July 18, 2003 - Pages 349 - 372 - Clarion

Transcription

Volume 52, No. 15
July 18, 2003
And the Walls came Tumbling Down
•
•
Willing Leaders
The Canadian Reformed Churches at
General Synod Zuidhorn
E
DITORIAL
By James Visscher
And the Walls
Came Tumbling Down
I am sure that many of our readers are familiar with the
words “and the walls came tumbling down.” They are usually considered a reference to what happened long ago to the
city of Jericho. The children of Israel led by Joshua marched
around the city seven times on the seventh day and when
they gave a mighty shout, the walls collapsed.
Well, today the walls are collapsing too. They are collapsing in the nation of Canada. Only they are not collapsing for good reasons. Rather the moral walls of our country
are tumbling down.
Unlike Jericho, God is not causing these walls to cave in.
This is the work of wilful man. And unlike long ago, this is
not an instant thing. For years already the walls have been
under attack.
only a half-hearted campaign against the use and spread of
illicit drugs. Marijuana puffers are all but ignored. Marijuana growers, even those who run large and sophisticated
operations, are caught, slapped on the wrist with minor
penalties and set free to begin even bigger and more profitable ventures. What assurances do we have that in the future the authorities will not continue to turn a blind eye to
both the little fish and the big fish in this awful trade?
Can preachers still tell their
congregations that homosexuality is sin and
abhorrent to God, and at the same time
remain exempt from legal penalty?
A definable beginning
Some would say that the process started in earnest
when the government of Canada decided to allow abortion
on demand. That was the first major breach in the wall. It
removed one of the fundamental pillars of the Christian ethic
from our land, namely that God is the Creator of all human
life and that it is a sacred gift and trust which is to be protected and promoted.
Marijuana puffers are all but ignored.
Ever since this sad development, the forces of darkness
have been gaining momentum. The calls for legalizing euthanasia are heard on a regular basis. The use of foetal tissue as medicine to treat various diseases remains the subject of debate and, one suspects, the raw material for further
experimentation.
What are they smoking in Ottawa?
Yet if all of this is cause for dismay, and it surely is, then
what has been happening over the last few weeks and
months, can only be deemed to be a source of deep consternation.
First, the government informed the nation that it was
changing its policy on the possession of marijuana. Being
caught with minor amounts would no longer result in criminal conviction, sentence and record. Instead the focus is
now going to shift to apprehending and punishing the major growers and pushers. Is this a new get-tough policy? Is the
government about to get serious in its war on drugs?
One could wish that this were really the case, but is it?
For some time now the government has been conducting
350
And it is an awful trade, let there be no doubt about
that. All too often I have been told that marijuana is a harmless substance and does even less damage than alcohol. On
a regular basis I hear calls for its legalization. What I do not
hear about very often, however, are all of the brains that are
fried as the result of excessive pot use. As a pastor I have
met young men who have lost all ambition, focus and drive
in life because of their addiction. Even worse, I have observed something even more frightening, a linkage between
heavy marijuana use and a dreaded psychological disorder
called schizophrenia. Last of all, I have read that medical authorities are investigating a connection between marijuana
use and the appearance of holes in the brains of pot users.
Yes, and what about the connection between illicit
drugs and crime? Car thefts, home break-ins, prostitution and
so much other criminal activity are all fuelled by the desperate need to raise money to maintain the habit. Entire
neighbourhoods are being victimized directly and indirectly by the drug culture.
In all of this one has to question seriously the new policy announced by those who govern us. Why not a clear and
uncompromising position that all marijuana use is illegal and
that its cultivation and sale will indeed be prosecuted by
the authorities? Why not a national advertising campaign to
counteract the myth that this weed is harmless? Why not a
concerted attempt to rescue a generation that is in danger of
succumbing to a cloud of marijuana?
Gay rights
Hard on the heels of a new drug policy, we have another development in Ottawa, and it comes from none
other than Mr. Svend Robinson, Member of Parliament for
CLARION, JULY 18, 2003
Burnaby South. His private member’s bill C-250 is aimed at
all those who would say or publish anything of a negative
nature against gays and lesbians.
Now, if it is Mr. Robinson’s intent to deal forcefully with
all those who promote hatred and violence against members of the homosexual community, I can see some merit in
his effort. The problem is, however, that his bill is wider
than that and has the potential to make all criticism of this
lifestyle a crime. Can preachers still tell their congregations
that homosexuality is sin and abhorrent to God, and at the
same time remain exempt from legal penalty? Can parents
teach their children openly, honestly and without hatred,
that being gay or lesbian is not God’s will for their lives?
And what about teachers, social workers, printers, and all
those who express hesitation, even reservation, when it
comes to the homosexual lifestyle?
Of course, some insist that this bill is not meant to be so
invasive and comprehensive, but who will see to that? Will
our increasingly activist and pro-gay courts uphold our right
to dissent?
What’s inside?
We have seen some very disheartening developments in our society in recent weeks. We seem to be on
the very “cutting edge” of moral experimentation. However, the result is a society which is eroding rapidly. We
truly live in a post-Christian age. Dr. J. Visscher reflects
on this in the editorial.
In the previous issue of Clarion, the editorial delivered some cautionary words about jumping to unsubstantiated conclusions regarding developments within our
sister churches in the Netherlands. In this issue, we have
a response from the Netherlands regarding a published report by our deputies from the Committee on Relations
with Churches Abroad. Please note that our committee
responds to this article from the Netherlands.
Once again Dr. J. Visscher presents us with quite a
number of suggestions for good reading. Maybe you
will find that book you are looking for as you enjoy the
summer vacation!
Our column Education Matters takes another look at
the matter of home schooling. This comes as a response to a letter written by Wes and Rose Bredenhof
who were interacting to a previous column of Education
Matters.
We have a letter to the editor which interacts what
might be one last time on a letter by Filia Pastoris. We
also have our regular columns Treasures, New and Old
and Ray of Sunshine.
We have press releases from Classis Ontario West,
Classis Central Ontario and Classis Northern Ontario.
In one of the press releases we read that Rev. C. Bosch
received approval for early retirement for health reasons.
We wish our brother who has served the churches so
faithfully and enthusiastically the Lord’s blessings as he
enters his retirement. It is our hope and prayer that that
Lord will also grant him a measure of health, together
with his wife, to be able to enjoy these years.
RA
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IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial – And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
— J. Visscher ..........................................................350
Treasures, New and Old – Willing Leaders
— J.D. Louwerse ....................................................353
Ray of Sunshine
— C. Gelms and E. Nordeman ..............................354
All about books — J. Visscher ..................................355
The Canadian Reformed Churches at
General Synod Zuidhorn — R.C. Janssen ..............357
Education Matters — K. Sikkema ..............................360
Letter to the Editor ....................................................362
Press Release – Classis Ontario West, Classis
Central Ontario, Classis Northern Ontario..............363
351
At the same time others say that it is only a private
member’s bill and that those hardly ever make it to third
and final reading. Do not be too sure about that, seeing that
C-250 has the support of the governing Liberal party.
Same sex marriage
Still, if drugs and the gay and lesbian issue are not
enough to spoil your appetite, there is one more thing that
is sure to do it. It has to do with same sex marriages. For
some time now the gay community has been lobbying hard
for the right to marry and to have their marriages legally
recognized. Recently the Ontario Court of Appeal, considered by many a very influential court, has ruled on this matter in Halpern v. Canada. It decided that the marriage laws
should be reformulated and that gays may marry in the
Province of Ontario. It also declared its ruling to be effective immediately.
Hard on the heels of this provincial court ruling the federal government was questioned about its reaction and response. For several days it pondered whether or not to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada; however,
it appears that the Prime Minister, Mr. Chretien, intervened
and decided that no federal challenge would be forthcoming. As a result, federal Canadian law will soon be amended
to allow for the legalization of gay marriages.
Naturally, this matter will be contested. Already the Premier of Alberta, Mr. R. Klein, has said publicly that he will
use every means at his disposal to prevent this from happening in his province. In addition, other provinces are
concerned because here they see a federal government encroaching on marriage which has always been an area of
shared jurisdiction. Finally, sounds of dismay can also be
heard from across the border in that few American states
are prepared to adopt what until now has always been considered an unacceptable position.
Canada is sinking
Still, all of that is not at bottom what should really concern us. What is so deeply troubling about this development
is that the government of Canada seems not to realize is that
it is tampering with a divine institution and undermining a
major social pillar in our society. Marriage in Canada has
long been defined by the courts as “the voluntary union for
life of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all
others.” This will no longer be the case.
Tragically a country that already has such a poor track
record when it comes to dealing with matters of marriage
and divorce, child custody and spousal violence, is going to
muddy the waters even more. For let there be no doubt about
this: Canada is sinking into a moral morass. Our citizens no
longer know what it is to live a biblically ordained life.
As a result, federal Canadian law will
soon be amended to allow for the legalization
of gay marriages.
Even worse, how can we as a nation continue to count on
the blessings of the Lord when we so openly violate his
holy will? In Romans 1 there is a terrible recurring phrase
and it is this: “God gave them up.” Thereby the apostle Paul
is saying that there comes a point in human decline when
God no longer holds back the rising waters of sin and depravity. He hands mankind over and allows it to experience
the complete and utter consequences of their sin and rebelliousness. It would appear that we have come to that junction in the road.
Our calling as Christians
Dear reader, it is not a pretty picture that I am painting for
you. Some might even call it alarmist. Nevertheless, as Christians we are to specialize in the signs of the times, and who
will dispute that the signs are dark and dreadful? They should
drive all of us to pray earnestly and constantly for our beleaguered nation.
At the same time they should also cause us to reflect seriously on the extent of our political involvement. Perhaps
the tide of secularism and humanism that is sweeping our nation cannot be averted, but have we tried hard enough to
do so? Have we forgotten our Reformed heritage which
calls for the reformation of all of life and for a recognition of
the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all of life? The moral walls
of Canada are tumbling, what will the righteous do? What
can they do? What should they do?
Dr. J. Visscher is minister of the Canadian Reformed Church
at Langley, British Columbia. [email protected]
Supreme Court of
Canada
Front cover:
Parliament Buildings,
Ottawa
352
REASURES, NEW AND OLD
T
MATTHEW 13:52
By J.D. Louwerse
Willing Leaders
“My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!”
Judges 5:9
By this time of the year, many a
congregation will have witnessed the
blessed event of the installation of new
office-bearers. The new elders and deacons have begun their tasks of leading
and guiding and teaching God’s people. Thankfully we can fill the vacancies every year again! And yet how often is it not a struggle for a church
council to find brothers who are able
and willing to serve? And how is the
work of the elders and deacons being
done? Eagerly? Willingly?
We are very much opposed to having women serve as elders and deacons. For God’s Word is very clear on
this matter. In 1 Timothy 2 God declares:
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to
have authority over a man.” And yet, are
we not today in danger of having
women in office by default?
