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Clifford L. Sale, 82, of Hamilton, died Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Holland Hospital.

Clifford Sale, 82

Clifford L. Sale, 82, of Hamilton, died Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Holland Hospital.

Cliff was a member and served at the Hamilton Reformed Church, the Laotian Church, and later in life attended Community Reformed Church in Zeeland. When he and Loie were unable to have children, they selflessly reached out to Bethany Christian Services in hopes of adopting. They also participated in sponsoring two Laotian refugee families which became part of their own. 

When not driving truck, he enjoyed playing golf and tinkering with his model train set, which took up most of his backyard. He also attained his private pilot’s license and spent time flying and attending aviation-related events. He retired from Holland Special Delivery and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, and is survived by his children, Eric and Annalee Sale, and Paula and Doug Vugteveen; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Brittney and John Rich (Luna), Alex and Jessica Sale (Easton, Brently, Charlotte), Jenna and Caleb Block, and Nathan Vugteveen; special friend, Sandy DeWys; in-laws, Mary VerBurg, Ruth and John Stanley, and Virginia Kleinheksel; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 25 at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 M-40, Hamilton. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Hamilton. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Wings of Mercy or Hospice of Holland.

William Gras, 89

Dr. William (Bill) Gras, 89, of Zeeland, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Dr. Gras was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, in 2020, and ever since his three daughters have been doing their best to match her unwavering support.

Bill was born in Zeeland, and graduated from Holland Christian High School, Calvin College, and University of Michigan School of Medicine. He had a PhD in physics, then became interested in optics while doing research, so. he returned to school to become an opthalmologist/eye surgeon. 

Bill and Carolyn managed his practice in Zeeland. They both believed and embodied serving the underserved both through his medical practice at home and his medical mission trip adventures overseas, especially Mercy Ships. He was an avid ham radio operator and pilot.

He is survived by his children, Mark Gras, Lynn Gras, Karin and David Carvalho, and Sarah and Dave Munson; granddaughters, Anna and Ella Carvalho, and Mapi Munson; siblings, Evelyn Myaard, Andy and Annie Gras, Norma and Chuck Monsma, Marie Williams, Ester Mains, Joanne Gras and Leah Kelley, John and Von Gras.

A family celebration of life will take place at a later date, and his ashes will be buried next to Carolyn in Churchill, Mont. Memorials may be made to Mercy Ships at mercyships.org.

Ernest Prince, 92

Ernest (Ernie) Prince, 92, of West Olive, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 19, 2026. His passing was peaceful and he was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Ernest Prins in Doon, Iowa in 1933 to Henry and Henrietta Prins. He and his family moved to Holland in 1935. The family changed the spelling of their surname to Prince after the 1930 Federal Census. Ernie graduated from Holland High, served three terms with the Army National Guard in Company D, and received honorable discharges at the end of each term, achieving the rank of master sergeant.

Ernie worked in the hull department building boats for Chris-Craft. He then worked in industrial construction, which included the power plants on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of which is the J.H. Campbell plant on Pigeon Lake. Upon retirement, he represented Pine Creek Christian Reformed Church and South Olive CRC as a volunteer with World Renew Disaster Response Services (formerly CRWRC). 

Perhaps the thing Ernie and Judy are best known for is their love of fishing. For years, if you wanted to know where the fish were biting, you hailed the “Princess” when out on Lake Michigan. American Tackle and Gold Coast Outfitters tapped into Ernie’s skills for several years, as he delivered the morning fishing report on WHTC. 

Ernie is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Judy (Otten) Prince; their daughters, Jill (Will) Wallaker, Jackie (Dan) Vanden Berg, Jenn (Rick) Fett and Jessica (Pieter) Kiwiet; grandchildren, Ian Wallaker, Meg Wallaker (Josh Garrett), MJ Wallaker, Blake (Michaela) Vanden Berg, Hailey (Jon) Loeper, Dylan Fett, Ani Fett, Joshua Kiwiet-Pantaleoni, Jordi Rivera Prince (Daniel Turner), and Sydney Rivera Prince; five great-grandchildren; sister, Judith DeGraaf; and sister-in-law, Ruby (Jerry) Prince.

