About 125 people representing various faith traditions turned out in late January for an ecumenical service in Zeeland, Mich., that took place in observance of the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The service was put together by Christians Uniting in Song and Prayer, a Holland, Mich.-based group that seeks to promote unity within the larger church. The organization’s board includes several members with ties to the Christian Reformed Church, including two retired pastors.
Held at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, the event also marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, at which the Nicene Creed, one of the historic creeds of the Christian faith, was established.
“I think that the Nicene Creed is especially powerful, since our services are focused on Christ who unites us,” said Gerrit Haagsma, a retired CRC pastor who is a CUSP board member. “The ecumenical creeds are important to me as a Christian Reformed member. To confess them with brothers and sisters from different traditions is important to me.”
CUSP’s roots date back to 2017, when a joint service took place to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Since then, the group has hosted several services annually, featuring singing and reading of Scripture. A choir consisting of singers from more than 15 West Michigan churches led the singing at the January service, Haagsma said.
“Many churches no longer have large choirs as part of their services. Three times a year CUSP brings together people who love to sing,” Haagsma said.
Mary Johnson, a Catholic who chairs the CUSP board, said that division in the church is rooted in our sinfulness, in the human tendency to cling to one’s own beliefs and see others who might disagree as not being trustworthy or having ill will.
“We have this calling to be witnesses to the good news, to spread the good news. When we’re fighting with each other and disrespecting each other, that compromises (our witness) and inhibits our effectiveness,” Johnson said.
Haagsma is hopeful that CUSP can expand its reach to bring in additional churches.
“We hope that we can enlarge our tent by reaching out to young people. We would love to see more participation from ethnic churches,” he said.
CUSP plans to hold a Taize prayer service during Holy Week in April and a Thanksgiving service in November.
About the Author
Greg Chandler is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.