News & Announcements

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Declined:

By Rev. E. Hakvoort of Norwich, Ontario, to the congregation of Lynden, Washington.

Obituaries

DA COSTA, Prim Johanneke – Age 4 months, August 4, 2018; Norwich, Ontario; Parents – Mark & Johanneke (Scholten) Da Costa; Siblings – Osha & Renzo; Grandparents – Henry & Maryanne Scholten, John & Eliabeth Da Costa; Great-grandparents – Jose Da Costa and Maria Catarino. (Rev. E. Hakvoort, Job 16:20b.)

VANDER WAAL, Marie Susan (nee Ver Duin) – Age 87, July 12, 2018; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Husband – John (deceased); Children – Betty Mulloy, John & Katrina Vander Waal, Timothy Vander Waal; Sisters-in-law – Francis Ver Duin, Eileen Ver Duin, Shirley Hilbelink, Jeanette Davies; 4 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; predeceased by brothers Howard Ver Duin & Jim Ver Duin and granddaughter Shaunna Fujii. (Rev. G.M. de Leeuw, James 5:9b.)

WEEDA, Sandra (nee VanGiessen) – Age 60, July 22, 2018; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Husband – Leendert; Children – Justin & Karalyn Weeda, Cherene & James Grisnich, Brandon Weeda, Jolissa Weeda, Jeremy Weeda; Parents – Garrett & Helen VanGiessen; Siblings – Sheryl VanGiessen, Gary VanGiessen, Randy & Trudy VanGiessen, Mary & Andrew Kieboom; In-laws – Jennie & Klaas Paauw, Marjorie Weeda, Marinus & Liz Weeda, Linda Weeda, Trudy & Henk DeBlieck, Connnie & Gary Otten, Martin & Jolanda Weeda; 4 grandchildren. (Rev. H. Hofman, Psalm 19:14.)

New Titles from Bible Truth Books

Memories and Fragments by Rev. Lamain— Rev. Lamain desired to write this book on the fortieth anniversary of his ordination as a minister. It includes incidents and memories from his personal and official life as well as meditations and sermons. It was Rev. Lamain’s wish that the book, especially the sermons, would be used as clay in God’s fingers to the conversion, to the discovery, and to the up-building of the body of Christ. Then, indeed, shall the Most High God receive all the honor therefrom. Hardcover, 167 pages, $9.60.

Church History Volume 9: Division in the Church by Mrs. A. Vogelaar—Mrs. Vogelaar’s ninth volume deals with the history of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands during the 19th century. It describes the errors and differences leading to the succession of 1834. In addition, it includes stories about men such as William Bilderdijk and Isaac daCosta. Hardcover, 127 pages, $12.00.

Martin Luther by D. den Haan—Martin Luther does his very best in school. He learns to read, write, and sing, but he does not hear about the Bible. Martin is allowed to go to the university. In the library, he reads the Bible for the first time. Soon, Martin realizes that the priests do not tell everything. In this book you will read how the Lord worked in the heart of Martin Luther and how He wanted to use him in His service So that many people could read the Bible for themselves. Suitable to read to children from the age of 6 years or for children to read on their own from the age of 7 years. Hardcover, 79 pages, $17.50.

Dina’s Bible by D. den Haan—This picture book tells in a simple way the remarkable story of two people who were rescued from the flood in Zeeland in 1953. Dina believes that something very terrible is going to happen. She warns the people around her: her husband, the baker, and the mailman. Each time, she quotes, “Make haste for thy life’s sake!” When the dike breaks, Dina takes her big Bible with her. In this book you will read how the Lord delivered Dina and her husband and how He also took care that the Bible stayed dry. Suitable to read to children from the age of 5 years or for children to read on their own from the age of 6 years. Hardcover, 45 pages, $12.35.

The prices above do not include postage.

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

New Book Available

Henk and Samuel Otte, great-grandsons of Rev. G.H. Kersten, have had a bilingual book (English and Dutch) published giving both a pictorial and written history of Rev. Kersten’s visit to the American churches of the NRC in 1939. The book, entitled Citizen of Two Worlds, contains approximately two hundred pictures as well as diary entries and may be ordered from www.debanier.nl (Dutch cover) or https://fw-books.nl/product-category/books/ (English cover). Both books are identical inside. The price is $41.00 US dollars and $53.75 Canadian dollars plus shipping costs. Payment may be made by either PayPal or credit card.

50th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on September 11, 2018, our dear parents grandparents, and great-grandparents, Archie & Joann Maljaars hope to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1&2).

Unit 212, 8920-2 Broadway Street
Chilliwack, BC V2P 5W1

50th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, our dear parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, Arie & Audrey Koppelaar hope to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary on October 4, 2018.

“Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5b).

1301 Butter Rd. West
Ancaster, ON L9G 3L1

The Banner of Truth in Audio Format

Monthly copies of the articles which appear in The Banner of Truth are available on MP3s and CDs for those who have reading difficulties such as poor vision. These MP3 files are produced by a committee in Norwich, Ontario, with the support of the Norwich consistory, and they make the MP3 files available to the consistories of the end user. The consistories then distribute the MP3s and CDs which are provided at no cost to the end user.

