Church Life: Church News - April 2008
RCA Camps Spread Some New Wings
RCA church camps across North America are hitting the spring and summer camping seasons with some new facilities, off-site trips, and programs.
Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan, has five new, year-round cabins in service. Called the Saddle Ridge cabins, each unit holds more than a dozen campers in one of two divided sides, with separate rooms for counselors. Each building also has a large multipurpose room with kitchenette and fireplace.
A Cran-Hill Ranch cabin under construction last year.
The final unit was completed in February. “Last weekend we had the four that were available full with guests,” reported camp director Scott Barger in late January.
The cabins take the place of rustic A-framed units used for many years by summertime teen campers. There’s also a new pavilion as part of this phase of camp development.
Meanwhile, five new cabins are also in use at Inspiration Hills in Inwood, Iowa.
Awaiting their next use after a winter break are the new cabins at Inspiration Hills.
“More than 150 people representing more than a dozen churches and organizations built them last summer,” said executive director Ron Den Hartog. The cabins are named after trees, (such as Pine and Walnut), and the two larger cabins have lofts with stairways to an upper level.
In the programming area, a sportsman’s weekend planned during the spring will feature target and clay pigeon shooting, a wild game meal, and a speaker presentation. The camp is also offering “extended family” camping opportunities.
Volunteers from Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City, Minnesota, show off the cabin
they helped build at Inspiration Hills in Inwood, Iowa..
Inspiration Hills, which celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary during 2008, is adding to last year’s Black Hills backpacking trip for high-schoolers with an additional expedition to Wisconsin combining biking and canoeing.
Countryside Camp and Conference Center in Cambridge, Ontario, is implementing the RCA “Leaders on the Horizon” youth discipleship material for the first time during its Camp Shalom summer program. “Our former Servants in Training and Disciples in Development have been completely overhauled,” said program director Marijke Strong.
The camp has also added some water-related toys as part of a spray pad area where kids can enjoy all sorts of water games. Some kayaks have also been added to the camp fleet.
The Warwick Center and Camp Warwick in Warwick, New York, is introducing “geo-caching” to campers this summer. “This can best be described as a treasure hunt using handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) devices,” said Warwick summer camp and youth ministry director Scott Cherry. Participants use the GPS to find the proper coordinates in search of a hidden treasure. “This activity promotes being outdoors and enjoying the nature around us,” Cherry said of exploration of the camp’s wooded area.
Camp Geneva, north of Holland, Michigan, has partnered with a Christian arts organization for a special youth arts experience.
During the last week of June area art and design professionals lead second- to ninth-grade youth in a curriculum that integrates creativity and faith.
More than forty classes in subjects ranging from mosaics to filmmaking will be offered courtesy of the Holland-based GEN 1, an organization that has been presenting arts day camps for the last five years. “We’ve heard nothing but raves from families whose children have participated in the past,” said Geneva executive director Dave Vanderwel.
Laurel Pines Christian Camp in Big Bear City, California, is in a time of transition. Directors Gary and Betty Stedman left last fall. With an operations manager on site, board president Bob Van Setten said the camp will function this summer without a full-time executive as board members step in to pick up some of the slack. “We have refined our mission and vision in clear and concise ways, said Van Setten, who was raised in Bethel Reformed Church in Bellflower, California. Priorities will be modernization of facilities, improving communication (including web site presence), and increasing camper numbers. “We will navigate through this summer, and then be looking for an executive director. We are excited about what God will do,” he said.
At Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center in Frankfort, Illinois, the Servants at Manitoqua (SAM) program is undergoing some changes. “Last year we implemented a leadership track for our SAMs and this year we will build on that by adding year two in that process,” said program director Nathan Phillips of the training for high school youth.
Student-residents of Cabin E rally at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, Illinois.
The camp has also planned a three-day back country experience in northern Wisconsin, and has added a “one-night stay” camp for second-graders to help introduce them to a camp experience.
Manitoqua, and its family camp division, King’s Camp in Chana, Illinois, have a wish list for camp improvements and maintenance. The list contains everything from five permanent picnic shelters (at $12,000 each) to a tri-edged folding saw ($23).
Fowler Camp and Retreat Center in Speculator, New York, introduces several new structures to its landscape this year (see the article in the Regional Ministry section on page 40 of the print edition).
