Synod 2012 worshiped together on Sunday afternoon during the Synodical Service of Prayer and Praise at Ancaster (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church. Synod is the annual leadership meeting of the CRC.
The service focused on the importance of building the kingdom of Christ, maturing our faith, and transforming those around us.
Rev. Leslie Kuiper, president of Synod 2012, and Rev. Bruce Persenaire, vice president, led the congregation in the celebration of communion.
(L-r) Ed Henson, Joel Dykxhoorn, Nathan Heemskerk
Photo: Karen Huttenga
The service featured a range of musical instruments: organ, piano, drums, and saxophone, as well as bass, electric, and acoustic guitars. Nearly 30 members of the local CRC community came together to form a choir under the direction of Chris Teeuwsen from Redeemer University College.
The congregation also joined in the popular children’s song, “Jesus Loves Me,” singing a cappella in rich harmony.
In the message, Rev. William Veenstra focused on Colossians 1, in which Paul calls the church to strive to grow and become whole in Christ.
“[We tell] how our lives have been transformed and how our communities get transformed, so we proclaim [Christ] as King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Veenstra challenged the congregation to ask themselves three questions: What do I need to learn? What do I need to be challenged on? With whom can I share what God doing in my life?
Using the illustration of the upcoming London Olympic Games, he said, “Christianity is not a spectator sport. That’s not the way it should be. We want every person mature in Christ.”
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About the Author
Ryan Struyk was a former Banner news correspondent for classes Grand Rapids South and Thornapple Valley.