For generally our women’s Bible
study clubs are more numerous and
better attended than that of men. Where
are the men? Where are they preparing
to be leaders and commanders among
God’s people?
That question could also be asked
in the days of the Judges! In those days
there was no king in Israel and every
man did what was right in his own eyes.
Yes, no king and no princes under a king
either! For who arose in Israel? Deborah,
a mother in Israel. Deborah as a
prophetess and judge!
It is through this prophetess that the
Lord God encourages men to leadership; to be leaders among His people.
The Lord God encourages through Deborah’s song of praise, specifically when
she says: “My heart is with Israel’s
princes, with the willing volunteers
among the people. Praise the L ORD!”
This mother and wife in Israel encouraged the princes to lead by offering
themselves in service. So it should be today also: wives and mothers encouragCLARION, JULY 18, 2003
ing their husbands and sons to lead by
offering themselves in service.
But where were these leaders in
Deborah’s days! Where were the princes
of Israel, leading in the fight against the
army of general Sisera? Where were the
men to direct the fight against the soldiers and 900 chariots of Jabin King of
Canaan who reigned in Hazor?
Because of Israel’s disobedience of
turning to the gods of the surrounding
nations, the Lord God sold them into
the hand of Jabin king of Canaan. In
those days, the highways and roads in
the valleys and plains of northern Israel
were under the control of the Canaanites: no one dared to go out because of
them. If they did, they stuck to the winding trails and little-used pathways of the
hills and mountains. Also village life in
Israel ceased. People didn’t live in unwalled villages for fear of the Canaanites
who would raid them! This was a time
of cruel oppression. There was no law
and order in Israel. There was no peace.
Who would deliver God’s people
from their enemies? Who would bring
God’s people justice and peace? Who
would be defending them in those days
of trouble? Who would be willing to
serve among them: to lead them in battle against their enemies?
Deborah sent and summoned Barak,
the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in
Naphtali and said to him, “Go, take with
you ten thousand men of Naphtali and
Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I (the Lord) will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots
and his troops to the Kishon River and
give him into your hands.”
It was the Lord God who called
Barak to serve as leader under his
supreme command! And yet, how unwilling Barak was! For what did Barak
say to the prophetess Deborah? “If you
will go with me, I will go; but if you
don’t go with me, I won’t go!”
So unwilling to lead according to
God’s command! Lacking in faithfulness!
Would there ever come one who was
willing to lead among the people? There
was no king in Israel in those days. But
the days would come when there would
be a king who would serve as commander in chief, as Prince of peace!
He would offer Himself willingly
among his people. He is our Lord Jesus
Christ! He said: “Here I am, I have come
– it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law
is within my heart.” And so He offered
himself willingly even unto death! And
in this way He delivered us from our
enemies.
But to keep us in our deliverance,
our Lord Jesus Christ, as commander in
chief, as Prince of peace, has also graciously given leaders to be among us,
his people. These leaders are to offer
themselves willingly among the New
Testament people of God.
The apostle Peter exhorts the elders
in his first letter: “tend the flock of God
that is your charge, not by constraint
but willingly, not for shameful gain but
eagerly. . . .” So it is to be in the church
of our Lord, with the elders, with those
who are to lead and guide the flock: offering themselves willingly among the
people! By the Spirit of our Lord Jesus
Christ, may there be that willing spirit
among the office-bearers who serve in
the churches.
And then let us, God’s children, as
those who believe in our Lord Jesus
Christ, be wholly glad and willingly to
follow them. May we submit to them,
as we go into battle against our enemies!
And so may the Lord be blessed and
praised forever.
Rev. J.D. Louwerse is minister of the
Canadian Reformed Church at Fergus,
Ontario. [email protected]
353
RAY OF SUNSHINE
By Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour
your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on
earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up
in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
“Honour your father and mother, so that you may live
long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” In this
fifth commandment, we are dealing with matters at the
heart of our homes: honouring our parents. The catechism
teaches us that this honour also extends to all those who are
in authority over us. God has given man this authority, since
it is his will to govern us by their hand. We must never forget that all authority belongs to God alone.
To show honour, love and faithfulness, means to respect
and show kindness and loyalty. This should be shown to our
parents for God has set them over us. We can do this by
means of submission and with cheerful obedience. As little
children, this respect must begin at home. But it does not
just stay here, but extends also to the governments, teachers, employers, and elders. We are not to heed to their instruction in a grudging manner, but willingly, realizing that
those in authority are set there by the Lord, and are working for our good.
Paul teaches us in Romans 13:1,2 “Everyone must
submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no
authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling
against what God has instituted, and those who do so will
bring judgment on themselves.”
Since mankind is so stained with sin, the catechism
also teaches us that we must be patient with the weaknesses
and shortcomings of those placed over us. As we all get
older we may realize more and more that our parents are
just like us all; weak and sinful people, who have so often
fallen, just like us, in the service of God.
Jesus strongly warns us in Matthew 10:37 that “anyone
who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” God must be our first priority in life, over our
family. This commandment also gives us a promise that it
may go well with us. “Honour your father and mother, so
that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Here we must realize that we stand before God’s
sovereign wisdom. To live as children of God can so often
bring its trials and difficulties. By listening and obeying our
parents and those in authority over us, we show our true
love for the Lord. When Christ was on the cross, he was in
total humiliation, and listened to the will of his Father. He
showed all honour, love and faithfulness to his Father in
heaven. We may also think of Job, who also suffered earthly
trials. Why were all the trials of the righteous so many, while
the ungodly seemed to prosper so well?
God teaches us throughout his Word that we must look
beyond this earthly life, with all its cares and sorrow. We
must keep our eyes and hearts focused on the promised
354
land that awaits us in the new Jerusalem, when Christ returns. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that
you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col 3:23,24).
Let us never forget that it is God who governs all
things. With prayer and humility may we continue to honour and love our parents and those who are placed by God
in authority over us.
Give ear, my people, listen to my teaching;
Incline your ear, and let my words be reaching
Your heart and mind, and with their truth impress
you;
The parable in which I speak shall bless you.
My mouth will voice dark sayings from of old,
Things we have heard, which us our fathers told.
A testimony He in Jacob founded,
In Israel He had His law expounded,
And to our fathers He, the Lord, commanded
That all His words from kin to kin be handed,
That children yet unborn once might arise
And teach their seed these laws so good and wise.
Psalm 78:1, 3
Birthdays in August:
4: Terence Berends will be 27
Anchor Home, 361, Thirty Road, RR 2,
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2
5: Philip Schuurman will turn 44
65 Lincoln Street W., Welland, ON L3C 5J3
9: Rose Malda will turn 46
Oakland Centre, 53 Bond Street,
Oakville, ON L6J 5B6
18: Fenny Kuik will be 51
140 Foch Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2C 5H7
23: Jack Dieleman will turn 31
5785 Young Street, Apt. 704,
Willowdale, ON M2M 4J2
Our sincere congratulations with all of you who are celebrating your birthday this month. We hope and pray that
you will be richly blessed in this year with much health and
happiness. Have an enjoyable day together with your family and friends. Till next month,
Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman
Mailing correspondence:
548 Kemp Road East
RR 2 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2
1-905-563-0380
All about books
By J. Visscher
A number of books have been piling up on my desk in need of review,
and if possible, recommendation. For
your convenience I have put them in
various categories.
Children’s books
Inheritance Publications out of
Neerlandia, Alberta, was so good as to
send a number of their most recent offerings. Of particular interest to our readers will be the Bible story books authored by Cor Rijswijk called Abraham’s
Sacrifice, Gideon Blows the Trumpet,
David and Goliath. These books are
usually about forty pages long, are
well-illustrated by Rino Visser and are
faithful, biblical renderings. They make
for good birthday presents to four and
five year olds.
Among an older group of children,
the Huguenot Inheritance Series from
Inheritance should be of interest. A.
Van Der Jagt in his work The Secret
Mission tells the story of John who
flees the persecution in France, seeks
refuge in the Netherlands, and then
has to return to the country of his birth
on a special mission. It is a sequel to
Van Der Jagt’s earlier book, The Escape.
Also dealing with France and the
Huguenots is a book by Deborah Alcock called Done and Dared in Old
France. It tells the story of a French boy
Gaspard who meet a famous Huguenot
preacher called Claude Brousson.
From the United Kingdom comes a
very attractive Bible survey book written by Carine Mackenzie called The
Bible Explorer (Christian Focus). It tries
to get elementary students into the
Bible making use of computer graphics.
As such it gives a faithful and interesting overview of the biblical storyline
from Genesis to Revelation.
Teenage and adult books
Once again Inheritance Publications presents us with a series of books
geared to teenagers, and in some
cases, older people as well. The classic by Anne De Vries, Journey Through
the Night, was originally made available in four volumes but now it has
been brought together in one volume
of 373 pages. Here is a book to read
and re-read!
The same publisher is offering us
any number of books by Deborah Alcock, a prolific Irish Reformed writer
who lived from 1835-1913. In the Reformation Trails Series we have her
book The Spanish Brothers, which is a
well-written story about Protestantism
in Spain. We also have Crushed Yet
Conquering: A Story of Constance and
Bohemia and Hubert Ellerdale: A Tale
of the Days of Wycliffe. The former
gives us insight into the struggle for reform during the times of John Hus. The
latter deals with John Wycliffe and the
circumstances under which he lived
and worked. In all three works Alcock
skillfully weaves together fictional
characters and historical events.
Quite a different book is the wellknown book by H. Knoop, A Theatre
in Dachau (Inheritance Publications).
It tells the moving story of a Dutch minister who was imprisoned in that place
which has become infamous in history
called Dachau, a German concentration camp. It is a wonderful testimony
to the fact that God’s grace is at work
even in the darkest places.
Study books
Speaking of Dachau, Inheritance
Publications has also published a
booklet by a Dutch minister who was
martyred in that awful place. It is
called The Self-Justification of God in
the Life of Job and is written by K.
Sietsma. It is actually a series of seven
sermons on the book of Job that can
still be read with profit in private and
in the worship services.
355
The Banner of Truth has come out
with a commentary on Hosea written
by Ray Beeley called Wayward but
Loved. In a series of twenty-four studies
or chapters, it delves ably into the text
of this Bible book. Of particular interest
is the fact that each study includes a
section called "For Meditation" which
often suggests ways in which ancient
words can find modern application.
Any Bible study group studying Hosea
would do well to consult this book.
The same applies to two other titles from the Banner of Truth Trust,
namely Andrew W. Young’s Let’s Study
1 & 2 Thessalonians, and Hywel R.
Jones’ Let’s Study Hebrews. Both are
the work of respected Reformed pastors
and teachers. Young, an educator in
New Zealand, gives us an able 200
page commentary on Paul’s two letters
to the church in that northern Greek
city. Jones, a Welshman currently
teaching at Westminster Theological
Seminary in California, gives us a lucid
exposition of Hebrews. Both come
complete with a study guide which
means that they are ideally suited for
group use. Give them, as well as other
titles in this series, some serious consideration if you are making plans for a
new season of Bible study.
