The Church’sSong: Howare we doing?

A NewDirection

A Guide toReformedWorship

Volume 56, No. 24 • November 23, 2007 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

Set your hearts on the things aboveSet your hearts on the things above

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The time-tested practice of singingpredominantly psalms is recognized as a good one

The Church’s Song:How are we doing?

Guest EditorialTh.E. Lodder

Presently the churches are giving a fair bit ofattention to congregational singing. Twenty-eightadditional hymns have been submitted to the churchesfor testing and the text of the Anglo-Genevan Psalteris in the process of revision. While we’re givingattention to the church’s song, it seems a good timealso to give some consideration to how we sing thepsalms in church.

Looking goodOn the whole it can be said that there is a healthy

respect for the singing of the psalms in the churchesand it is done well.

The time-tested practice of singing predominantlypsalms is recognized as a good one and is observedfairly consistently. Organists have a large repertoireof music on the psalms to draw from. Enter anyCanadian Reformed church on any given Sunday andyou are likely to hear the psalms being sungfaithfully.

The churches have recently agreed that a revisedversification of the Anglo-Genevan Psalter isbeneficial, reflecting the desire to keep psalm-singingalive and meaningful for young and old alike. Dr.William Helder is to be commended for his diligenceand skill in undertaking this painstaking project.

I will never forget the smile of familiarity thatcame over my eight-year-old son’s face when we firstsang the new versification of Psalm 3, “. . .Who pointat me and shout / ‘God will not help him out!’”

This sort of reaction from our children and youngpeople makes relearning them every bit worththe trouble.

Room for improvementAt the same time, there is certainly room for

improvement. If we want to preserve psalm singing inthe churches – and we must – there are a few areasthat deserve our attention.

Psalm selectionMinisters would do well to give more attention to

the pattern of their selections. Although it isn’t a goodidea to choose two or three unfamiliar psalms for thesame church service, completely avoiding the morechallenging ones is also not helpful.

Our trouble with some of the Genevan melodiesstems not so much from their intrinsic complexity asfrom the fact that we just don’t sing them enough.Do we avoid singing Psalm 129 because it’s a toughtune, or is it a tough tune because we avoid singing it?

Learning the difficult onesThe best way to learn the difficult tunes is to sing

them more often. Ministers, then, should keep this inmind in their song selection.

Perhaps choirs, including children’s choirs, shouldtake on the challenge of learning some of the lessfamiliar tunes. Then on Sundays when they spreadout in the congregation they will be able to help andsupport the congregation in singing those psalms.

Ministers could encourage their congregations tosing through the Psalms in their homes by providingmembers with a weekly schedule in which two orthree stanzas are sung daily. For those who do not

Rev.Th. E. Lodder is ministerof the Canadian ReformedChurch at Cloverdale,British Columbiathlodder@telus.net

The church’s song is precious

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 603

have a musical instrument or a musician to plunk outthe more difficult tunes, there is a collection of CDsthat was produced a few years ago in Alberta whichhas musical accompaniment for all 150 GenevanPsalms (www.tedeummusic.com).

TempoMusicians play an integral role in leading the

singing of the psalms appropriately. There are anumber of factors that a musician has to bear in mindwhen choosing the tempo at which to play a psalm,including the tune, the words, the building, theinstrument, the size of congregation, even theaverage age of worshippers. For many of the psalms,however, we could pick up the pace. Sometimes we’releft to break into an anxious sweat because thesinging is so slow.

Let’s take Psalm 2 as an example. This is a warsong – a march. And that’s how it should be sung –with vigour and energy – with the windows open forpassersby to hear. We fully agree with Augustine andCalvin that the psalms need to be sung with weightand majesty. Sometimes, however, we rob psalms oftheir weight and majesty by singing them at apainfully slow pace.

Musical excellence and trainingHaving served as church organist myself for more

than a decade in my student years, I’m aware of thecolossal amount of preparation time required to do agood job accompanying congregational singing forthe Lord’s Day services. Many musicians sink hourupon hour of preparation into service playing.

We all should have a great deal of appreciationand respect for these brothers and sisters who taketheir responsibilities seriously. There are others,though, who seem to forget that they are leadingGod’s people in divine worship. Even the mostskilled and talented musician cannot mask a lackof preparation.

Paying the piperMost would agree that we as churches need

well-trained and skillful musicians to lead thesinging in the worship service. One way in which we

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In This Issue

Editorial –The Church’s Song:How are we doing?—Th.E. Lodder ........................................................................602

Treasures, New and Old – A New Direction— M.H.Van Luik ......................................................................605

A Guide to ReformedWorship (2) —W.L. Bredenhof ..........606“InWisdomYou MadeThemAll. . .” (1)— F.G. Oosterhoff ....................................................................608

Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and E. Nordeman ......................611Roadside Assistance ..................................................................612Book Review — Reviewed byW.L. Bredenhof ..........................613Further Discussion — A. Souman ............................................614Letter to the Editor ....................................................................616Press Release – Classis Niagara ..............................................617

Regular Mail$47.00*$57.00$84.00

Air Mail$ 77.00*$ 72.00$123.00

604 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

could encourage church musicians strive forexcellence is by putting our money where our mouthis. There are churches that have dedicated upwards of$5,000 to the remuneration of church musicians. Is thisextravagant? Not at all!

Add up the time required for service preparation,not to mention the costs of quality musical training,instruments, and church music, and the churches arestill getting a deal! Consider also that making musicwas part of the full-time, paid ministry of the Leviticalpriesthood (1 Chronicles 16).

It’s appalling how much money we will spend topurchase CDs and mp3s, ipods, stereos andentertainment centers, when compared to how littleis dedicated to the music we use to worship God inthe church.

I truly believe that when our children and youngpeople observe the high value we place on churchmusicians, also in dollars and cents, they will also bemore inclined to develop and refine their musicalskills in the Lord’s service, for the excellence of thechurch’s song. Perhaps then parents, too, have moreincentive to fork out money for those expensivemusic lessons.

Antiphonal singingMany of the psalms were originally sung

antiphonally, such as Psalms 115 and 136. With thesinging of Psalm 136, for example, you could have themen and boys sing all the odd stanzas, women andgirls all the even stanzas, with everyone singing therefrain and final stanza together. This is in line withthe apostolic appeal in Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to oneanother with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.”1

Nothing newMany of the things I’m proposing here have been

suggested before by church liturgists and pastors andhave even been liturgical custom in the church’s past.The church’s song is far too precious for us to let it fallsilent, lose its luster, or turn false. Let’s do everythingthe Lord calls and enables us to do with renewedpurpose and thanksgiving, always striving for beautyand excellence.

1 The late Dr. K. Deddens dedicated an entire chapterto antiphonal singing in his book Where EverythingPoints to Him (1993 [1981]).

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 605

After Paul writes that theChristians in Colossae have beenraised with Christ, he commandsthem to “set their hearts on thethings above.” Christians do notlook for their life in this world, butthey look for it in the heavenlyrealm where Jesus Christ dwells.Paul literally writes, “Seek thethings above.” The tense he usessays that you must continually seekthe things above. Every singlemoment of your life you need to belooking to heaven for everythingthat you need. We live on this earth,but we seek our direction fromabove, from Jesus Christ.

The word “seek” speaks aboutthe orientation or direction of ourwill. Our will can be oriented ordirected either to good or to evil.And therefore Paul commands us toseek the direction for our heart andwill from Jesus Christ who is above.Our will needs to be guided by thefact that we have died to this worldand we have been raised withChrist to a new life. We now take ourdirection from heaven; from JesusChrist who is seated at the righthand of God. Because of this newdirection in our life we can begin toput the old nature to death and puton the new that Paul will writeabout in the rest of this chapter.While we are still living in thisworld, Jesus Christ is alreadydirecting our hearts from heaven.

Paul reiterates this point in verse2 when he writes, “Set your mindson things above, not on earthlythings.” Paul is about to write aboutthe Christian life in chapter 3, butbefore he does so, he must firstaddress how this new Christian lifeis possible. He argues that you can

only live as Christians when yourmind is set on the things above.The way you think will very muchdetermine the way you are going tolive. Our thinking is going todetermine the overall direction ofour life. What lives in your mind willdetermine your motives and aims.

