volume 56, no. 10 • may 11, 2007 the canadian reformed...
TRANSCRIPT
The Scroll andthe Lamb
Snatched Up
WalkingTogetherthrough theValley
Volume 56, No. 10 • May 11, 2007 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE
Grief is the price we pay for loveGrief is the price we pay for love
234 • MAY 11, 2007
The Scroll and the Lamb
Christians have kept their heads downmuch like an ostrich buries its head in the sand
EditorialR. Aasman
It is always encouraging to read articles in amagazine such as Clarion that outline the challengesand dangers of our world and show how to deal withthem. Thumbing through recent issues, I think of Dr.C. Van Dam’s editorial on the severe moral crisis ofour culture regarding gender blending. I also think ofRob Wildeboer’s published speech regarding theneed to ignite our culture through legal challengesand defence. Such articles not only point out thedangers of our world, but they show what we asChristians can do about it. The point is thatChristians do not and should not take attacks againstthe kingdom of God lying down. Too oftenmainstream Christianity has been accused of a“quietist religion.” In other words, Christians haveducked their heads when the salvos of the evil oneare aimed their way and they have kept their headsdown, much like an ostrich buries its head in thesand. The idea here is that this world is passing andwill be burned up with fire on the last day. Christianscan wait for a better day and a better world.Meanwhile there is nothing to be done for this world.However, such an attitude flies in the face of evensuch a basic teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that weare the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Reality checkSuppose we say, “I have read these articles and I
have thought about what it means to be a Christianin this world and I am not going to take modernculture and the seductive attacks by Satan lyingdown. I am going to do something about it. I am goingto make a difference.” We love it when people talk soenthusiastically. We admire them. And we findourselves feeling a little bit breathless when we startto think and talk that way ourselves. But then,perhaps, a small dose of reality sets in. We start to
consider whether we really can have an impact onour government and the legal system of our country.We wonder whether we can change ethics andmorality such as it is in our culture. Do we reallythink, for instance, that we are going to bring backthe norm of one man and one woman in a marriageas long as they are both alive? Do we really think wecan change the mass dependency on alcohol, drugs,pornography, gambling, and other vices in our world?A reality check suggests that maybe with God’s gracewe can change ourselves and we can have someinfluence on our children and best friends. Butchanging society in such a fundamental andrevolutionary way seems improbable.
The Lamb who is worthyAs a Christian you can feel like you are stuck
between a rock and a hard place. We are supposed tobe positive and active as we live out our faith in thisworld, but we wrestle with the tremendous obstaclesthat face us. However, the sense of being stuck is onlytrue and it is only real if you think that your actionsand accomplishments all depend on your ownstrength. We are reminded of what Paul writes inPhilippians 4:13, “I can do everything through himwho gives me strength.”
At this time of year we commemorate theascension of our Saviour. This is described in a veryspecial and powerful way in Revelation 5. There weread of a scroll in the right hand of God as he sits on
Rev. R.Aasman is minister of theProvidence Canadian ReformedChurch at Edmonton,[email protected]
As a Christian you can feel like you arestuck between a rock and a hard place
MAY 11, 2007 • 235
his throne in heaven. That scroll is described by someas being the Book of Life which is referred toelsewhere in the Book of Revelation. Given thecontext and given the obvious connections withDaniel 7:13-14 and Matthew 28:18, the scroll with theseven seals in the hand of God would be betterunderstood as God’s plan outlining the purpose andconclusion of redemptive history. The question thencomes up in Revelation as to who is worthy to breakthe seals and open the scroll. Who is worthy to runthis world? The answer indicates that there is onlyone person who is worthy and that is the Lamb,looking as if it had been slain. This is Jesus Christ ofwhom the four living creatures the twenty-four eldersthen sing:
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open itsseals, because you were slain, and with yourblood you purchased men for God from every tribeand language and people and nation. You havemade them to be a kingdom and priests to serveour God, and they will reign on the earth.
Because Jesus Christ laid down his life for sinnersand redeemed them with his blood, He has the rightto take the scroll of history as He ascends intoheaven. He is now the Alpha and the Omega, theFirst and the Last, the King of kings and Lord of lords.He has almighty power and authority to run thisworld in accordance with God’s plan. And what is atthe heart of that plan? For what reason does JesusChrist now govern the world? To gather, defend, andpreserve the very people whom he redeemed with hisblood, to make them a kingdom and priest to serveGod on earth.
Opening the seven sealsAlmost immediately, the Book of Revelation
demonstrates how Jesus Christ starts to open theseven seals. The opening of the first four seals whichsend out the four horsemen of the apocalypse outlinesfor us that we live in a world of much turmoil andsuffering that affects believers and unbelievers alike.What it does for the believer is test, prove, andstrengthen faith. The opening of the following sealsmakes clear that everyone who is chosen by God,sealed by Jesus Christ, and holds in faith to JesusChrist cannot and will not be separated from the loveof God in Christ Jesus. While the ups and downs oflife may challenge us and while Satan may
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In This IssueEditorial –The Scroll and the lamb
— R.Aasman ..........................................................................234Treasures, New and Old – Snatched Up
— D.W. Vandeburgt ................................................................237Walking Together through the Valley (1)
— R. Ludwig ............................................................................238Welcome for Rev. Schouten and Family
— M.VanWoudenberg ............................................................241Education Matters – CRTA-West Convention
— P. Groenwold ........................................................................243Letters to the Editor ..................................................................246Press Releases – Classis Niagara,
Classis Ontario West ............................................................248
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236 • MAY 11, 2007
relentlessly step up his attacks, a true believer willnot succumb to Satan or the culture of this world.Amazingly we learn that the number of believers is sogreat that they cannot be numbered. Obviously weshould not be thinking too small about the kingdom ofJesus Christ.
Proper optimismIn our brief analysis of Jesus Christ’s ascension
into heaven we realize that we have a lot to celebrate.On the one hand, Jesus Christ is absolutely sovereignin this world and, on the other hand, we as believersare a kingdom of priests in this world. Therefore in ourcountry, matters of government, the legal system,education of children and youth, the institution ofmarriage, issues of morality, and so on all belong toJesus Christ and require the kingly and priestlyservice of those whom He washed in his blood andSpirit. If we have a strong and very real sense of thepower of Jesus Christ and our position in his kingdom,
we will understand not only how much we are neededbut also how much we can do in our world and withinour culture. We can effect change through Him whostrengthens us. How many poor, poor people are outthere in our world who would never hear anythinggood or experience anything good unless they meetChristians who demonstrate the power, the glory, andthe will of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
We have every reason to be optimistic and positivein Jesus Christ. He redeemed his people and He isrunning this world for the sake of his people. Howabout a little more of the attitude, “I can do everythingthrough him who gives me strength”?
We have every reason to be optimisticand positive in Jesus Christ
MAY 11, 2007 • 237
The ascension of the Lord Jesusbrings to mind a rather benign andpastoral scene. We see the LordJesus slowly leaving the earth withhands outstretched until a cloudtakes Him from the view of hiswatching disciples. The book ofRevelation, however, takes a muchmore dramatic approach to thisevent. An enormous red dragonwith seven heads and ten hornsand seven crowns on his headsawaits the birth of a child so thathe might devour that child theminute it is born. But before thedragon can devour this child, it issnatched up to God and to histhrone.
The enormous red dragon is thatancient serpent we meet in Genesis3. His seven heads representwisdom and his ten horns representpower. His seven crowns representhis authority, with which hedeceives people. The woman aboutto give birth is figurative of thechurch of old in anticipation of thebirth of Christ. The snatching up ofthe child to God and to his throne isthe story of the ascension of theLord Jesus Christ.
For all the drama of how theascension is presented inRevelation there is also somethingdisturbing. What is disturbing isthat while Christ ascends unto thesafety of heaven, the church is leftbehind to deal with the ongoingassaults of that ancient serpent. Doyou see the paradox of theascension? On the one hand Christis caught up to God and his throne
while on the other hand hisfollowers are left behind to endureall manner of struggles andpersecutions.
