Trinity Hill Christian Reformed Church's Cookies and Carols event in Chanhassen, Minn., raised more than $500 for Love In the Name of Christ Carver County in December 2023—enough for the congregation to want to repeat the effort this season. The congregation plans to host a hymn sing and donation dr
Once upon a time, a morning cup of coffee was relatively simple—a can of Folgers brewed in a coffee pot. But today, the coffee scene is more complicated. Those interested in a better cup of coffee can quickly become overwhelmed by the avalanche of choices.James Hoffman is obsessed with coffee. After
Set in Burma—present-day Myanmar—during World War II, this expansive, fascinating novel for adults begins with a dynamite first chapter that catapults readers into a narrative zinging with danger and unpredictability. It grapples with compelling questions about God’s presence in the face of sufferin
Susan lamented all she had missed because of her estrangement from her children. She understood their reasons for cutting her out years ago when addiction fueled her choices. Yet now, after many years of sobriety, she was still unwelcome and cut off from her grandkids. While she has resigned herself
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
This movie had me at “Lauren Graham,” whom I adore from her iconic run as Lorelei Gilmore on Gilmore Girls. Little did I know the actress does not appear until the movie’s epilogue, although her sensitive, reassuring voice narrates the entire film. She is the grown-up Beth Bradley (Molly Belle Wrigh
Author Sylvie Vanhoozer was born and raised in Provence, a region in the south of France, where each Advent season a unique tradition begun in the 19th century plays out. Santons—“little saints”—are set up in crèches, or manger scenes, in people’s homes. These 3-inch-tall clay figurines are beautifu
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
Dan Ensing, a model train enthusiast and longtime member of Lee Street Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming, Mich., shared his annual Christmas train display with the church this year, including a handmade replica of the Lee Street CRC building as part of the set.Ensing, a retired band instrument re
From hosting Christmas parade viewing on the church building steps to hosting a parking lot Neighborhood Christmas event, Christian Reformed congregations are embracing their communities this season.First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, Wash. handed out hot chocolate and baked goods to over 100
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Audrey Thibert was published Dec. 16, 2024 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.In a May 2023 advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called attention to the “public healt
“Nearly 20 centuries ago, the miracle of miracles occurred. A baby was born, but he was the Son of God. With a divine Father and a human mother, Jesus entered history—God in the flesh.” Those are the opening lines of a South Dakota church’s live nativity program, an event that since 2021 has been po
Young Ellie can’t wait to be in the Christmas play. She loves Jesus so much and is excited to celebrate his birthday. But she has a big problem. She wants to participate in the play wearing her elephant costume, but her bossy older sister, Piper, who is directing the play, won’t allow her to because
Charlie Peacock is best known as a musician and producer, but for many years he has also been a significant part of the public conversation about the role of the arts in the life of faith. Peacock and his wife, Andi Ashworth, founded the Art House in Nashville as a place where artists could come and
I never considered myself to be a pessimistic person until I read this quote from author Nicole Zasowski: “Pessimism is a means of control as we attempt to take the element of surprise out of our grief.” I’d always thought I leaned toward the glass-half-full side; I didn’t know what I didn’t know.Th
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Synod 2024I believe the staff of The Banner was jolted by the results of Synod 2024 and at a loss on how to report it (“Resounding Words,” July/August 2024). … While most mainline churches have abandoned or reinterpret
Lifelong evangelist, Hans Uittenbosch, was a master storyteller and a man with a generous laugh. He is remembered for his passion, joy, servant-heart, and genuine devotion to the Lord. “I was always amazed at the way he could talk with anyone and turn any conversation into sharing the gospel, and ho
Adventurous and service-oriented, Art Schoonveld always looked out for others and stood up for what he believed. Described as a bit mischievous, his love for a good laugh was never lost, even up to his last moments with his family. Art, 88, died Nov. 16.Born in the Netherlands, Art was the youngest
Alaska Korean Christian Reformed Church in Anchorage, Ala., is one of just three CRC congregations in the state. It has been ministering to the Korean community there since 1994. Sung Kwan Kim, the church’s pastor for more than half of those 30 years, retired this fall. The congregation bid him fare
Septuagenarians are having a moment, given the success of Only Murders in the Building, starring Martin Short and Steve Martin, and Matlock, starring Kathy Bates.Add 76-year-old Ted Danson to the list of 70-somethings who are saving some of their best work for their latter years. In A Man on the Ins