CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the joint call from the Sheboygan and Waupun, Wisconsin, Congregations, by Rev. J.C. Weststrate of s’Gravenpolder, the Netherlands.

To the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. C. Vogelaar, of Benthuizen, the Netherlands.

To the Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. J.C. Weststrate of s’Gravenpolder, the Netherlands.

YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE OF MIDWEST CLASSIS 1983

August 6, 1983 was the day chosen for the Youth Day Conference which was sponsored by the Sioux Center congregation. It was held in the school gymnasium with young people attending from Corsica, Rock Valley, Sioux Center, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and a few from the Franklin Lakes congregation.

The meeting began with Rev. Den Boer giving the opening address, after the singing of Psalter 322 and prayer. His topic was “EUTHANASIA,” known also as “Mercy Killing.” This evil practice is becoming more acceptable, causing many aged and terminally ill patients to fear medical care. It prompted many questions concerning this fearsome and evil practice taking place in our time. There was then a clarinet trio by three students of the higher grades from our school.

“EVOLUTION OR CREATION” was the subject matter addressed by Mr. Steve Timmer. Many of the evolutionary theories were brought out, with Biblical facts to prove their errors. He chose Psalter 146 as a very fitting psalm regarding this matter. There was an opportunity for questions and answers. Afterwards a solo on the saxophone was given by another of our students.

Before the closing of the morning session the youth choir of Sioux Center and Rock Valley sang six numbers. A closing word was spoken and prayer was offered by Elder Bert Harskamp, asking also a blessing for the noon meal which was prepared by the women of the Sioux Center church. Elder John Schelling closed the noon break with Bible reading and prayer which also opened for the afternoon session.

As they again gathered in the gymnasium, Elder Art den Hoed presented a topic entitled “How long have I to live?” It was brought out that this is not a question only for old people such as Barzillai who asked it, but also for young people. It is a question to be asked daily to bring us closer to eternal thoughts. While the opportunity for questions was given, three other students presented a trio of flutes of Psalter 246.

A children’s Bible quiz was held by Mr. Ron Van Beek, who asked the small children many questions. This was followed with a young peoples’ Bible quiz, asking groups of 10 to guess what Bible character he had in mind.

The conference was closed by Rev. Den Boer with appropriate remarks.

May this day which was set aside for our youth be beneficial for their hearts and minds and may it bear God’s blessing in their further lives.

A.D.H.

NEW TITLES AVAILABLE

After considerable delay, we are glad to be able to report that Volume 2 of Reformed Dogmatics by Rev. G.H. Kersten is now available in English translation. This volume both completes the translation of Kersten’s Dogmatics and is appended with bibliographical, subject, and textual indices for the two volumes. Like volume 1, the cost is $7.50 per volume. Hence, the set of two volumes is priced at $15.00. We hope and pray that these two volumes may serve both our denomination and the Reformed world in the maintenance of truth as it is in Christ Jesus.

Volume 2 of Religious Stories for Young and Old has been reprinted with minor changes, and is available at the old price of $2.00 per volume.

A 10-panel pamphlet entitled, What Is a Netherlands Reformed Christian School?, is now available at 25 cents per copy. We trust it will find widespread reading by those interested in promoting Christian education.

A brief pamphlet explaining our beliefs concerning the way God leads His people in true conversion is now available for 15 cents, and is entitled, An Appointment You Will Keep Regardless. Its intent is not only to inform our church members, but also to assist our members in explaining our beliefs to relatives and friends.

Finally, a Teacher’s Workbook edition to accompany the Bible Doctrine Student Workbook based on Rev. Kersten’s Compendium has been recopied due to demand. The price of the workbook is $9.00 and its sale is limited to teachers and/or elders.

All of the above should be ordered individually (with the exception of the Teacher’s Workbook) from Bible Truth Books, P.O. Box 2373, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49003. Bulk orders from churches (as well as Workbook orders) should be placed with Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing Committee, 1020 N. Main Ave., Sioux Center, Ia. 51250. (Please note: prices are in U.S. Funds. Also, churches desiring to receive their orders prior to year’s end, must order immediately. Finally, if anyone has religious Dutch books available and would like to donate them to a good cause, please contact Rev. J.R. Beeke, 55 Robin Hood Way, Wayne, NJ 07470. 201-694-9251.)

NEW BUSINESS MANAGER

Commencing with our November issue, Mr. Henry Langerak will assume the duties of business manager for the Banner of Truth. He replaces Mr. James De Meester, who has occupied this position since the end of 1970.

The publication committee wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. De Meester for the many labors he has performed for the benefit of our publication. It is our wish and prayer that he, with his wife, may be granted the blessing of the Lord in their further life, and that he may yet be enabled to assist the committee in a variety of ways. The Banner of Truth has received his careful attention from month to month, and it is certain he will be missed.

We welcome Mr. Langerak to his new position, and hope that he may be enabled by the Lord for these duties. May we together realize our dependency upon the God of heaven and earth, Who alone can supply us with the ability for the tasks placed upon us. His phone number is area 616/453-2793, and he resides at 1053 Maplegrove N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504.

The Publication Committee

STUDENT DEN HOED

Word has been received that Student Den Hoed who suffered a collapsed lung on the evening of October 8, is improving again. The pain is less and the lung filling up with air once more. Since he had to discontinue speaking in the congregations on this account, we hope he will soon recuperate so that he can serve the congregations again. So far the Lord has made everything well. May He strengthen the brother further.

Rev. W.C.L.

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen