NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHARCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Declined

By Rev. C. Vogelaar of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey to the Capelle a/d IJssel West, The Netherlands congregation.

CURATORIUM MEETING

It is with a feeling of deep sorrow that we make known that at the meeting of the Curatorium held on June 25 there was no freedom to accept any of those who came to the meeting with a consistorial attest from their respective congregations. That as a denomination it may bring us on our knees, seeking in prayer why it is that the Lord has withheld from us those men set aside by the Lord of the vineyard to labor in His vineyard. That it may become for us an individual burden that the Lord may leave in our midst His truth for us and our children.

— JdH, clerk

CURATORIUM IN THE NETHERLANDS

In our sister denomination in the Netherlands, the Curatorium received freedom to accept two students for theological study — Mr. Mulder (41) from Elspeet and Mr. Baan (22) from Barneveld. Two students were declared eligible to receive pastoral calls — namely, P. Mulder and C. Hogchem. May the Lord add His blessing.

— JRB

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Book Review

The Eight Night Visions of Zechariah, by Rev. A. Moerkerken.

These sermons are translated from the Dutch language. They give an instructive, scriptural, experiential explanation of the message which the Lord commanded His servant Zechariah to bring, in a time of darkness, discouragement and distress. In many aspects a time similar with our days. These sermons are very useful for personal reading, but also for the reading services in our churches. Wholeheartedly recommended. Available from Bible Truth Books in Kalamazoo or from Elder John Moens, P.O. Box 1214, Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada ($6.00).

— CV

OBITUARIES

SCHELLING, Lambert Alvin — Age 51; June 7, 1991; Corsica, SD; Wife — Shirley; Sons — Lee, Loren; Daughters — Sheryl (deceased), Mrs. Nick (Sheil) Lin-neman, Sarah; Brothers — John, Cornie; Sisters — Mrs. Harold (Hattie) Hubers, Mrs. Frank (Betty) Powell, Mrs. Clarence (Marlene) Zomer, Mrs. Ivan (Minnie Jean) Van Der Werff; 3 grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Ps. 132.)

VANDERMAAS, Leonard - Age 77; Grand Rapids, MI; June 23, 1991; Wife — Wilhelmina (Minnie); Sons — Luke, Bill, Henry, Case, Ron, Richard; Brother — Jaap in the Netherlands; 16 grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Matthew 5:4.)

In Memoriam

LAMBERT SCHELLING

On June 7, 1991, Lambert Schelling of Corsica, South Dakota passed away after a lingering illness at the age of fifty-one. Rev. J. den Hoed conducted the funeral from Psalm 132.

Mr. Schelling served the Corsica NRC as deacon with the love of his heart for nearly twenty years. May the Lord graciously fill the empty places left behind in the family and congregation with His presence. May He grant the mourning loved ones to experience: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27a).

May God bind upon us all that we do not have to be old to die. Let us seek more grace, dear friends, to meditate on the brevity and seriousness of life, death, judgment, and eternity. “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?” (Ps. 89:48).

— JRB

ANNIVERSARIES

The Lord willing, on July 18, 1991, we hope to commemorate the 35th anniversary of our dear parents and grandparents

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew den Hoed

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; because His mercy endureth for ever. —Psa. 118:1

50th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on August 3, 1991 Our beloved parents and grandparents

Mr. and Mrs. John G. Van Dalen

Hope to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary. May the Lord bless them with His all sufficient grace.

421 Cornwall Court, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

TEACHERS

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Copetown, Ontario is seeking applicants for Principal, primary, junior and intermediate positions for the 1991-92 school year. Please send resume to the Principal, Jerry Hamstra, Rehoboth Christian School, Box 70, Copetown, Ontario L0R 1J0.