To arrange for a free subscription, contact Mrs. Leona den Dekker at 519-842-5773 or ldendekker@rcsnorwich.com.

Education

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, COALHURST, ALBERTA has an urgent need for a grade 3 classroom teacher to begin in January 2019. We also invite applications from teachers of any subject or grade level for the 2018-2019 school year. All applicants must be eligible for Alberta certification. For more information about the school and the available positions, please contact the principal, Mr. Marc Slingerland, at school 403-381-3030, at home 403-331-4574, or at marcslingerland@ccschool.ca. Applications should be e-mailed to office@ccschool.ca.

MT. CHEAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COUMBIA, currently has openings for the 2018-2019 school year at both the elementary and secondary levels. In planning ahead while keeping in mind what the Lord says through James, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:15), we ask those who are interested in teaching to consider MCCS. Applicants must hold or be eligible for BC certification and subscribe to the faith identity of the MCCS Society and the Reformed Congregations of North America, which are based on the King James Version of the Bible and the Three Forms of Unity. Salary will be commensurate with experience and postsecondary education. Inquiries should be addressed to Mr. Jan Neels, Principal, at jneels@mccs.ca. Please send your application along with supporting documentation to Mr. Jan Neels, Principal, jneels@mccs.ca and to the board secretary, Mr. Eric Van Maren, at eric@vanmarengroup.com.

NETHERLANDS REFFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CORSICA, SOUTH DAKOTA, is seeking applicants to fill a full-time elementary position for grades 3-5. The applicant should be highly self-motivated and versatile and one who loves the old truths and paths. NRC membership is required. For more information on this position please contact the school board president, Mr. Ken Van Brenk, at 605-732-4296. Applications should be sent to 26684 390th Avenue, Stickney, SD 57375.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, POMPTON PLAINS, NEW JERSEY, would like to receive applications for a full-time teaching position for the 2018-19 school year. The position is somewhat flexible and may be adapted to the applicant’s background and experience. Interested applicants are asked to contact one of the following: John Van Der Brink, Administrator, at 973-628-7400 or jvanderbrink@nrcsnj.org or Tim Mol, Education Committee Chairman, at 973-204-5677 or timjmol@yahoo.com.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, ROCK VALLEY/SIOUX CENTER, IOWA, is seeking applicants for a music teacher to begin at any time. Elementary educators: openings are anticipated for intermediate/ upper elementary teaching positions for the 2018-2019 school year. Please send all inquiries regarding these positions to Principal D. Breuer, 712 20th Ave. S.E., Rock Valley, IA 51247, e-mail dbreuer@nrcsia.org, or call 712-476-2821.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, NORWICH, ONTARIO, is a kindergarten through grade 12 school located in small-town Norwich, Ontario. We have more than 900 students and offer academic, vocational, and special education programs to meet the needs of our large Reformed community. Please visit www.rcsnorwich.com for detailed information about current employment opportunities.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, is seeking applicants who feel the desire to pursue a Bible teaching position. Duties of this position include middle school and secondary Bible instruction. It is our hope and prayer that this position may attract an applicant who has a personal Spirit-wrought desire to tell, explain, and share the truth of God’s Word and train in applicable apologetics along with instructing in the preciousness of Reformed doctrine. It is also desirable that applicants may be able to teach other subjects at a secondary level (however, this is not mandatory) and be certifiable to teach in British Columbia. Membership in the Netherlands Reformed Congregations (NRC) is a prerequisite to applying. Please feel free to contact Mr. Doug Stam, principal, at 604-794-7114 or dstam@timothychristian.ca or Mr. Wim Neels, board president, at 604-997-0967 or wimneels@timothychristian.ca for further information and/or clarification.

To All Candidates for Teacher Positions

Please visit advertising@nrcea.education for an up-to-date listing of job openings in NRCEA schools as well as links to the school websites for more information about the positions and the schools. When accessing the job bank on the NRCEA SharePoint, please use the following:

User Name: advertising.nrcea.education Password: Schooljobs!

Minutes of Classis Far West 2018 Meeting

Prayer Service

The Classis prayer service was led by Rev. H.D. den Hollander in Sunnyside, Washington, on Tuesday evening, March 20, 2018. The text was taken from Isaiah 66:9, where we read God’s Word as follows: “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.”

The theme of the sermon was: The opening of the womb assured to those brought to the birth. Three points were followed: 1) The parabolic meaning of these words; 2) The historical significance of these words; 3) The spiritual application of these words. The sermon was concluded with: Fear not little flock, there will be a coming forth out of the dark womb, into the world of grace, into the light of the everlasting day, where it shall never be dark again. Amen.

Opening

The Classis Far West meeting convened on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in the Sunnyside, Washington, NRC church. On behalf of the calling church of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Rev. A.A. Brugge welcomed the delegates and opened the meeting with the request to sing Psalter 83:1, 2, & 3. He then read a portion from God’s holy Word, namely, Isaiah 53:1-5, and followed the reading with seeking the Lord’s blessing in prayer.

