At the CRCA Synod earlier this year approval was given to begin a formal Post Ordination Training program in our churches. This program is aimed at providing additional support and training for those beginning as ordained pastors in the CRCA. The introduction of this program follows a research project conducted with pastors serving in their first church, and those churches. This research identified that while newly ordained pastors were well grounded in the theological education and many had engaged in purposeful ongoing training, support and mentoring, this approach was often unstructured and with mixed results.  It became clear that there are...

Word of Salvation – June 2022   Precious, Honoured and Loved   Sermon by Rev C. Berends on Isaiah 43:1-7 Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7 Suggested Song: Build My Life   I wonder what things make you scared, what makes you afraid. What makes you afraid? I did a bit of googling about the kinds of things that people are most afraid of in Australia, and it was interesting.  Social Phobias is number 1 fear in Australia - One in 20 Australians have a social phobia, meaning they get anxious in social situations. Most people are afraid of being judged by others. Agoraphobia: fear...

Word of Salvation – June 2022   My Soul Thirsts for You   Sermon by Rev C.  Berends on Psalm 63 Scripture Reading: Psalm 63 Suggested Songs:  Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call,  O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer   One of my highlights in taking holidays in Australia has been the few times that we have spent time driving through the outback. There is something about these wide open spaces, somewhat desolate, that I just really enjoy. Long lines of horizon. The orange of the desert sand. The law lying shrubs. The night sky where you just have a...

Word of Salvation - Vol.48 No.2 - January 2003   The Eye of the Storm   New Year's Sermon by Rev. C. Berends on Psalm 46 Scripture Readings:  Mark 4:35-41; Psalm 46   Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The sea has often been a symbol for chaos. Biblically, the stories of the flood, the drowning of the Egyptians in the Red Sea, the crossing of the Jordan, have all reinforced the idea that the sea is chaotic. It does not always behave in a rational manner. One minute it can be calm and flat, the next minute a pounding wave....