Brown Named New WTS President
The board of trustees of Western Theological Seminary (WTS) in Holland, Michigan, has named the Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown as its new president, effective July 1.
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| Tim Brown |
Brown, a former pastor, has spent the last twelve years as professor of preaching at the seminary.
“He knows the challenges of teaching and is a great encourager, team-builder, and pastor who can nurture Western as a community of learners,” said Dr. Nancy Miller, co-chair of the presidential search committee.
Brown, 56, has solid RCA connections. A Hope College and WTS graduate, he served RCA churches in Hudsonville, Michigan, and South Holland, Illinois; and pastored Christ Memorial Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, from 1983 to 1995 when he took the seminary teaching post. He currently serves on the boards of both Hope College and Words of Hope, the RCA-affiliated broadcast ministry.
Brown succeeds the Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil, who last fall announced his intention to step down at the end of the current academic year.
The incoming president and his wife Nancy have three children and six grandchildren.
Leadership the Focus of Church Series
Several persons take notes during an address by one of the speakers in a leadership series at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan.
Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan, hosted a six-week luncheon/speaker series during Lent on leadership principles for life, business, and church. Among guest speakers were the Rev. Dr. Kevin Harney, the Rev. Dr. Dann Stouten (pastor of Community Reformed). and U.S. Congressman Peter Hoekstra from western Michigan. “We’ve been averaging 200 people at each session,” noted church minister of adult spiritual formation the Rev. Tim Custer. “Attendees seem to really appreciate hearing from leaders from church, business, and the political arenas share their wisdom as well as the importance of faith in their work and their lives.” Sunday worship messages at the church during the series coincided with a leadership theme, based on Harney’s book Leadership from the Inside Out.
Diverse South Holland Churches Recognized
Pastors of three South Holland, Illinois, churches were recognized by a local organization for their commitment to bring diversity to their congregations. The Revs. Sidney Mauldin and Alfonzo Surret of Calvary Community Church, the Rev. Dr. Albert Vander Meer of First Reformed Church, and pastor Willard High of Shepherd’s Community were presented with awards from the community group Diversity, Inc. First Church and Shepherd’s Community have a shared space agreement, and have a joint Sunday school as well as a common Wednesday night program. The two congregations worship together every quarter—a service for which they combine choir and praise teams.
Calvary Community Church is a result of the merger of Calvary Reformed and Bethel Reformed, and features an integrated consistory and blended style of worship.
Missionary's Campaign Uses 'Recycled Banners' to Promote Scripture
In an ultimate act of recycling, RCA missionary in Taiwan David Alexander has created several striking banners with scriptural messages, using pieces of colorful campaign flags otherwise discarded after municipal elections.
“I scavenged several flags, cut pieces from them, and sewed them onto plain cloth,” said Alexander of his creative effort. “Then I had a friend add verses from the Taiwanese Bible in characters.”
The resulting banners were hung in the chapel and elsewhere on the campus of Tainan Theological College where Alexander is an instructor.
One banner, covered with lips and mouths, bears the verse, “May the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14). Another pictures a monk’s folded hands with the inscription “Pray at all times” (I Thessalonians 5:16).
"Lord, may the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight." (Psalm 19:14).
Alexander said his point with the banner project was not simply to liven up worship space, but to do so with recycled materials in a way that can easily be done in local churches and in social service agencies.
His favorite banner contained the image of an upright hand with an outline of Taiwan in the palm. The image accompanied words from Isaiah 49:16, “I have engraved you in the palms of my hands.”
“After being displayed for some weeks at the college, it was moved to a Kaohsiung City church where it hangs in front of the pulpit,” he said.
Alexander’s artistic skills were noted in the Taiwan Church News, a weekly publication read by nearly 10,000 Presbyterian church members on the island nation.
Alexander and his wife, Char (a teacher at Chang Jung University), are currently on sabbatical in the United States.
