June 8, 2007 - Pages 285 - 308

Volume 56, No. 12 • June 8, 2007
THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE
Cause for
Celebration?
25 Years of the
Charter of
Rights and
Freedoms
The Lamb
of God
God’s presence in the Charter has been ignored
Editorial
C. Van Dam
Dr. C.Van Dam is professor
of Old Testament at the
Theological College of the
Canadian Reformed Churches
in Hamilton, Ontario
[email protected]
Cause for Celebration?
25 Years of the Charter of
Rights and Freedoms
The concern for human rights in the western world
is for a large part due to our Christian heritage
It was about twenty-five years ago, on April 17 of
this year to be precise, that the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms became part of the Canadian
constitution. This document has enshrined many
rights and freedoms as inviolable. The four basic
freedoms mentioned in the Charter are freedom of
conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief,
opinion, and expression; freedom of peaceful
assembly; and freedom of association (Section 2). The
rights mentioned include “the right to life, liberty and
security of the person and the right not to be deprived
thereof except in accordance with the principles of
fundamental justice” (Section 7). Also important is the
right to equality before and under the law as well as
equal protection and benefit of the law without
discrimination (Section 15). With all these rights and
freedoms guaranteed, it is small wonder that the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the Charter has occasioned
much celebration and laudatory commentary.
And should we not rejoice as well? How should we
evaluate this anniversary? As Christians we realize
that the trend of Charter-based court rulings over the
past few years has been disturbing to say the least.
For example, religious freedom has been eroded
while new rights such as those of gays have been
created. What are we to make of this?
The good
Good things can be said about the Charter and one
can provide biblical justification for a national
government to guarantee certain rights for its citizens.
286 • JUNE 8, 2007
After all, Scripture speaks of the need for
governments to defend the rights of the destitute
(Prov 31:8-9; Jer 5:28) and to exercise justice and
righteousness (Jer 21:12; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17).
Indeed, the concern for human rights in the western
world is for a large part due to our Christian heritage.
Individual liberty, freedom of conscience, and
freedom of religion (also for those who did not profess
the true faith) have always been defended by
Calvinists. After all, the state is not the church.
If man is to be the measure of things our
country and civilization have no
blessed future
It is the people of God who have the duty to seek the
expansion of Christ’s church and kingdom. And so the
concept of the state guaranteeing certain rights and
freedoms is a good thing. It belongs to the task of the
authorities whom God has set over us. A major
contribution of the Protestant Reformation was the
redefining of the nature and authority of the family,
church, and state to reflect biblical teaching. In the
process, the liberties of those subject to the various
authorities were more clearly articulated to prevent
abuse of power.
We need to realize, however, that when the
Reformers defended rights, they did so on the basis of
the duties that God required to Himself and to one’s
neighbour. So the duty to honour and worship God
alone, and to observe the Sabbath, means that one
has the right to honour God and to have freedom of
worship. These rights find their origin in God and his
justice. Similarly, the duty not to kill your neighbour
means that the neighbour has a right to life. Likewise,
the duty not to commit adultery, to steal, or to bear
false witness means that others have the right to
property, marital faithfulness, and a good name.
The duty to raise our children in the fear of the Lord
implies that we have the right to do so. Rights are
based on duties owed to God and to one’s neighbour;
ultimately rights have their origin in God. These
teachings, among others, ultimately helped bring on
Protestant revolts in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries in The Netherlands and Scotland against
unjustly oppressive authorities.
History, however, did not stop here. This concept
of rights was, so to speak, hijacked by the
man-centered thinking of the Enlightenment.
The impact is still felt today.
The bad
In the thinking of the Enlightenment, human
rights do not have their origin in God but in the basic
goodness and potential of human nature. Each
person is considered by nature to be equal in virtue
and dignity and endowed with inherent and
inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property. Each
person is also entitled to and capable of pursuing
one’s happiness. To prevent chaos, rational people
form a society by entering into social contracts and
ratifying constitutions. Typically such a constitution
insists on the safeguarding of one’s inalienable
rights. This thinking has heavily influenced the
formulation of human rights in the western world
from the eighteenth century on. It also undergirds the
United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human
Rights of 1948.
Now the remarkable thing about our Charter is
that it is prefaced by the statement: “Whereas
Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the
supremacy of God and the rule of law.” God’s
supremacy was officially recognized because of
pressure from religious groups. However, God’s
presence in the Charter has been studiously ignored
in judgments based on the Charter.
The results have been disastrous for Christians, for
democracy, and for freedom generally.1 With God out
of the picture, man becomes the measure of justice
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In This Issue
Editorial – Cause for Celebration? 25Years of the Charter
of Rights and Freedoms — C.Van Dam ................................286
Treasures, New and Old – The Lamb of God
— J.E. Ludwig............................................................................289
Walking Together through the Valley (3) — R. Ludwig ..........290
Covenant Canadian Reformed Church Official Opening
— L. Stel and T. Ravensbergen ................................................293
What’s New??? — E. Kampen ..................................................295
Education Matters – Peregrine Survey — K. Sikkema ........297
New Powerful Tools for Discussions in Science
— Reviewed by Margaret Helder ..........................................299
Press Release – Classis Pacific West ......................................301
Letter to the Editor ....................................................................302
JUNE 8, 2007 • 287
and equity. Human rights are no longer premised on
man’s duty towards God and his neighbour but on
inherent rights to a host of things, whatever man
imagines himself to have a right to, including sinful
lifestyles and practices. In essence, God and his good
law have been replaced by a false god, the idol of
humanism and man’s pretensions to decide for himself
what is right and wrong.
By word and deed we need to affirm
the sovereignty and supremacy of God
False gods and idols tend to be very cruel, for
Satan, who is the power behind them, is no respecter
of what is good and what makes for true happiness.
For example, the worship of Molech in ancient Israel
led to the sacrifice of children (cf. 2 Kgs 23:10; Jer 32:35)
and undoubtedly many tears. The current worship of
the idol of human autonomy and inherent human
rights continues to fuel the ongoing slaughter of
untold numbers of unborn children, the endorsement
of dangerous gay life-styles, and the robbing of our
society of a common day of rest. God gives man up to
his sinful desires (cf. Rom 1:21-32). If man is to be the
measure of things our country and civilization have no
blessed future. For whose rights or which rights are to
be paramount? For example, children’s rights are
generally being sacrificed for what adults want.
The latest example is the Ontario Court of Appeal’s
decision of January 2, 2007 to recognize that a child
may have more than two legal parents. Without God
and his wisdom man is a fool and there is no end in
sight for his foolishness.
With the Supreme Court consciously leaving God
out of the picture, there is no outside absolute norm to
govern the Charter. Nowhere does the Charter, for
example, identify and define “the principles of
fundamental justice” (Section 7). This means that
whatever the judges determine these principles to be,
they will be. Since the judges are in a sense products
of our society, it is what society determines them to be.
Thus, if there is to be real change, society will have to
change. Herein lies the challenge for Christians to be
a light and salt and influence society’s understanding
of justice and righteousness.
288 • JUNE 8, 2007
In conclusion
The Charter as officially set forth and adopted
could work for the good of our nation if our country
still respected God and his rights. But when God’s
rights are trodden under foot, and sinful human
desires and self-styled rights are exalted, the path
ahead is not very promising. In the end, man will take
the place of God and declare himself to be God
(cf. 2 Thess 2:3-4).
As Christians our task is clear. By word and deed
we need to affirm the sovereignty and supremacy of
God. Every opportunity must be used to show that
God’s will and way as summarized, for example, in
the Ten Commandments, is the best route for our
country and that rights presuppose the duties we owe
to God and our neighbour. “Righteousness exalts a
nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”
(Prov 14:34).
As Christians we also need to recognize and
oppose the unbiblical individualism and self-interest
that saturates talk of rights and litigation in our day.
We can and in some cases must insist on our rights.
The Apostle Paul, after being beaten and jailed
without trial in Philippi, did so as a Roman citizen
when he had demanded that the magistrates escort
him and Silas out of prison. He did this not so much for
Silas and himself, but to show their innocence for the
benefit of the young church at Philippi (Acts 16:37).
On other occasions, Paul did not insist on his rights,
again because of the gospel which he did not want to
hinder (1 Cor 9:1-15).
There can also be times when we forgo our rights
and remember the word of our Saviour that we turn
the other cheek or be prepared to give up what is
precious to us for the sake of the kingdom (Matt 5:39-4;
cf. 16:24; Phil 2:3-7). After all, we are ultimately here on
earth not for ourselves but to love and serve our God
for the sake of his glory. Not our rights, but God’s
rights are of paramount importance.
1
See, e.g., Rory Leishman, Against Judicial Activism: The
Decline of Freedom and Democracy in Canada (Montreal
and Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2006;
reviewed in the Clarion of September 1, 2006).
