March 27, 2008 - Pages 157 - 184 - Clarion

Clarion
THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE
Volume 57, No. 7
March 28, 2008
The church has
distinguishing
features
Inside this issue
Marks
Holy Ground
Why Worship Twice?
Editorial
Cl. Stam
Marks
It’s very easy to become fixated on one aspect
of a matter
More and more people like to wear a tattoo, a
supremely distinguishing mark. Some of these are
very elaborate and make the body look like a twisted
piece of canvas, while others are very small and have
a special significance for the bearer. I heard a fellow
say: a tattoo makes a statement, about who you are
and what you want in life. Though I love “statements,”
I dislike tattoos. Enough, already.
Now my purpose is not to get all worked up over
some cheap Miami ink. However, we might note that
the Bible does say in Leviticus 19:28, “Do not cut your
bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.
I am the Lord.” Marking oneself was usually done by
pagan priests and their heathen followers. It’s a
declaration that you belong to the gang.
The marks of the church
The church has no tattoos. The communion of
saints is quite different from a gang of thugs. But the
church does have distinguishing features. We call
them “marks,” because they identify the church of
Christ in society. In my last editorial – long since
forgotten – I wrote about those marks.
Breaking with the true church is
indeed sin
The marks are confessed in accordance with
Scripture in the Belgic Confession, Article 29. There is,
first of all, the true preaching of the gospel. Then there
is the pure administration of the sacraments. Finally,
there is the exercising of church discipline for
correction and punishing sins. To make things
simpler, we speak about preaching, sacraments,
and discipline.
Perhaps most churches that exist have these marks
in some way and to some degree. Hence their
members react with some irritation when these marks
are mentioned against them. Why be so critical?
Nobody is perfect. Have the Canreffers not sat in
158 • MARCH 28, 2008
judgment long enough over other churches with
different backgrounds and practices? Are we not often
people with a true church obsession?
This may be the case sometimes. It’s very easy to
become fixated on one aspect of a matter. But these
marks are not a side-bar, for they indicate the norms
that the Bible applies to a church that really lives up
to its name.
Notice the adjectives used in Article 29. It speaks
about the pure preaching of the gospel and the pure
administration of the sacraments. Because the Word
of God is pure, our preaching, sacraments, and
exercising of discipline must also be pure. Pure
means here very simply “according to the pure Word
of God.” Pure means that it’s the real thing. Nothing
added, nothing removed.
The marks of Christians
Someone tried to tell me once that the marks of
the Christians are more important than the marks of
the church. On the great day God will not ask you,
I was told, of what church you were a member,
but He will ask if you showed forth the marks of
the Christians.
Now I don’t have the inside scoop on what God
might or might not ask on that day. But if we were
knowingly members of a false church, why would God
not ask us about such a key life decision? We could be
in for a shocking surprise when the Judge opens his
books. Breaking with the true church, as outlined in
our confession, is indeed sin, and needs to be called
by its proper name.
We should not play the marks of the church off
against the marks of Christians. Perhaps we do not
sport a tattoo, but we are to show by the marks of the
Christians that we truly belong to God’s faithful
church. Actually, the marks of the church are
meant to teach us and help us to show forth the marks
of Christians.
People around us have to see these marks. Our
joyful and thankful displaying of the marks of the
Christians truly shows everyone that we bear marks
that are deeply spiritual and not superficially
physical. The real difference between a tattoo and a
mark is that the tattoo is engraved on your skin, but
the mark is implanted into your heart.
We sometimes read about the missionary
character of the church. We are to be outreachoriented. This is true. It’s also a bit of a buzz-word.
Our Heidelberg Catechism explains, however, that
the first form of outreach is that “by our godly walk of
life we may win our neighbour for Christ.” While
understanding that nothing in this life is perfect, we
need to talk the talk and walk the walk. People
around us really notice that walk and talk are in sync.
It is a powerful combination.
Marks of the church and the Christians
There is very little or no difference between the
marks of the church and the marks of a Christian.
They are inextricably connected. The church preaches
the pure gospel; the Christians believe in Jesus
Christ. The church administers sacraments; the
believers appeal constantly to the blood, suffering,
death, and obedience of Jesus Christ. The church
exercises discipline; the believers crucify their flesh
and its works. It all works together.
The true church leads on strongly. The true
believers follow obediently. The marks of the church
and those of the believers may be distinguished but
should never be separated.
Paint is for pagans
I do not know how many of our young people (or
older ones) actually wear a tattoo. I hope the number
is small. Not because I am scared of a little bit of
paint. But paint is for pagans. We do not need
outward beautification but inward regeneration.
Did you ever see pictures of the old medicine man
or shaman, witch doctors of many stripes and
plumes? They used scary masks, weird rattles, and
all kind of visual effects. They were heavily painted
and elaborately tattooed or cut. It showed their strong
devotion to their idols. Actually, it is more slavish
subjection than true devotion.
The Lord said: I don’t want this. You don’t belong to
them and therefore don’t act like them. Their worship
is false and superficial, but I have a better way. He
poured out his Spirit over us. This Spirit leads us in
the liturgy of our lives.
The Holy Spirit works from the inside and the
effect of that becomes visible to the outside. Don’t
paint a saint. Don’t adorn a believer. See in his whole
life the blossoming splendour of the love and grace of
God in Jesus Christ.
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In This Issue
Editorial – Marks — Cl. Stam......................................................158
Treasures, New and Old – Holy Ground
— J.L. van Popta ......................................................................160
Book Review — Reviewed by W.L. Bredenhof ..........................161
A Guide to Reformed Worship (10) – Why Worship Twice?
— W.L. Bredenhof ....................................................................162
Unity efforts between the Canadian and United Reformed
Churches: Progress to Date (1) — E. Kampen ................164
Letter to the Editor ....................................................................168
Press Review – Secularization — J. Moesker..........................169
The Forty-Sixth Annual League Day of the Women’s
Societies in Ontario — S. Post ............................................170
Roadside Assistance — J.VanDoornik ......................................173
Submitted 09/02/2008
MARCH 28, 2008 • 159
Treasures, New and Old
J.L. van Popta
Holy Ground
Rev. J. L. van Popta is
minister of the Fellowship
Canadian Reformed
Church at Burlington,
Ontario
[email protected]
MATTHEW 13:52
“By the breath of Gd, frost is given”
(Job 37:10, KJV)
“He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them; He stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”
(Psalm 147:15-18)
Sometimes it takes children to
show us where God is. One frosty
morning many years ago, I stepped
out of our home to do some errands.
Christopher, who was five or so at
the time, was with me. On my way
to the car I was going to walk
across the corner of my lawn. There
was hoarfrost on the grass. My son
shouted, “No! Don’t do that. Stop!” I
stopped dead in my tracks,
wondering, “Why? What’s wrong?”
He implored me, “Don’t step on the
grass, Daddy, that’s frost. That’s the
breath of God!” God was in that
place. God’s breath was there on
the grass and on the trees all
around us, and my young son was
filled with awe. He saw God’s
presence there, upon the grass,
before our eyes. As we drove away
that morning, I, too, saw in the
hoarfrost the beauty and the
holiness of God.
With his breath and his Spirit,
God often brings weather that lets
us feel his presence. Ten years ago,
a great ice storm struck eastern
Canada. For several days, freezing
rain blanketed our village and the
surrounding countryside. I
remember how, when the storm
had passed and the sun came out,
160 • MARCH 28, 2008
Photo by Chris van Popta (December 2007)
“When you send your Spirit. . . you renew the face of the earth.”
(Psalm 104:30)
there was a profound beauty all
around us. Ice encased everything
and the world glistened as if it
were a crystal palace. It was
fantastically beautiful.
Yet, we were astonished by the
destructive power of the ice. “Who
can withstand his icy blast?” the
psalmist asks. Trees were
shattered. Power lines were pulled
down, their wooden poles
splintered and their steel towers
buckled. The slightest breeze
caused the power lines that had
not fallen to creak and groan as the
encasing ice cracked and
shattered. Trees in the forests bent
low, their boughs growling against
each other when they moved.
Willow trees along the streams
bent low, not now weeping, but
mourning as if in deep sorrow.
Branches broke with sounds like
gunshots. It was as if all creation
were groaning.
This was the work of the very
breath of the Almighty: “By the
breath of God, frost is given.” The
almighty God Himself was there!
As my children and I walked
through the village, we were filled
with awe. The beauty reminded us
of John’s description of the New
Jerusalem coming down from
heaven: “It shone with the glory of
God, and its brilliance was like
that of a very precious jewel, like a
jasper, clear as crystal.” In this
beauty we saw, as the psalmist did,
God’s Word and Spirit active all
around us.
Those moments with my
children cause me to reflect, even
now years later, on the holiness of
God. He reveals his holiness by his
breath, his Spirit, his wind. When I
recall the beautiful destruction that
God brought on us in the ice storm,
I revere his majesty, his power, his
judgment. Wrapped up in that
beauty, there was judgment. In ice,
God reveals his power; in frost, his
holiness; in snow, his purity. But
then his warming Word comes, the
psalm says, and melts the ice and
snow. The frost is replaced by dew
on the morning grass. Spring
comes again and the ice melts.
There is new life. God renews the
face of the ground by that very
same Word and Spirit. Our lawns
and gardens grow and blossom,
revealing the marvelous beauty of
new life. The Spirit blows upon the
flowerbeds and transforms them
into places of rebirth.
