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About Harlingen Reformed Church
Founded in 1727
Harlingen Reformed Church is one of the oldest churches in Montgomery and
Hillsborough Townships. Early Dutch settlers to the area founded it in 1727.
The church and its community were named after one of the early pastors of
the congregation, Rev. Johannes Van Harlingen, who served the church at
the time of the American Revolution. Harlingen Church is a congregation of the Reformed Church in America, the oldest Protestant denomination in the United States. Historically, the Reformed Church in America has its roots in the Protestant Reformation in Europe in the 16th century.
Two of the great reformers were Martin Luther and John Calvin. Those who followed Luther became known as Lutherans. Those who followed Calvin became known as Reformers or Presbyterians or Congregationalists. The Puritans who came to America in 1620 were Calvinists.
The Reformed Church of America
The
Reformed Church in America has nearly 1,000 churches in the United States
and Canada. A couple of its churches and pastors are widely known. One is
the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, which was served for 50 years
by the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Another is the Crystal Cathedral in
California, which was founded by Dr. Robert A. Schuller in 1955, whose television
program, "The Hour of Power," is seen around the world. Missions are a very important part of Harlingen Church's life. Every month its members choose a mission, locally or worldwide, that they can support. On the first Sunday of every month the members bring gifts of food to church that are distributed to local food banks. They call this, "Food on the First!" Missons Page
Harlingen Church is governed by a church board, called the "Consistory." There are six elders and six deacons, chosen by the church's membership, who serve on the Consistory. Women and men serve together as elders and deacons in Reformed Churches.
Harlingen Reformed Church wants to be a church "for all people!" Be assured that you will be welcomed at Harlingen Church!
Our Statement of Beliefs
- The members of Harlingen Reformed Church believe that the Bible is the Word of God, the "only rule for faith and practice."
- They are Trinitarians, believing that God has revealed Himself in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- They believe that God the Father is a God of love. Therefore, God seeks a personal relationship with all people.
- They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
- They believe that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in believers and helps them to demonstrate faith, hope, and love in their daily lives.
- They believe that the mission of the Christian Church is to tell people of God's love and invite them to become passionate followers of Christ.
"Apostles' Creed"
With the Christian
Church around the world
- and throughout the ages -
members of Harlingen Church treasure the "Apostles' Creed."
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
- and throughout the ages -
members of Harlingen Church treasure the "Apostles' Creed."
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Services & Groups
The
members of Harlingen Church worship every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. during
the school year-and at 9:00 a.m. during the summer months. The Sunday
School, for pre-school children through 6th graders, also meets at 10:00
a.m. The children come to church with their parents and then are dismissed
from worship early in the service so that they can go to their classes.
Harlingen Church offers a Confirmation Class for 7th & 8th graders, which prepares them for confessing membership in the Church. It also offers a Youth Fellowship for High School students.
Harlingen Church seeks to be a "full service" congregation. There's something for every one of all ages. Music is an important part of Harlingen's life. There's a Chancel Choir, Children's Choir, and a contemporary group called the "Joyful Noise." Small Groups are another significant part of the church's life. Anyone who enjoys making friends can find a small group to join at Harlingen. Missions are also a very important part of the church's life. Every month the members of Harlingen choose a mission, locally or worldwide, that they can support. On the first Sunday of every month the members bring gifts of food that are offered to local food banks. They call this, "Food on the First!"
The Church Board
Harlingen Church is governed by a church board, called the "Consistory." Six elders and six deacons, chosen by the membership, serve on the Consistory.
Since 1998 Rev. William De Young has been the pastor at Harlingen Church. He came to Harlingen from northwest Iowa. Ordained in the Reformed Church in America in 1969, Pastor De Young also holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from South Dakota State University, earned in 1992. His ambition is to serve the Montgomery and Hillsborough communities as a preacher, teacher, pastor, counselor, and friend.
A Church for "All People"
Harlingen Reformed Church wants to be a church "for all people!" Be assured that you will be welcomed at Harlingen Church!
Harlingen Church Staff
| Pastor: | Rev. William DeYoung |
| Pastor Emeritus: | Rev. Wilbur Ivins |
| High School Youth Director: | Andrew Baker |
| Church Secretary: | Kelle Macioce |
| Choir Director: | Sandi Zimmerman |
| Children's Choir: | Susan Battaglino |
| Church Organist: | Lynn Smith |