NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended

To Rev. J.J. Van Eckeveld of Zeist the Netherlands, by the Clifton and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey congregations.

Call Accepted in the Netherlands

By Rev. P. Blok of Capelle aid Ijssel to the Kootwijkerbroek congregation.

FAREWELL AND INSTALLATION

At the Classis East meeting held in Clifton, New Jersey on November 18 a committee was appointed to investigate the situation of Rev. J.R. Beeke. After investigation, no reason was found why he should not be installed.

At a reconvening of Classis on November 20 (attended also by the Deputies of Article 49 from Classes Midwest and Far West), it was decided to proceed with the installation of Rev. Beeke as pastor of the Grand Rapids congregation without delay.

The Lord willing, Rev. Beeke’s farewell sermon in Franklin Lakes will take place on December 2. His installation by Rev. H. Hofman in Grand Rapids is scheduled for December 9, and his inaugural sermon for December 10. May the Lord richly bless his labors in his new flock.

Please uphold Rev. Beeke in your prayers. May the God who has remarkably supported him in past strife and affliction, remain his Rock and Refuge. Please remember Mrs. Beeke also. May the King of the Church, who has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” confirm His reign of peace among us to the honor and glory of His great Name.

On behalf of Classis East,

Rev. J. Spaans, president

Rev. H. Hofman, vice-president

Elder N. Greendyk, clerk

ANNOUCEMENTS

6TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ST. CATHARINES, OCTOBER 1,1986

Reverend C. Vogelaar opened the meeting, after singing of Psalter 325, verses 1 and 2, scripture reading Luke 10:25 to 42 and prayer, with a word of welcome, referring to Martha and Mary. Martha was burdened with serving while Mary chose that one thing needful, to sit at the Master’s feet and listen. There were approximately 160 ladies present.

Reverend J. Spaans had as his topic “PHEBE’S PLACE IN THE CHURCH” based on Romans 16:1 and 2.

He had as his points:

1. Who she was;

2. Where she lived;

3. What she may do in the church

1. She was by nature what we all are, a daughter of Adam. By grace she became the daughter of the second Adam, and was truly used in the Church.

2. She lived in Cenchrea, a small sea-port town adjoining to Corinth. She probably belonged to the church at Corinth. She was not a minister, elder or deacon, nor a deaconess, although she performed the task of one. Phebe was a woman with great inward and outward qualities. She was asked by Paul to carry his epistle to Rome.

3. Her true regeneration was manifest in her walk, deeds, confession and profession, not only in the church, but also on the street with strangers, visiting the sick or dying, and bringing the words of eternal life. Her door was always open.

We were told that nowadays there is much that can be done by women to be Phebe-like: visit the sick at home or in the hospital, visit the lonely or widow, step into a household where the mother is in the hospital after an operation or childbirth, prepare meals, etc. The needs are endless, and if the welfare of our fellowman is concerned, it can’t be wrong.

Don’t expect Phebes to do it all alone; if we cannot get out to help, assist them, also by your prayers.

During singing of Psalter 268, questions on the topic were collected.

Mrs. Sommer of Norwich read a poem called “Prayer,” after which Rev. Spaans answered seven questions regarding his topic. During singing of Psalter 213:1 to 4 a collection was taken to cover the costs of the day, with any surplus to go to the Mission Fund. The Mission was sent a check in the amount of $330.55.

Mrs. Margo Kranendonk of Hamilton read a poem, which began with, “If Jesus came to spend a day with you.”

Rev. Spaans closed the morning session with prayer, also asking a blessing for the meal. A wide assortment of food was enjoyed by all.

After singing of Psalter 286:1, 2, 3 and 6 and reading Psalm 27, Elder Zekveld of Unionville opened the afternoon session with prayer, thanking the Lord for the bountiful meal, and begging His blessing upon the afternoon session.

Rev. C. Vogelaar’s topic on “Mothers in Israel” dealt in depth with Deborah, who was first called by that title according to Judges 5:7. Israel was oppressed by enemies for twenty years with no means to defend itself. Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth, became a praying mother in her inner chamber for her people. She was also counsellor, warning Israel because of sin, but also encouraging them.

Rev. Vogelaar touched on other women who might also be called “Mothers in Israel”: Naomi, Hannah, the mother of Ichabod, Lois, the grandmother, and Eunice, the mother of Timothy.

While singing Psalter 49:1 to 3, questions on his topic were collected.

Mrs. S. Nyenhuis of Unionville read a poem on “Jairus’ Daughter,” and afterward Rev. Vogelaar answered five questions received.

The afternoon was closed after singing Psalter 62:1, 3 and 4, with closing remarks and prayer.

