May 25, 2007 - Pages 257 - 284

Volume 56, No. 11 • May 25, 2007
THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE
Free Will
Pentecost
Running the
Race. . .
There is nothing new under the sun
Editorial
Cl. Stam
Free Will
Rev. Cl. Stam is minister emeritus
of the Canadian Reformed
Church at Hamilton, Ontario
[email protected]
We are deeply concerned these days with personal
involvement and human response
And then there was this pundit who challenged me
to explain in five words what Arminianism meant.
Being known as a man of few words, I considered this
challenge to be an honour.
The man went on to explain that he had often
heard of Arminianism, but had never actually seen or
met a real red-blooded, flesh and bones Arminian. In
reality, he thought, such persons simply do not exist.
An Arminian is a figment of a hyper-Calvinistic
imagination.
I muttered something about “free will,” but he
thought I meant the movie “Free Willy.” So there was
another obstacle to overcome. Anyway, this gave me
some time to arrive at my minute five-word definition
of Arminianism. I am still amazed that I pulled it off.
Both guns blazing
I first thought that perhaps I should simply refer
him to the Canons of Dort, where he could read for
himself what Arminianism is all about. But the
attention span of my pundit was already stretched to
the max. I had to do some quick thinking.
My response was as follows: Arminianism is the
propagation of free will. There, those are only five
words. But I sensed that this on-the-spot, abbreviated
definition did not really satisfy my antagonist. He
replied with astonishment. “But, of course, we have a
free will!” He went on to explain with more than five
words that we play a vital role in our salvation. Dare I
deny that role? I quickly did a step backwards, not an
easy feat with a cane.
Emboldened, he went on to say that the Lord may
come to us with his entire divine arsenal, with both
spiritual guns blazing, but if we do not respond
positively, God is pretty well finished. Basically,
salvation is something in which we play a major role
and have the final say. God may have his weapons
and these are not totally ineffective, but in the end the
Lord Jesus is shooting blanks. Ouch.
258 • MAY 25, 2007
Modern piety
We are surrounded by much piety. But much of this
piety is human-centred. We are deeply concerned
these days with personal involvement and human
response. And I will not deny the importance of this
aspect of faith. But surely it is not the only aspect and
certainly not the prime concern.
Sometimes you hear that overall the sermons
preached on Sunday are far below par. The worship
services are by and large quite boring. The church
service is too much a one-man show. There needs to
be more audience participation. The children must
be addressed in a more meaningful manner.
Traditional catechism teaching and home visitation
are passé. These are sweeping statements, but they
are heard.
Modern piety requires sensitive innovation and
penetrating personality. My pundit informed me that
there is a lot of unrest in the congregations and that
especially the young people feel disenfranchised. I
apologize for using a grandiose term, but it is a
modern one.
There is really nothing new
under the sun
How does all this relate to Arminianism and the
free will? Well, free-will-thinking is very conscious of
the fact that man must be addressed in his specific
environment and with respect to his special gifts.
After all, we must make others willing to give their
hearts to the Lord Jesus and show forth the fruit of the
Spirit. Only by involving people more can we render
them more willing to serve God.
A changing society
You may add to the above that in the past few
decades society has drastically changed. We often
hear that we now live in a post-modern world. I am
not always sure about the implications of this
discovery, but I, too, admit that society has changed.
One needs to mention only the amazing advance of
video and computer technology.
Things are different than fifty years ago. People
are different, too, and it is important to reflect on the
impact these changes may have on our faith and
worship. Society and people are much more “open” to
religious impulses, so I am told. We have to make use
of new opportunities. Okay. The point of this editorial
is not to quell any sincere striving for wholesome and
meaningful change.
The point of this editorial is that we must also
realize that Arminianism thrives on the flux there is
in society. Modern piety stresses the effort of man
himself. God plays a supporting role, but He never
wins any Academy Awards. Jesus is in the bus, but
not as the driver, for He is a back-seat passenger. The
pendulum sways from dead orthodoxy to energizing
mysticism. There’s a lot of navel-gazing in today’s
mutual admiration cultus.
Worship of God or celebration of man?
Undone from all its precious coating and
resounding piety, Arminianism is nothing more than
a proclamation and celebration of the free will of
man. So it was 400 years ago and so it is today. There
is really nothing new under the sun.
Read the refutation of errors in the Canons (Book
of Praise, p. 564). Arminianism holds that God does
not effectually help the will of man to come to
conversion, “until the will of man moves itself and
determines to do this.” In other words, it all depends
on our (free and sovereign) will. If we do not get
involved and want to be saved, God’s grace is
powerless. Worship is then not meant to glorify God,
but to move human hearts to accept Jesus Christ.
The word “worship” (a contraction of worth-ship,
giving someone what he is worth, what he is due) is
first of all an indication of what the service must be for
the Lord (Psalm 29). We must be led in glorifying Him
for his abundant and sovereign grace. Soli Deo Gloria
is still the first hymn of the church. It is embedded in
the spiritual DNA of every true Christian.
Now and then it is good to fire up the Canons. May
their roar be heard from the Atlantic to the Pacific, a
mari usque ad mare (Psalm 72).
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In This Issue
Editorial – Free Will — Cl. Stam ..............................................258
Treasures, New and Old – Pentecost
— J.E. Ludwig............................................................................260
Walking Together through the Valley (2)
— R. Ludwig ............................................................................261
Roadside Assistance – Running the Race. . .
— J.VanDoornik ......................................................................264
Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and E. Nordeman ......................266
Education Matters – Professional Development Needed
in Our Schools — A. Kingma................................................267
Letters to the Editor ..................................................................271
Press Releases – Classis Manitoba,
Classis Northern Ontario ..................................................273
MAY 25, 2007 • 259
Treasures, New and Old
J.E. Ludwig
Pentecost
MATTHEW 13:52
Rev. J.E. Ludwig is minister of the
American Reformed Church at
Grand Rapids, Michigan
[email protected]
Pentecost is the feast of
fulfilment, the beginning of the
end. With Pentecost we see how
far God has come with his church.
She no longer needs the
announcements and proclamations
of angels. His Spirit will lead them
into all the truth, bringing his
written revelation to a close and
illuminating their darkened minds
so that they can discern the things
of the Spirit, things into which
angels long to look. Through his
Spirit God Himself has come to
dwell in his people. That’s the
greatness of Pentecost made
known by various signs in Acts 2.
The first part of Acts 2:4, “All of
them were filled with the Holy
Spirit,” determines the character
and the meaning of the sign that
follows. The Spirit Himself is
invisible and inaudible. . . as is his
work. The sign, therefore, declares
that He has come. About that
coming Luke tells us that it was
sudden and abrupt. There was no
preparatory warning. None of those
who were gathered together could
determine or even second-guess
the moment of his arrival. They
knew He was coming, but not
when. Jesus had spoken of this day
more than once during his life on
earth and after his resurrection He
even charged his disciples to wait
for the gift which his Father had
promised and which they had
heard Him speak about.
That the Holy would come was
well known. . . only when He would
come was unknown. But now that
260 • MAY 25, 2007
“And they began to speak in other tongues.”
Acts 2:4
moment has arrived. The audible
and visible signs of the presence of
the Holy Spirit were evident, the
final one being “and they began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit
enabled them” or “as the Spirit
gave them utterance.” The word
gave is used to depict the gift
nature of speaking in tongues. This
was not a learned experience. It
was imparted immediately by the
Holy Spirit to the believers. This
needs to be emphasized in contrast
to the practice in Pentecostal
assemblies with their “tarrying”
meetings. In these meetings
groups of people will “tarry” and
be taught how to expand their
consciousness in order to bypass
the intellect so that they can speak
in tongues, uttering unintelligible
sounds. But that is not what is
meant here in Acts. As soon as the
Holy Spirit filled those present in
the house, an external effect was
manifested. There was no period of
apprenticeship; there were no
language courses taught. There
was not even time for learning.
They began to speak right away.
All of them.
The Holy Spirit caused the
believers to speak out boldly. He
gave them the ability to declare
with emphasis. This bold speech
does not designate ecstatic speech
(about which Paul writes in 1
Corinthians 14), but a speaking that
is distinct, loud, and clear. This was
done “in other tongues” or, as the
NRSV renders, “in other languages.”
The Jews who had come to
Jerusalem from all the surrounding
countries to keep the feast of
harvest were amazed, saying, “Are
not all these men who are speaking
Galileans? Then how is it that each
of us hears them in his own native
language?” (2:8) The crowd detected
that the speakers were not
foreigners, but Galileans who could
not have learned those foreign
languages in any natural way. This
demonstrates that the listeners do
not think they are hearing a spiritlanguage, a supernatural
Esperanto, but their own mother
tongues. The Holy Spirit dispensed
here one of his extraordinary gifts
upon the entire congregation. They
all receive the gift of prophecy –
proclaiming the gracious work of
God through Jesus Christ in
languages they had not studied.
With this particular gift, which
is not repeated today because it is
no longer necessary, God made
known that the middle wall of
partition between Israel and the
nations was finally removed. The
one gospel goes forth in many
languages to many nations. God’s
promise to Abraham is now being
fulfilled, “In you all the families of
the earth shall be blessed.”