At first glance this turn ofevents seems alarming. But uponfurther examination it really is nottroublesome. Being left behind isnot upsetting for believers whentwo things from this chapter arekept in mind. One, the strugglesand persecutions of the churchcome as a consequence of the greatdragon being hurled down fromheaven. He is hurled down becauseChrist ascended to heaven havingdefeated him by his death andresurrection. The suffering of thechurch is a reminder that Christhas gained the victory over sin andSatan. The attacks of Satan uponthe church are fuelled by his ragethat he could not devour the childand so as a last resort he makeswar on the rest of the woman’soffspring, that is, the church of thenew dispensation. We see himattacking in the different waysRevelation speaks of: the beast ofthe sea, which represents physicalthreat; the beast from the land,which represents spiritualdeception; and the harlot, whichrepresents material seduction. Thechurch today is attacked fromwithin and from without by thesevery things. But with Christ on histhrone ruling all the nations withhis iron sceptre, we know that Hedefends and preserves her againstall her enemies.
There is something else thatteaches us not to be disturbed bythe ascension. It is the fact thatGod has prepared a place for thechurch in the desert. We are leftbehind, but by no means are weleft alone in this spiritual battle.For what is the significance of thechurch being in the desert? Thedesert is the place where God’speople learn that He alonenourishes and cares for them. It iswhere the helpless are protectedby God’s power and nourished byhis Holy Spirit. When one thinksof the desert and the people ofGod, one thinks of Israel in thewilderness learning to live notonly on the bread God providedbut on every word that came fromhis mouth. The mouth of Satanconstantly spews out lies in orderto deceive the followers of Christ.Their refuge is found in the desertwhere they learn to live by everyword that proceeds from themouth of the ascended LordJesus Christ.
The paradox of the ascensionunderlines the key teaching of thebook of Revelation, namely, thatthings are not always as theyseem. It is not the ugly monsters ofthe book who are victorious. It isthe child snatched up to God andhis throne who is victorious. He iscoming and He will tread thewinepress of the fury of the wrathof God Almighty. His name is Kingof kings and Lord of lords and allwho are holding to his testimonywill be snatched up to meet Him in
Rev. D.W. Vandeburgt is ministerof the Canadian ReformedChurch at Glanbrook, [email protected]
Treasures, New and OldD.W. Vandeburgt
MATTHEW 13:52
Snatched Up
“And her child was snatched upto God and to his throne.”
Revelation 12:5
238 • MAY 11, 2007
This seminar was recentlypresented by Mr. Ludwig inCarman, Manitoba
One of the most grippingmoments in recent history in ourNorth American experience wouldhave to be the events of September11, 2001. Just months ago wemarked the fifth anniversary of theterrorist attacks where we couldrevisit the many and variedemotions we experienced duringthose tense hours and days. Oncethe dust settled, we witnessed anation (or maybe nations) in grief.Many mourned the loss of lovedones, while others clungdesperately to a faint hope ofdiscovery or survival of missingrelatives and friends. Those whosacrificed their lives in an effort tosave others were given specialattention and we were eveninvited to join in numerous publicfuneral or memorial services.While we watched these eventsunfold on our television sets wecould not help but feel the effectsof grief. We grieved empatheticallyfor those who suffered loss. Wegrieved the loss of a sense ofsecurity. We grieved over the effectof sin in this world and thehopelessness of separation fromGod. We grieved because it wasthe natural thing to do.
Our Queen addressed thenations in one of the memorials byway of a letter. As she expressed
sympathies from theCommonwealth she added thisfitting reflection, “Grief is the pricewe pay for love.” I would like youto tuck that away for a moment, inyour minds. “Grief is the price wepay for love.” I hope to reflect uponthis in a biblical context.
A death-denying societyMany writers in the area of grief
and bereavement have suggestedthat we live in a death-denyingsociety. Much of what is said anddone in the mainstream of societypushes the imminence of death tothe outer edges. Our society likesto think of freedom in retirement,golden experiences in aging, anongoing pursuit of youthfulness,
a marginalization of those who areno longer vital, and a quiet anddignified slipping away at the endof it all, all the while hoping thatwe will be long rememberedbeyond our death. The presence ofdeath in life opens the door toexamining the meaning andsignificance of each day in thecontext in which we live. For manyit seems easier to live each daylike this life will never end. In the
same vein, we experience a grief-denying society. A society that isunwilling to contend with death isequally resistant to coming toterms with the grief thataccompanies loss. The journey ofgrief is expected to be short andexpedient and we champion thosewho can best shoulder theexperience and move on to newand better things. We feel bestwhen others are tidy and private intheir grief.
How is it in the church ofChrist? Certainly we live in thelight of eternity. We live with thehope of a better day, when tearsand grief will be no more. Weacknowledge death in terms of thevictory of Jesus Christ. TheScriptures are rich in gospelproclamation about the sting ofdeath being removed and thehope of the resurrection. I hope tospeak about this in a futurearticle. But where does this leavethe grieving child of God who haslost a loved one? Can we sing thevictory song and will it vanquishour feelings of grief? I suggestedat the outset that we grieved over9/11 because it was the naturalthing to do. I hope to convince youin the light of Scripture that thisremains our duty to grieve theloss of our loved ones and itremains our responsibility to giveour brothers and sisters in Christpermission to grieve.
Rick Ludwig
Walking Together throughthe Valley (Part 1 of 4)
Mr. Rick Ludwig is a licensedOntario Funeral Director andowner of Kitching, Steepe &Ludwig Funeral Homelocated inWaterdown, Ontario
Grief seems to bear thestigma of somethingcontrary to faith
MAY 11, 2007 • 239
Grief with hopeThe words of 1 Thessalonians
4:13 are often shared in times ofbereavement: “Brothers, we do notwant you to be ignorant of thosewho fall asleep, or to grieve likethe rest of men, who have no hope.”These words of encouragement to abereaved child of God are intendedto ease the pain of separation, yetare often infused with a sense ofreprimand or correction to one whois grieving, suggesting that bygrieving their loss they may beadopting a worldly position. Onemay suggest to the grieving thatthey can be lifted above their griefby virtue of their relationship withGod through Jesus Christ. Thus weare not like the rest of men whohave no hope. The suggestion maybe that grief does not really existfor a Christian, or at least that itsbite has been removed. Someunderstand grieving as a displayof weak faith and giving up onJesus Christ and so steer theirbrother or sister out of its pathtowards a more appropriate “faith”response to loss. In our losses weare often challenged to think in“other-worldly” terms and abandonthe context of this life in favour ofthe life to come.
Let me not be misunderstood.There is hope for the bereaved inour Lord. Scripture is rich and clearon that point. Yet there is also griefin the life of the Christian. This iswhat Paul refers to in 1Thessalonians – there is grief forthe bereaved Christian, yet it isunique in that it is enveloped inhope; unlike those who withoutJesus Christ encounter a grief withno hope (or false hope). This is thetopic we will encounter first. Let usdefine and describe grief withhope so that there can be increasedunderstanding about the physical,
emotional, social, and spiritualjourney that the bereavedChristian is faced with. Once wehave established this groundworkwe can explore the roles we canplay in assisting the grieving in apractical way.
We have to reckon with therealization that in the Christiancontext, dare I say the church, thereis a built-in resistance to grief.Grief seems to bear the stigma ofsomething contrary to faith. Griefis seen as a worldly response tobereavement and in many ways atodds with the gospel of hope. It isimportant that we first break downthat construct.
What is grief?Let’s begin with defining grief.
Grief is anguish, sorrow, or painthat is experienced both mentallyand physically when we areseparated from someone orsomething we hold dear or evenlove. Grief may be experiencedover temporary or permanentseparation. Grief is our response tothe hurt of separation. We maygrieve over the loss of a job orbusiness. We may grieve when adear friend moves away. We evengrieve when a treasured item islost or broken. We definitely grievewhen a loved one dies. We expressthis in our infancy when things aretaken from us that we want and wecarry this response with usthroughout our lives. We all knowsomething of the symptoms. It maybe a pain that starts deep in ourbelly, or catches in the back of our
throat; it often constricts our chestor causes our head to ache. It mayprompt us to become openlyemotional, either angry or sad, orfeel empty and detached. A strictdefinition of grief is elusivebecause it is unique, influencedboth by our personalities and ourindividual circumstances.Nevertheless it is brought on byseparation, by interrupted love,and it seems to have a course of itsown to run.
Grief is naturalGrief is our natural human
response to loss. We’re wired togrieve. I would even suggest it ispart of our being made in theimage of God. We read in Scripturehow the Lord God the Creator wasmoved to holy grief and sorrowover the broken relationship withhis people and that his heart wasfilled with pain. God grieved overthe loss of communion with manwhom He had created to serve andlove Him. This covenant loverelationship, broken by man’s sin,came with a price: God’s grief andman’s grief. This led to thedestruction of mankind in a flood,where only Noah and his familywere saved because theyremained, by grace, in covenantrelationship with God. We can readmore about this in Genesis 6. So wesee that the relationship betweenlove and grief is first discovered inthe one who has revealed Himselfas love.
