News & Announcements

Church News

Extended:

To Rev. J.M.D. de Heer of Middelburg Centrum, the Netherlands, by the congregations of Brant County, Ontario, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

To Rev. D.W. Tuinier of Aagtekerke, the Netherlands, by the congregation of Sioux Center, Iowa.

To Rev. J.B. Zippro of Beckwith Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by the congregation of Markham, Ontario.

Declined:

By Rev. J.M.D. de Heer of Middelburg Centrum, the Netherlands, to the congregations of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, for mission work in Bolivia, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

By Rev. D.W. Tuinier of Aagtekerke, the Netherlands, to the congregation of Sioux Center, Iowa.

By Rev. J.B. Zippro of Beckwith Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the congregations of Markham, Ontario, and Sunnyside, Washington.

Obituaries

GROEN, Jeanette (nee Groeneweg) — Age 86, May 28, 2012; Inwood, Iowa; Husband — John (deceased); Children — Joy & Jay Van Den Top, Carolyn & Gary Rindels; Sister-in-law — Pauline Groen; 4 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. (Rev. P.L. Bazen, Luke 10:42a.)

HAARMAN, Neeltje “Nellie” (nee Van Bezooyen) — Age 71, May 17, 2012; Diamond City, Alberta; Husband — John; Children — Gerrit & Julie Haarman, David Haarman, Ann Marie & John Bill Van Genderen, Willianne & Shane Trotter, Michelle & Matt Avey, John Peter Haarman; Mother-in-law — A.M. Haarman; Siblings — Bill & Nellie Bezooyen, Tine & John (deceased) Grisnich, Maaike & Martin (deceased) Oudshoorn, Corrie & Pieter (deceased) Goedhart, John & Jennie Bezooyen, Gerrit & Theresa Van Bezooyen, Henk & Carla Van Bezooyen, Margaret & Henk de Kok; 16 grandchildren; predeceased by brother Floor and sister Willi Schipper. (Rev. C. Sonnevelt, 2 Corinthians 7:10.)

JOHNSON, Bernard F. — Age 60, May 18, 2012; Harrisburg, South Dakota; Wife — Jennie; Children — Paul & Kamie Johnson, Tom & Larissa Johnson, Tyler Johnson & fiancee Krista Bakewell, Jeanne & Gary Magnuson, Lindsay Johnson; Brothers — Mike & Linda Johnson, Larry & Cindy Johnson, Lonnie & Janice Johnson; Sister — Paula & Harlan Van Hill; 8 grandchildren; predeceased by daughter Lisa and brother Marlin. (Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., Revelation 4:2.)

VANDENBERG, Hendrikus — Age 82, May 3, 2012; Picture Butte, Alberta; Wife — Gerritje; Children — Brenda & Peter Schothorst, Patricia Klok, Geraldine & Leendert Van Esch, Evelyn & Jan Klok, Petula Vandenberg, Henk & Geraldine Vandenberg, Rex & Marilyn Vandenberg, Elbert & Leah Vandenberg, Tony & Christine Vandenberg, Gerald & Amanda Vandenberg; Sisters — Eefje Van Eck, Hendrikje Van Hierden, Teunie & Bill Slingerland, Janet & John Klok; 43 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. (Rev. C. Sonnevelt, Hebrews 10:31.)

VAN GINKEL, Aalt Hendrik “Henry” — Age 44, May 27, 2012; Norwich, Ontario; Wife — Debbie Joanna (nee van Manen); Sons — Christopher & Michael; Mother — Maria van Ginkel; Parents-in-law — John & Hermiena van Manen; Brothers — John & Joanne van Ginkel, Tys & Katherine van Ginkel, Reny & Janet van Ginkel, Albert & Esther van Ginkel, Arie & Anneke van Ginkel; Sisters — Tina & Reynold Jansen, Arita & Cor Pannekoek, Joanne & Dick de Konig, Evelyn & Teunis van de Pol; Brother-in-law — Dennis & Sherri van Manen; predeceased by father Arie van Ginkel. (Rev. A.H. Verhoef, Psalm 55:22a.)

VAN OOSTEROM, Cornelius — Age 80, April 21, 2012; Chilliwack, British Columbia; Wife — Gerdien; Children — Brenda Van Oosterom, Teresa & Henk Verhoef, Bill & Cathy Van Oosterom, Clarence & Debbie Van Oosterom; Sister — Maria Bisschop; 17 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. (Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg, Psalm 27:4.)

VAN VELDHUIZEN, Stella (nee Huyser) — Age 86, May 4, 2012; Rock Valley, Iowa; Husband — John (deceased); Children — Karen & Ron Post, Bill & Charlene Van Veldhuizen, Alvina Van Veldhuizen, Lee & Jaci Van Veldhuizen; Sister — Freda & Jake H. Van Voorst; 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. (Rev. P.L. Bazen, Ecclesiastes 12:5b.)