He is preceded in death by 11 of his siblings, Johanna (Ann) Reyes, John Prince, Joseph Prince, Henrietta (Harriet) Ter Haar Dalman, Jeanette (Janet) Ter Haar, Alice Tubergen, Richard Prince, Henry (Chick) Prince, Frances Baumann, Ralph Prince, and Gerald (Jerry) Prince.

A service will be held for Ernie on Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m., at Dykstra Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Following the service, the family will celebrate Ernie’s life and share memories with friends from 4 to 6 p.m. 
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to World Renew Disaster Response Services.

Sharon Bennett, 80

Sharon Fay Bennett, 80, of Zeeland, passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, March 16, 2026. 

Born Feb. 14, 1946, in Osceola, Iowa, Sharon lived a life marked by devoted love for family, steadfast generosity and a love of Jesus Christ. She was always a light in the room, brought lots of laughter and a warm presence that will be deeply missed.

Sharon graduated from high school in Sturgis, S.D., and later attended Dakota Wesleyan University on a full scholarship - an early reflection of her capable, determined spirit.

While at school, Sharon met Dale Bennett on July 12, 1967. Just six weeks later, they were married on Aug. 21, 1967, beginning a marriage that spanned the next 58 years and stood as a meaningful example of love to all who knew them. Together they welcomed their daughter, Shelley, and their son, Michael into the world. After many years in South Dakota, the family moved to the Holland area in 1988.

Sharon will be remembered for her magnificent crocheting, with blankets lovingly made for much of the family. She was also an excellent cross-stitcher and found joy in many other arts and crafts, including jewelry making with beads. 
When she wasn’t creating something by hand, Sharon could often be found absorbed in a crossword puzzle or a sudoku puzzle. 

Sharon is survived by her husband, Dale Bennett; daughter, Shelley (Denny) O’Regan; grandchildren, Erin (Nolan) Potgeter, Heather (Nevin) Klingenberg, Jessie Bahm, Joshua (Aryianna) Vandenbosch, Isabelle Bennett, and Nikolas Bennett; sisters, Linda (Richard) Archuleta, Mary Manley and Vicki Gould; brothers, Eddie (Theresa) Gould, Donald Gould, and Gary (Maureen) Gould; eight great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Michael Bennett; grandchild, Jacob Bennett; father, Avery Gould; mother, Helen Gould; her brothers, Virgil Gould, Leland Gould, James Gould, and David Gould; and sister, Gina Gould.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, with designated family sharing time from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Lois Boerigter, 79

Lois Helene Boerigter, 79, of West Olive, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Born May 25, 1946, Lois will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude for a life marked by steady devotion, caring strength, and faithful presence. Lois graduated from Zeeland High School in 1964. Soon after, she met her husband, Wayne Boerigter, and together they shared more than 60 years side by side. They spent their lives in the West Olive/Zeeland area, where they raised three children, Brian, Bruce, and Beth.

A devoted and generous woman, Lois found joy in the everyday ways she could care for others. She loved quilting and was well known for baking pies, cakes, brownies, and much more. She especially cherished being a mom to her children - and to those who needed her. Lois also enjoyed spending time taking care of the kids in the church nursery. 

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Boerigter; daughter, Beth Boerigter; and brother, Ken (Hazel) Jacobsen.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Boerigter and Bruce (Robin) Boerigter; grandchildren, Austin (Stevie-Lynn) Boerigter and Michael Boerigter; and great-grandchildren, Mattew Boerigter and Bryar Boerigter.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 23 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Ave., Holland. Lois was laid to rest at West Olive Cemetery.

Gunner Ackerman, infant

Gunner Lee Ackerman was born into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Zeeland. 

Gunner is survived by his parents, Daniel and Shauwnteasia Ackerman of Grand Haven. 

No services were scheduled. Arrangements through the Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 W. Savidge St. Spring Lake.

Irene Burns, 83

Irene Ann Burns, 83, of Zeeland, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. 

No services were planned.

Beatrice Dick, 90

Beatrice "Sally" Ann Dick, 90, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at MediLodge of Zeeland. 

Sally was born on July 14, 1935, in Grayling to the late Harley and Lillian (Lovely) Kennedy. Sally married Glen R. Dick in 1955, and they cherished 71 years of marriage together.

Sally was an avid reader who also enjoyed watching movies, visiting the casino, and playing video games. She was a devoted fan of Nintendo games, especially those featuring Mario and Sonic. Over the years, Sally worked in a variety of roles, including as a waitress, a housekeeper, and for a time she provided in-home childcare. 

