NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended

To Rev. B. van der Heiden of Hardinxveld-Giessendam, The Netherlands by the Lethbridge, Alberta and Clifton, New Jersey congregations.

Declined

By Rev. J. Spaans of Norwich, Ontario to the De Valk-Wekerom, The Netherlands congregation.

By Rev. A. Moerkerken of Gouda, The Netherlands to the Hamilton, Ontario congregation.

By Rev. W. Harinck of Kapelle-Biezelinge, The Netherlands to the Unionville (Markham) congregation.

By Rev. C. Vogelaar of Franklin Lakes to the Veenendaal, The Netherlands congregation.

Accepted in the Netherlands

By Rev. A.B. van der Heiden of Doetinchem to the Utrecht, The Netherlands congregation.

LETTER WRITING

We are grieved that contrary to Classical and Synodical decisions, periodic mailings of controversial letters are still being received in some areas in the denomination. We again remind our readers that there are proper ecclesiastical channels for letter writing; please refrain from sending letters about church matters outside of these channels. Should you be the recipiënt of illegitimate letters, please ignore them. Dear friends, we must all labor for peace and unity in the denomination based on sovereign grace truth. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psa. 122:6).

—JRB

P.S. We again print the decision of Synod on letter-writing about church matters:

Synod wishes to unanimously express its opposition to all letter writing that is unbiblical, that is, which does not follow proper ecclesiastical channels. Unbiblical letter writing violates proper church protocol for dealing with grievances and tends to promote disunity. Classis wishes to instruct both consistories and members that letters of concern about church matters should be written to a member’s own consistory and/or to committee members dealing with this concern, not to other consistories or individuals. Letters to a member’s own consistory are preferable since committees are not obligated to answer individual letters. Moreover, if an individual writing a letter of concern to his consistory does not receive a satisfactory answer, he still may not spread letters unlawfully, but may then prayerfully follow only ecclesiastical channels, namely, to let his consistory know that he wishes to appeal his concern to his own Classis and, if necessary, to Synod.

NEW ADDRESSES

Student & Mrs. A. Vergunst

230 Godwin Avenue

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

(201) 847-8084

Rev. and Mrs. A.W. Verhoef

Cottonwood Place #24c

2311 19th St.

Coaldale, Alberta TIM 1X9

403-345-2906

WOMEN’S SPRING CONFERENCE

A women’s conference will be held, the Lord willing, on Tuesday, May 11, in the Grand Rapids, Crescent St. church. Registration and coffee at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be provided. Dr. J.R. Beeke will speak on “The Woman’s Scriptural Calling to Genuine Discipleship,” and Elder D. Deur will provide “Practical Guidelines for a Child’s Spiritual Training.” A fee is no longer necessary, but please register with Betty Sporte, 2544 Wind-crest, Jenison, MI 49428, phone (616) 669-2013 no later than April 26. A warm welcome is extended to all ladies.

— MVR

ONTARIO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

A women’s conference will be held the Lord willing on Tuesday, June 3, in the Norwich church. This conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be provided and babysitting is available. Speakers will be Rev. J. Spaans and Student A. Vergunst A warm welcome is extended to all ladies.

—JDR

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE (CLASSIS EAST)

The Young People’s Conference for Classis East is to be held, the Lord willing, on Saturday, July 3rd, in St Catharines, Ontario. In order to adequately plan and arrange for this conference, we would appreciate hearing somewhat in advance from those planning to attend, especially from those requiring accommodations for the weekend. Please call and notify one of the following of your intentions: John Heikoop (416) 935-3333 or Pierre Groenenboom (416) 935-5058.

May there be a desire in the midst of us to gather under the guidance of God’s Word, seeking to receive answers to that vital question, “What saith the Lord unto us?” As we consider the many and varied aspects of our lives, what a need there is to have this continually presented unto us, with the earnest prayer in our hearts, “Lord, teach me the way that I should go.”

We look forward to seeing many with us, D.V.

