Hand Shaking and H1N1?

Some of the local churches here in British Columbia have stopped hand-shaking in church. I'm wondering what is happening is other places. What is your church doing in this regard? Have you made any changes to your normal greeting patterns?

A few months ago, we made hand sanatisers available throughout our church building. We continue to shake-hands, but make it clear that nobody should feel they have to shake-hands if they are uncomfortable.

Blessings,

David Vandervelde

The Calvin Quiz

I came across this fun little “Calvin Quiz” over at Calvin500.com. I did guess at one or two of them, but I guess I guessed right (as evidenced by my badge below!).

To jump directly to the Calvin quiz, go here. See how you do!

More about John Calvin at Calvin 500

Going to Church in the CRC

I grew up in the Christian Reformed Church, and I harbour no animosity toward that fine denomination or any of its local churches. That being said, I find it troubling that our General Secretary--the General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America--has chosen to make his home church a CRC church. It creates some dissonance within my mind and spirit. Now I admit that I am not privy to some of the personal reasons the General Secretary may have or some of the explanations given to the GSC for attending the CRC, but I have a hard time finding any plausible reasons or explanations that would be compelling enough. Its like Steve Jobs carrying around a Dell or the head of GM driving a Toyota--its just not done. It would be a betrayal. Perhaps that is what is happening here--a betrayal. I don't know. But it make me uneasy. Am I alone in this feeling?

Blessings,

David Vandervelde

PS - For those who are wondering, I'm getting my information from the most recent edition of the Church Herald (page 22).

PPS - If the General Secretary happens to read this post, I'd like to invite him to offer some public thoughts on his church choice here on these blogs.

A big thanks to the Church Herald

I'd like to thank the Church Herald for inviting and encouraging the synod bloggers to share their synod experiences. It was a welcome way for those not attending synod to follow along. I very much enjoyed it. I'd also like to thank the synod bloggers for taking time out of their busy synod days to share their reports and reflections.

I think this has been an excellent experience in two-way conversation for us as a church. Thanks!

Blessings,

David Vandervelde

Getting on the Tractor -- Thoughts on the Belhar Confession

When I was a child, my dad bought a new tractor. It was not an easy choice. I remember him taking several weeks to search and to compare models and to consider his needs and the needs of the farm. One day he finally decided and brought home a brand new Massey Ferguson. It was cool. That piece of machinery was beautiful--something to be admired. But not for dad. He spent little time admiring the tractor, before he jumped on it and started plowing. After day one, that shinny new tractor was a vital piece of the farm. While it was no longer clean and new--it was being used.

I'd like to challenge us all to get on the new tractor. Let's put away any temptation to walk around and admire passively this new thing--its beauty and shiny exterior. Let's put away the temptation to wonder if we can return it and get our money back. Let's get on it! Let's get plowing. Let's see this new thing become a vital part of the farm.

Blessings,

David Vandervelde