We also see that our Lord JesusChrist experienced grief in hislifetime. We read in Matthew 14that after our Lord heard of thedeath of John the Baptist Hewithdrew to be alone in a solitaryplace. It was only the persistenceof the crowds that followed Himthat cut this expression of griefshort. We are all familiar with the
Our Saviour worked outhis grief in tears andprayer
240 • MAY 11, 2007
stirring passage where Jesus weptat the grave of his friend Lazarus. Ihave often wondered about thispassage. How could our Lord, whocertainly had a goodunderstanding of the purpose ofhis mission on earth and was ableto keep in constant perspective thewill of his Father, how could He beso moved to weep along with thepeople? If grief is incompatiblewith faith, would this suggest thatthe Lord was uncertain here, or lostfocus or even lacked faith?Impossible! Yet He wept. Manysuggest it is evidence of his truehuman nature, that He felt the painof separation from those He loved.It was a natural response to grieve.Others suggest He may have weptover the futility of the people’smourning and their lack ofunderstanding of his purpose onearth and in that respect we maysee that this may speak even moredramatically of his divine nature,in light of God’s grief in Genesis 6.I think it is safe to say it was part ofhis suffering, that He experiencedgrief, even though He was withoutsin. We see this more acutely in theGarden of Gethsemane as Heanticipates the reality of beingforsaken by and separated from hisFather in Heaven in his impendingdeath and burial. Jesus knew of agrief far more intense than any ofus will bear, because He bore it forus. And what did He do? He weptand sweated droplets of blood andcalled out to his Father in prayerasking for relief. Here we see thatgrief and trust in the Father are notrunning cross current. Our Saviourworked out his grief in tears andprayer. It is for this reason He wasprophesied to be a “man of sorrowsand acquainted with grief”!
And then we can go on citingnumerous examples of grief and its
expression in the lives of believersrecorded in the Old Testament. Wecan think of Joseph mourning overhis father Jacob and the lengthyfuneral procession that ensued; ofDavid lamenting over the death ofSaul, the anointed of the Lord, orupon the report of the death of hisrebel son Absalom; of Job sitting insackcloth and ashes grieving thedeath of his children while hisfriends gathered to comfort andcounsel him. There is a longtradition of Jewish mourningpractices born out of the actions ofthe Jewish forefathers. It is not myintention to direct you to theircustoms, but rather to show thatthere is a place for grieving in thelife of the people of God. Perhapseven more emphatically: grief is animportant element in the growthand maturation of God’s people.
The price we pay for loveWe need to take a moment to
reflect again on the words of thequeen I mentioned at thebeginning to test their validity. Doyou remember? “Grief is the pricewe pay for love.” The more youreflect on this you will come to seethere is almost a mathematicalexactness to it. If you couldquantify emotions you mightdevelop a formula to show that forthe amount of energy one puts intoa loving relationship with someone(or even something) there is areciprocal amount of grief that isrequired to unravel thatrelationship when it is interruptedor terminated. Love and grief areinextricably joined. Grief in itself isnot sinful but it is our natural God-given response to the brokennessof sin. You might say when webecame “as wise as God knowinggood and evil” we also inheritedthe capacity to grieve, which God
already had, as we were made inhis image. Now if we accept thispremise that grief is the price wepay for love and we expand ourthinking to realize that our greatestcalling from God is to love Him andonly second to that, love ourneighbour, we begin to see that weare destined or called to grieve inthis life. The only way to avoidgrief is to avoid loving and thus todeny God what He requires of us.And so you see why I insist thatgrief is part of our Christianexperience.
And we need to reflect a littlemore. We can’t leave this as meretheoretical consideration as wemove forward. For grief is a thornybusiness because it doesn’t remainwith considering just matterspertaining to our head, to thoughtand reason; it burrows deep downin our hearts, in areas that we oftenare unwilling to expose or evenexamine. But isn’t this the verything God requires of us in relationto Him and to our neighbour? Hedoesn’t want a superficialrelationship with us, one only wellthought out and militarilyexercised. He wants our hearts, forthis is where love dwells. And inthe same way in our deepestrelationships with each other, ashusband and wife especially, butalso as parents and children, asfriends, as brothers and sisters inthe Lord, we are not only called toacts of service but to deeperrelationships of love that link ourhearts and that are all the morericher when bound up with theSpirit in Jesus Christ. And so thisbusiness of grieving is tied up withthe depth of our relationship withthe Lord and our neighbour. This issensitive and vulnerable territorythat we will be exploring. Are youwilling to go there?
MAY 11, 2007 • 241
InstallationOn January 7, 2007, Aldergrove
church witnessed the installationof their new minister, Rev. R.Schouten. The installation servicewas led by Rev. Wielenga andfeatured Luke 2:21-40 as theframework and verse 30 as the text:“For my eyes have seen yoursalvation.” In his message, Rev.Wielenga spoke about how we asmodern readers know almostnothing about Simeon, who spokethose words about Jesus. What wedo know, and what is important, isthat Simeon was controlled by theSpirit and saw God’s plan ofsalvation in the child. We had farmore, he stressed, for we see thecompleted plan and know theresurrected Christ. He encouragedus to look beyond the physical andsee the spiritual. Connecting thisto the occasion, Rev. Wielengaencouraged the congregation toaccept our new pastor as a manthrough whom God helps us seethe plan of salvation and thoughhis flesh is weak like ours, hebrings the words of life. It is God’sword he brings and so also throughhis preaching we can say, “My eyeshave seen your salvation.”
After the official installation,the congregation enjoyed a time offellowship, celebrating also thebaptism of a new covenant childinto the congregation that day. Thetwo events went togetherwonderfully as once again wereceived the concrete sign ofGod’s promises.
Welcome eveningThe evening was a time
celebration. Opening the officialwelcome evening for theSchoutens, chairman of the council,Casey Dehaas, noted that as achurch Aldergrove had beenvacant for approximately twoyears. However, Rev. Schouten wasthe first minister called by thechurch when it was instituted in1994. Therefore, it took Rev.Schouten twelve years, ninemonths, and several days to finallyarrive from the time we first called.
As a representative for Classis,Rev. Wielenga delivered perfectdeadpan humour – explaining thatClassis was, all at the same time,happy, sad, and largely indifferentto what had happened. Happy forAldergrove’s gain, they werenevertheless conflicted byAbbotsford’s loss. Since Rev.Schouten remained in the sameclassis, they were not affected as abody and so were indifferent to thewhole affair. While the crowd
laughed loudly, Rev. Wielengaturned it around and offered theclassis’ sincere thankfulness toGod for Aldergrove’s blessing.
Rev. Bouwman offeredcongratulations and a reminder ofhow God once again shows He isan active God among us bysending a specific servant of hisown choosing to his church. AfterRev. Lodder added Cloverdale’sbest wishes, Rev. Visscher wasintroduced as the pastor ofAldergrove’s “mother” church,Langley. Based upon thisintroduction, Rev. Visscher wasunsure about what precisely thismade him. After the roars oflaughter died down, he alsomentioned his happiness forAldergrove and the desire to seeRev. Schouten on Langley’s pulpitas well.
The chairman of council readoff several emails from otherchurches sending their best wishesand took the opportunity to extenda special thank you to Rev.Visscher and Rev. Bredenhof for
Martin VanWoudenberg
Welcome for Rev. Schoutenand Family
242 • MAY 11, 2007
their active involvement in ourchurch family during our vacancy.Their efforts went beyond justpreaching, extending pastoralvisits and advice. Thecongregation will not soon forgettheir willing and dedicated service.
The speeches over, the Gemsand Cadets took the stage andpresented several songs for theSchoutens. They offered shirts toKristy and Caleb and issuedpersonal invitations for thechildren to join their ranks.
The Young People’s Societypresented a very slick Jeopardygame on Aldergrove. Thecompetitors were Stephanie andJillian Schouten, and though Jilliantook the win in points, the finalresults were extremely close.
Next on the hot seat were Rev.and Mrs. Schouten. Their task wasto match the male members of theadult bible study group with theirwives’ maiden names. Both madeall matches without audienceassistance. The bible study groupended their contribution with a listof exhortations for thecongregation to pray for specificneeds for the Schoutens in regardsto their marriage, family, andministry.
