The Banner

Members of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Beaverdam (Mich.) CRC are experimenting with community cookouts—inviting the neighbors to meet, eat, and be a part of something.

On July 9, a network of faith leaders released a statement, signed by more than 100 people, calling for three specific actions by the United States in relations with Iran. Christian Reformed Church director of ministries Colin Watson was one of the signatories.

The Christian Academy in Japan, a suburban Tokyo school founded in 1950 with Christian Reformed World Missions (now Resonate) as a founding partner, is investigating 66 cases of alleged past abuse of students at the school.

The Afters brew up a vulnerable, hopeful sixth album.

A silly but fun new installment in the Men in Black franchise would make a good family movie night.

This summer you might enjoy swimming in your neighborhood pool or in a lake. But it’s not a good idea to go swimming in a swamp! The dark, muddy waters of a swamp are not be the best place for people to swim. But it is home for hundreds of creatures who love swimming in swamps.

How do we curb the ability of individuals to take the Bible and seem to use it to advance any and every idea and agenda?

Narrated by the author, Michelle Obama’s Becoming audiobook still delivers.

Boys ages eight to twelve are gently steered in practicing a vital prayer life.

The Franciscan Richard Rohr challenges believers to go beyond their Western conceptions and consider Christ anew.

Mango Moon shows what life is like from a child’s perspective when a parent is deported.

A veteran of World War II who pastored five Christian Reformed congregations and preached until his 90th birthday, Harry Arnold died June 16.

Pastor Justin Carruthers in Abbotsford, B.C. was glad to have his head shaved after church members rose to the challenge of bringing their Bibles to church. “It is imperative ... that everything that I say from the pulpit is weighed and measured against the holy words of Scripture,” he said.

Rev. Sheila Holmes recently added ‘Crisis Intervention Chaplain’ to the community work she’s passionate about. Operation CeaseFire of Paterson, N.J., has recognized her for her lifelong work to end gun violence.

A rediscovery of ancient practices and prayers soothe anxious believers.

Calvin College Rehabilitation Services, in partnership with local organizations, is providing screenings and classes to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls for people older than 60.

A hopeful yet urgent call to live out a “courageous Christianity” that works against, not with, the evils of racism. 

A thoughtful and inspiring picture book gently teaches us how to love our neighbor

A debut album from a top country songwriter showcases themes of identity in Christ.

The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree.

A stirring rock opera explores the lives of those from whom Jesus cast out demons.

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese looks back at Bob Dylan’s 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour

Bill Brouwers, who died June 14, had been pastor to three Christian Reformed congregations and loved to share the love of Jesus and salvation through Christ.