People in the CRCNA don’t tend to view Church Order as a springboard for creative expression. And yet, church plants work within its framework to fill a new church, like a canvas, with all the potential of what a church can be. The CRC is seeing that, with the guidance of leaders and coaches as well
The Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance reported March 4 that Huron-Perth counties in Ontario had raised more than half a million dollars in the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year campaign that annually funds critical service providers to vulnerable people across Canada. Exeter (Ont.) Christian Reformed Chur
Award-winning author of Sugar Birds and Leaning on Air and Christian Reformed Church member, Cheryl Grey Bostrom presents a stunning window into the history, Indigenous culture, and natural world of the Pacific Northwest while narrating a heart-wrenching story of the consequences of generational lie
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” —Matthew 25:40He shows up every Monday while we drink something from Starbucks in the lobby of the Piggly Wiggly. He wears the same clothes all year. It is the unif
Ginny, the dog, is the best tool in my outreach toolkit.She’s not my dog. She belongs to my nephew and his wife, but I get to walk her from time to time.Ginny is my icebreaker. It’s wonderful how many people who wouldn’t even make eye contact with me will stop to greet her. Expressionless faces brea
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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