Pentecost reminds us of the
joyful obligation that we have to
support the spread of the gospel all
over the world. Pray for faithful
missionaries who are proclaiming
Jesus Christ in the languages of
the people among whom they
labour. None of them were enabled
by the Spirit to speak in other
“tongues” in the way the early
church was in Acts 2, but only after
formal training and taking special
courses. Nevertheless, this too is a
gift from the Spirit. He gives people
the talents to learn Portuguese and
French and any other language.
Pentecost also points us to the
duties of our office and calling to
make known the mighty deeds of
God – men, women, and children
alike, for we are all united by the
Spirit. That duty applies not just to
the Sunday but Monday through
Saturday on every terrain of life,
in the home, at school, and on the
job. There is no longer one Holy of
Holies – all of life must be
sanctified for we are temples of
the Holy Spirit. It is not an easy
task to witness of Christ, but we
have the comfort of Pentecost.
We do not have to undertake this
in our own strength. The Spirit has
been poured out. Pray in faith that
He may equip you. . . and God will
answer you even before you call.
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 2 of 4)
This seminar was recently
presented by Mr. Ludwig in
Carman, Manitoba
The grief journey
I mentioned in the beginning
that the bereaved are on a grief
journey. Grief has often been
described this way because it
follows a definite course. It has a
defined beginning and moves into
new territory for the bereaved.
Some have described this route as
circuitous, starting and eventually
ending at the same spot. I think
this is a poor model because a
significant loss in life requires the
eventual acceptance that we do not
end up in the same place, that we
cannot recreate the past, that we
must allow ourselves to enter a
new reality. However, we must
recognize cyclical patterns in grief
as the bereaved person reviews
and reworks the many feelings and
thoughts encountered at this time.
Let me illustrate by trying to give
an overview of the grief journey
(sometimes called grief work). This
is not meant to be prescriptive, but
rather based on others’ research in
compiling the descriptions of many
people’s experiences.
Acceptance
We have to understand that
bereaved people are reluctant
travelers on the grief journey. They
did not ask for the affliction that
causes their grief. They are
generally unwilling or unable to
initially accept it, let alone willing
to embrace it. As a result the initial
steps on this road are steps of
resistance, embodied by shock,
numbness, denial, anger,
frustration, and inability to focus.
They may repeat phrases like,
“I can’t believe it! It doesn’t seem
real. It can’t be – we were just
together this morning! It’s all a bad
dream.” There is an intensive
period involving a continual
revisiting and questioning the
reality of the events surrounding
the death, including feelings of
guilt and a sense of responsibility
about actions at the time of death
or prior to it. We might hear, “If
only I had been there. If only I had
insisted we go to the doctor earlier.
If only we had just stayed home. If
only I made him take better care of
himself.” If only statements are our
natural way of trying to regain
control in a situation we cannot
change. . . by moving back with
“if only I had done this or that”
reasoning we mentally move back
in time to a place where we might
have been able to effect a change
on the sequence of events that led
to a death.
Eventually the bereaved will let
this go as they realize it cannot
change the reality of the death.
These things do not happen in a
set or ordered pattern, nor is this
an exhaustive list. But it is clear
that the beginning of the journey
has much to do with accepting the
MAY 25, 2007 • 261
fact of the loss. Until someone
reaches the point where they have
accepted the factual evidence that
their loved one is gone, it is
impossible to move on to a
response to this loss.
Bereaved people are
reluctant travelers on the
grief journey
I use the term “gone” in the
strict physical and temporal sense.
Scripture also speaks of the dead
as those who are “sleeping.” This
is a helpful term in that it
illustrates to us that death is not
final and that there is the full
expectation of the awakening of
the dead in Jesus Christ. Yet the
term is not helpful if it prevents the
bereaved from facing the reality
that, in this life, their loved one is
now dead to them, and even more
to the point, the relationship they
shared has come to an end in this
life. This is crucial to a healthy
Christian grief response. The
secular response over the ages is
that the soul is immortal and
remains embodied in nature, or in
our memories, or in our hearts and
somehow remains available to us.
This is not the Christian teaching.
Those who die in the Lord are with
the Lord. They are no longer with
us. This is not an easy reality to
grasp. It works itself out over the
journey. We cannot rush someone
into acceptance of this any more
than we can steer them around it.
It is the first difficult step. We
cannot put a rigid timeline on the
grief journey.
Reaction
Once the difficult reality is
experienced and accepted, now the
reaction follows. Again the
262 • MAY 25, 2007
response is varied, but it can
generally be described using some
of the following terms.
Disorganization encapsulates this
period in many ways. The
bereaved have had their lives
turned upside down. To be
concrete, I will speak about the
sudden loss of a husband or wife.
What was a normal and safe living
routine for many years suddenly
becomes threatening and
uninviting. Every action and event
seems to accentuate the absence of
the spouse instead of providing
relief or respite for an aching heart.
Quite often the bereaved cannot
find refuge in their home. There is
a general scrambling around to
find something that brings the
safety and security that was once
afforded in the relationship with
the spouse. It is elusive because it
is gone.
There are many factors that will
influence this response: the gender
of the person, the type and depth of
the relationship, the time of
preparation for the death, the
nature of the death, as well as
many other factors. The bereaved
not only deal with the primary loss
of the relationship with the loved
one but also all the secondary
losses that accompany it in a
domino effect, such as loss of
financial security, loss of social
identity, sometimes loss of
mobility, loss of hopes and dreams
and future plans, loss of spiritual
support, loss of intimacy, and the
list can go on. In summary, the
bereaved suddenly realize that
there is a big unwelcome change
in their life and they begin to
scramble to cope with it. Often this
leads to over-activity when they
are already physically weakened
by the experience. This may
stimulate feelings of anxiety,
panic, and fear.
This all happens within the
framework of being a child of God.
I am not suggesting that this grief
journey assaults one’s belief in
God, although it may test it. It is
clear that the child of God may feel
all these emotions even while
feeling secure in God’s care.
Sadness
The next steps on the road are
very difficult for the grieving and
also taxing for the supporting
community (family, friends, pastor,
etc.). Quite often there is an
extended feeling of spinning ones
wheels. Lack of motivation,
depression, sadness, emptiness,
and a general unwillingness and
inability to move forward, all form
a response to the very real
understanding that life has
changed irreversibly for the
bereaved. This is a time that tries
the patience for those who are
supportive, for quite often their
own lives do go on, without as
large an impact on their daily
routine. They want to be
supportive, but tire of the journey.
We cannot put a rigid
timeline on the grief
journey
This is where many well meaning
people try to divert the bereaved
person’s attention from grief work
and try to offer short cuts to bypass
the grief response. They just want
to help the bereaved move on.
Frustration sets in when their
efforts seem to have little effect
and don’t seem to bear positive
results. It is common that the
bereaved march to a slower beat
than those around them. This
needs to be accepted. This is a time
of introspection and rediscovery for
the bereaved. I would suggest that
this is a time of significant
personal growth, also in a spiritual
way, for a grieving Christian. In
2 Corinthians 5 we read about
groaning and being burdened in
our earthly tent. Often the
bereaved are very in tune with this
reality in their grief. It is not
uncommon for them to experience
feelings of wishing to join their
loved ones and having a sense of
purposelessness in normal daily
activities. This is not the same as
being suicidal. It is simply a
feeling of no longer knowing their
role and calling in life. This also
needs to be rediscovered. A new
social arena needs to develop, also
amongst the communion of saints
and within the family structure.
Reconciliation
There does come a time, for
those who allow themselves to
walk the grief journey, where they
begin to turn from disorganization
to reorganization. This is
sometimes called a period of
reconciliation. In short, the
bereaved are very aware of the
impact of the loss of their loved one
in their life, they are able to
acknowledge and express this,
and are also able to begin to make
plans for a new reality. This is not
a time where pain and grief are left
behind, but where it is openly
acknowledged and accepted as a
part of living. It is also described
as a movement from a “head”
acceptance and understanding of
the death and its impact to a
“heart” understanding. This is
usually a time of acute mourning,
Grief is an important and
natural part of the life of
a Christian
as the numbness has worn off and
the stark reality has set in. Often
you will hear the grieving say the
second year is harder than the first.
This is a testimony to where they
are on the journey. Over time the
intensity of the pain is dulled and
less frequent. There is hope for the
future and a re-emerging sense of
purpose for one’s life and the
possibility for commitment to
future plans and goals returns.
The bereaved arrive at a new
place that is shaped by their
grief experience.
As I mentioned earlier, this
journey to healthy resolution of
grief does not go in a circle. The
bereaved do not return to a former
reality, but emerge to a new place,
often with a new sense of identity.
It is unreasonable to expect that
one who has been in a marriage
relationship (where two have
become one) would not have to do
some unravelling after the death of
their spouse in order to continue
on. In marriage you focus on each
other’s well being. When one
spouse dies, the focus needs to
shift. This takes time and energy.