Every winter and every spring
God reveals these things to us. The
Book Review
Rev.W.L. Bredenhof is
co-pastor of the Canadian
Reformed Church at Langley,
British Columbia
[email protected]
Reviewed by W.L. Bredenhof
On Being a Theologian of the
Cross: Reflections on Luther’s
Heidelberg Disputation, 1518,
Gerhard O. Forde
(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).
Additional Information: Paperback,
121 pages, $11.95.
When referring to various
teachings about salvation which
involve man cooperating with God
(synergism), we often use the term
“Arminianism.” If we’re a little
more sophisticated, we might use
terms like Pelagianism or semiPelagianism. This book reintroduces an old distinction
formulated by Martin Luther: a
theology of glory versus a theology
of the cross. All the various
synergistic ideas of salvation can
be placed under the heading of a
“theology of glory.” This book may
persuade you that these old
categories of Luther are more
helpful than the ones we often use
whole of creation groans under the
burden of man’s sin. Yet God comes
to us with his Word. It comes to us
and reveals to us its beauty, like
ice upon a willow tree, or frost
upon the grass. It is a Word, clear
as crystal, reflecting and refracting
the glory of God to us. We only
need the eyes to see it. It is the
Word and Spirit that transform
ordinary places into places where
God reveals Himself.
If it had not been so cold that
frosty morning so many years ago,
my young son gazing at our front
lawn might have said to me, “Take
off your shoes, Daddy, this is
holy ground!”
today. Moreover, it may surprise
you how often we ourselves are
drawn to a “theology of glory”
which “calls evil good and good
evil.”
The author, Gerhard Forde
(1927-2005), was professor of
systematic theology at Luther
Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota
until his retirement in 1998. The
book is his commentary on a set
of theses that Martin Luther
presented to the German
Congregation of the Augustinian
order in Heidelberg in 1518. Even
though the Ninety-five Theses of
1517 caused a bigger stir politically
and ecclesiastically, the twentyeight theses presented at
Heidelberg have been more
theologically influential.
This is an amazing little book
and reading it may well turn your
thinking upside down. The
theology of the cross is, of course,
concerned with the cross of Jesus
Christ, which Forde reminds us is
“shorthand for the entire narrative
of the crucified and risen Jesus”
(p 1). It also includes the Old
Testament preparation for that
narrative. But this is not abstract
theology – what is brilliantly laid
out here is the gospel whereby God
alone saves sinners through Christ
alone: “Grace says ‘believe it’ and
everything – EVERYTHING! – is
already done” (p 110). Perhaps not
surprisingly, there are numerous
similarities between the
Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 and
the Catechism that was produced
in Heidelberg in 1563.
Every now and then you come
across a book that delivers
theology in a devotional format –
you read it and it propels you
further on the journey of spiritual
growth. This is one of those books.
Read it and see what happens! I
have but one complaint and it is
the image of Christ on the cross on
the cover. However, a post-it note
with some tape quickly deals with
that problem. Aside from that, this
book is highly recommended.
MARCH 28, 2008 • 161
W.L. Bredenhof
Rev.W.L. Bredenhof is
co-pastor of the Canadian
Reformed Church at Langley,
British Columbia
[email protected]
A Guide to
Reformed Worship (Part 10)
– Why Worship Twice?
As we come to the end of this
series, we’ve covered a lot of
ground. There are many issues that
I’ve not discussed – space
limitations demand selectivity.
However, there is one more thing
that really needs our attention.
As with many of the other things
we’ve looked at, this is not
something new. People have been
discussing it for centuries. “It” is the
reason why we have two worship
services in our Reformed churches.
There are those in many, if not
all, of our churches who do not seem
to see the importance or rationale
for attending the worship services
regularly. During the morning
services, the pews are often full.
Things sometimes look thinner in
the second service. Sometimes there
are legitimate reasons why people
can only attend once. We’re not
concerned about that here. Rather,
we’re concerned about those who
are perfectly healthy, who have no
little children or others dependent
on them, who have no “works of
necessity” to perform, and yet they
make a conscious choice to only go
to church once. They could be
going twice, but yet they make a
deliberate decision to do so
only once.
In some cases, this may be done
simply out of innocent ignorance.
No one has told the person in
162 • MARCH 28, 2008
question that they belong in church
twice. Somehow I suspect that such
people are a rare breed, if they
exist at all. In most cases, I think
the persons involved simply have
not been convinced that this is a
biblical practice and they feel they
have the freedom to decide what
they want to do with their Sundays.
In other cases, the people involved
just don’t care.
In this article, I want to appeal
to those who are not convinced that
this is a biblical practice. There’s
nothing I can do about those who
don’t care – I suspect that they
would never read this anyway.
But perhaps there are some readers
who fit into the first category and I
want to make an effort to convince
them that regular attendance at
both services should be a priority
for all Reformed believers. So, I’ll
give five reasons here why we
should make it a priority to
worship as often as we’re able.
Five reasons
First, when we make a choice to
only attend once, this is selfdestructive. The preaching of the
gospel and the administration of
the sacraments are means of grace
in the lives of believers. The Spirit
works through these Godappointed means to bring about
transformation and sanctification
in our lives. We’re also missing out
on opportunities to encourage and
be encouraged by our brothers and
sisters before, during, and after the
worship services. Don’t we believe
and confess that the sixth
commandment includes that “I am
not to harm or recklessly endanger
myself” (HC, Q/A 105)? So, why
would we want to harm ourselves
spiritually by staying away from
the preaching of the gospel and the
administration of the sacraments?
Such a choice is self-destructive.
Not only are we hurting
ourselves by attending only once,
we also do harm to our families.
That is the second reason. What is
the message we’re sending to our
children and grandchildren?
Perhaps we’re saying that we’ve
arrived. We’ve already heard it all;
we already know it all. We don’t
need to be reminded of anything
(though 2 Peter 1:12 says different!).
We don’t need the Holy Spirit to
work on us through the preaching.
We don’t need to be strengthened
through the sacraments. We don’t
need our brothers and sisters in the
church to encourage us and they
don’t need us to encourage them.
So, perhaps we’re teaching pride to
our children and grandchildren.
We’re telling them that you can
decide for yourself the way you
want to worship God and you can
forget everybody else. You make up
your mind for yourself when you
want to go to church, regardless of
what the consistory says. This way
of thinking will ultimately not only
destroy your children spiritually,
it will also destroy the church.
Though our culture says otherwise,
pride is never healthy for anybody.
Over and over again the Bible
warns about the dangers of pride
(e.g. 1 Peter 5:5).
The third reason: when we
make a conscious habit of
attending only once, we are doing
damage to the church and its unity.
We confess that we are the body of
Christ. So, why is this particular
part of the body going off and
doing his or her own thing when
the rest are assembled for
worship? “The eye cannot say to
the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ and the
head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t
need you’” (1 Cor 12:21). “If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it;
if one part is honored, every part
rejoices with it” (1 Cor 12:26). And
by extension we could say, “If one
part is worshipping, every part
should be worshipping with it.”
Since we are the body of Christ,
we do things together and that
includes gathering for corporate
public worship.
The fourth reason has to do with
the fifth commandment. We confess
in Lord’s Day 39 that we are to show
“all honour, love, and faithfulness”
to all those in authority over us.
We are to submit ourselves with
due obedience to their good
instruction and discipline. It is
God’s will to govern us by their
hand. When we do public
profession of faith we promise that
we believe all this. Among those in
authority over us are the office
bearers of the church. The
consistory calls the congregation to
worship twice each Sunday. It is
not optional. Of course, as I
mentioned earlier, there can be
legitimate reasons why you cannot
come. But if a person makes a
willful choice to do something else,
to be somewhere else, when they’re
called to be in church, that’s a sin
against the fifth commandment.
Now somebody might say that the
Bible doesn’t directly tell us to
worship twice, so we don’t have to
listen to what the consistory says
about this. But let me ask: does this
requirement go against what
Scripture teaches?
Is the consistory forcing you to
disobey Scripture by calling us to
worship twice?
The consistory calls the
congregation to worship
twice each Sunday
Let me parse this out further
with an analogy. The Bible tells us
to obey the government. Say the
local government puts a speed
limit of 60 km/h on some street.
Well, we could reason, the Bible
doesn’t tell us that we should drive
60 km/h on that street, so we don’t
have to listen to the government.
Try and tell that to the police office
who’s going to give you a ticket!
No, we still have to obey, so long
as we’re not commanded to do
anything contrary to what
Scripture teaches (Rom 13:1-7;
Acts 5:29). In this case, there are
very good scriptural reasons why
the consistory calls us to worship
twice. It’s for your well-being and
for the well-being of your children
– but most importantly of all, it is a
big part of our giving glory to God
with our lives.
Finally, the last reason has to
do with your pastor. I remember
once talking to an older pastor who
became very frustrated. He was
very conscientious and spent a lot
of time preparing his sermons.
You should know that the average
minister spends up to fifteen or
even twenty hours on a sermon.
During the week, this minister
would encounter situations in the
congregation. He knew what
needed to be addressed in the
preaching. But Sunday afternoon
would come around and he’d get
up on the pulpit and the very
people who needed to hear the
message he was going to bring
weren’t there. They were at the
lake, at home, or at the football
game, or wherever else. He’d spent
all that time carefully studying and
crafting that sermon…and then
this. For a pastor, that’s frustrating.