Paul reveals something abouthow change must come about in ourlives. Too often we are moreconcerned about behaviourmodification than with seeking achange of heart and will. Behaviourmodification is done through the useof rules and regulations. Whensomeone does something that isunethical they are reminded aboutthe right rule and often as muchforce or pressure as possible isbrought to bear on that person tobring about a change of behaviour.

Ultimately, that kind of changeis not true or real change. Changefor the sake of fitting into a familyor fitting into the church is not thekind of change that Christ desires.The gospel is not about behaviourmodification, but the gospel is thepower by which the Lord Godchanges your heart and mind.And therefore Paul is really layingthe foundation in our text for theChristian life. He says, “Set yourmind on the things above.” Thatmeans that your mind needs to becontinually directed to Jesus Christin heaven.

Paul warns us, “Do not set yourmind on earthly things.” If you stillset your mind on earthly things thatindicates that you have not diedwith Christ. It means that you arestill looking to the things of this lifefor everything. The false teachers inColossae, by their emphasis on

keeping earthly rules andregulations really set their mindson those “earthly” things to savethem. While Paul is fighting specificfalse teachings in this letter, nodoubt there is also the widerconcern that today we still have ourminds set on earthly things. Whenwe set our mind on what our fleshdesires, it leads us away from JesusChrist. When the material things ofthis earth and the pleasures of thisworld are the things on which yourmind is focused, that will destroyyour spiritual life.

If your mind is preoccupied withhow you are going to make a living,if you are preoccupied withenjoying the material things of thislife, then you can be sure thatwhere your mind is, there you willbe also. If your mind is directed tothe things of the world, then youstill belong to this world. But if yourmind is directed to Christ Jesusabove, then the focus of your mindwill be with Christ Jesus.

Paul is not saying that we mustforget about this world, or that thisworld is not important. We need tobe careful that we do not make aseparation between heaven andearth. Paul teaches us that life onthis earth is only possible whenyour heart and mind is focused onthe heavenly realm above, becausethat is where your life on this earthmust come from. You will not findlife or joy here on earth, but your lifeand joy can only be found withChrist Jesus who is seated at theright hand of God in heaven. Healone is able provide both for yourphysical and spiritual life.Therefore set your heart and mindon the things above.

Rev. M.H.Van Luik is ministerof the Canadian ReformedChurch at Brampton, Ontariomvanluik@canrc.org

Treasures, New and OldM.H. Van Luik

MATTHEW 13:52

A New Direction“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

Colossians 3:1b

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This series of articles beganwith a consideration of twoimportant principles for Reformedworship: the Regulative Principleand the Principle of CovenantalStructure. In this article, we willbegin looking at the differentelements of the worship service.With this installment, we begin atthe beginning with theintroductory block.

Call to worshipOne of the clearest injunctions

regarding Christian worship isthat it will involve the reading ofGod’s Word. Paul commandsTimothy in 1 Timothy 4:13, “Until Icome, devote yourself to the publicreading of Scripture. . .” – andthere are many other suchpassages. A great deal of ourworship service, therefore, is goingto involve the reading of Scripture.God will speak his Word to us andwe in turn also take his Word uponour lips and speak it back to Him.

That brings us to the beginningof the worship service and thequestion: what is an appropriateway to begin? If our worship is tobe structured along the lines of thecovenant, should it not reflect thegospel truth that it is God whocalls us to Himself? In thecovenant of grace, God takes the

initiative to come to us and to callus to a meaningful and friendlyrelationship with Himself. Here wecan think not only of God’s call toAdam and Eve in the Garden inGenesis 3, but also of his graciousinitiative in calling Abrahamand others.

Therefore, it makes goodliturgical sense for God to have thefirst word in the worship service.Through the reading of anappropriate passage of Scripture(often from the Psalms), Godgraciously calls his people into hispresence. With the call to worship,the congregation is reminded thatit is God who has authoritativelycalled us to this place.

It is sad that the call to worshipis rare in the Canadian Reformedchurches. In most of our churches,God’s people get the first wordthrough the so-called votum,

“Our help is in the name. . . .” Insome places, there is a “quasi callto worship” with words such as“Let us lift up our hearts to theLord.” But those words often aremore like a signal for thecongregation to stand up than atrue call to worship being spokenby the minister on God’s behalf.Why not have a short, clearScripture passage where God isclearly calling the congregation toworship Him? If we take thecovenantal structure andcharacter of our worship seriously,this is something we need tocarefully reconsider.

VotumThe next words in the service

also come from Scripture, but theyare a confession of faith on thepart of God’s people: “Our help isin the Name of the Lord, the makerof heaven and earth” (Ps 124:8).These words can be consideredour response to God’s call for us toworship Him. God puts thesebeautiful words on our lips at thevery beginning so that werecognize our entire dependenceon Him. We come to Him as needypeople waiting to have our thirstquenched and our hungersatisfied.

W.L. Bredenhof

A Guide to ReformedWorship (Part 2)

– The Introductory Elements

Rev.W. L. Bredenhof isco-pastor of the CanadianReformed Church at Langley,British Columbiawbredenh@telus.net

It is sad that the call toworship is rare in theCanadian Reformedchurches

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 607

We call this the “votum,” whichis a word taken over from Latin. Itis something like a vow or aconfession of faith. The word’sLatin origin reflects the fact thatthis element of our worship servicedates back to far before theReformation. The reformersrecognized its value and simplycontinued the practice of havingPsalm 124:8 at the beginning ofthe service.

I already mentioned that thesewords come from the part of thecongregation. In most of ourchurches, however, they arerecited by the minister on behalf ofthe congregation. In thoseinstances, the individual membersof the congregation need to be self-consciously saying those words intheir hearts with the minister. Abetter arrangement, however, is tohave the congregation itself recitethose words. An introduction maybe necessary; something like,“Congregation, where does ourhelp come from?” or “Let usconfess together. . . .” If the votumis truly something from the side ofthe people, and if it is practical todo so, why not have the congregationrecite it?

GreetingSo far we’ve looked at two

elements: God has spoken the callto worship and the people respondwith their confession of faith (thevotum). Given the covenantalstructure, it makes sense that Godwould have the next word. He doesso through the greeting extendedthrough the minister. The ministerlifts up his hands (a traditionalliturgical gesture of blessing andgreeting) and speaks from God’sWord a salutation or greeting.

Here again, we simply haveGod’s Word being read and used ina liturgically appropriate way.God has called us into hispresence with his Word, we haveresponded with our confession,and now He greets us in the samemanner that the churches of theNew Testament were greeted byHim. In all of this, it is amply clearthat there are truly two “parties” in

the worship service and they are ina relationship with one another.

At the end of the greeting, it iscustomary for the minister to say“Amen.” As you may recall,“Amen” simply means “it is trueand certain.” God puts his seal onthe greeting when the ministersays “Amen.” But God’s peopleshould also respond with their own“Amen,” either in their hearts orvocally. With their “Amen” theyexpress their confidence that theyhave truly been welcomed intoGod’s presence.

Opening songThe final element of the

beginning of the service is theresponse of God’s people in song.Typically the opening song will beone of praise and adoration forGod. It will exalt Him and in sodoing, prepare God’s people for therest of the worship service.

It hardly needs to be arguedthat the singing of psalms andhymns is a divinely mandated partof Christian worship. Even thoughpassages like Ephesians 5:19 andColossians 3:16 were not originallywritten as instructions on how todo public worship, they surely donot mean anything less than thatGod’s people should be singingwhen gathered together forworship. More than that, the entireBible portrays God’s people assinging praise to Him and wewould only expect that this wouldalso be done today when wegather for worship. As mentioned,this is not a controversial matter inany Christian circle. We naturallysing because we want to sing andif that desire were not enough,God’s Word commands us to sing.

In the next installment, we’llconsider the next block of theworship service, the confessionof sin.

Typically the openingsong will be one of praiseand adoration for God

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Does the human race have aspecial place and task in the cosmicscheme of things? The answer tothat question has changeddrastically over the past century orso. When our civilization could stillbe called Christian, it was normalto speak of mankind as the “crownof creation” and of its habitat, theearth, as a privileged part of thecosmos. True, Christians knew theywere flawed, fallen beings. Theyalso knew that the earth was puny,little more than a dot, by cosmicstandards. But they did not for thesereasons hold the earth or humanityin contempt. Both served a highpurpose. Man had been given theearth as his dwelling place in orderto have dominion over his fellow-creatures and so to serve God.