This takes grief work. This also
applies in varied ways with the
death of a child, a parent, or a
sibling. The relationship of the
bereaved to the deceased
influences the reorganization of
one’s life that needs to take place
and the emotional attachments
that have to be let go of. Again, this
is an area where the supporting
community is not always helpful.
Often others resist changes in the
bereaved person’s life or
personality. Others also wish to
recoup the past. They want life to
go back to normal as it was before
the death. This can lead to internal
conflicts in families and amongst
friends when the need for change
is not clearly understood.
This has been a thumbnail
sketch of the grief process. There
are undoubtedly more questions
that could be asked and answered.
I hope you share in my conviction
that grief is an important and
natural part of the life of a
Christian. It is part of a healthy
spiritual life, as well, and can
serve to strengthen one’s faith in
the Lord. In fact the opposite is also
true; a refusal to grieve the loss of
a loved one may leave one
desperate and confused and in
spiritual jeopardy. This is where
the role of the pastoral caregiver or
friend is a crucial one.
MAY 25, 2007 • 263
Running the Race. . .
even through busy times
Jocelin VanDoornik
Busy
I’m so busy. It seems that as
soon as I have finished racing
through one task there is already
another one crowding my agenda.
There always seems to be endless
amounts of work to be done, tests,
exams, school work, meetings,
appointments, volunteer hours,
and daily chores to do.
Have you started using phrases
like: “I’m too busy, I’m worn out,
I don’t have time, and the days are
too short”? It’s at times like these
that you need to stop racing around
and think. Did you forget some very
important things? I’m not talking
about getting your homework done,
or bringing your books back to the
library when they are due, or even
making an important phone call to
check up on your friend. Sure these
are important things, but what I’m
actually thinking of is something of
far greater value. Did you forget
God? Did you set some time aside
to pray and read the Bible? Not just
a hurried rote prayer or reading a
short Psalm before you run out the
264 • MAY 25, 2007
door in the morning, but something
more personal than that. Did you
truly pray to God? Did you
remember to thank Him for all He
has given you and ask Him for your
daily needs? Did you truly read the
Bible? Did you actually think about
the words on the page? Can you
honestly say you have completed
your devotions in those two
seconds before you run out the door
to catch the bus?
We need to train for the
race
Not only during your devotions
must you focus on God, but also
throughout the entire day. You must
show by your lifestyle – actions,
speech, attitude – that you want to
serve the one, only, true God. God
isn’t just with us for a few brief
minutes either. He is always
present. Is it then too much that
God demands complete devotion
from us all day, every day, even
when we are busy? No!
The race
The Bible uses the analogy of
our lives being a race that we must
run. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we
can see that the purpose of our race
on earth is to get the crown that
will last forever, the crown of
eternal life:
Do you not know that in a race
all the runners run, but only one
gets the prize? Run in such a
way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the
games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that
will not last; but we do it to get
a crown that will last forever.
Therefore I do not run like a
man running aimlessly; I do not
fight like a man beating the air.
No, I beat my body and make it
my slave so that after I have
preached to others, I myself will
not be disqualified for the prize.
In order that we may be eligible to
gain the crown of eternal life, we
need to train for the race. Each
person has their own set of hurdles
that are placed on their track,
uniquely placed there by God to
strengthen and help the runner
grow in faith. We have to run the
race by the rules written in the
rulebook, the Bible, otherwise we
will be disqualified.
But the Bible is so big, how can
we possibly learn all the rules? By
studying it! Who goes out onto a
racecourse without first knowing
where to go and how to reach the
finish line? The athlete cannot look
back halfway through the race and
retrace his steps to fix his
mistakes. So also, as we focus our
lives towards the finish line, we
must continue to strive to live
according to the rules, getting rid
of those things which provoke us to
sin and prevent us from serving
God. Paul writes about this in
Hebrews 12:1-3 and encourages
through the example of Jesus:
Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw
off everything that hinders and
the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with
perseverance the race marked
out for us. Let us fix our eyes on
Jesus, the author and perfecter
of our faith, who for the joy set
before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat
down at the right hand of the
throne of God. Consider him
who endured such opposition
from sinful men, so that you will
not grow weary and lose heart.
Sometimes in our busy lives we
lose our focus and begin to veer off
track, trying to stretch the
boundaries and the rules of the
race. We become so involved in our
daily lives that we forget God,
or we succumb to peer pressure,
becoming lax in our ways.
Look up Galatians 5
1. What is Paul warning you
against? (see v. 7-10, 15-21)
2. What is God’s command for
your life? (see v. 22-26)
How can we maintain our focus
even when we are caught up in the
whirlwind of our busy lives? What
must we remember as we run the
race? We must draw on the
strength of the Lord and trust in
Him, because He will never leave
us and will direct us in the correct
path. Through everything we
encounter in this life, God is there
to protect and guide us. He will
help us overcome those hurdles,
no matter how high they may
seem. Isaiah writes about this in a
couple of passages.
It’s not a matter of who
gets to the end first, but
how we get to the end of
the race
Look up Isaiah 40:4-5, 28-31
and Isaiah 43:1-3a
1. What comfort do you find in
these texts?
2. Think of a specific example
when God has carried you
through a difficult time. Take
some time to reflect and pray to
God for his abounding love and
mercy.
What else must we remember
during the race? We must thank
God for everything He has given us
and worship Him with reverence
and awe (Heb 12:28).
Even through those hard,
grueling weeks and the whirlwinds
that surround us, God always cares
for us and makes sure that we have
what we need. We can show our
thankfulness through our worship,
actions, thoughts, and prayers.
We should seek ways in which we
can serve God, showing our love
and care to others as God has done
to us. Not only does God want us to
be kind to others, but also to
ourselves. As we go through the
race of life, we must not forget to
take care of ourselves and our
bodies. Our bodies are temples of
the Holy Spirit!
Are you overworking yourself?
Do your job, school, committees,
volunteer work, and the activities
that you are caught up in rule your
life? Do you make time to spend in
prayer, Bible reading, and worship
of our awesome God?
Life is a race we all run, but it
has its own set of rules. It has a
beginning and an end point, but
the purpose is very unlike a normal
race. It’s not a matter of who gets to
the end first, but how we get to the
end of the race. Christ has already
completed and won the race for us.
He has saved us from our sins, so
that when we finish the race we
may all enjoy the prize of eternal
life. Live your life so that you may
echo the words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race, I have
kept the faith. Now there is in
store for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award
to me on that day – and not only
to me, but also to all who have
longed for his appearing.
Are you too busy to complete the
race according to the rules, and in
so doing, have you willingly given
up the prize of eternal life?
MAY 25, 2007 • 265
Ray of Sunshine
By Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman
“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty
waters, though your footprints were not seen.”
Psalm 77:19
In reflecting upon the mighty power and strength of
the Lord as it was revealed in history, the poet of Psalm
77 makes a remarkable observation. An observation
which also forms the solution to his distress.
At the beginning of this psalm, he cried out to God
for help, but his soul refused to be comforted. His spirit
was weak and he couldn’t see his way through life. He
was frustrated that God was not answering his urgent
prayers. When he was in such grief and torment, God
sent the Holy Spirit into his heart, that he could reflect
on the mighty deeds of the Lord. In this psalm he lists
all the miracles and saving acts of God towards his
people Israel. He overcomes his fear and anxiety by
reflecting on God’s power and goodness. He notes that
the way of the Lord has something invisible about it;
something mysterious and awesome, “. . .though your
footprints were not seen” (19b).
Through God’s working in creation He shows that
He is the omnipotent God; his ways can not be traced.
He did not leave his mark as He led his people into the
Promised Land. The waters returned to their former
place and no one could see that the Lord had led his
people in such a dramatic way.
The psalmist speaks of God’s work among his
people. He appeared in a magnificent way in Christ’s
ministry, death, and resurrection. His ascension also
showed a mighty act of God done in all power and glory.
God also works in many awesome ways today. The
proclamation of the gospel and the call to repentance
is with us daily. His presence comes to us and upholds
us precisely when we are in despair and do not expect
it anymore. Through his Spirit and Word the Lord
works his salvation on history. He confirms his
promises with the sign of baptism and helps us
remember our redemption by the celebration of Lord’s
Supper. He continually reforms and reshapes his
church, also through church discipline.
He does all this and still we cannot visibly see his
ways. We as sinful earthly people always like to see to
believe. However, we simply need to believe and see
God’s faithfulness and love in our lives. His ways are
awe-inspiring, majestic, unfathomable, mysterious,
266 • MAY 25, 2007
and glorious. God works in holiness. The wind blows
where it wills, you hear the sound of it but you do not
know whether it comes or whether it goes; so is
everyone who is born of the Spirit.
So Christ’s church has comfort today. Our hearts
may be comforted knowing his presence is near. He is
near to all who call on Him in faith and will also be an
ever-present help in difficult days. His love is all
surpassing. We can never imagine how deep God’s
love is for us. It became evident through the death of
his only Son for our sins. By turning to God’s Word we
will see how near He is to us. We may never see his
footprints because He is all-powerful; but his miracles
and creation are for all to see.
