CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the Corsica, South Dakota, Congregation, by Rev. M. Mondria of Waardenburg, the Netherlands.

To the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Congregation, by Rev. D. Hakkenberg of Lisse, the Netherlands.

FRANKLIN LAKES HAS NEW CLERK

The new clerk of Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Church of Franklin Lakes, N.J., is

John Sytsma

1044 Dogwood Trail

Franklin Lakes, N.J. 07417

Will the clerks of the various consistories and others having a copy of the 1976 Year Book make corrections accordingly.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

DUE DATE FOR COPY

From time to time we receive announcements of coming events or special occasions, but they are received too late. Please bear in mind that material and announcements must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. (For example - in order to appear in the June issue, it must be received by us by the 15th of May.) All copy should be typed, double spaced, and on one side only of the paper. May we have your cooperation?

The Banner of Truth Publication Committee

LETHBRIDGE-ALBERTA-CANADA

1951.....MAY 25.....1976

It was for the Lethbridge Congregation a special event when they were gathered together on this evening of Thursday, May 25th, to remember how the Lord has spared them 25 years as a congregation.

Rev. M. Heerschap, who led the services in the Dutch language, spoke first of the ways the Lord has kept. In 1948 the first immigrants came to this province, and after a short while, started reading sermons at their homes. They sought and found each other and came in contact with Rev. Van Zweden. Advice and money was given to buy a lot and build a church. On this day, in 1951 they were organized as a congregation by Rev. VanZweden and Elder Hoogedoorn, with the words from Acts 9:11; “for, behold, he prayeth,”. Eight new members made confession of faith, which brought the total membership to 27. M. VanDriesten and J. Neels were chosen as Elders and R. Grisnich and H. VandenBerg were chosen as Deacons. The old Mr. Bouma, who was of so much help, especially with the language, was also present. It is remarkable how they may all still be alive after these 25 years.

But the Lord has showed us His mercy.

From 1954 to 1956, Rev. Heerschap was in our midst. After that the congregation was vacant until 1969. In September 1968 Rev. Van Zweden closed the Bible in the old church and on September 13 he opened it in our new church building, where we have gathered since. In 1961 a sister congregation was organized in Fort Macleod, as a branch from the Lethbridge congregation. After 25 years, members and baptized members number about 500.

A short summary was given of the history of the congregation in the years past. The sermon that followed was based on Scripture and the text was from Isaiah 14:32: “What shall one then answer the messengers of the Nation? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall trust in it.”

In the words of this text we read: an answer for the comfort of Zion, which consisted of 3 main points, namely; l)That answer is for the humiliation of the adversaries, 2) that answer is to the glorification of God’s Faithfulness, and 3) that answer is to the protection of Zion.

After a short sermon, wherein the Lord was acknowledged for all His benefits bestowed on an unworthy people, there was an opportunity to have refreshments in the basement, and to visit.

M. Slingerland, Clerk

A REQUEST

In connection with the decision to republish the translated Catechism sermons of the Rev. G. Van Reenen, we would kindly and urgently request those who would like to suggest corrections to be made, to send those corrections to our address as soon as possible.

We would ask the same in regard to the Rev. K. De Gier’s explanation of the Church Order of Dort, a reprint of which is also desirable and necessary. We would appreciate the help and cooperation of the ministers and the consistories.

Rev. W. C. Lamain

2115 Romence St. N.E.

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14

ANNOUNCEMENT

At the meeting of the Curatorium of our churches on June 16, 1976, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, student Joel Beeke was examined, and thereupon given permission to serve the congregations with an edifying Word. His Instructor, the Rev. J.C. Weststrate, will make the arrangements with the various congregations that request his services.

It is the wish of the Curatorium that the decision that was made may be to the welfare of our churches, and above all to the honor of God’s Name. May the Lord Himself give a testimony in the midst of the congregations, and in the hearts of His people. May the Lord give this young brother the anointing of His Spirit. May there be continual prayer for him and for the upbuilding of the Church of God.

The times are dark, but there may be found new wine in the cluster, and one saith, “Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.” Isa. 65:8.

In the name of the Curatorium,

Rev. W.C. Lamain, President

Rev. L. Kieboom, Clerk

THE CURATORIUM IN THE NETHERLANDS

At their last meeting two students were examined, and became candidates for the ministry:

Mr. J.J. Van Eckeveld of Scherpenzeel, and

Mr. J.S. Van der Net of Moerkapelle

Also two members were accepted to follow the courses at the Theological School in Rotterdam:

Mr. M. Golverdingen of Meliskerke, and

Mr. J.J. Tanis of Sommelsdyk.

May the Lord command His blessing also over these decisions. May the Lord build His Church in the dark and troublous times in which we live. We have forfeited every blessing, here as well as in the Netherlands, but may the Lord remember His heritage according to the greatness of His mercies for the sake of His covenant, and for Christ’s sake.

The Editor

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