Books for pastors
Christian Focus Publications of
Great Britain has recently published
Standing Forth: Collected Writings of
Roger Nicole. Those who are familiar
with the North American theological
scene will recognize Nicole as a theologian who has long promoted and
356
defended the Reformed faith. For
many years he taught at Gordon Divinity School (later, Gordon-Conwell
Theological Seminary) and then at
Reformed Theological Seminary in
Orlando, Florida.
This volume is divided into three
sections. In the first called "The Bible"
we have a series of articles dealing with
inerrancy, neo-orthodoxy, the canon,
truth, inspiration, the New Testament
use of the Old Testament, and personalities such as Patrick Fairbairn, John
Calvin, B.B. Warfield, and J.D.G. Dunn.
In the second section called "The
Atonement" Nicole pays special attention to this basic biblical doctrine dealing with its definition, nature and extent. Especially fitting are his comments
on the views of John Calvin and C.H.
Dodd. In the third and final section
called "Miscellaneous Articles" he deals
with matters relating to the Trinity, the
Openness of God controversy, the five
points of Calvinism, perseverance and
universalism. In the opening section of
this book Nicole also includes an interesting essay that should be required
reading for all theologians and believers called "Polemic Theology – How to
Deal with Those Who Differ from Us."
All in all, a book which offers rich fare
to all who dare to enter its pages.
Finally, from that well-known American publisher William B. Eerdmans we
have a volume that some of us have
been looking forward to with great
anticipation, namely The Age of the
Reformation, volume 4 in Hughes
Oliphant Old’s series The Reading and
Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christ Church.
Here in a work of 570 pages Old
gives us a taste of preaching as it was
in the days of the Reformation. As such
he deals with the Reformers: Luther,
Zwingli, Oecolampadius, Calvin; with
counter-Reformation figures: Thomas
of Villanova, Juan of Avila, Luis of
Granada, Xavier, Canisius, Bellarmine,
Borromeo; with Puritans: Perkins,
Sibbes, Goodwin, Manton, Watson and
Flavel. In addition, well-known preachers in Anglican, German, French and
Dutch circles receive attention. Along
with biographical sketches of these
preachers, Old gives us sample sermons and astute analysis.
In the preface we are informed that
told that this history of preaching will
consist of seven volumes in all. Four
have appeared thus far, and three are in
process. Indeed, they have already
been written and it remains for the publisher to bring them out at appropriate
intervals. Quite a feat!
Indeed, Old is to be commended for
giving the Christian church what can
rightfully be called the best history of
preaching. We have devoured the current volume with great pleasure and
look forward to more servings of this
homiletical feast. Preachers, do yourselves and your congregations a great
favour, by taking and reading.
Dr. J. Visscher is minister of the Canadian Reformed Church at Langley,
British Columbia. [email protected]
The Canadian Reformed Churches
at General Synod Zuidhorn
By R.C. Janssen
In the end-of-year issue of Clarion,
2002, Rev. J. Huijgen published an article in which he shared his (and Rev.
C. VanderVelde’s) impressions gained
during their visit to General Synod
Zuidhorn 2002 of the Gereformeerde
Kerken Vrijgemaakt (GKV). This article
gives expression to both appreciation
and concern regarding developments
in the Dutch churches. As deputies for
Relations with Churches Abroad (RCA)
on behalf of the GKV, particularly
charged with relations in the British
Isles and North America we wish to respond to the concerns expressed.
We highlight the fact that Rev.
Huijgen is describing his impressions.
Impressions play a valuable role in
coming to understand another church.
However, impressions may not be determinative in deciding a stance with
respect to another church. The words
appended to the Canons of Dort still
stand today:
Therefore, this Synod of Dort adjures, in the Name of the Lord, all
who piously call upon our Saviour
Jesus Christ not to judge the faith of
the Reformed churches from the
slander gathered from here and
there. Neither are they to judge
from personal statements of some
ancient or modern teachers, often
quoted in bad faith, or taken out of
context and explained contrary to
their meaning. But one ought to
judge the faith of the Reformed
churches from the public confessions of these churches themselves
and from the present explanation of
the orthodox doctrine, confirmed
by the unanimous consent of the
members of the entire Synod, one
and all (Book of Praise, p. 576).
In view of these words we believe Rev.
Huijgen does both the GKV and Clarion’s readers an injustice.
Sunday issues
Rev. Huijgen reports how the
CanRC deputies discussed the “Sunday issues” with the GKV deputies. He
writes: “We were assured by our counterparts that the Dutch churches maintain strong Sunday traditions. Rev. Vandervelde and I wondered whether
traditions alone would suffice. We requested scriptural basis for some of
their assertions. We were presented
with their rationale, a range of interpretations existing from one end of the
‘spectrum’ to the other with variations
in between.”
Only at the GS Zuidhorn was the issue of Sunday observance tabled in its
full breadth. GS Leusden decided it
would be “synodical” to deal with the
issue in its breadth and limited itself to
the appeal with which it was presented.
GS Zuidhorn confirmed the correctness
of GS Leusden on this point. (This decision has been translated and can be
found via www.gkv.nl). Since the issue
of Sunday observance had, however,
been properly placed on the agenda of
GS Zuidhorn, it decided to appoint
deputies mandated to study the issue.
Deputies RCA were unwilling to anticipate Synod and could thus do no more
than relay the various positions held in
the Dutch churches, positions which
have been held ever since GS Dordrecht 1618-19, as GS Leusden 1999
art 25, decision 4 made clear. Rev. Huijgen’s concluding comment, “we observed that their unity and uniformity
has been exchanged for plurality,” is
thus considered by the GKV to be in
error: this plurality has existed since at
least GS Dordrecht 1618-19.
New marriage form
Rev. Huijgen expresses concern
about the role deputies play in the GKV
ecclesiastical organization. He uses as
example the fact that deputies RCA
placed a summary of the study of the
new Marriage Form on the agenda of
synod. He writes:
Today the Dutch deputies present
to Synod any material they receive
omitting discretion as to admissibility and relevance. During Synod
the Dutch deputies are in attendance, to continue discussions and
expedite the decisions. It should be
noted that these deputies have the
potential to be extremely influential
due to their number. . . As a result
discussions involving our members
cannot be conducted unless our
delegates partake at the Synod
level. This degree of participation
would require our physical presence for proper representation.
Three issues are raised here. There is
the detail of the tabling of the summary report on the Marriage Form by
deputies RCA. Concerning this fact,
deputies RCA wrote to deputies Committee for Ecumenicity and Interchurch
Relations (CEIR) the following:
From our point of view it is only
logical that this piece was submitted to our synod. When a general
synod is being held, synodical
deputies are formally decommissioned their mandate is finished
and they have no new mandate.
Since your discussion paper was received after the deadline for us to
submit our report but before synod
went into session, and since the
marriage form had already been
placed on the agenda of synod, we
thought it proper to pass on your
concerns to our synod. We passed
your paper on, intending it merely
to be used as extra information by
the committee appointed by synod
to prepare the matter. It was not
our intention that synod would
357
receive this discussion paper as a
formal objection from the CanRC.
However, synod did so and the
matter is now a fact. We sincerely
apologize for thus having shortcircuited the process which you,
mandated thereto by GS Neerlandia 2001, had set in motion. We
assure you that we had no ulterior
motives in doing so.
The second issue raised by Rev.
Huijgen relates to the influence of
deputies at Dutch synods. Rev.
Huijgen suggests a potential for
what the Dutch term “deputatencratie.” However, it is precisely at
GS Zuidhorn that the GKV have experienced less influence of deputies.
That deputies are in attendance when
“their” item is being discussed is only
logical: they are the expert advisors in
such a case. However, GS Zuidhorn
took responsibility for its own decisions and at times deviated from the
advice of deputies. Thus, contrary to
what deputies RCA proposed, GS
Zuidhorn decided to postpone upgrading the relation with the GKSA
(“Dopper” churches) to a sister church
relationship at least until GS 2005. It
also decided to approve only 90 of
the 103 hymns submitted by Deputies
Church Music for approval.
The third issue is the involvement
of delegates from foreign churches in
the decision-making process of a
synod. This is a matter being studied
at the moment. The problem is that
synods of the GKV have a lengthy
agenda and can last many months. It
is the task of deputies RCA to ensure
that foreign churches are aware of
what is happening at synods of the
GKV. For the GKV have decided that
“Should alterations or additions, which
would be in substance of confessional
nature, be considered to the church
standards, church order or liturgical
forms, such intent shall be drawn to
the particular notice of the sister
churches, in order to permit as much
consultation as possible before a final
decision is taken.” (Rules for Sister
church Relationships # 6). It should
also be noted that the language barrier
makes it more difficult for a Dutch
synod to involve foreign delegates in
its proceedings than it would be for an
English ecclesiastical assembly.
Dutch liturgy
The next concern expressed by Rev.
Huijgen relates to changes in Dutch
liturgy. It is in the worship, as the meet358
ing of God and his people that one can
see the church profess its faith, its convictions concerning and trust in the
Triune God. Rev. Huijgen reports “we
were told that. . . Dutch ministers were
attempting to make the worship services more interesting. There is a special word for that in the Dutch
churches: ‘opleuken.’” This “opleuken”
evoked surprise and sadness with the
CanRC delegates. “[We] believe we
were witness to a regression and not a
progression. We suspect the Dutch
churches to be relying on the same
practices the CRCNA embraced fifteen
or twenty years ago.”
In response we point out that
deputies Worship Service in their report to GS Zuidhorn 2002 indicated
introducing changes in the worship
service for the sake of “opleuken” (literally “to make nicer” but with a decidedly pejorative connotation) is to
no avail (Rapport Deputaten Eredienst,
p. 57). The measures undertaken
should be seen as attempts to enrich
the worship service and to communicate all the more clearly the message
of the Gospel.
With respect to the use of props
during a sermon it may be pointed out
that the use of a mask, a potato or a
cell phone during a service is not at
odds with biblical examples. God conveys a message to Jeremiah by showing him baskets of figs (Jer 24), Ezekiel
conveys the definitive destruction of
Jerusalem to Israel by making a model
of the city (Ezek 4-5), Agabus portrays
Paul’s imminent captivity by binding
himself with Paul’s belt (Acts 21:11)
and Jesus reveals the Gospel of world
history to the apostle John by showing
him what was has been, is and will take
place (Rev 1:19). Whether an illustration in a sermon is mental or physical
cannot be the point; the point is
whether the illustration serves the message or becomes an end in itself.