Let us be still and know that God still works! His
ways are unsearchable. His footprints are unseen, but
He continues in truth and righteousness to bring his
people home! All praise and thanks to Him alone!
O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
Of this world in the next.
Hymn 65:2
BIRTHDAYS IN JUNE:
17
JOAN KOERSELMAN will be 50
Box 1312, Coaldale, AB T0K 0L0
30
BEVERLY BREUKEMAN will be 45
2225-19th Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1G4
Congratulations to all who are celebrating their
birthday in June. May God bless you all richly with
good health and may He grant you an enjoyable day
together with your family and friends.
Till next month,
Mrs. C. Gelms and Mrs. E. Nordeman
548 Kemp Road East
RR 2, Beamsville, ON LOR 1B2
905-563-0380
Education Matters
A. Kingma
Mr.Arthur Kingma is viceprincipal of Emmanuel
Christian High School in
Fergus, Ontario
[email protected]
Professional
Development Needed in
Our Schools
When your son or daughter has
a day off school, teachers most
likely are having a PA or a PD day.
But what does Professional Activity
or Professional Development
mean? Are teachers planning for
the next school year? Are they
working on curriculum together?
Or are they studying some video or
book on the art of teaching? It
could be that teachers are trying to
handle “integration,” or new ways
of assessment and evaluation, or
other such like tasks that belong to
the profession of teaching. Through
professional development,
teachers equip themselves to
provide covenant children better
education. In our Christian schools,
teachers must constantly be
developing professionally.
To make this a reality, all school
community’s stakeholders need to
ensure that this professional
development continues.
Definitions
The term professional
development can be a very general
term. It makes a teacher extend
beyond the self to improve in the
knowledge-base for or in the art of
teaching. Broadly defined then,
professional development means
developing as a professional in the
what and the how of teaching.
When they hear the word
professional development, some
teachers, education committee
members, or board members have
the idea of “taking courses.” In the
educational literature, you will
also find this more narrowly
defined focus. Professional
development can simply refer to a
teacher’s plan to develop himself or
herself by means of taking courses
towards a diploma or degree. In
this definition, professional
development becomes very
personal; it can exclude staff
development, curriculum work, and
any other activity that goes beyond
the focus of this teacher.
Another type of professional
development is known specifically
as staff development. In a staff
development situation, the
principal together with his staff
determines an area of need in
which all staff members can
develop. It may be that a curricular
area needs to be revised; it could
be that students’ misbehaviours
have escalated into bullying
situations which need to be
understood and addressed; it could
be that issues regarding special
needs children need to be studied
by both classroom and special ed
teachers. Whatever the issue, the
principal directs all staff to sink
their teeth into the issue together,
to understand it better, and to come
up with solutions or improvements.
Like other professions
Professional development is not
unique to teachers. Almost all
professions demand that their
members partake in professional
development. Lawyers need to
review new cases constantly; they
need to educate themselves in
revised laws and regulations.
Medical doctors need to keep up
with new drugs, procedures, and
medical studies, and not just those
in their own countries. Mechanics
need to regularly train for
understanding and repairing new
technologies found in vehicles or
for developing skills to learn how
to best use new equipment.
Computer programmers and
computer techies need to upgrade
regularly to be able to repair,
upgrade, or network computers.
Trades people need to learn about
new products on the market, when
to use them or how to install them.
All seek to develop in their
profession.
Professional development is
executed in various ways. In most
cases, the company sends
employees to seminars or courses
on company time; however, to keep
the edge, the professional
employee needs to educate himself
or herself on-line, or in reading
journals/books in their area of
expertise, even in his or her own
MAY 25, 2007 • 267
Supporting personal
professional development
time. Usually, companies will pay
for general expenses incurred, for
example, mileage, housing, and
course fees. Likewise, teachers
may receive from their boards
some professional development
days, or they may be paid by their
schools to take workshops or
courses; however, many teachers
realize that whenever they can,
they should be reading
educational journals, magazines,
or books to continue their
professional development.
Teachers, more than in any other
profession, should realize that
children and adults alike must be
learners. No adult is too old to
learn. Professional development
should be an intuitive part of a
teacher’s teaching.
Following a personal
professional plan
A teacher, based on experience,
previous education and
colleagues’ advice will decide to
forge ahead in a specific area of
teaching. Perhaps the teacher did
not yet attain his or her Education
degree. Perhaps, and now I’m
thinking specifically for a high
268 • MAY 25, 2007
school situation, the teacher does
not have enough knowledge in the
subject area, and wishes to pick up
a Science or an Arts degree. In any
case, he or she will seek a personal
professional development plan to
obtain a higher level or broader
scope in the chosen field.
Usually schools follow a
standard practice regarding the
implementation of the plan. The
teacher’s proposed personal
professional plan will be shared
with the principal or vice-principal
in charge, given that the plan is
part of the profession in which the
teacher is busy. It could be that a
teacher may be involved in other
areas of learning unrelated to the
area of teaching which then would
not need to be shared with the
principal, nor would it need the
support of the school. Usually the
principal will work with the
teacher on the personal
professional development plan
and will share the plan with the
education committee of the school.
In most cases, schools will then
support the teacher by assisting
financially or by providing time,
if necessary.
Personal professional
developments should always be
valued by our supporting
communities. Knowing that the
teacher desires to follow this plan
for the benefit of his or her
teaching should be a laudable
goal; any board, staff, or school
community would recognize the
value of improvement. The school
community can show their support
in different ways, but across the
provinces a number of Canadian
Reformed school communities
have recognized the value of
supporting teacher’s personal
professional developments. It is
true that in the western provinces
communities have had external
pressures, like government
funding, to support teachers in
obtaining education degrees, but it
is also true that the western
provinces have supported other
teachers’ personal professional
plans. Ontario schools may not
have had government funding, but
most recognize the need to have all
teachers fully qualified for their
teaching tasks and will support
teachers in becoming qualified.
How this support is realized may
differ from school to school.
Proper qualifications may mean
further courses, obtaining a
teaching degree or a master’s
degree or an administrator’s
certificate. More than adequate
knowledge of our subject matter
and of didactics is a must. Proper
qualifications can also mean
taking further courses or studies in
Christian education, in teaching in
a Reformed manner. One who has
his or her degrees would still be
more apt to teach in a Reformed
school if they took courses that
deal with Reformed teaching.
For this reason, several western
boards have taken the initiative to
promote the taking of a Reformed
education course from Covenant
Canadian Reformed Teachers
College. In Ontario, many have the
CCRTC diploma already; yet for
those who have not done so, taking
courses or workshops offered by
the CCRTC would help any teacher
to be fully qualified to teach in our
Reformed schools.
Supporting staff development
For the development of the
school, personal professional
development is great, but staff
development is even better! It
generally will yield better direct
results for the school’s students,
staff, and community. All
stakeholders, however, must be on
board to make the staff
development a success: full-time
and part-time teachers, education
committee and board members,
and perhaps even the parents,
depending on the need. I cannot
emphasize enough that staff
development only works well in a
school if all stakeholders are
involved. Obviously, staff
development needs to have good
directive, focus, and time limits too.
Not so obvious, however, but
equally important, is the fact that
some staff members who want to
be busy with their personal
professional activities may have to
drop these activities for a time (or
be formally excused from them) to
ensure the success of the school’s
staff development project.
In most Ontario’s Canadian
Reformed schools, teachers follow
the document called “A Model for
Professional Development” (2000)
prepared by a committee of the
League of Canadian Reformed
schools in Ontario. This document
offers four strands of professional
development. In the Ontario
Alliance of Christian Schools, the
teachers follow another model,
more prescriptive and specific than
the one used in Canadian
Reformed schools. I’m sure that in
each province, models developed
by a College of Teachers, by
government departments, or other
educational institutes are being
used by teachers and schools.
Without discussing the differences
in models, one can deduce that in
each province or in each school
system, professional development,
which includes personal or staff
development, is important!
Is PD really needed?
Some teachers and some
community members will still ask
this question cynically. They may
argue that human nature doesn’t
change, nor do kid’s learning styles
change; therefore, why should they
learn anything new? Some may
see advantages in staff
development but will not see the
advantage of having and
supporting personal professional
development. They may negate
workshops and methods as secular
or as “tried it-done it” models.
Professional development
work must be included in
the daily work of each
teacher in our Canadian
Reformed schools
They may be apathetic to change
of any kind. Some school
supporters may also cap their
arguments with an additional
negative view about time or
money “wasted.”
Those teachers and supporters
who look at professional
development for direct results, who
cannot evaluate and discern the
value of new teaching methods,
or who are cynical of progress in
education will never be able to
answer the question of the
necessity of professional
development in the affirmative.
Yet those who seek to be life-long
learners, who want to discern a
new method for its philosophy and
effectiveness, as well as those who
desire to use whatever God has
given to us, will seize the
opportunities to grow and develop.
True, the secularism in our culture
is prevalent and strong in
educational areas; but that should
not cause us to negate personal
professional development. Instead,
it should urge us to work harder on
seeking Reformed means to further
educate the teachers. Our teachers
need to be revitalized in purpose,
in spirit, in knowledge, and in
focus to remain or to become
better teachers.
