The stately building of First United Reformed Church sits on a tree-lined corner of Oak Lawn, Illinois. The historic building reflects a lengthy history of Christian worship, and the congregation celebrated its 100^th anniversary on September 13, 2015. About 250 people attended that day’s morning service, 180 enjoyed a fellowship lunch, and 200 participated in the afternoon’s celebratory service. Robust congregational singing augmented each service, accompanied by Mr. Justin Rich on the organ and Miss Esther Van Groningen on the piano.

The congregation’s former pastor, Rev. Sy Voortman, greeted worshipers at the morning service and challenged the congregation to continued faithfulness. Current pastor Rev. Ted Gray led the service and administered communion. Rev. Larry Johnson spoke from Matthew 5:14-16 on “A Shining Witness for God in Oak Lawn and the World.”

Because the building is not air conditioned, attendees were grateful for sunshine and cool temperatures. After morning worship, refreshments were served outdoors. During this time and the subsequent meal, former and current members of the congregation renewed acquaintances and enjoyed fellowship with each other.

A hymn sing was held prior to the second service. For the final hymn, all men were invited forward and sang the first three stanzas of “How Great Thou Art,” with the congregation joining on the last one.

Rev. Gray says, “There were many tears of joy as we remembered the greatness and goodness of the Lord to His church.”

At the 1:30 service, Rev. Ken Van Kampen preached from Acts 2:42-47 on “All First Oak Lawn Needs.” According to Rev. Gray, he emphasized the power of God to equip and guide His people into another era of service. “Both sermons focused on the wonderful grace of God given to our church over her history.”

Rev. Johnson, a former URCNA minister, is ordained in the OPC and teaches at Zion Christian School in Byron Center, MI. Rev. Van Kampen pastors Atoka Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Atoka, TN. The two ministers are sons of the congregation.

“Both ministers uniquely exemplify the way the Oak Lawn church has been used by God to help other churches,” explains Rev. Gray. “Rev. Johnson and Rev. Van Kampen grew up in Oak Lawn, and then in God’s providence were moved to other parts of God’s kingdom for service. The same has been true for countless other church leaders. Almost all the churches in the surrounding area and beyond have members who grew up or were baptized in Oak Lawn.”

One speaker referred to First Church as “a feeder church” due to the way God has used it to feed so many other congregations.

“It truly was a wonderful day,” says Rev. Gray. “Having experienced the Lord’s faithful blessings for the last century, we look forward to the future, trusting that our faithful God will lead and guide us, and we pray that He will continue to use us as a witness in our community and as a blessing in His kingdom.”

Rev. Ted Gray accepted the call to First Church in 2004, and the congregation has been part of the URCNA since 2009.

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 9 of the December 9, 2015 issue of Christian Renewal.

Three pastors, all graduates of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, are bidding farewell to their initial congregations and taking up the ministerial mantle in second charges. Rev. Nick Alons (2006) has moved from the United Reformed Church of Prince Edward Island (PEI) to Lynwood URC in Lansing, IL. Rev. Steve Swets (2007) is moving from Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Abbotsford, BC, to Rehoboth URC in Hamilton, ON. And Rev. Matthew Nuiver (2004) will move from the URC of Wellsburg, IA, to Faith URC in West Olive, MI.

Nick and Allison Alons have four children, two boys and two girls, between the ages of one and eight. They received an offer on their home only three days after putting it on the market. The sale was finalized on December 1, and they immediately began heading to Chicagoland. His installation service at Lynwood URC was scheduled for December 13.

“Although PEI is a rural context and Lynwood more of a suburban context, both congregations strike me as being warm and inviting,” he says. “One major difference is that PEI is an island. The closest URC is some 13 hours away in Vermont. In Lynwood, there is a sister church about ten minutes away.”

He adds, “As far as differences between the congregations go, God’s people are God’s people, wherever they are gathered, so there are aspects of the ministry that stay the same no matter where you are serving. God’s people need to be loved and they need to hear the gospel.”

His last sermon at PEI was on 1 Corinthians 2:2, preaching Christ crucified. “In all my sermons and teaching on PEI, this was my aim, and that will be the same at Lynwood as well. I hope to preach the centrality of Christ in all things.”

Steve and Rachel Swets also have two sons and two daughters, theirs ranging from one to seven. The family plans to move between Christmas and New Years, with installation scheduled for January 15.

Wile Rehoboth’s congregation is quite a bit larger, both are located in an urban area but include rural members. Rev. Swets relates that both are well established with godly leadership.

“Rehoboth is in a unique position because it is located less than a mile away from Redeemer University and this affords an opportunity to reach out and show hospitality to college students,” Rev. Swets says. “Rehoboth also has hired a full-time director of outreach (Erik Hoeksema). I am excited to work alongside this non-ordained brother.”

In addition to those outreach efforts, he hopes to connect with the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, two of whose students attend Rehoboth. He also anticipates building relationships with the many NAPARC congregations in the area.

“Above all, I seek to remain faithful to the Lord’s call to shepherd the flock,” he says. “I am reminded that I stand in the need of grace, but this is exactly what the Lord provides. Also, with a wife and four young children, I seek to be balanced in my callings to God’s glory.”

Rev. Matthew and Lisa Nuiver have four daughters from four to eleven, and a set of twins (boy and girl) who will soon be a year. The family hopes to move during the last part of January, in time for their school-age children to begin the third quarter.

Not only will Timothy Christian School in Wellsburg lose the Nuiver students, but it also will lose Rev. Nuiver as its seventh and eighth grade Bible instructor.

“We are sad to leave, and yet excited for the new opportunities and possibilities that the Lord will bring us to in West Olive,” Rev. Nuiver says.

Although the two congregations have many differences, the Nuivers have spent more time considering their similarities. Both churches are full of people who love the Lord, seeking to be faithful and evangelistic.

“The ‘W’ will always be a part of who we are,” he says. “My hope is that the Lord will use my family and me powerfully in a new context by His grace, mercy, and love. That the saints in West Olive will not only embrace us, but that we can share in the work of the church with joy and thanksgiving for what Christ has done for us. My goal is that Jesus Christ is praised!”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 8 & 9 of the January 13, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

Christ Reformed Church in Washington, DC, celebrated its status as an organized church in a special service scheduled for 7:00 pm on January 21, 2016.