Music filled the air next, as thechildren’s choir and the church’schoral group, directed by NicoleVanWoudenberg and accompanied
by Karen Onderwater, presented anumber of songs. Then it was backto trivia and Rev. Schouten had hisown chance to display a deeperunderstanding of Aldergrove whilebeing quizzed by the Young AdultsBible Study. He passed with flyingcolours, knowing things manymembers of the congregation hadto admit they themselves did not.
Harold Ludwig delivered awelcome speech on behalf of Men’sSociety and on behalf of Women’sSociety Corinne VanDelft andKandy VanDelden presented theSchoutens with an entertaining listof all the needs they may facearound family and home – and aperson from the congregation withthe skills or trade to meet everyone. During the presentation, theymanaged to include every singlecommunicant member in thechurch. They concluded with thepresentation of a map ofAldergrove with each familyrepresented by a pin and a flag.
Nominated by Council to do theofficial welcome, Troy van Bostelengot his “revenge” by introducingeach fellow council member inways that elicited roars of laughterfrom the audience. Rev. Schoutenreceived the lowdown on “FrugalFred,” “Tower of Power Bert,”“Herman the Horse Whisperer,”and others. Following hisintroductions, Chris Hoff presented
detailed statistics on Aldergrovechurch. Under the heading“Context is Everything,” heexplained how, based upon censusdemographics, those older thanforty-five are “over the hill,” theaverage age of the congregation istwenty-two compared to thirty-seven in general LangleyTownship, the congregation did nothave Faith until less than fiveyears ago (she is under five afterall), and that Grace came afterFaith. Who knew statistics couldbe fun?
Before the close of the evening,the congregation presented a newbarbecue to the Schoutens as awelcome gift and Rev. Schoutenhimself offered his own greeting onbehalf of himself and his wife andfamily. He then closed the eveningin thankful prayer and enjoyed hissecond coffee social with his newcongregation.
Inaugural sermonThe following Sunday, Rev.
Schouten presented his inauguralsermon. The message used John1:1-5 as the text, where it speaksabout Jesus as the Word madeflesh. In his message, Rev.Schouten spoke about the need toavoid the duality of life by trying toseparate spiritual life andpractical daily life. Instead, weneed to fight the desire to hide inthe darkness because of our sins,as Adam and Eve did. The lightbefore Christ as just the predawn,but now we today have the fullsunrise of grace; it is our task tolive in that light and the minister’stask to present the simple truth ofScripture and equip us to show thelight to others.
It is the prayer of ourcongregation that together with ournew pastor and his family, we mayspend many years serving Godand being a witness to thosearound us. May God continue topour out the bounties of his gracealso on his church in Aldergrove.
MAY 11, 2007 • 243
The staff and membership ofCoaldale Christian School had theprivilege of hosting the annualCRTA-West Convention last fall.On the evening of October 25,many of our colleagues cametrickling in, some of them after along journey. We were able toshake hands and it was wonderfulto see numerous old and manyfresh faces among the arrivals.Opportunities to socialize are rarein our situation; the distances are aproblem.
The students in our careThe theme chosen for our 2006
convention was Holistic Educationin the Christian School. Holisticeducation is directed at the wholeperson, including the mental,social, spiritual, and physicalaspects of his/her being. Rev.
Poppe, Coaldale’s minister, helpedus begin thinking about the themeby addressing how we, asChristian teachers, ought to dealwith the students in our care. Thefirst part of his devotional dealtwith who these children are beforeGod; the second discussed howthis influences our relationshipwith them.
When the covenant wasrenewed in Deuteronomy 29, weread that the children are part of it.The importance of keeping thiscovenant and not to “break faithwith the wife of your youth” (Mal2:14) is that God desires to havegodly offspring. When the Lord’sdisciples attempt to restrict theaccess of little children to theirMaster, He is indignant (Mark10:14). This again shows the loveHe has for the little ones. So howshould we deal with thesechildren? The Lord Jesus teachesus to welcome them, that is, toreceive, accept, and bear withthem – as if we receive ChristHimself. As much as we wantchildren to emulate us, Christteaches us that we must becomelike children. That means weapproach others with humility, arenever condescending, and showdue gentleness and patience (Seealso Galatians 6 and Matthew 20).In conclusion, Rev. Poppe statedthat for the well being of thestudents in our care, in order tobecome a trusted person to them,
we would do well to emulate theattributes of Jesus Christ. It isnecessary, therefore, that weourselves live close to Christ,develop a close relationship withHim, and study the Scriptures.
The story of our schoolsImmediately following the
devotional, Dr. Mike Goheen, theGeneva Professor of Worldviewand Religious Studies at TrinityWestern University in Langley,B.C., presented his address,“Which Story Is Shaping YourSchool?” In Romans 12:1-2 Paulurges us, in view of God’s mercy, tooffer our bodies as livingsacrifices, a spiritual act ofworship. Dr. Goheen focusedespecially on verse two, where weread, “Do not conform any longer tothe pattern of this world, but betransformed by the renewing ofyour mind.” This text implies thatwe should say no to idolatry andyes to the gospel. We have to learnto discern, “to test and approvewhat God’s will is – his good,pleasing, and perfect will.” Whatthis means in our context is that weshould not be conformed towestern culture, but that we shouldsay no to humanism andconsumerism, as we aim to betransformed by the renewing ofour minds.
Historically, two grand storieshave been shaping westernculture: the story of evolution andthe story embodied in the Bible.
Education MattersPiet Groenwold
CRTA-WestConvention,Coaldale, October 25-27, 2006
Piet Groenwold is a teacherin Coaldale, and has probablyattended more CRTA-Westteacher conventions thananyone else on the prairies.
244 • MAY 11, 2007
While the core beliefs ofChristianity are summarized in 1Corinthians 15:1-3, they are notshared universally. For example,an educator such as John Deweyhas had a profound impact on thepublic education system in ourcountry. He espoused several keydoctrines, including humanism, inwhich human beings take theplace of God as creator andredeemer. He also celebratedautonomous reason, believing thatman could independentlydetermine the meaning of humanlife and right and wrong.Furthermore, he promoted the roleof science and technology,convinced that technology (non-human) enhances the rationalorganization of society (human).Lastly, he hoped for a new world,where freedom, materialprosperity, justice, and truth wouldprevail. Largely due to hisinfluence, modern humanisticeducation aims to pass on aunified body of universal scientificknowledge, equip a world ofrational citizens, and build a morerational world leading to freedom,justice, truth, and materialprosperity.
On the other hand, Dr. Goheenreminded us of the biblical storyand education. We can view theBible as a six-act play: creation,
fall into sin, Israel’s mission, Jesus’mission, the church’s mission, andthe new creation. He suggested welive during the time period referredto as Act Five (the church’s mission)above. As participants in this act,we realize that God’s kingdom isalready here, though not yet infullness, that we have a foretasteof the kingdom (Hebrews 6), andthat we are previews of thekingdom. Consequently, we mustwitness in all of life to thekingdom. Christian education,then, should be characterized bythe insight into creation in the lightof Scripture that will equipstudents to witness to Christ’s ruleover all creation. Furthermore, our
education should show what Godintends. It is also education forwitnessing in that we are calledupon to witness in all areas of life.Lastly, it ought to provide“serviceable insight,” so thatstudents can serve the kingdomand serve others. The reason wehave gifts is to serve Godand others.
In our Christian schools weeducate to form a “contrastcommunity.” Though we have nottraditionally formulated ourschools’ tasks in this way, hesuggested that we ought to aim toinstil a sense of hope over againstdespair and consumer satiation, asense of justice over againsteconomic and ecological injustice,an awareness of truth over againstpluralism and relativism, and ofselfless giving over against aculture of selfishness.
In order for us to provide aneducation distinctly different fromthat in public schools, we mustseek to reject the cultural idolatrythat shapes these schools. We mustbase our education on a distinctiveand comprehensive philosophy ofeducation as we adopt a Christianapproach that transforms goals,curriculum, pedagogy, evaluation,and structure.
MAY 11, 2007 • 245
Christian educators need toknow the story of the Bible, ourplace in it, and how it shapes oureducational task. We also need tobe aware of our cultural story, itsidolatry, and how it shapeseducation. Of course, we alsorequire discernment to reshapeeducational forms by the gospel toachieve Christian education. Dr.Goheen directed our attention tothe day we will appear beforeChrist. This is the Saviour wholoves us and embraces us. It is ourhope that He will say to us, “Welldone, good and faithful servant.”