Today that conviction is largelygone. Faith in God has beendeclared a delusion and with thatfaith the belief in the significance ofboth the human species and itshabitat has also been lost. Ratherthan being exceptional, the earth isnow a typical planet among manysimilar ones and the human race isa chance appearance, no betterthan any of the other species and byno means essential to the earth’swell-being. According to some weare, in fact, the destructive elementon earth, the enemy of the otherspecies, the dangerous parasitewhose demise would greatlybenefit the planet. This is theopinion of some “deep ecologists,”extremist animal rights groups,and other radical branches of theenvironmentalist movement.

The Copernican PrincipleWhere did these ideas come

from? Are they just subjectiveimpressions, a product of ourpessimistic postmodern worldview?According to a majority of today’sscientists, they are not. The currentopinion regarding the earth’s andmankind’s insignificance, they say,is based on solid scientificevidence. Whereas people used tobelieve that the earth was at thecentre of the cosmos, we now knowthat it is located in a corner of theMilky Way, which is but one ofmany billions of galaxies. Thisphysical “dislocation” implies, weare told, a drastic reduction in ourstatus and provides scientific proofagainst the biblical message ofmankind’s (and the earth’s) uniqueposition, origin, and purpose.

These beliefs receive theirjustification from the so-calledCopernican Principle, which is heldto be a scientific concept. Becauseof the important role it plays in theareas we are dealing with, a noteon its origin and function is in order.The principle is named afterNicolaus Copernicus, a Polishcleric, mathematician, andastronomer, who began the processof the earth’s removal from thecosmic centre by proposing (in 1543)the replacement of the ancientearth-centred model by a sun-centred one. The earth-centredmodel (the so-called PtolemaicWorld System) had been inheritedfrom the Greeks and still served theMiddle Ages (about 500-1500). Itconsisted of a central stationaryearth with the “heavenly bodies” –sun, moon, and planets – revolving

F.G. Oosterhoff

“In Wisdom You MadeThem All. . .” (Part 1 of 2)

Dr. F. G. Oosterhoff is ahistorian in Hamilton, Ontariofgo@quickclic.net

The PtolemaicWorld-System

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 609

around it (see picture on this page).The Christian Middle Ages likedthis model, which was in a numberof ways in accordance with theirgeneral worldview. The earth’slocation at the centre symbolizedman’s special status as the creaturemade in God’s image, while the factthat it was also at the lowest pointin the system symbolized hisfallenness. The Middle Ages furtherliked the hierarchical nature of thecosmos and the fact that theheavens surrounded the earth. Thismade manifest God’s unceasingsupervision and providence andprotection. Medieval people couldfeel at home in the universe. Spacedid not terrify them, nor did itconvey a sense of cosmicloneliness, as it so often does today.There was no empty space.

The old model had not only areligious but also a scientificfunction and served, among otherthings, to predict eclipses. As ascientific model it had itsweaknesses, however. A majorsetback was the difficulty it posedin explaining the apparently erraticorbits of the planets. Copernicusfound that the problem could beremoved if the model was changedfrom an earth-centred to a sun-centred one. That solution was notimmediately accepted. The idea ofa central sun and a moving earthwent against common sense and,according to many, also against theBible. Had not Joshua ordered thesun and not the earth to stand still?Various scientists, however,continued Copernicus’ work and bythe late 1600s the sun-centred modelhad become the accepted one.

The process of our“dethronement”

Although the new modelremoved the earth from its centralplace, it did not immediately affectthe belief in the earth’s and man’sspecial status. Most early scientists,including Copernicus himself, wereChristians. They saw their work notas an attack upon Scripture but as a

means to glorify the Creator byshowing the magnitude and orderof the universe. They also continuedto see humanity as God’s specialcreation, made in his image. Evenwhen in the eighteenth century (theso-called Enlightenment or Age ofReason) this biblical faith declined,the belief in the superior status ofthe human race continued, thanksto the predominantly humanisticworldview of that period.

The situation began to change inthe nineteenth century, whenamong several thinkers the deismof the Enlightenment was replacedby atheism. It is true that theCopernican Principle of mediocritywas not promoted as a scientifictool until the twentieth century, butthe preceding age set the stage.Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), thecentury’s foremost “death-of-God”philosopher, wrote:

Has not man’s determination tobelittle himself developed apaceprecisely since Copernicus? Alas,his belief that he was unique andirreplaceable in the hierarchy ofbeings had been shattered forgood; he had become an animal,quite literal and withoutreservations; he who, accordingto his earlier belief, had beenalmost God. . . . Ever sinceCopernicus man has been rollingdown an incline, faster andfaster, away from the centre. . . .

Nietzsche was partly right inblaming the new astronomy for theloss of human self-esteem, but onlypartly. In the days of Copernicusand his followers opinions weredivided. Many rejoiced that theearth had been moved from itslowly place at the bottom andbecome a “star,” a gloriousheavenly body. Others, however,focused on the possible negativeimplications of the new model andtheir number may well haveincreased over the centuries. Butman’s “belittling of himself” hasbeen a result not only of theastronomical discoveries. A moreimportant role has been played by

scientific theories that claimed toprove the “death of God” andthereby denied man’s special placein the universe. This wasacknowledged by Nietzsche’syounger contemporary SigmundFreud (1856-1939), who mentionedCharles Darwin’s contribution to themarginalization of man. It wasDarwin, after all, who had shownthat the human species haddescended from the animals. Norwas that the end of the process ofdemotion. It was continued, Freudsaid, by his own work. His theory ofthe unconscious showed that thehuman ego, which had been sohighly exalted by both Christiansand humanists, was no more thanthe plaything of irrational desiresand instincts. Instead of beingmade “a little less than God” (Psalm8), man had become product andpart of a non-rational nature.

Our position in space andtime

Although Copernicus and hisfollowers had no intention oflowering the status of man and hishabitat, developments in astronomydid underline the message of theearth’s relative insignificance. Asearly as 1609, the scientist Galileohad searched the heavens with thenewly invented telescope anddiscovered that the Milky Waygalaxy consisted of anunimaginably large number ofstars. This showed that the cosmoswas far greater than previouslyimagined; that it might even beinfinite in size. Its inconceivablevastness was confirmed in thetwentieth century. In the 1920s theAmerican astronomer EdwinHubble, using the most advancedtelescope then available,discovered that the Milky Way wasnot unique (as had been thoughtuntil that time) but was only one ofseveral galaxies in an expandinguniverse. Astronomers nowestimate that there are at least ahundred billion galaxies, each ofthem containing billions of stars.

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The estimated number of stars in allthe galaxies of the universe,scientists tell us, “vastly exceedsthe number of grains of sand on allthe beaches of the world.”

In such a universe, planet Earthis no more than a speck, and soindeed is the sun (which has beendemoted to an “average” star, oneamong many, whose apparentbrilliance is a result of the fact thatit is much nearer to the earth thanany other star). As the seventeenth-century poet John Donne alreadycomplained, in the new model “TheSun is lost and th’earth, and noman’s wit / can well direct himwhere to look for it. . . .” Cosmicdistances are so great that theyhave to be measured in light-years– the distance that light can travelwithin one year, which is close toten trillion kilometres. The extentof the Milky Way is estimated to bemore than 100,000 of such light-years. This means that in order togo from one end to the other, onewould need to travel at the speedof light – which is close to 300,000kilometres per second – for aperiod of 100,000 years. (I amassuming here, for simplicity’ssake, that we could measure timeby an earth-bound clock, althoughin fact time would greatly changefor someone travelling at thisspeed). By way of comparison: thelight of the sun, which is located ata distance of almost 150,000,000kilometres from the earth, reachesus in about eight minutes. Andeven the extent of the Milky Way isnext to nothing by cosmicstandards. In the 1990sastronomers using the HubbleSpace Telescope discoveredgalaxies that they calculated to beup to twelve billion light-yearsremoved in space and time.

If these mind-boggling cosmicdistances served to diminish thestatus of the earth and itsinhabitants in the eyes of many, sodid new theories of cosmic time.The twentieth century witnessed

the birth and triumph of the so-called Big Bang theory of theuniverse’s origin and development.According to this theory theuniverse was not a few thousand,but billions of years old, and theage of the earth also was muchgreater than had previously beenbelieved. Even so, the earth was alate-comer.