Dr. Brian Lee explains, “We did decide to schedule the service on a Thursday night to allow folks who wanted to attend the time to travel. It turns out that Friday is the March for Life in Washington, DC, an annual rally on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I’ve known a few of our pastors in Classis to travel to that event from time to time, and I wanted to make it as convenient as possible for them to join us.”

The congregation first met for worship on November 4, 2007, and has been under the supervision of Zeltenreich URC (New Holland, PA). Classis Eastern U.S. concurred with the request for organization at its October 14, 2015, meeting.

“As a Classis, we have stood in awe as God has answered our prayers by providing many opportunities for growth and development in church planting,” says Rev. Andrew Eenigenburg, classical Clerk. “The Lord has clearly blessed Rev. Lee and his congregation with increased stability and growth year by year. We look forward to their joyful reception as the twelfth established church in our classis.”

Dr. Lee expresses appreciation for financial and prayer support over the years. He requests continued prayer as the church seeks to mature in a transitional environment, to find suitable worship space in an expensive real estate market, and to plant additional churches in the metro DC area.

The above article by Glenda Mathes is a slightly edited version of one that appeared on page 10 of the January 13, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

At a congregational meeting on December 14, 2015, Immanuel URC in DeMotte, IN, voted to purchase a building and parsonage.

Immanuel’s Chairman of Consistory, Mark Van Der Molen, relates what led to the proposal. “As a bit of background, Immanuel has been evaluating plans for new construction for a number of years, and that door recently closed on us. At the same time we concluded new construction was not feasible, the Lord presented the opportunity to purchase this property, which more than serves our needs for many years to come.”

The proposal presented at the congregational meeting consisted of three recommendations. The first recommended the purchase of the current First Reformed Church facilities for $353,000 from Immanuel’s New Building Fund. The second recommended the sell of Immanuel’s current property, including a five-acre lot. The third recommended that the balance of the New Building Fund and the proceeds from the sale of the church’s property be designated as a Building Improvement Fund for the future. The vote required a two-thirds majority.

“The favorable vote well exceeded that amount,” Mr. Van Der Molen says. “The consistory unanimously ratified the congregational vote to proceed with the purchase.”

He adds, “I am again humbled to see how through these circumstances God extraordinarily provides for His church, all according to His good pleasure and timing.”

Immanuel’s present building was constructed in 1936. Its maximum seating capacity is 220. Immanuel currently has over 170 members with a number of regular visitors who are considering membership.

The original section of First Reformed’s facility was built around 1924. The structure has been renovated periodically and seats up to 600 people.

Mr. Van Der Molen says, “The immediate benefits are we will have abundant sanctuary space, a beautiful pipe organ, office space for our three ministers, double the number of classrooms, ample space for church fellowship gatherings, the ability to accommodate larger ecclesiastical or conference events, as well as allow consideration of further outreach ministry programs.” Two of Immanuel’s ministers serve on staff for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary.

First Reformed Church is constructing a 39,000 square-foot facility, which it anticipates occupying by early summer. Immanuel hoped to move into the vacated building during the summer of 2016.

Although the newly-purchased church is on the west side of DeMotte and Immanuel’s current building is on the near east side, the two locations are only about five minutes apart. Immanuel is now at 207 9^th St. SE, but will relocate to 9991 West 1200 North. Sunday worship services are held at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Rev. Tom Wetselaar says, “Our church has been blessed with a building that has met our needs for a long time. However, we have never thought of is as a permanent home. We now have that with our new building. The space alone allows for more fellowship, classes, meetings and programs to simultaneously occur where before we had to find times to meet and share space. We had the happy problem of interacting in tiny quarters. I have always been impressed with the way in which our congregation made that work. Now we can apply those lessons to our new home.”

He concludes, “The Lord is truly gracious to us and we look forward to the opportunities He provides. We continue to grow and are eager to put down roots in a facility that we intend to utilize to the glory of God.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 14 of the February 3, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

After more than forty years as an independent congregation, Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, MI, hopes to affiliate with the United Reformed Churches in North America.

At a meeting on March 2, 2016, Immanuel’s congregation voted unanimously in favor of affiliation. The consistory of Covenant URC in Kalamazoo brought an Article 32 recommendation regarding Immanuel Fellowship to Classis Michigan when it met on March 8. Given the impending deadline for the URCNA Synod, delegates voted to put the matter on the agenda. The Classis Michigan vote to receive Immanuel Fellowship Church was unanimous.

But delegates were not quite as united when it came to a colloquium doctum for Immanuel’s pastor, Rev. Bill Boekestein, who had been out of the URCNA for only ten months.

Classis Clerk Rev. Greg Lubbers says, “There was considerable healthy debate upon the procedure in regards to this issue in light of the Church Order articles 32 and 8 along with appendices 5 and 6. However, the delegates of Classis Michigan did determine it was proper for Rev. Boekestein to undergo a colloquium doctum, which he sustained.”

Rev. Boekestein was not caught totally unprepared. “I knew that a colloquium doctum was a possibility,” he says. “The discussion was a joyful time of sharing our mutual fellowship in the Lord and His Word.”

The acceptance of Immanuel Fellowship Church into the URCNA is provisional until ratified by Synod Wyoming in June.

What led a congregation with such a long history of confirmed independence to seek affiliation with a federation?

Rev. Boekestein explains, “At a time (mid 1970s) when many people were troubled by trends in well-known Reformed denominations, Immanuel’s founders courageously chose to leave the comforts of familiarity and begin a Reformed church firmly grounded upon God’s Word and the Reformed Confessions. In more recent years, the congregation did experience some of the difficulties that often confront independent churches, notably a lack of connectedness, which is especially felt in times of trial.”

“For the past few years, Immanuel Fellowship has been prayerfully considering whether it might be God’s will for the church to connect with a larger family of churches. Through much thought and prayer, this growing sense began to take more concrete shape last year. During that year, the congregation met frequently to discuss the possibility of joining the URC. We asked and interacted with some great (and hard!) questions. We studied the Church Order. We were encouraged by our brothers and sisters at Covenant URC, Kalamazoo. In the end, we became convinced that we could well honor our own history and heritage by joining a family of churches that, with us, treasures the Scriptures and the Reformed Confessions.”