Treasures, New and Old
J.E. Ludwig
Rev. J.E. Ludwig is minister of the
American Reformed Church at
Grand Rapids, Michigan
[email protected]
The above text contains a title
of our Lord Jesus which is used for
the first time in the New Testament
and which has become prominent
in many Christian hymns: Jesus
Christ – the Lamb of God. John the
Baptist publicly identifies Jesus to
the people of Israel. We can
assume that Jesus, who had
already been baptized, was
returning from the wilderness,
where He had been tempted by the
devil. His ministry of suffering and
reconciliation, then, had begun. He
had yet to be pointed out to the
Jews, who He was and what He had
come to do. When John sees Him
coming he does just that. John
directs the attention of the crowds
to the promised Messiah, to the
One for whom they had waited so
long. John is in line with all the Old
Testament prophets that preceded
him and who foretold the coming of
Christ. John is so privileged that he
does not merely foretell of Him, no,
he can say, “Look, there He is!”
This title for Christ underlines
how important it is to maintain the
unity between the Old and New
testaments. Without the Old
Testament you would not have a
clue what John means by the
“Lamb of God.” Perhaps John was
thinking of the prophecy of Isaiah
where the suffering servant is
compared to a lamb. In 53:7 we
read, “He was oppressed, and he
was afflicted, yet he opened not his
mouth like a lamb that is led to the
slaughter. . . .”
The Lamb
of God
MATTHEW 13:52
“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away
the sin of the world.”
John 1:29
In his suffering Christ remained
as humble and as meek as a lamb.
That’s what a lamb does: it follows
the leader, the shepherd. And yet
the element of submissiveness and
humiliation is not the only one in
the title “Lamb of God.” You have to
remember that John came from a
priestly family. He would have
known how often the law required
a lamb for a sacrifice. Every day
two male lambs were slaughtered
in the temple – one in the morning
and one in the evening as a
continual burnt offering before the
Lord (Ex 29). The lamb was used for
a peace offering, for a sin offering,
and for a guilt offering. In the
whole Old Testament sacrificial
system the lamb was the central
offering. And every Jew knew the
purpose of the sacrifices. They all
required the shedding of blood, for
without the shedding of blood
there is no forgiveness of sins.
The law stipulated that the
lamb had to be without blemish. It
had to be perfect. Only a perfect
life could make atonement for the
imperfect. Only a life without
blemish could take away the
blemishes and the scars of sin.
All these perfect lambs
foreshadowed the coming of the
great and final sacrifice. That’s
why John the Baptist says,
“Behold, the lamb of God.”
Within the context of the whole
gospel, these words have special
reference to the Passover lamb.
The Apostle John, who wrote this
gospel, structured his work around
the Passover feasts held in
Jerusalem. At least four times at
key moments in this gospel you
find the words: “The Passover of
the Jews was at hand, and Jesus
went up to Jerusalem.” It is also of
profound significance that John
records for us that on the night of
his betrayal, when the Lamb of
God was about to be sacrificed,
the Passover feast was being
celebrated. And on that night
Christ instituted the holy supper
that we still celebrate today.
The Passover commemorated
the deliverance of Israel from
Egypt. The blood of a male lamb –
without blemish! – had to be
smeared on the doorposts of their
houses and then the angel of death
would pass over their houses. But
for all those without the blood, he
slew the first-born child. Without
the shedding of blood there is no
deliverance from death. The
symbolism this had for Christ can
hardly be overlooked. John includes
that in the second part of the text,
“Look, the lamb of God who takes
away the sin of the world!”
This lamb is “of God.” God
takes the initiative in our
salvation. He sends the lamb that
will take away the sin of the world.
None of the lambs that Israel
offered, which over the years must
have amounted to hundreds of
thousands, not one of them could
satisfy God’s holy justice. No
animal could redeem man. Israel
knew that. For that reason she had
to keep on sacrificing until God
JUNE 8, 2007 • 289
presented the perfect sacrifice.
Was that also not foreshadowed in
the offering of Isaac? Recall the
words of Abraham to Isaac: “God
will provide himself the lamb for a
burnt offering, my son.” God
provided. That’s what the title
“Lamb of God” loudly and
joyfully proclaims.
Only a man without spot or
blemish, that is, without sin, could
make atonement. Therefore God
gave his only Son as a sacrifice
who became man for us. He is “of
God” in the sense that He and the
Father are one. John uses the
present tense, “Who takes away
the sin of the world;” not will take
away, but who is busy now already
taking upon Himself and so
removing from you your sin.
At the table of the Lord we
commemorate this gracious work
of redemption. We look to the past:
at the wonderful salvation we
have in Christ. When we eat the
bread and drink the wine in faith
then our souls are nourished and
refreshed to everlasting life. That’s
makes us also look in joy towards
the future: when we will celebrate
the marriage Feast of the Lamb.
We will stand before the throne of
God and of the Lamb purified in
his blood. . . and we will follow the
Lamb to springs of living water.
Rick Ludwig
Mr. Rick Ludwig is a licensed
Ontario Funeral Director and
owner of Kitching, Steepe &
Ludwig Funeral Home
located in Waterdown, Ontario
Walking Together through
the Valley (Part 3 of 4)
This seminar was recently
presented by Mr. Ludwig in
Carman, Manitoba
The pastoral friend
The Bible is filled with
examples of the care of our
heavenly Father for the widow and
the orphan. There is a strong sense
that God is well in tune with the
plight of the bereaved. I won’t cite
all kinds of examples, but rather
focus on the twenty-third Psalm as
typifying the role of a pastoral
support for the grieving. The words
are very familiar to us: “He guides
me in paths of righteousness for
his name’s sake. Even though I
walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and
your staff, they comfort me.”
Certainly these are words of
290 • JUNE 8, 2007
consolation for the dying as well as
those left behind. The grieving
person will relate to the feeling of
walking in the shadow of death,
where every thought, decision, and
action seems to be overshadowed
by the reality of the loss of their
loved one. The comfort offered in
this passage is that they are not
alone. The shepherd is with them
and He has the tools to protect and
comfort. Yet, He does not steer them
off the path or introduce a new
way. He does not suggest that a
different road be taken so that one
can flee from the shadow of death.
He accompanies them on the
journey and uses his resources to
comfort and allow for safe
passage. This then is the role for
the pastoral friend.
Practically speaking, what does
this mean? How can an office
bearer or friend fulfill this calling?
The foundation for helping the
bereaved is the need for a personal
comfort level and acceptance of
the grieving process. If you are a
reluctant traveller on the grief
journey, you may prove to be of
little assistance to the grieving
person. If your goal is to take the
grief away, you will do everything
possible to find the shortcuts, to
sidetrack, to sit and rest rather
than travel along on the hard
journey. This is demonstrated by
explaining away the need for grief
because of our sure comfort and
our heavenly perspective, by
avoiding the topic altogether, by
doing all the talking and
controlling the direction of
discussions, by cutting off,
interjecting, providing quick
solutions, by showing
uncomfortable body language in
the face of tears, etc. This must be
your initial consideration: am I
prepared to make this journey?
If not, I suggest you would be
better off to turn the rod and staff
over to another and not feign your
assistance by asserting your own
way. You cannot help the grieving,
even when you come with the
gospel of salvation in your hand,
if you are unable to allow for and
accept the expression of grief. God
listens to and accepts our grief as
evidence of our love, his shepherds
must be willing to as well.
If we are willing, that is a start.
We will still need to employ the
tools and resources. What exactly
is the rod and staff that will
comfort the weary traveller and
maintain a safe way, and how do
we use them? We all know the
clear expression of the source of
our comfort as summarized in the
Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day
1, but we also need to know how to
administer that comfort effectively
to the bereaved. I suggest that
when you accompany someone on
the grief journey you need to adapt
to the terrain. We need to be
willing to respond to a differing set
of needs as time moves on. I spoke
earlier of the initial grief responses
including shock, denial, numbness,
and disbelief. At this early stage of
grief it is important to be aware
that our words are our least
effective tool. This is because the
hearing of the listener is muffled.
The shock accompanying the
finality of the death of a loved one,
even when it is expected, reduces
one’s ability to absorb and digest
what one is told. This is not the
time for an eloquent explanation of
God’s eternal plan for his people.
Yet this is a time for action for the
caregiver. This is a time to “be
with” the bereaved. This is a time
when our accessibility and
presence is important, where
simple words of support, love, and
prayer are offered. A calm, caring,
and supportive presence is what
we can provide at this time. We
need to be aware of the
inadequacy of our words and be
willing to accept that.
You cannot help the
grieving, even when you
come with the gospel of
salvation in your hand, if
you are unable to allow
for and accept the
expression of grief
We also need to be aware of the
limits of our role at this point. We
are not expected to take the place
of family members by usurping
their roles. There also needs to be
an allowance for needed
withdrawing and regrouping by
the family. We need to be careful to
allow time for decision making and
be willing not to dominate,
asserting our position as the
“clear-headed” one. This can be a
confusing time for the bereaved.
Imposing all our thoughts and
ideas in an effort to alleviate the
burden from them will likely not be
helpful. It has been suggested that
“mouths closed, ears open,
presence available” is the most
effective help at this early stage.
