A growing number of congregations are investing time, energy, and resources into church renewal. The Banner shares experiences from churches in Alberta, Washington, and Michigan.

Jacob Kuntz, who had a pastoral heart for people on the edge, served many Christian Reformed congregations in Ontario. He died Nov. 3 at 93.

From a long-running weekly Bible study to support with yard work, Christian Reformed congregations in Holland, Mich., are partnering with the work of Brothers & Sisters Homes, residences for men and women with intellectual disabilities.

Congregation members of Naschitti (N.M.) Christian Reformed Church were prevented from using their building after an arson event in August. On Nov. 17, they returned to the sanctuary.

Bringing together pastors, community workers, and those working to support immigrants to the U.S., Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, hosted a panel discussion Nov. 12.

A number of churches are exploring ways to build affordable housing on their own land—what pastors and other leaders are referring to as YIGBY, or “Yes in God’s Backyard.”

About 150 volunteers from 17 Christian Reformed congregations participated in funding and building a Habitat for Humanity home for a western Michigan family.

From profit-sharing farm enterprises to the recovery of non-marketable produce, organizations across the U.S. and Canada offer a Christian response to hunger.

A week before Veteran’s Day in the U.S., Hillside Community Church in Cutlerville, Mich., welcomed community members to a dinner honoring vets and an evening of learning about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Gordon Van Enk, who served in parish ministry for 25 years and as a hospice chaplain for 24 years, died Oct. 12. 

Students at Rehoboth (N.M.) Christian School created artwork representing happiness, peace, and friendship to share with Syrian children, who will send artwork back in exchange.

A beloved chaplain, Russ Van Antwerpen was a humble man who dedicated his life to serving God and God’s people. He died on Oct. 3.

Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Toronto, Ont., has launched a joint poetry series with a local art center, welcoming poets of different backgrounds to form a bridge of reconciliation.

East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., marked its sesquicentennial with events in February, May, August, and October.

Faith Community Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming, Mich., celebrated 100 years of ministry in 2019 and continues to renew with intentional outreach.

The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates has adopted a protocol to govern how and when it might comment on matters before synod.

After being asked by Synod 2019 to review historical instances of the Church speaking and to define what is an “ecclesiastical matter,” the CRC’s Council of Delegates is recommending the next synod appoint a study committee.

In Jarvis, Ont., the GEMS Girls’ Club at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church has made its own badge to explore issues of displacement and how to help support the resettlement of people fleeing persecution.

Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., hosted the second global gathering exploring sport and Christianity on Oct. 23-27.

A recent report from Pew Research shows 65% of Americans currently describe themselves as Christians, down from 77% in 2009. The percentage of Americans who say they have no religion is now 26%.

After marking their diamond anniversary Sept. 27, Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., looks to the future “all for God’s glory and for the good of the world.”

In April, Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Mich., was given a pasul (non-kosher) Torah scroll “to enhance students' interest in the Hebrew language and challenge them to go deeper in their study of the Scripture.”

Inspired by working alongside people in economic difficulty, a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Listowel, Ont., helped create a Bridges Out of Poverty workshop.