Immanuel’s elders developed an extensive list of reasons, most firmly grounded in Scripture, for the congregation to consider over the course of discussions.

Historical reasons included the pattern of the early Christian churches in submitting to broader assemblies and Synod of Dort’s emphasis on unity and the need for a church order.

Biblical reasons included broad directives such as Christ’s prayer for unity in John 17 and the model of the body, found in Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, and elsewhere. Federation allows believers to bear with one another in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4). It also provides encouragements and support for office-bearers as “fellow soldiers” (Philippians 2:25). Federations enable believers to better fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28 and better cooperate in diaconal work (Romans 15 and Galatians 6). United churches guard against human imperfections and benefit from a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11, 1 Corinthians 13).

Additionally, it can be difficult for an independent church to secure ministers or attract members. And membership in a federation offers an avenue of appeal for aggrieved members.

Rev. Boekestein reports, “We have already been edified by our interactions with the churches and members of Classis Michigan and eagerly await ratification of our membership (Lord willing) at Synod 2016.

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 9 & 10 of the April 13, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal. Immanuel Fellowship’s membership in the URCNA was ratified by delegates on the first day of Synod Wyoming 2016.

Many URCNA members grieved to hear about the closing of the Grace Church of Kauai, in Hawaii, on Easter Sunday in 2016. The consistory of Grace United Reformed Church in Torrance, CA, had supervised the church plant for more than eight years.

Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen explains that his family moved to Kauai and he took up the church planter role in June of 2009, after the work had already existed for about a year and a half.

“When we came, only one family had their membership with our overseeing church,” he says. “Soon after our arrival, three other families committed to the work and transferred their memberships. In addition to these, we had a few families and individuals who worshipped with us but were unwilling to become members.”

The group slowly grew to include ten member families with several children and additional regular visitors. By 2013, fifty or more people regularly attended services. Then three of the core families, each with three children, moved off the island due to work and economics.

“They all hated to leave Grace Church of Kauai, and we shed many tears over their departure,” Rev. Vander Meulen says.

Worship attendance remained strong at about 35 people, and members prayed for God to bless their efforts with more growth. But two additional families left the island for job-related reasons in 2015, including the group’s elder.

“So over the past three years we’ve seen declining numbers, we lost our elder and had minimal prospects for replacing him, and with the diminished numbers came diminished financial giving,” he says. “In December of 2015, the council of Grace URC decided to shut down the ministry.”

This sad news led to a rapid decline in attendance. Many people chose to no longer attend, and one family with four children decided they would move to the mainland early in May.

“There are still four families and a few individuals who are left,” Rev. Vander Meulen says. “Where will they go for worship? I don’t know. There is no other church that is Reformed or even remotely similar. As long as my family is on the island, we will meet at one of our homes for Sunday worship, where I will preach. But when we leave, those left will struggle to find a church home.”

The Vander Meulens are in the process of preparing their home for sale and packing for their move at the end of May. He is available for call and has agreed to serve Coram Deo Reformation Church in Littleton, CO, as interim pastor for six months.

He says, “When the decision was made in December to close the church plant, I requested that we continue for a few months, and the council agreed. We decided that Easter Sunday fit the timeline and would be an appropriate closing date. Although the occasion was sad, the reminder that Jesus lives as head of the church is a great comfort. He is the one who opens doors and closes doors. None of this was a surprise to Him. And will not the judge of all the earth do right?”

Easter, indeed, brings resurrection to mind. Seeds that lie dormant for years may again spring to life.

While many grieve to bid Aloha to Grace Church in Kauai, that Hawaiian greeting is used for meeting as well as departing. Who knows what God has in mind for the saints in Kauai?

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 6 & 7 of the May 25, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

What do you know about Jersey City? It’s the second most heavily-populated city in New Jersey with an ethnic diversity befitting it as the home of Ellis Island. It’s also the location of a young URCNA church plant, Grace Reformed Church.

When the work began meeting for worship on September 1, 2013, a core group of 24 people met at a local community college. Three baptisms, six professions of faith, and nearly three years later, the group has increased to about 40 persons (including some seeking membership), who now meet in a larger and more convenient space.

“Since March 2014,” explains Rev. Sam Perez, “we have been meeting in an after-school facility (New City Kids, a Christian non-profit associated with the Christian Reformed Church). This facility can accommodate 150-200 people, and allows us many freedoms that we didn’t have at the community college. For example, we can post a church sign on the front gate, we can have a monthly fellowship potluck, and there’s a place for crying babies and their mothers.”

The mission work remains under the oversight of Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship, located across the Hudson River in New York City. Rev. Perez attends Messiah’s weekly Consistory and monthly Council meetings. Messiah’s Council and Consistory interview people seeking membership with the Jersey City group and assist its leaders with diaconal and shepherding matters.

Over the last three years, Grace Reformed Church has undertaken several outreach initiatives. Members have visited 500 apartments or homes in the immediate vicinity. They caroled in the neighborhood during the Christmas season. The group has hosted five community barbeques. They organized a basketball team of 19 high school boys who did not attend church, an effort they hope to repeat this coming year. The church’s website (jerseycitygrace.org) features video and audio files that are doctrinal and evangelistic. And they keep considering new avenues of outreach.

“We are looking to expand our opportunities by partnering with a local Gospel Rescue Mission,” says Rev. Perez, “and by hosting different URC groups who would be interested in short-term mission trips to Jersey City.”

In addition to staying closely aligned with its supervising church, the mission work has fostered fellowship with similar congregations by participating in three joint picnics with other NAPARC churches.

Rev. Perez reports that Grace Church has conducted three membership classes and sponsored a variety of studies. The group has covered J.I. Packer’s 18 Words and Gene Edward Veith’s God at Work. Now members are reaching out within their personal spheres.

“We’ve started regional groups where men lead different groups in their homes in the North Jersey area,” he says. “We are currently reading/studying Total Church: A Radical Reshaping Around Gospel and Community. The Jersey City regional group meets at a local diner.”