We should remember what the
Word says in 1 Thessalonians
5:12:13, “Now we ask you, brothers,
to respect those who work hard
among you, who are over you in the
Lord, and who admonish you. Hold
them in the highest regard in love
because of their work.” When we
make a conscious choice to be a
“oncer,” are we really respecting
the pastors who devote much of
their time each week to prepare for
the preaching of the Word?
Conclusion
When we ignore or avoid the
worship services, we are ignoring
or avoiding the preaching of the
Word, one of the keys of the
kingdom of heaven. Of course, that
preaching of the Word cuts two
ways, whether you hear it or
decide to avoid it. For some
people, it will give them life and
more abundantly. For others, it
will be death. 1 Corinthians 1:18
is an appropriate verse with
which to conclude: “For the
message of the cross is
foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being
saved it is the power of God.”
MARCH 28, 2008 • 163
E. Kampen
Rev. E. Kampen is minister
of the Canadian Reformed
Church at Orangeville,
Ontario
[email protected]
Unity efforts between the
Canadian and United
Reformed Churches:
Progress to Date (Part 1 of 2)
This article is an edited version of a
speech delivered to the League Day
of the Canadian Reformed Men’s
Societies in Ontario, on November
24, 2007.
Introduction
As we reflect on the relationship
between the Canadian and United
Reformed Churches, we can say, to
borrow a phrase, “We’ve come a
long way, brothers.” Some fifteen
years ago, the only other ministers
we would welcome on Canadian
Reformed pulpits were those from
church federations abroad rooted
in what is called The Liberation of
1944. The same was true for issuing
and receiving attestations and
accepting people as guests at the
Lord’s Table. Today, however, in
many congregations we welcome
ministers and members from the
federation of United Reformed
Churches in North America
(URCNA). Furthermore, the last
three Synods have been very busy
with the matter of coming to full
federative unity with the URCNA.
Indeed, we have come a long
way. However, it has taken
considerable time to get this far,
approximately fifteen years. This
may not be a long time within the
scope of history, but it long enough
that many of those involved in
164 • MARCH 28, 2008
leadership in the churches today
were too young to remember how it
all started. For that reason, it will
be helpful to give a brief review of
developments, summing up the
progress to date. That progress
report, however, will bring to the
fore various issues that invite
giving a prognosis of the situation
for the future. We will begin with a
factual, historical section, to set
the stage for the second, which
will by its very nature be a
speculative section.
Beginnings
A review of the progress to date
requires that we begin by thinking
ourselves back to the early 1990s.
At that time, there was a
considerable exodus out of the
Christian Reformed Churches
(CRC) as a response to that
federation’s drift away from the
Scriptures. One of the key issues
that showed this drift and served
as catalyst was the matter of
women in office in the church.
Those who separated from the
CRC initially organized
themselves into independent
Reformed congregations, wishing
to be truly Reformed in doctrine
and polity.
Members of the Canadian
Reformed Churches (CanRC), who
had always followed developments
in the CRC, took note of these
developments with great interest.
It did not take long for contacts to
develop between those who
seceded from the CRC and
members of the CanRC. It is
probably no understatement to say
that there was a high level of
excitement in the air about these
developments. It brought back
memories of developments in
The Netherlands in the late
nineteenth century when in the
year 1892 there was a union of the
vast majority of the churches rooted
in the Secession of 1834 and the
churches rooted in the Doleantie
of 1886.
One can sense this excitement
when reading the speeches
presented at a series of three
meetings held in October of 1992 at
Redeemer College in Ancaster.
These meetings included not only
representatives of what would
become the URCNA, but also
representatives of the Free
Reformed Churches of North
America, rooted in the churches in
The Netherlands that did not join
the Union of 1892, and the Orthodox
Christian Reformed Churches,
which had left the CRC in the
early 1980s.
It is understandable that urged
on by the cloud of witnesses of
1892, these evenings paid attention
to what could be learned from the
Union of 1892. That Union was not
only an incentive but also a model.
Everyone would do well to get a
copy of the book that has the copies
of those speeches and the answers
to questions raised and read it to
get a sense of the issues as well as
the excitement. The book is titled
“The Challenge of Church Union,”
edited by Dr. C. Van Dam. Most
interesting for our purpose today
are some of the suggestions made
as to what should be done to help
the process along.
Early suggestions
For starters, there were the
suggestions made by Dr. C.P.
Venema, currently a professor at
Mid America Reformed Seminary.
He spoke as representative of the
churches that had left the CRC. He
pressed upon the Canadian
Reformed people the need to take
the initiative because in the first
place the former CRCs were still in
an uncertain condition and the
CanRC was far more stable. In the
second place, this was necessary
because there was a strong
perception among the former CRCs
that the CanRC was not open to
unity. At the same time, he argued
against a premature formation of
new federation(s) of former CRCs,
stating that if this was done “it
becomes extremely difficult to
pursue further contacts with a view
to organic union” (The Challenge of
Church Union, pp 140, 141). The
prophetic nature of that warning
will become apparent later.
Speaking as representative
from the CanRC, the late Dr. J.
Faber deemed it prudent for the
independent churches to come
together in provisional classes and
synods. He did not think that this
was the time to experiment with
Reformed church polity. He also
urged the independent churches to
be modest in their goals. This was
in connection with the plan to have
a meeting in the following year to
discuss the possible merger of
various Reformed and Presbyterian
churches into one federation. At
this point, he felt this was a bridge
too far. Furthermore, he also felt
that it would be advisable to work
towards separate federations in
Canada and the USA, recognizing
the distinct cultures and
governments of the two nations
with their implications (Ibid. pp
148, 149, 154).
Beginning of official contacts
While Dr. Venema urged us to
take the initiative in his speech in
October of 1992, it is obvious that
this matter was already living in
the CanRC. The general synod that
met in Lincoln in November of that
year had overtures from Classis
Ontario North and the Church at
Vernon to appoint some sort of
committee to deal with these
developments on behalf of the
federation. Synod appointed
deputies to the Committee for the
Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity
(CPEU), with the mandate:
1. To make their presence known
for the purpose of information
and consultation;
2. To represent the churches,
whenever invited, at
assemblies or meetings held for
the purpose of coming to
ecclesiastical unity (Acts Synod
Lincoln, Art 36).
At the same time, the churches that
had seceded from the CRC felt the
need for some sort of association in
their time of transition. This took
place via an organization called
“The Alliance of Reformed
Churches.”1 Via this organization
the churches discussed whether
they should join existing
federations or form a new
federation (1993). They entertained,
in some detail, the idea of forming
a federation with all faithful
Reformed and Presbyterian
churches.
While the seceded churches
were working through these issues,
the CanRC continued to show
interest and tried to be of help
especially via the committee
appointed for that purpose. This is
evident from the Report to Synod
Abbotsford, 1995. In that same year,
a number of churches associated
with the Alliance of Reformed
Churches began to federate.
Initially, they used the name
“Fellowship of Uniting Reformed
Churches,”2 a name which
highlighted that they were a
federation in process. It seems to
have been a reflection of attaining
that broader Reformed and
Presbyterian unity. On October 1,
1996, this fellowship officially
became known as the Federation of
United Reformed Churches in
North America.
Aiming for federative unity
The CanRC committee kept a
close eye on these developments.
Synod Fergus 1998 instructed the
Committee “to pursue continued
fraternal dialogue with the URCNA
with a view towards establishing
federative unity” and “to discuss
and develop a proposal as to how
to proceed in encouraging
federative unity” (Acts Synod
Neerlandia, Art 73). This was the
first time a CanRC synod explicitly
expressed this desire and goal.
The same desire for unity,
though perhaps meant not only for
unity with the CanRC but also with
other federations, was found in the
MARCH 28, 2008 • 165
URCNA. The mandate given by the
URCNA synod of 1999 to its
Committee for Ecumenical
Relations and Church Unity
(CERCU) indicated that its work
was to be conducted “with a view
toward complete unity.” That same
synod also adopted a three phase
process to achieve this goal.
The synods in 2001,
which should have been a
step on the road to the
climax, seem to have
become itself the climax
From the reports submitted to
both the CanRC and the URCNA
synods of 2001, it is obvious that
the respective committees had
much fruitful contact. The CanRC
synod was held in May of that year
and officially recognized the
URCNA as a faithful church. Not
only that, it entered into what is
called a “Phase Two” relationship,
which has as goal full federative
unity. It appointed a number of
committees to work out particular
details. The specific areas singled
out for attention were a common
church order, a common song book
for the new federation, and the
matter of theological training. The
URCNA synod, meeting a month or
so later, followed suit.
Mixed signals
When one reviews the decisions
made by the respective synods in
2001, it would seem that the
optimism that surrounded the
meetings in 1992 was about to bear
very concrete fruit. It may not have
been possible to imitate the Union
of 1892 exactly one hundred years
later, but perhaps it could be the
miracle of the first years of the
twenty-first century.
166 • MARCH 28, 2008
Those same synods, however,
which so thankfully and boldly
entered Phase Two, also did certain
things that in retrospect were an
indication that with all the talk
about federative unity, there was
not the necessary will and
wholehearted dedication to the
cause. It showed up in one major
decision, as well as a number of
apparently unrelated decisions.