Rev. Huijgen suggests that many
Dutch practices are “quite new,” at
least, foreign to the Canadian Reformed. The practice in various Canadian (American) Reformed Churches
makes clear that there too there are
such “new” elements. One of the present deputies has experienced how in a
CanRC the handshake has disappeared,
how elsewhere there is no collection
in the afternoon service, how in a third
church there are various spoken
“amens,” and how during a sermon on
“paying unto Caesar what is Caesar’s
CHURCH NEWS
Called by the Free Reformed
Church of Launceston, Tasmania,
Australia:
Rev. J. Poppe
of West Albany, Australia.
***
Called by the church at London,
Ontario:
Rev. P.H. Holtvlüwer
of Aldergrove, British Columbia.
***
Called by the church at Rockway,
Ontario:
Rev. R.E. Pot
of Orangeville, Ontario.
***
Called by the church at Cloverdale,
British Columbia:
Rev. R. Aasman
of Edmonton (Providence), Alberta.
***
Instituted on June 1, 2003: the
church of St. Albert, Alberta.
Please visit the directory for
location and times of worship.
***
Morning worship services for the
church at Abbotsford, British
Columbia will begin at:
9:30 a.m.
July 13 – September 21
and God what is God’s” the minister
pulled a quarter from his wallet to
prove the point.
General trend
Rev. Huijgen concludes his impression of the Dutch churches with the following words: “We noticed a general
trend among the Dutch churches
which we summarize as a fear. This
fear involves being identified as a type
of church with exclusive truths. The Reformed character is almost unrecognizable. The Dutch churches are attempting to reinvent themselves in
hopes of establishing an identity.” The
last sentence is even lifted out of the
article to be accentuated in a text-box.
It is to this comment that deputies
RCA take strong exception. This is no
small accusation which creates misconceptions in the hearts of those
who depend on their churches’ “ambassadors” for information. Deputies
RCA consider such an unguarded
comment very unbecoming for a
deputy of synod.
We respond therefore with vigour.
The GKV are not afraid to be identified
as a church with exclusive truths. The
Ecumenical and Reformed Creeds are
maintained wholeheartedly, as is
clearly evidenced by our contacts with
the Nederlands Gereformeerden closeby and the “Dopper” churches in South
Africa. The GKV dare to be a church
with exclusive truths. Our Reformed
character is clearly recognizable.
Rather than attempting to reinvent ourselves in the hopes of establishing an
identity we are, in true Reformed tradition, constantly reforming ourselves
(semper reformanda) so that the message God wishes to convey to the
world through us may sound loud and
clear, in covenant circles and in the
world at large. We in fact wonder how
it is possible for Rev. Huijgen to expe-
rience “the work of the Lord” in activities of the Institute for Reformed Theological Training and yet claim that the
churches to which the IRTT belongs to
be “almost unrecognizable” with respect to their “Reformed character.”
The GKV will make no claim to
being perfect. There is much to discuss, much to learn, much to flee from
and much to pursue. Rev. Huijgen’s
impressions evidence this. However,
the interpretation presented of these
impressions are in error. We hope that
we have reassured concerned brothers
and sisters that the GKV are making
serious work of their calling to be
church in their environment. And we
openly solicit the thoughts of our sister
churches all around the globe to reflect on the issues that confront us.
In closing we note that we have
submitted this article to Rev. Huijgen
for comment prior to having it published. We have also informed deputies
CRCA of its submission to Clarion for
publication. Sadly, this Christian cour-
tesy was not extended us prior to the
publication of Rev. Huijgen’s article.
On behalf of Section 3,
deputies RCA of the GKV,
Rev. R. C. (Karlo) Janssen.
Comment from the Committee on
Relations with Churches Abroad
The CRCA was informed only after
the article had been submitted to Clarion and accepted for publication. The
CRCA regrets that the Dutch Deputies
took this course of action. First, it does
not reckon with the fact that the report
on the visit was not submitted under
personal title but on behalf of the
CRCA. Second, committees appointed
by their respective church federations
conduct their discussion not in the public press but by directly addressing
each other.
On behalf of the CRCA,
Rev. Eric Kampen, Convener
CALLING ALL
FORMER TEACHERS!
We need your help! The boards of the
Credo Elementary School, John Calvin
School, William of Orange School and
Credo Christian High School, located in the
Fraser Valley in BC, set up an ad hoc
Teacher Recruitment Committee last fall.
Its mandate was to explore and ways and
means of recruiting and maintaining teachers in our schools.
As part of that mandate, we are soliciting
input from both current and former teachers across the continent. We have posted a
short survey online which we are asking
you to fill out in order to help us gather
some valuable data (we hope) on why some
have left the profession. We are also soliciting input on how schools can do a better
job in keeping teachers happy and in the
profession.
If you left the teaching world (or specifically
teaching in our schools) at anytime during
the past ten years, we are encouraging you
to contact us by email so we can give you
the location of the survey and the necessary
code to access it.
You could be doing your (former) colleagues a great service and be part of the
solution to what is an ongoing challenge
for our schools. Please send a short email
to the following address to get your access
information: [email protected]
Teacher Recruitment Committee
359
E
DUCATION MATTERS
Is Home Schooling Less
Reformed?
By Keith Sikkema
In the last twenty years or so, many
feathers have been ruffled by home
schooling. It first clearly challenged
the public educational establishments
of North America on their academic,
moral, and philosophical failures.
Moreover, it was illegal in many jurisdictions. The tide has turned however,
and home schooling is now legal in
most areas. Also, many parents without access to Christian day schools
now have a better way to responsibly
train up their children.
Tensions in Christian contexts
The feathers of Christian day
schools also got ruffled. Christian Renewal of September 10, 2001, speaks
of strain in several communities between such schools and those who
home school. While some seek cooperation between the two, others object
to such efforts. The chairman of Heritage Christian School in Jordan, Ontario, is quoted as saying, “We certainly
have those who believe, that, as part
of the covenantal responsibility, you
should send your children to the
covenantal school.” The editor calls
this, “a serious charge (that) appears to
disregard the Biblical truth that the ultimate responsibility for training children is that of the parents.” At the May,
2003, Convention of the Ontario Christian Home Educators Connection
(OCHEC), I asked some who home
school about this controversy. Several,
including members of the URC, CRC,
FRC, and CanRC, acknowledged tension on the matter, particularly if their
community was previously committed
to a Christian day school. Finally, in a
recent letter to the editor in Clarion,
Wes and Rose Bredenhof identified
some controversial comments in an Education Matters interview with a retired
Canadian Reformed principal.
This interview presented one person’s general view on the course of
Reformed education, and was neither
360
designed nor intended to elaborate on
philosophical issues. Yet, his controversial comments touch on a matter
that lies at the heart of the home
schooling controversy, however brief
they may have been. Does it require a
professional and Reformed teacher in
a classroom setting to teach Bible and
church history reformedly, or to provide a Reformed view on history, geography, and other subjects? Could
this also be done at home by Reformed and able parents, not a few of
whom are actually former teachers in
our schools? If those who home school
Does it require a
professional and Reformed
teacher in a classroom setting
to teach Bible and church
history Reformedly, or to
provide a Reformed view on
history, geography, and other
subjects?
cannot do it well, how well do our
school teachers do it? The Bredenhofs
suggest the comments also imply a “wehave-arrived syndrome.” I assume that
this syndrome entails that we have our
schools, that they are Reformed, and
that they are the final answer to educating the youth of the covenant. In
this article, I suggest that the schools are
not the only legitimate answer to education, and that we all must remember
to serve the communion of saints: our
brothers and sisters in the church.
Cause for our schools
Canadian Reformed schools were
established for good reasons. Here I
only mention the situation, the faith
commitment, and the tradition. Certainly in Ontario, it was becoming increasingly irresponsible to send
covenant children to a public school
environment during the 1950s and
1960s. These schools could only be
trusted to esteem the Word of God in as
far it was seen to pragmatically promote essentially humanistic virtues
like love and honesty (cf. Ontario’s
Hope Report, 1950). Although classes
were still opened with Bible reading
and prayer, and two half-hour weekly
Bible periods were required by law,
public education was shifting towards a
more blatantly secular orientation. Ontario’s Hall Dennis Report of 1968 was
clearly secular in its quest for truth, and
the subsequent Mackay Committee set
out in 1969 to chart the path to make
public education officially secular. This
was the time our first schools were established in Ontario as well: Burlington,
1962; Smithville, 1964; Fergus and Orangeville, 1967; Chatham and Hamilton, 1973; Guido de Brès High, 1975.
Without alternatives, parents understood that this situation required
schools that preserved the unity of
home, church, and school, that could
help maintain their baptismal vows, that
were true to their confession, and that
upheld the antithesis. That response
also connected them to the long and
well-tested tradition of Reformed education carried by our Reformed forefathers in the Netherlands at the Synod of
Dort (1618-1619), and through the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
From the beginning, it was understood that these schools could only be
viable with the Lord’s blessing provided
through the communion of saints. It
may not have been understood by all,
and it has been argued that it was all a
matter of an immigrant community
banding together to preserve a sense of
group-identity, but the notion was
clearly there that God’s covenant people, that is the church, are jointly responsible for each other. It was not only
impossible for parents to build and
maintain a school and to pay teachers a
(meagre) salary, but it was also wrong
to leave it to the parents only. When the
Lord calls his people to love Him and
each other, He means that they must
look out for each other. He means that
they must help provide for each other.
That may specifically be channelled
through the work of the deacons in
some ways, but in Romans 12-14 and
in 1 Corinthians 12-13 all are called to
use their gifts for the benefit of the other
and to build up the body of Christ.
Paul takes that far: he even would have
us avoid things that could become a
stumbling block for others, especially
if it is a matter of our freedoms and
preferences. It is in that context that he
calls the kingdom of God a matter of
righteousness, peace, and joy in the
Holy Spirit. Although Paul illustrates it
with eating and drinking of certain
foods, the principle applies to the
whole broad spectrum of the life of the
congregation. It is sin to resist sharing
the gifts Christ gave with the other
members of the body.
Communion of saints
The communion of saints is the immediate context in which we have to
raise our children – much like the Israelites had to do in the days of Moses,
David and Hezekiah. I find it striking
in Deuteronomy 6:9 that the commandments of the Lord should not only
be written on the doorframes of the
houses of the Israelites, but also on
their gates, in prominent public places.
The parents have the first responsibility,
but the church also, as context of and
witness to the baptism of the children
of the covenant, is not at all aloof to
the way they are raised, as it is also reflected in Article 58 of our Church Order. Within the communion of saints,
then, people must understand that they
are all obliged to support the parents
in this effort: in gratitude to God and in
love for the household of faith, the
communion of saints supports its members in doing what God asks of them.
If I understand Scripture right, God’s
thankful people would rather forego a
luxury vacation or expensive toy than
to see some of their brothers and sisters in church suffer under a burden
that could take the joy and comfort out
of their daily lives.
It is sin to resist sharing
the gifts Christ gave with the
other members of the body.