Curatorium Announcement

The Curatorium of our sister congregations in the Netherlands, in its meetings on May 21 through May 23, accepted two men to be admitted to the theological school of the Gereformeerde Gemeenten. They are Mr. A.T. Al-Chalabi, who is unmarried, from Genemuiden, and Mr. M.H. Schot, a deacon from Amersfoort, who is the father of three children. Mr. Al-Chalabi was accepted to be trained as a missionary minister.

Bible Truth Books

Damaged Inventory — Limited Quantities

Bible Truth Books and the Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing Committee are working together to distribute a limited supply of slightly damaged books. All the books listed below are new but have an insignificant amount of water damage. At this time, several copies of each title are available.

A Comforting Knowledge — Rev. C. Van Dam God’s Care and Continuance of His Church (v. 2&3) — J. Vreugenhil

God’s Wonderful Dealings with Joseph — Rev. A.M. den Boer

Bible History (v. 1-3) — J. Vreugdenhil Heaven Taken By Storm — Thomas Watson The Christian’s Reasonable Service (v. 2&4) — Rev. W Brakel

The Heidelberg Catechism (1952 edition, v. 2) — Rev. G. H. Kersten

The Heidelberg Catechism — Rev. G.Van Reenen

Precious Things of God — Octavius Winslow

The Twelve Meditations — Rev. W.C. Lamain

The damage to these items is limited to slightly wrinkled or discolored pages. All books are fully readable with no missing pages.

These items are available FREE of charge to interested persons on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations to defray the cost of shipping are optional but are always appreciated.

Please contact us to inquire about the availability of these titles.

Bible Truth Books
P.O. Box 1290
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1290
Phone / Fax: 616-776-2593
Email: BibleTruthBooks@igateweb.com

Classis East Youth Conference

The annual Classis East Youth Day Conference will be held in Norwich, Ontario, on July 13&14, 2012, D.V. All our young people, grade 10 and up, are heartily invited to attend. Registration will begin late 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 have Rev. E. Hak-voort and Rev. A.H. Verhoef present topics to the attendees. A sing-along will follow after the Sunday evening service. For further information or accommodation arrangements please contact Elder Rob Fallowfield at (519) 424-2750 or Elder Jeff Tod at (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&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.

Young Adult/Post High School Youth Camp Planned for August

A three-day/two-night trip up to northern Michigan on August 9-11, 2012, is being planned by the Kalamazoo Youth Steering Committee (under the oversight of the Kalamazoo NRC consistory). We are planning to stay in a lodge located in Gaylord, Michigan. On Friday, we hope to drive to Mackinaw City and take a ferry to the scenic Mackinac Island. Two of our ministers will be in attendance to provide meaningful topics and discussions. For further information please contact Mrs. Konnie Kleppe at konniekleppe@hotmail.com or by telephone at (269) 375-9504.

50th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing,
our dear parents and grandparents,

Dr. Edward & Lois Nieuwenhuis
(nee Struck)

hope to commemorate their
50th wedding anniversary
on August 10, 2012.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good:
for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 136:1)

As a family, our wish and prayer is that
the Lord who has spared them together
these fifty years, will remember them
for both time and eternity.

62 Peach Tree Court, Hawthorne NJ 07506

Education

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, ROCK VALLEY, IOWA, is accepting applications for a Spanish teacher for the 2013-2014 school year. Applicants should be able to hold an Iowa teaching license by August of 2013. Applications can be obtained from Principal D. Breuer at dbreuer@nrcsia.org or (712) 476-2821.

NORWICH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, ONTARIO, CANADA, is seeking applications for a middle school or secondary teacher and a part-time administrative assistant. The administrative assistant would provide support to the principal and administration by performing functions such as arranging and preparing for meetings, scheduling, preparing correspondence, writing policy, conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and such other duties as may be assigned by the principal. A college or university degree will be an asset in filling this position. For more information about part-or possible full-time options related to either of the above positions, please contact our principal, John Heikoop, at (519) 863-2403. Applications should include a letter of intent as well as a resume. They should be submitted to the school or e-mailed to the HR Committee Chairman Mr. Andy Stubbe at andy@rcsnorwich.com.

NRCEA Teachers Convention

Plymouth Christian Schools wish to invite Christian school educators and parents interested in Christian education to attend an NRCEA Teachers Convention planned for August 1-3, 2012, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The three-day conference will feature pastors, administrators, teachers, and board members of member schools presenting topics and leading workshops and sectionals focused on the general theme “Reformed Worldview under Attack.” Please plan to join us and enjoy this unique opportunity to interact with fellow Christian school educators.