Sally is survived by her loving husband, Glen; grandchildren, Stacy Dobb and Matt Dobb; and great-grandchildren, Bryson, Brooklyn, Tanner, and Jayden.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; children, Jacqueline Dobb and Jeffery Dick; two sisters and four brothers.

A celebration of life for Sally was held on Wednesday, March 18 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home in Grand Haven, with Pastor Tim VanderHaar officiating. Interment was at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Have you ever been guilty of speaking before you think?  If you answer that honestly, I’m certain the answer would be, “Yes.” I know it is for me.  

By Jerry D. Ousley

Have you ever been guilty of speaking before you think?  If you answer that honestly, I’m certain the answer would be, “Yes.” I know it is for me.  

We are quick to express our belief, conviction, or opinion.  But we aren’t always right, are we? Of course not. 

Jesus addressed the words that we speak in Matthew 12:34-37, which says, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We need to be careful when speaking about this subject. I know, that I have been in the presence of people who are so insistent on saying just the right thing that I was nearly afraid to say anything. If it wasn’t always positive, or what they thought were good words, you were in immediate danger of being corrected. It is frustrating being around someone like that. 

What Jesus was addressing when He spoke these words is made clear in the verses just before those we quoted. In Matthew 12:33 He said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.”  

Ah, yes, He’s talking about our life and attitudes. Not that we are so guarded that we always say only what is good, but that our lives will reflect our good.

When we go to an apple tree, if it is in season for ripe fruit, we expect to find good, crispy, and juicy apples. That is an example of our own lives. Not that we are so positive that we are annoying, but that when we encounter people, they are glad to be around us. We are encouraging, happy, and fun to be around. When we give advice, it is good advice that builds up others, not tear them down.

We don’t want to go around saying that everything in our lives is always good, happy, prosperous and bringing sunshine and daisies. Life happens. Bad things do happen to good people. We don’t lie and say that things are great when our lives are falling apart.  

But on the other hand, we don’t want to be like Winnie the Pooh’s donkey friend, Eeyore, who always complains and always looks at the negative side. We don’t want to have a nice susshiny day and say, “I wish we had some rain to cool things off,” then when it rains, say, “Rain again! Don’t we ever get a sunshiny day?” 

We’ve all heard the old adage, “Garbage in – garbage out.”  It refers to what we are putting into our minds. If all we cram in our heads is garbage then guess what comes out?  Yep … garbage.  But we also are allowed to be entertained.  
My late wife, Debbie, used to say that what is on the inside will eventually come out. And folks, she was right.  What we are thinking about, what we silently believe, and what we are suspicion others of, will one day find itself being articulated in words coming from our mouths. 

Is there a cure for these flaws in us? Yes, there is. It first must be addressed in our lives. Is what we are thinking, what we are believing, actually the truth? Can we find Biblical support for our opinion? Are we right or are we just justifying our wrong? 

Being honest with ourselves must always come first. Once we know the answer to these things, and only then, should we tactfully address the situation with others.

When we let it come out in the right way, then we are bringing treasures from our hearts. But when we speak before we know or think, we usually erupt with evil. Sorry, just the way it is.

The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he …” What’s going on inside is who we are. Will we spew evil things or will we give treasure with our words?

What’s inside of us, that’s what we are talking about!

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Jerry D. Ousley is the author of "Soul Challenge", "Soul Journey", "Ordeal", "The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional," and his first novel "The Shoe Tree." Newer books include "Finality" and "Dividing God's Church." Visit spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of  charge.

What would it be like if God repaid us according to our iniquities? What if he dealt with us as our sins deserve? Think about that for a moment. If God treated us with nothing but strict justice, we all know where that would lead. None of us would stand a chance.

By David Bast

Read: Psalm 103:1-10; Matthew 18:21-35
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10)

What would it be like if God repaid us according to our iniquities? What if he dealt with us as our sins deserve? Think about that for a moment. If God treated us with nothing but strict justice, we all know where that would lead. None of us would stand a chance.

Do you remember the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15? He was the young man who insolently and insultingly demanded that his father give him his inheritance, which he immediately went out and squandered. 

Then one day, as he sat miserably in a pigsty, he “came to himself” and decided he would try going home again. He had a carefully rehearsed speech ready: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you …” (Luke 15:18-19). But before he could even get it all out his father ran to him, embraced him, and called for a celebration.