—TB

3-DAY YOUTH CONFERENCE (CLASSIS FAR WEST)

Due to the number of participants in the past years, two separate camp conferences are being planned for this summer, the Lord willing. The first is for young people ages 15 (or entering tenth grade) through 19 beginning on Tuesday evening, July 20 and concluding on Friday morning, July 23, D.V. The second conference is planned for young people post-high school age through 25 (and older, if single) from Tuesday, August 17 through Friday, August 20, D.V. Young people graduated from high school through age 19 may choose which sessions they desire to attend.

We have been able to reserve the same location as previous years for both Youth Conferences, i.e. Bear Paw Retreat and Conference Center near the Washington/ldaho border.

Young people desiring to attend from local congregations will need to meet together to organize group bus (or van) transportation, as no individual cars are permitted at the camp. Young people from more-distant localities should contact the conference coördinator for making arrangements in this regard.

Total conference/camp cost is $70 (US) or $80 (Can.) per person — this includes all food and lodging expenses, as well as use of the facilities.

“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dweil among them.”

— Revelation 7:15

With sorrow we announce that the Lord has suddenly taken to Himself, in the hope of eternal life and while engaged in His service, our dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather

John Beeke

at the age of 72 years.

Kalamazoo, Michigan Johanna Beeke (Van Strien)

Kalamazoo, Michigan Jacqueline Markus (Beeke)

David Markus

Ridgeville, Ontario John R. Beeke

Marie Beeke (Newhouse)

Rosedale, British Columbia James Beeke

Ruth Beeke (Moerdyk)

Grand Rapids, Michigan (Rev.) Joel R. Beeke

Mary Beeke (Kamp)

Jenison, Michigan Joanna Timmer (Beeke)

Steven Timmer

32 grandchildren

11 great-grandchildren

March 14, 1993

Correspondence address: 5604 West “N” Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009

The burial took place on Wednesday, March 17, at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The tender love a father has

For all his children dear,

Such love the Lord bestows on them

Who worship Him in fear.

— Psalter 278

With deep sorrow the consistory of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Kalamazoo announces the sudden death of its elder,

John Beeke

while serving the congregation on Sunday morning, March 14, 1993. For almost forty years he served the congregation with the love of his heart, one year as a deacon and thereafter as elder. Many labors were also expended at Classis and Synod meetings.

May the Lord remember and comfort the widow, children, grandchildren, relatives, and congregation in their great loss.

Consistory of Kalamazoo

Garret J. Moerdyk, president

Garrett Van Giessen, clerk

Young people desiring more information are invited to request the information packet and reservation form from the conference coördinator listed below.

May God graciously bless this opportunity for providing meaningful topics for instruction, times for discussion, and opportunities for meeting one another as young people from our congregations.

Conference Planning Committee

Mr. C. Les, Conference Coordinator

(604) 794-3772

—CL

The Continuation of the 1992 Synod Held on January 13-14, 1993 in Utrecht, The Netherlands

The report of the first session of the Dutch Synod held in September 1992 can be found in the November 1992 issue of the Banner of Truth. Rev. den Boer represented our Synod at that session.

At the earlier meeting, many of the committee reports and the points from the particular Synods had not yet been decided upon or discussed, because there were so many issues to be dealt with. Therefore this continuation of the Synod has taken place in January of this year. The Dutch Synod usually meets four long days with evening meetings in order to complete their agenda.

It was good to meet the brothers again, many of whom I had not seen for the last few years. Rev. A.F. Honkoop presided again over this continued meeting. He opened the meeting with reading from Psalm 141 and prayer. He extended a hearty welcome to the delegates. He mentioned the death of Holland’s ministers, Rev. H. Ligtenberg and Rev. A. Bregman. They may now rejoice before the throne of God. He also mentioned the passing away of Mrs. Heerschap in Lethbridge.

The chairman spoke briefly about Psalm 141, especially verses 1-3. The poet might take refuge in the Lord as a poor, lost, unworthy sinner, without merits and without righteousness; but he desired that his prayer would be as incense before God’s holy countenance. This incense is a picture of the prayer of the ministering priest, and as such it points to the Great High Priest. Through Him only our prayers can be acceptable to the Lord. David also prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” David knew himself. May this also be our desire and our prayer, and in our speaking may we only seek the honor of God.