The result was that the synods in
2001, which should have been a
step on the road to the climax,
seem to have become itself the
climax. The reason for saying this
is that the synods that were so bold
and progressive also were the
synods where the respective
federations were not willing to
commit themselves to specific date.
While the CPEU had urged Synod
Neerlandia to aim for unity by the
year 2004, the synod followed the
approach suggested by the URCNA
committee to Synod Escondido not
to fix a date. Synod decided that
was rushing things too much, not
giving enough time for the
committees to do their work and all
the churches to come on stream.
As for the apparently unrelated
but in reality related things, those
synods, while officially committing
to federal unity, also continued to
act as if the two federations would
always remain separate
federations. This is shown in the
way, for example, Synod
Neerlandia continued to tinker
with the Church Order, trying to fill
loopholes (Acts Synod Neerlandia,
Art 81). It also continued to give
various committees mandates
pertaining to relations of
ecclesiastical fellowship. Further,
the Standing Committee for the
Book of Praise, while mandated to
work with the URCNA committee
on a common song book, also had
an agenda that pointed to
continued independent existence,
such as updating the language of
the confessions to reflect the fact
the churches had adopted the NIV
as the recommended Bible
translation for use in the churches.
Treading water
As for the committees, they can
only be commended for the way
they tackled their work valiantly.
At the same time, after 2001 they
appeared to get bogged down and
at times it appeared they were
trying to reinvent the wheel. Synod
2004 received an extensive report,
but everything was a work in
process. With no deadline, the
drive seemed to being dying down.
Each federation has
continued to act as if it
will remain on its own
indefinitely
It took the church order committee
six years to produce a draft church
order, while both churches had
workable church orders based on
the principles of the Dort Church
Order. The song book committee,
in terms of presenting things to the
synods, had not gotten beyond
discussing principles. The
theological education committee
has gotten nowhere in six years of
discussion except to reach a
stalemate because the CanRC is
strong on a federation-controlled
seminary while the URCNA seem
to favour the free enterprise model
for theological education. In short,
we seemed to be treading water.
Furthermore, each federation
has continued to act as if it will
remain on its own indefinitely. For
example, the synod of the CanRC
held in Smithers in May of this year
continued to tinker with the Church
Order (Acts Synod Smithers, Art 63).
Further, the Standing Committee
for the Book of Praise is working on
additional hymns as well as
updated versions of the rhymed
Psalms. From the URCNA side,
their last held synod mandated
their song book committee to come
up with a Psalter for use within the
URCNA. With respect to
ecclesiastical relationship, the last
URCNA synod redefined the
phases of working towards unity,
changing the language in Phase
Two from “in preparation for and
commitment to” eventual
integrated federative church unity
to “acknowledging the desirability”
of such unity. The type of
commitments and preparations our
federations have been involved in
since 2001 are now seen as the first
component of a two-part Phase
Three. Thankfully, Synod
Schererville did not downgrade the
relationship but considers the
CanRC in Phase Three. Besides
this, each federation continues to be
busy with its own list of churches
with which they are pursuing
various levels of ecclesiastical
fellowship. For the committees
appointed by the Synod, it must be
frustrating as they appear to
expend much energy on a key issue
but which is treated ultimately by
the broader assemblies as a side
issue either by their explicit or
implicit decisions.
Critical voices from within
the URCNA
That the unity train is giving
evidence of stalling is recognized
by some of the brothers in the
URCNA, who write about this
openly. They acknowledge that the
stalling efforts are coming more
from the URC side. They see
conflicting opinions about the
whole matter of unity in the
URCNA, with those hesitant about
it gaining the upper hand. Doug
Barnes, writing in Christian
Renewal, remarked, “I’ve become
more and more convinced that the
division stems from a vision that
failed to spread uniformly from the
federation’s original leaders to the
hearts of those who came later.”
He feels that for the early leaders,
“Creating a new federation was
largely a means of supporting one
another so we could seek unity
together with the other faithful
groups of churches.” He goes on to
say, “But congregations entering
the URCNA in subsequent years
often have not shared that vision.
Regarding the URC as the new
‘home’ for which they were
seeking, they have bristled at
ecumenical efforts that could alter
the character of the federation as a
whole. In short, some believe the
URC was the goal, while others
believe it is the means to a greater
goal. As churches, we need to get
on the same page. Specifically, we
must grow passionate about our
unity in Christ with other likeminded believers. . . .”3
Discomfort within the CanRC
At the same time, with the
passage of time, there are
developments in the URCNA that
give uncomfortable feelings to
Canadian Reformed people. Not
the least of these developments is
the apparent opposition in URC
circles to a federation-controlled
seminary. They have had bad
experiences with a federationcontrolled seminary while in the
CRC. In the CanRC there is
nothing but gratitude for what the
school of the churches has meant
for the churches ever since it
was founded.
The other issue that gives
uncomfortable feelings is the
matter of extra-confessional
statements. Not only is there
discomfort over the fact that such
statements are made but also what
some of those statements seem to
say. Of particular concern is the
statement made by the last URCNA
synod held in Schererville
regarding the “Federal Vision.”
Church
News
Called by the Free Reformed
Church of Australia at West
Albany, WA:
Rev. S. ’t Hart
working in Papua New Guinea as
missionary for the church of
Toronto, Ontario.
Declined the call to Abbotsford,
British Columbia:
Rev. R.Aasman
of Edmonton (Providence)
Alberta.
Remarkably, this is not an issue
within the URCNA, as it came to the
synod not in terms of an appeal or
overture dealing with the teachings
of one of its members but as an
issue out there in the broader
Reformed world by which some in
the URCNA feel threatened.
Nevertheless, in opposing this
Federal Vision, the last synod
adopted a statement that said that
those are in error “who teach that
all baptized persons are in the
covenant of grace in precisely the
same way such that there is no
distinction between those who
have only an outward relation to
the covenant of grace by baptism
and those who are united to Christ
by grace alone through faith alone”
(# 6). It is true that this statement
was made in a context totally
unrelated to the CanRC, in reaction
to statements that give the
impression of conditional election.4
Yet, to Canadian Reformed ears
this has the aroma of
external/internal covenant
distinctions that played a role in
the events leading up to the
Liberation of 1944. It is one thing if
people want to work with those
distinctions, it is another to declare
in error all that think and speak
about the covenant differently.
MARCH 28, 2008 • 167
Statements may have been made in
a certain context, but they tend to
take on a life of their own. Whether
the last URCNA synod realized it or
not, both the action of such a
statement as well as the content of
the statement bring to mind events
leading up to the Liberation of 1944
in The Netherlands and gives an
uneasy feeling.
Making haste slowly
From this it is apparent that
long gone are the days of heady
optimism for federative unity as
found in the early 1990s and as
found in the reports to the synods
of the respective federations held
in 2001. It seems that the
unwillingness to commit to the
date of 2004, for good and noble
sounding reasons, along with each
federation going on with an
attitude of “business as usual” has
led to the process beginning to
stall. We came to Phase Two with
great speed, only then to decide to
proceed slowly. Or, to quote an old
saying, it seems we have decided
to make haste slowly (festina
lente). The second part of this
article will discuss the prognosis
for the future.
For the following information,
I am indebted to the article by
Rev. Dick Wynia, “The Ecumenical
Efforts of the United Reformed
Churches in North America,” found
in Christian Renewal March 16,
2007, pp 16,18,19.
1
See website
http://www.urcna.info/page.php?5 .
Wynia uses the term “federation”
instead of “fellowship.”
3
See Christian Renewal, August 22,
2007 (25#20) p 14ff. Cf. also Bill
DeJong “In Conversation,”
September 12, 2007 (26#1) p 11. One
subheading reads, “Born to die.”
4
This comes out in the preceding
statement, “Who teach that a person
can be historically, conditionally
elect, regenerated, savingly united
to Christ, justified, and adopted by
virtue of participation in the
outward administration of the
covenant of grace but may lose
these benefits through lack of
covenantal faithfulness (CD IV).”
2
Letters to the Editor
When we came to Canada as new immigrants in
1952, we became Canadian citizens five years later.
The fact that the Dutch government treated us like
one who joined the French Foreign Legion by taking
your Dutch citizenship away from us did not matter
too much. After all, we came here to stay.
Not all immigrants, in particular the later arrivals,
became Canadians, mainly because they did not
want to lose the nationality of the motherland. To
some extent, understandable.
It may not be known to all our readers that the
Dutch government, mainly because of the large flow
of immigrants into Holland from Middle-East
countries, has changed the rules. Most of these new
Dutch nationals kept their citizenship from the country
they came from. This also resulted in an agreement
between The Netherlands and Canada, where dual
citizenship is now possible in both countries.
I discovered on a Dutch government website a
brochure containing the requirements and conditions
for any former Dutch citizen, to get the Dutch
nationality back again and still remain a Canadian.
If you e-mail me I will
send you the brochure.
This saves you a long
search on the web.
It is known to me that
in our own church
community there is some
hesitance among new
ministers and also
faculty members of our
Theological College to
become Canadians. I assume that they may not be
aware of the possibility of dual citizenship. However,
for our Theological College to function legally, all
members of the Board of Governors must have
Canadian citizenship, and this also includes the
Principal of the College.
Hopefully this information will help.
Arie J. Hordyk
[email protected]
905-331-7625
2212 Headon Road, Burlington, ON L7M 3W7
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.
