CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the Sioux Center, Iowa, Congregation, by Rev. D. Hakkenberg of Dordrecht, the Netherlands.

To the Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Congregation by Rev. L. Blok of Beekbergen, the Netherlands.

Calls Extended:

To Rev. D. Hakkenberg of Dordrecht, the Netherlands by the Norwich, Ontario, Canada, Congregation.

A REMINDER

All copy submitted for The Banner of Truth must be typewritten in double space.

THE FAREWELL SERMON OF THE REV. A. W. VERHOEF

At 8 p.m. on August 22 the Rev. A. W. Verhoef entered the pulpit for the last time as the pastor of Lethbridge. After the singing of Psalter No. 415 verses 5 & 6, and the votum, Acts 20: 17–38 was read and prayer was offered.

Rev. Verhoef began by saying that he had been privileged to labor for 3 years in the congregation of Lethbridge, aware of his many shortcomings. However, he knows that he was brought to Lethbridge by Him Who is the King of the Church. The labors have been manifold. Now the Lord has sent him to another congregation. He hopes to follow His command in quiet confidence.

His text for this evening was Acts 20:31 — The Admonition of Paul.

1 A calling to watch and remember.

2 An announcement concerning his labor.

Paul had served the Ephesians also for three years, and had experienced much, as for instance in the matter of Demetrius. His labor had not been in vain, but had borne fruit to the honor of his Sender. The Gospel preached by Paul was a stumblingblock to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. Death in Adam, and life only in Jesus Christ is a doctrine which is called old-fashioned in our days. They know another way. Therefore, congregation of Lethbridge, watch, for the wolves will not spare the flock. The labors of God’s servants shall one day come back to us. May the Lord bless His word to the salvation of our souls and to the honor of His Name.

After the singing of Psalm 89:4, Rev. Verhoef spoke to the consistory, expressing the hope that the empty place may be filled soon. He spoke a word of admonition to the young people to come faithfully under the word of God. We may still live in the day of salvation, but the times are getting darker. He also spoke a word to the children, hoping that the Lord will remember them in mercy.

Rev. M. Heerschap and several people of Chilliwack attended this service. The service was closed by sineine Psalm 99:8.

Rev. Heerschap spoke a few words to the departing minister, wishing him God’s indispensable blessing in his new congregation. On behalf of Classis Far West, Elder R. Bouma spoke a few words, pointing out that the word of God shall never return void, and that it is a great gift of the Lord when He sends a servant. Also Elder J. Neels of Chilliwack spoke a few words of thanks to the consistory of Lethbridge for the many labors and the assistance given by their Pastor during the illness of Rev. Romeyn, and also after his death. The last speaker was Elder B. Ouwerkerk of Lethbridge. He thanked the minister for all that he had done for the congregation, and said it had not been in vain. He hoped the Lord would bless the minister and his family in the future and in the new congregation. He asked the congregation to sing Psalm 37:2.

Rev. Verhoef thanked all the speakers, and expressed the hope that the Lord would fulfil their wishes. He then concluded the service by pronouncing the benediction.

THE INSTALLATION OF THE REV. A. W. VERHOEF in CHILLIWACK, B.C.

by The Rev. W. C. Lamain People came from far and near on August 30 to attend the installation and the inaugural sermon of Rev. Verhoef. The installation was performed in an English service by the Rev. W. C. Lamain. The congregation was shown the great privilege that was granted unto them. Seven months ago they had come together for the funeral of their beloved pastor, the Rev. M. Romeyn. The first call they had sent out was accepted. The wish was expressed that it all might be in the favor of God. There is joy in the congregation. Often during the sickness of Rev. Romeyn, and also after his death, Rev. Verhoef had served the congregation as Moderator. Thus they had learned to know each other. May all these matters redound to the praise and glory of God. May the Lord give His approval upon it, and make it a blessing for the church and the consistory.

In the introduction Rev. Lamain addressed Mrs. Romeyn, expressing the wish that she might receive strength from the Lord, Who also in this way confirms His word, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” Rev. Lamain installed Rev. Verhoef with the word of God in I Cor. 3:11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” He spoke of Christ as the only foundation of salvation: the excellency, the stability, and the immovability of that foundation. That foundation was laid by the Father in eternity, in time in Gen. 3:15, in the fulness of time, Gal. 4:4, in the preaching of the prophets and the apostles, and is laid in the hearts of God’s elect. No minister, nor any one else is qualified to lay another foundation. Everything of man must be broken down so that nothing shall remain but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

After a few words of admonition and encouragement to the consistory, and the minister who was to bind himself to the congregation, and to his wife and children, the form for the installation was read, and the questions were answered. The congregation then arose and sang Psalter No. 372 (Psalm 134). The service was closed by singing Psalter No. 281 verse 3. (In Holland Psalm 103:9).

THE INAUGURAL SERMON OF THE REV. A. W. VERHOEF

The Rev. A. W. Verhoef preached his inaugural sermon at Chilliwack on August 30, 1972 at 7:30 p.m. The service was opened with singing Psalm 122:2. Exodus 33:12–23 was read, and prayer was offered. In his introduction the minister spoke about Moses’ commission, and particularly about verse 17, which words had been applied to his heart so that he received liberty to accept the call to Chilliwack. The text for this evening was Philippians 1:8. Paul’s sincere love to the congregation.

1 The longing that was worked by God

2 The foundation of this longing.

Each of God’s true servants receive something of this desire in their heart. The minister hoped to bring in his preaching nothing but the doctrine of death in Adam and life only in Christ. After Psalm 84:1 was sung, Rev. Verhoef thanked Rev. Lamain for installing him in his new congregation. He also cordially addressed Mrs. Romeyn, thanking her for the love and hospitality she had shown him. He asked the congregation to remember that he is the only minister in Classis Far West, so that his labors will be extensive.

After Psalm 84:5 was sung, Rev. Lamain spoke a few words. God’s ways are unsearchable. Having known each other since 40 years ago in the Netherlands, his thoughts were multiplied this evening. He expressed the hope that the Lord would bless his labors in Chilliwack to the honor of His Name, and the salvation of many sinners.

Rev. Pronk of the Old Christian Reformed Church of Aldergrove gave the new minister a hearty welcome. Elder Slingerland spoke on behalf of the congregation of Lethbridge, stating that he believed that the minister’s labors in Lethbridge have not been in vain. The last speaker was Elder H.v.d.Dorpel of Chilliwack. He welcomed the new minister and his family, and spoke to the congregation of the great blessing it was to have a minister again, but also the great responsibility it gave. He asked the congregation to arise and sing Psalm 138:1.

Rev. Verhoef then thanked all the speakers for their good wishes, hoping that the Lord will fulfil them. The service was closed with thanksgiving. After Psalm 68:17 was sung, the minister pronounced the blessing upon the congregation for the first time.

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