Astronomers date the age of thecosmos at about 14 billion years,that of our galaxy at 10 billion, andthat of the earth at 4.5 to 5 billion.The span of humanity’s existencewas much shorter yet. According toevolutionary scientists the age ofthe human species is one (or a few)hundred thousand years.

Science or ideology?The description by modern

science of the magnitude of theuniverse undoubtedly contributesto the widespread belief in theinsignificance of the earth andmankind. Does it also, however,justify that belief by proving theCopernican Principle of the earth’sand man’s non-exceptional status?In fact, it does not. The principleimplies that location and sizedetermine value, which isobviously untrue. Moreover, somescientists are also challenging theprinciple’s scientific value,pointing out that there are few ifany instances where its use hasadvanced our understanding of theuniverse.These dissenters further show thatrecent scientific discoveries notonly fail to endorse but actuallyprovide potent disclaimers of theCopernican Principle. The

discoveries support the idea thatthe earth is unique and uniquelyfitted for the sustenance of life.We will turn to the arguments andproofs later. The question thatnow concerns us is why, in spite ofits apparently questionablescientific foundations, theCopernican Principle is sostrenuously promoted.

One important reason, itappears, is its ideological function– the fact that it provides“scientific” support for the anti-biblical view of man and his worldthat characterizes our times. Theprinciple is also, as alreadysuggested, grist for the mill ofradical ecologists and animal-rights activists, who blame ourecological problems on the beliefthat we are superior to otherspecies. That belief, they say, isfounded on the biblical teachingof man as the head of creation,which is a major cause of thedestruction of the world’senvironment under the leadershipof western Christianity.

But if hostile to the Bible, theprinciple is not opposed to allreligion. Radical ecologists whosubscribe to it have no problemadvocating pantheism and avariety of neo-pagan religions.This is telling. Atheists mayproclaim that we can live withoutfaith in the supernatural, but ourpostmodern age shows that formany people this is too difficult.Now that faith in the God ofChristianity has been declared adelusion, a replacement must befound, and more often than not theuniverse and the earth are madeinto a god (or goddess).

The hope of receiving help andguidance from sources beyond theearth is an important element alsoin the search for extra-terrestrialintelligence, which, as we willsee, has been greatly stimulatedby the Copernican Principle.We will turn to that topic in thenext installment.

According to some we arethe destructive element onearth, the enemy of theother species

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 611

At the dawn of each new day prayers andsupplications must go before God’s throne for Him tobe our Rock and Redeemer. Yes, we may not knowwhat we will all have to face each day; but one thingwe know for sure. . . whatever we do, it will be taintedwith sin. We so need to depend on Him alone and theworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Thus when we look at Isaiah 40:1 and 2 we mayindeed find comfort in knowing that God will take careof his people. God in his infinite wisdom understandsthe hardships and difficulties we face in life. Allaround us it may seem as though no one cares and lifeseems to be falling apart. Yet every moment of our lifeis seen by our heavenly Father. He sees and watchesall that we do here on earth. At times we may also feelso alone in all our struggles. Yet, what will we dothen? Despair and stop running the race? No, we maynot do this. We must turn to God’s Word, for it standsfirm and sure! We cannot let the magnitude of our sinsweigh us down. Rather we may seek our solace andpeace from God. By his wounds we are healed. We cancast all our burdens and worries on Him. He assuresus that He will find rest for our souls. We must confessour sins before Christ. Trust in Him and He will never

disappoint you. For we are the Lord’s most treasuredpossession. He will also assure us of eternal life.

All adversity that is on our path is used to test ourfaith and should want to bring us closer to Him.Remember, one thing, nothing can separate us fromhis love. Rely on Him alone, each day anew. Our Godis the faithful God who keeps all of his promises. Inall of life’s situations, God will provide comfort tothose who have their hope, love, and desires toserve Him.

The Lord reassures us in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am theLord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand andsays to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” All praiseand adoration to Him alone, as we prepare tocelebrate the birth of his only begotten Son.

Though in death’s valley, lonely and forsakenI am by gloom and shadows overtaken,I fear no evil: Thou art ever near meAnd in my grief and sorrow Thou dost hear me.Thy rod and staff, O God of my salvation,Shall comfort me in all my tribulation.

Psalm 23:2

Birthdays in December:10 JAMES KAMMINGA will be 23

Box 1125, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

16 JULIE KAMMINGA will turn 19Box 1125, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Congratulations to both of you James and Julie onyour upcoming birthdays. May you have an enjoyableday together with your family and friends. May Hesurround you with his love and care and the gift ofcomfort in his Word. Till next month,

Mrs. C. Gelms and Mrs. E. Nordeman548 Kemp Road East, RR 2, Beamsville, ON LOR 1B2

Phone: 905-563-0380Email: jcorgelms@porchlight.ca

Ray of SunshineRay of SunshineBy Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hardservice has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, thatshe has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”

Isaiah 40:1, 2

612 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

As I walked down the hall of theupper floor in my parents’ house, Ihappened to look upon a mightywonder. It was as I leaned tofurther open the end window,trying to appease the ever-increasing density of the stuffy airin my room, that my gaze fell upona very bright and intense star.As I looked at it for a while Iwondered which it would be in theheavens, number 1, 3, 17, or 200007?Something I would never know andyet in that vast expanse, our Fatherknows every number andcharacteristic of each and everystar. And He upholds them andgoverns them.

As I sat pondering this wonderof his, and how He upheld it, I alsocame to reason of its size. That onestar, so bright, dwarfed our sun insize, and yet looked so small so faraway. Such a distance, I thought tomyself, really places in perspectivethe immense size of this ouruniverse. And here we are on butone of eight planets, a small

insignificant blob of substance.What are we in this universe?How small we must seem to a Godwho is in control of this universe.We are but small specks, breath-inhabiting clumps of dirt.A masterpiece among themasterpieces of the heavens andall that is in them.

Yet, if we are so small, how is itthat this God, the upholder of allthings, also seeks to uphold ussmall pitiful sinners? God createdthis universe, these heavens andthis earth for us to live in, for us toinhabit while we praised hisglorious name and works, but we

rejected Him. We took a slighterpath, one less adorned withconscience and greatly lackingjudgement and understanding.

But these heavens, theseplants, these stars, they didnothing to kindle the anger of God,but took the blow because we asthe stewards of the King failed tokeep his commands, and as thesteward fails, so also failseverything he is steward of. YetGod sustains them all, holdingthem all in his hand, allowingnothing to go on without hisknowledge and will.

Thus, we, a small unlikelygrouping of clay, on a uniquelyproportioned planet, in animmensely large universe, aremore than nothing. We, who areinhabited by sin, as small as weare, hold a larger spot than thelargest aspect of all createdthings. For there is nothing otherthan we, his crowning creationswho were bought by the blood ofChrist. What are we in this

As I Walked down the HallByron Tuininga

We took a slighter path,one less adorned withconscience and greatlylacking judgement andunderstanding

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 613

universe? We are blessed, blessedthat in his infinite mercy and love,our Father did not forget hischildren when they often forgetHim. He did not leave us when weleft Him and his commands, asthough they were nothing. ThoughHe is the all perfect, powerful, andknowing God, we choose to makeHim as nothing in our lives. Andwe who are nothing, who are clay,we are made into something by his

perfect blood. Our condemnation ison us if we forget that He iseverywhere in his creation, thatHe cannot be escaped.

What a strange encounter in avery common situation in life.Strange, I thought to myself, howopening the window tonightwould give me such a sense ofintense relief to know that Godour God, our Father is incommand. He remembers all,

knows all, and controls all. I knownothing of the good that wasallowed me in the first Adam inEden, and I would never knoweither if it were not for Him. So Iprayed that we who are nothingwould not ever think to forget Himwho is everything, in our pride,our lust, and our sin. Pray andpraise, to God our God, for as Iwalked down the hall tonight,He watched over me.

With Reverence and Awe:Returning to the Basics ofReformed Worship

D.G. Hart and John R.Muether (Phillipsburg: P & R,2002).Additional Information: paperback,203 pages, $12.38.

