The Prairie Ridge Reformed Dispatch returns this week to several developing stories our readers have inquired about. As is customary in the life of an active confessional congregation, some matters have progressed, some have been tabled, and at least one has taken a direction this reporter did not anticipate. We report the facts as available. Prairie Ridge is not a congregation given to haste.

THE FELLOWSHIP HALL RENOVATION — STATUS: SUBCOMMITTEE PENDING

The subcommittee created to address the renovation has not yet been formed, as its formation requires a motion at the June business meeting. Elder Thomas Langley has confirmed the motion is drafted and that he intends to introduce it within the first thirty minutes of the meeting “or as close to that as procedurally possible.” He has rehearsed his opening remarks. Elder Hoffstead has not indicated which way he intends to vote. Elder Langley says he is “cautiously encouraged.” The Dispatch has heard this before.

THE WORSHIP MUSIC SITUATION — STATUS: CRITERIA COMMITTEE PENDING

The criteria committee assigned to develop a theological review process for song candidates has not yet met. Brandon Keyes has submitted a draft framework he is calling a “preliminary working document” and that Elder Hoffstead is calling “received.” The two characterizations are not in conflict. They are also not the same thing. A vote is expected at the June business meeting. Elder Langley continues to describe this as progress. He is, by this reporter’s count, the only person doing so.

THE HOFFSTEAD-MERCER SITUATION — STATUS: ONGOING

Caleb Mercer is on page thirty-four of the church’s 1992 constitution. The document is seventy-one pages. He has questions. He is writing them down. He has not yet sent them to Elder Hoffstead, as he wants to complete his reading first. Elder Hoffstead has not mentioned a second meeting. Elder Langley says to give it time. He says this with the calm of a man who has been saying it about various things for eleven years.

THE NOVAK VENTURE — STATUS: LAUNCHED

Haley Novak’s new venture — Tallow & Theology, a small-batch tallow-based skincare line — launched this week. The product range includes a facial balm, a hand salve, and what Haley is calling a “liturgy of the ordinary” moisturizer for daily use. The products sold out in four days. Susan Briggs purchased two items before the public announcement. She declined to explain how she knew. Travis Novak confirmed the counter space situation is “under active discussion.” He was smiling when he said it.

THE PASTOR WILLIAMS SERMON SERIES — STATUS: BEGINNING SUNDAY

Pastor Williams’s four-part sermon series on outreach and Reformed identity begins this Sunday. The text is Romans 10. Part One has been given a title. The title is: “What Does It Mean To Actually Be Seeker-Friendly In A Confessionally Reformed Congregation: A Preliminary Theological Framework.” Pastor Williams confirmed there is also a subtitle. He described it as “clarifying.”

AT PRESS TIME: The anonymous contemporary song proposal remains unattributed. Elder Hoffstead has requested all remaining pottery wheel equipment be removed from the premises by end of June. The equipment belongs, as confirmed by three sources, to a venture that predates Tallow & Theology by approximately eight months.

DEVELOPING: A source within the Prairie Ridge VBS planning committee has informed the Dispatch that volunteer sign-ups for this summer’s Vacation Bible School have opened. Haley Novak has signed up to co-chair the decorating committee. Susan Briggs has signed up for everything else. Brandon Keyes has submitted a proposed curriculum framework. The Dispatch will continue to monitor this situation as it develops.