After this the chairman declared the meeting opened, as many points had to be discussed. Much of the meeting was taken up with the discussion of reports of the various committees and the instructions of the various particular Synods. We can only make mention of a few of them in particular.

1) There was an announcement on behalf of the Curatorium. The chairman mentioned that in the last meeting of the Curatorium, the request of the Synod to put a maximum age limit for the theological instructors had been discussed. The Curatorium thought it advisable to put this at the age of 70 years. However, the Curatorium would like to have the authority to extend this limit with another year or more if this would be necessary. The Synod agreed with this proposal. This implies that in normal circumstances the theological instructors will retire at the age of 70, but the Curatorium may ask them to stay on for a longer period. The Chairman also mentioned that the Curatorium is concerned about the location of the present theological school in Rotterdam, because the subdivision in which the school is located is getting poorer and more dangerous. The Curatorium thought it good to look for a location in another locality where it would be possible to build a new school in the future. The Synod agreed with this proposal, for they also considered the present location to be risky for the precious library located at the school.

2) A report from the Appointees to the Government was given. It appears necessary that churches carefully consider their ecclesiastical procedures because of the possibility that people go to the worldly judge regarding them. Some advice was given in a report on how to deal with such procedures. Yet the Synod, considering this report to be incomplete, asked for further study and corrections. They are grateful for the advice given and considered it to be a very important matter.

3) The Deputies of Foreign Churches gave their report Rev. A.F. Honkoop and Rev. A. Moerkerken had visited the December meeting of the Synod of the congregations in the U.S. and Canada on behalf of the churches in the Netherlands. The chairman proposed, on behalf of the moderamen, to discuss these matters in a special meeting in the evening of this first day. Only office bearers would be permitted to be present. This was agreed upon. In the evening the Synod of the Netherlands showed much interest in and concern for our congregations here in America. The discussion resulted in the decision to send a letter on behalf of their Synod for our churches. This letter of concern and advice will be sent to the Deputies of Foreign Churches in America, with the request to bring this further to the churches.

4) An interesting discussion also transpired when the report from the Deputies for Special Needs (National-lnternational Disaster Fund) was given. It is evident that the generosity in the Netherlands’ churches is great and that in many needs financial support has been given. The question arose, however, whether the emphasis was too great on international assistance, rather than helping those from the same household of faith in national needs. It was explained that there is the willingness to help in the national and ecclesiastical needs, and if they are known, they would be addressed. Presently, however, most of the requests for help have come for international causes. We may mention here that one of these causes is the help given to our schools in Canada and the United States. For the past three years, considerable financial aid has been provided and it was reported that 629,000 guilders (about $350,000) was provided for the North America schools and 60,000 guilders to the school in New Zealand. Also the school in Randburg in South Africa has been supported with 70,000 guilders. One of the delegates asked the question whether this financial aid to the schools in the U.S. and Canada was correctly distributed between the various schools. As the delegate of our churches, I mentioned that we have felt this concern and that in the past our Synod had appointed a committee which is responsible for the distribution of these monies. This committee makes recommendations after discussions with contact persons in the various areas and tries to get an insight into the needs which exist in the various schools. Their recommendation is followed in the distribution of the monies. Another Dutch delegate emphasized that the money from the Netherlands should be used to help needy parents for whom financial sacrifices for this Christian education is too heavy. I told them that it is indeed our intention that these funds be used for support of needy parents who cannot pay their tuitions. I promised to again emphasize this to the committee which is responsible for the distribution of this money. We may be grateful for the considerable help received from the churches in the Netherlands as support for our families and schools.

—CV

(to be continued)

REFORMATION SITES

On July 5-17, 1993, D.V., a group of mostly NRC members (limited to 35) will be visiting the historic sites in England and Scotland related to the Reformation, the English Puritans, and the Scottish Covenanters. We hope to visit sites related to John Bunyan, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, the Westminster assembly, and many others. Short talks will be given throughout the trip both in England and Scotland on the history and lives of many of our God-fearing forefathers. There are a few places not yet filled, so if you are interested in obtaining more information on this trip, please contact as soon as possible Dr. J.R. Beeke (616) 459-6565 or Elder James Bazen (616) 361-6538. (On Sunday, July 11, Dr. Beeke hopes to preach to the group in the chapel where John Knox preached.)

