Wes speaks at New Utrecht's 330th anniversary

New Utrecht Reformed Church celebrated its 330th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 27. During the service, Deacon Rose Lood was honored for her 70 years of service to the church and Elder Rita Hollenga, president of the Brooklyn Classis, was honored for 50 years of service.

After reading a passage from Luke 9:1-11, Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), gave a sermon on the growth of the RCA and the increase of her churches and ministers after starting what is now the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in Flatbush, Brooklyn in 1784. Granburg-Michaelson stressed the role of the variety of ethnic groups and its importance to both the RCA and New York City. He posed a question to the congregation: What would the mission of New Utrecht Reformed Church be like ten years from now?

He asked the church to do three things as a missionary church:

1. Prayer;
2. Draw on the stories of God's people in the Bible; and
3. Draw on the stories of God's people today.

Prayers of Thanksgiving were offered by the ministries and members of the congregation. The service concluded with a benediction by Fr. James Muller, pastor of St. Finbar's Roman Catholic Church, delivering the benediction. A dinner and dessert, accompanied by folk music, folllowed afterwards.

Photos by Vincent La Marca

Kavanagh Honor performing "Ode to Joy."

Rev. Jon Norton, executive minister of the Regional Synod of New York, giving the Word of Assurance.

Consistory Vice-President Susan Hanyen (left) honoring Elder Rita Hollenga (center) and Deacon Rose Lood (right) for their many years of service.

Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), giving the sermon.

Granberg-Michaelson speaking to the congregation and guests.

Fr. James Muller, pastor of St. Finbar's Roman Catholic Church, delivering the benediction.

After the service we have dinner together.

After the meal, folk music!