NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended

To Rev. J. Spaans of Norwich, Ontario, by the Fort MacLeod, Alberta congregation.

Declined

By Rev. C. Vogelaar of St. Catharines, Ontario, to the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey congregation.

Call Accepted in the Netherlands

By Rev. C.G. Vreugdenhil, missionary-minister from Irian Jaya, Indonesia, to Vlissingen, the Netherlands.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW BOOK

As Synodical Education and Book Publishing Committees, we are pleased to announce that the Lord has enabled us to complete the first of three proposed textbooks, entitled Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults; Volume I, for high school Bible doctrine instruction.

We believe that this book is not only fitting for high school Bible doctrine and church catechism instruction, but we wish to also recommend it for parental and family reading. The explanations are sound, precise, and easy to follow. Hundreds of stories, charts, and diagrams help to illustrate the truths being taught. Its clear explanations make ideal reading for someone new to our denomination or those with various questions about it. Volume I includes practical teachings regarding why we believe in creation rather than evolution; the King James version of the Bible to be most reliable; our explanation of the Covenant of Grace in contrast with the other Reformed denominations; and many other areas of present-day concern.

The book is a cloth-bound, hard-cover volume of 427 pages and may be purchased for $11.50 U.S. (retail $19.50) from either of our denominational book sellers:

NRC Book and Publishing Committee,

1020 N. Main Ave.

Sioux Center, Iowa 51250

Bible Truth Books

P.O. Box 2373,

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003

Our thanks to all who contributed to this worthy publication. May Cod bless this means — that the truths (doctrines) of Scripture may be more widely read, discussed, and understood in our homes, schools, and churches. Above all, may the Lord graciously work the living experience of these truths in our hearts to the honor and glory of His Name.

— Synodical Education Committee

— NRC Book and Publishing Committee

CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES

CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA 35 YEARS

On April 30, 1987, it was 35 years ago that the Netherlands Reformed Congregation was instituted here. The late Rev. C. Hegeman was able to do this, after a small number of immigrants had held reading services for several years, with an occasional visit by the late Rev. J. Van Zweden.

It is noteworthy to mention that Elder H. Bisschop was installed at that time, and has thus served for thirty-five years, first as deacon and later as elder.

Rev. M. Romeyn was installed on June 18, 1957, as shepherd and teacher, and was enabled to serve faithfully until the dreaded disease took him away. The funeral was led by the late Rev. W.C. Lamain and Rev. A. W. Verhoef. On August 30, 1972, the late Rev. Lamain installed Rev. Verhoef in his work, and he has been enabled to continue his labors until this very moment, albeit with weakness and shortcomings.

The Lord has given growth, and a large school has come into being, with Mr. J.W. Beeke as principal. May the Lord preserve His precious testimony.

Sunday morning, May 3, Rev. Verhoef spoke from Isaiah 2:3: ‘And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” After the service, friendly words were spoken to the congregation and the consistory, with a special word for Mr. Bisschop. The congregation sang Psalter 272: 1,2, standing.

In the evening service the text was 1 Samuel 7:12: “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

May the Lord remember us in mercy, and give us a thankful heart!

PORT ALBERNI, BRITISH COLUMBIA: 25 YEARS

On March 13, 1987, Rev. A.W. Verhoef addressed our congregation in Port Alberni, B.C., for a Prayer Day Service, and also at the same time acknowledged that our church building was dedicated twenty-five years ago by the late Rev. Romeyn. By way of introduction, Rev. Verhoef spoke on Isaiah 38 verses 1-8: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death.” The theme of the sermon was: “The Fruit of a Faithful Prayer” with two points —(1) When that prayer is spoken by a God-fearing man; (2) When that prayer is heard by a merciful God.

In the closing remarks of his sermon he spoke some words about how the Lord has given, also in the midst of this congregation, a place where we may come together to worship, and call upon Him. Already for twenty-five years we have been able to come together under the means of grace. Many people have come and gone, and there remains only a small group. Some have gone the way of all flesh. Rev. Verhoef mentioned also all those who have read sermons here and served in the congregation.

Then Elder Bisschop from Chilliwack spoke a few words as a representative of the Chilliwack congregation. He wished the congregation the Lord’s blessing and spoke of the times he has been coming here for the past twenty-five years, also with Rev. Romeyn or for reading services here at times.

