CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. J.C. Weststrate, of s’Gravenpolder, the Netherlands, by the Norwich, Ontario, Canada, Congregation.

To Rev. L. Blok, of Nunspeet, the Netherlands, by the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Congregation.

Calls Declined:

To the Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. A.W. Verhoef, of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.

To the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. J.J. Van Eckeveld, of Zeist, the Netherlands.

SYNOPSIS OF 1982 SYNODICAL MEETING

(Netherlands Reformed Congregations of North America)

June 15–17, 1982

Part II

ARTICLE IX-INSTRUCTIONS

A. CLASSIS WEST (newly designated CLASSIS MIDWEST)

(1) Classis West requests Synod to transfer the central location for papers and/or to investigate the possibility of having a church bureau in the Iowa area so that all books and materials can be obtained in one place in the future.

This point was deleted by Synod as the Church Bureau committee has been relieved of its mandate (cf. Art. VII, Q). However, Synod did take action by relieving the Kalamazoo church of responsibility for church forms, etc., by deciding that they should be forwarded to the clerk of the Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing Committee in Iowa. Thus, all church books and forms will be available from Bert Harskamp, 1020 N. Main, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250 (with the possible exception of various items printed by local congregations). A list of both books and forms will be sent to each consistory in the near future.

(2) Classis West requests Synod to consider: (1) expand the Banner of Truth, or (2) increase the frequency of publication, or (3) add additional sections directed primarily to giving young people sound conservative advice and instruction.

Synod decided: (1) to request the Banner of Truth committee to see what can be done to lengthen our church magazine from 20 to 24 pages; (2) to reject increased frequency of publication; (3) to form a list of topics also relative to young peoples’ needs for Banner articles.

(3) Classis West requests Synod to recommend that the congregations purchase one copy per family of adult books published by the Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing General Fund in order to increase the distribution of much needed materials in our denominational circles.

The chairman of the Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing Committee reported that this problem had nearly corrected itself in the past two years through increased congregational orders, and it is hoped that the congregations will continue to follow this recommendation.

(4) Classis West also asks if it would be possible to have places for services for people who go south for the winter months.

Synod decided to leave this point in the hands of Classis East-Midwest (now Classis East), which is presently working on such a possibility to be reported on at its spring 1983 classis.

(5) Classis West asks Synod if it would be possible to publish The Church in History by John Vreugdenhil in book form.

The Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing Committee will pursue this possibility, though, at present, there is difficulty in obtaining copyright permission.

B. CLASSIS EAST-MIDWEST (newly designated CLASSIS EAST)

(1) Classis wishes the Synod to consider that each minister be requested to write two English sermons per year for the vacant churches. It was suggested that these include one special occasion sermon and one general sermon. The proposal of the Franklin Lakes consistory is as follows:

A. Writing of sermons.

1. Each minister would be expected to publish two sermons annually.

2. To aid elders in vacant churches, ministers would be asked to prepare one free sermon and one occasion sermon.

3. Ministers would be asked to co-ordinate the writing of occasion sermons, so that each minister will write a sermon for a different occasion.

B. Publication of sermons.

1. Two completely corrected and typewritten sermons should be forwarded two months before the occasion for which the special sermon is written.

2. Sermons should be mailed to the Macedonia Mission Society in Glen Rock, New Jersey.

3. The Macedonia Missions Society would then publish both sermons in one “blue book” and distribute copies to all the congregations.

This proposal was unanimously accepted by Synod.

(2) Classis again discussed the deep need for another Catechism, and it was agreed to again present this subject before this Synodical meeting.

Synod requested the ministers to make an attempt to start making catechism sermons available through the publication of Macedonia Mission Society “blue books.” Rev. Beeke was appointed to arrange an alphabetical listing and division of both points 1 and 2 for sermon writing in conjunction with the ministers.

(3) Classis requests the Synod to change the names of the different classes according to their geographical situation because of the confusion it causes. Classis East - Mid-West would receive the name of Classis East, Classis West would receive the name of Classis Mid-West, and Classis Far-West would receive the name of Classis West.

Synod decided on the following name changes of classical division:

Old Designation

Classis East-Midwest

Classis West

Classis Far West

New Designation

Classis East

Classis Midwest

Classis Far West (no change)

(4) Classis would like to discuss the Synod meeting time to be scheduled to coincide with the principals ‘ conference to save travel time and expenses.

This proposal was not accepted.

(5) Classis would like information concerning the Youth Conference held in the Far-West in accordance with the Banner of Truth of September 1981.

Rev. Verhoef explained this matter satisfactorily to Synod. Synod concluded that Classis should appoint individuals to form reports for the Banner of Truth of various events, and reminded delegates that it is not necessary nor profitable to write an article for everything that takes place. Synod also stressed that great care should be taken in the planning and running of Youth Day Conferences, and that each Classis must act responsibly for its own activities and organization.

C. CLASSIS FAR WEST

(1) Classis asks the Synod to decide whether names of new members coming over from other denominations, after having done confession of their faith before the consistory, should be announced for two Sundays in the congregation. This way the congregation, as is the case with young members, has the opportunity to bring forward some possible legal objections before they become registered members.

Synod judged that this matter be left to the discretion of the local consistory, though an opportunity should be allowed the congregation to bring in lawful objections with respect to persons transferring their membership into our churches.

(2) Classis asks whether it can be allowed, that such marriages about which a consistory has decided that they for some valid reason cannot be ecclesiastically confirmed or receive the desired pastoral benediction, not withstanding have their legal and civil wedding ceremony performed in our church buildings ?

