News & Announcements

Church News

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended:

To Rev. J.M.D. de Heer of Middleburg, the Netherlands, by the congregation of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, on behalf of the North American General Mission for mission work in Bolivia.

Declined:

By Rev. E.C. Adams of Corsica, South Dakota, to the congregation of Picture Butte, Alberta.

Rev. P.L. Bazen of Rock Valley, Iowa, to the congregation of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

By Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg of Chilliwack, British Columbia, to the congregation of Ridderkerk-Slikkerveer, the Netherlands.

Obituaries

SLINGERLAND, Martin — Age 94, April 7, 2012; Lethbridge, Alberta; Wife — Hillegonda (deceased); Children — Gerie & Bas De Peuter, Jannie & Jacob Stouten, Jake & Nellie, Aris & Margaret (deceased), Gonnie & Kor Vanden Hoek, Martin & Jeanette, Case & Rose, Adam & Annie, Hank & Arlene, Tony & Lisa, John & Diane, Judy & Chris den Hertog, Marinus & Wilma, William & Ellie; 76 grandchildren, 131 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; predeceased by daughter Judith. (Rev. C. Sonnevelt, Revelation 7:13-17.)

Farewell Service for Rev. C. Sonnevelt

It has pleased the Lord to incline the heart of our minister, Rev. C. Sonnevelt, to accept the call extended to him by the congregation of Krabbendijke, the Netherlands. Rev. Sonnevelt hopes to preach his farewell sermon in Lethbridge on Sunday, June 10, 2012, D.V.

Rev. & Mrs. Sonnevelt, along with their youngest son, hope to leave for the Netherlands on June 12, and Rev. Sonnevelt is scheduled to be installed in Krabbendijke on June 19 by Rev. C. Van Krimpen. It is the wish of the consistory of the NRC of Lethbridge that the Lord may give Rev. Sonnevelt a place in the midst of the congregation and that he may experience the Lords help and blessing to the honor of God and the salvation of sinners.

Installation of Rev. E. Hakvoort

The Consistory of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Norwich, Ontario, announces with gladness that the Lord has inclined the heart of Rev. E. Hakvoort of’s Gravenpolder, the Netherlands, to accept the call extended to him to become our shepherd and teacher. The Lord willing, Rev. Hakvoort will be united to our congregation in an installation service conducted by Rev. A.H. Verhoef on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, commencing at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Hakvoort will preach his inaugural sermon that evening at 7:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend.

In Memoriam

Martin Slingerland

It pleased the Lord to take away Mr. Martin Slingerland from the midst of his family and the congregation of Lethbridge by death on April 7, 2012. He was given to serve the congregation of Lethbridge as elder from 1968-1978 with the love of his heart. May the Lord comfort the extended family and sanctify the calling.

— The Lethbridge NRC Consistory

Norwich NRC Clerk Address

The new address for the clerk of Norwich NRC is:

Elder M. Heerschap
P.O. Box 633
Norwich, Ontario, Canada N0J 1P0

Classis East Youth Conference

The annual Classis East Youth Conference will be held in Norwich, Ontario, on July 13 and 14, 2012, D.V. All our young people, grades 10 and up, are heartily invited to attend. Registration will begin later Friday afternoon at the school where participants will be welcomed for supper and activities. Afterward, visitors will be directed to their host families.

On Saturday, we hope to present topics to the youth (presenters to be announced at a later date). A sing-a-long will follow after the Sunday evening service. For further information or accommodation arrangements, please contact Elder Rob Fallowfield (519) 424-2750 or Elder Jeff Tod (905) 648-4716.

Classis Far West Youth Day Conference, 2012

The annual Youth Day Conference of Classis Far West will be held this year in Chilliwack, BC, on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, 2012, the Lord willing. We welcome all young people from our congregations, ages sixteen and older, to be with us on these dates. We encourage older singles to attend, as well. The scheduled speakers for the conference are Rev. J. den Hoed and Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg. Please call as soon as possible or e-mail one of the following to help us in providing accommodations and further planning: Lona Devry at (604) 794-0151 or devryfam@calyx.com or Alexis Vandeweg at (604) 858-0028 or alexisvandeweg@hotmail.com.

We look forward to seeing many of you, and may the Lord add His indispensable blessing.