Then Brother C. Van Hoepen, in his address, reflected on the congregation over the past thirty years: how they had begun to hold services in the home of the late Mrs. Saunders; how they were able, after six years, to buy some property; and then in 1961 to build the church with the help of free labor from all the members. In the years when the Christian school began in Chilliwack, people moved in order to enroll their children in the school. But even unto this day we may yet come together as a small congregation. May the Lord remember us all, and grant us His blessings. He then spoke some words of thanks to Rev. Verhoef for coming so faithfully, in all his weakness, to serve this congregation. Also to Elder Bisschop some words of thanks were spoken.

Rev. Verhoef then closed with prayer and the congregation sang Psalter 247, all stanzas.

NRC SAVINGS FUND/CANADA

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING APRIL 30, 1987

ASSETS

Bank/Term Deposits/Accruals $ 1 75,910.27

Loan Receivable 193,843.38

$369,753.65

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE

Due to Depositors $367,724.88

Fund Surplus Balance 2,028.77

$369,753.65

John VanBrugge, Secretary, 14 Black Locust Way, Brantford, Ont. N3R 7C7

Obituary notices are printed free of charge and are submitted by the officiating minister; marriage and anniversary notices will be charged at $5.00 per issue and must be individually submitted. Other announcements and/or requests will be approved by the editorial committee on an individual basis as received. (Church events or school needs, such as upcoming classical meetings, “teachers wanted,” office-bearer conferences or youth day conferences will be announced free of charge.)

To place an announcement, simply type lor print neatly) your information, enclose $5.00, and forward to “News and Events,” 2115 Romence St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 by the 5th of the month preceding publication.

CURATORIUM

We are humbled and gladdened to be able to announce that the Curatorium received freedom at its annual meeting, June 23,1987, to accept Mr. James Greendyk as a ministerial student. Mr. Greendyk grew up in the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey congregation. In recent years, he has been serving as principal of our Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he currently resides. He is 28 years old, married, and has one child, two years of age. May the Lord graciously provide for the Greendyk family in the coming months as they pursue immigration channels. May the Lord prosper our new student’s way and grant him the essential gifts and diligence required for coming years, anointing him above all with His gracious Spirit.

As with the Bazens, the Greendyk family will move to St. Catharines to study under Rev. C. Vogelaar. For the coming year, the students will spend 23 weeks under his instruction, and 12 weeks under the teaching of Rev. J.R. Beeke.

Ministerial-missionary student, Peter Bazen, undertook his first year oral exam. The Curatorium expressed satisfaction with the efforts put forth, and unanimously promoted Mr. Bazen to his second year of studies.

May the Lord also strengthen him for whom the Curatorium lacked freedom to receive into ministerial training at this time.

May all these decisions be stamped with divine approval. Please remember our students and instructors in private prayer, for the needs are great. May God, through our broken-ness and weakness, confirm with the apostle, “For when I am weak, then am I strong.” We are unworthy, but the Lord is worthy. He is able to build His church through the use of frail human instruments, despite our misery and depravity. The gates of hell shall not prevail against His Zion in the face of Jesus Christ to whom all power is given in heaven and on earth. That is our exclusive hope, expectation, and, we pray, future.

—JRB, clerk

P.S. From the Curatorium in our sister denomination in the Netherlands, we received word that liberty was granted to accept two new students: Mr. P. Mulder (38 years old and principal of our denominational teacher’s college in the Netherlands, “De Driestar”) and Mr. C. Hogchem (32 years old and a teacher from Kootwijkerbroek). Students G. De Leeuw and P. Melis were granted permission to speak an edifying word in the congregations.

MIDWEST YOUTH DAY

Our annual youth day conference, sponsored by the Sioux Falls and Corsica South Dakota congregations will be held on Saturday, July 25. Activities as well as some introductory comments on the central theme will begin 7:30 p.m. on Friday, at the Rock Valley Netherlands Reformed Christian School.

Topics presented will focus on: “Problems of youth and young families.” For example: family problems due to women in the workplace, cults — particularly the new age movement, and living two lives.

For more information and/or housing, please contact Janet Van Zweden at (605) 338-8052.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REV. AND MRS. M. HEERSCHAP 55 YEARS

We wish to congratulate our older brother in the ministry and his wife, Rev. and Mrs. M. Heerschap of Lethbridge, Alberta, on their being united fifty-five years in holy matrimony. We trust that they, together with their children, may be enabled to look back over the many years with humble gratitude and childlike astonishment at the ongoing faithfulness of God in Jesus Christ. We wish them a spiritual time of setting up “Ebenezers” to God’s grace: “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

Rev. and Mrs. Heerschap: May the God of yesterday and today, also be the God of your tomorrow (Heb. 13:8). May He spare you for some years together with your family and for the welfare of His church, anointing you with His Spirit and blessing your labors with His amazing grace. On behalf of our ministers, consistories, and congregations, we commend you and yours heartily to the throne of grace.

