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Years ago, during a canoe trip on a Michigan river, I stepped into what appeared to be shallow water to pull the canoe to shore. But the water was over my head. Instantly I was disoriented, grasping for anything to provide stability.

There is a reason that the most beautiful thing, the visual aesthetic referenced so often in Scripture to evoke loveliness beyond the ordinary or even the physical, is the bride arrayed. For what could be more glorious than someone beloved?

Sarah Heth, most recently assistant features editor for The Holland Sentinel, has joined The Banner team.

For the second year in a row, the men and boys participating in the Cadet program at Wheaton (Ill.) Christian Reformed Church welcomed visitors to bring their bikes for a free spring tune-up.

Faith Christian Reformed Church, a small congregation in Nashville, Tenn., has found blessing in sharing its building with other churches and programs. 

Part travelogue, part foodie memoir, Margaret Feinberg explores God’s gift of food.

Beyoncé’s double release of a Netflix documentary and live album educates, empowers, and entertains. 

Jul Medenblik, president of Calvin Theological Seminary, recalls praying in January 2018 with a graduate who was returning to China to work at an unregistered seminary. This seminary had been vandalized, and the government ultimately ended worship services at the church affiliated with the seminary. It would be a tough job, and Medenblik prayed that God would be with the graduate.

Set for Aug. 1-3 in Windsor, Ont., at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, Inspire 2019 will be a great time of worship and fellowship as well as a chance to learn about ways in which the Christian Reformed Church is offering the gospel message to people around the world.

Canadians engage in a week of lively national literary debate hosted by the CBC. 

With luminous illustrations, Robert Frost’s iconic poem is set in a picture book for the first time. 

We had just crossed the border from Michigan into Ontario. I was driving a van filled with seven college student worship leaders, and one of the guys piped up, “It’s two hours till we're back on campus. I’d like everyone to name their favorite Bible verse and explain why it matters to you.”

The deacons say that most people are paying electronically. I’ve even heard of churches that allow people to swipe a credit card in the service. Isn’t this undermining the worshipful nature of the offering?

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based child welfare organization recently agreed to allow placing foster children with same-sex couples in its home state after a lengthy legal challenge.

Prompted by concern for their neighbors, the community care ministry team at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Berwyn, Ill., hosted “March into Wellness” this spring, grouping different healthcare providers in one place for easy access.

Bud Ipema leaves a 60-year legacy of urban ministry and the promotion of racial reconciliation and social justice. He died on April 14.

A pastor for 58 years, Barry Blankers was gentle, humble, godly, wise, and a genuine role model who tried to live what he preached.

A six-hour miniseries details the lives, loves, and losses of a riveting cast of iconic characters. 

The veteran rock band’s fourth album includes themes of religion, harmony, and hypocrisy. 

Illustrated songs by the late Mister Rogers convey to children that they are treasured. 

We live in an often confusing, ever shifting, and broken world. We see changes happening dramatically in seemingly accelerated ways. How ought the church to respond?

Joanna Gaines presents a lyrical children’s book about the joys and challenges of gardening.  

The life of Simon Peter shows how God makes amazing use of flawed disciples.