Four congregations in the Sheboygan, Wis., area gathered April 8 at Sheboygan County Christian High School to celebrate the Christian Reformed Church’s 150th anniversary.
More than 400 people came from First CRC of Oostburg and from Calvin CRC, First CRC, and Hmong CRC, all in Sheboygan.
Rev. Les Kuiper, Rev. Rob Sizemore, and Rev. Kou Vang, each spoke on one of three themes central to the 150th anniversary: remembering, rejoicing, and rededicating.
The service included worship led by Calvin CRC’s praise team, a combined choir, a brass ensemble, and the Hmong Youth Choir.
After the service participants viewed historical displays put together by the churches and sampled ethnic foods ranging from egg rolls to olie bollen (a traditional fried Dutch New Year’s treat).
“It was awesome,” said June Ver Velde, a member of Oostburg’s First CRC. “It was very touching to see the oneness of the four churches.”