Primary study opportunities occur on Sundays under the proclamation of the Word. After preaching through Mark 11, Rev. Perez is leading a short series on “kingdom/frontline” prayer before beginning the third summer of instruction in the Psalms. “We’re covering Psalms 21-30 this year,” he says. “The 150 sermon-series will take 15 years at this rate.”

Initiating a second service in January of 2015 allowed time to preach on the Heidelberg Catechism, which will conclude in early June. In January of 2016, the group began a monthly prayer service on the first Sunday of each month. Sunday services are held at 10:00 AM and noon in a building at 240 Fairmount Ave., at the intersection with Monticello Ave. in Jersey City.

Rev. Perez is also finding many areas for personal service. “I’m an ad hoc volunteer at First Choice, a Christian crisis pregnancy network. I teach English once a week at Open Doors, a Christian non-profit that seeks to help immigrant populations in the NJ-NY area. I have been invited to teach once a week, at New City Kids, a class of teenagers the material from Veith’s book on vocation.”

As he reflects on the short history of the Jersey City church plant, Rev. Perez recognizes that although the work is “often tiring, disappointing, and frustrating, our hope is not in horses nor chariots, nor in having ‘things go smoothly,’ nor in our ability to overcome obstacles. Our hope is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. God has been ever faithful, His Word ever true, and His promises ever sweet.”

He adds, “As we never tire of saying at Grace Reformed, the Lord is the One, True, Living God. Who is like the Lord, our God? We know that Christ is the King of all kings, and that He has been given possession of all the nations. So we seek to be faithful to Him, and fruitful because of His mercies blessing His work.”

Want to know more about Jersey City and Grace Reformed Church? Maybe you should consider a short-term mission trip to come alongside the saints there as they seek to do God’s work in reaching the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 10 & 11 of the June 15, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

A massive fire destroyed much of the Faith United Reformed Church building in West Olive, MI, on May 13. No one was inside at the time, and Pastor Matthew Nuiver was one of the first to notice smoke as he drove up that morning.

“Initially I thought maybe it was a brush fire,” he said, “but as I got closer I saw the smoke appeared to be coming from the steeple.” He immediately called 911.

The fire moved quickly, engulfing the sanctuary and collapsing its roof within 40 minutes of the initial call. Smoke from the fire could be seen almost ten miles away. More than a dozen fire crews responded to the scene, and tanker trucks from surrounding townships provided water to ladder units. A fire wall between wings helped firefighters keep the inferno from spreading through the entire building, although the part still standing sustained some damage, primarily from smoke and water. The sanctuary section of the structure was completely destroyed.

News crews were quick on the scene, and Pastor Nuiver had the opportunity to testify on television networks about God’s faithfulness in the midst of loss.

“Certainly it’s gutting, and we’re disappointed,” he said, “but these are things that God can provide for us again and replace. We’re thankful no one was hurt. And we know that God is always faithful, so we’re trusting him.”

He also emphasized that the church is more than a building, even though it holds many emotional associations from weddings, baptisms, and funerals. “Those connections are all there, and they’re very important. So we don’t want to minimize that, but at the same time, the church is the people. And we’re thankful for the ways we’re going to be able to rally around each other.”

Several members of the congregation, who gathered to watch the fire, comforted each other and also witnessed to reporters. Marc Jaarsma reflected on the baptisms of his four children within the building. “Those memories can’t burn. Those milestones, and those special occasions,” he said. He expressed his confidence that the congregation would get through this. “Obviously our faith and trust in the Good Lord is going to be primary in that task.”

Elder Arlan Rouwhorst, identified as the church custodian, said, “I know the people in this church, and it’s a bump in the road. God has so faithful to this congregation and will continue to be. I know that beyond a doubt.”

The cause of the fire was being investigated, but media reports indicated that it did not appear suspicious.

Offers for worship facilities and assistance flooded in following the fire. Pastor Nuiver said, “It’s just overwhelming how people have offered use of space and other assistance.”

The congregation met for a special prayer service on Saturday evening, May 14. Sunday services on May 15 were held at South Olive CRC in Holland, MI, the congregation from which many Faith members came about 20 years ago. Faith’s services were held at 11:15 AM and 6:30 PM, following South Olive’s 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM services.

“It was seamless as far as sharing the worship space,” Pastor Nuiver explained, “although the media people outside did make it a little bit of a circus.”

Tad Groenendyk, a member of Faith URC and seminarian at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, had been scheduled to preach on May 15, and the elders asked him to go ahead as scheduled. His morning sermon was “Rejoice in the Lord!” and was based on Philippians 4:4-9. Although there was some discussion regarding the appropriateness of the text, Pastor Nuiver encouraged him to preach on it, saying, “This is the very time we need to hear these words.” The evening sermon was “The Lord Conquers a Heart,” based on Joshua 2.

Pastor Nuiver commented online later that day, “Thankful for the power of the gospel and prayer and the way that He builds His people together to be a place of His dwelling.”

Dealing with the fire’s aftermath and the insurance process seems overwhelming. The section of the building still standing consists of a gymnasium/fellowship hall, kitchen, bathrooms, and several classrooms. The destroyed part contained the sanctuary, some classrooms, bathrooms, nursery, church library, and secretary’s office. It also included Pastor Nuiver’s study with his library of books.

He has received offers to donate replacements, but is still trying to determine what he had and what he needs. The congregation plans to continue sharing worship space with South Olive CRC at least through May, but the Council has yet to decide on a course of action for the longer term.

“There are lots of questions we still have to ask as far as going forward,” Pastor Nuiver said. Some of those include if the existing wing can be restored adequately and if it provides sufficient space for 300 people to worship, classes to meet, and a nursery to be provided.

Pastor Nuiver admits the difficulty of trying to figure out the new normal while dealing with the losses. “This definitely changes the narrative for our church in some ways, but I’m not convinced that’s a bad thing.”

A couple of items pulled from the rubble and shown on television news demonstrate both loss and hope. A charred Bible, its cover burned off and pages singed, originally belonged to Pastor Nuiver’s great-grandfather. An encased shovel, donated by Pauline Dyke and her late husband Harris, was used to break ground for the building nearly 20 years ago.