Additional information regarding registration, presentation of topics, housing, and field trips can be found on our school’s website under “information” (www.plymouthchristian.us) or by e-mailing the elementary administrator, David Engelsma, engelsma@plymouthchristian.us or the high school administrator, Jim Bazen, jbazen@plymouthchristian.us. We look forward to receiving your topic descriptions and/or your commitment to attend ASAP (see deadlines on posted forms). A prompt response will enable us to continue our planning and make arrangements for accommodations in the months following.

Minutes of Classis Midwest April 2012 Meeting

Office Bearers’ Conference

On the afternoon of April 17, 2012, Rev. P.L. Bazen of Rock Valley presented a topic about “The Work of House Visitation.” The office bearers first enjoyed a time of fellowship and then met in the auditorium for the topic. Rev. Bazen set forth many practical insights and instructions concerning the important work of house visitation. Rev. C. Vogelaar closed the conference with prayer, and a supper was served.

Classis Midwest Prayer Service

On the evening of April 17, 2012, Rev. E.C. Adams of Corsica, South Dakota, led the prayer service at Grand Rapids-Beckwith, Michigan, for the Classis meeting to be held the following day. His text was taken from Ezekiel 9:3-5: “And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:”

The sermon title was “True Sighers in a Fearful Time”—1) The Time of the Sighers; 2) The Godly Sorrow of the Sighers; 3) The Protection Given to These Sighers. There was One who sighed and cried but no answer was given: “My God, My God why hast thou forsaken Me?” May the work of Christ be found amongst us. Seek it not elsewhere.

Classis Midwest Meeting

Classis convened on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. at Grand Rapids-Beckwith, Michigan. On behalf of the calling church of Grand Rapids, Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., opened the meeting with singing Psalter 427:5&8 and the reading of Matthew 28:10-20. The Lord’s help and guidance for the meeting was sought in prayer. A hearty welcome was given to the new ministers in our classis, Rev. Vogelaar and Rev. Baan, and to all the other delegates and visitors.

Classis Reflections since our last Classis Meeting of April 13, 2011:

Grand Rapids-Covell — Mr. Clarence Bleeker who was an office bearer at Covell and at Crescent Street passed away on August 3 at the age of eighty-two years old. Rev. C. Vogelaar was installed as their pastor on June 29, 2011.

Kalamazoo — Rev. G.J. Baan was installed as their pastor on July 19, 2011. Elder David Timmer has laid down his office for personal reasons.

Rock Valley — Deacon and Mrs. Gilbert Van Den Top commemorated their 45th anniversary on September 22, 2011. Elder and Mrs. Richard Rozeboom commemorated their 30th anniversary on April 16, 2012. Elder and Mrs. Charles Van Veldhuizen commemorated their 30th anniversary on March 5, 2012. Rev. and Mrs. P.L. Bazen hope to commemorate their 50th anniversary on May 3, 2012. Elder Peter Hoogendoorn had to lay down his office at the beginning of this year for health reasons.

Sioux Center — Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., accepted a call to the congregation of Dordrecht, the Netherlands, and plans a farewell on June 11, 2012. Elder and Mrs. C.J. Schelling commemorated their 50th anniversary. Elder John Zomer and Deacon Marvin Rus have retired from office.

Sioux Falls — Elder Arie Blom and Deacon Leonard Spaans have laid down their offices.

The Classis Meditation was by Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., on Matthew 28:16-18a.

After these words Rev. P.L. Bazen opened our meeting for business. The credentials of all the delegates were examined and approved. The minutes of the Classis Midwest meeting held in Waupun, Wisconsin, on April 13, 2011, were approved and signed. Rev. Adams gave a good report of their visitation to Rock Valley.

The clerk read correspondence from Classis Far West requesting assistance from Classis Midwest ministers. A letter was received from the clerk of the calling church for Synod 2012 asking for the delegates and for any points.

Classis Midwest Youth Committee announced that the Classis Midwest Youth Day will be held in Rock Valley, Iowa, on Friday evening and Saturday, July 27&28, 2012. The speakers will be announced at a later date. The Classis has appointed Rev. J.B. Zippro and Rev. G.J. Baan to be new members on the Classis Midwest Youth Committee. They replace Rev. P.L. Bazen, who has requested to be relieved, and Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., who has accepted a call to the Netherlands. Other remaining members are Elders Travis Klein, Charles Van Veldhuizen, and David Touw.

Committee for Incoming/Outgoing Ministers — The committee met with Rev. C. Vogelaar on June 29, 2011, and with Rev. G.J Baan on July 19, 2011. They have found all their papers in order, and they were both warmly welcomed into Classis Midwest.

