Young Cici is excited. School is out for the summer, the cicadas are singing, the days are long, and she’s on her way to the family cookout—a gathering of aunties, uncles, and cousins, with Grandma overseeing the festivities at her house. Cici is especially looking forward to being reunited with her
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.Many language
After watching Episode 1 of the streaming British dramedy Ludwig, my stomach hurt. Why? I was laughing hard. The cozy mystery was delightful fun. Our puzzle-genius star can’t drive worth beans—or park. This hilarious characterization is only a bit of the fun this six-part show offers viewers.Comedia
Author Callie Rebekah Feyen’s unique collection of short stories eloquently draws readers into her childhood struggles to read and learn in school, the role her mother played in encouraging her love for stories and desire to write them down, her coming of age in the shelter of her Presbyterian churc
John Bylsma was known for his strong, biblical sermons, his joyful character, and his deep desire to emulate Jesus’ love for others. John, 96, died June 8. “Preacher of the Word” are the words he chose to have engraved on his tombstone.Born ‘Johannes’ in Hallum, the Netherlands, he was deeply influe
Two hundred shoppers at the Foodland grocery store in Clinton, Ont., carried home their groceries this summer in a paper sack decorated by children attending the Clinton Christian Reformed Church's Vacation Bible School. It's part of the church's intent to look at each of its ministries and ask: whi
Pastors from five Christian Reformed congregations in rural western Michigan took part in a service July 27 to pray for rain.About 200 people gathered at a local farm northwest of Zeeland, Mich., for the 30-minute service. It was the second consecutive summer the local churches had organized a praye
It’s a scene we are all familiar with: The service has ended, the benediction given, the coffee and baked goods accompany the half-hour conversations before folks step out the door, get in their vehicles, and go on to the rest of their Sunday and week. But that’s not always the whole scene. Hidden i
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 of the ch
Come for the recipes and stay for the writing in this luminous collection written by Christian moms who are part of the Coffee + Crumbs online journal community. God, friendships, hospitality, and keeping each other going—whether through spice tea and conversation or an UberEats order on a horrible
It wasn’t Gutenberg’s press, but for almost 90 years the printing press had an outsized effect on the location and size of the Christian Reformed Church’s denominational facilities in Grand Rapids, Mich.After 50 years of publishing De Wachter (in Dutch) and The Banner (in English), the Publications
Peter and I were having our usual breakfast at the Hungry Fox early on a Monday morning. An elderly couple across the aisle from us also enjoyed their breakfast, as did a single elderly woman sitting in the booth just ahead of them, her back to their table.Our server, always a kick to be around, kib
In Part Two of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast on Synod 2026, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema continue their conversation about this Synod’s impact on the future of the Christian Reformed Church with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk. Together they reflect on the art of moder
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.“What did I g
A few years ago, I visited the real Little House on the Prairie outside of Independence, Kans. It was my second visit (I’m a serious fan, and also my son lives in Kansas), and I was surprised and delighted to see that this time, the gift shop was carrying books such as the Birchbark series by Indige
In this enlightening and inspiring sequel to Surprised by Hope, renowned Christian theologian N.T. Wright continues to confront and challenge what he asserts is the church’s misunderstanding and confusion about Jesus’ second coming. He offers sound biblical insights, historical explanations about wh
Kind, encouraging, thoughtful, a deep thinker, a great listener—these are all recurring words in tributes to pastor, chaplain, and licensed psychotherapist Bill Stroo, who died June 22 at age 83.After graduation from Calvin Theological Seminary and ordination in 1969, Bill served Appalachian Regiona
Raised in Seed County, N.C., 11-year-old Hattie Mae is thrilled at the prospect of moving to Philadelphia in 1938—the Black population is burgeoning there because of the Great Migration—and studying at Miss Abigail’s School for Exceptional Young Ladies. Though she hopes to fit in, she’s shocked to d
In what ways does World Renew equip local CRC people and churches to do kingdom work?Carol Bremer-Bennett: World Renew helps Christian Reformed congregations recognize that kingdom work is already happening in their churches, neighborhoods, and communities around the world. Our role is to connect gi
In Part One of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema sit down with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk for a wrap-up reflection on this year’s deliberative assembly. They discuss how officers are selected and what goes into managing on-the-floor delib