“He saved it for us. That means we’ve got to do it over,” Pauline told reporters, smiling through her tears. She later added, “We know the Lord is good and He has a purpose for it all.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 14 & 15 of the June 15, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

In a joint worship service held with Hills URC on May 8, 2016, the Sioux Falls United Reformed church plant formally organized as Christ Reformed Church (URCNA). Rev. Spencer Aalsburg led the service, installing two elders and two deacons as Christ Reformed’s first council. Attendees participated in a fellowship meal after the service and enjoyed a slide show and display of memorabilia. Since its inception, the church plant in Sioux Falls, SD, has been under the supervision of the URC in Hills, MN.

Once the church was organized, the council of Christ Reformed Church extended a call to Rev. Aalsburg. He has served the group since 2007, when he was ordained as Hills’ Associate Pastor to plant the Sioux Falls church. Rev. Aalsburg was installed as Minister of the Word and Sacraments at Christ Reformed Church during a special service held on Friday, May 13.

Rev. Dan Donovan, minister of Cornerstone URC in Sanborn, IA, offered a meditation on 1 Timothy 4:6-16. Rev. Doug Barnes, who serves Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, and is a former pastor of Hills URC, presented a charge to the minister from Ephesians 4:1-16. Rev. Jody Lucero, pastor of Providence Reformed Church in Des Moines, IA, gave the charge to the congregation, based on Ephesians 6:10-20.

The installation service took place at Heritage Reformed Church, 3800 E. 15^th St., on the east side of Sioux Falls. Christ Reformed rents the Protestant Reformed Church’s facility and meets there for Sunday worship at 11:15 AM and 6:15 PM.

According to Rev. Aalsburg, 60 to 70 people usually attend services. Membership is comprised of 11 families and a few singles for about 55 souls. “This includes 29 baptized members, and we’re expecting five more babies this year!” he says. “Thankfully, five more families and a couple singles have expressed interest in joining and are at various stages in the process.”

The church has seen significant growth in numbers and spiritual maturity since it began meeting in 2005. Although some of that growth has been internal, the group also makes an effort to welcome visitors and reach out to the community.

“We seek to create a variety of venues to begin and deepen relationships with the newcomers that the Lord brings,” Rev. Aalsburg explains. “Over all, by God’s grace, we’ve been told we’re a warm church and easy to visit—for which we’re very thankful.”

Events during the week include book studies that often draw people who are not members. Many non-members also are attracted to monthly events like picnics with sand volleyball or movie and pizza nights.

Rev. Aalsburg says, “These events are not only a great time of deepening fellowship among members, but also a disarming place to invite friends for an evening of community.”

The church hosts several annual events: a worship conference, a Reformation Day festival, a men’s day out trap shoot, and a Christmas sing. A Reformed Mission Services team has conducted a vacation Bible study during the last two summers. “These have been a great opportunity to build inner community and also receive guests,” he relates. “Most of the guests are not neighborhood visitors, but those friends who had been personally invited.”

Each year, the church hosts a booth at the county fair, distributing literature and engaging the public. They’ve recently begun serving free meals prepared by a local program.

“We have found it helpful to set aside times to process these events—how they went, and how we can be faithful to the Lord in word and deed,” Rev. Aalsburg says. “In the past, we’ve also had book studies on personal evangelism, which were well-received; however, this is an area we cannot study too much.”

Although Sioux Falls is located near the Dutch Reformed enclave of Northwest Iowa, Christ Reformed Church represents a wide ethnic composition. “The congregation comes from a diversity of backgrounds,” he says. “And over the years, we marvel at our God bringing together a people with different histories and experiences to worship Him and share life together.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 11 & 12 of the July 6, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

In 2013, Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA, welcomed Mihai and Lidia Corcea, a young couple who had traveled from Romania for Mihai to study at Westminster Seminary California. During 2016, Mihai graduated on May 28, sustained his candidacy exam by Classis SWUS on July 19, and was ordained on July 24. The couple returned to Bucharest on July 25, where they began a church plant.

“It has been a tremendous blessing to see how the Lord has answered our prayers for Mihai and Lidia,” Rev. Michael Brown says. “I met Mihai years ago, when he and another member of the core group in Bucharest, Claudiu Stefu, travelled to Milan for its Reformation conference. He told me about the desperate need in Romania for solid churches to be planted. He explained that, besides a few Hungarian-speaking churches, there is no Reformed presence in Romania, nothing to reach the Romanian-speaking population. I was impressed with Mihai’s passion about bringing the gospel to his native country and planting confessional churches. It was obvious that he had given much thought about how to do in Romania what Rev. Ferrari was doing in Italy. We discussed the challenges and obstacles to planting a Reformed church in Bucharest. At the time, it seemed almost impossible, little more than a dream.”

He adds, “But of course, with God all things are possible. Within a couple of years, Mihai and Lidia left their jobs and home in their native country and made the long journey to California.” Mihai began his seminary studies, and the couple attended Christ URC, where they warmly bonded with their church family.

Mihai served a year-long internship at Christ URC, attending consistory and council meetings, teaching catechism classes to youth, and going on home visits with the elders. He also led worship and exhorted at least once per month.

“We were pleased with his maturity, humility, and wisdom,” Rev Brown says. “We had the joy of watching Mihai and Lidia grow in their faith as well as their love for Christ’s church.”
Rev. Brown says Mihai did “an exceptional job” on his candidacy exam, “which is especially remarkable when you consider that he did this in a second language.”

At Mihai’s ordination service on July 24, Rev. Brown preached from Ephesians 4:1-16 and gave the charges to the pastor and congregation. Rev. Corcea pronounced the benediction. He is now a Missionary Pastor, called to make disciples in Romania by planting a church in Bucharest and evangelizing the lost.

“I think the best way I can describe the church that we hope to establish in Bucharest is by the three parts of the Heidelberg Catechism,” Rev. Corcea says. “Our church plant should be a people gathering in a place where they understand their sin and misery, they receive the knowledge of God’s merciful salvation through the gospel, and they start living more and more according to all the commandments of God out of thankfulness for God’s grace.”

The Evangelical Reformed Church in Bucharest (Biserica Evanghelica Reformata din Bucuresti) began meeting in a rented building in downtown Bucharest. It is about three minutes walking distance from a subway station and two blocks from the city’s largest park.

