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
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 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
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
A group of African American Reformed pastors and allies published a letter Feb. 16 addressed to “pastors and leaders in the Christian Reformed and Reformed communities,” calling out “what appears to be an intentional diminishing—and in some cases erasing—of Black history in our national story.”The a
The Gospel Coalition, a para-church organization founded between 2005 and 2007 to help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel, announced eight new council members Feb. 23. Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park (Ill.) Christian Reformed Church and president of the CRC synod in 2
Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., has given the traditional Vacation Bible School model a twist with its own four-night summer program called Praise Days, running since 2013.Offered for children who are entering the first through sixth grades, Praise Days gives an opportunity to
Marv Vander Vliet “was a wise person with a deep understanding of God’s Word and a great trust in God,” said a colleague and friend who ministered with him for 15 years at West Michigan Youth for Christ. “He loved people well. In ministry leadership and in life, he had a way of understanding people
Thrive, the Christian Reformed Church ministry focused on equipping and supporting congregations across the denomination, tracks and helps churches in their pastor search process. The number of churches with a pastoral vacancy—those actively searching to fill it—is about 18% of the total number of o
Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care. Although he preached a good sermon, he relished making visits and teaching catechism. He encouraged others to seek justice, speak up for the oppressed, and be grateful in all things. Gerard, 97, died Jan. 25. “To the end, he modeled faithfulness in his
The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church met by video conference Feb. 4-6, receiving ministry reports, updates on budget projections, and matters to share with Synod 2026.Roberta Vriesema, director of partnership administration—a role that replaced that of chief administrative offic
Knowing there are Christian Reformed pastors and churches in close proximity to the turmoil, tragedy and grief in Minneapolis where public clashes with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers resulted in two deaths in January, The Banner asked, ‘How do you live in this moment as Christ's c
Leaders in the Christian Reformed Church presenting to the Council of Delegates at its February meeting stressed that the upcoming 10-year plan for church planting and renewal needs personal participation from all corners of the denomination, even as some questioned the practicality of its “aspirati
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, meeting by video conference at the beginning of February, received a report from the first meeting of the Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee, which was formed in October to better integrate diverse leaders and churches within the CRC
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates received a review of the work of the denomination’s Dignity Team—a group of five appointed members that serves as support to individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church and been unable to achieve resolution through other means—a
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana was published Jan. 30, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added related links and paragraph nine to provide context for the Christian Reformed
Six Christian Reformed congregations are part of a synchronized multi-church, community-wide effort in the Byron Center, Mich., area to read through the Bible in 2026.“One Book, One Body” is being promoted by the Byron Area Ministerial Association, an organization consisting of pastors and ministry
A much-loved pastor, Dick Stravers was a genuinely kind and compassionate man with a gentle demeanor. “His passion for justice and desire for a better world were forefront in his beliefs—and often delivered with a twinkle in his eye,” a friend remembered in tribute. Dick, 98, died Jan. 12.Dick grew