There is a great opportunity for the
pastor to assist the family in
planning liturgy for a fitting
funeral service. A visitation period
often provides opportunity for the
ward elder to provide comfort with
simple Scripture reading and
prayer. The deacon may naturally
approach the family in a
supportive role offering the hand of
mercy. Friends may gather together
to offer physical and emotional
support. Again, the fact that you
are available speaks more than
any words you can say.
After the funeral can be a
complicated time for the bereaved
and often a frustrating time for
those trying to help them. This is
the time characterized by feelings
of disorganization, confusion,
searching, and yearning for
something lost. One widow
describes it this way, “I felt as if I
was a lonely traveller with no
companion, and worse yet, no
destination. It was as if I couldn’t
find myself or anybody else.”
This is often a period when the
bereaved feel as if they are going
crazy. Disorganized thoughts and a
restlessness never before
experienced become normal.
Visual hallucinations in the form
of memory pictures of the
deceased are very common. The
bereaved often feel as if they can
see their loved one in places they
would normally expect to see
them. Difficulties with eating and
sleeping can accompany these
illusory moments, as well as
recurrent dreams. This is a time
when regular visitation is
important. This takes patience,
because you will need to listen to
stories and feelings repeated over
and over again. This is helpful for
the bereaved as they begin to
come to terms with the reality of
the death. Good listening skills
JUNE 8, 2007 • 291
are important, as the mourner will
sense if you are interested or not.
It is through the expression of
these thoughts and feelings, at
times confused and emotional,
that the mourner will develop
clarity of mind. Again the role of
the caregiver is attentiveness,
presence, and simple guidance.
The bereaved should also be
discouraged from making any
rash or dramatic decisions at this
time. It is a time for reflection, not
more change.
Occasionally the caregiver may
become the object of frustration or
anger for the bereaved. Your help
and attention may be rebuffed
because along with it comes the
experience of the pain of the loss
that has occurred. This is a
warning sign that we may be too
willing to usher the bereaved
along on their journey, while they
are resistant and clinging to the
past. This is not wrong. It just is.
This is not a time to take sides
with or against the mourner, rather
it is a time to understand their
feelings and comfort them. This
does not mean that you are
encouraging them to cling to the
past, but that you are
acknowledging their present need
to do that. This is a key point in
being helpful in a pastoral sense.
Your role during the grieving
process is not one of reproof or
correction of the person’s
frustrations or feelings. Rather it is
one of understanding and
listening to difficult feelings, even
spiritual struggles, accepting them
as genuine, understanding why
they feel them, and offering
comfort and hope for the future.
292 • JUNE 8, 2007
The caregiver’s role is not to
explain away the feelings of the
bereaved but instead to be
attentive and supportive. We must
remember that the bereaved are
always facing the pressure of the
society around them to get on with
their life by moving away from
their grief. The pastoral caregiver
should be a grief facilitator,
encouraging the expression and
discussion of the feelings
associated with grief. The fact that
the loss is not talked about or
mentioned, or that the bereaved
never raised the subject at all,
This is not the time for an
eloquent explanation of
God’s eternal plan for
his people
does not constitute a healthy or
helpful visit. Our duty is to provide
a safe and comfortable
environment to walk through the
shadow of death. Our ability to
convey a level of comfort in the
presence of the expression of grief
will help in this regard. We need to
prepare ourselves for that task and
be willing to address it by opening
a way.
Hope
The ultimate goal in the grief
journey is reconciliation and
reorganization. The task of the
caregiver is to expect that this will
take place and hold out this hope
for the bereaved. This includes the
acknowledgment and acceptance
of the difficult road to get there.
It also allows hope for a better day
and encouragement that the grief
journey does lead somewhere; not
a recapturing of the past, but to a
new future beyond the pain of the
grief that is presently experienced.
The pastoral caregiver must
convey an awareness and
acceptance of the normalcy of grief
and also the expectation and hope
that healing is possible. We must
understand that this is an
emotional, physical, and spiritual
journey. The shepherd is equipped
with rod and staff to comfort on
the journey.
What are the rod and staff that
we are equipped with? Without the
gospel of Jesus Christ there is no
real hope for anybody. Yet, used
ineffectively, the Word may not be
helpful to the mourner. So I suggest
to you that the rod and staff are the
gospel message combined with the
communication skills we have
been blessed with that enable us to
be effective pastoral friends:
persistent visitation, attentive
listening skills, careful and simple
expressions of God’s love, sound
guidance, willingness not to have
“quick fix” solutions, patience, and
perseverance. In summary, a truly
effective shepherd needs to
understand and accept the grief
process and work within its
confines. A healthy attitude
towards grief and its healing
pathway is instrumental for being
helpful. In this way the child of
God may be assisted in making the
grief journey and also realize the
fullness of the pastoral promises of
Psalm 23. . . dwelling in the house
of the Lord forever!
Lyan Stel and Tracy Ravensbergen
Covenant
Canadian Reformed Church
Official Opening
On Friday January 26, 2007
Covenant Canadian Reformed
Church (Grassie) celebrated the
official opening of their new church
building. The theme for the
evening, taken from the
cornerstone text, was Psalm 100:2,
“Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful
songs.” Neighbours, government
representatives, all those involved
with the building project,
representatives from sister
congregations, and congregants
were warmly welcomed into the
narthex of the church with flowers
and the sound of the grand piano
expertly played by Brian Bosscher.
Opportunity was given for all to
sign the guest book and all
received a pen and a program for
the evening.
The MC for the evening was
Mike DeBoersap. After extending a
warm welcome to all those present
he gave the floor to our minister,
Rev. C. VanDam, who opened with
a word of prayer and gave an
address on the dedication text.
When you enter a new building
there are new impressions and one
may become disoriented. In this
building, however, one only needs
to look up; the wall above provides
the proper orientation in the words
of the psalmist. The building is
built so that we can worship God
each first day of the week, but that
worship must overflow into all of
our lives. We have not been left in
the hopeless state into which we
have plunged ourselves, but our
covenant God has sent his Son and
our Saviour to make payment for
our pardoning. Because of this
reality we worship the Lord with
gladness and joy. Rev. Van Dam
exhorted us to worship the Lord
alone, because He is holy and
awesome. Our lives must be
marked with joyful song and
gladness. With that we sang
together Hymn 40:1 and 2.
Our MC then called upon the
representatives from various
congregations. Ken Jager from
Attercliffe, Rev. DeBoer from
Dunnville, Claude Boisvert from
Glanbrook, Gary VanIperen from
Lincoln, Rev. Souman from
Smithville, Rev. VanderVelde from
Spring Creek, John VanderWoude
from Hamilton, Rev Bouwers from
Emmanuel URC in Jordan, and Rev.
Transky from Lincoln Pioneer
Church in Grassie all came up to
take their turn at the microphone.
Each in turn offered their
congratulations and encouraged
Covenant congregation to be a
witness with their building and
their lives in the (surrounding)
community. The MC then invited up
the government representatives
and we received a congratulatory
scroll from the MP Dean Allison as
represented by Eric Bouwman.
The women’s societies then
presented their gifts. Lisa VanDam
and Laura Feenstra presented a set
of prints from the morning society,
“Affirm the Covenant.” They read a
poem which spoke about the
building’s new walls becoming old
but still echoing the preaching and
they hoped these prints would
adorn these walls. The evening
society as represented by Lis
Dykema and Monica VanLuik read
a humorous poem and unveiled a
Covenant Canadian Reformed Church
JUNE 8, 2007 • 293
Ribbon cutting ceremony
pulpit chair and two artificial,
beautifully potted maple trees for
the church building.
We enjoyed a video
presentation wonderfully put
together by the “ComPost Editor,”
Fred Post, which visually walked
us through the building project
from groundbreaking to the final
cleaning. In a year’s time our
building, under the blessing of the
Lord, was completed and that with
help from many volunteers and
without incident or injury. We were
awed and overcome with gratitude.
On behalf of the “five scrooges”
(the seventy-year and up group of
volunteers) Br. VanWoudenberg
delivered a humorous address
detailing the ongoing hardship
and teasing endured by them at
the work-site on account of their
ages, and the fact that they were
outside of the insurable worker
group and without worker’s
compensation. They were
restricted to hand tools as opposed
to power tools since that is what
they grew up with. They were
forbidden to use nail guns even
though the gun registry did not
apply to those over seventy. They
did get away with wheelbarrow
use because even though their
driver’s licenses were taken away
at age seventy, they were on
private property, providing they
294 • JUNE 8, 2007
understood that they were driving
at their own risk.
The building construction
manager from Hawkey, Ken
Matthews, was invited up to speak
to us. He introduced Mr. Bruce
Stanley and Mr. Dan Stanley as
integral men in the project. While
working on this project, they ran
into more than a few “different
opinions” and while that has its
challenges, they were thankful to
have been part of this project. He
expressed that they all considered
it a privilege to work with our
building committee and that in
solidarity and commitment, this
project stood above the majority of
the other 450 church projects that
they have worked on. In his
opinion, without God’s direction, it
would have been chaos. The
building stands as a tribute to the
Lord. God also honoured the
prayers for safety through out the
project. He expressed his thanks for
the hospitality shown to his
builders who were billeted with
members of the congregation and
said this is becoming a lost art. A
round of applause was given for all
the trades represented.