In his 1955 classic, The Defenseof the Faith, Cornelius VanTilargued that Reformed apologeticshas to be consistent with Reformedtheology. It makes no sense forReformed believers to argue for theChristian faith with Arminian orRoman Catholic systems ofapologetics. He lamented, “If onlyReformed theologians were true totheir own principles and ideas!” InWith Reverence and Awe, D.G. Hartand John Muether apply VanTil’sappeal for consistency to the areaof worship and to good effect.

Hart (professor at the twoWestminster seminaries) andMuether (professor at ReformedTheological Seminary in Florida)put forward the thesis that“Soundness in doctrine. . . goeshand-in-hand with what isappropriate in worship. Historically,Reformed worship has alwaysflowed from Reformed theology”(p.15). For instance, theydemonstrate how the Creator-creature distinction will findliturgical expression amongCalvinists: “The vast gulfseparating God from his creationmeans that God alone is infiniteand independent, and that we arefinite and dependent. This willrestrain the notions ofindividualism, self-confidence andassertiveness that our cultureprivileges. Instead, humility andself-denial will characterize ourcomportment” (p.14).

The authors provide acomprehensive overview of the

defining principles of Reformedworship and also a helpful guide toputting those principles intopractice. Of equal importance, theydiscuss current trends in broaderChristian worship in NorthAmerica and warn readers of thetemptations that these present.In this vein, I especiallyappreciated the critical analysis ofJohn Frame’s efforts to defend“contemporary worship.”

Overall, this is a book that canbe reliably used as a primer aboutwhat we do in worship and why.While it can especially berecommended for office bearers(those responsible for oversight ofour services), study groups mightalso find it worthwhile. The authorsground their efforts in theScriptures and the Reformedconfessions. Above all, they remindus that our great and holy God isindeed to be worshipped “withreverence and awe.” (Heb 12:28).Only such worship is acceptable.

Book ReviewReviewed byW. L. Bredenhof

614 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

From principle to preference?On Friday, May 18, and

Saturday, May 19 of this year,Synod Smithers unanimously madesome important decisionsregarding ecclesiastical unity withthe URCNA. One of those decisionswas regarding the mandate of theTheological Education Committee.It is especially this decision thatreceived strong criticism in acouple articles, which I readrecently. The Rev. J.L. van Poptawrote in the Clarion of October 12,that Synod Smithers has now saidthat the theological college is nolonger a necessity. At the end of hisarticle he says: “I, for one, thinkthat our Synod 2007 was way off themark in their decision. Even thoughwe can’t support it with a text, weneed to maintain our principle thatthe church should control theeducation of its ministers.”

In the same week, I receivedfrom several sides by email a copyof a speech of the Rev. W. VanOeneabout the Liberation of 1944, inwhich he said: “Imagine mydisgust and disbelief when I readthat our latest general synod, theone at Smithers, stated that thechurches having a Seminary oftheir own is not a principle but amatter of preference. Apparentlythe brothers in Smithers were muchwiser and had a deeper insight

into the Scriptures than thebrothers in 1892 who insisted on itthat it was a principle.” And: “ThatSynod Smithers put the coffinready for the United Reformed tobury the Seminary and thechurches with it.”

That is strong language! But didSynod Smithers really make thatdecision? Having been at Synod inSmithers as a delegate, I startedwondering if, maybe, I attended adifferent Synod Smithers than theone which made this decision. So Itook the Acts of Synod Smithers2007 to see what went wrong. I cantell you: Synod Smithers did notmake that decision!

What did Smithers decide?The Acts have been sent to all

the churches and I assume that allconfessing members received acopy. I’m not going to quote theentire decision. You can read it inArticle 103, page 83. I want to drawyour attention especially to theconsiderations 3.3 and 3.4.

Consideration 3.3 starts with:“The mandate for the theologicaleducation committee must bebased on 2 Timothy 2:2, whichdirects us to the principle that thechurches are responsible for thetheological training of theirstudents for the ministry.” Can it bemore clear? How can anyone be

able to say that Synod Smithersabandoned this principle?

We continue to read: “In thisconnection, it should be noted andappreciated that the twotheological education committeeshave already come to agreementon the following six statements, asreported to Synod Chatham 2004”and then the six statements follow,of which the first is: “It is the taskof the churches to train ministers.”Read also the other fivestatements. As far as I know, thesesix statements were also adoptedby the URCNA Synod Schererville,this summer.

Consideration 3.3 closes withthe words, “These agreementsindicate that the two committeesare solidly united in the biblicalprinciple of theological educationbeing the full responsibility ofthe churches.”

Let us now have a look atconsideration 3.4:

The principle of 2 Timothy 2:2,which points in the direction ofthe churches being responsiblefor the training of the ministry,does not necessitate theconclusion of a “federational”seminary. Article 19 of theChurch Order of the CanRCalso does not necessitate afederational seminary as “aninstitution for the training forthe ministry” is not the same as

A. Souman

Further DiscussionFederational Seminary or Schoolof the Churches?

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 615

federational seminary. Alreadyit is possible under Article 19 forthe churches to maintain aninstitution apart from thatinstitution having to belong tothe federation. Therefore, itwould be best, for clarity’s sake,to realize that “federational”seminary is terminology thathas arisen (in the statements ofagreement and in the mandateof Synod Chatham) out ofcurrent practice and is not itselfthe Reformed theologicaleducation principle. Theprinciple remains: the churchesare responsible for the trainingfor the ministry.

These two considerations arecrucial in understanding thedecision of Synod Smithers. In thedecision, in 4.4.1, we can clearlyread that the committee ismandated to seek agreement withthe URCNA committee abouttheological education for the newunited federation, on the principleof 2 Timothy 2:2 (emphasis added),taking into consideration the jointstatements made by thetheological education committees(see consideration 3), whileexpressing the strong preferencefor at least one federationalseminary.

What Synod Smithers did wasto define more precisely whatexactly the principle is behindArticle 19 of our Church Order. Thetwo brothers confused the presentpractice of the federationalseminary with the principle of thechurches being responsible for thetraining of the ministers. It mightbe helpful to have a look at thechurch history, to get a betterunderstanding of the differencebetween this principle and ourpresent practice.

PrincipleA principle for the church is

something that must come fromScripture. Neither of the twobrothers mention a text on whichthey base their principle. Bothbrothers refer to a principle whichhas been held by our churches, butRev. van Popta uses the vagueexpression “since the time of itsforefathers.” Rev. VanOene onlysays that the brothers of theSecession maintained thisprinciple in 1891. In the document“Why do the Canadian ReformedChurches have their ownseminary?” which was written in2003 as a paper by the TheologicalEducation Committee to bediscussed with the URCNAcommittee (see Acts Chatham 2004,page 224), the text 2 Timothy 2:2 ismentioned, but also in thatdocument we can’t find whenexactly the church decided thatthis should be the principle. Whenwe look at the Acts of the churchesin the nineteenth century, then wediscover that the churches of theSecession decided in 1849 toestablish the Theological Schoolbecause it was beneficial andnecessary to do so (my translation,the original text in Dutch can befound in the Acts of SynodAmsterdam of the ChristelijkAfgescheidene GereformeerdeKerk, 1849, chapter IV). It was onlyin 1891, just before the union in1892, that it was decided by thesynod to maintain the principlethat the church is called to have itsown institution for the training ofits ministers, at least if it comes tothe theological education of theministers. (See the Acts of theeighteenth session of the synod of1891 of these churches, art. 172 and173). It is remarkable that althoughin the discussion 2 Timothy 2:2 was

mentioned by some of the brothers,the Synod did not decide to includeit in the decision. It was alsoremarkable that when it came to avote, more than one third of thedelegates were in favour of leavingthe decision to a synod of theunited church after the union(fourteen of the forty delegates).

We can see the same happeningin our Canadian Reformedchurches. It is more because ofpractical reasons that the synodsdecided our own TheologicalSchool should be established,because for several reasons it wasnot desirable to send our studentsto the school in Kampen, TheNetherlands (see W.W.J. VanOene,Inheritance Preserved, revisededition, page 190). Reading throughthe Acts starting from 1962, Icouldn’t find any mention beingmade of the principle. Not even inthe Acts of Orangeville 1968. It wasonly when the matter of theologicaleducation came up in our contactswith the URCNA that the principlewas mentioned in the documents.Synod Smithers is, as far as I know,the first synod which explicitlydefined the principles fortheological education and used thetext from 2 Timothy 2:2. Apparentlyuntil then Article 19 of the ChurchOrder has always been sufficient.By accepting the agreement on thesix statements, mentioned inArticle 103 of the Acts of SynodSmithers, the URCNA alsoindicated that they want to work onthe basis of these principles. Thesesix statements are in line withwhat Article 19 of our ChurchOrder states.