“We chose this location because it is easily accessible to anyone by car or subway,” he says. “We are also very close to the financial district where most young professionals work.”

A few local Reformed Christians, who had became members of Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia (Rev. Ferrari’s work in Milan) four years ago, now attend services at 10 AM and 6 PM. Church members are inviting friends and family to worship, and the group utilizes social media, such as Facebook, and have a website, where they post video recordings of the sermons.

Although Milan is a two-hour flight away, the two church plants encourage each other. The consistory of Christ URC supervises both groups by maintaining regular contact with the pastors, encouraging them, and helping raise funds for support. Each church planter reports via Skype at Christ URC’s month consistory meetings and communicates weekly via email. The hope is for Rev. Brown and an elder to visit Bucharest in conjunction with their annual visit to Milan.

“We believe that an annual visit to our missionaries from a member of our consistory is an important component of effective oversight,” Rev. Brown says, “as it helps us to encourage them on the field and maintain our fellowship with them.”

Although a Reformed presence previously existed in Romania, the last Romanian Reformed church disappeared in the 19^th century. Today 97% percent of Bucharest’s two million people are Eastern Orthodox.

While Mihai was growing up, his family left Eastern Orthodoxy to become Baptists. But he experienced a great deal of religious confusion as a young person. The Bible began to make sense for him when he started reading Reformed literature. His stint at Westminster and time at Christ URC have shaped the way he envisions the Reformed church in Bucharest.

“Spending three years in an URC church in California has helped me understand more that church is not an add-on to our ‘relationship with Jesus,’ but the main way through which God has promised to bless us. As I preach every Sunday and I look at the covenant children present in our church plant, I am reminded of God’s grace to them that they have the opportunity to grow up in a church where they are catechized according to the truth of the gospel. I rejoice in the fact that, Lord willing, they will not have to go through the same confusion and pain of not having a healthy church close to them.”

In addition to the work involved with planting a church, the Corceas plan to begin publishing Reformed literature that they have translated over the last three years. He says, “We hope that by this small Reformed publishing house, we will be able to raise awareness of the Reformed church and the Reformed doctrine and practice.”

The Corceas appreciate the financial support they received during Mihai’s seminary years, saying they are “greatly thankful” for the “love and generosity” of individuals and churches.

Rev. Brown explains that the Romanian mission work is funded by URCNA congregations who wish to participate in “this exciting opportunity to make disciples in Romania and establish a confessional and Reformed denomination in that country.” He adds, “We encourage all churches in the URCNA to consider supporting this mission, helping us to shoulder the burden of this worthy labor for Christ and his gospel.”

The above is a slightly edited version of an article by Glenda Mathes that appeared on pages 18 & 19 of the September 21, 2016, issues of Christian Renewal.

For the last five years, Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) has met for worship in the historic Grace Reformed Church building, located on 15^th Street in downtown Washington, DC. Like other Gothic Revival style churches, the building features lofty spires and luminous stained-glass windows. But the architecture stands alone in its sculptural tributes to key places and persons of the Reformation.

About to enter the front of the building, you’d see an arch over the double doors that bears the name “Grace Reformed Church” and depicts Christ’s ascension. You might pause in surprise when you noticed the arch is flanked by shields for the cities of Zurich and Geneva. Lift your eyes higher, above the soaring stained-glass window to the very top of the building’s facade, and you’d see a carved figure holding the coat of arms for Elector Frederick III of the Palatinate, who commissioned the writing of the Heidelberg Catechism.

A Sunday School building echoes the Gothic Revival style as well as the theological emphasis. Dr. Brian Lee, Christ Reformed Church’s minister, calls the building’s outside wall on the south, “Washington DC’s version of the Reformation Wall.” Sculpted elements list Zwingli and Calvin, Bullinger and Beza, Ursinus and Olevianus.

How did the structures come to be embellished with such distinctly Reformed touches? The history page on the church’s website provides the answer. In order to appropriately represent the church’s philosophy, architect Paul J. Pelz studied the history of the Reformed church and became inspired by it. Sculptor James F. Earley incorporated the unique names and symbols, contributing to a final appearance that Pelz believed made Grace Reformed “more artistic than any church in this city.”

The Reformed Church Messenger, the denomination newsletter, agreed with that assessment while affirming the clarity of the building’s Reformed witness. An article about the church’s dedication in 1903 reported, “In erecting this building the Reformed Church has done an appropriate thing in a beautiful way…. Within and without it is as beautiful and artistic as it is substantial and complete…. It stands as a monument first of all to the power and grace of the kingdom of Jesus Christ but it represents at the same time the history and genius of the Reformed Church….. The style of architecture; the shields of Geneva, Zurich and the Palatinate; the emblems cut into stone arches over the entrances to the church and the memorials in the windows and the chancel, combine to make one harmonious story easily understood by anyone who knows the Reformed church.”

A structure with such Reformed elements seems the perfect place for the newly-organized URC congregation to meet, except for the fact that the building is for sale and Christ Reformed Church needs to find a new meeting location once it sells.

The building belongs to Grace Reformed Church, formerly a Reformed Church in the United States congregation, but now part of the United Church of Christ. The dwindling congregation, composed primarily of elderly parishioners, has realized for some time that it could not continue to maintain the building. In the summer of 2016, the church informed Christ Reformed that current rental arrangements would conclude soon.

Although the owners appear willing for the building to remain a place of worship and encouraged Christ Reformed to put together a proposal, that possibility does not seem likely. Church buildings in the DC area bring a premium sale price because real estate developers are keen to convert them into high-end condominiums or other lucrative secular uses. Because Grace Reformed Church, with its Sunday School building and parish house, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, its value could be even higher than average. While Dr. Lee hates to speculate, recent sales lead him to estimate the building could be sold for around $5 million. He foresees the proceeds being placed into a trust that would eventually benefit UCC charities.

While the loss of this unique location poses extreme challenges to the fledgling congregation, leaders and lay members are embracing the opportunity to assess and solidify the church’s vision and mission.

“This is a blessing,” Dr. Lee says, “especially for a newly-organized church like ours, a precious opportunity to ask anew where the Lord would have us plant our pilgrim flag and how he would have us serve him in this time and place.”

