CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the Corsica, South Dakota, Congregation, by the Rev. A. Snoep of Vlissingen, the Netherlands.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE REV. AND MRS. JOHN VAN ZWEDEN

On August 13 the Rev. and Mrs. John Van Zweden observed their sixtieth wedding anniversary. In 1913 they were joined in marriage by the Rev. H. A. Minderman. In our church paper of which Rev. Van Zweden was editor so many years and for which he still writes meditations, we would like to congratulate them. May the Lord remember them further with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We hope that the Lord will spare them together for some more years, and will crown them with both temporal and spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. May the Lord strengthen them further to the honor of His Name, to the gladness of their hearts and the hearts of their children and also of the congregation which he is still serving and to which Mrs. Van Zweden has also given her heart.

INSTALLATION OF THE REV. M. HEERSCHAP IN LETHBRIDGE BY THE REV. A. W. VERHOEF

At 1:30 on June 6, 1973 our counselor, Rev. Verhoef, entered the pulpit. Scripture reading was Proverbs 2:1–9. In his sermon the minister noted that while other congregations send out call after call but in vain, Lethbridge, after a vacancy of only nine months, may again receive a pastor. Many questions arise, but we can only say that God is sovereign, and does all His pleasure.

His text was Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

His points were:

1. a divine message for the pastor and teacher,

2. a divine message for the congregation.

A sinner knows nothing of the wisdom of God. We walk where we please. Only by the light of the Spirit can we discover that we lie in wickedness, and that there is a way to be saved. We may not despise study, for it is necessary, but the Lord must give wisdom. For almost 25 years Rev. Heerschap has done this work, and he has learned to know that we have no wisdom of ourselves. Wisdom is good, but grace is better, but happy indeed is he who has both.

God speaks in many ways, also externally, but that gives no saving knowledge. Both congregation and pastor need wisdom. There is much wisdom in this world, but out of God’s mouth comes a wisdom with which no other wisdom can be compared.

After the congregation sang the third stanza of Psalm 84, the Form for Ordination of Ministers was read. To the questions asked, the Rev. M. Heerschap answered, “Yes, truly, with all my heart.”

Then Rev. Verhoef spoke to Rev. Heerschap personally, expressing the wish that the Lord might make him to be a rich blessing to the congregation to the glory of God. He also hoped the minister’s family would live in love and peace with the congregation.

To the consistory he said that a minister is a servant, not a slave. Every minister has his own character and must seek to live with his congregation in simplicity and uprightness. The children, especially in the catechism classes, were admonished to regard their minister as a servant of God. He also welcomed him into the Classis, which is so widely spread.

The congregation then arose and sang to Rev. Heerschap the benediction from Psalm 134. After the singing of a stanza of Psalm 119, Rev. Verhoef laid the blessing upon the congregation, and all returned to their homes. The Lord has done great things for us.

Clerk

THE INAUGURAL SERMON OF THE REV. M. HEERSCHAP IN LETHBRIOGE, ALBERTA

At 7:30 on June 6, 1973, the Rev. M. Heerschap entered the pulpit to preach his inaugural sermon. Scripture reading was Exodus 33:11–23. Before explaining his text, the minister remarked that God leads His people along wonderful ways. Who would ever have thought that after 17 years he would again be installed as pastor in Lethbridge? He related how the Lord had confirmed the call that came to him, so that he had accepted the call, although aware that he was full of shortcomings and weaknesses.

His text was Exod. 33:16b: “Is it not in that Thou goest with us?”

His subject was: Moses’ Prayer for the Future.

His points were:

1. the circumstances of that prayer,

2. the contents of that prayer,

3. the firm foundation of that prayer.

Moses prayed this prayer after the Israelites had committed idolatry while Moses was on the mount with God 40 days. God punished the people not only by the death of 3000 of them, but also by stating that He would no longer go with them.

Then Moses pleads in faith upon God’s promises. He would rather die than continue without God’s presence. Rev. Heerschap said, “It is the desire of my heart, and may it also be your desire, that God would go with us.”

Moses’ prayer was made in faith, pleading upon God’s own words, “I Am That I Am.” It was God’s work, God’s Name, God’s honor, God’s people. The minister hoped that also in his labors God’s Name would be glorified.

After the last stanza of Psalm 90 was sung, Rev. Heerschap addressed, first of all, Rev. A. W. Verhoef, who had installed him, thanking him for the services performed, and the kind words spoken, and also for all the work he had done in Lethbridge as counselor of the congregation.

He then thanked the delegates from Classis for their presence and services. When addressing the consistory, he noted that Deacon Kreft was the only one left in the consistory of those that had labored with him 17 years ago.

Rev. Heerschap then addressed the catechism classes, the societies, the janitor, and the organists, and also all those that had assisted in moving. He expressed appreciation for the gifts received.

After this the pastor addressed the young people in the English language, reminding them that there is a special promise for those who seek the Lord in their youth, Prov. 8:17: “Those that seek Me early shall find Me.”

After Psalter No. 238 st. 1–3 was sung, Rev. Verhoef welcomed Rev. Heerschap into Classis Far-West, and wished him God’s blessing and strength for his labors, especially with the language.

Finally Elder Ouwerkerk spoke in the name of the consistory and the congregation, expressing the wish that they might labor together in love and unity, seeking each other’s welfare. He then asked the congregation to rise and sing:

Lord, Thy word to him remember,

Thou hast made him hope in thee, etc.