Our schools are not the only institutions that need support, but they
loom large in the Canadian Reformed
perspective. They are beautiful institutions in which children of the covenant
can be taught in the fear of the Lord,
together, as a continuous joint effort of
the communion of saints. It is disconcerting that these schools are increasingly becoming “user-paid,” as though
they are of interest to those “who need
the service” only: Paul does not place
a cut-off date for when one “has done
his share” in loving his brothers and sisCLARION, JULY 18, 2003
ters. I believe that the user-pay problem
of our schools is an indication of the
failing health of the communion of
saints, and that it may not automatically be blamed on those who home
school: in one particular school’s
catchment area, ten percent of people
home school, but fifty-five percent do
not support the school financially.
While prominent, schools do not
fully meet the ideal, and our teachers
are not perfect, they have not arrived.
Yet, efforts are on-going to support the
Reformed character of education, for
instance through in-service training
through Covenant Teachers College in
Hamilton, through the Reformed Curriculum Development Committee in
the Fraser Valley, the Curriculum Assistance for Reformed Education committee in Ontario, teachers and principals conferences, and the like. In
Ontario, school boards are considering
the joint hiring of a full time Curriculum Coordinator to support the complex task of developing and delivering
Reformed curriculum. Locally, parents
and teachers alike gather around the
same Word under the same preaching, the same sacraments, and the
same discipline to maintain the unity
of home, church, and school. Our
schools rightly expect their teachers’
living commitment to the Reformed
faith, and a good level of pre-service
and in-service training as part of their
ongoing drive for improvement.
Consider home schooling
When I published a review of the
South African publication Thuisonderwys (Home Schooling) about a year
ago, some people wondered whether I
was perhaps “in favour of home
schooling.” Thanks to several people
who home school, who shared their
perspectives with me in the context of
a study I am conducting, I have come
to better appreciate some of its
strengths and drawbacks. Without listening to them, I would not have been
able to appreciate their joy, their pain,
burdens, and frustrations, their relief,
and the justification for their choice.
There is more to be said here than I
can do in this column, but (if only for
the principle of not condemning anyone unheard) I believe that home
schooling warrants careful consideration, as long as the key scriptural principles of the primary role of the parents in education and the actively
supportive context of the communion
of saints are maintained.
The claim that a Reformed day
school is the only way in which education can be Reformed, or that parents
are violating their baptismal vows if
they choose otherwise, will need closer
scrutiny. This is so, in the first place
because the Bible nowhere demands
that we send our children to a school. It
demands that parents raise their children in the fear of the Lord, and it gives
an actively supportive role to the community. That community, the communion of saints, may not be neglected, and
it may not neglect that role. Now that
home schooling is here to stay, we all
God’s thankful people
would rather forego a luxury
vacation or expensive toy
than to see some of their
brothers and sisters in
church suffer. . . .
are challenged to discover how the
community can play its supportive role
to parents who send their children to
the school as well as to parents who
home school. Neither our schools, nor
our home schooling families have arrived. Both need to contend with their
weaknesses, and both need to learn
from each other, and both have a long
way to go. It appears to me that means
are now available that were not around
in the 1960s, and that makes home
schooling a viable option, again. Perhaps our communities must rise to this
challenge of incorporating “new” ways
of educating children, and perhaps
they need to grow in their understanding of how diverse the Lord allows
things to be in his church.
Is home schooling less Reformed?
Undoubtedly, a home school mom or
dad may apply different techniques and
approaches than a professional teacher
would, but that does not imply that it
is therefore less Reformed. There is no
reason a well-prepared home schooling mom or dad cannot bring a Reformed perspective into the lessons, or
cannot teach the psalms, or cannot explain Scripture, or tell Bible stories. Of
course, this puts these moms and dads
on their toes, and one may rightly wonder how the resources they use affect
the Reformed character of their curriculum. If Canadian Reformed schools
and teachers spend tens of thousands of
dollars and countless hours on these
questions alone, it is well for parents
361
who home school to give that further
consideration. This is one area in
which we need the communion of
saints! However, there are also good
reasons to believe that children will
learn well in a close and loving context with one-on-one attention from the
teacher. Statistics on the achievements
of home schooled children strongly
suggest that, on average, they do better
than seventy or even eighty percent of
the general school population.
Conclusion
Wes and Rose Bredenhof asked for
some charitable Christian consideration. Let us give it just that. Let us explore together this “new” way of educating children, and see how the
principles can be maintained. Let us listen to, rather than condemn parents
who home school; let us encourage
them to rejoice in the communion of
saints rather than being driven into the
community-of-like-minded-others. Let
us see how the Lord can make the communion of saints flourish by a renewed
commitment to the love, harmony, and
unity of which the Lord’s Supper form
speaks. Misguided resentment and false
accusations against the school or home
schooling are wrong and not likely to
accomplish much. Just like teachers,
Just like teachers,
parents who home school
need support to remain
Reformed in their teaching
and to sharpen their
perspective.
parents who home school need support
to remain Reformed in their teaching
and to sharpen their perspective. Let’s
get to work with this feather-ruffling
topic, but let us especially consider
how our gifts and talents can best be
used for the benefit and well-being of
the other members in the church community God gave us, for his glory.
This article does not answer all questions. If we have not given it a lot of
thought, it may be difficult to see how the
communion of saints can be as actively
involved in a home schooling context as
in the school context. I would ask a
home schooler to tackle this in a future
article in this column. We should also
consider how our attitude on home
schooling affects the body of Christ, and
what message it sends to our children. It
is my dream that we understand the
communion of saints rightly again, that
we learn the love again of which Paul
speaks, and that we help each other apply Matthew 18.
Mr. Keith Sikkema is a grade 8 teacher
and vice-principal at John Calvin
School in Smithville, Ontario.
[email protected]
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ETTER TO THE EDITOR
Please mail, e-mail or fax letters for publication to the editorial address.
They should be 300 words or less. Those published may be edited for style or length.
Please include address and phone number.
Dear Editor,
Filia Pastoris pleaded, “Please tell
me I’m wrong.” Well, she is – about
ninety-five per cent of the time. Thankfully most of our congregations and
pastors enjoy a biblically oriented,
harmonious relationship. These congregations and their pastors take seriously the instructions of Paul to Timothy, “The elders who direct the affairs of
the church well are worthy of double
honor, especially those whose work is
preaching and teaching” (1 Tim 5:17).
They have heeded the charge given at
the ordination (installation) of their pastor: “Obey your leaders and submit to
their authority. They keep watch over
you as men who must give an account.
Obey them so that their work will be a
joy, not a burden, for that would be of
no advantage to you” (Heb 13:17).
Mostly, church members treat their
pastors well, consistently providing
support and encouragement. I know of
a congregation where the council de362
cided that their pastor should have an
extra spring break, and provided financial assistance to make it happen.
There are increasing numbers of congregations where the pastors receive
sabbaticals, much appreciated time to
study and reflect. In numerous congregations, pastors regularly receive
positive and constructive feedback on
their preaching and pastoral work.
However, it would also be possible to
list more than a half dozen instances
where the relationship between pastors and their congregations has been
much less rosy – in some cases, downright deplorable – but I won’t. Instead
I’ll tell a story (told to me as true) of
how things can change.
One year, at the annual family visit,
the usual topic of the minister and his
preaching arose. The mother of the family spoke vehemently and negatively
about the pastor. He was cold and unapproachable. His preaching didn’t
reach her. His family didn’t seem to fit
in. He just wasn’t suitable as a pastor for
their congregation. And what was the
consistory doing about this? Taken
aback, the elder paused for a moment,
absorbing the invective tirade. Then he
asked, “Do you pray for the minister?”
Surprised, the woman responded
sharply, “No, I don’t.” The elder replied,
“You should. In fact, you should pray for
him every day.” The elder continued,
elaborating how vital the church members’ prayers are for the proper functioning of the work of a pastor and shepherd within the congregation.
A year later at a subsequent family
visit, the elder, no doubt having referred to his notes from the previous
year, asked the woman, “So, have you
regularly prayed for your pastor since
we talked about it last year?” She
replied, “Yes, I have. Everyday. And the
amazing thing is that the Lord hasn’t
changed the pastor a whole lot. But he
has changed me!”
Sarah Vandergugten
Cloverdale, BC
P
RESS RELEASE
Press Release of Classis Ontario
West, June 11, 2003 at Kerwood,
Ontario
1. Opening
On behalf of the convening and
hosting Church at Kerwood, Rev. J. Slaa
calls the meeting to order. He welcomes
as guests to this meeting, Rev. J. Ferguson
(OPC) and Rev. R. Wynia (URC). He
also welcomes br. David DeBoer and
his wife. Rev. Slaa requests that Hymn
38:1-4 be sung after which he reads
from Revelation 21:1-8. After a meditation on this passage he leads in prayer.
2. Constitution
The credentials are examined by
the convening church. All churches
are lawfully represented. Classis is constituted. The following officers are appointed
Chairman: Rev. H. Versteeg
Clerk: Rev. G.Ph. VanPopta
Vice-chairman: Rev. D. Vandeburgt
3. Agenda
There are no instructions from the
churches. To the agenda the following items are added:
a. seven church visitation reports
b. request for pulpit supply from London
c. request from Hamilton re: Rev. Cl.
Stam being relieved of all classical duties for a period of one year.
The agenda is adopted.
4. Preparatory Examination of br. D
avid DeBoer
All necessary documents are present and in good order. The examination proceeds. Br. DeBoer presents his
sermon proposal on Ecclesiastes 7:1-6.
In closed session Classis does not
deem the proposal sufficient and the
examination does not continue. Classis
grants br. DeBoer permission to speaking an edifying word for the period of
one year.
5. Question Period (Article 44 CO)
is held
No advice is needed by any of the
churches.
6. Proposals from the churches
(Article 33 CO)
a. The church at Chatham proposes to
change the classical regulations,
Section 8.7 (3), (4) and (6) re: Financial Aid to Needy Students.
Classis does not accept this proposal on the ground that it will inconvenience the councils in the
timely preparation of their budgets.
b. The church at Hamilton proposes to
combine the Apostles’ Creed and
the administration of holy baptism
by making a change to the form for
baptism. Classis returns this proposal on the ground that it requires
further documentation to support
the grounds given in the proposal.
7. Correspondence
From the Theological College a letter is received indicating that brothers
R. Bredenhof and I. Wildeboer have
successfully completed their third year
of studies.
8. Reports
A report is received from the Classis treasurer. Classis agrees to change
the assessment period to January 1 to
December 31. Classis also agrees to
the assessment of $2.00 per communicant member to cover the period June 1, 2003 to December 31,
2003.
b. The church at Chatham presents a
financial statement regarding the
fund for needy students for the period June 1, 2002 to June 1, 2003.
c. The church at Kerwood reports that
the archives of Classis Ontario West
have been inspected and are complete and in good order.
d. The church at Glanbrook reports
that the books of Classis Ontario
West have been audited and were
found to be in good order for the
period of June 12, 2002 to April
30, 2003.
a.