40th Anniversary

The Lord willing, on July 23, 1987, our parents, Mr. & Mrs. Aart Van Driel

hope to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. May the Lord spare them for each other and for their loved ones. May He bless them with His all sufficient grace for time and eternity.

1 Linlake Dr., St Catharines, Ontario, L2N 2M5

40th Anniversary

The Lord willing, on June 18, 1987, our parents, Mr. & Mrs. Al Van Den Berg

with their children and grandchildren hope to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary.

TEACHERS

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Kalamazoo:

The Providence Christian School in Kalamazoo, Michigan is seeking applications for one teaching position. For further information please contact Mr. James Greendyk, 216 N. Lauderdale Dr., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, (616) 345-5008.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Grand Rapids:

The Plymouth Christian School of Grand Rapids, Michigan is in need of a teacher for the coming 1987/88 school year, who is certified to teach High School social studies, as well as courses in Junior High.

Applicants should write to Mr. Richard J. Ten Elshof, Principal, at 965 Plymouth, N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 or call the High School office at (616) 454-9481.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lethbridge:

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, especially for primary teachers. Secondary teachers can also apply with regard to expansion into Senior High—a combination of various subjects, if possible. Experience is considered an asset for all positions. For further information, contact Mr. A. H. Verhoef, principal (403) 381 -3030 or 381 -4434. Send application to Mr. A.M. de Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alta. TOL 1M0 (403) 824-3635.

ROCK VALLEY/SIOUX CENTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Iowa: The Netherlands Reformed Christian School of Rock Valley/Sioux Center is seeking applications to fill the following positions: Elementary teacher, grade six; High School industrial arts, full time; High School librarian, part time; and High School art teacher, part time. Address inquiries and applications to Harold Schelling, principal, Netherlands Reformed Christian School, Rural Route 1, Box 269K, Rock Valley, Iowa 51247 (712) 476-2821 or (712) 722-1131).

CORSICA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, South Dakota:

The Netherlands Reformed School of Corsica, South Dakota will be in need of an elementary teacher for the upper four school grades for the 1987-1988 school year. Please call Gerrit Hup: (605) 946-5503.

CURRENT EVENTS

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NEWS RELEASE

On May 19, 1987, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied the request of Providence Christian School in Kalamazoo, for dismissal of a lawsuit charging the School with sex discrimination. The School denies that the plaintiff was fired. The plaintiff was replaced by a member of the Netherlands Reformed Denomination after the contract with the plaintiff expired. Since the hiring policies of the School are based on religious principles, the School asked the Court to dismiss the case because the disputed actions are protected by the free exercise of religion clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The issue before the court was whether religious schools have the right to base their hiring decisions on the basis of their religious principles. Put another way, the question is whether the First Amendment takes precedence over the Michigan Civil Rights Act.

After reviewing the court’s opinion, the School Board has decided to appeal the case to the Michigan Supreme Court. We request the thoughts and prayers of the congregations in this difficult matter. He rules over all and has the hearts of all men in his hand.

FOR SALE

Organ: Electro-Voice, 1967, 2 manual, 27 stops, full pedal board, 4 speakers, technical information available, best offer. For details phone (616) 279-2807. (This is the church organ of the Kalamazoo NRC which was replaced.)

THE TAPE ROOM’

At the last meeting of Classis East, a discussion arose with regard to making religious tapes available on a denomination-wide basis since Franklin Lakes Religious Tapes was no longer able to supply the churches and individuals as formerly on account of the passing away of the two widows who did the bulk of the labor. Our Grand Rapids “Tape Room” was suggested as an alternative for this lack, particularly because of our large selection of tapes from a variety of ministers. Classis has requested us to serve the denomination as enabled and to advertise the selection of tapes we have available. May God graciously bless this tape ministry to many hearts.