Rev. Heerschap then thanked the speakers for the kind words spoken, hoping that the Lord would fulfil them. He then laid the benediction upon the people.

YOUTH DAY 1973 IN VINELAND

Many young people met at the Vineland church on July 2 for the 1973 Youth Conference. Rev. Elshout opened the meeting with reading Daniel 3 and spoke about the courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Other speeches were given by Joe Beeke on six different reactions to Jesus Christ while He was on earth, Elder Fintelman on the life of Solomon and Jim Beeke on wisdom. The speakers answered several questions which were submitted to them following their speeches.

Two groups made singing contributions to the conference, singing both in the morning and afternoon sessions. The childrens choir of Vineland sang six Psalters, and six girls — Carolyn Overbeeke, Joanne Brouwer, Jackie Sinke, Nettie Sterk, Wilma Brouwer and Janet Van Driel sang four songs.

In the absence of “Uncle Garret,” John Van Driel gave a Bible Quiz for the children 14 years and younger. A noon meal was provided in the basement by some ladies of the Vineland congregation.

The afternoon session was opened and closed in prayer by Elder John Beeke and Elder Nieuwenhuizen. Throughout the conference Harry Janzen played the organ and several psalters were sung by everyone present.

Following the conference a picnic was sponsored by the young people of the Vineland Congregation. May the Lord bless the words spoken to the young people that we all may learn “. .to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 9:10) “For this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

YOUTH GATHERS IN CHILLIWACK

On Saturday, June 30, our Chilliwack congregation hosted the Second Annual Youth Conference of the Classis Far-West. The local pastor, Rev. A. W. Verhoef, opened the morning session with singing, reading part of Psalm 119, and offering prayer. Briefly he spoke about the portion of Scripture he had read and extended a hearty welcome to all those who were present, in particular the speakers. For the rest of the day, he chaired the Conference.

Rev. L. Kieboom of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was our speaker in the morning. His topic being “Timothy,” he took as his starting point II Tim. 2:14. Clearly he expounded for us how that Timothy was led by God from his early youth. He was blessed with a godfearing mother and grandmother. No doubt, they will have told him about God and His doings. Later on in his life, Timothy was priveleged by God to labor in His vineyard. While pointing out many practical applications, Rev. Kieboom also illustrated some points with examples from his own life.

After this speech, the youth went downstairs to discuss in several discussion-groups various questions raised by Rev. Kieboom. After they got back, Rev. Kieboom briefly answered those questions and closed the morning session with singing and prayer.

During the noon hour, a delicious hot lunch was served by the ladies of the Sewing Circle. This was appreciated by many.

The afternoon session was opened by J. Slingerland from Lethbridge. Then we heard a message delivered by elder J. Friesema, who had come all the way from Rock Valley, Iowa. His speech was centered around Romans 9:22,23, dealing with the doctrine of election. This doctrine must not make us careless. For it is Satan who tries to tell us that if we are elected, we will be converted. Satan tries to lure us into all kinds of sin, like drug use and excessive drinking. Schools try to pollute the youth with evolution theory and atheism. America has left the path of its fathers. With the Fall we have become unwilling and unable to do any good. But we must flee from sin and cry to the Lord for help. Death is before us; it is certain. The time is short, the judgments are coming. Now is the time, for it is still: God is able to renew us.

After this, the youth went into discussion-groups again. A flood of questions resulted, which, because of time’s sake, could not be answered immediately. Elder Friesema agreed, however, to answer these in the Chilliwack Church Bulletin. Extra copies will be printed and sent to the churches in the classis Far-West for distribution among the youth. Elder H. Vanden Dorpel of Chilliwack closed the meeting with singing and prayer.

Later on during the day, a wiener-roast was held for the youth. At night, some slides were shown about our mission work in Nigeria and some landscapes. The two collections of the day amounted to about $225, and are thankfully acknowledged.

Looking back, we can say that it was a good and memorable time. Much could be learned; many friends be met. There were young folks from Sunnyside, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Lynden and Chilliwack. The friends from Choteau could not come because of the circumstances there. We hope that the Lord will bless the efforts and grant us that we may meet again next year.

THE FUNERAL OF MR. P. SWEETMAN

On Wednesday, July 11, 1973, it pleased the Lord to take out of the strife of this world Mr. P. Sweetman. For nine years he was a deacon in the Haledon Ave. Church (Holland), and later for thirty-one years an elder in that same congregation, which recently became the Franklin Lakes Congregation. With heart and soul he served the congregation in humbleness of heart. He died at the age of 81.

During most of his life he was in much darkness and strife, but at times the Lord gave some opening for his heart. Also on the last Sabbath morning that he attended the service, the Lord made it so easy for his soul, and he could give a clear testimony of what the Lord had done in his soul.

The funeral was held on Saturday morning, July 14. In the absence of his minister, Rev. C. Harinck, Rev. W. C. Lamain officiated. He spoke on John 21:9. He stated that Mr. Sweetman is now no more on the water, but on the solid ground, where there are no more storms or temptations, and where Satan shall do no more harm. He is now in the state of felicity for ever. Many friends attended the service. May the Lord strengthen his dear wife and her only son and daughter-in-law, with the four grandchildren, also the brother and sister that are left. May the Lord fill the empty place in the congregation.

W.C.L.

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