About a dozen volunteers, representing a broad range of the congregation’s demographic, are meeting for prayer and discernment. Part of their task is to determine questions and issues to bring before the entire congregation. Do they want to continue meeting downtown as the only Reformed witness in the city? Or do they want to move out to the suburbs, where most of them live? Do they want to continue focusing exclusively on Sunday worship and fellowship or find a facility that will permit the implementation of mid-week programs? Parking in DC is a problem, and many residents prefer not to drive in or out of the city. Church leaders feel it is important for members of the congregation to have input and play an active role in the important decisions that must be made.

Dr. Lee views this as a two-step process. The first step is figuring out, “How do we want to live our life together?” And the second step follows. “If we do that, what kind of building do we need?”

He explains that doing ministry in the midst of a city with a highly-transitory population is very different from the situation experienced by many URC congregations. Churches in smaller towns often enjoy a “generational aspect” that provides continuity and foundational resources. By trial and error, Christ Reformed Church has been discovering the “little details” that work within its metropolitan context. Although many city churches have updated worship or made compromises in other areas, Dr. Lee believes the congregation remains committed to the priority of worship that centers on the preached Word. Nevertheless, the church faces what he calls a “covenantal renewal moment.”

“This is a big step in the life of our church,” he says. “We’ve always been somewhat ‘accidental’ in our worship space, and we desire now to make a more intentional and long-term commitment in a particular neighborhood with a particular vision.”

Christ Reformed Church began meeting for worship on November 4, 2007, under the supervision of Zeltenreich URC (New Holland, PA). Classis Eastern U.S. concurred with the request for organization on October 14, 2015, and a celebratory worship service was held on January 21, 2016.

The congregation consists of about 70 total souls, although its composition is constantly changing. One family recently moved out of state, but two young women are being instructed toward membership. In addition to Dr. Lee, the church is served by two deacons and an elder. A former elder, who served for many years, continues as a member of the church.

As Christ Reformed Church faces the challenge of what may well be the loss of its historic and unique location, the congregation requests prayer for unity.

“We’re not so much seeking a particular outcome, as we desire spiritual unity through this process,” Dr. Lee says. “And stay tuned to see how the Lord blesses us during this time. He is the Lord of Provision, and we know he will.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 18-20 of the October 12, 2016, issue of Christian Renewal.

For the past several years, pastors and wives from Canadian Reformed and United Reformed churches in western North America have gathered for the Western Ministerial Conference (WMC), which many participants describe as more of a retreat.

Part of the relaxed feeling may arise from the conference’s scenic location at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, WA. But the atmosphere also differs from ecclesiastical meetings because wives attend with their pastor husbands and the fellowship crosses federational boundaries.

Rev. Brain Cochran (Redeemer Reformation URC; Regina, SK) and his wife, Julie, have attended the WMC for the last five years.  He says, “It is a wonderful opportunity for strengthening our ecumenical ties as sister denominations. I’ve grown in my appreciation for the CanRC and in trust and thankfulness for my brothers who are serving in our sister denomination.”

Conference organizer Rev. Ben Schoof (Maranatha CanRC; Surrey, BC) explains who is invited to attend: “All pastors and missionaries and their wives of Regional Synod West of the Canadian Reformed church (Manitoba, British Columbia, Denver, and Washington state) plus any URCNA pastors in the same area.”

According to Rev. Schoof, the retreat aspect is the first intended goal of organizers. “It is a time for pastors and their wives to get away, to recharge their minds and strength and souls.” The WMC “allows ministerial colleagues to get to know each other, reconnect with each other,” and experience fellowship on many levels.

A secondary goal is for learning. “Each time we have a knowledgeable keynote speaker on a topic applicable for life and work in the ministry,” he says. “Often there will be workshops specifically for the wives.”

This year the Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey CanRCs (Classis Pacific West) organized the Ministerial with the assistance of New Westminster and Cloverdale URCs. The approximately 50 pastors and wives, some who brought along infants, about evenly represented the two federations. The time frame of October 25-27 allowed attendees to enjoy fall weather as well as good food and creation’s beauty.

“The venue and the hospitality are amazing,” Cecilia Vandevelde says. “It’s lovely to be fed with the finest of food, and take advantage of our free time to do some hiking on the trails that are on the property, or rest on the trestle bridges and watch the creek flow past.”

Cecilia and her husband, Rev. Steve Vandevelde (Carman East CanRC; Carman, MB) have attended the conference for four years. While they love the hospitality, they also enjoy the interaction with colleagues during free times and meals. “It’s a safe environment for us to discuss and talk about the hard things that can come along in ministry (either in our homes or in our congregations) and support each other in these things,” she says. “We are both so glad that retired ministers and their wives come too, as they are a wealth of information and encouragement for us.”

As a young couple, the Schoofs are also grateful for the opportunity to learn from more experienced pastors and their wives. Rev. Schoof most enjoys “relaxing and recharging, spending time away from my work, and with my wife, and getting reacquainted with or getting to know my ministerial colleagues.” He adds, “My wife from her side very much enjoys getting to know the other pastors’ wives and learning from them how to manage some of the issues and difficulties that come from being a pastor’s wife.”

Attendees always experience such retreat aspects, but speakers and topics vary greatly from year to year. Rev. Dick Moes, pastor of Surrey Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Surrey, BC, says, “Every year the speeches make each WMC special and unique.”

This year’s speaker, Kevin Hoogstad, from Christian Counselling in Burlington, ON, enlightened attendees on the science of the teenage brain. He also administered a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test and applied it to aspects of life such as ministry and marriage.

“His speeches on the teenage brain were very insightful,” Rev. Moes says. “I wish I had heard this material much earlier in my life.”

Rev. Cochran says, “He helped everyone better understand teen culture and how we can engage our teens and disciple them.” He found the Myers-Briggs tests “fascinating” and adds, “It turns out my wife and I are almost opposites on the MBTI but complement each other well. He used it to help us understand how we can better interact with our church members and fellow office bearers.”

“I think everyone enjoyed the Myers-Briggs personality test,” Rev. Moes says. “It gave us a little more insight into what kind of personality we have with its strengths and weaknesses.”

Another unique feature of this year’s ministerial was a presentation from a pastor and wife, who shared their personal story of his struggle with clinical depression. “It was a very moving talk,” says Rev. Cochran, “and I felt very privileged and blessed to hear it.”

