Category Archives: Pastor’s Desk

What’s Classis All About?

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Rev. Dr. Hartmut Kramer-Mills

In an age questioning the need and the authority of institutional organization, it is understandable that the denominational structure of the Reformed Church in America can not be taken for granted. For the local Reformed church, the denomination is most tangible in the form of the Classis. Classis is a Latin word and means “fleet of ships”. It is, at least by historic origin, the equivalent to a Roman Catholic Diocese. That our European ancestors renamed it by using a nautical term, is due to the maritime traditions in the Netherlands and Northwest Germany. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Pastor's Desk | Leave a comment

Wanderers on Earth

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Rev. Dr. Hartmut Kramer-Mills

With Easter Sunday now behind us, we may return to the question on what it really means to live in the new life of the resurrected Christ. This could just be a pious phrase. But it could also be the … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Pastor's Desk | Leave a comment

A Role Model of Deacon and Usher

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Rev. Dr. Hartmut Kramer-Mills

By Pastor Hartmut Continue reading →

Posted in General, Items of Interest, Pastor's Desk, Worship | Tagged | Leave a comment

Four Lessons From Wes

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Rev. Susan Kramer-Mills

In February, there was a special breakfast with Wes Granberg-Michelson organized by the denominational offices. These were held as a personal farewell and heads-up about the status of the RCA. I found our General Secretary’s story quite personal and moving; moreover, I appreciated the honesty and humble manner with how he presented it. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Items of Interest, Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

A Small Thank-You Note

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Pastors Susan and Hartmut

It was such a surprise to the two of us, when we could not simply close the Congregational Meeting on Dec 12th. We should have grown suspicious when we saw the beautiful buffet for the luncheon — but, of course, none of our other coffee hours is exactly meager. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Pastor's Desk | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The God Box

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Rev. Susan Kramer-Mills

Dear Friends,

I was recently invited by denominational leaders to participate in a conversation regarding the RCA offices located on 475 Riverside Drive in New York City at the Interchurch Center. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Items of Interest, Pastor's Desk | Tagged | Leave a comment

Redrawing the Map

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Rev. Dr. Hartmut Kramer-Mills

Sometimes, we hold maps in our heads that are misleading rather than providing the orientation we need. Such is the case with the map that defines New Brunswick as the city to which most of our members commute from the suburbs. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Items of Interest, Pastor's Desk | Tagged , | Leave a comment