I have a newer text for my
Grade 12 history course entitled
The West and the World (Haberman
and Shubert, 2002). Although it
covers the Great Reformation more
thoroughly than previous texts,
including a good section on Calvin,
Zwingli, and other reformers, it
heavily promotes a post-modern
philosophy. How did I discover this
philosophy in the text? Another
high school teacher warned me
about it. I then searched for it
especially in introductions and
conclusions of the text’s chapters.
I wished to have been steeped in
Dr. Oosterhoff’s history course, but
living too far away, I could not.
So I pulled out and read her book
on Post Modernism as well as her
book entitled Ideas have History.
Researching these sources in lieu
MAY 25, 2007 • 269
Church News
Effective immediately the mailing
address for the Grace Canadian
Reformed Church at Winnipeg,
Manitoba will be:
211 Rougeau Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2C 3Z9
of a course has cost me time, but
has benefited me greatly in
teaching the Western Civilization
course from a scriptural
perspective. And I feel that I have
only begun to understand my postmodern text and the place that this
text will have in my course.
We cannot afford to not
have teachers engaged in
professional development
Learning is an on-going
process. To teach, teachers need to
learn. To teach in our Reformed
schools, teachers need to be
steeped in Scripture and in
educational foundations. Teachers
need to be able to refute or accept
new textbooks, new teaching
methods, or new philosophies.
Teachers need to hone their
didactic skills. Engaging teachers
in these matters during
professional development days,
workshops, or courses should be
promoted by all society members
and by every Canadian Reformed
school board.
School boards and school
communities cannot afford to not
have teachers engaged in staff or
personal professional
development. While the question
whether it is really needed should
always be answered with a
resounding “yes,” the question
whether it is always done must be
answered with a very cautionary
“sometimes.” The excuses of being
too busy, of not having courses or
decent workshops available, or of
270 • MAY 25, 2007
not having the funds to be engaged
in it, are either indicative of apathy
among teachers or are genuine
excuses. Good teacher are often
busy in the evenings, workshops
are not always available, and costs
are often prohibitive. Likewise, the
lack of a contractual agreements
which include professional
development, allows teachers to
slip out of it. While most teachers
see the need for it, most teachers
need a better system to guide and
push them into doing it.
Professional development work
must be included in the daily work
of each teacher in our Canadian
Reformed schools.
Christian teachers need to
teach understandingly, faithfully
and professionally. To do so,
teachers constantly need to be
engaged in professional
development. Schools and their
supporting communities must
support them to make on-going
professional development a
successful reality. So when you see
the teachers busily working on
your son’s or daughter’s day off,
tip-toe quietly by so not to disturb
them, or stop in to share your
support.
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]
Letters to the Editor
Re: Congregationalism by Rev. E. Kampen
I appreciate Rev. Kampen’s desire for a balanced
approach to the relationships we have as churches
within a federation. Indeed, we should not be
staunch supporters of congregationalism or
“independentism” on the one hand, or synodical
hierarchy on the other. It is a joy to be able to visit
sister churches within the federation and to
generally know what to expect. We share a common
song book, a fairly similar form of liturgy, and even a
common approach to the writing and delivery of
sermons. We should be very grateful for these things.
However, the examples that are used to emphasize
our unity as federation are somewhat curious.
The example used is: “Is there a willingness to
accept the conclusion of a synod that another
federation is faithful or do they see the need to
accept the ministers or members from such a
federation on a case by case basis, perhaps, in the
case of ministers, seeing the need to subject them to
a special screening interview?”
First of all, it is very possible that a federation
can be recognized as faithful, but that does not mean
that every single congregation or minister in that
federation remains faithful. I understand that, for
practical reasons, we recognize a federation as
faithful based on its synodical decisions, but it
certainly strikes me as odd that we seldom hear how
decisions are being practiced. Do we not really care
what lives in the federation, as long as their
synodical decisions remain orthodox?
Second, why would it not be commendable for a
consistory to get acquainted with a minister before he
begins preaching on a pulpit over which a consistory
has oversight? Just because a minister comes from a
federation of churches that we recognize as faithful,
does not mean that he has a right, by that very fact,
to preach in our churches. He certainly may be
invited, as per the rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship,
but who preaches on the pulpit must remain the
responsibility of the consistory.
We also read that “accounts can be heard of
people who submitted an attestation but who were
required to attend membership classes and perhaps
even make a public statement of faith before they
were considered members.” For various reasons,
I applaud this idea. Again, I recognize the bond that
we have in a federation and so this practice may be
unnecessary, but members from other federations
who would like to join us, might do well to
participate in membership classes.
If I were to become a
member of a
Presbyterian church,
who admittedly have
some form of
confessional
membership, then I
ought to study and take
classes in their
confessions. I think the
opposite is also true. If
we suggest that we
maintain the need for confessional membership, then
it would make perfect sense that those who come from
a Presbyterian background should receive classes in
what the church confesses in the Three Forms of Unity.
It seems odd that we could receive them as members
when they may never have read the Three Forms of
Unity. Have we just given up on confessional
membership? I understand that by requesting
membership in a church within our federation, they
submit themselves to the Word of God, summarized in
the confessions, but shouldn’t they know what that
means before they are members?
With brotherly greetings,
Chris deBoer
Smithville, ON
To the Editor of Clarion:
I was dismayed when I read the letter to the
Editor from my brother Martin. I assume it is the
proposed union of the URCNA and the Canadian
and American Reformed Churches he refers to.
As for the liberation of 1944 from the GNK church in
The Netherlands: yes, it was ugly. But do you think
that the separation from the CRC in 1995 was
less painful?
Here we have two church federations that are
faithful to Scripture and confessions and both bear
the marks of a true church. How can you say that the
Canadian and American Reformed Churches might
be destroyed by a false union? A false union no less!
Is this not a slap in the face to the faithful brothers
and sisters of both federations? Should we not be
overjoyed and thankful to the Lord that these unity
talks are really happening? That thereby we also
heed the command of the Head of the church “that
they may be one”?
What happened in 1892 has nothing to do with
the proposed union (which, among other things, was
promoting the doctrine of presumptive regeneration).
Neither federation is promoting this doctrine.
MAY 25, 2007 • 271
Then he goes on about the combined song book,
changes to the Church Order, and the seminaries.
There are committees working on all these issues.
Let’s give them a chance to do their work before we
start condemning it.
You mention the saying “goed gereformeerd,” that
is, “good reformed.” I’m sorry to say, Martin, your
letter wasn’t. Also, I don’t think either federation is
running headlong into a union. As I recall talks have
been going on for some ten years now.
Yours in Christ,
George Van Bostelen
Member of Trinity URC, Lethbridge, AB
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the March 30, 2007 Clarion
column “News from the College.” I was particularly
interested to read that the Board of Governors is
asking the upcoming synod to “approve the creation
of a fifth professorship. . . and to come with a
concrete proposal for an appointment to Synod 2010.”
I have some questions and comments about this.
First, why wait until 2010? Knowing a bit about the
current workload of the professors now at the
College, I can see no reason why there has to be a
delay until 2010. I am sure there are candidates who
could very ably fill a professorship sooner than that
and thus relieve the workload much sooner. Or are
there specific candidates we are waiting for?
Second, I wonder why the newly created
professorship is recommended in the Biblical and
Theological Studies area. From my understanding,
this then is mainly in the languages area. However, I
think our College, students, and churches would be
better served if there was an additional professor
appointed for more practical studies. Our College
has a good academic standing and reputation, but,
in my opinion some more work needs to be done on
its “practical” program. This practical area would
emphasize preaching, mission, evangelism, church
planting, youth ministry, music ministry, etc. Hence a
professorship as soon as possible in that area of
studies would, in my opinion, serve the federation
much better.
Tom Zietsma
Hamilton, ON
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.
The Theological College, Hamilton, Ontario
272 • MAY 25, 2007
Press Releases
Press Release of Classis
Manitoba of the Canadian
and American Reformed
Churches held March 23 2007
in Carman, MB
Opening
On behalf of the convening
church of Carman West, Rev.
A.J. Pol opened the meeting. He
requested the singing of Hymn 47:1,
2, read Psalm 33, spoke a few
meditative words, and led in prayer.
He then welcomed the delegates.
Besides the primary delegates of
the churches the following fraternal
delegates were present: Br. Ken
Cavers of Providence URC,
Winnipeg; Rev. Ralph Pontier of
Redeemer URC, Orange City, IA,
and Rev. Edward Huntington of the
OPC, Bismarck, ND.
Rev. Pol noted that Rev. K.
Jonker has retired from full-time
service as minister of the Grace
Canadian Reformed Church in
Winnipeg and that both Winnipeg
churches are now in need of a
minister. The Winnipeg Redeemer
church has called Rev. J. Poppe.
He wished both churches God’s
blessing. Rev. Pol also noted with
gratitude that pastor D. M. Boersma
of Denver recently became married
to Sr. Rinette Werkman.
