A message from the pastor
You might wonder: What is a "Christian Reformed Church?" At first glance, it is easy to take the word "Reformed" in the wrong way. I get a lot of mail addressed to the church as the "Christian Reform Church" -- as if we are a reform school! Actually, that understanding isn't totally wrong. The church is not for good and perfect people. It is for people who realize that they are fallen; that they are sinners, and that they need Jesus Christ and His forgiveness and salvation. In Christ, the members of the church find forgiveness of sins and hope for their future.
But to return to the question, what does "reformed" mean? To be reformed means that we are unashamedly biblical in our theology and practice. We trace our roots back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. It was at that time the "reformers" -- such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, among others -- rediscovered the historic doctrines taught by the scriptures which had been obscured by a Roman church that had become corrupt. Ever since then, to be "reformed" is to be biblical; to believe in the sovereignty of God and the absolute authority of His Word alone.
I don't know where you are in your spiritual walk. Perhaps you are looking, or perhaps by God's grace you do consider yourself a Christian. Regardless, I do know that you need the church. Just as you need physical food for your body, you also need spiritual food from God's Word and the encouragement of others. Life is too difficult for you to make it by yourself. The church exists to proclaim the good news of the gospel, but also to sustain you in your walk of faith as you live in a difficult and challenging world.
What is our worship service like at Holland CRC? Well, in the reformation tradition, our services are kept simple. They consist of hymns, responsive readings, confession of faith, prayer, and the reading and preaching of God's word, followed by the offering and a closing blessing. Visitors are not obligated to participate in all aspects of the service. And while we (of course) do not have a dress code, we do believe that in worship we approach a holy and awesome God, so our attire should reflect that reality.
Our worship service is Sunday morning at 10 AM. This is followed by Sunday School for the children. Other programs of the church include the GEMS Girls Club. As part of our diaconal ministry we participate in the ministry of Volunteers in Mercy. There are many ways to get involved. If you have any other questions abuot the church, or about what we believe, please contact us.
Holland Christian Reformed Church has existed in the community since 1913. We've been proclaiming the same gospel ever since our inception. Our beliefs have not changed because God does not change. Yes, we live in a world which is constantly changing. But God does not change, has not changed, and will not change. His promises to care for us, to give us hope for the future, to give us eternal life, are good now and forever. Come celebrate with us our great salvation!
The Lord God Almighty Reigns!
Pastor Stephen