New Life – Now What?

On Monday, December 7, our congregation voted to change the name of our church from “Second Highland Christian Reformed Church” to “New Life Christian Reformed Church.” This name change was the result of many months of discussions and presentations that are part of our church’s desire to become more actively involved in our community, and more intentional about welcoming people to join us in our church’s ministry.
Even though we have voted to change our name, we will not immediately unveil a new sign and have a new bulletin cover. We want this name change to be part of a bigger plan to invite and welcome people from the surrounding neighborhood to participate in the life of our church family.

During the next few months, members of our Council and Staff will work to notify the appropriate agencies and file the necessary paperwork to ensure that our name change is well communicated to those who should know. At the same time, we will meet with representatives from Back to God Ministries to help us consider how we might be more effective in enfolding visitors into our church family. We will also begin the process of recruiting a Director of Community Outreach during these months.
It is our hope that we will designate a date late this spring or early this summer to recognize the new name of our church, and unveil other efforts to help our church become a stronger presence for Christ in our community. Please pray that these efforts will be beneficial for God’s work in Highland, and look for further information about this process in the near future.

New Life

Early in October, the Council at our church voted to propose that Second Highland Christian Reformed Church change its name to New Life Christian Reformed Church of Highland.  The proposed name change is part of an ongoing effort to change our ministry focus to become a church that has a noticeable presence within our surrounding community. 

The name "New Life" is significant for a few different reasons.  On the one hand, it reflects where we are in the history of our church.  We are praying that God will work within our church family to bring a new enthusiasm for His work within our neighborhood.  We recognize that our church is not only a refuge from the trials of the world, but it should also be a mission post to reach those who do not know Christ.

But the name "New Life" does not only reflect the current desire for our church, it also speaks to the greatest hope the Church has to offer.  When we know Christ, we begin a process of becoming new people.  The name, "New Life" points to God's promise to make us new. 

We pray that our church will be a place that people come when they recognize that they would like a fresh start.  When people are looking for a revitalization in their lives, the church has been given the greatest gift, that can lead people to that newness of life.  We want people to experience the life-changing power of Christ to make all things new.