ALL ABOARDIn his workshop on Thursday
afternoon, Mr. Veenendaal,principal of the ImmanuelChristian School in Winnipeg,reviewed nine aspects of ateachers’ code of conduct. Teachersshould be accountable, loving,show leadership, be above board,biblical, organized, available,respectful, and diligent. (Thus, thetitle of the speech was an acronym– all aboard.) After introducingthese nine aspects of a teachers’code of conduct, Mr. Veenendaalgave each of the nine groups ofparticipants one case study toconsider, in which any of the nineaspects could be applied to resolvea conflict. The resolutions of each
group were presented to theplenary session and posted on thewall for all to see. During theremainder of Thursday afternoon,teachers and support staff weregiven the opportunity to attend avariety of workshops.
BusinessThat evening, colleagues tried
their hand at curling at theCoaldale Curling Rink aftersupper. The wine and cheesefunction was also at the rink, whichgave colleagues plenty ofopportunity to socialize.
At its breakfast businessmeeting the next morning, theCRTA membership decided to haveits next convention, andsubsequent ones in the foreseeablefuture, at a retreat north of Regina.Also, the decision was made tokeep the current CRTA-West inexistence. A committee was struckconsisting of two representativesfrom each staff, to study the role ofthe CRTA-West in the future.
Special-needs studentsMr. Mark Slomp is a counsellor
and part-time lecturer at theUniversity of Lethbridge. In hisaddress on Friday morning, hefocused especially on studentswith disorders that teachers aremost likely to encounter in ourclassrooms: disorders firstdiagnosed in infancy, childhood, oradolescence, mood disorders, andeating disorders. Throughout hispresentation, Mr. Slomp suggestedways to provide help to studentswith these disorders. Carefulobservation and the learningenvironment itself are extremelyimportant. We must also attempt tobe proactive, rather than reactive,if we want to help these special-needs students. We wereencouraged to develop supportteams, communicate regularly withparents, demonstrate acceptance
of all students, especially the mostdifficult and challenging. We werereminded of the importance to lovefirst and teach second, therebycreating an environment in whicheach of them can be successful.
ClosingAs lunch approached, we
enjoyed a brief concert by theSymphonia, the school orchestra ofthe Greijdanus College in TheNetherlands. Following that, Mr. J.Harthoorn, principal of the hostingschool, officially closed the 2006convention. Our subsequent lunchwith our guests and colleaguesbrought a most enjoyable,educational, and informativeconvention to an end.
The Education Matters column issponsored by the Canadian ReformedTeachers' Association East. Anyonewishing to respond to an article writtenor willing to write an article is kindlyasked to sendmaterials to Clarion or toOtto [email protected]
246 • MAY 11, 2007
Dear Editor,Rev. Stam’s editorials manage well to engage
and provoke the reader. I have a good appreciationfor them and only question his leaning onoccasion. This time, however, the tilt was nottowards the positive side. Although the editorialentitled “Appeals” (Volume 56, Issue 5) clearlydescribes the ecclesiastical process of appeals toour broader assemblies for our benefit, giving thewhy, when, and how, I have concerns with certainconclusions that may be drawn as well as thetiming of the article.
First, in striving to make a case on approaching ageneral synod, I find that Rev. Stam’s editorialappears to put a negative spin on appeals. He paintsa picture of them almost being a waste of timebecause of the due process required to file one.Words like “doomed” and “dies” don’t offer a lot ofencouragement. It is not the ultimate success of theappeal that should drive us to submitting one, but ashe does point out and could have given more stress,the fulfilling of one’s rights and obligations as toldus in 1 Corinthians 12. Besides, general synod is notthe only receiver of appeals; many are directed tothe regional synods and classes that conveneannually. There is value in studying Scripture andthe confessions on an issue, discussing it withothers, composing your thoughts. Through theappeals process people are alerted to a concern andreceive food for thought. Let us not give theimpression that unless an appeal intended forgeneral synod actually is admitted there and issustained, that the appellant’s efforts have been invain. So the process requires hard work andpersistence; but then these traits ought to be marksof the Christian.
Next, I find it regrettable that a hint of abuse ofthe common order is put forward with respect to pastsynods’ admissibility decisions on the matter ofwomen’s voting rights. And further, should futuresynods not accept a lawfully presented submissionon this matter (from an individual or church), thatthen the writer suggests that churches will proceedon their own. Even though he rightly laments suchan outcome, the use of the words “abuse” and“obstruct” regarding the possible failings of synodsends a message of some legitimacy should a
church then do theirown thing. I hope I’mreading a littlebetween the lines here.Rev. Stam pleads forconsistency withrespect to allowingindividual members to appeal directly to generalsynod on old matters considered belonging to thechurches in common. This has been dealt with anddecided on by the past synods. Synod Abbotsfordrepeatedly questioned the admissibility ofindividual appeals. Synod Neerlandia madedecisions to declare some inadmissible. Only twochurches appealed this to Synod Chatham 2004 andthe reasoning to uphold Synod 2001 decisions areclearly outlined. Why then question consistency(with what?) in this editorial when the process hasbeen clarified? Let’s work with the words of 1Corinthians 13: 4-5, “Love … does not insist on itsown way” (ESV). That command applies to churchesas well as individuals as we could see in theeditorial on congregationalism two issues back.
Lastly, I find the thrust of the article troublesomein respect to timing with Synod Smithers rightaround the corner. Rev. Stam subtitles the editorial“The church is not a political arena.” The SecondProvisional Agenda that the convening church ofSynod 2007 recently sent to all the churches containsa submission from the church of Hamilton called“Matter of Women’s Voting.” This is the church ofwhich Rev. Stam is member and minister emeritus.The church of Hamilton did not address the questionof admissibility of appeals to Synod 2004. That thisletter on the stated topic comes to Synod direct fromthe church may be within the parameters of COArticles 30 and 33. Yet in view of its timing, onemight consider Rev. Stam’s editorial approaching thepolitical lobbying he warns against. Is it proper tonow “appeal” this whole matter via the press? Therecan be an “obstruction” of matters but there can alsobe a “pushing of an agenda.” The caution Rev. Stamurges has to be in evidence by all parties. We prayfor wisdom in Synod’s dealing with the issues andthe churches response to it. May God be honouredand the churches edified.
Ben MeerstraChilliwack BC
Letter to the Editor
MAY 11, 2007 • 247
Dear Editor:Re: Volume 56, Issue 6, March 16, 2007. My good
friend Martin Van Bostelen wrote you a letterreferring to his “ugly” memories of the “Liberationof 1944” in The Netherlands. Then he says: “We allthink 1892” (I believe that he refers to the days ofthe “Doleantie”), “was so great; well, the Lord didnot think much of it. He destroyed that church infifty years. The reason it never worked, rotten fromthe beginning, was compromise.” Wow, how doesmy brother know exactly what the Lord is thinking?
The lesson that we can learn from the“Doleantie” is that brothers and sisters in the Lordcan live in relative harmony within the samechurch federation. For the benefit of our youngerreaders, who may or may not have muchknowledge of Reformed church history in Holland,in brief the following: as a result of liberaltendencies within the Reformed Church (HervormdeKerk) in Holland, a large group of people left thatchurch in 1834. The churches resulting from thatseparation (Afscheiding) existed separately fromthe Hervormde Kerk under the name“Afgescheidene” (separated) or “ChristelijkeGereformeerde Kerken” (literal translation:Christian Reformed Churches) until the year 1886.In that year, there was another exodus from theHervormde Kerk, led by Abraham Kuyper, amongothers. Few Reformed people would actuallyquestion the legitimacy of this second exoduscalled “Doleantie.” The word “Doleantie” comesfrom the verb mourn or grieving, because thesepeople said they were grieving over having toleave the established Hervormde Kerk.
Personally, I can not believe that CanadianReformed people would have a problem withrecognizing the separation that occurred in 1886 asanything else but a “work of the Lord” and callingAbraham Kuyper (1837-1920) a faithful servant ofthe Lord, even with his faults and misconceptionsabout certain doctrines.
I would rather believe that my friend Martinrefers to the reunification of 1892 as the problemdate that “the Lord did not think much of.” In thatreunification the two groups that had left theHervormde Kerk found each other and recognizedeach other as brothers and sisters again. I cannotsee anything else but God’s hand in this, Martin.