PracticeWe must discern between

principle and practice. Theprinciple is that the churches areresponsible for the training of the

616 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

ministers. The practice as we haveit now is a federational seminary,of which the professors as well asthe board of governors areappointed by general synod andthe funds for this college arecollected from the churches bymeans of assessments.

However, history teaches us thatthe practice can be different, whilemaintaining the same principle.The churches which establishedthe Theological School in 1854 didit differently. There were noassessments. The funds came in asa freewill offering from thechurches. Every church decidedhow and how much they gave tothe school. The governors wereappointed by the provincial(regional) synods and had toreport each to their own provincialsynods. The professors wereappointed by general synodthrough a free vote. The way we do

it is not the only way and notnecessarily the best way.

In The Netherlands, all thechurches were close to the placewhere the Theological School wasestablished and logistically it wasno problem to have one school.Therefore, the general synod is theappropriate assembly to deal withthe school. In North Americachurches are spread out over anarea of thousands of kilometres.Our situation is completelydifferent. Should we have the samesituation as in The Netherlandswith only one school for the entirefederation? While maintaining thesame principle, we can have adifferent practice, even more sobecause we live in a differentsituation.

ConclusionThe decision of Synod Smithers

regarding theological education is

a good decision which maintainsand even strengthens the principlethat the churches are responsiblefor the training of their ministers.We should also keep in mind that itis a principle that churches whichstand on the same confessionalbasis and are one in faith shouldseek the highest form of unity,which means in our situationecclesiastical unity. If we want tokeep our present practice of afederational seminary, that may befine, but if it will put unity with theURCNA in danger, then we aremaking a practice more importantthan a principle and we are on thewrong way. We should not confuseour practices with our principles.

From time to time Clarion willpublish longer responses to articlesreceived. The decision as to whichresponses to publish will rest withthe Editor.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

First of all, I want to thank Rev. Bredenhof for hiswell-written editorial in Clarion, September 14, 2007.

In his opening words, he mentions that we arePsalm singing people. It is with those words that Ihave difficulty. Are we indeed a Psalm singingpeople? It seems to me that more and more we aredrifting away from the Psalms – the most beautifulsongs we can sing!

We are once again confronted with anothertwenty-eight unnecessary hymns. The Psalms aregiven by the Lord Himself; what can be morebeautiful than that? Are we more or less telling the

Lord that the Psalms arenot enough and that wecan do better? Haven’t welearned from history yet?

Professors, doctors, andministers please read thiseditorial and act upon it!Let the congregations sing all the Psalms to thepraise of Him who made them all and was pleasedto give them to his church to be used, all of them!

With brotherly greetings,B. VanderBrugghenCarman, Manitoba

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.

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 617

Press Release of ClassisNiagara, September 19, 2007

On behalf of the conveningchurch at Grassie, Rev. S.C. VanDam welcomes the delegates. Hereads from Micah 4:1-8, leads inprayer, and asks them to sing fromPsalm 147:1, 4, 6.

The credentials are examinedand found to be in order. Classis isdeclared constituted and theofficers suggested by the lastclassis take their place. Rev. D. DeBoer was chairman, Rev. C.J.VanderVelde, clerk, and Rev. VanDam, vice-chairman. The chairmanremembers the churches atAttercliffe and Lincoln which arevacant and the classical treasurerwho is in the hospital at thepresent time.

The chairman asks thequestions set out in Article 44 of theChurch Order. The church atAttercliffe and Blue Bell ask adviceregarding matters of pastoraloversight. In closed session, adviceis given. The church at Attercliffealso expresses its concerns withrespect to the nine points ofSchereville adopted at the URCNASynod 2007. Advice was given tothe church at Attercliffe regardingthis matter.

The report of the classicaltreasurer is submitted. Thetreasurer suggests a $1 assessmentfor classical expenses and anassessment for $1 for the expensesof Regional Synod East for a totalassessment of $2 per communicantmember. This is adopted.

The report of the church atSmithville as the church overseeingthe Fund for Needy Churches ispresented. After discussion, Classisdecides to grant the church at BlueBell its request for $21,396.00 (Can)and to set an assessment of $17 percommunicant member for theyear 2008.

Rev. A. Souman presents achurch visitation report to thechurch at Blue Bell. This positivereport is received withthankfulness.

Rev. P. VanderMeyden from theVineland Free Reformed Churchspeaks some words of greetings toClassis as a fraternal observer. Thechairman responds withappreciation for the words of Rev.VanderMeyden.

The convening church for thenext classis is Lincoln and the dateis set for December 19, 2007. Thesuggested officers are Rev. K. Kokas chairman, Rev. De Boer clerk,and Rev. VanderVelde as vice-chairman. Rev. Kok and Rev.

Souman are appointed as thechurch visitors. Rev. Souman andRev. VanderVelde are appointed asexaminers. It is decided to continuegranting pulpit supply once amonth to the vacant churches ofAttercliffe and Lincoln.

The delegates for the nextRegional Synod in Fergus on Nov 14,2007 are selected by the vote ofClassis. The following brotherswere selected: for ministers, theprimary delegates are Rev.VanderVelde and Rev. De Boer, withRev. Kok as first alternate and Rev.Souman as second alternate. For theelders, the primary delegates are Br.K. Jager and Br. A. Schutten, with Br.W. Oosterhoff as first alternate andBr. J. Van Ommen as secondalternate. Rev. De Boer is appointedas fraternal delegate to the nextClassis Ontario South (URC).

It is determined by thechairman with thankfulness thatnothing censurable was said ordone during the meeting. The Actsof Classis is presented andadopted. The press release ispresented and adopted. Thechairman closes the meeting withprayer and Psalm 145:1, 5 is sung.

For Classis,Rev. S.C. Van Dam,

vice-chairman at that time

Press Release

618 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children are a reward from Him.Psalm 127:3

We thank the Lord for making all things well andentrusting to us another covenant child, our third son

DARREN JOHN MACKAYDARREN JOHN MACKAYBorn September 9, 2007

Dan and Patricia MacKay (nee de Haas)Brother for Grant and James

4110 - 208th Street, Langley, BC V3A 2H4mackay01@telus.net

For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD enduresforever. Praise the LORD. Psalm 117:2

With praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of life,we, Chris and Rebecca Feenstra (nee Penninga),

joyfully announce the birth of a new son

GAVIN CHRISTIANGAVIN CHRISTIANHe was born on September 26, 2007 and is happily welcomed by

siblings Mackenzie, Taylor, and Zachary7th grandchild for Hein and Christina Penninga23rd grandchild for Wim and Saakje Feenstra

RR 2, Belwood, ON N0B 1J0

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21It is with great joy and thankfulness to the LORD, that we,

John and Alida Bol and Hein and Christina Penninga, announcethe upcoming marriage of our children

LATAUNYA NADINELATAUNYA NADINE toto JAMES EDWARDJAMES EDWARDThe ceremony will take place, D.V., on Saturday, December 15, 2007

at 1:00 p.m. at the Rehoboth Canadian Reformed Church.Rev. C. Bosch officiating.

Their future address: 157 College Avenue W., Guelph, ON N1G 1S5

With much thankfulness to our heavenly Father, we

ASHLEY DANIELLE VANDERPLOEGASHLEY DANIELLE VANDERPLOEGandand

JULIAN NEIL VANDERPOLJULIAN NEIL VANDERPOLtogether with our parents

Ken and Christine VanderPloeg and John and Sita Vanderpoljoyfully announce our upcoming marriage.

The Lord willing, we will exchange our vows onSaturday, the fifteenth of December, two thousand and seven

at 11:30 a.m.Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church, Surrey, BC.

Rev. T. Lodder officiating.Future address: 19 Primrose Street, Devon, Alberta T9G 1P9

1967 ~ December 22 ~ 2007Be 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 great thankfulness to the Lord for his graciousand steadfast love we wish to announce the

40th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parentsCORNEILISCORNEILIS andand YTJE POPPEYTJE POPPE (nee Roorda)(nee Roorda)

Thank you, Dad and Mom, for your wonderful love and care.Winnipeg, Manitoba: Joe and Sharon Poppe (nee VanderSluis)

Rachel, Nicole, Hannah, Carrie, Nathan,Nelda and Erin

Guelph, Ontario: Susan and Dan VanleeuwenKendra, Morgan, Damian, Alexis, Olivia andChristiaan

Coaldale, Alberta: Dirk and Amanda Poppe (nee Vanderven)Benjamin, Angelica, Caleb, David and Timothy

Hamilton, Ontario: John PoppeMary-Ann and John Ludwig

Lauren and Samuel11 Devonshire Place, Guelph, ON N1E 1C5

1982 ~ December 23 ~ 2007With thankfulness to the Lord for His many blessings, we announce

the celebration of our parents’ 25th Wedding Anniversary!WILFWILF andand YVONNE VANLAARYVONNE VANLAAR (nee Vangrootheest)(nee Vangrootheest)May God continue to be with you in the years to come!

With much love:Abbotsford, BC: Karina vanLaar and Darryl PelleboerNeerlandia, AB: Tobias vanLaarAbbotsford, BC: Max vanLaarNeerlandia, AB: Wesley vanLaar

Jesse vanLaarBox 94, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

ANNIVERSARIES continued on page 620

Advertisements:Advertisements:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (withOpen House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.

BIRTHS

Clarion Advertisements

ANNIVERSARIES

WEDDINGS

50th Wedding Anniversary1957 ~ December 13 ~ 2007

But thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through the LordJesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

With thankfulness to our heavenly Father, we announce the50th Anniversary of our dear parents and grandparents

ANDREWANDREW andand TINA VANYKENTINA VANYKENThrough many roads of happiness, trials and joy, God haskept them firmly in His care. May He give them many more

years to come in His service.Open House: December 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the

Dunnville (Attercliffe) Canadian Reformed ChurchMailing address:

209 Cross Street West, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 1M4

�� ��

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NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 619

OBITUARIES

April 19, 1934 October 17, 2007…..God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26b

After a brief illness the Lord has called home our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

LOUWINA VANDERVEENLOUWINA VANDERVEEN (nee DeWit)(nee DeWit)

Mom was predeceased by her husband Jack on December 27, 2004.

She was also predeceased by 3 grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her passing, 11 children, 61 grandchildren,16 great-grandchildren

Box 957, Carman, MB ROG OJO

Mary and Hank KammingaJeremy and Gaylene

Nathan, Joshua, Brooklyn, RebekahMike and Lil

Derik, CarterTyson and TeraTobin and RachelDerek†Rachel†JamesJulie

Andy and Cindy VanderveenJesse Vanderveen and Sarah PersonBrettRobin and Ian BergsmaGillian Vanderveen and Brian WhiteheadBrock Vanderveen and Katie Bruce

Cathy and Jannes WiersemaDan Wiersema and Connie BrobbelPhil and Lori

Julia, Ashley, KevinJanine and John Vanderlinde

Jordan, Tyrell, SethSteve and KristinStephanieDaveDeborah

Kelvin and Chris VanderveenKenton and Amy

HayleeRichardJordan Vanderveen and Angelina NobelDawn Vanderveen and Lyle VanVeenNathanAndrewLaura

Eric and Carolyn VanderveenTylerSean Vanderveen and Stacy TermeerRyanHeidiMichaelDanielle

Bill and Deb VanderveenChadNikki Vanderveen and Chris KooikerMeganBryan

Les and Agnes VanderveenJeff and MandieHannahReuben Vanderveen and Megan KaipChantelJaredCaleb

Allan and Anita VanderveenCraig†Scott Vanderveen and Jenna McIntyreAshleyDylan

Theresa and Peter WeessiesDianna and Andrew Gunnink

Shawn, DylanJanelle Weessies and Colin KottelenbergRachel and Dave Vanderzwaag

ColtenAndreaCaraJonathanAmyMatthew

Audrey and Kevin VeldmanKeithColeScottBrettTaylor

Mark and Carole VanderveenJoelNoahKenzieKaelin

620 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

ANNIVERSARIES TEACHING POSITIONS

55th Wedding Anniversary1952 ~ December 19 ~ 2007

For the LORD is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulnesscontinues through all generations. Psalm 100: 5

Celebrating 55 years of God’s goodness in the livesof our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents

JAMESJAMES andand JOANNE STIENSTRAJOANNE STIENSTRA (DeWitt)(DeWitt)

We pray that God will continue to be a blessing in their lifein the years ahead.

Chesley, ON: Hilda and Rudi WildeboerAbigail, Carlyn

Beamsville, ON: Sarah and Teun DeGelderMason

Orangeville, ON: Tamara and Peter DoekesChristopher, Joshua, Tolliena

Niagara Falls, ON: Melinda WildeboerWilliam

Neerlandia, AB: Tolliena and Gerry VanGrootheestOttawa, ON: Jody and Marc Jagt

Benjamin, Evan, MikaiaNeerlandia, AB: Jeff and Marcia VanGrootheest

Jayden, Lucas, Aaron, HannahBarrhead, AB: Kevin and Sherry VanGrootheestEdmonton, AB: Heidi VanGrootheestArthur, ON: Christina and Hein Penninga

John and Fran PenningaKerissa, Karlena, Darren

Kimberley†Belwood, ON: Rebecca and Chris Feenstra

Mackenzie, Taylor, Zachary, GavinArthur, ON: Trevor, Bryan, Richard

James Penninga and Lataunya BolCarman, MB: Brenda and Len Lodder

Bradley†Winnipeg, MB: Amanda and Jonathan Versteeg

Morgan, Drew, CohenCarman, MB: Heather and Garett Veldman

Xenon, HaydenWinnipeg, MB: Philip and Crystal Lodder

JaniseFergus, ON: James and Sandi Stienstra

Tavis, Tom, Carly

572 Walker Street, Fergus, ON N1M 3J2

NEEDED1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERDue to the happy circumstance of significant growth

projections, the Board of the Covenant Canadian ReformedSchool at Neerlandia invites applications for 2 teachers for

the 2007–08 school year.Applicants must be confessing members of the CanadianReformed Church or a sister church and must possess a

Bachelor of Education degree.

We are a rural K-12 school with a projected 2007student enrolment of 170.

Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks, a good benefitspackage, small class sizes, a terrific staff, a supportive

membership and Board, and a low cost of living within anhour drive of big city conveniences.

Inquiries should be directed toHarry VanDelden, principal, at:

School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704e-mail: hvd@xplornet.comApplications should be sent

attention: Mrs. Sonya Van LeeuwenCovenant Canadian Reformed SchoolPO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

PRINCIPALMaranatha Christian School

Due to the strong growth of our school, we are acceptingapplications 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 thechairman of the education committee.

Open to all members of Canadian Reformed Churches andChurches 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: lydia_vanveen@bellnet.ca

Mr. Mark Veenman, chairman, education committee(519) 699-6274 (home)

Applications to be addressed to:Maranatha Christian SchoolAttention: Mr. Mark VeenmanEducation Committee Chair

RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 621

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETYIn connection with a maternity leave, we invite persons to

apply for aPART-TIME TEACHING POSITIONPART-TIME TEACHING POSITION

with special interest in Art and History.Duties are to commence in the 2nd semester,

starting on January 29, 2008.Letters of application are to be sent to:

Emmanuel Christian High Schoolc/o Education Committee

RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

Requests for further information as well as inquiries regardingprospects of more permanent employment should be

directed to the Principal,Mr. H.J. Nobel

(519) 843-3029(work); (519) 843-1790 (home)E-mail: henk_nobel@bellnet.ca

PRINCIPAL/TEACHER POSTIONThe Board of the Canadian Reformed School Association ofSurrey, operating William of Orange Christian School,

invites applications for aFULL-TIME PRINCIPAL/TEACHER POSITIONFULL-TIME PRINCIPAL/TEACHER POSITION

beginning August 4, 2008.