In some ways, the WMC functions as a retreat for couples. “The ministerial is definitely a highlight of the year for us,” Cecilia says. “Along with everything else, it’s also a time for us to focus on each other and our marriage. The ministerial is busy, to be sure, but there are moments in between where we can have a chance to talk together and touch base with each other and pray with and for each other.”

Rev. Moes, who served for a second year on the conference’s organizing committee, says, “Since the goals and purpose of the conference are first, warm fellowship and relaxation, and second, inspiring speeches, I think this year’s event was once again a success.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 6 & 7 of the January 18, 2017, issue of Christian Renewal.

The retirement of Rev. Ronald Scheuers may be his and his family’s gain, but it is certainly a loss within the URCNA. In decades of denominational conflict and as the new federation felt its way forward, Rev. Scheuers provided humble, servant leadership.

“During the early, growing years of the URCNA as a fledgling federation, Rev. Scheuers proved again and again to be a special gift of the Lord to the churches,” says Dr. Cornel P. Venema, President of Mid-America Reformed Seminary. “In a period of history marked by conflict and distress, immaturity and growing pains, Rev. Scheuers was steady at the helm—gentle in manner, solid in conviction, wise through experience, fair with others, and firm in his leadership. Lest you think I exaggerate, I am confident that delegates to assemblies at which Rev. Scheuers was elected chairman will agree with me.”

Rev. Bradd Nymeyer, who served many years as the URCNA’s Stated Clerk, concurs with that assessment. He says about Rev. Scheuers, “His service to the federation cannot be over-stated. His gentle, pastoral approach to difficult issues gave many great reassurance in times of uncertainty.” He adds, “His calm demeanor served him well in the three times that he served as chairman of synod. He is a churchman, a pastor, and a preacher, and excels at all three. His retirement will be felt by the entire federation, as well as his local congregation.”

The congregation of First URC in Chino, CA, marked the retirement of its senior pastor with a special celebration on Friday, January 6. The retirement committee decorated the fellowship hall, where attendees enjoyed a catered meal of tri-tip sirloin, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. About 200 people gathered for the meal, and many more arrived later for a program in the sanctuary, which seats 600 and seemed nearly full. Guests went beyond members of the congregation to include friends, former staff members, fellow ministers, and surprise appearances by relatives from Wisconsin.

The program featured a slideshow and video clips, a skit, and singing. The church presented Rev. Scheuers and his wife, Faye, with a gift of appreciation for his years of faithful service. Rev. Scheuers spent 39 years in full-time ministry, more than 23 of them in Chino.

“Our church family has been so good to us through the years,” says Rev. Scheuers. “We are grateful that we can retire in this area and continue to live among the people of the congregation of First Chino.”

On January 8, Rev. Scheuers preached his farewell sermon on the theme, “Let No One Take Your Crown,” based on Revelation 3:11. He noted three points: The Lord’s Coming, The Church’s Calling, and The Believer’s Crown.

First Chino has called Rev. Bradd Nymeyer, scheduled to be installed on May 14. He has considered Rev. Scheuers his friend and mentor for over 20 years. “He personally stood up for me when I was being dismissed from the ministry in the CRC, even though it was costly to his name and reputation in that denomination,” says Rev. Nymeyer.

While the congregation awaits its new senior minister, Pastor of Youth Quentin Falkena is doing what he can to help make the transition smooth. And he’s thankful for the excellent working relationship he enjoyed with Rev. Scheuers.

“I have had the unique and unparalleled privilege of working with Pastor Scheuers for over eight years,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work beside him and learn from him what it means to be a faithful servant of God’s people and a dedicated churchman. His diligence, dedication, carefulness and compassion have made a significant mark on my own approach to pastoral ministry.”

He notes, “For most of eight years, Pastor Scheuers and I would meet every Tuesday. We addressed the particular needs of the week, and talked about who needed to be visited, or other matters that needed to be addressed. But it was also a time during which I could pick his brain. Our meetings concluded by reading Scripture and praying. I’ll miss the opportunity those meetings provided to spend time with Pastor Scheuers.”

The Scheuers family, however, anticipates spending more time with a husband and father whose health is gradually decreasing due to Parkinson’s disease.

“Right now, Faye and I are enjoying more time together, more opportunities to enjoy our family, which also includes our first precious granddaughter, as well as life with less stress,” Rev. Scheuers says. “If my health permits, I would like to do some writing and, perhaps, some traveling.”

Rev. Scheuers and Faye are originally from Waupun, WI, and both attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA. Faye taught for six years in the Philadelphia area, while Rev. Scheuers attended Westminster Theological Seminary and fulfilled the CRC’s extra year requirement at Calvin Seminary. The two were married in Waupun on August 19, 1977.

The Scheuers have three adult children. Bethany is married to George Hoekstra and they have a toddler daughter, Kenna. Andrea, who has multiple handicaps, lives at home with her parents. Tim graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary and is pursuing his Ph.D. at Fuller Theological Seminary with a goal of teaching at the college or seminary level.

“We are so blessed to have all our children living near us,” Rev. Scheuers says.

A minister’s interest kindled the internal call Rev. Scheuers felt as a young man. He says, “In my teenage years, my pastor, Rev. Clarence Werkema, deeply influenced and encouraged me to consider entering the ministry.”

In 1977, Rev. Scheuers was ordained in the CRC at Baldwin, WI.  He went on to serve churches in Luverne, MN, and Kalamazoo, MI, prior to accepting the call to First Chino in 1993.

Reflecting on the highlights of his ministry, he says, “I was especially blessed to see a good number of adults come to faith in Christ through the years. We are greatly encouraged by the usage of the series of instructional material for young people, Life in Christ, which we edited and partially wrote. Some volumes have been translated into several foreign languages. I am also grateful to have been used of the Lord to give leadership on the classical and synodical level to our young federation.”

He concludes, “It has given me much joy and fulfillment to be used by the Lord to preach His Word and minister to His people.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 10 & 11 of the April 12, 2017, issue of Christian Renewal. Rev. Bradd Nymeyer has since been installed as the Senior Pastor at First URC in Chino, CA.