EBENEZER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Sheboygan, WI, is actively investigating extending our curriculum through high school. We foresee the need for one, full-time high school instructor. Certification or teaching experience is preferable. To express interest or for more information please contact Dave Lipsy, 1519 N. 3rd St., Sheboygan, WI 53081 (414) 459-9257 or Bob Velier, 3002 CTH V, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (414) 458 0757.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Pompton Plains, NJ is seeking applications for a developing high school program. At least two full-time or several part-time positions need to be filled. All applicants, but especially those with Spanish, English, Science, Guidance and/or Industrial Arts qualifications, are encouraged to contact the Personnel Committee Chairman, Richard de Bel (201) 628-9321.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lethbridge/Ft. Macleod. Applications are still being sought for both the elementary and high school level. For more information contact the principal: Mr. A.H. Verhoef (403) 381-3030 — School; (403) 381-4434 — Home. Please send applications with references to the secretary of the school board: Mr. A.M. De Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alta., Canada T0L 1M0.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS of Grand Rapids, MI are in need of a part-time (8 hours per week) instrumental music teacher for grades 5-12 for the 1991-92 school year. Qualified persons should contact the principal, Mr. Richard Ten Elshof, at 965 Plymouth Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 454-9481 for further information.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Corsica SD will need a teacher for the position of grades 5-8 for the 1991-1992 school year. Certification is preferable, but not required. Anyone interested in more information or an application form please contact: Jay Ymker phone (605) 724-2221 or Darold Den Boer phone (60S) 946-5661.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Rock Valley/Sioux Center, Iowa, invites inquiries and applications for teaching positions at the elementary and secondary levels. Call or write Gary Bakker, (712) 439-2594, R.R. 2, Box 104A Hull, Iowa 51239; Harold Schelling (712) 722-1131, R.R. 1, Box 54, Hull, Iowa 51239; or the school, R.R. 1, Box 269K, Rock Valley, Iowa 51247, (712) 476-2821.

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

National Endowment for the Arts Controversy Continues

As the 1991 NEA grants continue to include art which denigrates Christianity and promotes deviant behavior, representative Phil Crane of Illinois has reintroduced the Privatization of Art Act (HR 299) which would cut off all federal tax dollars to the NEA. We ask you to consider contacting your congressman in support of this measure. Stress in your communication that defunding is not a question of censorship, but a question of sponsorship. We do not want to support such sinful and offensive projects with tax dollars.

BOOKS ON TAPE

Some time ago “The Tape Room” has made known that several sound books are available on tape. Since then we have learned that Chapel Library loans at no cost numerous additional titles or partial volumes of Reformed literature on tape. The following is a partial list:

Code Title Author # of Tapes

001 The Great Revival of Religion Charles Hodge 5

004 Eternal Election and Reprobation John Calvin 2

006 The Forgiveness of Sin John Owen 6

009 The Warnings of Scripture Jonathan Edwards 1

014 What Seeking Sinners Can and Must Do Jonathan Edwards 1

018-A Work of the Law Written on the Heart Thomas Goodwin 1

018-B Effectual Calling Robert L. Dabney 1

025 Folly of Sinners Making a Mock of Sin Ezekiel Hopkins 2

026 Evidences of Regeneration Timothy Dwight 2

028 I Cannot Change My Own Heart John Howe 3

AUB Alarm to the Unregenerate Thomas Boston 1

LCM Life of a Christian Man John Calvin 1

BIG A Balm in Gilead Joseph Philpot 1

CDB Conversion of David Brainerd Jonathan Edwards 1

CMS Does Not God Count My Steps? John Calvin 1

COS Conviction of Sin Stephen Charnock 3

DTS Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character Gardiner Spring 3

GMS God Makes Men Sensible of Their Misery Before Revealing His Mercy Jonathan Edwards 1

GSW The Good Shepherd George Whitefield 1

HNB Human Nature in its Fourfold State Thomas Boston 12

ILF If You Live After the Flesh You Shall Die Thomas Manton 1

MOG The Method of Grace George Whitefield 1

OOC Ordering Our Cause Before the Mercy Seat J.C. Philpot 1

RLB Rich Man and Lazarus (Groans of a Damned Soul) John Bunyan 1

TCA The Crucifixion Isaac Ambrose 3

TRE Thoughts on Religious Experience Archibald Alexander 6

To order, write to Chapel Library and give the code and title. CHAPEL LIBRARY

2603 West Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32505

1-904-436-6666

— JRB

Bill to Put Abortion Back on Canada’s Criminal Code Defeated by Senate

Canada’s Senate voted forty-three to four against putting abortion back on the nation’s Criminal Code. Both pro-abortion and pro-life forces seemed to be against it, the latter believing it would have done more to “legitimize” abortion than outlaw it. As it stands now, legislation regarding abortion is relegated to each province. As before, we ask those Canadian members and friends who have not already done so to consider contacting your local representatives to urge them to work against this heinous crime against God and man.

