Reformed Church in America (RCA)

Blessings to RCA City Church!

It’s the last full day of General Synod, so while there are still decisions to be made, we are celebrating the election of General Synod president Joshua Scheid and all who support .

Our last delegate highlight is Denis Mugabo. Thanks to all who allowed us to interview them!

Denis Mugabo

Elder

Church: Emmanuel Community Church (Edmonton, Alberta - Canada)

Sending Body: Classis of Canadian Prairies

Third time as a delegate

“I like General Synod of the Reformed Church in America because it is multilingual. There is English and Spanish, and space for people to talk and express what they feel about the church.”

“I have been in Canada for almost five years—my background is from Rwanda, and it is wonderful how welcoming our church has been to us. My children love being there.”

Favorite Bible Passage: The Great Commission from Matthew 28.

Our next delegate we are highlighting is Rev. Sarah Palsma

Rev. Sarah Palsma

Minister

Church: New Hope Church (Powell, Ohio)

“One thing I appreciate about my sending body (Classis of Rochester) is our ability to be present and compassionate with one another even in our disagreements. At General Synod, I look forward to catching up with familiar friends and colleagues, meeting new friends, and sharing ministry stories. In my church, I am seeing God at work in the joyful moments when people discover and utilize their particular gifts to serve the church and the community in Christ’s name.”

Favorite Bible verse: Colossians 3:16-17

Friday ended up being an entertaining day! We had a bat that got into the plenary space which kept us all wondering where it was going to go! Don't worry...I have word the bat was obtained and released safely back outside. There's also a happy cactus on the grounds where we are at, so hopefully it makes you smile today.

The next delegate we are getting to know is Patti Varga.

Patti Varga

Elder

GSC member

Clerk for Classis of Columbia-Greene (upstate New York)

Church: Kinderhook Reformed Church (Kinderhook, New York)

“At General Synod, I enjoy meeting delegates from all over the denomination and hearing their stories that are usually so very different from my own context. One thing I love about my church family is our commitment to serve our community and share the gospel. I am seeing the eyes of many in our congregation being opened to the need for intentional missional living and a growing devotion to the work of discipleship.”

Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Here is another delegate who is no stranger to General Synod! Welcome back Drew!

Rev. Drew Yamamoto

Minister

Church: Trinity Church San Francisco (San Francisco, California)

Sending Body: Classis of Central California

Delegate 5 times (Corresponding twice, voting thrice)

“General Synod is a mixture of a family reunion, worship, and business - and the emphasis is worship, family reunion, and then business.”

“One thing I really appreciate about the Classis of Central California is that we’ve really come together in the midst of a lot of loss over this season in ways that are empowering, supportive, loving, and caring to one another.”

Favorite Bible passage: John 17 - where Jesus prays for us to be one.

Get to know some of our General Synod delegates throughout the week!

Introducing: Elba Arias

Seminarian (New Brunswick Theological Seminary)

Church: Warwick Reformed Church Hispanic Ministry (Warwick, New York)

“At General Synod, I enjoy the interaction with the body in the different topics, the praying moments, the worship service of all as one body in Christ. The different points of view or interpretations about the same topic brings an interesting component to the deliberation and at the end the body concurs unanimously in love and best interest of the body. One thing I love about my church is the diversity and unconditional love for all. Lives are being transformed, families are being reunited, and God continues perfecting his work on us as his disciples so we can be light where there’s darkness.”

Favorite Bible verses: Matthew 19:26 and Psalm 37:4

General Synod has begun! This year we are in Tucson, Arizona, and we are looking forward to the fellowship we have with our delegates from near and far.

Blessings to all the women who serve!

Join us!

Going Up North: A Journey juxtaposing two shocking realities in history—Jim Crow and Idlewild, a flourishing Black resort in northern Michigan. This day long tour includes two museum exhibits, meals, a guest panel of Idlewild natives, a bus tour of historic Idlewild, souvenirs, and an old fashioned juke joint experience featuring Idlewild original songs. Participants will be immersed in what American mainstream portrayed and how Blacks thrived nevertheless. We will begin our time together Friday afternoon in Grand Rapids, MI.

Scholarships are available!
Please contact Rev. Jeremy M. Simpson, [email protected], Director of Diversity and Belonging, with any questions.

Dates: May 30-June 1, 2024. Pilgrimage North and the Journey Above the Underground Railroad - Idlewild, Michigan. $250 registration fee. Go here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVxGZjPR2rUWRJkKWrRWryvC1lSbO_nBsS3klowZqmnyGy9g/viewform

We are excited for you to join us for our last Season 4 virtual Dismantling Racism Prayer Gathering on Tuesday, May 14 at 1:30 pm EDT where we will hear from our brother Elder Leo Poluan. On Tuesday May 14, Elder Leo Poluan will share about “Love Thy Neighbor” focusing on Luke 10:25-37.

Elder Leo Poluan was born in Indonesia and immigrated to the United States in his early teenage years. He attended Nyack College, where he graduated with B.S. in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies. He now resides in New Jersey with his wife, Rev. Ferani Wongkar, where he serves as an Elder and the Faith Formation Director at the Reformed Church of Metuchen. He also now serves as the President of CPAAM in the RCA. Leo is deeply committed to serving the Lord, and his lifetime dedication to ministry is evident in his active engagement in youth pastoral ministry. He is currently studying for Master of Divinity at Westminster Theological Seminary. Aside from all this, Leo enjoys playing soccer and is a huge fan of Manchester United.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, May 14 at 1:30 pm EDT as we work together in prayer and learning to dismantle racism. Feel free to share with other like-hearted individuals. If you have not registered, you may do so at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTZOcf2_Qg7jWgBw0g_xcA7BY_ReLhLnHCVropLM9IromBCA/viewform. An email reminder with Zoom link will be sent out the morning of May 14.

CBE (Christians for Biblical Equality) International’s annual conference - Thurs-Sat, July 26-28 in Denver, Colorado.

This year’s theme is “Tell Her Story: Women in Scripture and History” and promises to be a great time of equipping, empowerment and encouragement. There is a special RCA registration page to sign up on. And since we are a member organization, registrants can use code CHAMPIONS for a 35% off discount.

https://site.pheedloop.com/event/TellHerStory/register/?tickets=TICIU8NEUB9&category=CATO1LCCIN1&emci=855a3b6b-8cb1-ee11-bea1-0022482237da&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=

Reimagining Family Life with Disability

Amy Julia Becker is hosting a four-part live, virtual workshop for families affected by disability. Join with other families who get it and are ready to take steps forward.

Check it out: https://amyjuliabecker.com/workshop/

Last chance to register!