Classis Midwest Youth Day Conference Planned for July

The annual Youth Day Conference of Classis Midwest will be hosted, the Lord willing, by the Rock Valley and Sioux Center congregations on July 27&28, 2012. Further details will be printed in future issues of The Banner of Truth. Those wishing additional information may contact Mr. Charles Van Veldhuizen at (712) 476-5203.

An Impressive Book about the Life of Rev. Mijnders

In May 1995, fifty years after the liberation of the Netherlands, I heard the emeritus minister of Veenendaal speak before an audience of two thousand women in Rotterdam. The ladies of the Netherlands Reformed Women Association had asked him to tell something of his wartime experiences. Although Rev. J. Mijnders had never spoken about that solemn period of his life, he had promised to do so if the Lord would help him. Well, it became an unforgettable morning. What we heard was not the account of a traumatized war victim, nor was it the story of a self-aggrandizing hero. This was not only the narrative of a man who had been led through the furnace of affliction but also the testimony of a poor and needy sinner who had been given to experience who the Lord was for him in all his misery. In short, it was a breathtaking glorification of the power, mercy, and wisdom of a wonder-doing God in Christ.

Ever since that Liberation Day, I have felt bound to Rev. Mijnders, the man behind this story. I am glad, therefore, to announce that an English translation of his biography has recently been published. I warmly recommend this book to our churches in the United States and Canada. Here you will find the wartime experiences referred to above. Here you can also read about what followed upon the young mans return from Germany in 1945: his marriage and family life, his jobs in daily life, his experiences as an elder, his call to the ministry, his lessons at the theological school, serious as well as humorous occurrences in the years that he spoke an edifying word, events that took place in the three congregations which he served, encounters with dear children of God, the passing away of his well-beloved wife, and much more. Looking back on all this, only one thing remains: “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day” (Acts 26:22a).

In June this year, Rev. Mijnders hopes to become ninety-one years of age. On Sundays, he may still blow the trumpet of the gospel of free and sovereign grace from the pulpits in the Netherlands. He did the same during his two visits to North America, and some of you may still remember that. We are thankful that this book, once published in Dutch, is now available in English. We wish to acknowledge Mrs. Jeannette Moens from Fort Macleod and others from the province of Alberta for their translation and revision work. We know that they do not seek publicity. Their greatest wish is that this publication may be blessed in the lives of young and old. May the Lord use it to that end!

— Rev. C. Sonnevelt, Lethbridge, AB

Ordering information:

Having Obtained Help from God by WB. Kranendonk, published by GA Printing, Norwich, ON, hardcover, 280 pages

Available from:

• Bible Truth Books—$16.50 plus shipping

• Lethbridge NRC Book Room—

$17.00 plus shipping

Box 177, Coaldale, AB TIM 1M3.
(403) 345-3271

• GA Printers— $15.95 plus shipping
285640 Airport Rd., RR #1
Norwich, ON N0J1P0

45th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on June 15, 2012,
our dear parents and grandparents,

Jaap & Magda Groeneweg

hope to commemorate
their 45th wedding anniversary.

“Acquaint now thyself with Him and be
at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee”
(Job 22:21).

May the Lord remember them for time
and eternity.

Box 793, Norwich, Ontario N0J 1P0

55th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on June 1, 2012,
our dear parents, grandparents,
and great-grandparents,

Jacob & Elizabeth Remus

hope to commemorate
their 55th wedding anniversary.

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good:
for His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1)

It is our prayer that the Lord, who has
spared them thus far, will remember them
for time and eternity.

16 Mabey Lane, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

Education

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, COALHURST, ALBERTA, is seeking applications for the 2012-2013 school year. We are looking for qualified teachers to fill positions at both the elementary and secondary levels. For more information contact the acting principal, Mr. Marc Slingerland, at school (403) 381-3030, home (403) 331-4574, or at marc.slingerland@ccschool.ca. Applications should be e-mailed to office@ccschool.ca.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, are accepting teaching applications for possible openings for the 2012-2013 school year. Interested K-6 applicants should send or e-mail their resumes and/or questions to Mr. David Engelsma at engelsma@plymouthchristian.us or call (616) 458-4367. Interested 7-12 applicants should send or e-mail their resumes and/or questions to Mr. James Bazen at jbazen@plymouthchristian.us or call (616) 454-9481.