Aren’t you grateful that the Lord doesn’t deal with us as we deserve? But if that’s the truth, literally the gospel truth, then why are we so dead set on making sure other sinners get what they deserve? Why are we so often like the unmerciful servant in Jesus’s story, where it’s “grace for me but law for thee”? 

I think it’s because we tend to forget just how great the debt was that we owed to God, and how correspondingly deep his mercy toward us is. If we remembered that, we wouldn’t try to count how many times we have to forgive our brothers and sisters.

As you pray, thank God for his mercy to you. 

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David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America.

Earl Lynn Mokma, 79, of Zeeland, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Earl Mokma, 79

Earl Lynn Mokma, 79, of Zeeland, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Earl was born Feb. 19, 1947, in Oakland, Mich., to Lewis and Jeannette (Joostberns) Mokma. Earl attended Russcher School through elementary school and then was a student in the first graduating class of Hamilton High School. He married Judith “Judy” Nykamp on Feb. 23, 1968, in Niekerk Christian Reformed Church. 

Earl worked in the building trades as a tile installer and later as a dry wall contractor. In the 1970s he started working at the Ottawa County Road Commission and later served as the Zeeland Garage supervisor for several years before he retired. In retirement, Earl stayed very active and busy. For 18 years he worked at Engelsman Greenhouse and also never missed attending his grandchildren’s athletic and school events. 

Earl and Judy are longtime members of North Street Christian Reformed Church, where Earl has served as an elder, elder of visitation, and as a deacon. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, reading, puzzling, and camping with his family. Earl also served his country as an SP4 in the Army National Guard, going active duty during the summer of 1968.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; their children, Sheryl and Todd Vanden Heuvel, and Scott and Jennifer Mokma; grandchildren, Zachary and Heather Vanden Heuvel, Tyler and Alexis Vanden Heuvel, Trevor Vanden Heuvel, Michael and Miranda Mokma, and Christopher and Anneka Mokma; great-grandchildren, Kristoijn T. Vanden Heuvel, Maatje Helene Vanden Heuvel, Malia Evon Vanden Heuvel, Kees Dean Vanden Heuvel and Lainey Cove Vanden Heuvel; siblings, Arnold and Marilyn Mokma, and Delbert and Elizabeth (Betty) Mokma; in-laws, Norma and Henry Viening, Bill and Mary Nykamp, Garry and Beth Nykamp, Sandy and Jim Van Dragt, Phyllis Nykamp, and Linda and Mark Molewyk; and many extended family members. 

Earl was preceded in death by his brothers, Allen Mokma and Keith Mokma; and sister-in-law, Kathy Mokma.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today at North Street Christian Reformed Church, 20 E. Main Ave., Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery (Original). 

Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Mission.

Eunice Ferrin, 92

Eunice Lovedridge Ferrin, 92, of Zeeland, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Eunice was born on April 29, 1933. 

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are by Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11930 James St., Holland.

Toni Laws, 59

Toni Laws, 59, of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Brian Van Faasen. She worked for 10 years at EZ Vent in Rockford. Toni ­enjoyed collecting rocks and is described by Dave as a “rock­hound”. But more than anything else her grandchildren meant the world to her.

She is survived by her husband of 10 years, David; her children and grandchildren, Nicole and Josh Pickard (Lilah and Lucia), Michelle and David Prys (Korbin, Scarlett and Sadie), and Casey Hillis; stepson, Cody Van Alstine and April DeLoach; sisters, Jeri Ramirez, and Jodi and Wayne Ray; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lisa Laws and Chris Kinney, Chad and Nancy Laws, and Alex Laws.

A memorial service in Toni’s honor will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, March 21, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 20, also at Yntema Funeral Home.

Gloria Boerman, 83

Gloria Jean Boerman, 83, of Brentwood, Tenn., formerly of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in hospice.

Gloria was born on June 20, 1942, in Zeeland to Jay and Charlotte Van Dam. She graduated from Zeeland High School and went on to a career as a bookkeeper.

Gloria worked for many years with different companies but finally retired from her career with Sherwin Williams. She attended Second Reformed Church where she volunteered often over the years. 

Gloria lived in Zeeland most of her life until she moved to Brentwood, Tenn. in 2018 to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by her sons, Steven (Melissa) and Christopher (Helen), five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Charlotte.

