The Chicago Covenant

On April 22, in Chicago, IL, 24 Christian Reformed youth workers and denominational staff came together to strategize and strengthen student discipleship within the context of local congregations. Those attending were a great representation of the countless committed and passionate youth workers found in Christian Reformed congregations across Canada and the United States, and Youth Unlimited was blessed to play a role in supporting this gathering.

Following the 3-day gathering, this group assembled a document they entitled “The Chicago Covenant”. This brief document included; a vision for student discipleship, a call for support from denominational leadership and ministries like Youth Unlimited, a commitment to strengthen their congregational efforts and a commitment to pray and support the broader Christian Reformed church efforts.

At the June 2015 Christian Reformed Synod, Syd Hielema, Director of the Christian Reformed Faith Formation Ministries, will present the work of those 24 youth workers. Syd and those youth workers would like to invite anyone from the Christian Reformed Church who can agree with what’s in the covenant to join them by signing it. You can view the Chicago Covenant here and sign by clicking here. The hope is to have nearly 1,000 signatures before Syd presents it at Synod in June.

Youth Unlimited has had the joy of serving Christian Reformed congregations for decades and we eagerly sign it and welcome our friends to do so as well!

For questions and comments regarding The Chicago Covenant, please contact Syd Hielema at shielema@crcna.org.

Community at Community CRC

Fulfilling the Great Commission is the desire of most churches. After all, what church would say they didn’t want to reach out to the lost?
However, fulfilling the Great Commission is easier said than done. How does a church become part of the community rather than just reaching into the community?  For a church to be recognized as a positive and valuable influence, even by those who do not attend, speaks volumes to the church’s efforts to be part of its community.
Community CRC has always had outreach as part of its DNA. Established as a mission chapel over 50 years ago in Roselawn, Indiana, it has always sought to connect with the community.  Now, Community CRC is a growing church and is still asking the question, ” What can we do for our community?” or, “What will this decision do to help reach the lost and hurting?”
Hosting a Serve week is a natural extension of an already full slate of outreach events during “the other 51” weeks of the year. In the summer, a free Christian rock concert is held in the parking lot of the local food store. In October, a Fall Festival Trunk or Treat attracts 800. January is time for a Wild Game Dinner that draws over 500 and in the spring, there’s a Celebrate Marriage event with a comedian and a prime rib dinner. Other community outreach methods include Kids Hope, VBS, Food Pantry, Thanksgiving baskets, Stephen Ministry, music concerts for all types of music lovers, scores of phone calls and follow-up contacts. Our growing list of community outreach methods makes Sunday morning worship filled with a mix of seekers, new believers, people rooted deep in their faith, people with addictions, people recovering from addictions, very poor worshippers and very wealthy worshippers.
For more information on The Other 51 and Serve 2015, click here.
Big events are important for attracting people to our church, but what happens on Sunday morning is really important. Community CRC has been known for welcoming everyone and anyone when they walk through the doors. A casual and blended worship style helps people feel at home. Our Connections Coordinator makes sure a welcome bag is presented and contact information is gathered.
The Roselawn, Indiana community is not well off. Many families deal with broken homes and addictions. Hurting people matter to our Lord and they matter to Community Church. Help us connect with families that need an expression of love through home improvement projects and other services.
Roselawn Serve 2