NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended

To Rev I. Spaans of Norwich, Ontario by the Barneveld, the Netherlands congregation.

Declined

By Rev. J.C Weststrate of ‘s-Gravenpolder, the Netherlands, to the Unionville/Bradford, Ontario congregations.

By Rev. J.ƒ. Van Eckeveld of Zeist, the Netherlands, to the Hamilton, Ontario, Franklin Lakes and Clifton, N.J. congregations.

By Rev. H. Hofman of Kalamazoo, Michigan to the Middelburg-Zuid, the Netherlands congregation.

By Rev. C. Harinck of Oostkapelle, the Netherlands to the Corsica/Sioux Falls, South Dakota congregations.

By Candidate M. Burggraaf, the Netherlands to the Sunnyside, Washington congregation.

Calls Accepted in the Netherlands

By Rev. A. Elshout of Zoetermeer, the Netherlands to the Scheveningen congregation.

By Rev. R. Kattenberg of Scheveningen, the Netherlands to the Arnhem congregation.

A WORD OF THANKS

On Sunday afternoon, December 7, 1986, Rev. H. Hofman noted that he had served Grand Rapids as moderator for exactly two full years. For this special occasion, he preached for us on 2 Cor. 6:1, “We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” In anticipation of the coming of Rev. J. R. Beeke as our new pastor, Rev. H. Hofman pointed to the conclusion of his own labors among us. He has so willingly served us with love as a father, carrying the burdens of our large congregation along with the labors of the Kalamazoo flock over which he has been called as pastor. The brothers of the Grand Rapids consistory have often turned to our Moderator for pastoral advice, for which we are also grateful. As a faithful undershepherd, Rev. Hofman negated all thanks directed to him personally, but always pointed to the Chief Shepherd and said, “Render thanks to Him only, for He is worthy; I am but a servant.”

We would also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kalamazoo congregation for so often giving their pastor to us these two years. We have often felt a bond of love and unity with our neighboring friends. And also, special thanks to Mrs. Hofman and children who had to miss husband and father while he labored in Grand Rapids. May our gracious God crown these ministerial labors with His blessing, “that this grace be not received in vain.”

—G?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our printer wishes to apologize for several copies of the December 1986 Banner of Truth with missing and/or duplicated pages. If you received a faulty copy, please forward your request for a good issue to Henry Langerak, 1053 Maplegrove N.W., Grand Rapids, Ml 49504

35th Anniversary

The Lord willing, on February 6, 1987, our parents,

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Spaans

hope to commemorate their 35th wedding anniversary. It is our prayer as a family that the Lord will continue to bless them and spare them in health for years to come.

R.R. 1, Box 163, Corsica, South Dakota 57328

40th Anniversary

The children and grandchildren of

George and Nellie Feyter

hope to commemorate their parents’ 40th anniversary, the Lord willing, on March 19, 1987. May the Lord spare them for each other, their children and the congregation for many years, and may His blessing be upon all their endeavors and labors. We ask for your prayers on their behalf.

Box 1013, Fort MacLeod, Alberta T0L 020

35th Anniversary

On February 28, 1987, D.V., our parents,

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel P. Van Grouw Sr.

hope to commemorate their 35th wedding anniversary. May the Lord bless them with His all-sufficient grace for time and eternity.

“Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order to Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

— Psalm 40:5

238 Paterson Ave., Midland Park, New Jersey 07432

In Memoriam

REYER GRISNICH

On Sunday morning September 28, 1986, Mr. Reyer Grisnich was taken away by death at the age of 96 years and 6 months at Picture Butte, Alberta, Canada. He was one of the founders of, and a deacon for 11 years in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. As one of the first post-war immigrants to southern Alberta, he assisted numerous Dutch immigrants and was one of the founders and deacons of the Leth-bridge Netherlands Reformed Congregation. He is survived by ten children, 65 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his dear wife and three sorts.

He was buried from the Lethbridge church by Rev. Heerschap whose text was Ps. 31:19a, on October 1 —not without hope in his end.