Now this new church union was not an easy one.From the Afgescheidene side they accused theothers of leaving the Hervormde Kerk fifty-twoyears too late. Likewise, from the other side it wassaid that the Afgescheidene left fifty-two yearsearly. This is a simplified picture of course, becausenothing is ever simple in the church, especiallydifferences over certain long time customs thatnever should be changed or abolished accordingto some.
This brings us to the real core of the matter.Between the lines of Martin Van Bostelen’s letter,one can read his frustration with changes in liturgy,ecclesiastical forms, and customs. He is entitled tohis opinions, but to call our efforts at unity with theUnited Reformed Churches “mildly [said] horsetrading” goes too far. If unity is to be achieved andwe do believe that God desires to have brothersand sisters live in unity, there will have to be acertain amount of give and take on both sides.
Last but not least, Martin, I think it is a blessingthat we don’t hear those words “goedgereformeerd” any more (literally translated it says“good reformed”). These judgmental words reallydefy being translated into the English language.We used to hear them quite often in early CanadianReformed church life when most everyone spokeDutch yet. It was often used to describe any churchpeople who thought or dared to say anythingcontrary to the speaker’s own opinion. What ahorrible expression; I am glad there are no wordsfor it in our language.
Art Lengkeek, Chilliwack
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.
248 • MAY 11, 2007
Press release of the meetingof Classis Niagara, heldMarch 21, 2007 in Attercliffe
1. On behalf of the conveningchurch of Dunnville/Wainfleet,Rev. D. DeBoer opened themeeting. He asked the meetingto sing Psalm 99:1, 2, readZephaniah 1:1 and 3:1-20, andled in prayer. He welcomed thedelegates as well as Br. and Sr.Rolf den Hollander.
2. The credentials were found tobe in good order and therewere two instructions.
3. Classis was constituted.Chairman was Rev.VanderVelde, clerk Rev.VanDam, and vice-chairmanRev. Souman. The chairmanthanked the church ofDunnville/Wainfleet for thepreparatory work. Heremembered that the churchesof Attercliffe and Lincoln wereboth still vacant. He wished thechurches well and God’sblessings in their work to call aminister. Rev. VanDam wasblessed with the birth of a son.The church of Grassie couldstart worshiping in their newchurch building. The chairmanwelcomed Br. J. VanOmmen asconvener of the committee forBlue Bell.
4. Br. Rolf den Hollanderrequested Classis to examinehim so that he could bedeclared eligible to speak anedifying word. The requireddocuments were scrutinizedand found to be in order. Br. denHollander had submitted asermon proposal on Zephaniah3:14,15 and he received theopportunity to read his sermonproposal. Classis discussedthis proposal in closed sessionand the outcome of thisdiscussion was that the
examination could continue.Then Br. den Hollander wasexamined regarding hisknowledge of the doctrines andcreeds. After having discussedthis examination in closedsession and after Br. denHollander declared that he willnot teach anything contrary tothe Reformed doctrines, assummarized in the Three Formsof Unity, Classis declared Br.den Hollander eligible to speakan edifying word in thechurches for the period of oneyear, upon completion of histhird year at the TheologicalCollege in May 2007. Themeeting sang Hymn 35:1, 2and the chairman led inthanksgiving prayer.
5. In question period ad art. 44 ofthe Church Order, thechairman asked the questionsmentioned in this article. Thedelegates answered that theministry of the office bearers isbeing continued in allchurches; the decisions of themajor assemblies are beinghonoured by all the churches.In closed session two churchesasked and received advice inmatters of discipline.
6. After the lunch break, thereports of church visitation toall the churches in the classiswere read in closed sessionand all received withthankfulness.
7. The church at Smithville hadthe books for the fund of theneedy churches audited and areport was presented toClassis.
8. The report of the committeeappointed by Classis NiagaraSeptember 20, 2006, to look atthe viability of the Blue Bellcongregation in light of itsfinancial need, was discussedand Classis decided:
a) To continue the financialsupport by Classis Niagarafor Blue Bell in the years2007 and 2008;
b) to ask the church ofSmithville to monitor thefinancial viability of BlueBell and the developmentsin membership and to reportto the December 2008classis;
c) to strongly urge theconsistory to promote andassist the members of theBlue Bell church for thework of evangelism in theneighbourhood;
d) to urge the church at BlueBell to take up contact withthe group of the URCNA inthe Lancaster area in orderto foster ecclesiasticalrelations with them.
9. The convening church for thenext classis is the church ofGrassie. The date for thismeeting is Wednesday, June 20,2007. Suggested officers are:Chairman: Rev. DeBoer, clerk:Rev. VanderVelde, vice-chairman: Rev. VanDam. Pulpitsupply for vacant churches wasrequested and arranged untilthe end of this year. Rev.VanderVelde was appointed torepresent Classis Niagara incase an invitation is receivedto attend an upcoming URCclassis meeting.
10. Personal question period wasmade use off.
11. Censure according to art. 34 ofthe Church Order was notneeded.
12. The acts were read andadopted and the press releasewas read and approved.
13. After Rev. Souman led inprayer, the chairman closed themeeting.
A. Soumanvice-chairman e.t.
Press Releases
MAY 11, 2007 • 249
Press Release of ClassisOntarioWest, March 21, 2007,held in Kerwood, Ontario1. Opening
On behalf of the conveningchurch of Grand Rapids, Rev. J.Ludwig called the meeting toorder. He requested thedelegates to sing from Psalm19:3, after which he readRomans 12:9-21 and led inprayer.Rev. Ludwig especiallywelcomed Br. Stuart Harsevoortand his wife and father. Br.Harsevoort requested to beexamined in order to beallowed to speak an edifyingword in the churches. Alsofraternal delegates Rev P.Wallace of OPC and elders Johnand Jake Feddema of URC werewelcomed.
2. CredentialsThe delegates from GrandRapids examined thecredentials and found them tobe in good order. Classis wasdeclared constituted. Theofficers were Rev. R. Pot -chairman, Rev. Ludwig – clerk,and Rev. H. Versteeg – vicechairman.Rev. Pot took the chair. Formatters of memorabilia, Rev. Potmentioned that Rev. Ludwigdeclined the two calls extendedto him by the church atWilloughby-Heights andLincoln and that the church atHamilton extended a call to Rev.R. Aasman. Further, thechairman remembered that theLord took home unto Himself sr.van Popta, the widow of the lateRev. J.T. van Popta.
3. Adoption of the AgendaAfter some changes, the agendafor this meeting was adopted.
4. Examination of Br. StuartHarsevoortBr. Harsevoort delivered hissermon proposal on Luke 10:25-37. It was discussed in closedsession. Classis judged thesermon proposal to be sufficient
and decided to proceed with therest of the examination. Br.Harsevoort was examined indoctrine and creeds onScripture, justification, andprayer. Classis judged theexamination to be sufficient.Br. Harsevoort was givenpermission to speak an edifyingword in the churches for aperiod of one year oncompletion of his third yearstudy at the TheologicalCollege. The chairmanrequested Classis to sing Hymn64:1 and Rev. Versteeg led inthanksgiving prayer. Br.Harsevoort was congratulated.
5. Examination of Br. CornelisKleynThe chairman welcomed Br.Cornelis Kleyn and his fiancée.Br. Kleyn requested to beexamined in order to beallowed to speak an edifyingword in the churches. Br. Kleyndelivered his sermon proposalon Matthew 7:7-12. It wasdiscussed in close session.Classis judged the sermonproposal to be sufficient anddecided to proceed with the restof the examination. Br. Kleynwas examined in Doctrine andCreeds on the fall of man,sanctification, and sacraments.Classis judged the examinationto be sufficient. Br. Kleyn wasgiven permission to speak anedifying word in the churchesfor a period of one year oncompletion of his third year ofstudy at the Theological Study.The chairman requestedClassis to sing Hymn 48:4 andRev. Ludwig led in thanksgivingprayer. Br. Kleyn wascongratulated.
6. Question Period (CO 44)The questions outlined in Art. 44(CO) were asked and answered.The church at Hamiltonrequested advice in a matter ofdiscipline. Classis served thechurch at Hamilton with advicein this matter in closed session.
7. Correspondencea) The church at Ancaster
requested advice accordingto Article 40 CO concerningthe institution of a newchurch on West Hamiltonmountain. Classis withthankfulness gaveconcurring advice. Thechurch at Hamilton willrepresent Classis at theinstitution of this newcongregation which is totake place on June 24, 2007,D.V.
b) A letter from InterchurchRelations of Covenant EastClassis of the RCUSconveying their greetingswas received and read.