9. Greetings from OPC and URC
a. Rev. J. Ferguson (OPC Presbytery
of Michigan and Southern Ontario)
addresses the brothers. He informs
Classis of the work of a minister of
their presbytery in reaching the Portuguese community in Toronto.
Greetings of the presbytery are also
conveyed.
b. Rev. R. Wynia (URC Classis Southern
Ontario) addresses the brothers. He
reads for encouragement 1 Corin-
thians 3:10-15. Greetings of the
Classis are also conveyed.
The chairman responds with some fitting words and passes on the greetings
of Classis Ontario West to the respective churches.
10. Church visitation reports
In closed session church visitation
reports for the seven churches in the
classis are received. In open session the
chairman requests the brothers sing
from Psalm 100:1, 2. After prayer classis breaks for lunch. After lunch the
meeting continues with the singing of
Psalm 147:1, 6.
11. Appointments
Classis releases Rev. Cl. Stam from
all classical appointments for a period
of one year. Classis makes the following appointments
a. Next classis: London (convening
and hosting church) on September
10, 2003.
b. Officers: Rev. J. Ludwig (chairman),
Rev. H. Versteeg (clerk), Rev. G.Ph.
VanPopta (vice-chairman).
c. Treasurer: br. B. Vanderhout
d. Auditing the books of the treasurer: Hamilton
e. Archives: London
f. Inspecting the archives: Kerwood
g. Church Visitors: Rev. G.Ph. VanPopta,
Rev. H. Versteeg, Rev. J. Ludwig
h. Classical Examiners: Rev. J. Ludwig
and Rev. G.Ph. VanPopta
i. Needy Students Fund: Chatham
j. Needy Churches Fund: Ancaster
k. Church for Ecumenical Relations: Kerwood
Classis also grants pulpit supply to the
church at London for the period August 2003 to July 2004.
12. Personal Question period
During question period the church
at Hamilton informs the churches of
Classis that until December 2003 or
January 2004 they will be worshipping
in the Rehoboth URC at 9:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m.
13. Censure (Article 34 CO)
The chairman notes that censure is
not needed and he expresses his appreciation for the brotherly co-operation.
14. The Acts are read and adopted.
363
15. The Press Release is read and
approved.
16. Closing
The chairman mentions a number
of items under memorabilia, among
them the ongoing vacancy in the
church at London. The church at London informs the brothers of the recent
passing of Rev. Boessenkoel. The chairman requests the brothers to sing Hymn
64:1, 4 and then leads in prayer. Classis is closed.
For Classis, D.W. Vandeburgt
Vice-chairman at that time
Press Release of Classis Central
Ontario, June 13, 2003 in
Burlington, Ontario
1. On behalf of the convening church
of Flamborough, br. E. Schouten
called the meeting to order. He requested the singing of Psalm 107:1,
2, read Ephesians 2, and lead in
prayer. He welcomed the delegates,
the deputies of Regional Synod,
and the guests.
2. The credentials were examined by
the delegates of the Church of
Burlington-Waterdown and found to
be in good order. One church had a
request for advice ad art 44 CO.
3. Classis was then constituted. The officers were: Rev. G. Nederveen, chairman, Rev. M. Jagt, clerk, and Rev.
W. den Hollander, vice-chairman.
4. The chairman, Rev. G. Nederveen,
thanked br. Schouten for opening
the meeting, the Church of Flamborough for the preparations of
Classis, and the Ebenezer Church
for the use of the facilities. As memorabilia he mentioned:
a. the request of Rev. C. Bosch for
early retirement, granted by the
Fellowship Church; he wishes
both God’s blessing for the anticipated situation as per August
31, 2003;
b. the Church of BurlingtonWaterdown is looking forward to
the arrival of the Rev. J. Huijgen;
c. the Bethel Church of Toronto is
still looking for a second missionworker for the work in Papua
New Guinea.
5. The proposed agenda was adopted.
The request for advice was added.
Rev. C. Bosch’s request for retirement would be dealt with first.
6. Classis received as information regarding the request for classical
approval for the retirement of Rev.
C. Bosch:
364
a. the request by Rev. C. Bosch addressed to the Council of the Fellowship Church, seeking early
retirement for health reasons;
b. the response from the Council
of the Fellowship Church, granting this request;
c. A Certificate of Retirement,
granting honourable release,
and containing the arrangements, financially and otherwise.
Classis is informed that all arrangements had been made to the mutual
satisfaction and agreement of the
parties involved. Classis grants approval of the request, with the concurring advice of the deputies of
Regional Synod.
The chairman addressed the delegates of the Fellowship Church in
regard to the upcoming vacancy,
wishing them God’s wisdom and
blessing. He read the Certificate of
Release from Classis, which the
members of the moderamen
signed. He also addressed the Rev.
Bosch, thanking him for the work
he did for Classis, wishing him the
Lord’s blessing for continued service whenever he will be able to render it. One of the deputies of Regional Synod, the Rev. D.G.J.
Agema, also addressed the Rev.
Bosch with words of thankfulness
on behalf of the churches in the federation. Classis sang Psalm 134:3
and the chairman lead in prayer of
thanksgiving. In conclusion, the
Rev. Bosch received the opportunity to address Classis.
7. Classis received church visitation
reports of visits to the churches:
Ebenezer, Fellowship, BurlingtonWaterdown, Flamborough, Ottawa,
and Toronto. These reports were all
received with much gratitude.
8. In the question period according to
Art 44 CO, the Church of Ottawa
asked for advice in a matter of discipline. Advice is given in closed
session.
9. Classis received information from
the Church of Burlington-Waterdown regarding the approbation of
the call of the Rev. J. Huijgen. Classis advised that a Classis Contracta
be requested in due time.
10. Candidate W. Geurts requested
Classis a one-year extension to his
eligibility for call. Classis acceded
to his request.
11. The Committee of the Fund for
Needy Churches of Classis Central
Ontario made a recommendation
regarding the obligation of a needy
church to pay the assessment for the
Fund for Needy Churches. Classis
agrees that the Needy Church
should “include a line item expenditures amount for Needy Church assessments.” Classis accepts the recommendations of the Committee.
12. Classis Ontario West informs Classis Central Ontario of its agreement with the proposal of Classis
Central Ontario, June 14, 2002, to
coordinate the delegation of observers to ecclesiastical assemblies
of churches with which we are in
ecclesiastical fellowship. Classis
Ontario West informs Classis that it
appointed the church of Kerwood
to organize this coordination. Classis received this for information.
The clerk will inform the Church of
Kerwood that Classis Central Ontario wants to be included in the
schedule for observers.
13. The treasurer, br. H.J. Sloots, requested that br. G.J. Nordeman be
appointed as substitute treasurer for
Classis Central Ontario. Classis accepted this recommendation and
appointed br. G.J. Nordeman as
substitute treasurer.
14. Classis appointed the Church of
Ottawa as convening church for
the next Classis, to be convened
on September 19, 2003, at the
Ebenezer church building. The suggested officers for that Classis are:
Rev. J. DeGelder, chairman; Rev.
M. Jagt, vice-chairman; and Rev.
G. Nederveen, clerk. The Rev. G.
Nederveen was appointed as coordinator of the examinations, replacing the Rev. C. Bosch.
15. Question Period was held.
16. Censure according to Art 34 CO
was not deemed necessary.
17. The Acts were read and adopted,
and the Press Release was read and
approved.
18. The chairman thanked the ladies
for their continued care at every
Classis. He requested the singing
of Psalm 67:1, 2, 3, and lead in
prayer and thanksgiving. He then
closed Classis Central Ontario of
June 13, 2003.
For Classis Central Ontario
of June 13, 2003,
Rev. W. den Hollander
vice-chairman of that Classis
Press Release of Classis Northern
Ontario, June 20, 2003 in
Brampton, Ontario
Opening
On behalf of the convening church
of Brampton, Rev. B.J. Berends opened
the meeting by inviting all present to
sing Psalm 96:1, 2. He then read Psalm
96. After noting some of the concerns
regarding the health of Dr. J. DeJong,
he led in prayer. He welcomed all the
delegates and guests. A special welcome was given to Rev. A. Merwin, of
Grace United Reformed Church of Simcoe County, and student Reuben
Bredenhof, currently working in the
church of Guelph as part of the Pastoral
Proficiency program.
Constitution of Classis
After the delegates from the
Church of Owen Sound examined the
credentials and concluded that all the
churches were lawfully represented,
Classis was declared constituted. Classis appointed the following officers:
Chairman: C. Vermeulen; Vice-chairman: R.E. Pot; Clerk: J. VanWoudenberg.
These brothers then commenced their
respective duties.
Memorabilia
The chairman Rev. C. Vermeulen
thanked the convening church for
their preparations for Classis and for
hosting the meeting. As memorabilia
in addition to the concerns regarding
Dr. DeJong, he noted that Rev. P.G.
Feenstra has been able to resume his
ministerial duties after some health
concerns in the past months. It was also
noted that Rev. P.G. Feenstra has received and declined calls from Carman East, Manitoba and Neerlandia,
Alberta, and that Rev. R.E. Pot has received and declined a call to the
Church of London, Ontario. Rev. J.D.
Louwerse is currently considering calls
from Neerlandia, Alberta and Grassie,
Ontario, and was wished the Lord’s
blessing in coming to a conclusion.
Adoption of the agenda
After a minor revision, the provisional agenda was adopted.
Reports
A church visitation report to the
Church of Orangeville was received
(Art 46 CO), gratefully noting that this
church seeks to be a faithful church of
Christ, upholding God’s Word and the
adopted church order.
Question period (Art 44 CO)
Question period according to Article 44 of the Church Order was held.
The churches declared that the ministry
of the office-bearers is being continued,
and the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured. The Church
of Guelph requested the judgment and
help of Classis regarding a matter of
discipline. The Church of Orangeville
requested the advice of Classis regarding a pastoral matter. Advice was given
in closed session.
Address by observer from United
Reformed Churches
After a recess, Rev. A. Merwin, pastor of Grace United Reformed Church
of Simcoe County, was invited to
speak, and brought greetings on behalf
of Classis Southern Ontario of the
United Reformed Churches. Referring
to Colossians 1, he expressed the wish
for mutual faithfulness to God’s Word
and growth in Christ. Appreciation and
thankfulness was expressed for the
growing contact between our churches,
and the mutual passion for the Reformed faith. He concluded with words
of encouragement from 1 Peter 5. The
chairman Rev. Vermeulen responded
with appropriate words.
Appointments
Classis made the following appointments:
1. Convening church for next Classis:
Elora, September 26, 2003.
2. Suggested officers for next Classis:
Chairman: P. Aasman, Vice-chairman: J. VanWoudenberg, Clerk: C.