PONATAHI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, the NRC school in CARTERTON, NEW ZEALAND, is in need of a teacher to instruct new first grade entrants and a secondary English teacher. The starting date is flexible, but July 2012 is preferred. Teachers must be registered. Please contact the school principal at peterbertram@watchdog.net.nz or telephone (646) 378-9405 for more information.

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, has an opening for a part-time teacher (20 hours) in a combined grades 2-3 class beginning in April of this school year. There will also be an opening for the 2012-2013 school year. We are looking for a teacher who could teach the combined grade 2-3 class and is certified to teach junior high language arts. Interested applicants may contact Mrs. Jackie Markus at the school at (269) 385-4889. Applications will be sent upon request. Letters, applications, and resumes may be mailed to Mr. Gary Van Giessen at 504 Gabardine Ave., Portage, Michigan 49002, or e-mailed to gvangiessen@sbcglobal.net.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CORSICA, SOUTH DAKOTA, is seeking applicants for a high school (secondary) teacher position for the 2012-2013 school year. The teacher’s responsibilities would be to manage an A Beka DVD program and to teach some traditional subjects. Applicants should have a teaching certificate. Please contact the school board chairman, Mr. Edward Hup, via telephone (605) 946-5312 or fax (605) 946-5312 or the vice chairman, Mr. Darold den Boer, via telephone (605) 946-5661.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, POMPTON PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, would like to receive applications from those interested in a part-time and/or full-time teaching position for the 2012-2013 school year. Subject matter and grade level are somewhat flexible. Interested applicants are asked to contact the principal, Mr. John Van Der Brink, at (973) 628-7400 or johnvdb@yahoo.com.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, ROCK VALLEY, IOWA, is accepting applications for an elementary teaching position for the 2012-2013 school year. Applicants must have or be able to hold an Iowa teaching license by August of 2012. Contact Principal D. Breur at dbreur@necsia.org or (712) 476-2821 for an application.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, NORWICH, ONTARIO, strives to preserve and strengthen quality Christian education in a respectful, safe, and positive environment. We are currently seeking applications to fill several elementary and secondary teaching positions for the 2012-2013 school year. Our school is interested in receiving applications from competent, Reformed teachers. We are also looking for secondary staff who can provide IT support in the school. Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to HR Committee Chairman Mr. Andy Stubbe at andy@rcsnorwich.com. If you would like further information, please contact our principal, Mr. John Heikoop at (519) 863-2403 or e-mail at johnh@rcsnorwich.com.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, is seeking applications from certified elementary and secondary teachers. Interested applicants must ensure that they are certifiable according to British Columbia standards. Please call the school board chairman, Mr. W. Neels, at (604) 858-8834 or the principal, Mr. D. Stam, at (604) 794-7114.

The Banner of Truth on Cassette Tapes

Monthly issues of the articles in The Banner of Truth are available on cassette tapes and in MP3 format for those who have reading difficulties such as poor vision. These tapes are produced by a committee in Canada and are provided by the Chilliwack NRC at no cost to the end user. Back issues are available to March 2005.

To arrange for a free subscription, contact Mr. George Eckhardt, 9110 Garden Drive, Chilliwack, BC V2P 5M7, or by e-mail geckhardt@smartt.com.

Classis Far West Prayer Service and Meeting

The Classis prayer service was led by Rev. C. Sonnevelt in the Sunnyside church on Tuesday evening, March 20, 2012. The text for the prayer service was from 1 Samuel 1:9-12, where we read God’s Word as follows: “So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget Thine handmaid, but wilt give unto Thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.”

The theme was Hannah’s Prayer, with the following points:

1. The reason for this prayer

2. The vow in this prayer

3. The answer to this prayer

The Classis convened on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 9:00 A.M. at Sunnyside, Washington with the request to sing Psalter 111, all stanzas. Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg then read from God’s Holy Word, namely, Hebrews 13, and asked for the Lord’s blessing in prayer. Due to the health of Rev. den Hollander, changes were proposed; Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg would open and chair the meeting, and Rev. Sonnevelt would serve as vice-president. The delegates agreed to this arrangement.

Significant Events of 2012

On March 17, Rev. C. Sonnevelt of Lethbridge accepted the call to the congregation of Krabbendijke, the Netherlands.

On July 15, 2011, the purchase of the church in Calgary, which was made possible with help from the Alberta congregations, was finalized, and a dedication service was held on August 12, 2011.