8. Fraternal delegatesRev. P. Wallace addressed theassembly on behalf ofPresbytery Michigan andOntario of the OrthodoxPresbyterian Church. Rev. D.Vandeburgt spoke some wordsin response.Elder John Feddema addressedthe assembly on behalf ofClassis Southern Ontario of theUnited Reformed Church. Rev.G. van Popta spoke some wordsin response.
9. AppointmentsConvening church for the nextclassis: HamiltonDate: June 13, 2007 in HamiltonSuggested officers: chairman:Rev. J. Slaa, clerk: Rev. Pot, vicechairman: Rev. Ludwig.
10. Personal question periodOpportunity was given forpersonal questions.
11. Censure ad Article 34. C.O.Chairman thankfully noted thatcensure was not necessary.
12. Adoption of Acts andPress ReleaseThe acts were adopted andpress release was approved.
13. ClosingThe chairman requested theclassis to sing Psalm 122:3 andthen he led in prayer. Thechairman closed Classis.
H. Versteeg
250 • MAY 11, 2007
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother'swomb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.Psalm 139:13, 14
Wih thankfulness to the Lord we joyfully announce the birthof our first child
JUDE DAVIDJUDE DAVIDBorn November 21, 2006Anton and Val Alkema
4th grandchild for George and Marge Alkema1st grandchild for Dave and Lynn Hartman
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your bookthey all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there
were none of them. Psalm 139:16With thankfulness to the Giver of Life, we joyfully
announce the birth of our daughter and sister
SIERRA NAOMISIERRA NAOMIBorn March 16, 2007Rob and Emily Duker
and excited big sisters Asia & Lydia18717-95 ‘A’ Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5T 3W4
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5Our Father has graciously granted to us another covenant child,
a daughter
JASMINE GRACEJASMINE GRACEBorn April 6, 2007
Gerry and Margaret DoekesBig brother Logan
2nd grandchild for Andy and Jeannette Nijenhuis14th grandchild for Louis† and Gerrie Doekes55 Shirley Street, Orangeville, ON L9W 2T5
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Hymn 6With thankfulness to God we announce the birth of
TOLLIENA ANNACATOLLIENA ANNACABorn February 20, 2007
A daughter for Peter and Tamara DoekesA sister for Christopher and Joshua
4th grandchild for Rudi and Hilda Wildeboer13th grandchild for Louis† and Gerrie Doekes44 Princess Street, Orangeville ON L9W 1W3
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17We give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His covenant
child, our daughterREEGAN ALENAREEGAN ALENA
Born March 26, 2007to Jeff and Hetti Endeman
A little sister for Lauren, Wyatt, and Jude17th grandchild for John and Reta Endeman
19th grandchild for Ben and Joan Kottelenberg283067 Cty Road 10, RR 1, Grand Valley, ON, L0N 1G0
With thankfulness to God, the Giver of life, we joyfully announcethe birth of our new baby daughter and sister
CHLOE ELYSIACHLOE ELYSIAApril 2, 207
Adrian and Michelle VersteegAustin, Tijuana and Nolan
7th grandchild for Henry and Rita Versteeg6th grandchild for John and Jenny Hordyk
184 Catherine Street, Parkhill, ON N0M 2K0
I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.Psalm 69:30
It is with great joy and thanksgiving to God,we announce the birth of another covenant child
ELIZABETH JOHANNAELIZABETH JOHANNABeth is named after both her grandmothers.
Don and Monica Bos (nee Nordeman)Anna, Joseph, Benjamin and ReubenPO Box 145, St. Anns, ON L0R 2A0
One in Christ One in Love1 John 4:10-12
Giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for bringing them together,we, Remmie and Linda Vander Vegte are happy to announce the
upcoming marriage of our daughter
MIRISSA JULENAMIRISSA JULENAtoto
BRYAN CHRISTOPHERBRYAN CHRISTOPHERson of Henry and Fenny van Delden
The ceremony will take place, the Lord willing,on Friday, June 1, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the
Redeemer Canadian Reformed Church, Winnipeg, MB.Rev. E.J. Tiggelaar officiating.
Address: 505 Regent Avenue East, Winnipeg, MB R2C 0E1
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Advertisements:Advertisements:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (withOpen House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.
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BIRTHS
WEDDINGS
MAY 11, 2007 • 251
OBITUARIES
Stellendam, Holland 1910-6-25 – Langley, BC 2007-04-19We know that if our earthly tent
Falls to the ground, all worn and rent,Our God as gift to us extends
A heav’nly house not made with hands,A building steadfast and secure
That will eternally endure.Book of Praise Hymn 56-3
At His time the Lord released our Mother, Grandmother andgreat Grandmother
NEELTJE LENA VAN DIJKNEELTJE LENA VAN DIJK –– KoeseKoese
Survived by childrenChilliwack, BC: Nell and Dirk Onderwater-van DijkSmithers, BC: Ploon and Fred Hofsink-van Dijk
Rena and Dirk Bandstra-van DijkWhite Rock, BC: Aren and Mary van DijkLangley, BC: Janey and Peter VanSeters-van Dijk
Sons in law: Cees Van Driel, Peter VanderPol, Arie Korevaar
Daughter in law: Margaret van Dijk
Predeceased by her husband Jan van Dijk in 1989.By 2 sons Peter van Dijk and Phillip van Dijk and 3 daughters
Aat VanDriel-van Dijk, Rika VanderPol-van Dijk,Lena Korevaar-van Dijk, and one grandchild, Yvonne van Dijk
and also a son in law, Cor Onderwater.
She is also survived by many grandchildren,great-grandchildren, and even 3 great-great-grandchildren.
We also like to thank the staff of “Manoah Manor” for thewonderful care shown to our mother during the last years of
her life on earth.
The funeral was on Tuesday, April 24 at 12:30 in Langley, BC.
Corresponding address: Peter and Janey vanSeters4595 Maysfield Crescent, Langley, BC V3A 4M1
ANNIVERSARIES
Sarnia, Ontario Smithers, British Columbia
1952 ~ May 24 ~ 2007
The Lord willing and by His grace alone, our dear parents,grandparents and great grandparents
ARENDAREND andand MINKE VANDERGAAG (MINKE VANDERGAAG (ZylstraZylstra))
will be celebrating 55 years of marriage.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in theshadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Wherever our heavenly Father has led, they were held in HisAlmighty Hand.
May our faithful Father continue to bless them and may alltheir generations praise His Holy Name!
Gerry and Hettie VandergaagWendy and Dan Barendregt
Dawson, Taylor, SydneyKaren and KJ Vandenberg
BrookeColin VandergaagJennifer & Mike PlugEmily VandergaagTravis VandergaagLeanne Vandergaag
Aubrey and Jane VandergaagJeff VandergaagElisa and Harvey Pelleboer
ChloeShawn & Zwanette Vandergaag
Arend-AubreyTyler Vandergaag & Keri VersluisMatthew VandergaagDavid VandergaagDaniel VandergaagJared VandergaagAustin Vandergaag
Pete and Tina VandergaagRob and Becky Vandergaag
Quentin, JimmyLaura VandergaagKatie Vandergaag
Willy and Greta VandergaagGreg VandergaagKevin VandergaagBradley VandergaagAndrea VandergaagMichael Vandergaag
P.0. Box 2233, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
252 • MAY 11, 2007
The Niagara Reformed Christian Education Associationwhich operates Heritage Christian School
invites applications for the following openings for the2007/2008 academic year.
GRADE 5 TEACHERGRADE 8 TEACHER
We welcome applications from enthusiastic, dedicated rookiesor seasoned veterans looking for a positive change.
Heritage Christian School, in the heart of the NiagaraPeninsula, serves a K-12 student body of over 550 students.We are blessed with a dedicated and supportive Christian
community, a cohesive, professional faculty andstaff of +
= 44 persons, and beautiful, modern facilities.Qualified applicants, who seek to serve Jesus Christ in the area
of Christian education, and who submit to Holy Scripture asinterpreted by the Reformed confessions, are encouraged to
apply. Please submit a résumé, with a statement of yourphilosophy of education, a statement of faith, and references,
including one from your current pastor.Please forward inquiries and/or applications to:
Mr. A. Ben Harsevoort, PrincipalHeritage Christian School
2850 Fourth Avenue, Box 400Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0
Phone: 905-562-7303, Home: 905-664-1234Fax: 905-562-0020
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Check our website at www.hcsjordan.ca for a school profile.“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” Psalm 127:3
TEACHING POSITIONS
Reach for your dreams in Alberta!