Churches
Clinton Avenue Reformed Church in Bergenfield, New Jersey, observed New Year’s Eve with a special honor for elder Beatrice James who passed away the day after Christmas at age 99. “She was called the Grand Dame of Bergenfield,” said pastor Mark Ennis of a local newspaper reference. The longtime member was active in local politics, and held a record for most years as church elder and most years as consistory vice president. Her funeral planning called for a horse-drawn hearse at the church and a Dixieland band greeting her at the cemetery by playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” “It will be a New Year’s Eve not soon forgotten in the congregation or on the streets of her town in New Jersey,” Ennis said.
The Reformed Church of Linden, New Jersey, is constructing an addition to its historic facility that includes an elevator to make all three building levels accessible. “This project has been a dream of the congregation for many years,” said church member Diane Nazimek. The church, part of which dates to 1871, has fifty-five stairs throughout the building, a deterrent for elderly and disabled persons to full participation in church life. A ground level entry area and accessible restroom are also part of the project, estimated at $350,000.
Ministry
The Rev. James (Nate) Meldrim has been installed as pastor of North Blendon Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. Previously he had been pastor of Kinderhook Reformed Church in Kinderhook, New York.
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| Nancy McClure Long |
The Rev. Nancy McClure Long began pastoral ministry on March 1 at Ghent Reformed Church in Ghent, New York. Previously she had served the Community Church of High Falls in High Falls, New York.
The Revs. Gregory and Rebecca Town were installed February 17 as ministers of Word and sacrament at Prattsville Reformed Church in Prattsville, New York. The copastors are in a yoked pastorate also serving Jewett Presbyterian Church in Jewett, New York.
The Rev. Stacey Midge began in February as minister of mission, outreach, and youth at First Reformed Church in Schenectady, New York. The church hosted a reception for her on Feburary 10. Previously she had served as pastor of Glen Reformed Church in Glen, New York.
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| Scot Bale |
J. Scot Bale, former director of discipleship and outreach at Vriesland Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan, is now serving as director of Cedar Campus, a Christian camp and retreat center in Cedarville, Michigan. Previously Bale had served for twelve years as executive director of Cran-Hill Ranch, an RCA camp also in Michigan.
The Rev. Lisa Vander Wal was installed as minister February 3 at Lisha’s Kill Reformed Church in Schenectady, New York. The church had been served by an interim, the Rev. Emile Jacquet. Previously Vander Wal had served the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, New York.
Staff
Susan Converse, RCA treasurer for the past ten years, has resigned to pursue new opportunities. “I’ve been reminded of all the wonderful memories I have,” she wrote to colleagues the week of her February 15 departure. Under her leadership, RCA investment, retirement, and insurance programs have all been restructured. “Together we’ve built a strong, fiscally responsible organization,” said Converse. In the last year, many RCA finance operations have been moved from the New York to the Grand Rapids, Michigan, offices. Controller Barbara Boers has assumed the role of acting treasurer. In beginning a search for Converse’s successor, RCA director of operations and support the Rev. Ken Bradsell says information gathering with services from their current consultant will lead to a revised staffing and organization plan to be presented to the General Synod Council to be implemented later in the spring.
People
Cecile Glerum, the oldest member of Fairfield Reformed Church in Fairfield, New Jersey, celebrated her 100th birthday at a November gathering at her home. The native of France came to the U.S. when she was 18, eventually followed by other family members. She and her husband, Aaron, were married in the church parsonage in 1931. Although Aaron died fourteen years ago, Cecile still lives in the family home. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were part of the open house celebration.
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| Robin Klay |
Dr. Robin Klay of the Hope College economics faculty and member of Third Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, was honored with a Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) Faculty/Staff Community Service-Learning Award in February as part of MCC's twelfth annual institute, "Service Learning and Civic Engagement." She was recognized for her role in establishing the college's "Hope Blooms" off-campus study program in Mexico, an internship-based experience that emphasizes service and cultural immersion and reflects her longstanding commitment to helping others. “Hope Blooms” grew out of a Habitat for Humanity-connected spring break program Klay led in 2004–05.
The Rev. George Kaden, pastor of Community Church of Harrington Park, New Jersey, was recognized as Harrington Park 2007 citizen of the year by the community’s mayor and council. Kaden’s service as chaplain for the municipal fire department and state prison facility as well as his support for area scouting and civic clubs were cited in the official award proclamation.