168 • MARCH 28, 2008
Press Review
J. Moesker
Rev. J. Moesker is minister of the
Canadian Reformed Church at
Vernon, British Columbia
[email protected]
Because I’m still able to read
Dutch fairly well, I sometimes read
Dutch newspapers on the Internet
to keep up to date on what’s going
on in the country in which I was
born, but where I haven’t lived
since I was two. The one thing
which stands out for me when I
read those newspapers is the
steady secularization of Dutch
society. I define secularization as
the decline in the extent of
religious observance within a
particular society. Two items from
the November 28, 2007 issue of the
left-wing newspaper De Telegraaf
display that secularization quite
clearly and are worth some
reflection. The first news spot is
entitled: “Santa Isn’t A Person From
the Bible.”
More than eleven per cent of
Netherlanders think that Santa
Claus is a person from the
Bible. Almost two per cent
believe that (Dutch) rival
Sinterklaas finds his origin in
the Bible. This according to
press bureau Novum, based on
research by Vergelijk.nl. More
than half of the approximately
2700 people questioned
believed that Santa Claus was
originally based on (the Dutch)
Sinterklaas. A quarter have no
idea where Santa Claus
originated, and the rest are of
the opinion that he was
invented by Coca Cola.
Secularization
Apparently Santa Claus does
find his origin in Sinterklaas,
who Dutch colonists took along
to North America in the
seventheenth century. Santa’s
appearance was mostly decided
by the American soft drink
manufacturer Coca Cola.
Sad to see that so many know so
little about the gospel of Jesus
Christ in the Bible that they even
think Santa Claus is a biblical
figure! I wonder if the figures
would be that much different in
North America, though. As child of
immigrants from The Netherlands,
we had “Sinterklaas” on December
5 over the first years in Canada.
That wasn’t only a cultural matter.
It was also a matter of faith. My
parents felt it was better to have
the exchange of gifts earlier in
December and to reserve
Christmas itself for the celebration
of Christ’s birth. However, now that
we are a generation further from
our Dutch roots, it seems that the
figure of Sinterklaas has faded and
Santa Claus has entered into the
picture more and more. Christmas
has become more and more a
matter of Santa Claus and gifts
than remembrance of the birth of
our Saviour. And it seems to me
that more and more Reformed kids
look forward to Santa at Christmas.
I wonder if that’s possibly not also
a sign of secularization creeping in
among us. . . .
Another item from De Telegraaf
which displays what I believe is
encroaching secularization is
entitled: “Professor Says Pop Music
Appropriate in Church.”
Saying no in advance to pop
music in church at events such
as funerals doesn’t fit with the
times, states Martin Hoondert,
special professor of Music and
Christianity, in his inaugural
speech at the University of
Tilburg. When (young) people
die, the wishes of the relatives
and church regulations are
often in conflict with each other.
More and more often people
come with a stack of CDs, and
pastors and other leaders deal
with that in various ways. This
is why, four years ago, the
diocese of Den Bosch published
a brochure about this. The
diocese declared that profane
(worldly) music via
loudspeakers isn’t one of the
options at funerals.
Hoondert is of the opinion
that the use of pop music and
MARCH 28, 2008 • 169
CDs cannot be stopped. He
believes that how people
experience the music is what
should decide. According to
him, pop music contains values
important to young people. If
the music says something about
the deceased and comforts the
next of kin, says the special
professor, then it’s appropriate
at a funeral.
Interesting to read how the Roman
Catholic Church in The
Netherlands is trying to deal with
the matter of other (often pop and
secular) music at funerals and, I
assume, also weddings. Of course,
for the Church of Rome, such
occasions are sacramental and
therefore ecclesiastical, whereas
in Reformed churches weddings
(usually) and funerals are family
occasions (see Articles 63 and 65 of
the Church Order of the Canadian
Reformed Churches). That means
that we aren’t specifically bound to
music from the Book of Praise on
such occasions. More and more
families seem to wish to have
other songs sung at weddings and
funerals, songs which speak to
them in some way. But one
wonders, if the wishes and
feelings of the families are the
measure of which songs are
played and sung at such
occasions, what kind of music will
we ultimately end up with at those
occasions? I sense a movement
among Reformed people toward
songs which aren’t normally sung
in worship at weddings and
funerals, and even some which are
hardly biblical or almost secular. I
wonder if that’s maybe also a sign
of secularization creeping in
among us. . . .
Sonya Post
The Forty-Sixth Annual
League Day of the Women’s
Societies in Ontario
On a cloudy and overcast, yet
beautiful fall day on Wednesday,
October 17, 440 women found their
way to Chandelier place for the
Forty-Sixth Annual League Day of
the Canadian Reformed Women’s
Societies in Ontario. Driving from
all sorts of places we could all
witness the beautiful fall colors
and the changing of the seasons.
We met at Chandelier place,
hosted by the Flamborough
Women’s Bible Study Societies, and
entered a nice sized room to see
magnificent chandeliers hanging
from the ceilings which made the
room look beautiful. On the tables
we could find a nice potted flower
to give the room a final touch.
170 • MARCH 28, 2008
The League Vice-President,
Mary DeBoer, began the meeting
by asking us all to sing Psalm 8:3-5
about the greatness of the Lord in
his creation. Mary then led us all in
a word of prayer followed by the
reading of Romans 8:28-39. The day
was opened with a word of
welcome by Mary. Having 440
people attend this League Day
was, as far as Mary knew, the
highest attendance for a League
Day held in Ontario. What a
blessing it is that so many people
came together to study the word of
God and wanted to praise and
glorify Him.
Before moving on to the main
speech of the day a few minor
business items needed to be
completed. One of those was
introducing the new Board
President, Jane Oosterhoff. Also,
the new Managing Editor for
Horizon was mentioned, Willa Dale
Smid. We thanked both ladies for
being willing to take on their tasks.
Thanks was expressed to Sister
Vanderven who has immigrated to
Australia and has therefore
completed her task as President of
the League Board. Lyn Vandelden
was also thanked for completing
her task as Managing Editor
of Horizon.
Roll call was then taken by
members from each congregation
standing when Mary called their
name. We had members from many
different local churches in the
Canadian Reformed federation but
also a few from the United
Reformed churches. We can’t forget
to mention that there was someone
there from out west, some even
from The Netherlands. How
wonderful to see so many people
attending the League Day.
Following the introduction, we
sang the traditional League Song,
“Sing God’s Glory.”
Rev. DeGelder was then
introduced as our speaker for the
morning. He would be speaking on
the topic of Angels and Demons. To
get us on the right track for the
speech we first read from Psalm
103 and then Belgic Confession,
Article 12. It was followed by the
singing of Psalm 103:1 and 8.
Morning speech
We hope that Rev. DeGelder’s
informative speech about the roles
of angels and demons will later be
published in Clarion. Rev.
DeGelder stressed that the only
way to find out about angels is to
turn to God’s Holy Word. He went
over the different types of angels
and how there seems to be some
sort of organization in the world of
angels. We heard as well how
angels have two tasks, one of
which is permanent and the other
which is temporary. We were
comforted with the fact that angels
are always around and are God’s
messengers who faithfully do their
task. It is quite the opposite with
demons, who are trying to destroy
the work of the Lord. We must be
warned to be on guard, but be
assured that they too have an
end – destruction.
Rev. DeGelder was thanked for
this very informative speech and
we sang from Psalm 91:1, 3, and 4.
After round table discussion and a
general discussion, Rev. DeGelder
was thanked again and we sang
from Psalm 20:4 while a collection
was held for Anchor. Anita
Hulzebosch then led in prayer to
end the morning session and ask
for a blessing over lunch.
Afternoon session
To begin our afternoon session,
after a time of fellowship and
great food, we sang O Canada
and Connie Hofsink opened with
a word of prayer. We then played
a rather loud game involving
animal noises. Everyone had their
name tags on and on each name
tag was a sticker of an animal.
You had to make the sound of that
animal and find others who had
the same sticker. So off went a
bunch of ladies, barking like dogs,
meowing like cats, mooing like
cows, and laughing like hyenas.
What a sight to see and sounds
to hear!
To settle us down after that
noisy game we made a joyful
sound, pleasing to the Lord, by
singing Hymn 20:4, 5, and 6. We
then were led in the Bible reading
MARCH 28, 2008 • 171
Hordyk was thanked for her time in
accompanying us with her talented
piano skills and Mary DeBoer was
thanked for her well done job of
leading the meeting. The next
League Day organizers were also
mentioned and the task of
organizing the Forty-Seventh
Annual Women’s League Day falls
into the hands of Glanbrook ladies.
We then sang Hymn 47:3 followed
by prayer.
of Ephesians 6:10-20, which would
be the focus of our afternoon
speech. Our speaker, Mrs. Henriette
Vanhof, was introduced and she
then began her speech on The
Armour of God.
In the afternoon speech we
learned how important it is to be
ready to fight the battle. We need to
be established in the Word of God
so that we will know the truth. We
need to know that we are righteous
before God and can no longer be
condemned. We have peace! Yes,
even though we will walk through
difficult times we can always have
peace, for Christ is with us. We
also have faith and our faith has
content. On our own we are very
vulnerable; together we can stand
firm. We have the promise of
salvation to give us comfort and we
have the sword of the spirit which
is the Word of God! There is
nothing more powerful than
clinging to God’s Word and the
more we use it the sharper the
sword gets.