—JVZ

OBITUARIES

VERHEY, (Meulenberg), Maude—Age 82; Jan. 4, 1987; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Husband—Arid; brothers—lohn, Cornelius; sisters — Catherine (Stehouwer), Cornelia (Nor-dyke), Cora (De Hoog). (Rev. J.R. Beeke, |n. 1:29b).

BROUWER, Tracy Lynn—Age 13; Dec. 21,1986; St. Catharines, Ont. Father and Mother—Mr. and Mrs. Dick Brouwer; brothers and sisters—Tonny De Leeuw, Albert Brouwer, Wilma Sterk, Jo Anne Heikoop, Joyce Van Koeveringe, Harry Brouwer, Richard Brouwer, Ron Brouwer and Patricia Brouwer. (Rev. C. Vogelaar, Ps. 103:15-18).

TEACHERS

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, Grand Rapids:

Plymouth Christian Schools of Grand Rapids, Michigan have need for certified teachers for the coming 1987-88 school year, the Lord willing. The elementary school needs an early elementary teacher as well as a part time teacher for remedial instruction. For information, please call Mr. David Engelsma, principal, at 616-458-4367 or write to 1000 Ball Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505. The high school needs to fill openings in the areas of English as well as social studies. For information, please contact Mr. Richard Ten Elshof, principal, at 616-454-9481 or write to 965 Plymouth Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Chilliwack:

The Timothy Christian School of Chilliwack, British Columbia is seeking application for the position of Industrial Education teacher for the 1987-88 school year. This position involves full-time instruction at the high-school level (grades 8-12) in drafting, woodworking, and metal-working courses. For further information, please contact Mr. James W. Beeke, principal, Timothy Christian School, 50420 Castleman Road, R.R.2, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 6H4 (604-794-7114 school or 604-794-7109 home).

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Norwich:

The Rehoboth Christian School in Norwich looks forward to receiving applications for several fulltime positions. For next year we will need a fulltime teacher at the primary level, one at the junior level, one at the intermediate and secondary levels. Available courses for the last two positions will include English, Math, Business subjects, Phys. Ed. and Industrial Arts. Other combinations could be arranged too. If you are interested in applying or if you want more information, please contact Mr. Martien Vanderspek (519-863-2403) or Mr. Henry Scholten (519-863-3825).

LETHBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Alberta:

The Calvin Christian School in Monarch, Alberta needs several qualified teachers for the 1987-88 school year, D.V. There will be openings at the elementary level, especially for primary teachers. Secondary teachers can also apply with regard to expansion into senior high — a combination of various subjects, if possible. Experience is considered an asset for all positions. For further information, contact Mr. A. H. Verhoef, principal (403) 381-3030 or 381 -4434. Send application to Mr. A.M. de Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alta. TOL 1M0 (403) 824-3635.

QUOTABLES

“The man who hopes to dwell in heaven should have some experimental acquaintance with the language of its inhabitants!’

— J.C. Ryle

Obituary notices are printed free of charge and are submitted by the officiating minister; marriage and anniversary notices will be charged at $5.00 per issue and must be individually submitted. Other announcements and/or requests will be approved by the editorial committee on an individual basis as received. (Church events or school needs, such as upcoming classical meetings, “teachers wanted,” office-bearer conferences or youth day conferences will be announced free of charge.)

To place an announcement, simply type (or print neatly) your information, enclose $5.00, and forward to “News and Events,” 2115 Romence St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 by the 10th of the month preceding publication.

FAREWELL, INSTALLATION AND INAUGURAL SERVICES OF REV. J.R. BEEKE

FAREWELL SERVICE:

Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, December 2, 1986

On December 2, 1986, Rev. J.R. Beeke addressed our congregation of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey for the last time as pastor. By way of introduction, he explained that he wished to speak on the text which the Lord used to officially loosen him from us, despite the fact that he remains very personally attached to us. These text words are Acts 20:32, “And now, brethren, I commend you to Cod, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

The theme of the sermon was, The heart of Paul’s tender farewell commendation to Ephesus. Three points were expounded:

