Regional Synod News – June 2022

     NEWS

Dear Friends: In some ways we are still in disbelief over the death of Wayne Van Regenmorter.  I worked with Wayne in some capacity since 2006 and much more closely since 2013.  He taught me many things but the things that specifically stand out are humility, kindness, generosity, and a love for Jesus.  His smile and his laughter are etched into my mind when I picture him.  He really loved Jesus and really loved the church.  I am in awe of his commitment to both and am so glad that he got to spend these last few years with such excitement for the Gospel and being able to see amazing fruit from all his labors in Classis de las Naciones.  Wayne was such a steady constant and it seems unreal that he is no longer physically present on this earth.  I do rejoice that God’s goodness and mercy followed him all the days of his life and he is now dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.  Our prayers continue to be with Linda and the whole Van Regenmorter Family.
— Chad

General Synod took place June 9-14.  If you’d like to read a summary of all that happened, click HERE.

Watch the video celebrating our newest church plants including Renacer Church in our own Classis de las Naciones!  Click HERE.

Contemplative Prayer Introductory Course Online – A new online course on Faithward introduces participants to contemplative prayer as a tool for connecting with God and deepening their spiritual lives. This five-part video course is led by Tia Norman, a pastor and experienced meditation teacher. She guides participants through biblical foundations of contemplative prayer and shares practical tips for incorporating contemplative prayer into daily life, including a guided prayer exercise. Course is $10. Click HERE to sign up.

Webinar on Micro-Churches – Looking for more depth on smaller churches? Where did this movement come from? Where is it headed? Is it really the future of church? Check out this Exponential webinar with Daniel Yang, Ralph Moore, and Rob Wegner. It’s a deep dive from some big names on the micro church movement and gives insight and implications that anyone can use.  Click HERE to watch the webinar.

The Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Racial-Ethnic Students is now accepting applications through June 30, 2022 for the 2022-2023 academic year. This scholarship fund supports racial-ethnic students pursuing ministry. Click HERE for the details, process and application.

She Is Called: Women of the Bible Study Vol. 2 is out now – This RCA resource focuses on how Mary and Martha, Abigail, Junia, and more embraced God’s call for their lives in the second volume of the women of the Bible series.  For more information or to check out Volume 1, click HERE.

Looking for Church Renewal? – Vibrant Congregations helps local churches discern the best path to their God-given, hope-filled future. It starts with a quick, free, online assessment HERE. Vibrant is a partner organization of the RCA and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

The Commission on Nominations is looking for committed, talented, passionate individuals to serve on RCA commissions, agencies, and boards. They may have more vacancies to fill than usual this year and the Church needs your help.  If you are interested in serving our denomination, visit this link and download a profile to fill out and email back to the commission at nominations@rca.org.

Free Christian Counseling for Pastors and Church Employees – The RCA’s Board of Benefits Services Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential Christian counseling either at at an outpatient clinic in your area or via an online telehealth session.  Up to 3 sessions per issue are provided at no cost to any employee of an RCA church.  Some common issues addressed are depression, anxiety, work-related problems, marital issues, family issues, substance abuse, and others.  The 24 hour hotline number is (833) 244-2490.  For more information click HERE.

NEWS FROM CAMP MANITOQUA
Camp is in full swing for the summer, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the Fall Clean Up Day on October 22, 2022 from 8:30am – 11:30am.  Please bring work gloves, buckets, leaf rakes, shovels, tarps, leaf blowers, and anything else you might think helpful! Please click HERE to learn more and RSVP..

Camp Manitoqua is looking to enrich the land God has provided with new trees.  If you would like to donate to this project, click here.
 

7 Common Conversations That Mean Your Church Is Ready for Renewal – For some congregations, perhaps yours, before they can walk through the next open door, they first have to walk through a doorway of renewal. The renewal doorway helps congregations discover their God-given, hope-filled future—the open door Jesus has for them.  If your church is having any of these conversations, the time may be right.

Christians Say They’re Seeking but Not Having Evangelistic Conversations – Christians are still having conversations about the Gospel, but traditional evangelism seems to be happening less frequently according to this study.  Discover some trends and look into how to possibly change them.

2 Possible Ramifications of the Online-Church Movement – Most churches have both in-person and online worship following the COVID-19 pandemic.  This professor of practical theology is identifying some trends and offering some options on how to handle what may come from this online church movement.

Looking at the Numbers of Congregational Change – According to consultant Bill Easum, the number one issue for the future of most congregations is: Are you so focused on current membership that you are apathetic toward connecting and networking with the unchurched and bringing them through the front, side and back doors?  Jim Farrar looks into the current statistics of congregational change.