Henriette VanHof was thanked
for her speech. We then sang Hymn
172 • MARCH 28, 2008
41:1-3 followed by ten minutes of
round table discussion followed by
a brief general discussion.
Announcements
A few general announcements
were made. The amount collected
for Anchor was $1,870.90. The
ladies from Flamborough were
thanked for a job well done in
organizing the league day. Joanne
Conclusion
How wonderful it is that
although the devil is working so
hard we are still able to meet as
women of the Lord and learn more
on how to fight against the evil
one, knowing as well that we have
the angels protecting us! The devil
will not win the battle. Praise be to
the Lord!
Chasing Reckless Abandon,
I Am a God
Jocelin VanDoornik
I am invincible. The guy sitting
next to me believes the same thing
and that goes for everyone else in
the room, except maybe the one
person who was hit hard. That
person’s invincibility has been
broken. Probably at one time he too
believed that nothing that bad
could ever happen to him. It only
happens to those other people,
right? Most people do not want to
believe that it is possible for
anything “bad” to happen to them.
They are in denial of their own
human frailty – God or no God.
The teenager picks up a beer
and then five more, getting
completely smashed. He does not
think anything of his actions,
getting behind the wheel of his car
in a euphoric state of invincibility.
He can drive no problem right?
He is not one of them.
A young girl has fallen in love
with a boy. It was not planned, it
kind of just happened. They had
sex. It is okay though and they will
do it again. No, they are not
married. They do not have to be,
after all, she will not get pregnant,
and no one has to know. That only
happens to those other girls.
He smokes. Sometimes it is a
pack or two a day, but other times it
is just a few lights the entire week.
He will not get lung cancer and die.
He does not even think about that.
In fact, it is the farthest thing from
his mind. It will not happen, not to
him, anyway.
You are invincible too, right?
Just like all the rest of them?
I am invincible
I wish you would not think that.
Look what it is doing to you! You
walk around so carelessly, you take
it all for granted, and you assume
it will always be that way. It is as if
you think you deserve it. Have you
ever taken a second to stop and
think about who created you? God
created you perfectly, moulded you
with his own hands. In the
beginning, “the Lord God formed
the man from the dust of the
ground and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life, and the
man became a living being” (Gen
2:7). He performed a miraculous
wonder in creating human life, yet
your attitude shows that you do not
care about this. “Is this the way
you repay the Lord, O foolish and
unwise people? Is he not your
Father, your Creator, who made
you and formed you?” (Deut 32:6).
Do you realize that He loves you?
Do you know how much it hurts
Him to see you this way? Your
recklessness and self-harm are far
from the thanks you owe Him.
Do you want to know what
happened next? The drunken
teenager was hauled out of his car
before he had a chance to leave.
A friend took his keys and made
sure he lived until the next day.
One of their other friends left,
thinking that despite his
drunkenness he was okay to drive.
MARCH 28, 2008 • 173
All he cared about was making it
home before curfew and slipping
quietly to his room so his parents
would not find out what he had
been up to. He never made it.
The young girl became
pregnant. Her boyfriend left her.
She was left wondering what a
normal teenage life was supposed
to be like, as she became engulfed
in the world of adulthood and
responsibility that she was not
ready for.
The smoker married a beautiful
young woman and they lived
happily together. But, one day his
wife was diagnosed with lung
cancer due to second hand smoke.
He watched as the cancer that he
gave her slowly consumed her
body until she died.
But, that’s them, right? And
these are just made up stories
anyway. It is not really going to
happen, at least not to you. You still
believe you are invincible.
Actually, there is a lot wrong if
you think that. Each of those stories
is true. Those are real people and
real events. And, most importantly,
you are not invincible. What are
you going to do about it? Nothing.
Right? I think I am beginning to
understand you. You still believe
you are invincible. Then I would
like you to consider the following.
Only God is invincible
Only God knows everything,
sees everything, and is absolutely
perfect. God created you beautifully.
Yes, you are beautiful exactly the
way God created you because He
created you in his image. But, being
made in God’s image is very
different from being a god. Your
“invincible” ways are very much
chasing reckless abandon,
174 • MARCH 28, 2008
proclaiming that you believe you
are some sort of god. You are not a
god. You are not invincible.
God loves you. It is time to turn
to Him and love Him back. As you
grow in your love for God, you will
trust Him more, seek to obey his
ways, and aim to live your life for
Him. When you consciously begin
to do so, you will more and more
desire to get rid of your invincible
self, and trust the one and only
invincible God.
What does this mean? You will
want to use what God has given
you to his glory. Strive to put off
your careless deeds, your reckless
actions, and instead take care of
what He has given you to the best
of your ability, because as an
image of Himself, He has blessed
you so richly and in complete,
perfect measure. Your life is a gift
from God and in this realization
you will see that it is a gift to be
treasured, to be thankful for, and
not taken for granted or used
irresponsibly. You may think that
you are young, or that the things
you do in secret are kept that way.
But know this: He watches your
every action and knows those
things that you do in secret. If you
consider that and believe it with
all your heart then you will desire
to take care of yourself as a bearer
of his image. And not only are you
his image, but He is also within
you as Paul says in 2 Corinthians
6:19-20, “Do you not know that your
body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a
price. Therefore honour God with
your body.” And as his image and
his temple, go out and let your light
shine in a way that reflects the
amazing gift of love that He has
given you, so that you may be
worthy of such an honour.
For further study:
1)
Read Psalm 139:13-16 and
reflect on God’s hand in the
span of life from conception to
death.
2) Take a look at the Third Part of
the Heidelberg Catechism,
“Our Thankfulness” (Lord’s Day
32-52). Thinking about what you
just read in this article:
a) Why is this thankfulness
so important?
b) How do the Ten
Commandments fit into
thankfulness?
c) Why is prayer included in
this section?
3) Find some texts that speak
about God’s expectations for
your life. (Hint: topics to look up
may include those you noticed
in answer to #2.) Does your life
reflect this?
Clarion Advertisements
Advertisements:
Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (with
Open House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.
BIRTHS
ANNIVERSARIES
Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3
With thanks to the Creator and Giver of Life,
we announce the birth of our third covenant child
AZHURE SERENIA
Born November 10th, 2007 to
Stephen and Jackie Kampen
A little sister for Rhone and Keira
11th grandchild for Leo and Diane Kampen
8th grandchild for Bruce and Jo-Anne Verloop
35th Wedding Anniversary
Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance
and my God. Psalm 42:11b
We thank the Lord for the gift of three daughters who were named
JUDINE JOSETTE
after her Tante Judy Vanderheide
Born September 11, 2007
to Terry and Jennifer Vanderveen
A sister for Radley and Janea
13th grandchild for Harry Vanderveen
NADIA JANET
Born September 18, 2007
to Eric and Brenda Onderwater
A sister for Kierra, Darren and Sheldon
23rd grandchild for Martin and Diane Onderwater
JAYANNA LYNN VANDERWOUDE
Born December 6, 2007
to Martin and Sandra Vanderwoude
A sister for Brandon, Rylan, and Devon
25th grandchild for Anne Vanderwoude
23rd, 24th and 25th grandchild for Hans and Janet de Leeuw
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s
womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . .
Psalm 139:13, 14a
Thanks be to God our Father who has made all things well with
the arrival of our newest addition, a son and brother
RICHARD STEVEN
Born January 10, 2008
Thankful parents: Richard and Lorraine Horsburgh
Excited sisters: Rebecca, Samantha, Mikayla Leia
591 Wellington Street E., Mt. Forest, ON N0G 2L2
[email protected]
Grandparents: John and Lucille Horsburgh
Dan and Janet VanLeeuwen
1973 ~ March 23 ~ 2008
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in
perfect unity. Colossians 3 vs 14
We thank the Lord for showing His love to our parents who
continue to set a great example for us
RUDI and HILDA WILDEBOER (nee Stienstra)
Orangeville, ON:
Tamara and Peter Doekes
Christopher
Joshua
Tolliena
Beamsville, ON:
Sarah and Teun DeGelder
Mason
Niagara Falls, ON: Melinda Wildeboer
Billy
Chesley, ON:
Abigail
Carlyn
Michaela
Haley
164 Brant Elderslie Townline, RR 1, Paisley, Ontario N0G 2N0
40th Wedding Anniversary
1968 ~ March 1st ~ 2008
Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand has provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto Me.
With much thankfulness and praise, the children
and grandchildren of
HENRY and GRACE SIEDERS
would like to announce their 40th Wedding Anniversary.
God has blessed our family through joy and sorrow and
allowed us a beautiful day with family and friends to
celebrate this occasion.
May God continue to be with you, Dad and Mom,
Grandad and Oma.
Waterdown, ON:
Rick and Denise Ludwig
Danielle, Matthew, Jilliann
Milton, ON:
David and Andrea Kampen
Meghan, Tyler, Miranda and Zachary
Kurt Sieders
Tim and Leah Sieders
Caleb, Mya and Kendra
Caledonia, ON:
Josh and Erica Sieders
Hailey
Hamilton, ON:
Mike Sieders
#24 – 7 Davidson Blvd., Dundas, ON L9H 6Y7
Dundas, ON:
Lynden, ON:
MARCH 28, 2008 • 175
50th Wedding Anniversary
1958 ~ March 21 ~ 2008
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8
With much joy and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for
keeping them in His care, we announce the
50th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents
CORNELIS and HERMINA HOOGERDIJK (Breukelman
(Breukelman))
It is our prayer that the Lord may continue to be near to them.