1. The divine source of commendation: “I commend you to God.”

2. The gracious means of commendation: “and to the Word of His grace.”

3. The rich fruits of commendation: being built up and receiving an inheritance.

Our parting pastor stated that though he was not worthy to stand in the shadow of the apostle, his aim was to part from us in the spirit of Paul’s parting message to Ephesus. First and foremost, he wished to commend us as his dear flock for more than five years to the God of grace. He emphasized that he could commend us with confidence to the triune Cod and outlined in five steps how he wished to do so: (1) to His almighty power, (2) to His omnipresence, (3) to His Spirit of saving grace, (4) to His infinite wisdom, and, above all, (5) to the precious Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secondly, he commended us to the Word of God. God and His Word are inseparable. Only by and in the Word is grace communicated. He commended us to the Word for relief from the bondage of sin and misery; for needed comforts and invitations in affliction and sorrow; for admonitions and warnings to turn us from backsliding ways; for holy precepts to direct us how to walk in the world; and for invaluable promises in the midnight darkness of our impossibilities.

Finally, he directed us to the fruits of such commendation. This God and His Word are able to build up the church out of free grace. Both the foundation and the crowning of the building of God’s temple are out of grace from beginning to end. Moreover, this God and His Word also provide an inheritance — both a kingdom of grace here and a kingdom of glory hereafter. All of this is possible by the sovereign work and power of the Holy Spirit, whose influences our pastor wished us with all his heart.

Following an exposition of Acts 20:32, our pastor spoke final words of thanks to various persons and groups. He spoke with warmth from his heart for both young and old, and expressed sincere gratitude to both consistory and congregation for all the support provided in years past. Rev. Hofman was also thanked heartily for his willingness to come to speak a few words as our new moderator.

On behalf of Classis, Rev. Hofman encouraged Rev. Beeke that he had received grace to sow the Word and the Lord Himself would continue to provide fruit upon it. This is the beauty and hope of the ministry. He also addressed the congregation with the wish that our pastor’s preaching of death in Adam and life in Christ may yet be taken to heart.

On behalf of the consistory, vice-president Nick Greendyk addressed our parting pastor with humble thanks for his stedfast bringing of sovereign grace truth in our midst. He stressed that no one could say that the precious doctrines of free grace were not expounded regularly for more than five years among us; rather, he stated that our pastor was free of our blood. Best wishes were extended for Rev. Beeke’s new pastoral charge, and a fitting word of concluding application was addressed to the congregation.

After the service, those present were invited to say “farewell” to our pastor in the church basement. The bonds laid between pastor and flock were obvious.

Though we sorely grieve as a congregation in the removal of our pastor who was so dear to us, our hope is that God and His Word — the source and means of our commendation — may be our strength for the future. May the Lord remember our large congregation in its shepherdless condition, and supply us with the presence of the Chief Shepherd.

—AS

INSTALLATION SERVICE:

Grand Rapids, Michigan, December 9, 1986

The installation service of Rev. J.R. Beeke was held in The First Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 9, 1986. Rev. H. Hofman, pastor of the Kalamazoo congregation, conducted the service. The text for this special occasion was taken from 1 Corinthians 16:10, “Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.”

Two main thoughts were considered at this time:

1. With reference to the nature of the ministry.

2. The duty of the congregation — “that he may be with you without fear.”

Rev. Hofman spoke with special love and freedom concerning both the nature of the ministry with the cares and trials that are associated with it, but also the blessedness of serving under the Chief Shepherd and the duty of the congregation to receive ministers as sent from God.

As in Corinth, there may be an “open door,” but so often there are also hindrances encountered. The example of how Paul labored to prepare the way for Timothy was clearly expounded. Paul admonished the Corinthians to receive Timothy and to esteem him as a minister of the Word for his work’s sake.

Rev. Hofman spoke of the cares of the Grand Rapids congregation and how they rested heavily upon his shoulders. He labored with love and often brought the needs of this large congregation before the Lord both in public prayer and also in the quietness of his study room. And now he has felt that this burden has been lifted from him and placed on the shoulders of his brother, Rev. Beeke.

Truly, it may be said that the Grand Rapids congregation is blessed indeed. On this memorable evening, Rev. Hofman was able to install our new pastor in our midst in the name of the Lord. The attention of the congregation was called to focus on the calling, qualifying and sending of Rev. Beeke by the Lord. As undershepherd, he is sent to preach life and death, sin and grace; and to perform the work of the Lord.

In a personal, affectionate word to Rev. Beeke, Rev. Hofman said, “Oh, dear brother, you are not a servant of man, but a servant of Jesus Christ. Your ears must be inclined to listen what the Lord says. Yes, dear brother, let the congregation see the blood of the Lamb of God, but let them also see the wrath of the Lamb. Preach Jesus Christ as the Savior of broken-hearted sinners.

“You are only to sow the seed and water it, but look to God for the fruit. You have a responsible work, a solemn work. Preach not only the law. If you only preach man, you will be considered a good minister by man. If you preach Christ, you may have enemies, but then you may expect the blessing of the Lord.”

And to the congregation, “Oh, congregation, I hope there are many broken-hearted sinners among you who have need of the garments of righteousness. Ask not for feelings, but only for the work of the Holy Spirit.” The congregation was further asked to pray for Rev. Beeke as Paul also instructed the Corinthians, “that he may be with us without fear.”

In closing, Rev. Hofman asked the congregation to be faithful in attendance and to uphold our pastor’s hands with prayer.

INAUGURAL SERMON: December 10, 1986

With the lifting of his hands for the first time as pastor of our congregation, Rev. J.R. Beeke blessed the congregation in the name of the Lord. We then joined in singing Psalter 348, stanzas 1,2,3,4 & 6.

In addressing the congregation, Rev. Beeke sought to draw attention to the special event of the preceding evening when he was installed as our pastor. It was then that the gospel knot was securely tied, so that as pastor, he might begin to preach life and death. The cares, fears, and joys of his new charge, officially became his.

In order for him to preach the gospel, he stressed three outstanding needs: first, grace to exercise full dependency on the Holy Spirit; second, grace to exercise the centrality and lordship of Jesus Christ; and third, grace to exercise self-denial by being a “willing slave” of the Sender.

Rev. Beeke chose for his text on this memorable occasion, 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Under the theme, Paul’s Vision for Preaching and Ministry, three thoughts were observed:

1. Paul’s personal negation in the Corinthian congregation: “for we preach not ourselves.”

2. Paul’s personal goal for the Corinthian congregation: “but Christ Jesus the Lord.”

3. Paul’s personal relationship to the Corinthian congregation: “and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

Paul had preached for nearly two years at Corinth. During this period it became evident that he had to deal with two factors: (1) the Jewish element and (2) the Greek element.

These two elements caused division in the church of Corinth, for they strove against each other. Paul avoids aligning himself with either element, but fervently advocates that he will not preach himself. He addressed himself to preaching the whole counsel of God. Paul further confessed his insufficiency and weakness, but was confident that these deficiencies were made perfect in the strength of Christ. His desire was that men would look away from him, a man, and would point them heaven-ward to Christ only.

On a very personal, humble vein, Rev. Beeke expressed how that he too came to Grand Rapids with many weaknesses, crosses and tribulations. And yet, in spite of all these, it is his prayer to preach to us in the strength of Christ. His ambition is to preach the sovereign grace of God in providing a rich Christ for a poor sinner. The burning in his heart is to step aside as Paul, who desired not to preach himself, but Christ only.

As Paul’s goal was to show the Corinthians how that they might come to Christ, so also Rev. Beeke expressed his goal was to show us how a sinner is brought to Christ, and to proclaim how rich this Christ is for a hell-worthy sinner. His yearning is to preach such a Christ, as Prophet, Priest and King, through heart-experience of personal misery, deliverance, and gratitude. His aim is to preach both how matters do go and ought to go in the life of God’s people.

Finally, Rev. Beeke stressed that as Paul was a willing doulos (servant; more literally, slave) for Jesus’ sake to the Corinthians, so he prayed that our congregation would allow him to be our “servant for Jesus’ sake.” The freedom of Christian servitude is unspeakable. Our new minister expressed his wholehearted desire to serve us both in the pulpit and pastorally in the spirit of “willing slavery” to His gracious Sender. He encouraged young and old to freely call upon him for counsel and reiterated: “Allow me to be your servant for Jesus’ sake.”