The credentials were found to be
in good order. The church at Denver
was represented by one elder due to
scheduled time away for the
minister of Denver in connection
with his recent wedding.
Classis was then constituted
with the following officers: Rev. P.H.
Holtvlüwer, chairman; Br. Henk
Moorlag, vice-chairman; Rev. Pol,
clerk. After a few items were
added, the agenda was adopted
The following fraternal
delegates were seated: Br. Cavers
as representative of Providence
URC Winnipeg; Rev. Pontier as
representative of Classis Central US
of the URCNA, and Rev. Huntington
as representative of the Presbytery
of the Dakotas of the OPC.
Reports
The report of the classis
treasurer was received and
accepted with gratitude.
The church at Carman West
reported that the books of the
treasurer had been found in good
order. The church was thanked for
their work.
The church at Winnipeg
Redeemer reported on the
inspection of the classis archives.
One item will need follow-up. The
church was thanked for their work.
There was no report on contact
with the provincial government.
Rev. Jonker was thanked for his
many years of service in this area.
The church at Winnipeg
Redeemer reported that the books
of the Committee for Aid to Needy
Churches had been found in good
order. Classis thankfully received
the report.
In closed session church visitor
reports for the churches of
Winnipeg Grace, Winnipeg
Redeemer, Carman East, and
Carman West were read and
received with thankfulness.
After each report was read an
elder-delegate offered a prayer of
thanksgiving and intercession for
the particular church.
Instructions from the
churches
The church at Carman East
requested to formally recognize
with thankfulness Rev. Jonker’s
fifteen years of service among the
churches in this classical district.
Classis granted this request and
decided to send a letter of thanks
to Rev. Jonker.
The church at Winnipeg Grace
requested that Rev. Pol be
appointed church counsellor of
Winnipeg Grace. This request was
granted.
The church at Winnipeg Grace
requested classical pulpit supply
for one Sunday per month during
its vacancy. This request was
also granted.
Question period as per Art 44
C.O. was held. All churches
responded that the ministry of the
office-bearers is being continued
and that the decisions of the major
assemblies are being honoured.
No churches requested advice
from Classis.
Addresses by fraternal
delegates
Br. Cavers brought greetings
from Providence URC in Winnipeg
and expressed appreciation for the
increasing contacts between the
churches. The chairman responded
in kind. Also from the Canadian
Reformed Churches there is
appreciation for the blossoming
relations.
Rev. Pontier then brought
greetings on behalf of Classis
Central US, URCNA. He
encouraged the CANRC and URC
federations to keep working
towards unity and expressed the
hope that roadblocks may be
removed. Rev. Holtvlüwer
responded with the hope that the
Lord will bring the federations
closer together in peace. He then
offered prayer for the URCNA.
Rev. Huntington brought
greetings on behalf of the OPC
Presbytery of the Dakotas and with
gratitude emphasized the visibility
of the unity between the OPC and
Canadian and American Reformed
Churches. Good interactions are in
particularly present in Denver. Br.
T. Termeer responded with words of
appreciation and led in prayer.
A letter of greeting from the
RCUS Northern Plains Classis sent
by Rev. Lee Johnson was read.
MAY 25, 2007 • 273
After Hymn 40:1,2 was sung the
chairman led in prayer and the
meeting was closed.
Henk Moorlag
(vice chairman at the time)
Br. W. van Beek offered prayer for
the RCUS.
Correspondence
Incoming letters from Grace
Canadian Reformed Church,
Winnipeg and from Rev. Jonker
were discussed. A letter will be
sent to Rev. Jonker.
Appointments
Press Release of Classis
Northern Ontario March 23,
2007, held at Grand Valley,
Ontario
The church at Denver was
appointed the convening church for
the next classis, to be held in the
Carman East church building on
June 22 or Sept 28 at 3:00 pm.
Suggested officers for the next
classis are Rev. Pol, chairman;
Rev. Holtvlüwer, vice-chairman;
Rev. Boersma, clerk.
The appointments for standing
committees, classical deputies, and
church visitors were reviewed and
changes were made where needed.
Personal question period was
not made use of and the chairman
noted with thankfulness that
censure according to Art 34 of the
church order was not needed. The
Acts of Classis were read and
adopted and the press release was
read and approved.
On behalf of the convening
church of Grand Valley Br. M.
Brouwer called the meeting to
order. He asked the delegates to
sing Psalm 119:1 and 13, read from
Titus 2, and led in prayer.
The delegates from Fergus
Maranatha examined the
credentials and found them to be
in order. Classis was declared
constituted and the officers
proposed by the last classis took
their places, Rev. Vermeulen as
chairman, Rev. Geurts as
vice-chairman, and Rev. Van
Woudenberg as clerk.
The chairman noted that since
the last classis Rev. Feensta has
accepted a call from the church of
Grand Valley. Owen Sound is
remembered since they will soon
be vacant. Rev. Vermeulen is
The Canadian Reformed Church of
Carman West, Manitoba
274 • MAY 25, 2007
considering a call by the Darling
Downs congregation of the FRCA.
After these items of memorabilia
the agenda was adopted.
Classis received a report on a
visit made by Rev. E. Kampen and
Brother A. VanRaalte to Classis
Southern Ontario March 21, 2007 of
the URCNA.
All the churches affirmed that
the ministry of the office bearers is
being continued and that the
decisions of the major assemblies
are being honoured. None of the
churches requested the advice
of Classis.
A proposal was received from
the church of Guelph requesting
that Classis overture Regional
Synod East 2007 to amend the
regulations of Regional Synod
regarding the duties of the
convening church. After discussion
this proposal was adopted.
The church at Guelph was
appointed to convene the next
classis on June 22, 2007 at 9:00 am.
It was proposed that Rev. Agema
serve as chairman, Rev. Van
Woudenberg as vice-chairman,
and Rev. Vermeulen as clerk. The
convening church was appointed
to invite observers from the
URCNA and ERQ and to send
observers to the next classis
Southern Ontario of the URCNA
and the next synod of the ERQ.
Question period was made use
of. Censure according to Article 34
C.O. was not necessary. The Acts of
Classis were adopted. The press
release was approved.
The chairman requested that
Classis sing Psalm 147:1 and 6, led
in prayer, and then declared
Classis closed.
For Classis,
Rev. W. Geurts,
vice-chairman at that time
Clarion Advertisements
Advertisements:
Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (with
Open House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.
BIRTHS
ADOPTIONS
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father we joyfully announce
the birth of our daughter
CHLOE BRIE
Born April 5, 2007
Darryl and Leanne VanDasselaar
Proud grandparents: Pieter and Grace VanDasselaar and
Rieks and Janna DeVink
5323-54A Street, Barrhead, AB T7N 1E4
He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant
forever – holy and awesome is His Name.
Psalm 111:9
God has again richly blessed us by entrusting into our care
two covenant children through adoption.
We have named them
SHANE ROBERT
Born November 1, 2003; Joined us one year later;
Adopted April 19, 2007
and
VANESSA BREANNE
Born October 24, 2005; Joined us one day later;
Adopted April 19, 2007
Bob and Janine Janssens (Ravensbergen)
Thankful big sister Kayla
4268 Nauvoo Road, Watford, ON N0M 2S0
This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23
With thanks to our heavenly Father who made all things well,
we joyfully announce the birth of our daughter
ARIEL JANE
Born April 10, 2007
Ralph and Jane Vis
Also welcomed by big brothers Jaden and Keegan
Third grandchild for Bert and Joan Vis
24th grandchild for Ernie and Jane Schulenberg
20 Grant Street, Dunnville, ON N1A 1Y1
[email protected]
The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all
He has made. Psalm 145:17
With joy and thankfulness to our heavenly Father, we
Gary and Pam Nijenhuis (VanBeek), along with excited siblings
Jaydon and Ciara, announce the birth of our third child, a little girl
AVA BRYNN
Born on April 17, 2007
7 lb 8 oz, 20 1/2"
3rd grandchild for Albert and Janice VanBeek
8th grandchild for Gary and Mary Nijenhuis
RR 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4
I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellous
are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm:139:14
Named after his maternal grandparents and because all things
are possible with God, we announce that
PETER LLOYD
was born unto this life on February 25, 2007
Welcomed with thankfulness by his family:
Will and Gloria Faber, Aleana, Ethan, and Matthew
[email protected]
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of
your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
With thankfulness to God we, Adrian and Sylvia VandenHaak,
joyfully announce the birth of our son
NATHAN ADRIAN
Born on April 23, 2007
A brother for Bridgette, Jolene, Meagan and Kerri
#37 51214 RR 260, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1B1
ENGAGEMENTS
Martin and Marlene Sanderse of Brampton, ON
wish to announce the engagement
of their only daughter
HEATHER BRONWYN SANDERSE
to
IAN MARK REPETSKI
son of George and Lucille Repetski of Toronto, ON
Heather is the eldest granddaughter of
Roy and Jenny van de Kamp of Surrey, BC
Wedding to take place, DV, summer of 2007 in Toronto, ON
WEDDINGS
With heartfelt joy and thankfulness we,
LEANNE ELIZABETH SCHOUTEN
and
WESLEY PAUL THALEN
Along with our parents
Dick and Nell Schouten and Jake and Linda Thalen
invite you to join us, the Lord willing,
June 16, 2007 at 1 p.m. in the
Chilliwack Canadian Reformed Church,
to witness the exchanging of our vows, as we desire to
begin our lives together, before the Lord.