Vermeulen.
Invitation of observers to the next
Classis
The convening church of the next
classis was instructed to extend an invitation to Classis Southern Ontario of
the United Reformed Churches to send
an observer to the next Classis. The
Church of Elora was appointed to send
an observer to Classis Southern Ontario
of the United Reformed Churches on
September 24, 2003.
Question period
Opportunity was given for questions. No questions were asked.
Brotherly censure (Art 34 CO)
The chairman judged that censure according to Art 34 CO was not
necessary.
Adoption of Acts and Press Release
The Acts were read and adopted.
The Press Release was read and approved for publication.
Closing
The chairman expressed gratitude
to the sisters from Brampton for providing nourishment for the delegates.
After reading Psalm 122, he invited all
present to sing Psalm 122:3. He then
led in prayer, and declared the meeting closed.
For classis, R.E. Pot,
vice-chairman at that time
The Theological College is looking for a few back
issues of Preach the Word and Predik het Woord
to complete its collection. If you have issues
prior to v.15 (1984) which you would be willing
to donate, please contact
Margaret Van der Velde
at 905-575-3688
(110 West 27th Street, Hamilton, ON L9C 5A1) or
[email protected])
to discuss which issues are being sought.
365
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ADVERTISEMENTS
Births
The LORD is good, his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues
through all generations. Psalm 100:5
We thank our Heavenly Father for entrusting into our care another
covenant child, our second son
EMERSON JAMES
Born May 2, 2003
Doug and Val Leffers (nee DeVries)
A brother for Warren Douglas
18 Osborne Acres, 53106 RR 264, Acheson, AB T7X 5A5
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Hymn 6
With great thankfulness to our Heavenly Father who has again so richly
blessed our family, we announce the birth of our daughter and sister
LORETTA MARALYNN
Born June 9, 2003
Gord and Gelinda Vanwoudenberg (nee Stieva)
Christina
Corissa
Amber†
Emily†
Justin
Timothy
8th grandchild for Gert and Christine Stieva
15th grandchild for William and Corrie Vanwoudenberg
3355 Tintern Road, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0
With all praise and thanks to God, we welcome our newest blessing!
LIANA CLARE
Born June 4, 2003
Michael and Alina Noot (nee Stam)
Liana is the fifth grandchild for Harry and Grace Noot and the fourth
grandchild for Clarence and Marga Stam. She is also lovingly welcomed
by her aunts, uncles, and cousins.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in
the house of the LORD all the days of my life. Psalm 27:4a
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, the Lord and Giver of Life,
we joyfully announce the birth of our second child, a daughter named
MCKENNA EMILY
June 5, 2003
A precious gift that is a source of much wonder and affection for her
big sister Morgan.
Carl and Michelle Werkman
Bloomsbury, AB
366
Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (with Open House)
should be submitted six weeks in advance.
With all praise and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, we joyfully announce the arrival of our new son and brother
CRAIG ALEC
Born on June 4, 2003
John and Shirley DeHaas (nee Stiksma)
A brother for Curtis
48 Gillian Crescent, St. Albert, AB T8N 0W1
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father who has made all things
well, we joyfully announce the birth of our daughter
MAKENNA CHRISTINA
Born June 24th, 2003
Jamie and Rose Harsevoort
A sister for Karissa
2nd grandchild of John and Mieke Jager
5th grandchild of Harry and Tina Harsevoort
11 Morningside Drive, Hamilton, ON L8T 1P6
Birthdays
1918 – August 10 – 2003
A woman who fears the L ORD is to be
praised. Give her the reward she has
earned, and let her works bring her praise
at the city gate. Proverbs 31:30b-31
With great joy and thankfulness to our
Heavenly Father who has so richly
blessed her, we would like to share with
you that our dear mother, grandmother
and great-grandmother
WILHELMINA LEYENHORST
– nee Vanderburgt
will, the Lord willing, celebrate her 85th birthday on August 10, 2003
Her thankful children:
Clarence and Audrey Mostert
John and Minnie Huttema
John and Jenny Pruim
Casey and Nelly Leyenhorst
Pete and Marian Nienhuis
Harold and Annette Leyenhorst
Martin and Annette Leyenhorst
Eric and Shirley Leyenhorst
Ralph and Joyce Leyenhorst
Bill and Tilda Pothoven
Stan and Lyn Leyenhorst
Andrew and BettyAnne Leyenhorst
and 53 grandchildren and 83 great-grandchildren
6070 - 168 Street, Cloverdale, BC V3S 3X8
Advertise
in the
Weddings
Psalm 121:7, 8
With joy and thankfulness to the Lord, Bill and Cathy Slaa are
pleased to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter
RACHEL LEANNE SLAA to TOBIN MYLES KAMMINGA
son of Hank and Mary Kamminga. The ceremony will take place, the
Lord willing, on Friday, August 22, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. in the Redeemer
Canadian Reformed Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Rev. J.G. Slaa officiating.
317-1833 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB R3T 3X8
With deep gratitude to the Lord, we, Peter and Grace Smid announce
with joy the marriage of our son
JOHN PETER SMID to LAURA JEAN THIESSEN
daughter of John and Betty Thiessen. We hope to witness and celebrate this with them on July 11, 2003.
Future address: 154 Manley Lane, Milton, ON L9T 5P1
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
HILDA FABER and LEENDERT VAN ZANDWIJK
wish to announce their upcoming wedding, D.V., on Saturday, July 19,
2003 at 1:30 p.m. in the Abbotsford Canadian Reformed church building.
Future address: Belmont Ridge, 101-1973 Winfield Drive
Abbotsford BC V3G 1K6; E-mail: [email protected]
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your
paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, we
EDWARD JOHN POST and SONYA CATHERINE PIEFFERS
announce our marriage. The ceremony took place, on Saturday, July
12, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Pentecostal Church, Elora,
Ontario.
Rev. R.J. Eikelboom officiated.
Future address: 181 Clarke Street
PO Box 14, Arthur, Ontario N0G 1A0
Anniversaries
1978 ~ July 21 ~ 2003
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
With great thankfulness to the LORD, we joyfully announce the 25th
Wedding Anniversary of our parents
HERMAN and GERRY POORT (nee Vandergriendt)
Beamsville, ON:
Carrie-Lynn and Neil Devries
St. Anns, ON:
Diane Poort and Matt Feenstra
Amy Poort and Jonathan Reinink
Edward Poort
Jeffrey Poort
1887 Hwy 20, RR 2, St. Anns, Ontario L0R 1Y0
1953 ~ August 28 ~ 2003
Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home. from 1 Peter 3
With joy and thankfulness to our Father in heaven for keeping them in His care, we announce the
50th Wedding Anniversary
of our dear parents and grandparents
IKE and SWANY VANDERWOUDE (nee Mulder)
Their thankful children and grandchildren:
Burlington, ON:
Ancaster, ON:
Burlington, ON:
Brantford, ON:
Geraldine and Peter† Bosscher
Alicia and Rick Harsevoort
Nadine
Krista
Ian
Derek
Sanford and Donna Vanderwoude
Steven
Erin
Isaac
Brett
Samantha
Seth
160 Bluewater Place, Burlington, ON L7L 2J4
Paris, Fr.:
Burlington ON:
Karen and Eric Pfrunder
Candice
Tess
Jasper
Nancy and Rick Boonstra
Sarah
Cam
Judy and Cam Peacock
Spencer
Jordan
Brenna
An Open House will be held, D.V., on Thursday, August 28th from 7:00 p.m.
till 9:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall of Ebenezer Canadian Reformed
Church, 607 Dynes Road, Burlington, ON. Best wishes only please.
367
Anniversaries
1963 ~ August 2 ~ 2003
May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life . . . and
may you live to see your children’s children. Psalm 128
JIM and AUDREY VAN RAALTE
We rejoice with Mom and Dad who will, D.V., celebrate 40 years of
marriage in the Lord. We thank God for blessing us with such wonderful parents and grandparents. The Lord has surely blessed them!
Mom and Dad, we wish you many more years ahead filled with
God’s blessings and love!
With love,
All your grateful children and grandchildren
RR 4, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0
1973 ~ August 4 ~ 2003
And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
With thankfulness to the Lord who has kept them in His care, we
wish to announce the 30th Wedding Anniversary of our parents and
grandparents
JOHN and PATRICIA HOFSINK (Vanderleest)
We pray He will continue to be with them and watch over them in
the years to come.
Hamilton, ON:
Tobi and Bryan Bos
Chloë, Cohen
Kerri and Adrian Bartels
Ancaster, ON:
Paiton, Blake
Josh and Aileen Hofsink
Glanbrook, ON:
Burlington, ON:
Dustin Hofsink
1465 Moss Glen Road, Burlington, ON L7P 2C2
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
Obituaries
Put your hope in God. Psalm 42:1-5.
May 11, 1910 - June 17, 2003
At the age of 93, the Lord in His wisdom brought home to the
eternal dwelling place our beloved husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather
JOHANNES MOLANUS VANSYDENBORGH
Predeceased by his first wife Jacobje Snippe.
Grimsby, ON:
Grace VanSydenborgh (nee deBeer)
Beamsville, ON:
Wayne and Helen VanSydenborgh
Carman, MB:
Elsien and Pieter Nijenhuis
Orangeville, ON: Albert and Nelly VanSydenborgh
Carman, MB:
Frederika and Gus Veenendaal
Theresa and Gerald Veenendaal
Beamsville, ON:
Grace and Eric Stieva
Surrey, BC:
Anne and Steve Vandermolen
St. Albert, AB:
Rhea and Bill Muis
Dear Opa of 40 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 2 greatgreat-grandchildren.
Home address: 275 Main Street E., Suite 207, Grimsby, ON L3M 5N8
368
Teaching Positions
The Canadian Reformed School Society of London and District,
operating Covenant Christian School, invites applications for the
opening of
TEACHER
for grade 7 and 8, for the 2003-2004 school year.
For more information please contact the Principal Designate:
Mr. Keith Temple
at 519-681-1196 or email at [email protected]
Letters of application, including experience, and philosophy of education, may be sent to:
Mrs. Hilda Boeringa, Secretary of the Education Committee
5776 Underpass Road, RR 5, Watford, ON N0M 2S0
Telephone: 519-849-5369
The Board of Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MB invites applications for the following full-time positions:
SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS
• Two full-time positions available – part-time positions can also be
created
• Work one-on-one with a special needs student
• Duties to commence 02 September 2003
Applicants must be members of a Canadian Reformed Church or a
church with which we have ecclesiastical fellowship.
DCS is a K to 12 school with 225 students and 20 full-time staff
members. Additional information on the school, the community, and
education in Manitoba can be found on our web-site:
<home.merlin.mb.ca/~dufferin>.