— DB

NRC SAVINGS FUND

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,1986

ASSETS

Cash in Checking Account $ 1,084.00

Bank Money Market Account 49,485.27

U.S. Treasury Bills 288,339.11 Loans Receivable from

Churches and Schools 334,101.51

TOTAL ASSETS $673,009.89

LIABILITIES

Due Depositors $630,442.19

Fund Balance 42,567.70

LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE $673,009.89

Income:

Interest Earned $ 3,652.21

Expense:

Interest Paid & Accounting Fee 1,800.00

NET INCOME $ 1,852.21

Fund Balance 6/30/86 $ 40,715.49

Fund Balance 9/30/86 $ 42,567.70

Peter Southway, Treasurer

187 Clenwood Dr., N. Haledon, N.J. 07508

Phone: 201-427-5093

OBITUARIES

VAN COUDSWARD, Cornelius — Age 88; Sept. 24,1986; Waldwick, N); Wife — Anna (Baum); brothers and sister — lohannas, Franz, )oppa Stokman (all of the Netherlands). (Elder J. Vander Wiele, 1 Peter 4:7.)

VELIER, Rory — Age 7; Oct. 15, 1986; Sheboygan, Wl; Parents — Robert and lean; brother and sister — Reilly and Rosa. (Rev. J. Spaans, Ps. 39:4.)

EVERTSEN, Evert — Age 83; Nov. 7, 1986; Peterborough, Ont.; Wife — Giertrui; children — Metja, Art Peter, Evert; 13 grandchildren. (Rev. J. Spaans, Heb. 4:9-11.)

In Memoriam CORNELIUS VAN COUDSWARD

On September 24,1986 it pleased the Lord to remove from this life Cornelius Van Goudsward at the age of 88. Mr. Van Goudsward served the Clifton, New Jersey congregation as deacon for two years. He is survived by a widow, two brothers, and one sister.

Elder John Vander Wiele officiated the funeral from 1 Peter 4:7. May the Lord graciously strengthen the widow and bereaved, and fill the empty place with His gracious influences.

—JRB

In Memoriam EVERT EVERTSEN

On November 7, 1986 it pleased the Lord to take away Evert Evertsen at the age of 83. Mr. Evertsen had faithfully served the congregation of Unionville, Ontario as deacon for twelve years. He is survived by a widow, four children, and thirteen grandchildren.

On November 11, Rev J. Spaans conducted the funeral. His message was based on Hebrews 4:9-11. May the Lord graciously uphold the bereaved widow and family, and teach each of us the frailty and brevity of life, as well as the necessity of being experientially prepared to meet Him in righteousness and peace.

—JRB

TEACHER

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Alberta: The Calvin Christian School in Monarch, Alberta needs several qualified teachers for the 1987-88 school year, D.V. There will be openings at the elementary level. Experience is considered an asset. For further information, contact Mr. A.H. Verhoef, prinicpal (403) 824-3030 or 381-4434. Send application to Mr. A.M. de Wilde. P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alba. TOL IMO (403) 824-3635.

UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DAYTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

In several previous issues of the Banner of Truth, the readers were made acquainted with the legal struggles of Dayton Christian Schools. At stake, not only for DCS but for all religious schools in the United States, is the right to base teacher hiring and termination decisions according to the teachings of the Bible. For 7½ years the case slowly wound its way through the U.S. Court system, attracting national attention in the process and promising to be a landmark case. The case was finally heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in March 1986 and the decision handed down at the end of June. The decision was a profound disappointment. The Supreme Court decided nothing substantial and, based on a very narrow technicality, sent the case back to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Worse yet, the Court failed to provide any guidance as to how the merits of the case would be addressed in similar future cases.

For Dayton Christian Schools, the Court’s decision (no decision) was a crushing blow. To give up their Biblical principles is totally unacceptable. But to go on means continuation of an already protracted legal struggle that has strained their resolve and amounted to a significant financial drain. For all other religious schools in the U.S., the Court’s lack of decision means continued uncertainty regarding the right to hire or terminate teachers according to religious principles. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s indecision, increased litigation can be expected across the U.S. against religious schools of all faiths who discriminate in their hiring practices.

The central issue is whether religious rights take precedence over individual rights. Should the courts eventually rule against Dayton (or some other similar case), then the message from the courts is that a woman’s right to be free from sexual discrimination takes precedence over a church or religious school’s right to practice its religious beliefs. The logical extension of this is that denominations (such as the NRC) that forbid women to enter the ministry will have lost their legal shield and can expect litigation in the future. If the courts force schools like Dayton to hire women against the School’s religious beliefs, the courts can just as easily force churches to accept women into the ministry, regardless of the church’s religious beliefs.

In light of this, there are several thoughts that come to mind. First, it is important for all religious schools in the U.S. to keep abreast of key legal developments such as the Dayton case. The implications of these cases need to be understood by all. Secondly, prayers, financial and moral support needs to be extended to those schools and churches that are being tried because of their religious beliefs. We cannot allow differences in beliefs to stand in the way of this support. The issue that needs to be focused on by all religious schools is the common issue of religious freedom, the battle surrounding the specific issue. Thirdly, with the Dayton case being sent clear back to the bottom of the appeal process, it is likely that another church or school with a similar case will have to take the national lead in bringing the religious freedom issue back to the U.S. Supreme Court for resolution. How all of this will develop remains to be seen. It is clearly an issue that strikes at the heart of the very existence of religious education (and beyond) and therefore deserves continued attention and prayer that God will uphold the cause of religious freedom in the United States.

— DS

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