On May 25, 2011, the congregation of Lethbridge commemorated its 60th anniversary. Within the denomination:

On June 29, 2011, installation and inauguration of Rev. C. Vogelaar in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Covell Avenue.

On July 19, 2011, installation and inauguration of Rev. M.J. Baan in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

On August 7, 2011, the passing of Mr. Clarence Bleeker, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Following the mentioning of significant anniversaries by office bearers from the member congregations, the meeting was opened for business.

Reports were given regarding church visitation and the Classis Youth Day.

Chilliwack

The point forwarded was returned for further investigation.

Fort Macleod

That Classis considers having a public address system for delegates, so all delegates and visitors can hear the questions and discussions.

After an explanation by the delegates of Fort Macleod, it was decided to leave this up to the discretion of the individual congregation.

Lethbridge

1. To request that the Synod add other committees to the mandate of the JMMC (Joint Ministry Management Committee), including the Board of Israel, authorizing them to forward money collected for mission work among the Jews in Israel to this organization.

Decision: After an explanation by the Lethbridge delegates, it was decided to forward to Synod that approval be given to add the Board of Israel to the accepted recipient list of the JMMC and that this could also be approved for the U.S congregations.

2. To ask advice from the Synod concerning baptism of children conceived through IVF. The Synod has made a decision concerning IVF and has informed the members of the congregation of their position but needs to clarify how consistories should proceed when it becomes public knowledge that a child has been conceived through IVF.

The decision was made not to forward this to Synod as the Synod has made a decision at a previous meeting that the discipline that is meted out is left to the discretion of the local consistory. Classis Far West reiterated our stance that has been adopted by the Synod which reads as follows: The official decision of Classis Far West will be followed. Classis decided to hold to this position and also reiterated the stance of the Synod.

Moderatorships

Artesia: Rev. H. den Hollander

Chilliwack: Rev. H. den Hollander

Fort Macleod (Calgary):

Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Lethbridge (Choteau): Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Lynden: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Picture Butte: Rev. H. den Hollander

Sunnyside: Rev. H. den Hollander

The clerk was asked to write a letter to Classis Midwest asking for help with moderators for the congregations of Picture Butte (Rev. Bazen), Lethbridge (Rev. Adams), and Sunnyside (Rev. Zippro).

Voting for Candidates for Synod

Ministers: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg and Rev. H. den Hollander

Elders: Sam Wisse, Gerald Neels, James Timmer, Henry de Kok, and Joe den Hoed

Alternates (in order): Elders Gerrit Van Hierden, Jan Groenendyk, and Henry Hoefakker

Lethbridge, AB, will be the calling church for the next Classis meeting to be held in Lynden, Washington. The meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2012; if there is no business to be discussed, an alternate date of March 20, 2012, was chosen. The meeting would begin at 9:00 A.M. The prayer service is scheduled to take place on the preceding Tuesday at 7:30 P.M., the Lord willing. Rev. H. den Hollander will serve as the chairman, Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg will serve as vice chairman, and Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg will conduct the prayer service.

Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg thanked the brother minister and all delegates for the effort and unity. The meeting had points that entailed many deliberations and discussions. May each of us be given strength from the Lord to fulfill the calling that has been laid upon our shoulders. The delegates and clerk of the calling church of Fort Macleod were thanked for their labors and the congregation of Sunnyside for the hospitality that has been extended to us. It was his wish that the Lord would protect all also in regards to the travelling that must take place. Mention was made once again of Rev. den Hollander; it was Rev. Van Ruitenburg’s wish that in due time the brother’s health and strength would return and that the Lord would yet help in all things.

In light of the departure of Rev. Sonnevelt to the Netherlands, Elder Roy Vanden Brink chose Psalter 421:5. Rev. C. Sonnevelt was asked to close the meeting in prayer. Prior to prayer Rev. Sonnevelt expressed pain about having to leave a Classis that had become dear to him but stated that he had to leave because he wished to follow the Lord. It was his desire that the Lord would yet bless the congregations within North America.

At this time the blessing of the Lord was sought in prayer.

Anniversary and other announcements will be placed upon request. A donation for their placement would be appreciated. For consistency, size is limited. Please send your request to the managing editor, Dr. E. Nieuwenhuis, whose address is shown inside the front cover. Requests for placement should be made by the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

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