For more information, please contact the principal:
Rob vanSpronsen
Phone (204) 745-2278 – school or
(204) 745-3996 – home
e-mail: [email protected]
Applications can be sent to the Secretary of the Board:
Anton Borst
PO Box 1450, Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Fax: (204) 745-3441
E-mail: [email protected]
The Board of the Coaldale Canadian Reformed School Society,
Coaldale, Alberta invites applications for an
ELEMENTARY TEACHER (Grades K, 1, 2 level)
for the 2003/2004 school year.
Positions would commence August, 2003.
For further information, please contact the Principal
Mr. J. Harthoorn
(403) 345-4055 (school); 345-4891 (home);
Fax: (403) 345-6436
E-mail: [email protected]
Letters of application should include university and teaching qualifications, and two letters of reference.
Mail to: Coaldale Christian School
2008 - 8th Street, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1L1
Homeleigh Christian School, Masterton, New Zealand invites applications for a
TEACHER/PRINCIPAL
in our Primary School, commencing January 2004.
The school is a two teacher primary school, operating from years 1 to
8. Its constitution upholds the Reformed faith and doctrines. Applicants
must be committed to the Reformed faith and to Christian education.
For more information contact:
Mr. W. Stolte on [0064] 6-377 5519
or e-mail [email protected]
The Vereniging vir Gereformeerde Skoolonderwys of Pretoria,
governing body of the Gereformeerde Laerskool Johannes Calvyn,
hereby invites applications for a
GRADE 0 PERMANENT TEACHING POSITION
which will become available as of January 1st, 2004. Prospective applicants should be in possession of a suitable junior primary (fundamental phase) qualification.
Further information can be obtained from:
Principal: Mr. H. H. van der Linden
Tel.: +27 12 331 0218 (work) +27 12 333 6263 (home)
Chair: Mr. A.C. Bijker
Tel.: +27 12 331 0555 (home)
Candidates must be communicant members of the Free Reformed
Churches of South Africa or of correspondent sister churches abroad.
An adequate command of the Afrikaans language is also required.
Applications should enclose a curriculum vitae, and can be mailed or
faxed to the Secretary of the Board before October 1, 2004 at the following address:
Die Vereniging vir Gereformeerde Skoolonderwys
P. O. Box 23338, Gezina, 0031, South Africa
Fax: +27 12 332 2982; e-mail: [email protected]
The Niagara Reformed Christian Education Association, which
operates Heritage Christian School (K-OAC) invites applications
for the following openings for the 2003/2004 academic year.
SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS
We seek persons who can provide personal assistance to special needs
students at HCS. A full-time and a part-time position are available for
September 2003. If you have special training or community college
courses in assisting special needs students, or if you have related
experience, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Heritage Christian School, in the heart of Ontario’s beautiful Niagara
Peninsula, serves a student body of 525 students. We are blessed with
a dedicated and supportive Christian community, a cohesive, professional faculty and staff of +- 40 persons, and beautiful, modern facilities. Qualified applicants who seek to serve Jesus Christ in the area
of Christian education and who submit to Holy Scripture as confessed in the Reformed creeds are encouraged to apply. Please submit a résumé and references to:
Mr. A. Ben Harsevoort, Principal
Heritage Christian School
Box 400, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0
Phone: (905) 562-7303; Fax: (905) 562-0020
Home: (905) 664-1234
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD.” Psalm 127:3
369
The Free Reformed School Association (Inc),
Armadale – Western Australia
conducting the John Calvin Schools.
The John Calvin Christian College is seeking the services of an
ENGLISH TEACHER
Prospective applicants will be member of one of the Free Reformed
Churches of Australia or a recognized sister church, they will be in
possession of appropriate formal qualifications for the teaching of
English at a secondary school. The successful applicant may be required to teach English to students in Years 8-12 at the College situated at Armadale, Western Australia.
Information re the college, re criteria for the position, re starting
dates and re possible teaching commitments can be obtained from the
principal,
Mr. A. Terpstra,
tel: (08) 9497 9066 or by e-mail: [email protected]
Written applications, supported by resume and two references, one
professional and one from the present pastor (or elder), should be
addressed to:
The Secretary,
Free Reformed School Association
Mr. M. Eikelboom
37 Valentine Road, Kelmscott, WA 6111
Applications close Friday, 29th August 2003.
The Maranatha/Emmanuel Canadian Reformed School Society
Inc. of Fergus, Guelph and district invites applications for possible
TEACHING POSITIONS
for the 2003-2004 school year.
We are a two-divisional, 258 student school with a grade 1 to 6 elementary wing and a grade 7 to 10 junior high school wing. Our requirements are:
1. an elementary grade position and/or
2. a junior high position with expertise in the math and science area
preferred although other arrangements are possible.
For more information contact the principal
H.J. Nobel
School: 1-519-843-3029; Home: 1-519-848-3922
Applications to be addressed to:
Maranatha/Emmanuel Christian School
c/o Brad Vanderwoude (Ed. Com. chairman)
RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4
The Covenant Canadian Reformed School of Neerlandia, AB, invites
applications for
2 HIGH SCHOOL and
possibly 1 ELEMENTARY teaching position.
High school applicants with training in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Physical Education and French are especially encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact the principal:
Mr. A. deLeeuw
Phone 1-780-674-4774 (school); 1-780-674-2531 (home)
Applications should be sent to:
Covenant Canadian Reformed School
Attention: Mr. Ed DeRuiter
Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0
Spiritual Order for the Church
by Clarence Bouwman
The ascended Saviour is Head of the Church.
People, then, may not regulate matters in
Christ’s Church as they see fit. Instead (as the
Belgic Confession has it), “we believe that
this true Church must be governed according
to the Spiritual order which our Lord has
taught us in His Word.”
This book is an attempt to draw out from the
Bible how the Lord would have His Church be
governed. Through a process of detailed Scripture study, the
author concludes that the historic Church Order of Dort encapsulates
God’s revealed wish for how matters ought to be done in His Churches. At
the same time, he argues, the principles of Scripture as captured by Dort
can receive varying applications according to the changing circumstances
of the day. As the ecclesiastical scene moves and changes, churches do
well to look at the Scriptures behind Dort and apply the principles of
Reformed Church Polity with renewed enthusiasm.
by C. Van Dam
Divorce and remarriage are not pleasant topics.
The beautiful institution of marriage is under siege in our day. The
result is that also in Reformed circles the subject needs to be
discussed more and more.
The questions that come up raise sensitive and emotional issues. Only
the Lord can show us the way. This publication is a look at what
Scripture says on the topic.
Highly recommended for office bearers and also very useful as a guide
for Bible discussion groups.
Soft cover, 69 pages
Soft cover, 274 pages Can. $15.75, U.S. $11.00
. . . . . . . . .Can. $6.00
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ISBN 0-88756-079-2
ISBN 0-88756-064-4
ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2J 3X5
PREMIER PUBLISHING
LIKE
LIVING STONES
Political-Economic Activity to the
Honour of God
Reflections on some current
ethical issues
by John Boersema
by W. Pouwelse
•
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•
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Marriage and family life
Marriage and divorce
Marriage and procreation
The unmarried state
Some aspects of counselling
The borderline of human life
Test-tube babies
Organ transplants
Soft cover, 140 pages
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Capital punishment
War and disarmament
Child abuse
Drugs
. . . . . . . . .Can. $9.75
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Everything that we do, must be done to the
honour of God. But, how does a Christian do
that when making political choices? In
particular, how do we decide which economic
policies deserve our support? What should be
done about unemployment, inflation, the
poor? What should the role of the government
be? Should the market be left free to operate on its own? Is there,
in fact, a Christian economic system? In this book, which builds on
extensive research into the economic policies of one of the small
Christian political parties in the Netherlands, John Boersema seeks to
provide a Christian approach to answer such questions.
John Boersema is a Professor of Business and Economics at Redeemer
College in Ancaster, Ontario.
Soft cover, 360 pages. . .Can. $15.75 . . . U.S. $11.85
Hard cover, 360 pages. .Can. $27.50 . . . U.S. $21.00
ISBN 0-88756-030-X
ISBN 0-88756-077-6
PREMIER PUBLISHING
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370
Escarpment Realty
Independently Owned and Operated
John van Andel
Sales Representative
370 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario L9G 4S4
Bus: (905) 304-3303
Fax: (905) 574-1450
Res: (905) 648-7705
serving Ancaster, Dundas
Hamilton and
surrounding areas.
M EM BER
100% CLUB
OUR FOREIGN STUDENT
BURSARY FUND
has its first academically qualified applicant.
He is from Sudan and comes highly recommended by, among others, Rev. Victor Atallah.
As Canadian Reformed community at large, we now have
the opportunity and privilege of funding his studies and
stay in Canada.
Your invited donation will, the Lord willing, be multiplied
through the spreading of the gospel in which our applicant
hopes to become instrumental in his country of origin.
Gifts of any size are welcome and those of $10.00 and over
qualify for a receipt for income tax purposes.
Please remit to the College at the following address, with the
cheque clearly identified as intended for the
“FOREIGN STUDENT BURSARY FUND”
The Theological College of
the Canadian Reformed Churches
110 West 27th Street, Hamilton, ON L9C 5A1
For Quinte West
Don’t forget Denver . . .
Wilma and John VandeKemp
where a small Reformed congregation is trying to
maintain its own Reformed school. With help
from believers around the world.
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Thank you for your support!
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John Meerveld
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Heritage Christian School
Viola Van Otterloo
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303-759-0984
(905) 333-3500
Fax: 333-3616
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Cell 905-517-1451
Res. 905-386-7494
Fax 905-957-1204
Sales Opportunity in the
Grand Rapids Area
Applicant must have a green card and be willing to
travel. Mechanical experience and a farm background will also be an asset.
Contact:
Terry Medemblik [email protected]
or
Peter Kingma [email protected]
VISITING EDMONTON?
For great accommodations try: www.comfortzonevacations.com
1 866 444 5082 (Toll Free)
O/O Dirk and Fred Klaver
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6960 Hammond Ave. S.E. Caledonia, MI 49316
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Maranatha Homes
Burlington, Ontario
This award-winning Senior Citizen Home is located
close to Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church. It has
audio hookup for the church services in every apartment and a weekly evening video church service
presentation provided for by Ebenezer. Monthly
rent is geared to income.
Information from:
Mrs. Rosanne van der Woerd
109-3260 New Street, Burlington, ON L7N 3L4
(905-639-9054)
or:
Arie J. Hordyk
2212 Headon Road, Burlington, ON L7M 3W7
(905-331-7625)
JOE A. BOERSEMA, R.R.S.
A professional who honours the Lord’s Day!
It is my privilege to assist you with
competence and confidentiality in all
your buying and selling needs.
Garden City Realty Inc., Realtor
720 guelph line
burlington, ontario L7R 4E2
bus: (905) 333-3500
res: 333-1753 fax: 333-3616

July 18, 2003 - Pages 349 - 372 - Clarion

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