Synod concluded this proposal must not be allowed, as each church is responsible for upholding our church wedding rules. In difficult cases, the moderator must be consulted.

(3) Classis asks to have the Synod seriously consider a possible dropping or changing of the word “Netherlands” in our official denominational name, because often it seems to create mis-understanding and/or mis-applying to outsiders.

Synod rejected the possibility of considering changing the name of our denomination.

ARTICLE X—EXPENSES

Expenses were prorated.

ARTICLE XI—APPOINTMENT AUDITOR

Synod decided to ask Boerkoel and Boerkoel to continue to be our denominational auditor (Savings Fund in U.S.A. excepted), but would request them to simplify their work to some degree.

ARTICLE XII—CALLING CHURCH

The calling church for 1984 Synod will be Sioux Center, Iowa. Synod will convene in 1984 on June 20 and June 21 in Grand Rapids, Mich., D.V., with Rev. Heerschap appointed to conduct the synodical prayer service on the evening of June 19, 7:45 p.m.

ARTICLE XIII—CLOSING

In concluding Synod 1982, the chairman thanked the delegates for their cooperation on behalf of the moderamen, the consistory of Lethbridge for their thorough and excellent preparation of our agenda, and the consistory of the Grand Rapids congregation for their hospitality. He expressed the wish that we might receive the grace of internal unity, that the covenant God of grace might go before us with His irresistible Spirit, and that the fruitful result may be that this one and that one be born again in Zion. Rev. DenBoer then asked the vice-president to close our gatherings.

Rev. A. Verhoef expressed the wish that the Lord might go with the teachers and students, might be with those traveling to the Netherlands, and may abide with Rev. Weststrate also, who was accordingly thanked for his presence and advice. The vice-president also acknowledged the Lord for the strength given to our chairman, expressed gratitude for the peaceableness of our gatherings, and hoped that the Lord would remember each and every one for time and eternity. May He grant us the spiritual degree conferred upon Wm. Huntington who received grace to place S.S. (saved sinner) behind his name, for then we would experience more prosperity in church life. After requesting Psalter 429, stanza 2 to be sung, Rev. Verhoef closed with prayer.

Rev. A.M. DenBoer, President

Rev. A.W. Verhoef, Vice-President

Rev. J.R. Beeke, First Clerk

Elder N. VanderHave, Second Clerk

EAST-MIDWEST 1982 YOUTH CONFERENCE

At our past Youth Conference (sponsored by the Clifton Congregation), two pertinent topics were presented: Rock Music, by Bartel Elshout, and Marijuana, by Peter and John Vroegindewey. In this day and age, information concerning the evils of rock music and drug abuse is truly essential, not only for the youth, but also for parents, teachers and other influential adults; Peter and John put it this way, “What you don’t know CAN hurt you”. Printed copies of both topics are available together for a total cost of $2.50.

The entire Youth Conference program is available in tape form (3 tapes) which includes Rev. J.R. Beeke’s topic titled, “The Spiritual Race — The Most Important Race of Life”. We must all strive to enter that spiritual race and to run for God’s honor with our eye directed to that great Prize. The total cost of the tapes is $5.50. Your order should include your payment and can be sent to: Agustine Youth Group, c/o Ellen Vroegindewey, Secretary, 4 Wood-lawn Avenue, Clifton, NJ. 07013.

THE REV. A.W. VERHOEF

In the latter part of August it was 10 years ago that the Rev. A.W. Verhoef came to the congregation of Chilliwack in B.C., Canada. Hitherto the Lord has helped him and given him strength, also for all the work in Classis Far-West. May the congregation, consistory, and the minister by the grace of God end in that God in Whose hand our life and all our paths are. It could be so different.

On October 23 our brother hopes to observe with his family the fact that the Lord has spared him for sixty-five years. Paul declared in Acts 26:22, “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” Although it may not be in the same measure, light, and grace as in the Apostle, but that it may be confessed in the same spirit.

May the Lord strengthen, sustain, and protect him for many more years for his family, congregation, and denomination, and for us together in His favor, to His honor, to the welfare of the church, and to the gladness of his own soul.

THANKSGIVING DAY IN CANADA

On Monday, October 11, the annual Thanksgiving Day will be observed in Canada. Because of our deep fall in Paradise we have of ourselves no Prayer Day nor Thanksgiving Day any more. How inexpressibly miserable and poor we have become, and by nature we are not conscious of it. If we with our children might receive some impressions of it, that would become unforgettable. God’s longsuffering over us and our children is still great. With the Prophet Jeremiah we can testify, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not”, (Lam. 3:22).

In the past season the Lord has given seed for the sower and bread for the eater. In some parts of the country God’s judgments were experienced in the realm of nature. In other parts God gave an abundance of corn and fruit. Notwithstanding our forgetting and forsaking God, the Lord has still blessed us.

Unemployment has increased. Our industry has not flourished as before. Many have had to lower their standard of living, but the true humiliation before God and a true returning to God is lacking so often.

Oh, let everyone examine himself. How necessary it would be to proclaim a day of fasting, both for the authorities and for the citizens, myself included, that we may lament after the Lord, as the Israelites did in the days of the judges. Then there would still be hope.

Oh, that we do not spend that day, if the Lord still gives it to us, in foolishness, but in the fear of God. Let us hate sin, and follow after righteousness.

Young and old, let there be, both outwardly and inwardly, a bowing before the Lord, the God of our fathers, with supplication and weeping. Let us not seek the food that perishes, but that which endures to everlasting life. The Lord grant a desire and eagerness to go to His house, and may He anoint with His Spirit those who shall preach and speak on that day.

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