radical hospitality” within biblically faithful guidelines in terms of human sexuality.“Our congregation has a real
It was a chilly January morning in 2024 when Ada Christian Reformed Church, a predominantly white congregation of Dutch ancestry in Ada, Mich., welcomed a Chinese family. From that day on, Calvin Theological Seminary student Matthew Sun, his wife, and their four daughters found a warm and inviting h
A full decade before Wab Kinew took office as Manitoba’s first Indigenous premier (the equivalent of governor in the U.S.), he said a long goodbye to his Ndede, Tobasonakwut, his beloved father. In this captivating, page-turning memoir, Kinew tells the story of a father and a son and the careful, ha
Authors Darcy Whitecrow and Heather O’Connor employ fictional narrative—an Ojibwe grandmother, Nookomis, retelling the history of the Ojibwe horse breed to her grandchildren on a momentous night—to relate the true story of how the Ojibwe breed was saved from annihilation.In an authors’ note, Whitecr
What is the CRC stance and Christian view of MAID (Medically Assisted Induced Dying)? How can we support loved ones who are asking about this and making these decisions?The CRC has a strong word on this. Synod 2025 unanimously voted to approve this language: “that synod deplore the legalization and
It's 200 pounds. It's six feet tall. It smells incredibly horrible—like a dead animal.Is it your great-uncle Fred? Surprisingly, no! It's the world's stinkiest plant: the corpse flower.The corpse flower, or carrion flower, got its name because of the disgusting stench it emits when its flower blooms
Pastor Jim had always prided himself on his tireless dedication to his congregation. But one evening, as he prepared yet another sermon late into the night, his young son walked into his study and climbed onto his lap. "Daddy, when do you rest?" the boy asked. Pastor Jim hesitated, realizing he had
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.It was the mi
Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Flamborough, Ont., created and hosted a display of handmade poppies to mark Remembrance Day 2025, with help from members of the church and the surrounding community.The cascade of 1,700 crocheted or knitted poppies was assembled on the front of the church buildin