Rev. C. Bouwman officiating.
Future address:
9496 Corbould Street, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4A8
MAY 25, 2007 • 275
ANNIVERSARIES
1972 ~ May 20 ~ 2007
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With praise and thanks to the Lord, we are pleased to announce
the 35th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents
and grandparents
HARRY SCHOLTENS and
BETTY SCHOLTENS (nee Hofsink)
To God be all Glory and Praise!
Kempville, ON:
Zwany and Patrick Havenaar
Devon, Kyle, Lindsay, Steven
York, ON:
Hilda and Wayne Bartels
Jessica, Jamie, Kerri† , Kenton, Karly
Hamilton, ON:
Jenniefer and Robert Oostdyk
Emma, Josie
Dundas, ON:
John and Melaine Scholtens
Natalie
Hamilton, ON:
Adrian and Teri Scholtens
Livia
2123 Meadowbrook Road, Burlington, ON L7P 2A6
[email protected]
40th Wedding Anniversary
1967 ~ June 3 ~ 2007
Keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of
our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude: 21
With joy and thankfulness to our Father in heaven,
who has kept them in His care and in good health,
we announce the 40th Anniversary of our
parents and grandparents
JOHN and WILHELMINA KOTTELENBERG (nee Doekes)
Orangeville, ON:
Gary and Lori Kottelenberg
Kayla, Katie, Juanita, Christina, Sarah
Carl Kottelenberg
Anne and Rob Bouwers
Josh, Sheri, Brett, Taryn, Tiffany
Nieuwerbrug,
MaryLynne and Henk vanderWind
The Netherlands:
Lydia, Thomas
Orangeville, ON:
Brian and Melissa Kottelenberg
Braden, Merrick, Kenya
Leo and Joni Kottelenberg
Robert Kottelenberg
335185 7th Line, RR 7, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z3
Subscribe to
[email protected]
276 • MAY 25, 2007
Groningen 1967 ~ Beamsville 2007
Psalm 121:8
With thankfulness to God for His guidance and protection,
we, the children of
BERT and ANKY STULP
share with you that our Papa and Mama will have been married
40 years on June 14 2007.
At that time we will also celebrate their retirement after almost
40 years of teaching and serving in Christian schools, as well as
Papa’s 65th birthday. We pray that the Lord will continue to work
in their lives, to keep them and bless them as they serve Him in
our midst. To Him be the Glory!
Sibrand and Adria Stulp, Brandon, Jeremy, Joel, Lauren
Jan-Willem and Jane Stulp, Anika, Kristen, Tarin, Gavin, Jayden, Wesley
Margeeske and Mark Davies, Alistair, Genoa, Liam, Stephen
Alexander and Kathy Stulp, Siera, Kyra
Pieter Stulp
5114 Meadowood Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B8
[email protected]
45th Wedding Anniversary
1962 ~ June 22 ~ 2007
…and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you… Ephesians 5:2a
With joy and thankfulness to our Father in heaven,
who has shown His steadfast love and faithfulness to them,
we announce the 45th Wedding Anniversary of our
parents and grandparents
JOHN BUITENBOS and GRACE BUITENBOS (nee VanderSluis)
Grand Rapids, MI: Rita and Chuck Possett
Matthew
Chip†
Lauren
Leah
Ethan
Marit and Tom Manning
Stephanie
Heather
Zachary
Joseph
Audrey and Vince Vollett
Travis
Tyler
Kayla
Alecia
Yarrow, BC:
Joanne and Dan Lieuwen
Corey
Shane
Deanna
Joel
Jared
Kaylee
Lynden, WA:
Ray and Hannah Buitenbos
Jordan
Luke
Alexa
Kenton
Serena
Levi
Rockingham,
Sonya and Des Swarts
Western Australia:
Kyle
Sage
Leanne
631 Union Court, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
June 3, 1972 ~ June 3, 2007
He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will
be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26
With great thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for His love and
faithfulness we may celebrate, D.V., the 35th Wedding Anniversary
of our dear parents and grandparents
JOHN and MARY VANDERHOEVEN (nee
(nee Lof)
Lof)
We pray that the LORD will bless you and continue to give you
strength as our lives are in His hand.
With love from your thankful children and grandchildren:
Balkbrug,
the Netherlands:
Ann-Marie and Theo DeHaan
Marko, Rick, Joni, Ellen
Richmond Hill, ON: Helena and Bruce DeBoer
Veronica, Edward, Luke, Delaney, Cari, Jacquelyn
Dunnville, ON:
Jay and Denise VanderHoeven
Kendra, Tianna, Madelyn
Bruchterveld,
the Netherlands:
Smithville, ON:
Attercliffe, ON:
Janine and Martin Lamberink
Brian and Karen VanderHoeven
Braedyn
Amanda VanderHoeven and Christoper DeBoer
50th Wedding Anniversary
1957 ~ June 7 ~ 2007
. . .En hij bracht se tot Adam . . .And He brought her to Adam.
Genesis 2:22b
With joy and thankfulness to our heavenly Father who has
kept them in His care, we announce the 50th Wedding
Anniversary of our dear parents and grandparents.
May God continue to bless them in the years to come.
JOHN ARIE and TETJE HORDYK (nee
(nee Kamstra)
Burlington, ON: John and Connie Hordyk
Vanessa and Mike DeBoer
Shayna Hordyk and Tom Aasman
Madeline Hordyk and Kyle VanAndel
Jenna
Olivia
Waterdown, ON: Jackie and Ed Dantuma
Lindsay Dantuma and Mark Hutten
Robin and John Schulenberg
Kayley
Nicholas
Burlington, ON: Mel and Nancy Hordyk
Adam
Jeff
Kimberly
Carrie
Len and Jackie Hordyk
Kevin
Liana
Adrian
Amber
Ancaster, ON: Jennifer and John Nobels
Christiaan
Benjamin
Joshua
Makayla
Address: 83 Thomson Drive, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H4
OBITUARIES
BUIKEMA-FABER, MARTHA BOUWINA
Peacefully at Shalom Manor, Grimsby on Tuesday, April 17,
2007 the Lord called Home a remarkable mother, grandmother
and great-grandmother, Oma Buikema. A woman who showed
us what it really means to live a full, rich and joyous life.
What a role model she has been for our family. And while her
light may have been extinguished, she’ll always be there as a
beacon to guide us. Born in Waddinxveen, The Netherlands on
July 6, 1904, she was the loving wife of Jakob Buikema for
55 years until his death in 1988. She immigrated to Burlington
in 1951 where she made her home.
Predeceased by her daughter-in-law Ann Buikema-Werkman,
and son-in-law Gus Buist;
brothers: Gabbe and Sip; sisters: Hiltje, Wina, Co and Sien.
She was a loving mother of Ken and Christine Buikema,
of Burlington, John and Henrietta Buikema of Beamsville,
Bini Buist of Burlington, Alice and Gary Veenman of Elora
and Bert and Eve Buikema of Burlington.
Loving Oma of 28 grandchildren and 78 great-grand children.
Without exception, they all sensed the special privilege of
having her as their grandmother and great-grandmother.
She in turn loved them deeply and prayed quietly for their
success and faithfulness in GOD. That knowledge will stay
with all of us. She will be remembered for the immense love
and warmth she had for her family, for the strong values
she instilled in them, for her calm demeanor in times of crisis,
for her great cooking, her love of singing and
playing the organ when she was able.
She was especially devoted to her faith.
Martha will be deeply missed by her family and friends at
Shalom Manor in Grimsby.
Visitation at Kitching, Steepe and Ludwig Funeral Home,
146 Mill Street North, Waterdown, on Thursday from 2-4 and
7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Ebenezer Canadian
Reformed Church, 607 Dynes Road, Burlington on
Friday, April 20, 2007 at 1:30 p.m.
Rev. Chris Bosch officiating.
Internment at Greenwood Cemetery, Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Anchor Home for the
Handicapped would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Special thanks to the staff of Shalom Manor for their care of Mom.
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31.
MAY 25, 2007 • 277
OBITUARIES
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the
right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14
The Lord has taken up to Himself into heavenly glory our dear
sister-in-law and aunt
JOHANNA KUIK (nee Tiggelaar)
November 30, 1925 – April 9, 2007
We pray that the God of life may comfort Uncle Gerry and his
family in the knowledge that His covenant promises
to Tante Jopie are fulfilled and she now is awaiting the
unification of her soul with a glorified body at the day of
resurrection. Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha!
Enschede, Neth:
Trijntje Tiggelaar (nee Roskam)
Nijverdal, Neth:
Wubbo and Fenny Boiten
Hasselt, Neth:
Hans and Geppy Tiggelaar and family
Amersfoort, Neth: Harm and Rita Janssen and family
Carman, MB:
Gerry and Marry van Dijk and family
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.
