CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. J. VanHaaren, of Amersfoort, the Netherlands, by the Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Congregation

To Rev. M. Mondria, of Waardenburg, the Netherlands, by the Rock Valley, Iowa, Congregation

Calls Declined:

To the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Congregation, by Rev. A. Vergunst, of Veen, the Netherlands.

REV. J. C. WESTSTRATE

On Monday evening, August 20, 1979, Rev. J. C. Weststrate preached his farewell sermon to the Congregation of St. Catharines, Ont., having accepted a call to ‘s-Grovenpolder, Holland. His text was taken from Col. 3:16, the first part, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” Speaking of the word of Christ, there were two thoughts: First, this word is everlasting and unchangeable. Second, this word must have authority in all areas of our life.

In his introduction, Rev. Weststrate pointed out how his thoughts were multiplied, thinking back upon how he was inclined to come to this place and upon the five years he was able to proclaim that everlasting Word here. He mentioned that although the messenger leaves, the Word of God stays. For that Word, not man, but that the Word of God is the foundation and Christ is the cornerstone. It was emphasized that that Word that is preached must be Christ and Him crucified, for He is all and in all. He also stated that Christ is He that liveth and was dead and is alive forevermore; out of His mouth proceeds a sharp two-edged sword, and that He is the same yesterday (in the Church of Colosse) as He is today and forevermore. He spoke of times when there was gladness but also times of disappointment and trials, mentioning also the question, “Where are the fruits?” but it is God that knows. His labors are ended in the midst of the congregation and all are responsible for abiding by what was spoken.

Rev. Weststrate addressed Rev. DenBoer, who was present, mentioning how they had labored in the same Classis these years but now comes a parting, and wished that the Lord may be with him in the future. In turn. Rev. DenBoer also spoke some words to the minister and the congregation, to remember each other in prayer.

Elder L. Nieuwenhuyzen wished the minister, his wife and son, and those of the family remaining behind, everything necessary for time and eternity. He thanked the minister also on behalf of the congregation for all he had done for it and asked the congregation, in departing, to sing Psalter 345:1 and 2.

TORNADO STRIKES NORWICH ONTARIO AREA

We read in Habakkuk 13:12: “Thou didst march through the land in indignation.”

I had to think about these words when the sad tiding came from our congregation of Norwich on August 7th, 1979, regarding a tornado which went through in the vicinity of that congregation. One member of the congregation, a mother of 33 years old was struck and died in her home, while her husband with three children were in their barn. Other members were also injured by this tornado. One girl of the same family whose mother was taken away out of this life, was injured and brought to the hospital for treatment, but was graciously spared. A daughter of another family of this congregation was also hospitalized. Other ones lost their homes, their farms, some of their cattle and their crops. The damage from this tornado runs into the millions of dollars.

Nothing can stand before the Almighty God when He marches through the land with His judgements. We remember those various families, especially that father who has lost his dear wife, and the young children who have lost their dear mother; and the other relatives in the bereavement of their daughter and daughter-in-law.

May the Lord strengthen all of them, but also sanctify these serious trials and callings to our hearts.

Land, land, land, hear ye the Word of the Lord.

We sympathize with the congregation, their minister, Rev. DenBoer and consistory of the Norwich congregation; in their circumstances and trials. May it bring us together to the right place in deep humility before the Lord, confessing our sins as a nation and as a church, breaking with sin and bringing us back to the right ways of the Lord.

No doubt, all of our congregations and also people who live where there are not any of our congregations, will remember the church of Norwich with their prayers, collections and gifts, and in this way be able to show their sympathy. Individuals wishing to give aid, please mail your gifts to the treasurer of our Disaster fund:

Dr. Gordon Deur

540 Crescent St., N.E.

Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503

HAMILTON’S CLERK HAS CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The new address of the clerk of the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, is as follows: T. Verhey

138 Rembrandt Ct.

Ancaster, Ont.

Canada L9G-3N5

Tel. 416/648-2254

CHILLIWACK’S CLERK HAS CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The new address of the clerk of the Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, Congregation, is as follows:

J. Neels

45107 Wells Rd.

Sardis, B.C.

Canada VOX-1Y0

Tel. 604/858-3401

MRS. A. H. VAN OS

Although I have personally expressed my sympathy to the Rev. and Mrs. A. W. Verhoef in the loss of her dear mother, we also want to do so in the name of the readers of our paper. Mrs. Verhoef had visited her mother in the last weeks of her illness, but had just returned to Chilliwack when her mother exchanged time for eternity at the age of 82. She was living in Moerkapelle in a home for the aged, belonging to our denomination. When we were still in the Netherlands, we knew both of her parents and often met them in a home that had been remodeled to be used for religious services, where we and other ministers preached for them.

May the Lord strengthen you, Mrs. Verhoef, with your husband and children and other members of your family in this loss, and grant you something of the favor of which your deceased mother at times was given to testify. May the Lord confirm to you: “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” (Isa. 66:13)

MR. EVERT VEENENDAAL

We also extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Evert Veenendaal and her family in the loss of their husband and father who was 80 years old. For several years he had served the congregation of Artesia, California, as an elder. The moderator, Rev. A. W. Verhoef, spoke at the funeral on Ps. 91:16. It was a very fitting and comforting word. May the Lord strengthen the family, and remember that little flock in Artesia.

Rev. Lamain

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