David Vandervelde - Comments

DennisS comments on Hand Shaking and H1N1?

DennisS — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:53:50 +0000

We have made hand sanitizer available - specifically non-alcohol type so that it doesn't affect wood and other surfaces. But otherwise have not made any changes. We take an extended time of passing the peace, with folks generally going out into the aisles. Folks seem to enjoy this, so it would be a huge blow to only nod to a person on your left and your right, or to "rub elbows" with a person or two.

Tim TenClay comments on Hand Shaking and H1N1?

Tim TenClay — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:27:53 +0000

We started making more sanitizer available too and also continue to shake hands.

Related to that, I did pump up the vigor of my yearly lecture. It goes something like this: We love you; we want to worship with you; we're glad that you're a part of the community here. However, what may seem like a minor cold to you can be lethal to some of our members. If you're sick please live out your love for one another tangibly enough to to worship with us in spirit rather than body until you're no longer contagious.

After about a decade of the same lecture (in various forms), people kind of chortle at me when the seasons change and I begin repeating it, but it has finally begun taking hold and I do once in a while hear people talk about not coming to worship, even though they would have liked to be there, "because they didn't want to make anyone else sick."

Grace and Peace,
`tim

Justin Meyers comments on Hand Shaking and H1N1?

Justin Meyers — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:24:43 +0000

David,

We still shake hands but let people know they are not being unfriendly if they don't wish to shake hands.

Justin

(We were at Ground Zero of H1N1 last year in the U.S.)

affilate #4 comments on Going to Church in the CRC

affilate #4 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:32:07 +0000

Yes, very ridiculous, however it may become common practice if
we follow our leadership.

Mike W comments on Going to Church in the CRC

Mike W — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:43:56 +0000

Perhaps as an elder in my church, I should attend church somewhere else so no one bothers me abd my family with "church stuff" when I come to church on Sunday to worship. I could be then be personally nurtured, have the freedom to be myself, and not be related to through my public role as elder. By attending somewhere else, I could find a place of genuine spiritual refreshment.

Does anyone recognize how ridiculous that sounds?

W Harris comments on Going to Church in the CRC

W Harris — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:53:38 +0000

As a WTS grad (81) and a member of Church of the Servant, the congregation in question, allow me to offer a little more perspective, at least from the congregation side.

Church of the Servant is a rather singular entity, arising out of "alternative church movement" of the late 60s. The congregation was a leader in the struggle for women's ordination in the CRC. In its worship, it early adopted liturgical worship focused on the Lord's Supper every week. Its religious vibe is more mainline-centrist than specifically Christian Reformed or American Evangelical.

The congregation is now in its fourth cycle with Lilly Foundation Residents. Over the years we have significantly benefited from WTS grads in our leadership (the Revs. MaraJoy Norden, Josh Baron, Jessica Bratt, and Brion Brooks). Our Music Director/Minister of Music, Greg Scheer, came from Nothwestern College (IA). In short we are familiar with RCA folks.

And last a word about the congregation itself: we are the home for both academics and those in denominational and ecumenical leadership. Wes and Karin are just part of the crowd. In its blend of leadership and worship, Church of the Servant most brings to my mind, Hope, Holland.

Affiiate #4 comments on Going to Church in the CRC

Affiiate #4 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:27:29 +0000

"Wes' work as GS demonstrates his loyalty to the RCA"
Yes, but it clearly shows his loyalty to his career. Attending an RCA church rather certainly shows his loyalty to the RCA.
I am not a pastor but I sense some over emphasis regarding the whole concept about being "just husband, just father, or just child of God." I have been in the RCA for 3 decades. Never have I spoken to a visiting pastor or leader of the RCA about issues regarding his or her job prior, during or after a worship service. I think the pastors and Wes' practice of "separation from the flock" is quite unnecessary unless some of you can provide some specific examples rather than simply hunches or feelings.

Joel Plantinga comments on Going to Church in the CRC

Joel Plantinga — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:28:49 +0000

I just don't understand the controversy about this. Wes' work as GS demonstrates his loyalty to the RCA. While I don't necessarily share his worldview and occasionally find myself in disagreement with him on issues, I certainly have observed his passion for the RCA and his desire to faithfully lead.

I have been in situations as a pastor where I am "off" in that I'm in a social situation and not engaged in my duties as as pastor. But in a group of people from my church, conversation usually comes back around to the church and I am asked my opinion or feelings on a matter. This doesn't mean I don't hang around with my people because I do and love being with them. But I need to carve out space where I am not in the pastoral role and can be "just husband", "just dad", or "just child of God."

Since nobody here has been a General Secretary of a denomination I doubt any of you would understand the unique blessings and challenges of that position. While there might be parallels in this and the ministry of a pastor, I'm sure it's amplified.

As long as he is being nurtured in a church that holds Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life" and Scripture as unique and true, I just don't see the problem. Of course I'm also from the wacky part of the denomination where infants are dedicated and Commissioned Pastors reign.

Affliate #2 comments on Going to Church in the CRC

Affliate #2 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:54:54 +0000

The RCA's "stated position" (some time ago) is in direct conflict with that of the ELCA and the UCC. So yes, we as a denomination should refute those decisions and show the members of our denomination what we hold to be true........or do we as a denomination really hold to past positions on homosexuality??? Are we as members of the RCA to approve of and encourage homosexual behavior??

Mick N comments on Going to Church in the CRC

Mick N — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:17:07 +0000

An open Question to our General Secretary and the General Synod Council.

The ELCA and the UCC now allow persons in openly homosexual relationships "to serve as leaders in the church". Will the GS and GSC example "good leadership" and "uphold good order and unity" in the RCA by taking immediate action to sever our Formula of Agreement with the ELCA and UCC? Please do!

Blessings, and God Speed! ><>