278 • MAY 25, 2007
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]
Advertise in
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
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
The Niagara Reformed Christian Education Association
which operates Heritage Christian School
invites applications for the following openings for the
2007/2008 academic year.
GRADE 5 TEACHER
GRADE 8 TEACHER
We welcome applications from enthusiastic, dedicated
rookies or seasoned veterans looking for a positive change.
Heritage Christian School, in the heart of the Niagara
Peninsula, serves a K-12 student body of over 550 students.
We are blessed with a dedicated and supportive Christian
community, a cohesive, professional faculty and
staff of +
= 44 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
interpreted by the Reformed confessions, are encouraged to
apply. Please submit a résumé, with a statement of your
philosophy of education, a statement of faith, and references,
including one from your current pastor.
Please forward inquiries and/or applications to:
Mr. A. Ben Harsevoort, Principal
Heritage Christian School
2850 Fourth Avenue, Box 400
Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0
Phone: 905-562-7303, Home: 905-664-1234
Fax: 905-562-0020
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
Check our website at www.hcsjordan.ca for a
school profile.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” Psalm 127:3
Reach for your dreams in Alberta!
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
WORK
&
Leisure
Edited by Cornelis Van Dam
and
Kristen Kottelenberg Alkema
Work an
d
Life of a Leisure in the
Christia
n
BURLING
TON RE
FORM
ED STU
DY CE
NTRE
What actually is working? How would you
define it? The answer seems elusive in an age when the cell phone
makes it possible to strike a deal on the beach and when the ever
present laptop computer makes staying in touch with business
partners easy even when away from the office. Work invades our time
at home and activities more likely associated with the home are
entering places of work.
What defines leisure time? What is a responsible Christian approach
to using opportunities for leisure? Is God’s idea of rest the same as
that of the culture in which we live?
Soft cover, 75 pages
Can. $ 8.00 . . . . U.S. $ 6.75
ISBN 0-88756-087-3
ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5
MAY 25, 2007 • 279
280 • MAY 25, 2007
Airfare / Cruises / All-Inclusives / Travel Insurance
Thank you!
During the past number of years our FOREIGN STUDENT
BURSARY FUND was able to support two students from
abroad. We are now in a situation in which no new
student qualifying for this bursary has applied for the
coming year. Thanks to the generosity of many, we still
have sufficient funds to start supporting new students.
While we are waiting for the Lord to direct additional
qualified applicants to us we are discontinuing the
solicitation of funds. We wish to thank all those who
participated by giving to this bursary. We hope to be
able to resume our activities in the near future.
Theological College
of the Canadian Reformed Churches
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– Air, Hotel and Cruise Specials
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Tel: 604-530-6771
Website: www.visschertravelcruise.com
“Give Us a Try Before You Buy for All Your Travel Needs”
BC. Reg. #25414
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 –
MAY 25, 2007 • 281
Women’s League Day in the Fraser Valley
The hosting society of Maranatha would like to extend
an invitation to you to attend the
Annual Women’s League Day
D.V., Thursday, June 21, 2007
If you are in the area please join us for a day of
Bible study and fellowship
Time: 10:00 a.m (coffee at 9:30)
Place: Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church
12300-92 Avenue, Surrey
Topic: Throughout the Generations: Bridging the Gap
ARE YOU A LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC?
Would you like to earn a
Competitive Wage with Benefits in a Safe Working Environment?
COVENANT
Canadian Reformed Teachers College
HAMILTON, ON
Neerlandia Co-op has a
FULL TIME POSITION
in the Service Centre
ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2007
Please send resumes to:
Neerlandia Co-op, Service Manager
Pieter Dejong
PO Box 188, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0
or fax: 1-780-674-4488 • phone: 1-780-674-4419
Escarpment Realty
Independently Owned and Operated
370 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario L9G 4S4
John van Andel
Sales Representative
Bus: (905) 304-3303
Fax: (905) 574-1450
Res: (905) 648-7705
Email: [email protected]
serving Ancaster, Dundas
Hamilton and surrounding areas.
MEMBER
The Board of Covenant College invites applications from
prospective students for the 2007-2008 academic year.
The College offers teacher training programs to prepare
candidates for teaching positions in the K - Grade 10 range.
Admission Requirements:
For the 1 - year Diploma of Education Program:
a suitable university degree
For the 3 - year Diploma of Teaching Program:
a grade 12 diploma with university equivalence.
Prospective candidates are invited to contact the College for more
information and/or to obtain an enrolment package. Those who
plan to seek admission in the year 2008 are also encouraged to
contact the College as soon as possible.
Visit our website: www.covenantteacherscollege.com
Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers College
Location: 410 Crerar Drive, Hamilton, Ontario
Telephone: 905-385-0634 Fax: 905-385-8409
E-mail:
[email protected]
Postal:
1576 Upper James Street, P.O. Box 30026
Hamilton, ON L9B 2Y5
100% CLUB
NOW AVAILABLE
Large Print
Book of Praise
Psalms and Hymns only
Soft cover, Spiral bound,
8 1⁄2 x 11 size . . . . . .
$29.00 Cdn. . . . $26.00 US
ORDER FROM
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5
282 • MAY 25, 2007
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]
Towards the
Maturity of Faith
by Clarence Stam
In this book, Clarence Stam
discusses the letter of James, the
brother of the Lord Jesus Christ. He
sees as the theme of the letter: growing
towards the maturity of faith. Our
faith may not be static but should be
dynamic, leading us to walk closer with God every
day. This is a book for Christians who want to grow towards
maturity in faith. It can be used for combined Bible Study or
daily devotions.
Soft cover, 274 pages . . . . Can. $15.00 . . . U.S. $15.50
ISBN 978-0-88756-089-7
ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5
Promise
and
Perils of
Genetic
Eng
ineering
PREMIER
The Promise and Perils of
Genetic Engineering
TINKER
ING WIT
H CRE
ATION?
The
Tinkering
with Creation?
The Pro
mise an
dP
Genetic
Enginee erils of
ring.
BURLIN
GTON
REFORM
ED STU
DY CE
NTRE
Edited by Cornelis Van Dam
The possibilities of human ingenuity and scientific advances seem to be
limitless in our day. Plants are genetically modified to produce food that
meets predetermined criteria. Basic building blocks of life are being
manipulated for healing diseases and improving health. However, the
same basic techniques are used to produce cloned animals and there is
much talk about doing the same with humans. Such scientific activities
raise many questions.
Soft Cover, 112 pages . . . . . . Can. $ 8.25 . . .U.S. $ 6.75
Treasures
New and Old
Exploring the
Riches of Scripture
by Jack De Jong
Dr. De Jong’s passion was to search the Scriptures and to
bring its treasures new and old to the attention of God’s people.
With his insights into God’s Word he was able to encourage,
instruct, and comfort many when his meditations were first
published in Clarion. His work retains its value and can be used for
personal Bible study and devotions as well as for group study into
God’s Word.
Soft cover, 292 pages . . . . Can. $13.00 . . . U.S. $11.00
ISBN 0-88756-085-7
ISBN 0-88756-082-2
ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM
ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5
PREMIER PUBLISHING
One Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5
MAY 25, 2007 • 283
Live your
dream.
Consider a
FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Your goals and dreams are important to us and we want to help
you achieve them by implementing sound financial stewardship
Music to make you ponder.
13 Songs to inspire and make you think.
Melodies and lyrics to arrest the minds of all Reformed
Christians and to cause us to sit up and count our
blessings anew.
principles within your personal financial plan. Being mindful of
your values, financial circumstances, and long-term aspirations,
we provide the input, direction, and advice that you need.
Call today for your personalized plan.
Do you need
something refreshing to listen to?
Order the new album
Stranger in the Midst
RELEASED BY
BRIAN BOSCH
online at www.brianbosch.net
Bill Van Huisstede,
Wade Van Bostelen,
Collin Spithoff,
Branch Manager
FMA, CFP
CFP
Investment
Planning Counsel
TM
I P C I N V E S T M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N
Serving BC, AB, and ON
Phone. 905.333.0902 or Toll Free. 1.866.IPC.GROW
3425 Harvester Road – Suite 104, Burlington, ON
www.harvesterfinancialteam.com
Consider a
F REE MO RTGAGE REVIEW
Before you buy, build, refinance or renew your mortgage,
call me to ensure that you are getting great rates and terms
Peter Buitenwerf
Sales Representative
Serving Niagara
and surrounding area since 1987
• No fee to qualified borrowers.
• Approvals and pre-approvals,
up to 120 day rate guarantees.
• Mortgages for self-employed.
• Residential and commercial
• Large volume enabling negotiation of great rates & terms
For more information, please contact:
Jerry Bosscher, Mortgage Consultant
[email protected]
2005
Bus: 905-957-5000
Fax: 905-957-1085
Res: 905-386-6678
Email: [email protected]
I P C
S AV E
TM
PM 40063293 R 9907
Investment
Planning Counsel
1-800-461-0493
I N C .
Serving Ontario
MAY 25, 2007 • 284