Another round of applause
followed as the members of the
building committee came forward.
Speaking for the committee, Dave
Van Amerongen said that the
mandate given them in September
of 2000 had now been completed.
He gave the appropriate thanks to
many and varied people involved
in the project and presented an
insurance policy to the organists
who were concerned about water
in the organ pit. Pete
Ravensbergen was called forward
and received a pair of flippers. In
conclusion, he gave thanks to our
heavenly Father. As an official
gesture Br. Jager and Br. Van
Amerongen were given the honour
of cutting the ribbon and Dave
presented the official occupancy
permit to Br. Rolland VanAndel,
Vice-Chair of Council.
Appropriately, the “Voice of
Praise” choir closed our evening
with an arrangement of Psalm 23, by
Jonathan Kingma, offering praise to
our God and Saviour. We were given
a taste of the beautiful acoustics of
our building. Br. R. VanAndel closed
with thanksgiving prayer and we
rose to sing two stanzas of “O
Canada.” We were invited to tour
the church following the program
and to enjoy refreshment in the
fellowship hall.
Fellowship Hall
E. Kampen
What’s New???
Rev. E. Kampen is minister of
the Canadian Reformed
Church at Orangeville, Ontario
[email protected]
Perusing the various church
bulletins, I am reminded of the
contrast between what makes it
into the history books and what
actually keeps people busy day by
day. To think of general history,
many books are devoted to wars
and political intrigue. Only in the
last century or so has there come a
serious interest in the lives of the
ordinary people. It is difficult to
study this, however, because
ordinary people don’t leave behind
extensive records of their
activities. Nevertheless, the study
of what is available indicates the
issues that make it into the books
are not necessarily the things that
really concern people in daily life.
The same goes for Church History.
Many books are devoted to
ecclesiastical wars as well as
church political intrigue. There are
Acts of many assemblies. While
church bulletins don’t quite get you
into the personal lives of people,
they do bring you closer to real life
as they give a glimpse into the
local congregations. What stands
out is that the issues that might fill
the Acts of General Synods are not
always the concern of the people in
the pew. So, here are some items
that pertain to the lives of the
people in the pew.
First, there is the perennial
matter of liturgy. Some churches
have adopted changes and others
are considering changes. Since
many people visit the Church at
Vernon for holidays, it may be
helpful to know that it was decided
that after the shaking of the
minister’s (or reading elder’s) hand,
the minister (or elder) will proceed
to the pulpit and make various
announcements, to be followed by
a pre-service Psalm or Hymn. After
that, the congregation will be
asked to rise and the votum and
salutation will follow. Visiting
ministers don’t have to worry about
not knowing the exact procedure,
for, “In the case of a visiting
minister, the elder of service will
ascend the pulpit and give
announcements, song and
welcome and after that will
exchange places with visiting
minister with a handshake.”
Continuing on the theme of
liturgy, in the Fellowship Church at
Burlington the council decided to
have the congregation sing a
“Three-Fold Amen” after the
blessing at the end of the service.
This will be tried for a two-month
period.
The Church at Carman West is
just beginning to reflect on some
liturgical matters. The Council
Report of April 2 referred to a
JUNE 8, 2007 • 295
Church
News
The Canadian Reformed Church
of Ottawa has changed its
summer celebration of the
Lord's Supper from July 8, 2007
to July 1, 2007.
The Correspondence Clerk for
Grace Canadian Reformed
Church (Winnipeg, MB) is:
Richard Buist
Ph. (204)663-1237,
email [email protected]
“request to review our order of
worship. Dissatisfaction has been
expressed about the fact that, at
present, about a third of the
worship service passes by before
we even pray. Other suggestions
are also made.” The same report
indicated that there was a
“request for more ‘standing’ while
singing.” Discussion on both these
matters was to take place at a
subsequent meeting.
Undoubtedly, talk of possible
changes in liturgy will always lead
to some discomfort and perhaps at
times even intense discussion. Just
the same, it is good to think about
liturgy. Discussions need not
necessarily lead to change. In fact,
a discussion may lead to a
confirmation and renewed
appreciation of current practices.
The exercise of speaking about it is
good for all involved.
Right next door to Carman
West, namely, in Carman East,
a practical matter required
attention. The Council Report of
March 21, 2007 mentioned that the
“Congregation will be requested to
shut off cell phones when they
come into the church building
unless they are associated with
emergency response services.
Concerns have been expressed re:
296 • JUNE 8, 2007
the disruption caused by members
who use their phones to text
message during services.” I am
sure it is not only worship services
facing this problem. In fact, it is a
potential problem also in the
Catechism classes as well as
consistory and other meetings.
While I have gleaned a number
of items from the churches in
Manitoba, one more item merits
mention, namely, their combined
Church News. It must be the only
Church News in the federation that
is a combined effort of Canadian
Reformed Churches and a United
Reformed Church, namely, the
Providence URC in Winnipeg.
This is a good example to imitate
by other Canadian and United
Reformed Churches living in close
proximity. It may help bring the
unity process to the grassroots as
members can become more
exposed to what lives in the
neighbouring congregations of the
respective federations.
Another of the concerns of the
people in the pew is gathering the
funds for all the things that come
our way as kingdom citizens.
A considerable portion of bulletins
is taken up by pleas to support
various causes and to attend
fundraisers. Among the interesting
ones was a Trapshoot Fundraiser
at the local gun club. Another one
that caught the eye was a widely
advertised Euchre tournament.
With respect to the latter, it would
make an interesting study to see
how the people in the pew have
looked at games involving cards
over the centuries, even as a
fundraiser for a good cause. With
respect to the sheer multitude of
causes seeking support, one
wonders if an outsider reading the
bulletin might perceive the church
more as a fundraising community
rather than a worshipping
community. I mention this just as a
thought to consider.
Finally, a continued concern is
the spiritual welfare of the
members of the congregation.
A Guelph consistory report stated,
“The consistory again discussed
the matter of praying by name for
the spiritually sick in the
congregation, this time having
had the benefit of some
congregational input and time to
reflect further on the matter.
Considering the seriousness of
many of these pastoral issues,
the vital importance of prayer in
receiving the Lord’s blessings and
healing in such situations,
and how the congregational
prayers affect personal and
family prayers, the consistory
decided to have as a specific
agenda item at the end of every
consistory meeting for the matter
of discussing and deciding on
what pastoral matters should be
specifically mentioned in the
congregational prayers. It was
also decided, as a general rule,
to mention names of individuals
only with consent of the
individuals involved in order to
avoid the impression of the
congregational prayers being
used inappropriately.” Looking
after the sheep is the essence of
the offices.
With this, we conclude our look
into some of the regular concerns
of the people in the pew. Again,
I end with a word of thanks to all
who faithfully send their bulletins
and an invitation to others to join
in. My email address is
[email protected].
Till next time.
Education Matters
Keith Sikkema
Peregrine Survey
Mr. Keith Sikkema is principal
of Dufferin Area Christian
School in Orangeville, Ontario
[email protected]
Funds
Funding frequently occurs on
the agendas of our school societies.
John Calvin School in Smithville
has been blessed with sufficient
funds to pay off the remaining debt
of its latest expansion, now in use
for two years. Its local treasurers
will also be “working diligently
with the promotion members who
will actively visit those who
provide us with no financial
support.” The PTA of Covenant
Christian School (Millgrove)
contributed $20,000 to the school
budget with the condition that the
majority of funds be used to
“provide relief for category 3
members.” An initial drive for
expansion funds in Neerlandia
added up to $600,000. Rumour has it
that Credo Christian School in
Woodbridge, which draws students
from the Toronto and Brampton
areas, has a contest to raise funds
by the pound. In Stage 1, people
sponsor contestants per pound lost
by the end of June. Stage 2 requires
weight-losers to pay $2 for every
pound gained between July 1 and
December 31. Participants are
encouraged to lose as much weight
as possible before the end of June.
After, the advice is to “start feeding
the skinny boys to bring the school
totals as high as possible.”
This is also the time of year
when most boards present budgets
for 2007-2008 to the societies.
Putting those together is hard
work, as there are always
conflicting interests that boards
like to meet as well as possible.
Transportation needs a new bus,
education expects to pay proper
salaries to all staff, maintenance
requires a new roof, administration
and staff need a new photocopier,
expansion requires another
classroom, and members don’t
usually cherish tuition hikes. One
treasurer mentions that budgeting
would be much easier “if we had
the support of 100% of our church
membership.” It is not surprising
that there are ongoing efforts
everywhere to help all covenant
wage-earners understand that they
are allowed to use the gifts God
gave them to help support the
school. Some societies also hold
drives, grand dinners, or other
feasts for capital expenditures
such as buses, roofs, photocopiers,
and resources. Some have tuition
reduction drives or participate in
the TRIP (tuition reduction
incentive program) approach.