SERMONS

The following tapes (which may be purchased and/or borrowed) of Netherlands Reformed ministers’s sermons (listed alphabetically) are presently available from “The Tape Room”:

MINISTER YEARS ENGLISH DUTCH

Rev. J.R. Beeke 78-83, 86-87 Yes No

Rev. A.M. Den Boer 76-86 Yes No

Rev. J. Den Hoed 85-87 Yes Yes

Rev. A. Elshout 69-74 Yes* No

Rev. C. Harinck 71-74 Yes* No

Rev. M. Heerschap 77-84 Yes No

Rev. H. Hofman 84-87 Yes Yes

Rev. L. Kieboom 73-76 Yes No

Rev. W.C. Lamain 57-84 Yes Yes

Rev, J. Spaans 84-87 Yes Yes

Rev. A. Vergunst 81 Yes No

Rev. A.W. Verhoef 75-81 Yes* No

Rev. C. Vogelaar 84-87 Yes Yes

Rev. J.C. Weststrate 75-79 Yes* No

Variety of ministers from the Netherlands 65-79 No Yes*

*Quantity available is limited

LECTURES/CLASSES

The following lecture(s) and class(es) are available on tape as well:

INSTRUCTOR SUBJECT TAPES PRICE

Rev. W.C. Lamain Book of Ruth 15 $30.00

Rev. W.C. Lamain Book of 1 Peter 34 $68.00

Rev. W.C. Lamain Book of 2 Peter 16 $32.00

Rev. W.C. Lamain Revelation 1-14 45 $90.00

Rev. J.R. Beeke Adult Doctrine 7* $14.00

Rev. J.R. Beeke Confession of Faith 10* $20.00

Elder J.W. Beeke Sermon on the Mt. 36 $72.00

*To be completed

CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE YEAR TAPES PRICE

Youth Day (Classis East) 1980 3 $6.00

Youth Day (Classis East) 1981 3 $6.00

Youth Day (Classis East) 1984 3 $6.00

Youth Day (Classis East) 1985 3 $6.00

Office-bearers’s 1982 2 $4.00

Office-bearers’s 1984 2 $4.00

Office-bearers’s 1985 2 $4.00

Office-bearers’s 1986 1 $2.00

Teachers’s (Rev. Vergunst) 1981 3 $6.00

BOOKS

We are also privileged to be able to offer several entire books read on tape. To date, these include the following:

AUTHOR TITLE TAPES PRICE

Bunyan, John Grace Abounding 4 $ 8,00

Bunyan, John The Holy War 9 $18.00

Bunyan John The Pilgrim’s Progress 5 $10,00

Harley, Sukey Sukey Harley* 4 $ 8.00

Huntington, Wm. History of Little Faith 5 $10.00

Winslow, Mary Life in Jesus 13 $26.00

*Autobiography

BANNER OF TRUTH

Our book tapes have been especially helpful for the blind or those whose eyesight is failing. Presently, we are contemplating reading each issue of our denominational periodical, The Banner of Truth, on tape as well. To purchase a tape subscription of the Banner of Truth for one year would amount to 24 tapes or $48.00. However, there is also the possibility of borrowing these tapes. In this way, our elderly and infirm members may be able to continue to participate in our ecclesiastical happenings and writings. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in this service, please write immediately, specifying whether you would be interested in purchasing or borrowing The Banner of Truth on tape. If we receive more than a dozen replies, we hope to go forward with this project; otherwise, we will not undertake it. Hence, if you are interested it is important that you contact Mr. DeMeester by mail (see below) or phone Dan Carlson (616-456-1706) no later than August 31.

PURCHASING TAPES: Being non-profit, we are able to supply all tapes at $2.00 each (US Funds). (It is appreciated if Canadian orders would be remitted in US Funds. If this is not possible, please enclose $2.50 in Canadian funds per tape to cover exchange.) When ordering tapes, please include the following: (1) name of minister(s), class(es), lecture(s), or book(s); and, (2) for sermons, date(s) and text(s), of specific messages desired.

BORROWING TAPES: If you desire to borrow tapes, please advise us of the following: (1) name of minister(s); (2) language (English, Dutch, or mixture); (3) number of tapes you desire (maximum of ten). (Please return tapes within two months.)

We supply postage to you for both purchased and borrowed tapes. (When borrowing tapes, you will need to pay return postage.)

When addressing orders, please print your return address neatly. Forward orders and inquiries to:

“The Tape Room” First NRC of Grand Rapids

c/o Mr. Daniel DeMeester, Sr.

15519-32nd Ave., R.R. #2

Coopersville, Ml 49404

May the Lord add His blessing.

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