Synod 2014 welcomed seven young adult representatives, who by their presence and contributions helped delegates be more aware of that segment of the church. They came from the east and the west, from the U.S. and Canada.
They spoke of being encouraged by what they heard and how it was said. They saw the church at work, represented by differing opinions and ways of expressing them. Corey Van Dyk said, “I was excited to see how the church makes decisions as it faces the challenges before it.”
Ivory Niewenhuis observed the passion and relationships being felt as all kinds of networking was taking place. That was most important to her.
Nicholas Chuba addressed synod on behalf of the representatives. “Not many experiences can be compared to synod, especially being a [young adult] at synod.” He added that two words best express their experience: “uplifted” and “cherished.” Cherished because they saw power in the way organizations work together and how appreciative synod was of their input as they sought to represent other young adults. Cherished, he said, because people like Ben Vande Zande smiled at them regularly and Sheila Holmes expressed genuine concern for their well-being.
Chuba ended his remarks by expressing his thanks for CRC executive director Joel Boot’s willingness and encouragement that made the representatives feel supported and a part of the church. With deep emotion he added, “We’ve gained confidence to express our faith. We’ll cherish it for the rest of our lives.”
Synod 2014 is meeting at Central College in Pella, Iowa, from June 13-19. For continuous Banner coverage, please follow The Banner on Facebook or @crcbanner on Twitter. You can find more tweeting by following hashtag #crcsynod. News stories will be posted at www.thebanner.org several times daily. For CRC Communications releases, webcast, and live blogging, please visit www.crcna.org/synod. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are by Karen Huttenga.
About the Author
George Vink is retired after 50 years as a Christian Reformed pastor. One of his sons is an accident investigator for the Calgary (Alta.) Police Service, and his two brothers are retired from that position. He and his wife, Shirley, are members of Covenant CRC in Cutlerville, Mich.