With all our love,
Coaldale, AB:
Margaret and Ed Tams
Cara and Brent VanZeggelaar
Tyson, Kyle
Teresa and Philip Scheurkogel
Abigail, Liam
Theo Tams
Winnipeg, MB:
John and Margaret Hoogerdijk
Reuben, Christina, Matthew, Miriam
Lethbridge, AB:
Bernie Hoogerdyk
Coaldale, AB:
Ron and Tamara Hoogerdyk
Jethro, Isaac, Hannah
Calgary, AB:
Ed and Alice Hoogerdyk
Zachary
Lethbridge, AB:
William Hoogerdyk and Trish Wiersema
Address: 43 Providence Close, Coaldale, AB T1M 1R4
50th Wedding Anniversary
1958 ~ April 10 ~ 2008
The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want… Psalm 23:1-6
We give thanks to our LORD for blessing
ARCHIE and JEAN BRIENEN (nee Hofsink)
with 50 years of marriage.
With thankfulness we praise God for the life of love they
have shown to one another and to their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren
With love,
Houston, BC:
Claudia and Henry Hansma
Daniel and Nadine Hansma, Jayden
Michelle and Tim Dykstra, Owen
Stephanie
Andrea
Katie
Houston, BC:
John and Clara Brienen
Vernon, BC:
Arthur Brienen and Lindsey Meerstra
Prince George, BC:
Kim Brienen and Nicholas Plett
Abbotsford, BC:
Cheri
Houston, BC:
Brittany
Bill and Madelene Brienen
Dawn Brienen and Gavin Hamblin
Darren
Archie Brienen
Sprague, MB:
Ashley Brienen and Kevin Milne
Prince George, BC:
Kristin and Nick Kirkby
Aldergrove, BC:
Kyla
An Open House will be held, the Lord willing, on
April 10th at 8:00 p.m. in the Houston Christian School gym.
You are invited to join us.
1850 Omineca Way, Houston, BC V0J 1Z2
176 • MARCH 28, 2008
Uithuizermeeden 1953 ~ February 23 ~ 2008 Hamilton
Netherlands
Canada
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from
this time forth and for evermore. Psalm 121:8
With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, who has
kept them in His gracious care, we are happy to announce
that we celebrated the 55th Wedding Anniversary
of our dear parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents
GERRIT GRITTER
and
IBELINA GRITTER (nee Klamer)
Their thankful children, grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren:
St. Albert, AB:
Hilda and John Vanveen
Evan, Sara, Erik
Surrey, BC:
Jane and Martin Bysterveld
Jodi and Marc Schouten,
Kim, Danielle, Karen
Winnipeg, MB:
Everett and Brenda Gritter
Lori-Ann and Clinton Toet, Dana
Ingrid and Ben, Jason, Jonathan,
Darren, Ryan
Vernon, BC:
Ludi and Rick Vandergugten
Smithers, BC:
Jessica and Joe Vanderleest,
Jacob, Ashley
Vernon, BC:
Ben, Kristen, Jared, Jaclyn
Langley, BC:
Agnes and Ed Baartman
Alyssa and Jonathan VanPopta
Reuben, Brendan
Mission, BC:
Rita and John Schouten
Nicole and Joel Robinson
Natalie, Jonathan, Joshua
Ancaster, ON:
Richard and Audrey Gritter
Jaron and Erin, Rachel, Joel, Kevin,
Katrina, Marissa
Armstrong, BC:
Lynn and Larry Vandergugten
Colin, Connie, Trevor
Coaldale, AB:
George and Debra Gritter
Justin, Jennifer, Tyler
Irene and Mark Oostenbrug
Mitchell, Jamie-Lynn, Melissa,
Rachel, Nathan
Wellingstone Christian Homes
261 Stone Church Road E., Unit 34, Hamilton ON L9B 2X3
OBITUARIES
The Lord in His infinite wisdom and mercy has taken to his eternal home, to the place that He prepared,
our father, father-in-law, Opa and Opa Opa
ANTHONY (Teunis
(Teunis)) ROODZANT
Haarlemmermeer, The Netherlands ~ Brampton, Ontario
August 26, 1913 ~ February 25, 2008
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name.
Psalm 100: 4
Predeceased by his beloved wife, Nellie Roodzant (nee Spiering)
on February 17, 2002 after 63 years of marriage.
Alice and John Tenhage
Nelly and Keith Hoeksema
Jason, Daniel, Jessica
Margaret and Grant Kottelenberg
Erin, Ashley, Lindsay, Shaelyn
Tony and Rena Tenhage
Jonathan, Kristopher, Katrina, Nicholas, Timothy
Anita and Clarence Jansen
Marten†, Alyssa, Rachael, Rebecca, Joshua
George and Tina† Roodzant (nee Orsel)
Anthony Roodzant
Helen and Erwin Peters
Matthew, Jeffrey, Danielle, Joseph, Melissa
Charlie† and Frieda Roodzant
Jenny and Peter Verhelst
Juanita, Izaak, Rebecca, Emily, Benjamin
Alida Roodzant†
Jane and Klare Knol
Jenette and Ray Schoon
Jocelyn and Harold Bouwman,
Amy, Laura, Melissa, Kaitlyn
Nellie and Chuck Endeman
Debbie and Pete Vandersluis
Talia
Audrey and Paul Baldwin
Sharon and George Hofsink
Geoff, Kaylee, Kelvin, Benjamin, Kara
Linda Knol
Gerald and Michelle Knol
Tristan, Austin, Dylan, Ethan
Alida and Garth Spanninga
Sara, Shane†, Noah, Julia, Nadia
Nel and John Vis
Christine and Rob Kampen
Rob, Cameron, Alex, Katrina
Henry and Simone Vis
Thomas, Steven, David, Helena, Catherine,
Henry, Lucas
Wendy and Gerald Vandasselaar
Julia, Bryan, Sarah
Jackie and Ed Bultje
Racquelle, Kyle, Paige
Diane and Rob DaSilva
Damon, Ryan
Anthony and Kim Vis
Nicole, Laura, Deanna, Tracy
Kim and Tim Bos
Francine, Alexis, Devon
Henrietta and Charles Groen
Kevin
Karen and Ben VanVeen
Connie Stieva-Petrie and Len Stieva†, Robert Petrie†
Kevin and Jackie Stieva
Rebecca, Katelyn
Ginni and Ron Giles
Piper
Arie Roodzant†
Gerry and Margaret Roodzant (nee VanderWilp)
Rita and Saul De’Oliviera
Jason, Tyler
Donna and Gord Penner
Elaine Rempel
Jennifer, Justin
Ed and Melissa Roodzant
Jeremy, Jaime, Daniel, Jessica, Rebecca
Anthony and Kirsten Roodzant
Denae, Danica
Heather and Neil Dykstra
Kendra
Ed and Paddy Roodzant (nee Keep)
Michelle and Jack VanderVelde
Chelsea, Taylor, Meagan
Kerry and Allen Komdeur
Cameron, Austin, Samantha, Zachary, Keralen
Vicki and Chris Kampen
Caleb, James
Nicole and Ray Janssen
Rachel, Marissa, Michael
Scott Roodzant
Sarah Roodzant and Greg Elliott
Josh and Dina Roodzant
Jenn Roodzant
Toni and John Kottelenberg
Melissa and Ivan Bos
Kaelyn, Jacob
Kristen and Hendrik Alkema
Avery
Grant and Shelley Kottelenberg
Adrianna, Zachary, Cheyan
Mark Kottelenberg and Laura David
Michael Kottelenberg and Deanne VanTol
Nel Vis, 17 Hardwick Drive, Brampton, ON L6W 2Z5
MARCH 28, 2008 • 177
TEACHING POSITIONS
Immanuel Christian School
Winnipeg, Manitoba
invites applications for a
FULL-TIME TEACHING POSITION
in an elementary grade as well as for a secondary position
with duties commencing on August 1, 2008.
Immanuel Christian is a K-12 school supported by members of
Canadian Reformed and United Reformed Churches.
At present we have 183 pupils in mostly single grade classes.
Teachers are supported by an extensive resource program and
aides for students with special needs.
Interested teachers requiring more information or wishing to
apply should make use of the following addresses:
Mr. Bill Gortemaker, Chairman of the Board
[email protected], phone 204-663-9000
Mr. Peter Veenendaal, Principal
[email protected], phone 204-661-8937 (school)
204-661-6351 (home)
Mailing address:
Immanuel Christian School
215 Rougeau Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2C 3Z9
NEEDED
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER(S)
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER(S)
The Board of the Covenant Canadian Reformed School at
Neerlandia invites applications for the 2008 – 09 school year
to fill 3 openings.
Applicants must be confessing members of a Canadian
Reformed or sister church and must possess a Bachelor of
Education degree, or its equivalent.
We are a rural K – 12 school with a projected 2008 student
enrolment of 180, and a further substantial growth
potential. Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks,
competitive salaries, a good benefits package, small class
sizes with angelic children, an expanded facility, a terrific
staff, a supportive membership and Board, and a
comparatively low cost of living within an hour’s drive
of big city conveniences. School membership fees
remain among the lowest in the country.
Successful applicants cannot lose!