Apply for any of the following teachingpositions with Parkland Immanuel
Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta: where growth and opportunity abound in a land ofmountains, prairie and big sky.
Due to upcoming vacancies, the Canadian Reformed SchoolSociety of Edmonton, operating Parkland Immanuel
Christian School, invites applications for thefollowing positions:
FULL TIME ELEMENTARY TEACHERFULL TIME JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH TEACHER
FRENCH TEACHERA University Degree is a requirement for these positions. For
further information please contact the Principal,Mr. R. Van Delft
Phone: (780) 444-6443 (school); (780) 458-0433 (home)Applications should be directed in writing to the school:
Personnel Committee, c/oParkland Immanuel Christian School
21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6
To fill vacancies starting September 1, 2007the Board of the Canadian Reformed
School Society of Abbotsford, BC operatingthe John Calvin School invites applications for
PRIMARY (Gr. 1-3) orINTERMEDIATE (Gr. 4-7) TEACHERS
Successful applicants must:• be a communicant member of a Canadian/American
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, 2007;• 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), [email protected]
Send resumes and applications to the Secretary of the Board:c/o John Calvin School
4268 Stewart Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5G2
The Board of the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School (in theBulkley Valley) invites applications from certified teachers who
are a member of the Canadian Reformed churches, UnitedReformed churches, or sister churches, for the position of
PRIMARY TEACHER (K-2)for the 2007/2008 school year.
There are possibilities for either full time or part time work.
We are looking for a teacher that:• loves God and his covenant children.• sets and maintains high personal standards• is professional in their work• knows how to have fun• understand the responsibility they are entrusted with
as teachers, and continually strive to submit theirwhole life to God.
If you meet the above criteria we urge you to contact us aboutworking at ECRS.
• Great kids• Fabulous preachers• Beautiful scenery and world-class outdoor activities• Friendly church and local community
If you have questions please callor email the principal, Derek Stoffels,
at work: (250) 847-3492; [email protected].
To apply please email your application to the principalor mail it to:
The Education CommitteeEbenezer Canadian Reformed School
Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
Check our website for a “taste” of the school:www.ebenezerschool.com
Check www.town.smithers.bc.ca for information on thecommunity the school is located in.
MAY 11, 2007 • 253
PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATEInvites applications for three definite openings as
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERin the areas of Science, Math, English, History, Computer
Studies and French for the 2007/2008 school year.Full and part-time applicants will be given consideration.
Providence has a student body of 100 students in grades9-12. Now in its 10th year, the school is located a few
minutes west of London in a recently built facility.
Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field ofReformed Christian education, who submit to Scripture assummarized by the Reformed Confessions, are invited to
submit a resume, a statement of faith, a statement of yourphilosophy of education, and letters of reference
(including one from you church consistory) to:
Providence Reformed CollegiateP.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0
For more information contact the principal,
Mr. Roger Vanoostveenat (519) 471 0661 (school), (519) 264 2575 (home),
or e-mail [email protected]
Maranatha Homes, located in south Burlington near manyamenities, is a place where Christian seniors can enjoy
independent living in community with others.
The Home’s newly renovated units and award-winningarchitectural design, combined with its reasonable rent rates
make Maranatha an attractive and affordableaccommodation for seniors.
For further information contact:Rosanne van der Woerd
109-3260 New Street, Burlington, ON L7N 3L4905-681-0311
Email: [email protected]
NEEDED1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERDue to the happy circumstance of significant growth
projections, the Board of the Covenant CanadianReformed School 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 2007 studentenrolment 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: [email protected] should be sent
attention: Mrs. Sonya Van LeeuwenCovenant Canadian Reformed School
PO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0
EBEN-EZER CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOLCHATHAM ONTARIO
The Board invites applications for
GRADE 3/4 TEACHERfor the 2007/2008 school year. We seek interest fromteachers with a sincere love for the Lord and a strong
desire to educate His covenantal children.
Eben-Ezer Christian School has an enrolment ofapproximately 50 students, K to 8, with 5 full-time staff.
Our school has a low student to teacher ratio and excellentworking relationships between teachers, principal, boardand school society. Our church is soundly Reformed and
warmly welcomes new members and their families.
Chatham and surrounding area is free from the stressassociated with large city centers as well as being a very
economical place to live and raise a family.For further information contact the principal,
Mrs. Carol Bos519-354-1142 (school); 519-695-2445 (home)
519-354-2159 (fax); email: [email protected] send resumes and applicationsto the Education Committee Chairman
Allan Bergsmac/o Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed School
485 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham, ON N7L 2H2Mark vander Velde
Sales Rep
Contact Info –Office – 905-957-5000 Toll Free – 1-800-461-0493Res – 905-386-7494 [email protected]
www.markv.ca
2005 & 2006 ROYAL LEPAGE NIAGARA REAL ESTATECENTRE INC. BROKERAGE
Prompt and Professional Real Estateservicing the Niagara Region and
Haldimand County
Advertise in
254 • MAY 11, 2007
C O V E N A N TCanadian Reformed Teachers College
HAMILTON, ON
ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2007The Board of Covenant College invites applications fromprospective students for the 2007-2008 academic year.The College offers teacher training programs to preparecandidates for teaching positions in the K - Grade 10 range.Admission Requirements:For the 1 - year Diploma of Education Program:
a suitable university degreeFor the 3 - year Diploma of Teaching Program:
a grade 12 diploma with university equivalence.Prospective candidates are invited to contact the College for moreinformation and/or to obtain an enrolment package. Those whoplan to seek admission in the year 2008 are also encouraged tocontact the College as soon as possible.Visit our website: www.covenantteacherscollege.com
Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers CollegeLocation: 410 Crerar Drive, Hamilton, OntarioTelephone: 905-385-0634 Fax: 905-385-8409E-mail: [email protected]: 1576 Upper James Street, P.O. Box 30026
Hamilton, ON L9B 2Y5
Airfare / Cruises / All-Inclusives / Travel Insurance
Call us for our Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii– Air, Hotel and Cruise Specials
“Best Fares to Amsterdam”
Visscher’s Travel & Cruise Ltd.Toll Free:1-800-811-2388
Tel: 604-530-6771Website: www.visschertravelcruise.com
“Give Us a Try Before You Buy for All Your Travel Needs”BC. Reg. #25414
Walinga Inc. is an industry leader in the bulk transportationequipment and pneumatic conveying systems markets. Our productsare serving customers around the world. We are inviting applicationsto fill positions at our Carman Manitoba Operation to help meet theneeds of our growing market and product line.
MACHINIST– To set-up, and operate CNC machines.– Programming skills will be an asset.– We also have a position open for a toolmaker and craftsman.
TRUCK EQUIPMENT MECHANIC– With skills and experience on mobile hydraulics, electrical, etc.– Welding in both Aluminum and Steel will be an asset.– A good understanding of the truck and trailer operating systems.
Industry experience is always preferred but we are most willing totrain. You come with the smile, energy and the sincere desire to be part
of the team and the rest will grow on you soon enough!Positions are open and need to be filled immediately.
Please forward your resume to:
Cor Lodder @ Walinga Inc.Box 1790, 70 3rd Avenue, N.E.
Carman, MB R0G 0J0Ph # 204-745-2951 • Fax # 204-745-6309
E-Mail: [email protected]
MAY 11, 2007 • 255
MAY 11, 2007 • 256MAY 11, 2007 • 256
PM40
0632
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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: [email protected] me at www.eric-sells.com
Janco Steel Ltd. a steel service center in Stoney Creek, Ontario,Canada, is seeking individuals to fill the following
fulltime position
GENERAL LABORERSApplicants must have the ability to work well with others.
Responsibilities include handling of steel and learning how touse and utilize steel production equipment while maintaining
an organized, clean and safe work environment.Shift work will be a requirement.
We offer:Competitive wagesGroup BenefitsPension Plan
Interested applicants should contact
Mr. Kevin Bos at (905) 643-3535or by e-mail [email protected]
COUNTRY VACATION HOME FOR RENTDaily / Weekly
Available year round. Between Owen Sound and Wiarton.3 Bedroom, sleeps 8, A.C., Fireplace, BBQ,
Modern kitchen, Linens supplied.Adrian and Linda van Gils – 519-371-5616
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