After the singing of Psalter 246, Rev. Beeke spoke a personal word of thanks to various persons. First to Rev. Hofman for the edifying words spoken the previous evening at the installation service, and also for the assistance provided to him in months past. He further stated, “Your help has been deeply appreciated, your integrity admired, your sted-fastness undaunted. Your love has been exemplary and Christ-like.”

A word of thanks was also spoken to Rev. Spaans for the friendship shown throughout the past eight years. He stated, “A true friend is a gift from the Lord; you, my dear brother, have been such a gift to me… Thanks for your spiritual conversation, practical wisdom, supportive assistance, and godly uprightness.”

Several others were addressed and thanked for their presence and faithful support. Among these were friends from our new pastor’s former flock of Franklin Lakes: “Dear friends, your support, together with that of the congregation’s, over the past five and one-half years, has been a constant source of humility for me.”

A personal word was also spoken to the Grand Rapids Consistory, seeking God’s blessing in the future that he might labor in love and simplicity among us. His desire was that a spirit of unity and love might reign as we labor together, washing one another’s feet: “I look forward to serving with you in all godly simplicity and humility to the welfare of God’s church and the glory of the Triune Jehovah…. May God grant us as consistory members to be exemplary as self-forgetters, Christ-exalters, and co-workers.”

Our congregation was warmly thanked for all the love and support shown: “There is only one way I know how to thank you — the way of my text: ‘Ourselves your servants for Jesus sake.’ Dear friends, I desire to thank you for the parsonage by turning it into a house of Bethel as your servant to intercede for your souls in the Name of my Master. I desire to thank you for your emotional support by being available to you as your servant for counselling and guidance. And, above all, I desire to thank you for your steadfastness to me as a minister by proclaiming to you the whole counsel of God as your servant.”

Fitting words were also spoken to the children of God, and their prayers were solicited. The elderly, parents, children, young people, school teachers and students, were addressed separately, as was Mrs. Lamain. Finally, our new pastor warmly addressed his family and relatives, recounting how God personally opened the way for this special evening.

At the close of the service four speakers addressed Rev. Beeke and the congregation. The first to speak was Rev. J. Spaans on behalf of Classis East. His personal wish to the pastor was out of 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

The second speaker was Elder N. Greendyk, vice president of the Franklin Lakes consistory. Calling Franklin Lakes’ loss, Grand Rapids’ gain, Elder Greendyk spoke out of deep love, both as an office-bearer and personal friend, wishing the pastor God’s blessing on all his labors.

Elder J.W. Beeke addressed Rev. Beeke as representative of classis Far West and as brother. He encouraged both his brother and the congregation to seek grace to “wait on the Lord.” Touchingly, he pointed out that it was by the grace of God alone that his brother took up his labors tonight among us.

The vice-president of the Grand Rapids consistory, Elder H. Langerak, welcomed Rev. Beeke to our congregation, calling to remembrance how that the Lord has so richly provided for our congregation in years past and also on this special day. God’s goodness abides.

Elder Langerak also read a letter from Rev. C. Vogelaar, who wished God’s blessing upon our newly installed pastor and congregation.

On Saturday, December 13, an “Open House” was held at our high school for Rev. Beeke. The joy of the congregation in receiving our own pastor to proclaim God’s Word to us was reflected in a large turnout to welcome him with an outpouring of love.

“All thanks be to God who has done great things for us.” As a culmination of all these events, we humbly bow before a holy and good God. It is only by His mercies that we are not consumed. May God richly bless Rev. Beeke’s labors among us to the conversion of young and old, to the comfort and instruction of God’s people, and to the glory of God’s Name.

[NOTE: Cassette tapes of these services are available for $6.00 per set ($2.00 per tape) by contacting “The Tape Room”, First Netherlands Reformed Congregation, 540 Crescent St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.]

—GK

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