A private memorial was held for immediate family. Gloria was  laid to rest in Bentheim Cemetery with her family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Reformed Church.

Thomas Carlson, 93

Thomas Neil Carlson, 93, of Janesville, Wis., passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Zeeland.

Tom was born at home in Janesville on April 25, 1932, the son of the late Harold Raymond and Martha Ellen (Erickson) Carlson. He quite literally grew up at Fairview Plant Farm on Milwaukee Street, where the steady rhythms of greenhouse work, school, and church meetings shaped his early years. At age 7, Tom became Fairview’s best tomato salesman. 

As Tom grew, so did his responsibilities - painting plant labels, blending potting soils, transplanting, potting, watering, and even stoking the boiler on cold winter nights. Fresh out of business school, he married Marjorie Lundgren and began his family in the very house where he was born, right there at Fairview.

Tom became a partner in the family business with his father, Harold, and older brother, Russell. Focusing on the retail side, Tom brought energy, innovation, and growth. He pioneered the concept of a self-service garden center featuring informational plant displays, disposable growing containers for vegetables, and shopping carts - ideas that were forward-thinking for their time.

Always community-minded, Tom served in many offices in the Janesville Lions Club and chaired the effort that brought the President’s Marine Corps Band to Janesville for annual concerts.  

Through all of life’s ups and downs, Tom maintained a strong and steady faith in Jesus Christ. He deeply respected his four uncles who served in a nondenominational, itinerant ministry in Scandinavia and the Midwest. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda (Teich) Carlson; her daughters, Laura (Brian) Manola, Allison Schultz, and Julie (Terry) Paice; five step-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Robert) Restivo and Judy Alt. He is also survived by his first wife, Marjorie (Lundgren) Carlson; their sons, Noel (Kathleen Griswold) Carlson of Holland, and Jeff (Karen Conners) Carlson of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lloyd Russell Carlson, Harold Raymond Carlson Jr., Evelyn Mae Carlson, and David Noel Carlson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., and a luncheon will be provided following the service.

Betty Hilldore, 94

Betty Grace (Peuler) Hilldore, age 94, of Holland, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Quincy Place Senior Living.

Betty Grace (Peuler) Hilldore lived a life rooted in family, music, and the many simple pleasures that brought her joy. Born to Henry and Alice Peuler in Hudsonville, she was active in school, playing basketball and clarinet and accompanying choirs on piano.

She met the love of her life, Larry, at 16, married him at 18, and together they raised five children. Betty faithfully attended their plays, concerts, and tennis matches, and accompanied them at solo and ensemble events. She also nurtured her own love of antiquing and her knack for making her home warm and inviting.  

After most of her children were grown, Betty enrolled full-time at Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in social work. She went on to serve families in Allegan, Kent, and Muskegon counties before retiring and later working at antique and home décor shops in Holland.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Lawrence, and a great-granddaughter, Sasha Adaline White.

She is survived by her children,  Thomas (Mary) Hilldore, Lori (William) Notier, Larry (Cheryl) Hilldore, Mary Hilldore, and Timothy (Christy) Hilldore; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, March 15 at Dykstra Funeral Homes - Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave. in Holland, with Chaplain Lisa Braunius  officiating. Burial was in Lakewood Cemetery.

John VanLoo, 84

John VanLoo, 84, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

John was born in Zeeland, on Dec. 4, 1941, to John and Trina VanLoo, and was a cherished member of the community throughout his life.

John was married to his wife, Judy, for 59 years. He was affectionately known as “The Tractor Man” in the community due to his many years working in tractor sales and his spirited participation in parades and tractor shows. He loved displaying his tractors and seeing the wonder in children’s eyes when they experienced the tractors up close. 

An avid outdoorsman, John cherished regular trips with his hunting club. A dedicated member of the Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, John’s faith was a guiding light in his life.

John is survived by his wife, Judy VanLoo; sister, Ruth (Harvey) LePoire; in-laws, Betty Derks, Jim and Hilda Derks; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Jay, Carolyn, Robert, and Paul; and brother-in-law, Harley Derks.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 17, at the Drenthe Christian Reformed Church, 6344 Adams St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be given to Drenthe Christian Reformed Church or to South Christian High School (please write “Feyen Children” on the memo line).

Does your faith community have a living word at work in your midst?

By Jeff Gill

Does your faith community have a living word at work in your midst?

"The living word" is what the Danish theologian N.F.S. Grundtvig calls the communal text of what we have memorized. It may vary from congregation to congregation, but those shared corporate remembrances shape the life of the community.

Think of what you, and your fellow worshipers, have in your minds and hearts, whether there's a book nearby or not. John 3:16 will come up quickly for many; the Lord's Prayer is in multiple gospels (watch that ending, which is another subject), and there are actually two versions of the Ten Commandments in the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament.

Some communities put more emphasis on learning by heart than others; a few of us have committed Romans 6 & 8 to memory, or at least the last half of Romans 8. Quite a few of us know I Corinthians 13 from start to finish. How about Psalms? The 23rd, the 121st, old 150? My wife and I have most of Proverbs, chapter 31 (at least from verse 10) ready to recite, a long story for another day.

Actually, you might be pleasantly surprised once you start in on piecing together what you do have. Maybe not word perfect, but close. I don't have as good a memory as I might wish, but Isaiah 40 for funerals, and 53 for Easter, along with the whole story of Joseph in Genesis 37 to 50 in parts, if not the whole, live with me.

And who of us doesn't have at least a steady echo in our heads with Linus speaking from Luke, chapter 2, along with goodly chunks of Matthew 2? Plus Luke 24: 13-35 a fair number of us could assemble, if piecemeal, as a coherent story we carry.

I mention all of this to speak a word for holding onto a print Bible in your spiritual disciplines. As many of us are reading scripture a bit more regularly in Lent, preparing for Holy Week at the end of the month, there's something to be said for the physicality of a book in one's hands.

Bible apps? Helpful! The Bible on my phone? Got it! Resources? So, so many: I have a rich collection of Greek and Hebrew helps, but I pull up an interlinear reading on my laptop or phone all the time to piece together an exegesis of a term in the week's reading. Yes, you can read Holy Writ on screens and devices.

Yet it is indisputably true: ­physical books provide cues which anchor memory. Reading on screens tends to default to more of a "scanning" mode, with less retention in your long-term memory. The National Institutes of Health call this the "screen inferiority effect." Reading from a text with weight in your hands, the feel of pages as you turn them, seeing the marks on the page you've made in the past - all of this builds connections within your memory-making capacity in ways a well-lit screen cannot.

A stack of leather-bound unread Bibles gathering dust versus a Bible app you actually read: there's no question I support using any technology to keep you immersed in a living, vital Bible practice.

What I want to encourage, though, is having a version or two around in print, between covers, which you pick up, underline in, and read through. Because I'm with Grundtvig: the Bible you remember is the scripture you live out. And that's when God's Word "is living and active and full of power." (Hebrews 4:12)

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Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher in central Ohio; he's got a few Bibles at home, some of them in English. Tell him how you remember to read the Bible regularly at knapsack77@gmail.com or follow @Knapsack on X.

I first learned this verse in the King James Version of the Bible: “Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” 

By David Bast

Read: Psalm 103:1-4; Psalm 23
“… who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” (Ps. 103:4)

I first learned this verse in the King James Version of the Bible: “Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” 

However they are translated, these are two of the most beautiful words in the whole Bible. In Hebrew, they are khesed and rekhem.

Khesed is God’s covenant love, the fierce, passionate, unbreakable loyalty of God to the people whose God he has promised to be. Though sin will strain, it cannot break God’s commitment. His love is steadfast: it endures through thick and thin. 

The word rekhem, or compassion, is related to the Hebrew for a mother’s womb. God’s mercy is a function of his deep compassion for his people, his readiness to forgive despite the sins that have grieved him (Hosea 11:8). Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates God’s steadfast love, ending with verse 6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

The Old Testament consistently links these terms in describing the character of God. God’s love is constant and unswerving; he loves us because he chooses to, and he won’t go back on his word or break any of his promises. But God’s love is not some cold, calculating thing. He is as passionate as a husband for his wife, as a mother for the unborn child she is carrying. In The Message of Psalms, Michael Wilcock says, “The believer is ‘restored,’ satisfied and renewed, by the Lord’s covenant love and compassion, that is, the divine commitment and affection, the will and the heart of God.”

As you pray, thank God for his steadfast love and mercy.

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David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America.