ANNIVERSARY

45th Wedding Anniversary

On April 7, 1993, our beloved

parents and grandparents

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Sweetman, Sr.

commemorated their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

It is our prayerful wish that the Lord who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, may spare them for many years to come.

“What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (Psa. 116:12)

25 Mead Ave. North Haledon, NJ 07508

40th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing on May 1, 1993

Our dear parents and grandparents

Mr. & Mrs. Otto Goor,

hope to commemorate their 40th anniversary.

“If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” (Exo. 33:15)

RR #3, Norwich, Ontario N0J 1P0

OBITUARIES

DIBBETT, Rodney — Age 36; March 12, 1993; Sioux Center, Iowa; Wife — Gloria; Parents—Jacob and Priscilla Dibbet; Sons — Scott, Jerry, James; Daughter — Rachel; Sisters — Mrs. Dan (Darla) Lais, Mrs. Ralph (Julie) Van Zweden. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Prov. 8:35.)

BEEKE, John — Age 72; March 14, 1993; Kalamazoo, MI; Wife—Johanna (Van Strien); Sons — John R., James, Joel; Daughters — Jacqueline (Mrs. David Markus), Joanne (Mrs. Steve Timmer); Brothers — Peter, Chris; Sister — Gertrude (Mrs. Donald Vander Weele); 32 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Rev. 7:15.) (For Memoriam for Elder John Beeke see Editorial on page 91.)

LANTING, Nellie —Age 86; March 17, 1993; Kalamazoo, MI; Sons — Ronald, Paul; Daughters — Eleanor (Mrs. William Nieuwenhuis), Kathleen (Mrs. Thomas Richmond); Brother — Garrett Johnson; Sisters—Gertrude Groetsema, Johanna Vanden Berg; 20 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Job 14:1-4.)

VAN BEEK, John Sr. — Age 89; March 18, 1993; Rock Valley, Iowa; Wife — Anna; Sons — Albert, John; Daughter — Gertrude Blom; Brothers — Gerrit, Albertus, Henry; Sisters — Mrs. Gerrit (Gertrude) Bleyenberg, Mrs. Gerrit (Henrietta) Van Grootheest; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Psa. 37:18.)

DE BONDT, Jennie — Age 94; March 20, 1993; Hull, Iowa; Son — Bernard; Daughters — Marie De Bondt, Henrietta (Mrs. Leonard Boonestroo); Sister — Wilhelmina in The Netherlands; 22 grandchildren; 53 greatgrandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Psa. 31:19.)

TEACHERS

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lethbridge/Ft. Macleod. The Schoolboard invites applications from experienced as well as starting teachers for the Calvin Christian School in Monarch. Monarch — where is this place? The school is situated in the midst of farmland, approximately half way between the congregations of Fort Macleod and Lethbridge, an hour’s drive east of the Rockies and a good hour’s drive north of the Montana border.

For the 1993-94 school year we are looking for qualified teachers at various grade levels in our K-12 school. Teachers with specialties such as elementary education, special education, science, home economics, industrial education are more than welcome, but we can fit in others as well.

Do you like more information? Contact Mr. A.H. Verhoef, principal, (403) 381-3030 (school) or (403) 381-4434 (home). Please send your application to the Secretary of the School board, Mr. A.M. de Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alberta, Canada T0L 1M0.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Pompton Lakes, NJ is accepting applications for elementary or secondary positions. Arrangements can be made according to applicants’ qualifications and experience. For more information contact: John Van Der Brink, principal, (201) 790-1565 or Richard de Bel, (201) 628-9321.

HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Waupun, Wisconsin. We need a teacher for the elementary grades for the 1993-1994 school year. Certification is preferable but not required. For more information contact Russell Derksen, (414) 346-2760, Rt 2, Box 77, Brandon, Wisconsin 53919, or Roger Derksen (414) 324-5851, RL 2, Box 245, Waupun, Wisconsin 53963.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Norwich. We will need two full-time teachers for Gr. 7-10 starting Sept. 1993, D.V. Any preference in subjects can be considered and probably be accommodated to. Teachers interested in an elementary position are also invited to apply. Interested teachers can obtain more information from Mr. Henry Scholten (president), (519) 468-2714, or Mr. Martien Vanderspek (principal), (519) 863-3119 (home). Applications or inquiries should be sent to Rehoboth Christian School, 43 Main St. E., PO Box 220, Norwich, Ont. (N0J 1P0 (519) 863-2403.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Rock Valley/Sioux Center, IA invites teacher applications for both the elementary and the high school. Inquiries or applications should be sent to Harold Schelling, Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 712- 20th Avenue, Rock Valley, IA 51247.

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Kalamazoo, MI, is accepting applications for several elementary teaching positions for the 1993-1994 school year. Interested applicants are asked to contact either Mr. Gary Blok, Principal, 1328 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, (616) 349-8295 or Mr. Case Schipper, 526 Pasma Ave., Port-age, MI 49002, (616) 323-0314.

EBENEZER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Sheboygan, WI, is seeking applications for a certified teacher for grades 5-8 or high school for the 1993-94 school year. Various subject arrangements are possible. Those interested should contact Mr. David Vlietstra, 414-894-7907, or Mr. David Lipsy, 414-452-5464 (school) or 414-459-9257 (home). Correspondence should be sent to Mr. David Vlietstra, WS 126 Pilgrim Lane, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020. May the Lord continue to provide.

TEACHERS REQUIRED

Rehoboth Christian School, Copetown, Ontario is seeking applicants for primary, junior, and intermediate positions for the 1993-1994 school year. Please send your resumé to Jack Westerink, principal, Rehoboth Christian School, P.O. Box 70, Copetown, Ont. L0R 1J0.

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

President Bill Clinton

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Congressman(woman)______

House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20512

Senator______

Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20512

Action Alert: Imminent passage of “Freedom of Choice Act”

With a pro-abortion Congress and an ally in the White House, passage of the radical Freedom of Choice Act seems imminent. Humanly speaking without the intervention of the Lord, the United States Congress will pass this bill that prohibits virtually all state limitations on abortion. President Clinton has made it clear that he will sign the FOCA. The House of Representatives has 110 new members, more than one fourth of the total. Many of these newly elected representatives have not yet taken firm positions on the FOCA. It is critical that all representatives and senators, especially those newly elected, hear immediately from large numbers of pro-life Americans. We urge that everyone contact their two senators and one congressman and voice their opinions regarding such a wicked bill. Before and after these contacts, of course, much prayer should be directed to the Lord, who alone can change the pro-abortion mindset of the politicians and the nation.

First Canadian Euthanasia Test Case

Community Impact News, put out under consistorial supervision by members of our congregation in Chilliwack, reports that the Right to Die Society of Canada has appealed the first euthanasia test case in Canada. The founder of the Society, John Hofsess, had entered into a “contract” with an individual having the nervous system disorder ALS “to assist (her) in terminating her life at a time of her choosing, preferably by permission of Canadian law but failing that, by the moral authority of personal conscience.” The B.C. Suprème Court, on December 31, upheld Section 241 of the Criminal Code, denying a request for assisted suicide. The appeal is a first of its kind and will likely be very influential in future cases of this nature. We ask readers to consider making donations to the pro-life groups presenting evidence in this trial. The address is: BC Pro-Life Legal Fund, c/o P.O. Box 171, Chilliwack BC V2P 6H7.

Ban on Sodomites in the Military

The Washington Watch recently reported that the president’s “compromise” with Capitol Hill means that the military ban on homosexuals could end on July 15 unless Congress acts. We suggest our readers petition their representatives to urge their support of H.R. 667 which makes the ban permanent How can we ever expect the Lord’s favor in conflict when we so openly defy His statutes?

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.)

— DL/RVS

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