Bill to Remove Ban on Federal Funding of Fetal Tissue Experiments Pending

HR 1532 is legislation that would allow fetal tissue experimentation to receive federal tax dollars. It is possible that the use of fetal tissue transplants for patients with infirmities such as Parkinson’s disease may increase the number of abortions. Please contact your congressman and stress your opposition to this bill.

INFORMATION

Government Spending

In a recent article by Focus on the Family, the issue of “oppressive taxation” was discussed in regard to the serious impact it can have on the family. While we all should be willing to support the system that makes possible the security and opportunities that we enjoy (Luke 20:25), we also realize that a tremendous financial strain can be put on families through wasteful government spending. The following is a small sample of the items that have been buried deep in the budgets of the past two or three years: $49 million for a rock-and-roll museum, $500,000 to restore birthplace of band leader Lawrence Welk (this was withdrawn after much public criticism), $6.1 million in the search of extraterrestrial life, $219,592 to teach college students how to watch television, $84,000 to study why people fall in love, $500,000 to study the effects of cigarette smoking on dogs, $46,000 to determine how long it takes to cook breakfast eggs, $19 million to study whether flatulence emitted by cows and other livestock harms the ozone layer.

May we be moved to pray that our government officials will wisely use the money entrusted to them. We need to remember that government is an ordinance of God (Rom. 13), and that it is our sins that bring judgments on us, also in the realm of government.

Judge Banned from Praying in Courtroom

As reported in the Concerned Women for America newsletter, the Hon. Judge H. W. Constangy, a North Carolina trial judge, used to open his court with the following invocation:

“O Lord, our God, our Father in Heaven, we pray this morning that Thou wilt place Thy divine guiding hand on this courtroom and that with Thy mighty outstretched arm Thou wilt protect the innocent, give justice to those who have been harmed, and mercy to us all.”

He no longer says this prayer because the ACLU successfully convinced a federal district court that such activity is unconstitutional. The judge is appealing the decision in a brief which argues that if President Bush can constitutionally designate national prayer days, then it should be permissible for a judge to pray in a courtroom. The framers of the First Amendment never intended the United States to be turned into a secular society because a small minority is offended by the mere mention of God.

ACLU Against Christian Principles

According to the Christian World Report, the American Civil Liberties Union has launched a campaign to further their “civil liberties” agenda. Some of their projects, according to their own Policy Guide, are as follows:

• The ACLU supports legalization of prostitution and gambling and opposes restrictions on all pornography.

• The ACLU opposes the words “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

• The ACLU opposes tax exemptions for religious bodies and places of worship.

• The ACLU supports legalization of dangerous drugs and opposes laws against public drunkenness.

• The ACLU opposes restrictions on abortion.

• The ACLU defends those who burn the American flag.

We cannot help but imagine Satan’s satisfaction that there are such organizations as this “defending” our “rights” to sin and bring judgment upon ourselves and our nation. Only a true revival will drive such open endorsement of evil back into the darkness from where it issued forth.

Homosexuals are Loving Parents?

“Homosexuals have been proven to be capable, loving parents whose sexual orientation is not necessarily adopted by their children.” So declared a Key West, Florida judge when he struck down a 14-year-old state law preventing homosexuals from adopting children. The law was opposed by the ACLU on behalf of an AIDS activist who was seeking to adopt. Now the promoters of the lifestyle of Sodom have taken aim at the very root and foundation of society — the family. With the breaking down of the traditional family unit we see the breakdown of all societal institutions, since the principles by which they are governed are generally fashioned in the family. May we pray for a national spiritual awakening where it may be said, as they said years ago in Scotland, that every home was a church.

Pro-Life Bills - Post Webster

The National Right to Life News sums up more than 100 pro-life bills introduced in state legislatures since the Webster decision, as follows:

• About half of them never got out of committee.

• About one-third passed in one house of the state legislature but were defeated in the other chamber.

• Seven of them were passed by both houses, only to be vetoed by the governor.

• Only twelve were passed by both houses and became law, of which four are being challenged in the courts.

