Alberni Valley CRC Takes Long-Distance Journey
Following the lead of one of the “desired futures” in the Christian Reformed Church’s new ministry plan called “Our Journey 2020,” several members of Alberni Valley Christian Reformed Church in Port Alberni, B.C.—from the oldest to the youngest—were involved in this year’s Christmas time candle-lighting service.
Just before Christmas, inspired by a long-distance conversation with Canadian CRC leaders, adults participated in sketches and readings; at one point in the service, children brought various names of Jesus, written on placards, to the front of the church.
Financial Shalom: ‘A True Blessing to the CRC’
James Dykstra is using a grant from the Christian Reformed Church’s Financial Shalom initiative to supplement his salary as a pastor at The River Church in Allegan, Mich.
Scott Van Voorst has used a similar grant to help pay off the student loans he incurred while supporting his family and attending Calvin Theological Seminary.
In both cases, assistance from the grants has made it easier to serve in ministry—exactly what the financial assistance from the Financial Shalom program is designed to do.
CRC Clergy Show Signs of Well-Being, Satisfaction
Christian Reformed Church clergy appear to be experiencing high levels of spiritual well-being as well as satisfaction in having chosen ministry as their vocation, according to a recently released summary of results from the Christian Reformed Church Flourishing in Ministry survey.
In addition, CRC clergy who participated in the survey expressed high levels of thriving — the degree to which they experience work or other activities as positive and fulfilling.
About the Author
Chris Meehan is a freelance writer and commissioned pastor at Coit Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