Some keep costs down with
significant amounts of varied
forms of volunteer labour
(Cornerstone Christian School in
Lynden, for instance, calculated
that 100 volunteer hours are spent
in school each week).
Despite all these fund-raising
efforts, the bottom line question
remains: if funds are scarce, what
should prevail? This question is
really about the school’s core value
and business, as expressed in the
school’s statement of purpose, or
mission statement. If the school is
to provide quality Reformed
education to all children of the
church community, that principle
should also guide the budget
discussion. It helps to focus the
funds on essentials, rather than on
“what would be nice to have.”
There can be a new bus or a new
roof or a new photocopier only if it
enhances and does not jeopardize
the school’s core task.
Futures
The Board of Covenant
Christian School (Millgrove) is
contemplating its future. This
pertains to its location, as it
continues to seek approval for
building behind Rehoboth
Canadian Reformed Church in
Waterdown (together with John
Calvin School in Burlington), but
also to other aspects of being a
Christian school. It agreed to
devote one executive meeting per
year to long term planning and
anticipates requesting another
school evaluation by the
evaluation committee of the
League of Canadian Reformed
School Societies, probably during
2008-2009. The Board of Guido de
Brès Christian High School in
Hamilton is also contemplating
the future of the school in a
comprehensive context of strategic
planning, considering “enrolment
and staff changes, technology, staff
and community, students and
programs, school vision, and board
and committees.” Its enrolment is
expected to peak in the 2007-2008
school-year; one third of its staff is
JUNE 8, 2007 • 297
currently over fifty, and a declining
family size may make
replacements for retiring teachers
harder to find.
The chairman of Maranatha
Christian School in Fergus reflects
on the school’s identity and
keeping its awareness alive:
Some 20 years ago, Vaclav
Havel was the hero of the Czech
struggle for democracy against
Soviet Communism. . . In his
fight for democratic freedom,
he claimed that clichés, by
supporting accepted ways of
thinking, encouraged
dictatorships: “The cliché
organizes life; it takes away
people’s identity; it becomes
ruler, defence lawyer, judge
and the law.” His point was
clear: If we repeat something
often enough, we are bound to
forget its meaning. We, at MCS,
have organized large parts of
our life around this school, and
it has rightly become part of our
identity. Around us we see
evidence of God’s countless
blessings. The question is: have
we repeated the foundational
statements so often that they
have become powerless? The
members of the education
committee, which is constantly
supporting the continued
improvement of the spiritual
and academic caliber of the
school, attempt to make words
like “Covenant” and
“Historical-Redemptive” fresh,
real, and relevant.
One way in which this is going to
take shape during the first week of
July is the presentation of a minicourse in teaching Bible History.
Rev. D.G.J. Agema of Fergus, who
has also been the instructor for the
Bible course at Covenant Teachers
College, will present the course.
Bible History is also on the summer
298 • JUNE 8, 2007
agenda of the CARE (Curriculum
Assistance for Reformed
Education) committee in Ontario,
as a writing team will come
together again for further
development of a Framework for
Bible History Instruction. This
framework is intended to form the
basis for ongoing developments in
this central part of the curriculum.
Facilities
The growth of the schools in
Fergus has led to obtaining town
and board approval for adding a
portable. That is, of course, a
temporary fix, as the “Guelph
Initiative” to start a new
elementary school is also
considered in the context of the
growing student population at both
the elementary and high school
and future facility needs. Several
options relating to this need for
expansion are being studied in
detail with regards to capital costs
and membership fees, as well as
pros and cons for education, the
feeder school model, and
expressed desires. Meanwhile, at
Parkland Immanuel Christian
School (PICS, Edmonton) a
facilities development committee
is “engaging staff and students” as
it explores ways to “meet the needs
of a growing student population
and enhanced programming.” The
committee is studying options that
explore a wide spectrum of
possibilities right from portable
classrooms to total relocation.
Cornerstone (Lynden) sees
continuing progress on the
construction of its new addition.
A different kind of expansion is
considered at Attercliffe Canadian
Reformed Elementary School
(ACRES), where the board received
“an official request to take over the
running of the Kindergarten as part
of the school.” An anonymous
donation to Eben-Ezer Christian
School in Chatham allowed for the
addition of proper staff-room and
office facilities and enlargement of
library and computer-lab spaces.
A story in the local newspaper
quoted the principal’s
acknowledgment of the Lord’s
blessings received in the donation
and in parental involvement in
the school.
As we finalize the planning for
the next school year or consider
what lies beyond, and as we
contemplate the upcoming
holidays, let us continue to
acknowledge the Lord in all our
ways. Then we can rest assured
that He will make our paths
straight (Prov 3:5-6).
The Education Matters column is
sponsored by the Canadian Reformed
Teachers' Association East. Anyone
wishing to respond to an article written
or willing to write an article is kindly
asked to send materials to Clarion or to
Otto Bouwman
[email protected]
Reviewed by Margaret Helder
Dr. M. Helder is a botanist
who specializes in scientific
issues of interest to the
Christian. She is based in
Edmonton,Alberta
[email protected]
New Powerful Tools for
Discussions in Science
Illustra Media set a new high
standard for Christian scientific
commentary when the program
Unlocking the Mystery of Life was
released in 2002. This video and
the subsequent The Privileged
Planet have actually been
developed by advocates of
intelligent design. The material is
so excellent however, that
supporters of six day creation also
greatly benefit from these
discussions. These programs are
not just for students of science, but
also for ordinary people who enjoy
interesting information.
The first video, Unlocking the
Mystery of Life, discusses
important molecular machines
found in living cells. With
animated sequences, the workings
of these molecular machines are
portrayed. The bacterial flagellum,
which works like a miniature
outboard motor, is portrayed and
discussed first. Secondly, and even
more exciting, is the working of a
regular cell. There is a
breathtaking animated sequence
which shows how information is
read from DNA in the nucleus,
copied onto another molecule
which exits the nucleus, and is
later used to put together a specific
protein out in the cell proper. The
machines depicted look very
impressive, but the real machines
are actually much more intricate
and precise.
The discussion and visual
components certainly give us a
good idea of what is involved. A
machine, of course, is made up of
component parts which enable the
device to perform a specific task.
Be it large or small, there is no
doubt in our minds that every
machine we have ever encountered
was designed and manufactured.
Machines are not “mere” works of
art, made to be admired. If
anything does not work, it is not a
machine. Some of our machines
are quite simple devices. Others
are very intricate. In every case,
however, we understand that a
designer/manufacturer was
involved. Machines do not develop
by change, not even (or perhaps
especially) submicroscopic
machines. The implications of this
obvious fact are very important to
Christians. This issue is the subject
of the first video.
Among the scientists
interviewed for this first video is
Dr. Michael Behe. He recounts how
he chanced to read Michael
Denton’s book, Evolution: a Theory
in Crisis. At the time, Dr. Behe was
already on the faculty at Lehigh
University. He had completed his
education including years of
scientific research, but he had
never heard the arguments in the
Denton book. Dr. Behe says he felt
angry and cheated. Why had he
never been made aware of this
interesting information? Thus
started Dr. Behe’s new research
program. The evidence for
irreducible complexity fairly
leaped out of the laboratory and
from the scientific literature. The
rest, for Dr. Behe and for intelligent
design advocates, is history.
Dr. Dean Kenyon is another
scientist featured on this video. He
is a well known expert on origin of
life theories, partly because he and
a colleague wrote a book entitled
Biochemical Predestination (1969).
In 1976, while Dr. Kenyon was a
professor at San Francisco State
University, a student urged Dr.
Kenyon to read John Whitcomb and
Henry Morris’ The Genesis Flood.
Later Dr. Kenyon also read Dr. A.E.
Wilder-Smith’s book, The Creation
of Life: A Cybernetic Approach to
Evolution. Dr. Kenyon decided that
he could not refute these books
which support the young earth
creation model. So, for Dr. Kenyon
too, the rest is history.
Thus, Unlocking the Mystery of
life is a powerful video which
demonstrates visually and through
argument that the living cell bears
irrefutable testimony to the work of
the Creator (our Lord). This video is
divided into two parts and is
altogether 70 seventy minutes long.
JUNE 8, 2007 • 299
The video The Privileged Planet
does for astronomy what the
previous video did for biologists.
The newer video features beautiful
photography and also many
computer animated images of
space. Another interesting feature
is the commentary by well known
experts like astronomer Robert
Jastrow and Donald Brownlee (coauthor with Peter Ward of the book
Rare Earth). These famous experts
do not support the conclusions of
this video. They are merely making
statements of fact. The video
however draws these statements of
fact together to draw some very
interesting conclusions.
The discussion begins with the
image, captured by Voyager I on
February 14, 1990, of our sun and
six circling planets. Among the
latter planets, was a tiny dot
representing our planet, recorded
by the spacecraft from four billion
miles away. The focus of this part
of the video is to assess the
significance of this tiny dot. Is
there anything special about our
globe, or is it just another artifact,
among many, in space?