Prospective candidates must have a current:B.C. College of Teacher’s Certificate,

Permanent Independent School Certificate,or

have the qualifications to obtain one of these certificates.

William of Orange Christian School currently has 89 studentsenrolled in grades K-7 with four full-time

and three part-time teachers.

Cloverdale, BC is a unique, small western-themed townlocated within one of the fastest growing cities (Surrey) in

Western Canada.Living in this quiet community puts you in the middle ofGreater Vancouver’s population of 2.1 million with all the

amenities you can imagine as well as the natural attractionsthat BC is world famous for.

Inquiries about this position/applications may bedirected/sent to the board chairman,

before November 30, 2007 to:Mr. Jerome Lengkeek

Phone: 604-574-2807 (home)Email: jeromel@canada.com

Postal Mail: 6372 185 Street, Surrey, BC V3S 8J5

Reach for your dreams in Alberta,where growth and opportunity abound

in a land of mountains, prairie and big sky!

Due to immediate and upcoming vacancies, the CanadianReformed School Society of Edmonton, operating

Parkland Immanuel Christian School, invites applications forthe following positions:

.85 FTE ELEMENTARY TEACHERFULL TIME ELEMENTARY TEACHER

A University Degree is a requirement for these positions.For further information please contact the Principal,

Mr. Rainier Van DelftPhone: (780) 444-6443 (school); (780) 458-0433 (home)

Applications should be directed in writing to the school:

Personnel Committee, c/oParkland Immanuel Christian School

21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6

TEACHING POSITIONS

Advertise in

Vander Brothers Cabinets Ltd.in the beautiful Fraser Valley is offering

immediate full time employment to an industriousindividual familiar with all steps of cabinet making from

cut-out to installation.

Wages commensurate with experience.

References required.Call or fax Pete at604-534-6402

Immanuel Christian School, Winnipeg, Manitoba invitesapplications for a

FULL-TIME TEACHING POSITIONFULL-TIME TEACHING POSITIONin Grade 4 with duties commencing in January 2008.

Immanuel Christian is a K-12 school supported by members ofCanadian Reformed and United Reformed Churches.

At present we have 183 pupils in mostlysingle grade classes.

Teachers are supported by an extensive resource program andaides for students with special needs.

Interested teachers requiring more information or wishing toapply should make use of the following addresses:Mr. Bill Gortemaker, Chairman of the Board –

wgortemaker@premierprinting.ca, phone 204-663-9000Mr. Peter Veenendaal, Principal –

principal@immanuelchristian.ca, phone 204-661-8937(school), 204-661-6351 (home)

Mailing address:Immanuel Christian School

215 Rougeau Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2C 3Z9

622 • NOVEMBER 23, 2007

Readyfor the

Rapture?By Clarence Stam

Clarence Stam discusses what will take place at the end of days.He gives attention to the millennium, the return of Christ, theresurrection, the Rapture, and the life to come. He focusesespecially on relevant Scripture passages in the letters to theThessalonians. This book can be used as a devotional or astudy guide.

Soft Cover, 104 pages . . . . . Can./U.S. . . . . . $10.00

ISBN 978-0-88756-091-0

ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM

PREMIER PUBLISHINGOne Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5

COMING

SOON

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 623

AldergroveBuy-A-Brick Campaign

After renting a place of worship forthe past 13 years, the CanadianReformed Church of Aldergrove, BChas come up with exciting plans tobuild our own church building!

We currently own suitable landon which to build, and hope tomove forward to the next stage ofthis project as soon as financiallypossible.

We invite everyone young and old to assist us in the building process by purchasinga brick(s). Please visit our website at www.Aldergrovechurch.com to support thisimportant cause. Donations can also be mailed to: PO Box 809, Aldergrove, BC V4W 2V1.

For Sale: SJOELBAKKENDutch Shuffleboards made of heavy duty Hardwood;

30 Puck built-in storage.Canadian – $175.00 • U.S.A. – $190.00

Shipping included.Order from Willie Noordam

42 Queensway Drive, Chatham, Ontario, Canada N7M 4G4Phone: 1 (519) 354-6463 • Email: pnoordam@cogeco.ca

American Reformed FellowshipPALMETTO, FLORIDA

Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.Location: Palm View First Baptist Church

Corner US 41 and 49th Street EastMinister: Rev. R. StienstraParsonage: Phone: (941) 721-4519Information: Phone: (941) 723-6898

John MeerveldAssociate Broker

garden city realty inc., REALTOR®

Old Fashioned Service – High Tech Advantage

Serving theCommunity Since 1979

(905) 333-3500Fax: 333-3616

(905) 945-0660Fax: 945-2982

email: johnmeer@sympatico.cawww.johnmeerveld.com

MEMBER

100% CLUB

Michelle’s Creative Cards & ScrapbookingBeautiful, home-made Christian greeting cards for every occasion,

including profession of faith, baptism, sympathy, Christmas, birthday, etc.as well as invitation cards (ie. bridal shower, birthday party, anniversary etc.)

Can order individually, or in bulk.Prices don’t include shipping.

Scrapbooks also available, specializing in, but not exclusive to, wedding books,including guest signing books and parent/grandparent brag books.

Also available are vacation books, baby books, etc.Scrapbooks make a beautiful gift and keepsake, whether for yourself,

or for someone else.Contact Michelle Lenting for more information, and for orders.

Phone: 519-245-4594Email: gmlenting@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 624NOVEMBER 23, 2007 • 624

PM40063293R9907

Still available at an unbelievable price!Western Canada’s Mass Choir Concert with over 200 voices,

recorded at Edmonton’s beautiful Winspear Center,with superb sound effects.

“Majesty” CDNow only $1200 EACH + $200 FOR MAILING

Are yours now while they last. . . when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Call, write or email:

Christian Book & Record12 - 8103 - 127 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5C 1R9

Phone: 780-478-2798 • Fax: 780-478-2002Email: christbr@telusplanet.net

CallThe Mobile Store...To Your Door!

519-756-8100ServingThe GreaterGoldenHorseshoe

25 Years "Building Our Reputation Through Trust"

Carpet • Hardwood • LaminatesCeramics • Blinds • Shutters

Martin HerrewynenOwner / Decorator

MARTIN...WHEELSINTO HOMES WITH HIS

FLOORING - VAN SHOWROOM

Bus: (519) 843-5400Fax: (519) 843-2810Cell: (519) 993-1780

Royal LePage RCR162 St. Andrew Street EastFergus, Ontario N1M 1R9

“Serving Fergus, Elora, Guelph andsurrounding area

Eric VanGrootheestSalesRepresentative

email: ericvg82@hotmail.comVisit me at www.eric-sells.com

Mark vander VeldeSales Rep

Contact Info –Office – 905-957-5000 Toll Free – 1-800-461-0493Res – 905-386-7494 markv@royallepage.ca

www.markv.ca

2005 & 2006 ROYAL LEPAGE NIAGARA REAL ESTATECENTRE INC. BROKERAGE

Prompt and Professional Real Estateservicing the Niagara Region and

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• R.R.S.P.s / R.R.I.F.s• Mutual Funds• Life Insurance• HighYield Cash Accounts• GICs / Term Deposits• Financial Planning

Investment Planning Counselof Canada TM

Financial Planning Professionals

59 Kirby Avenue, Unit 1, Dundas, Ontario L9H 6P3

PHONE: 905-628-9666 • FAX: 905-628-1035TOLL FREE: 1-866-856-5910

E-MAIL: rvanandel@ipcc.org

MEMBER OF IPC FINANCIAL NETWORK INC.

Roland Van Andel

ASSOCIATES / ADMINISTRATION

PETA-GAY TAI-MILTON, B.A.

TINA TAI-DESTRO, B.A.

ASSOCIATE / INSURANCEANDREW JANSEN

COUNTRY VACATION HOMEAvailable Year Round

15 minutes north of Owen Sound.3 night minimum, weekly rates.

4 Bedrooms, A.C., Fireplace, BBQ, Modern Kitchen, Linens supplied.Adrian and Linda van Gils – 519-371-5616

APARTMENT FOR RENTTwo bedroom basement apartment with separate entrancein Grimsby – 1 minute from QEW. Includes heat, hydro,

and all appliances (shared washer & dryer).$650/month.

Available immediately.Phone: 1.905.309.0084 – Email: vansydei@hotmail.com