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
178 • MARCH 28, 2008
Due to upcoming joyful circumstances, the Board of
Credo Christian School in Woodbridge, Ontario
is seeking applications for a
GRADE 7 and 8 TEACHER
Aspirations of assuming the role of Principal, either
immediately or in the future, would be an asset but are not
required.
We are also seeking a
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
for the 2008/2009 school year. Assistance with principal relief
could also be combined with this position.
Credo is a school of roughly 60 students, serving the
congregations of Brampton and Toronto.
The school is blessed with exceptional community
involvement which enhances the academic, musical and
athletic programs that we are able to offer.
Our students consistently meet with success and are well
prepared to enter the high school environment.
If you are a team player interested in helping us maintain high
standards we would love to hear from you.
For more information, contact the Principal, Miss B. Maat
School: (905) 851-1620, Home: (905) 453-7480
E-mail: [email protected] or
Education Committee Chairman: Mr. Anthony Kampen
Home: (905) 927-9790; Work (905) 764-5455
Letters of application stating qualifications,
experience and references, as well as a personal statement of
philosophy of Christian education should be sent to:
Anthony Kampen, Chairman, Education Committee
22 Gormley Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4A 1E2
E-mail: [email protected]
The
MARANATHA CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOL SOCIETY INC.
of Fergus, Guelph and District, in planning for the 2008-2009
school year, invites applications for
POSSIBLE OPENINGS IN OUR
UPPER ELEMENTARY GRADES
All duties to commence August 1, 2008
Our school is located in the beautiful and picturesque
southern Ontario town of Fergus, where one would be very
close to rural life and within easy commute of
major urban areas.
The school currently has 253 students in Grades K – 8.
If interested in the above position or have any questions
about aspects of the position or of the school, please contact
one of the following people for more information,
or submit your resume to the school’s address:
Lydia VanVeen, principal
519-843-3029 (school); 519-843-4062 (home)
[email protected]
Mark Veenman, Education Committee Chair
519-699-6274
Applications to be addressed to:
Maranatha Christian School
c/o Education Committee
RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W4
JOHN CALVIN SCHOOL
320 Station Street, PO Box 280, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
“The Heart of the Niagara Peninsula”
In anticipation of an upcoming vacancy(ies) the Board and
Education Committee of JOHN CALVIN SCHOOL invites
applications from
QUALIFIED TEACHERS
for the school year 2008-2009. Enquiries about and
applications for these positions are encouraged. Please contact
the Principal, Mr. F.C. Ludwig, for further information, at
(905) 957-2341 School, or (905) 957-3111 Home
Applications and resumés may be faxed directly to the school
at (905) 957-2342, to the attention of the Principal,
or addressed to:
The Education Committee
c/o Mr. E. Ludwig, Secretary
RR 2, 7057 Concession 4, Smithville, Ontario L0R 2A0
PRINCIPAL
Maranatha Christian School
Due to the strong growth of our school, we are accepting
applications for an experienced and energetic principal, duties
to commence August 2008. Experience and post-graduate work
will be definite assets. All parties interested in this position are
invited to contact the chairman of the education committee.
Open to all members of Canadian Reformed Churches and
Churches with which the Canadian Reformed Churches have
ecclesiastical fellowship.
Maranatha Christian School offers Grades K-8, presently with
254 students, and is located in Fergus, Ontario.
Ms. Lydia VanVeen, Principal
(519) 843-3029 (school); (519) 843-4062 (home)
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Mark Veenman, chairman, education committee
(519) 699-6274 (home)
Applications to be addressed to:
Maranatha Christian School
Attention: Mr. Mark Veenman, Education Committee Chair
RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4
The Board of Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MB
is inviting applications for the following 2008-2009 position
MIDDLE YEARS / HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Dufferin Christian School is a K-12 school with
208 students and 20 full-time staff.
More information about our school can be obtained by visiting
our website: home.merlin.mb.ca/~dufferin
If you are interested or would like further information,
please contact the principal
Mr. Andy Huisman
Phone: 204-745-2278 (work) or 204-745-3023 (home) or
Email: [email protected]
Applications can be sent to:
Anton Borst, Secretary of the Board
PO Box 1450, Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Fax: 204-745-3441 or email: [email protected]
The John Calvin Christian College in
Armadale, Western Australia, has vacancies for
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
in 2008 and beyond.
The Middle School consists of Years 7 – 9 and is a transition
between primary (elementary) education and secondary
education. Presently it consists of some 180 students across
the three year levels, who are taught by 8 full time teachers
and a number of part time teachers. The Middle School has its
own dedicated facilities and draws on specialist facilities in
the wider College. It offers a full range of subjects by way of
compulsory studies and electives.
The most urgent vacancy is for an English teacher.
Also urgent but not as pressing is an upcoming vacancy
in the area of Science.
The vacancies are at Year 8 level, although prospective
applicants need to realise that over time they could be
expected to teach across the range of Middle School students,
depending on the needs of the moment.
The vacancies could be suited to primary (elementary)
teachers who would like to be challenged by subject material
at a higher level.
The College invites expressions of interest and / or
applications for the position of Middle School teachers
from teachers who have abilities and specialities in the
nominated areas.
Applicants will be members of one of the Free Reformed
Churches of Australia or one of its sister churches. They will
have a keen desire to serve the cause of Reformed Education.
Completion of a Reformed Education Diploma will be
considered favourably.
All teachers in Western Australia must be registered with the
Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT).
Applicants must therefore have accredited teaching
qualifications that would be recognised internationally.
The School Association will assist with immigration
procedures and relocation expenses. Working conditions
include a salary which is based on a scale which in general
is the same as that received by Western Australian
government teachers.
Information regarding the criteria for this position
can be obtained from the Principal:
Mr Alwyn Terpstra, phone: (08) 9497 0000,
or by email: [email protected]
Application forms can be downloaded from
http://www.frsa.asn.au
A complete application pack should include a completed
application form, a resume, teacher registration certificate and
two references, one professional and one from the present
pastor (or elder), and should be addressed to:
Confidential – Career Application
Free Reformed School Association (Inc.)
PO Box 474, Armadale, WA 6992 Australia
The deadline for applications is prior to close of business on
28th March 2008.
MARCH 28, 2008 • 179
To fill possible vacancies starting September
1, 2008, the Board of the Canadian
Reformed School Society of Abbotsford,
B.C. operating the John Calvin School
invites applications for
PRIMARY OR INTERMEDIATE TEACHERS
(Gr. K - 3) (Gr. 4 - 7)
Successful applicants must:
• be a communicant member of a Canadian Reformed
Church or a sister church;
• be able to obtain an Independent School certificate or
certification from the B.C. College of Teachers;
• be able to commence duties as of September 1, 2008;
• furnish two professional references;
• furnish a character reference from the applicant’s pastor.
Applicants with French proficiency would be an asset.
For information contact the principal,
Mr. P.H. Torenvliet
1-604-823-6814 (school) 1-604-854-5851 (home)
1-604-823-6791 (fax)
Send resumes and applications to the Secretary of the Board:
c/o John Calvin School
4268 Stewart Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5G2
FOR THE 2008/2009 SCHOOL YEAR
The Canadian Reformed School Society of Flamborough,
Inc. operating Covenant Christian School is in need of a
PART-TIME TEACHER
for GRADE SIX MATH AND LANGUAGE ARTS
Qualified persons are asked to send their letter of
application, résumé, statement of faith and view of reformed
education to the address below. Applicants belonging to
either the Canadian Reformed or United Reformed churches
are encouraged to apply. For further information,
please contact the Principal.
Principal – Mr. G. Hofsink
(905) 689-3191 - school; (905) 383-6782 - home
Applications may be sent to or faxed to:
Covenant Christian School
Attention: Personnel Committee
497 Millgrove Sideroad, PO Box 2, Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0
Fax: (905) 689-0191
Email: [email protected]
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
of Fergus, Guelph and district
invites applications for the following positions:
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Preferences will be given to applicants with qualifications in
the following areas:
English/Social Sciences/Science
for the 2008/09 school year.
Full and part-time applicants will be given consideration.
Emmanuel has a student body of 129 students in grades 9 to
12. It is located in a picturesque southern Ontario town.
Our school has excellent working relationships with board,
staff, principal and society.
Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field of
Reformed Education, and who submit themselves to
Scripture as summarized in the Reformed Confessions, are
heartily encouraged to submit an application, including a
philosophy of education and references.
Additional information can be obtained
by contacting the principal:
Mr. Henk Nobel, principal
(519) 843-3029 (work); (519) 843-1790 (home)
Applications to be addressed to:
Emmanuel Christian High School
c/o Education Committee
RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4
C O V E N A N T Canadian Reformed Teachers College
HAMILTON, ON
ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2008
The Board of Covenant College invites applications from
prospective students for the 2008-2009 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
The Board of the Coaldale Canadian Reformed School
Society, Coaldale, Alberta invites applications for a
POSSIBLE POSITION IN JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH
We are especially looking for candidates with qualifications
in Social Studies and possibly Band.
Position would commence August 2008.
For further information, please contact the Principal.
Mr. J. Harthoorn
(403) 345-4055 (school); 345-4891 (home); fax: (403) 3456436; E-mail: [email protected]
Letters of application should include university and teaching
qualifications, and two letters of reference.
Mail to:
Coaldale Christian School
2008 - 8th Street, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1L1
180 • MARCH 28, 2008
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. Students are
encouraged to apply before March 31, 2008. Those who plan to
seek admission in the year 2009-2010 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
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