The modern view that our earth
is an insignificant globe had its
roots in the description of our solar
system by Nicholas Copernicus in
the sixteenth century. Previously,
based on Greek thought, everyone
believed that the earth was the
focal point of the heavens. This
displacing of earth from a central
position has been extended by
modern scientists into a
philosophy. They consider that
nothing about our globe, ourselves
included, is at all special or
remarkable. The work of Edwin
Hubble in the 1920s also
contributed to the same view.
Based on his work, scientists
realized that our galaxy is only one
among billions in space, not the
only one as had formerly been
assumed. Despite all this, the
video discusses how new scientific
studies are making it harder and
harder to sustain ideas about our
lack of significance in the universe.
It is clear that our globe is uniquely
designed to support life.
The second half of the program
is based on a book by
astrobiologists Guillermo
Gonzales and Jay Richards (both
intelligent design supporters).
Beginning with the remarkable
situation which allows our moon
to completely eclipse the sun,
thereby allowing the sun’s corona
to be seen and studied, these
scientists assess the significance
of earth’s position in space. They
establish that the earth is in the
best possible location in our solar
system and in our galaxy, not only
for life to exist on earth, but also
for us to view and appreciate the
heavens. Moreover, Australian
astrophysicist Paul Davies points
out that we have been provided
with brains which are able to
study the universe at the same
time that our remarkable position
in space allows us to do so.
The question as to why this is so
takes us to the final discussion of
this program.
The universe is obviously
ordered and suitable for study. The
source of the order is beyond the
material universe itself; indeed, it
is obviously God the Creator who
has wrought this wonderful design.
Thus concludes the discussion.
After this, in a computer animated
sequence, we retreat through
space from the earth, from the solar
system, from the galaxy, and
through deep space which is
characterized by its own threedimensional frothy arrangement of
the celestial bodies. Even in deep
space there is structure and order,
however subtle.
Unlocking the Mystery of Life.
(Illustra Media, 2002.) 70 minutes.
DVD or VHS formats.
The Privileged Planet.
(Illustra Media, 2004.) 60 minutes.
DVD or VHS formats.
300 • JUNE 8, 2007
Press Release
Press Release of the
Classis Pacific West of the
Canadian Reformed
Churches meeting on March
27, 2007 in Langley, B.C.
On behalf of the convening
church, the church at Houston, the
Rev. H. Alkema welcomed the
brothers and opened the meeting
in the usual Christian manner.
Several highlights since the last
classis were mentioned: the church
at Willoughby Heights remains
vacant after a recent call was
declined, the church at Surrey has
called the Rev. J. VanSpronsen for
mission work in Brazil and is
awaiting his decision, and the
church at Smithers is busy
preparing to host the upcoming
general synod.
The delegates from the church
at Cloverdale reported on the
credentials. Classis was declared
constituted. The executive was
composed of Rev. T. Lodder,
chairman, Rev. J. Visscher, vicechairman, Rev. Alkema, clerk.
The agenda was adopted. The
Rev. F. Dong, as missionary of the
church at Cloverdale, was
welcomed and received as
an advisor.
The chairman as yet
congratulated the church at
Houston on receiving a new
minister in the person of Rev.
Alkema. He mentioned the
departure of the Rev. C. Macleod to
Scotland and the Free Church.
The passing of Sr. H. van Popta,
the widow of the late Rev. J.T. van
Popta, was recalled. As well, the
recent trip of several area
ministers to China and Australia
was noted.
The Form of Subscription for
ministers of Classis Pacific West
was read and signed by
Rev. Alkema.
A report was received from the
committee appointed to review the
manner in which classis deals with
students for the ministry. It was
discussed, amended, and adopted.
The result is that Classis Pacific
West has revised its approach to
theological students, their
promotion, preparation,
supervision, and funding. It also
changed the name of the
committee from “The Committee
for Financial Aid to Students” to
“The Committee for Theological
Students.”
The church at Smithers
requested and received
clarification on the travel costs
of delegates.
A number of reports were
received. The treasurer, Br. K.
Bulthuis, submitted a report that
was received with thankfulness.
The treasurer was thanked for his
work. A report for auditing the
books from the church at
Cloverdale was also received.
The church at Houston submitted
a report on the inspection of the
archives. An oral report was
received from the convener for
church visitations, Rev. Visscher,
proposing that all of the churches
in classis be visited in 2007.
The following appointments
were made.
Convening church: the church
at Langley. Dates: June 7, 2007
(alternate date: October 16, 2007).
Time: 9:00 a.m. Officers: W.
Bredenhof – chairman; H. Alkema –
vice-chairman; J. VanSpronsen –
clerk.
The Committee for
Examinations: the Revs. J. VanVliet
and J. Visscher. Subjects and
examiners: OT – J. VanSpronsen;
NT – T. Lodder; Doctrine and
Creeds – J. VanVliet; Knowledge of
Holy Scriptures – H. Alkema;
Church History – J. Visscher;
Church Polity – W. Bredenhof;
Ethics – W. Bredenhof;
Diaconiology – T. Lodder.
Church visitors: J. Visscher
(convener), T. Lodder, J. VanVliet.
The Church for the Archives: the
church at Smithers.
The Church for the Inspection of
the Archives: the church at Houston.
Classical treasurer: Br. K.
Bulthuis.
The Church for Auditing the
Books of the Treasurer: the church
at Cloverdale.
The Committee for Theological
Students: Rev. W. Bredenhof (2011),
Rev. T. Lodder (2009), Br. J. Winkel
(2009), Br. M. VanDriel (2011).
The Committee for Needy
Churches: Br. H. Leyenhorst, Br. P.
Vandergugten, Br. R. VanOene.
Deputy for preaching
arrangements in vacant churches:
Rev. T. Lodder.
Deputy for Coordinating
Ecclesiastical Contact: Rev. J.
Visscher.
Question period was used.
Censure according to Article 34
C.O., was not deemed to be
necessary.
The Acts were adopted and the
Press Release was approved.
Rev. Lodder requested the
brothers to sing Hymn 46: 1 and 2
and led in prayer. Classis was
closed.
For the Classis Pacific West,
J. Visscher, vice-chairman
at that time
JUNE 8, 2007 • 301
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
In the Clarion issue of August 18, 2006 Rev. W. B.
Slomp wrote a not very complimentary editorial in
regards to the Free Reformed Churches of North
America (FRCNA). Rev. Slomp is especially grieved
by the fact that the External Relations Committee
(ERC) of the FRCNA expressed in a letter to the
Committee for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity
(CPEU) to that they no longer have “no longer any
motivation to meet together.” The literal wording in
our letter was that “at this point there is not much
motivation for the scheduled meeting [of January
2006, JWW].” We still wish to maintain the first level
of official brotherly contact as has been established
in the years past. Today’s letter is a late response, but
we thought better late than not to respond at all.
As ERC, and especially as members of the subcommittee in contact with the Canadian Reformed
Churches (CanRC), it should be stated in fairness
that we likewise were frustrated when we read your
views on the subject in an editorial. We did not and
still do not think it was right for you to publicly
critique our letter before first acknowledging receipt
of it to the proper bodies involved. You want to be
open with all things, and we agree, but that should
not negate the call to common courtesy.
What seems to be a point of friction is a different
approach to unity talks between the two churches.
Your committee is set up for the purpose of promoting
ecclesiastical unity, as its name indicates. In
pursuing this, talks are very much geared to
procedure. Whether or not we should come to a union
between our church federations appears to us a mute
issue for our Canadian brothers. The main question
for them is how this objective is to be accomplished.
To us, however, it is not a settled matter that we
should unite, let alone how this should materialize.
We have no agenda that outlines procedural steps
toward federative union. In fact, we have no agenda
at all except that we are willing to discuss matters of
mutual concern and interest. We both agree that
Scripture and the confessions are the basis for unity.
But as it is in a marriage, you cannot legislate love.
Historically, there are differences between both
churches. It is not the place here to give an exposition
on what our differences are. Much has been written
about that. The position of the Free Reformed
ChurchesNA reflects the “‘old’” Calvinism tradition
with its experiential emphases as opposed to the
“‘new’” Calvinism the Canadian Reformed Churches
and others hold to. That such differences exist
between these two schools is widely recognized.
Ignoring or denying this will not help establishing
closer contact. We are
speaking here
categorically and
generally. But we believe
that it is a fair statement.
Does that mean that we
see no use in further
discussions? We do see
use in it. Discussions are a
way to get to know each
other better, to spell out
differences, to remove
stereotypes, and this way
to open the way to a better understanding and
greater appreciation for each other. Our agenda does
not go much beyond that. Our approach is therefore
much more open-ended. We do not wish to be
pressured. We do not wish to commit ourselves to a
track, and ‘be “hooked up to the unity train.”’