The Rev. Bruce Cornwell, pastor of Community Reformed Church of Colonie, New York, was recognized by the Capital Area Council of Churches with a pastor service award for his ten-year ministry to residents and staff of an area nursing home. Cornwell coordinated a weekly worship service at the residence and offered other pastoral support. His ministry at the Ann Lee Nursing Home ended in January after residents were relocated to another facility.
Obituaries
Jean Muyskens, widow of the Rev. Cornelius P. Muyskens, died January 4. She was 97. The Pella, Iowa, native and Central College graduate was a teacher, althletic coach, and then a bank official before she married in 1935, the same year her husband, Connie, completed seminary. Together they served churches in Gardiner and Kingston, New York; Philadelphia, Summit, and Ambler, Pennsylvania; Muskegon, Michigan; and Orange City, Iowa. After his death in 1958 she moved to Pella and served on the staff of Central College until her retirement in 1970. She is survived by children Jeanne and John Halloin, Joan Pursley, Dirk and Darlene Muyskens, Don and Bev Muyskens, and Douw and Helene Muyskens; ten grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
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| Folkert Faber |
The Rev. Folkert (Red) Faber, a retired RCA pastor, died January 19. He was 61. The native of the Netherlands served churches in Jamestown, Holland, and Middleville, Michigan. He also served terms as Holland Classis president and on the executive committee of the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes. Upon retirement he was named pastor emeritus of Grace Community Church in Holland. He is survived by his wife, Marge; children Tamara and Micah Faber-Doty, Wendy and Jeremy Podany, and Philip Faber; and two grandchildren.
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Holloway, pastor of DeWitt Reformed Church in New York City, New York, died January 12. She was 65. She had served the DeWitt church since 1995 and was chairperson of the RCA African American Council. Holloway was the first African American woman to preach at an RCA General Synod. She also was a former vice president of the Council of Churches of the City of New York. A memorial service was held February 24, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Glen Missick, RCA director of African-American/Black Ministries, with eulogy delivered by the Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, pastor of Abbyssinian Baptist Church in New York City. She was the widow of Horace Dennis Holloway. She is survived by four children, Sharon Owens, Patrice Holloway, Dennis Holloway, and Robert Holloway; son-in-law Thomas Owens; daughter-in-law Jedaiah Holloway, and eight grandchildren.
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| Walter Kline |
The Rev. Walter Kline, a retired RCA pastor, died January 22. He was 84. The World War II veteran served churches in Berne and West Bern, New York; Brunswick, Ohio; Sanborn, Iowa; and Kankakee, Illinois. In 1977 he served as president of the Particular Synod of Chicago. He later served as a hospital chaplain in Oak Forest, Illinois, and as a visitation pastor in South Holland, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children Christine and Ray Nieuwsma; step-children Louis and Pearl Masciotra and Jim Masciotra; and five grandchildren.
Barbara Jewett, wife of RCA pastor the Rev. William Jewett, died February 3. She was 72. She and her husband served RCA churches in Kingston and West New Hempstead, New York, and for twenty-six years in Brielle, New Jersey. Barbara was a school teacher for many years, gave music lessons, and sang with both the Garden State Philharmonic Chorus and the local Sweet Adelines. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, William; children William H. Jewett, Lorraine Ann, and Deborah Sue Soderland; and three grandchildren.
Ruth Stafford Peale, widow of the Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, died February 6. She was 101. She and her husband came into the RCA in 1932 when he was called to Marble Collegiate Church in New York City where he served until his retirement. He died in 1993. She was considered the prime mastermind behind—and later became chairwoman of—Guideposts Magazine, the inspirational monthly read by millions. The Iowa native also took on church organizational work, and became the first female president of the former National Board of North American Missions of the RCA. She also authored several books. She is survived by children Margaret Peale Everett, Elizabeth Peale Allen, Dr. John Peale; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
The memorial that appears on the Peale web site.
Mary Meerdink, widow of the Rev. Vernon Meerdink, died Februrary 8. She was 88. With her husband she served churches in Interlaken and Hyde Park, New York, and Edmonds, Washington. Vernon, an Air Force chaplain for twenty-three years, died in 1988. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by children Lora and Hank Uhlenbrauck, Barbara and John Lucas, Jesse and Beverly Meerdink, Perry and Beth Meerdink, and Greta Vincent; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
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