Today the committee met with Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., who produced all necessary papers, and presented to him a signed Dismissal Certificate from Classis Midwest.

The moderatorships have been adjusted to be as follows:

Corsica — Rev. P.L. Bazen

Grand Rapids-Beckwith — Rev. C. Vogelaar

Grand Rapids-Covell — Rev. J.B. Zippro

Kalamazoo — Rev. J.B. Zippro

Lansing — Rev. J.B. Zippro

Rock Valley — Rev. E.C. Adams

Sheboygan — Rev. C. Vogelaar

Sioux Center — Rev. P.L. Bazen

Sioux Falls — Rev. E.C. Adams

Springfield — Rev. P.L. Bazen

Waupun — Rev. G.J. Baan

Due to a shortage of ministers in the Classis Far West, Rev. E.C. Adams will be a help-moderator for Lethbridge, Rev. P.L. Bazen will be a help-moderator for Picture Butte, and Rev. J.B. Zippro will be a help-moderator for Sunnyside. Rev. Van Ruitenburg and Rev. den Hollander will continue to be the official moderators in Classis Far West.

Classis Points

Grand Rapids-Beckwith — The Lansing, Illinois, congregation has indicated that it wishes to proceed with becoming an organized congregation. This group is presendy under the auspices of the Grand Rapids-Beckwith consistory, (see Articles 38&39, Church Order). Grand Rapids requests that Classis provide advice.

Classis Recommendation: Rev. J.B. Zippro reported that at a meeting in February 2012, the Lansing group voted unanimously for this proposal. Reference was made to Church Order Article 38 which speaks of constituting of new and small consistories. The proposal to proceed was approved by the Classis. Rev. J.B. Zippro and Rev. C. Vogelaar were appointed to assist in the administration of this proposal and will give a report at the next Classis meeting.

Kalamazoo — Requests Classis to consider the following question: Is The Banner of Truth committee authorized to send a letter to all consistories regarding books published by one of our ministers?

Classis Recommendation: This committee is a Synodical committee. Various questions regarding the mandate of the committee and what should be done to correct this incident were raised and discussed. Classis has decided to refer this point to Synod.

Rock Valley — Requests that Classis review the Missouri group located in Springfield, Missouri.

Classis Recommendation: All aspects of the situation with this group were discussed, including the distance and difficulty of traveling there and the responsibility placed upon the consistory of Rock Valley. Classis decided to continue helping this group to fulfill its responsibilities and to be more accountable. Rev. RL. Bazen recommended that our ministers try to visit them more often to show their support.

Sheboygan — Requests that the decision made at Classis 2011 (Customary Question #3 — Sioux Center) regarding payment to traveling ministers be rescinded.

Classis Recommendation: Classis has decided that Customary Questions may only be about a matter already on the Classis agenda or may be submitted as an addendum to the agenda if it has already been prepared.

Sioux Center — Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., has received an honorable discharge from his present flock in Sioux Center in the form of a Certificate of Release from the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Sioux Center.

Classis Recommendation: The Committee for Incoming/Outgoing Ministers presented to Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., a Certificate of Dismissal from the Classis Midwest. The chairman gave Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., an opportunity to speak to the classis about the Lord’s leadings with him pertaining to his call to Dordrecht. Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., received liberty to explain his call to this new flock. May the Lord go with him and his family in the coming months and abundantly bless his labors in Dordrecht.

Sioux Falls — Informs Classis that at a recent members’ meeting, it was the unanimous desire that the congregation of Sioux Falls continue as a congregation.

Classis Recommendation: The ensuing discussion brought to light several items that will be dealt with individually as follows:

a. The Classis Midwest will defer to Synod a question about performing the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper at small church groups that are not yet established.

b. The Classis has placed the Sioux Falls congregation under the administration of the Corsica consistory as their mother-church.

c. The Classis will request guidance from Synod 2012 in reference to Sioux Falls whose consistory is not complete, where all efforts to fill the vacant offices have failed, and where there is just one office bearer left. How should we deal with the incomplete consistory of Sioux Falls which is now functioning under the mother-church of Corsica?

Rev. P.L. Bazen concluded the meeting with a few remarks and asked everyone for his prayers in regard to the Curatorium meeting in May. Elder William Greendyk closed the meeting with prayer.

Corsica, South Dakota, will be the calling church for the next Classis Midwest. At that meeting, the Lord willing, Rev. P.L. Bazen will conduct the prayer service, Rev. J.B. Zippro will be the president, Rev. C. Vogelaar will be vice-president, and Rev. G.J. Baan will open the meeting. Rev. E.C. Adams will conduct a Classis Midwest Office Bearers’ Conference on the Tuesday afternoon prior to the meeting.

All the Lord willing,
Elder Jerry Fluit, clerk

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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