Does that mean that we believe in a pluriformity
of the church, as we have been charged with? Neither
formally, nor practically. We do not glorify the
existence of different churches or denominations, as
A. Kuyper did. We believe that they are the result of
the brokenness of this world and alas the church as
well, caused by human sin. We lament that, and seek
to foster contact with those that have a likeminded
faith. For example, the FRCNA are members if the
ICRC and NAPARC. We have fraternal relations with
other churches; we are in the process of establishing
closer bonds with the Heritage Reformed Churches;
we cross the ocean to visit other synods. Such
contacts may not result in a complete correspondence
or union due to various reasons. We do not think it
necessarily disobedience to our Lord to allow
different churches to exist alongside each other. In a
broken situation we believe that it is sometimes
better to let a situation exist rather than causing
more damage by forcing unity.
Our report to Synod 2005 states the following and
we still stand fully behind that: “While the goal of
eventual union with churches with whom we have
developed an ecclesiastical relationship may seem
unattainable in most cases, we do not wish to
preclude this ideal in our dialogue with other
denominations. We lament the brokenness of the
Church. We encourage more prayer in our churches
for the unity of the Body of Christ. Upon believing
prayer we may expect wonders of grace, not only
personally but also as church federations.”
For the External Relations Committee
of the Free Reformed Churches of North America
Rev. J.W. Wullschleger
Letters to the Editor should be written in a brotherly fashion in order to be considered for publication.
Submissions need to be less than one page in length.
302 • JUNE 8, 2007
Clarion Advertisements
Advertisements:
Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (with
Open House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.
BIRTHS
ENGAGEMENTS
. . .do not worry. . . consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap,
they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.
Luke 12:22-24a
On April 9th, 2007 our family joyfully welcomed with
thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, His precious gift of life
RAVEN MARGRIET
65th great-grandchild for Grietje Bouwman
40th grandchild for John and Tinie de Jager
39th grandchild for Len and Nell Muis
Dennis and Marg Muis
Kristin and Ryan, Brandy and Adam, Jonathan, Mitchel, Amber,
Taylor, Dawn, Randal, Lee, Dean, Ember, Evan
1519 Moss Glen Court, Burlington, ON L7P 2B7
[email protected]
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You. Psalm 5:11
With thankfulness to our God and Father,
who directs our lives, we
RACHEL TANYA BROEKEMA
and
MARK DAVID TORENVLIET
joyfully announce our engagement.
April 6, 2007
79 Goldenview Court, Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H4
I prayed for this child and the LORD granted me what I asked of Him.
1Samuel 1:27
We give thanks to God for the miracle of life. He has made all
things well and granted us another one of His covenant children
ALYSSA HOPE
Born April 12, 2007
A new sister for Scott Levi
Carl and Christina De Boer
22nd grandchild for Gerry and Nellie De Boer
15th grandchild for John and Linda Douma
52 Leeson Street N, Box 595, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will
I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1
With thanks to the LORD, who has again blessed our marriage, we
announce the birth of our daughter
BRENNA MARIE
Brenna was born on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
Brian and Nancy-Jo Niezen
Very excited siblings are Alyssa, Caleb, Joel and Levi
7158 Jones Baseline, RR 3, Arthur, ON N0B 1J0
[email protected]
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn
Your commands. Psalm 119:73
On May 3, 2007 our Heavenly Father blessed our family with the
birth of another covenant child, our daughter and sister
CHLOE CASSANDRA
We thank Him for this precious gift.
Mike and Korine VandeBurgt
Cullen, Arissa, Travis, and Casey
2407 Lakeshore Road, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W8
[email protected]
WEDDINGS
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12b
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for bringing them
together, Ed and Lorraine Feenstra and Henry and Joanne Kok are
happy to announce the upcoming wedding of their children
LUANNE JENNIFER
and
NATHAN HENDRIK ADRIAN
The ceremony will take place, the Lord willing, on
Friday, June 29, 2007 at 4:30 pm in the
Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church.
Rev. D. de Boer officiating.
Their future address: 3671 19th Street, Jordan, ON L0R 1S0
Therefore what God has joined together let not man separate.
Mark 10:9
With thankfulness to God for bringing us together, we
JACKIE REININK
and
ROB DEBOER
daughter of Fred and Marg Reinink, son of Hans and Joanne Deboer
joyfully announce our forthcoming marriage
on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 1:00 pm in
the Owen Sound Canadian Reformed Church.
Our new residence is: 15 Grosbeak Road, Elmira, ON N3B 1V6
Thank You
A sincere thank you to all who sent cards of comfort and
sympathy with the passing into glory of my husband John,
father, grand and great-grandfather. The communion of saints
was shown during this difficult time.
Alie Janssens and family
JUNE 8, 2007 • 303
OBITUARIES
WEDDINGS
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is
strong as death. . . . Song of Solomon 8:6-7a
With thankfulness to our LORD and Saviour, we, Jack and Margaret
Lodder joyfully announce the marriage of our daughter
JENNIFER COLLEEN LODDER
to
BARTELD WARNER VANDENBERG
son of Johan and Afien Vandenberg
Ceremony will take place the Lord willing on Saturday, June 9,
2007 at 1:00p.m. in the Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church,
Fergus, Ontario.
Rev. W.W.J. VanOene officiating – Third Generation
Jennifer and Barteld (d.v. June 9, 2007)
daughter of Jack and Margaret Lodder (September 9, 1978)
son of George† and Margaretha Lodder (October 12, 1949)
Address: Apt. 112, 275 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus, ON N1M 2Y2
ANNIVERSARIES
45th Wedding Anniversary
1962 ~ May 26 ~ 2007
WAYNE and HELEN VAN SYDENBORGH (nee Knooihuizen)
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in
Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11
It has been 45 years since Mom and Dad were united in
marriage – what a great blessing!
We thank them for their dedication and love to each other and
their family, and we pray that our Lord will continue to lead them
and care for them for many more years. Congratulations!
With love,
Michael Van Sydenborgh
Paul and Sharon Van Sydenborgh
Warren, Denise, Joel, Dean, Beth, Paige
Carrie and Paul Sloots
Devon, Owen, Tristan
Julie Van Sydenborgh and Wes Van Hill
4294 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2
30th Wedding Anniversary
FRANK and JENNY OOSTDYK
June 25th, 1977 – 2007
We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for blessing the marriage
of our parents and grandparents with 30 wonderful years.
I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever, with my mouth I will make
your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1
Cambridge, ON:
Bryan and Cynthia Schieck
Owen, Tyler and baby
Guelph, ON:
Kevin and Rachel Oostdyk
Cameron
Owen Sound, ON: Todd and Melissa Kruisselbrink
Aaron and Brody
London, ON:
Sean Oostdyk
Darren Oostdyk
Amanda Oostdyk and Derek Slaa
3957 West Graham Place, London, ON N6P 1G3
304 • JUNE 8, 2007
Amsterdam
Hamilton
December 24, 1916
May 8, 2007
Psalm 23:6b “…and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
ABRAM NIEZEN
The Lord has called home our dear father, grandfather and
great-grandfather at the age of 90.
Husband of our late mother Margaretha Voogt (1977) and
stepmother Grietje Slot (Balder) (1991)
Arie and Reina Niezen, RR 2, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Y9
Margaret and Paul Janssen
Natasha, Timothy, Daniel, Matthew
Rob and Lynn Niezen, Michael, Devon
Nellie and Russell Farrell, 9 Albert Street S. Apt.105
Lindsay, ON K9V 5E4
Larry and Leslie Good, Amber, Katelyn
Cathy and Alan Uprichard,
Sarah and Marc, Michelle, Kim and Brad
Bob and Brenda Good, Amanda, Megan
Bert and Diane Niezen, 275 Albert Street W., Fergus, ON N1M 1X5
Brian and NancyJo Niezen
Alyssa, Caleb, Joel, Levi, Brenna
David and Melanie Niezen, Dawson, Carter, Declan
Ed and Katherine Niezen
Miranda, Claire, Timothy, Mark, Wesley
Chris and Hilda Niezen, Kaitlyn
Stepchildren:
Nellie and Tom Scholman, Gerda and Ron Kresky,
Henry and Maureen Balder, Katie and Albert Karsten,
and their children and grandchildren
March 5, 1958
April 22, 2007
Our gracious heavenly Father suddenly called home His
covenant child
GEORGE BYSTERVELD
Our Husband, Father and Opa
At the age of 49 years.
May we find comfort in the words of Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children so the LORD has
compassion on those who fear Him.
Husband of:
Henny Bysterveld (nee Fennema)
Father of:
Brenda and Richard Hovius
Taylor, Braden
Melanie and Dennis Van Oene
Eric, Megan
Robert Bysterveld
Kyle Bysterveld and Nadine Barendregt
Now we are fragile, But God’s care is Eternal
and we know his compassion and concern for us.
We know when God examines our lives,
He remembers our human condition.
Our weakness should never be used as a justification for sin.
God will deal with us compassionately. Trust Him.
The Eternal God is your refuge.
And underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
At his appointed time, the Lord suddenly took to himself his child
GEORGE BYSTERVELD
At the age of 49 years.
Son of Jane (Jantje) Bysterveld (nee Brouwers)
Predeceased by his father George (Germt) Bysterveld
and brother Marvin Bysterveld
Brother of: John and Dorothy Bysterveld
Martin and Jane Bysterveld
John and Elles Homan
Albert and Rita Bysterveld
Jerry and Ann Bysterveld
Arnie and Tine Versluis
Peter and Glenda Bysterveld
Norman and Helen Bysterveld
Predeceased also by 3 infant brothers
Also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews
Although we will miss George very much,
we will always be comforted
and given strength by the Lord’s Word each Sunday.
TEACHING POSITIONS
The Board of the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School (in the
Bulkley Valley) invites applications from certified teachers who
are a member of the Canadian Reformed churches, United
Reformed churches, or sister churches, for the position of
PRIMARY TEACHER (K-2)
for the 2007/2008 school year.
There are possibilities for either full time or part time work.
We are looking for a teacher that:
• loves God and his covenant children.
• sets and maintains high personal standards
• is professional in their work
• knows how to have fun
• understand the responsibility they are entrusted with
as teachers, and continually strive to submit their
whole life to God.
If you meet the above criteria we urge you to contact us about
working at ECRS.
• Great kids
• Fabulous preachers
• Beautiful scenery and world-class outdoor activities
• Friendly church and local community
If you have questions please call
or email the principal, Derek Stoffels,
at work: (250) 847-3492; [email protected].
To apply please email your application to the principal
or mail it to:
The Education Committee
Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School
Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
Check our website for a “taste” of the school:
www.ebenezerschool.com
Check www.town.smithers.bc.ca for information on the
community the school is located in.
EBEN-EZER CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOL
CHATHAM ONTARIO
The Board invites applications for
GRADE 3/4 TEACHER
for the 2007/2008 school year. We seek interest from teachers
with a sincere love for the Lord and a strong desire to educate
His covenantal children.
Eben-Ezer Christian School has an enrolment of approximately
50 students, K to 8, with 5 full-time staff.
Our school has a low student to teacher ratio and excellent
working relationships between teachers, principal, board and
school society. Our church is soundly Reformed and warmly
welcomes new members and their families.
Chatham and surrounding area is free from the stress
associated with large city centers as well as being a very
economical place to live and raise a family.
For further information contact the principal,
Mrs. Carol Bos
519-354-1142 (school); 519-695-2445 (home)
519-354-2159 (fax); email: [email protected]
Please send resumes and applications
to the Education Committee Chairman
Allan Bergsma
c/o Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed School
485 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham, ON N7L 2H2
NEEDED
1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER
Due to the happy circumstance of significant growth
projections, the Board of the Covenant Canadian Reformed
School at Neerlandia invites applications for 2 teachers for
the 2007–08 school year.
Applicants must be confessing members of the Canadian
Reformed Church or a sister church and must possess a
Bachelor of Education degree.
We are a rural K-12 school with a projected 2007 student
enrolment of 170.
Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks, a good benefits
package, small class sizes, a terrific staff, a supportive
membership and Board, and a low cost of living within an
hour drive of big city conveniences.
Inquiries should be directed to
Harry VanDelden, principal, at:
School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704
e-mail: [email protected]
Applications should be sent
attention: Mrs. Sonya Van Leeuwen
Covenant Canadian Reformed School
PO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0
JUNE 8, 2007 • 305
TEACHING POSITIONS
Reach for your dreams in Alberta!
PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATE
Invites applications for three definite openings as
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
in the areas of Science, Math, English, History, Computer
Studies and French for the 2007/2008 school year.
Full and part-time applicants will be given consideration.
Providence has a student body of 100 students in grades
9-12. Now in its 10th year, the school is located a few minutes
west of London in a recently built facility.
Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field of
Reformed Christian education, who submit to Scripture as
summarized by the Reformed Confessions, are invited to
submit a resume, a statement of faith, a statement of your
philosophy of education, and letters of reference
(including one from you church consistory) to:
Providence Reformed Collegiate
P.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0
For more information contact the principal,
Mr. Roger Vanoostveen
at (519) 471 0661 (school), (519) 264 2575 (home),
or e-mail [email protected]
Subscribe to
[email protected]
Apply for any of the following teaching
positions with Parkland Immanuel
Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta: where growth and opportunity abound in a land of
mountains, prairie and big sky.
Due to upcoming vacancies, the Canadian Reformed School
Society of Edmonton, operating Parkland Immanuel Christian
School, invites applications for the following positions:
FULL TIME ELEMENTARY TEACHER
FULL TIME JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH TEACHER
FRENCH TEACHER
A University Degree is a requirement for these positions. For
further information please contact the Principal,
Mr. R. Van Delft
Phone: (780) 444-6443 (school); (780) 458-0433 (home)
Applications should be directed in writing to the school:
Personnel Committee, c/o
Parkland Immanuel Christian School
21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6
COUNTRY VACATION HOME FOR RENT
Daily / Weekly
Available year round. Between Owen Sound and Wiarton.
3 Bedroom, sleeps 8, A.C., Fireplace, BBQ,
Modern kitchen, Linens supplied.
Adrian and Linda van Gils – 519-371-5616
Aldergrove
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306 • JUNE 8, 2007
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33 Bellstone Lane
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Fax: 905-679-2225
Email: [email protected]
www.fredhagenrealty.com
Serving the Ancaster, Hamilton, Glanbrook, Caledonia and Flamborough areas.
59 Kirby Avenue, Unit 1, Dundas, Ontario L9H 6P3
PHONE: 905-628-9666 • FAX: 905-628-1035
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JUNE 8, 2007 • 307
ROYAL LEPAGE NIAGARA REAL ESTATE
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Prompt and Professional Real Estate
servicing the Niagara Region and
Haldimand County
Sales Rep
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Contact Info –
Office – 905-957-5000
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Hutten Collision Centre Inc. is a prominent collision repair
facility in a small Southwestern Ontario town, where there are
2 churches and a school with grades K-12.
We are inviting applications to fill an opening for a
LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN
Qualified individual should have excellent time management
skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
Please forward your resume to:
John Hutten @ Hutten Collision Centre Inc.
645 St. David Street N., Fergus, ON N1M 2K6
Fax: 519-843-7827
E-mail: [email protected]
van der Woerd & Faber
BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, NOTARIES PUBLIC, MEDIATOR
DUTCH
SPOKEN
Herman Faber, LL.B, LL.M.
HAMILTON LOCATION . . .
187 HUGHSON STREET SOUTH, HAMILTON, ONTARIO L8N 2B6
TELEPHONE: (905) 525-3786 FACSIMILE: (905) 523-8875
E-MAIL: FERGUS LOCATION . . . [email protected]
FERGUS LOCATION . . .
162 ST. ANDREW STREET EAST, FERGUS, ONTARIO N1M 1P8
TELEPHONE: (519) 843-3222 FACSIMILE: (519) 843-2810
Attentive to Your Needs, Affordable & Fair
Real Estate, Business Law
Wills and Estates, Family Law
Mediation Services
Toll Free – 1-800-461-0493
[email protected]
Love the car you’re with!
We’re here to keep your vehicle running:
Wheel alignment, brakes, tires and the whole kit ’n kaboodle.
Bert’s Auto & Tires
Bert’s Auto & Tires requires individuals who are interested in
APPRENTICING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRADE.
We are also looking for an
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/SERVICE WRITER/PARTSMAN.
No previous training required for either position.
We offer a great working atmosphere
with fellow Reformed believers, and competitive wages.
If interested, please apply, with resume at
16623-111 Ave, Edmonton AB T5M 2S2
or e-mail at [email protected]
Phone: 780-484-1034
– Henry VanderVeen –
HOUSE FOR RENT (Beamsville, ON)
3 + 1 Bedrooms with spacious walk-out basement
and attached garage.
$
1250./month + utilities.
Newer, quiet subdivision, near QEW.
C/A washer and dryer, fridge and stove included.
Furniture can be supplied.
T – 905-630-5457
HALF HOUR FREE CONSULTATION
Sales
Representative
“Serving Fergus, Elora, Guelph and
surrounding area
Bus: (519) 843-5400
Fax: (519) 843-2810
Cell: (519) 993-1780
Royal LePage RCR
162 St. Andrew Street East
Fergus, Ontario N1M 1R9
email: [email protected]
Visit me at www.eric-sells.com
Airfare / Cruises / All-Inclusives / Travel Insurance
Call us for our Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii
– Air, Hotel and Cruise Specials
“Best Fares to Amsterdam”
Visscher’s Travel & Cruise Ltd.
Toll Free: 1-800-811-2388
Tel: 604-530-6771
Website: www.visschertravelcruise.com
“Give Us a Try Before You Buy for All Your Travel Needs”
BC. Reg. #25414
JUNE 8, 2007 • 308
PM 40063293 R 9907
Eric VanGrootheest