Religious Persecution Continues in China

It was reported in the Christian Week that the Puebla Institute, a religious human rights organization, recently released a report documenting the persecution of Christians in Communist China. The government crackdown against Christians has resulted in mass arrests, detentions, brainwashing and torture. The Puebla report cites 77 Christian leaders by name who are imprisoned. Since the Tienanmen massacre, up to 400 Protestant clergy and believers have been arrested and 300 churches have been closed.

Ironic Twist to Michigan’s Parental Consent Law

Although parental consent laws are an important first step to reversing the disastrous trend toward unlimited abortion, Michigan’s law, effective this past March, requires that children as young as those in sixth grade be told about the law and also how they can get an abortion without their parents’ consent. The parental consent can be waived if the minor secures permission of a probate judge who deems the child mature enough to make her own decision or that the waiver be in her best interests. Again, the real issue, that of the life of an unborn child, is thrust into the background as man decides whose life is of sufficient “quality” to protect

Maryland Passes Comprehensive Pro-death Bill

Maryland Gov. William Schaefer signed into law a bill which keeps abortion on demand legal, even if Roe v. Wade would be overturned by the Supreme Court It not only permits abortions for the full nine months for any reason (even if parents simply don’t like the gender of their unborn baby), but also gives abortionists legal immunity even when they fail to tell the woman the information she needs to make an informed decision, a right other doctors don’t have.

Witches Given Tax-Exempt Status

The Associated Press reported that Our Lady of the Roses Wiccan Church, a coven of witches in Rhode Island, has received tax exemption as a legitimate religious group. Tax administrator R. Gary Clark said he overturned the state’s initial ruling because the coven proved on appeal that it met state guidelines for church groups, being non-profit and having a system of prayer and specific doctrines and practices. This, of course, is in direct contradiction to God’s Word (see Ex. 22:18, Deut. 18:10).

Louisiana Legislature Enacts U.S.A.’s Strictest Anti-Abortion Law

After two years of preparation, Louisiana’s legislature managed to override Gov. Roemer’s veto of the nation’s strictest abortion law to date. The law prohibits all abortions except in the cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger. Many pro-life supporters hope this law will be challenged and eventually reach the Supreme Court, hopefully leading to the overturning of legalized abortion nationwide. May the Lord awaken this nation’s sinnumbed conscience before the judgment of hardening leads to our utter downfall.

Important Supreme Court Decision Upholds Title X Abortion Counseling Ban

Regarding an issue dating back to the Reagan presidency, the Supreme Court finally ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services regulations banning the use of tax dollars (Title X program) for abortion counseling is constitutional. It is also significant that the newest justice, David Souter, voted with the majority in the first abortion-related case he has dealt with.

Boy Scout Case of Potential Civil Liberty Significance

California Superior Court judge Sally Disco has upheld the right of Boy Scouts to ban the recruitment of homosexuals as scoutmasters, according to the June Family Research Council Washington Watch. The judge said the Constitution protects people’s rights to form organizations and to define those organizations’ rules.

Sodomists’ Agenda Gaining Momemtum

“Religion presents another risk factor... Many traditional fundamentalist faiths still portray homosexuality as morally wrong... Religion needs to re-assess homosexuality in a positive context within their belief systems.” The authors of these words? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Congressman William Dannemeyer writes, “Homosexuals are now insisting that young people be taught how to perform homosexual acts as well as heterosexual acts. They demand that such instruction be mandatory in our public schools and that the courses also teach that homosexuality is a normal and desirable appetite. Many schools have instituted such sex education.”

Example? The Madison, Wisconsin Metro School District sponsored a meeting to introduce homosexual and lesbian lifestyle into the Madison school curriculum. At the meeting teachers were told how to handle parents who might oppose the positive teaching toward the homosexual lifestyle. Parents who opposed the curriculum were to be called “homophobic”

North Dakota Last State to Drop Sunday Closing Laws

Governor George Sinner has signed into law a repeal of North Dakota’s “blue laws” which restricted Sunday sales. Economic benefits were cited for the change. North Dakota was the last state with such laws. May we be given to storm the throne of grace that God may yet arise for His own Name’s sake to restore respect for His Word, His Sabbath and His commandments.

— DL/RVS

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.)

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