CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. A.M. DenBoer, of Norwich, Ontario, Canada, by the Sunnyside, Washington, Congregation.

To Rev. C. Harinck, of Dordrecht, the Netherlands, by the Bradford and Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Congregations jointly.

To Rev. J.J. Van Eckeveld, of Zeist, the Netherlands, by the Clifton, New Jersey, Congregation.

To Rev. C. Harinck, of Dordrecht, the Netherlands, by the Corsica, South Dakota, Congregation.

To Rev. A.M. DenBoer, of Norwich, Ontario, Canada, by the Lynden, Washington, Congregation. Calls Declined:

To the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. J.J. VanEckeveld, of Zeist, the Netherlands.

To the Sint Annaland, the Netherlands, Congregation, by Rev. L. Kieboom, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

BRADFORD, ONTARIO

On November 11, 1955, 25 years ago, the Bradford, Ontario, congregation was organized by the Rev. W.C. Lamain with a sermon on Ephesians 3:17.

It was the desire of the consistory that this fact would be commemorated in a church service. The Lord opened the way so that the same minister could conduct the anniversary service on November 11, 1980. Several members have passed away, especially in the last years. Other families have moved away, many to Norwich since that congregation has its own school. Consequently, the membership is not as large as formerly. Notwithstanding all this, new wine is found in the cluster, (Isa. 65:8).

On the evening of the anniversary the interest shown was very great; it exceeded all expectations. The people came from far and near.

The service was opened by singing Psalter No. 133, reading I Sam. 7:1–12, and prayer. In his introduction the minister recalled the first service that was held on July 14, 1953. The Rev. C. Hegeman and also Rev. J. VanZweden served the church a few times in those days, until the Classis gave permission to organize the congregation. This took place on Nov. 11, 1955.

Various names were mentioned of members who for a longer or shorter period had served the congregation as office bearers; and some of the troubles that occurred among the members. Sometimes it seemed as though everything would come to an end. But till this day the Lord has maintained the congregation, and, what is most important, has not yet taken His truth away.

In a short sermon the minister spoke about “The Stone of Help”, refering to the stone erected by Samuel between Mizpeh and Shen, saying, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us,” (I Sam. 7:12). May no honor be given to men, but may the Lord, the King of the Church receive all the honor. That stone reminded them of the guilt and sin of the people, and also spoke of true repentance and return to the God of Israel. Samuel’s assurance that he would pray for those guilty people, and his offering sacrifices before the Lord, showed him to be a type of Christ the great Intercessor, Who offered the perfect sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary. In the last part of the sermon the minister spoke a few words about the stone that was erected as a testimony of the eternal covenant faithfulness of God toward a guilty people.

After a few personal words to the consistory and congregation about the need of being born in Zion, and being made free by the truth (John 8:32) the service was closed in the usual manner after verses 5 and 6 of Psalter No. 348 were sung.

After the service the people remained together for a while to visit with one another, so that it was about midnight when they returned to their homes.

May the Lord further remember this little congregation in His favor in Christ Jesus.

The Bradford Consistory

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Deputies for Correspondence with Foreign Churches have received tidings that the Rev. and Mrs. C. Hegeman hope to visit their children in America, and serve the churches in the United States and Canada. They are planning to leave the Netherlands on January 26, 1981, and return again in the early part of March.

Deputies for Correspondence with Foreign Churches,

Rev. A.M. Den Boer

Rev. W.C. Lamain

SAVINGS FUND OF THE NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATIONS IN THE U.S.A.

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1980

ASSETS

Cash in Checking Account $ 4,381.89

Savings Certificates 30,000.00

Lonas Receivable from Churches and Schools 164,337.13

TOTAL ASSETS $198.719.02

LIABILITIES

Due Depositors $191,606.32

Fund Balance 7,112.70

LIABILITIES AND

FUND BALANCE $198,719.02

Income Interest Earned $ 4,969.64

Expenses: “ $ -0-

NET INCOME 4,969.64

Fund Balance 6/30/80 2,143.06

Fund Balance 9/30/80 $ 7,112.70 Peter Southway, Treasurer

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