Maggie Peckford, with her husband and three young children, began attending Williamsburg (Ont.) CRC in spring 2024. In the fall of 2025 she joined its inaugural hospitality committee and says the church has been very receptive to hearing her perspective as a newcomer.“I was the churchgoer that as so
The CRC has a long history of working together and pooling resources to further God’s kingdom work around the world. This year we will feature a special column in each issue that includes an interview with the directors of these shared ministries: Thrive, Resonate Global Mission, ReFrame Ministries,
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.As a church p
Lynn Austin is well known for her historical and biblical fiction, with more that 2.5 million copies of her books sold through the years. Her newest is sure to continue that trajectory as she takes on a dual-timeline story. She also stays close to her West Michigan home, setting her novel in an 1873
Mom was in a skilled care facility, and part of her care plan was a checkup from a physician’s assistant. Martha insisted we call her by her first name rather than referring to her as a doctor. She was kind, personable, and extremely patient dealing with Mom’s early-stage dementia. Since I lived two
When Synod 2026 meets on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 12-18, a report following up on a request from 2024 regarding accountability for addressing allegations of misconduct will be part of its agenda.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church
Jack Hielema’s life was marked by steadfast faith, thoughtful counsel, faithful ministry, and deep care for people. Jack, 94, died March 10.Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, the fifth of nine children, Jack immigrated to the Hamilton, Ont., area at age 19 with his older brother, Ep. He worked as a
As a missionary, Epke Vander Berg shared his gifts of faith, service, and leadership with many people around the world. “He always had time to chat and share stories. He brought light and cheer to everyone he met,” said a friend in tribute. Epke, 84, died Feb. 27.Born in Friesland, the Netherlands,
Illustrator Evan Turk’s exquisite, brilliant artwork and author Sandra Neil Wallace’s poignant, historically relevant narrative capture the extraordinary life of a Ukrainian girl who grew up in anonymity, yet became the driving force to keep the Ukrainian art of pysanky alive throughout the world.As
Jonathan Cain, member of the popular 1970s and ’80s rock band Journey (which still tours widely today), offers the Christian solo project, “Only a Prayer Away.” The six-selection EP showcases Cain’s signature piano abilities and gives listeners a rock-and-roll feel.Pastor Greg Laurie inspired the ti
In their thought-provoking exploration of the nature of work lived out in a fallen world within God’s good boundaries of finitude, authors David Buschart and Ryan Tafilowski critique the faith and work movement, pointing out that a theology of work for the real world needs to be grounded, not in the
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 Gospel of
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.As a product
ReFrame Ministries' Arabic-language ministry is reaching an important milestone as work continues toward the creation of the Today daily devotional written in Arabic.The Today devotional celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025 and is a cornerstone of ReFrame’s English-language ministry. Starting as
If you’re looking for a masterclass on the craft of writing, look no further than Marilyn McEntyre’s new book Start with a Word. This author of numerous books on faith and language—including Word by Word: A Daily Spiritual Practice and Make a List: How a Simple Practice Can Change Our Lives and Open
In the first article in this series, I suggested that confessions are historical, communal, and ecumenical documents that summarize key teachings of the Bible. I noted that these documents identify us not only as Christians, but as Reformed Christians who together affirm these particular beliefs. Th
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.Jesus says to
A report reflecting on the practice and purpose of membership in the Christian Reformed Church is ready to be presented to Synod 2026, as requested by Synod 2024. The Defining Membership Task Force report, 15 pages and a two-page appendix, recommends that synod “remind consistories of the privilege
A report released March 5 by Cardus, in partnership with the Canadian Bible Society, is challenging widely held assumptions about the steady decline of religion in Canada, particularly among younger generations.Drawing on three years of polling data from the Angus Reid Institute, the report, “Faith
Author Sarah Shin, a Korean American theologian, and her husband, illustrator Shin Maeng, creators of the children’s picture book, The Deliverer Has Come: A Christmas Story, join forces once again to share the good news of Jesus’ redemptive work for the nations and the cosmos.Young Anastasia and her