Rev. Brugge meditated on Isaiah 53:5, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his Stripes we are healed.” We hear Isaiah making a personal confession; is it your confession as well? What is it that also as office bearers we need to confess? I have transgressed; I have done wrong. Previously, there was no confession; what a wonder that there is a confession now. It is my sin, my transgression, my iniquities. The main question being answered in verse 5 is, “How can I get rid of my guilt?” He was wounded, He was bruised, while we admit that we deserve to be wounded, to be punished. He was appointed and qualified for the work, which was fulfilled as recorded in the gospels. He, the Lord Jesus Christ, will take the worst to give the best, only because of God’s counsel. “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” True peace cannot be found anywhere else. There is no peace in any work that man can offer. There is peace only in Him who was rejected and despised by man. What a wonder that for such creatures it can be said “with His stripes we are healed.” This is the language of true faith that runs contrary to always trying to find something good in oneself. Brothers, is this faith to be found in your soul/life? May we pray to find it in our congregations and families, to the salvation of many.

The credentials were examined and approved as follows:

Artesia: Elder Sam Wisse

Chilliwack: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg and Elder Gerald Neels

Fort Macleod: Rev. H.D. den Hollander and Elder James Kreft

Lethbridge: Rev. A.A. Brugge and Elder Paul Neels

Lynden: Elders Jerry DeBruin and Rod VandeHoef

Picture Butte: Elders Kees Oskam and Harry Keurhorst

Sunnyside: Elders Joe den Hoed and Arie Van Wingerden

Note: Artesia’s 2nd delegate was unable to attend, and no alternate was available.

At this point the delegates were invited to take a seat at the table and the meeting proceedings were handed over to the appointed chairman of the meeting, Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg.

Election of Moderamen

President: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg (by rotation)

Vice President: Rev. H.D. den Hollander (by rotation)

Clerk: Elder G. Neels (by election)

Treasurer: Elder Arie Van Wingerden (by appointment)

Minutes

The minutes of the Classis Far West meeting held at Fort Macleod, Alberta, on March 20, 2017, and on August 23, 2017, at Chilliwack, B.C., were reviewed. A rewording of Article VII, Point d. “Classis Decision” was agreed upon, and thereafter the minutes for the 2017 meetings were approved and signed.

Correspondence

A letter from the Youth Conference Committee was received with a request that Classis consider officially adding a rule to the Conference guidelines as follows:

When our young people are scheduled to reside with host families for the conference, they will be billeted in pairs. This rule to be followed whenever possible.

Classis supported the addition of this rule.

Classis Reports

1. Church visitation reports:

A report of a visitation made to Artesia was read. All was found to be in good order. The outstanding visitations for Fort Macleod, Lethbridge, and Picture Butte, together with the visitations of Chilliwack, Lynden, and Sunnyside for the 2018/2019 year, will be scheduled by Rev. A.A. Brugge.

2. A Youth Day report, received from the Classis Youth Conference planning committee, for the 2017 meeting was read. You can find this report in Appendix 1.

Submitted Points

a. Artesia: No points

b. Chilliwack: The Chilliwack consistory would like Classis to review the wisdom (in principle) of following Rev. DeGier’s recommendation concerning a congregation that needs financial assistance. The advice is that first recourse should be to Classis (Page 43, Question 20, of “Explanation of Church order”).

If Classis feels this point is of significant importance, then Chilliwack requests that Classis’ decision, or request for further input, be forwarded to Synod to facilitate a consistent practice within the denomination.

Classis Decision: It appears that the custom in North America has been that congregations have had the freedom to request financial help as they felt need. No real problems with the custom were tabled except that it may be safer, in light of preventing problems, to require Classis approval. Finding the wording of the point somewhat confusing, Classis asked that it be re-written before a vote was taken. The re-wording was submitted as follows:

Chilliwack consistory requests that to the current practice of churches, when asking other congregations for monetary assistance, there be an added stipulation that such requests will be presented to Classis for approval before proceeding. If this procedure would be approved, Chilliwack also requests Classis to forward the point to Synod for denominationally consistent practice.

Classis accepted this suggested procedure and agreed to forward the point to Synod.

c. Fort Macleod: No points

d. Lethbridge:

1. The Pan Sexuality report, as it was forwarded by the committee that was appointed to write this report, was approved by Synod in the Fall of 2016. This report was included as an appendix in the minutes of the 2017 Far West Classis meeting. We request the Classis to forward this report to the Synod once again, asking for it to be approved and published.

Classis Decision: Classis agreed to forward the report to Synod.

2. The Consistory of Lethbridge feels it would be good to review whether we have our classis meeting every third year, as has been the case since 2009, in Sunnyside.

Classis Decision: Classis discussed various options and came to the decision to have the location of Classis meetings follow an alphabetical order of all seven congregations. If Artesia would decide that resource or facility-wise, they could not host the meeting, then Sunnyside would take its place and as a result have two turns per cycle.

e. Lynden: No points

f. Picture Butte:

1. The Picture Butte Consistory requests permission from Classis to institute a congregation in Nobleford within the next calendar year. The church building is progressing, and it is estimated the building will be completed by the end of 2018. There are currently approximately 175 confessing members and 290 baptized members attending services.

Classis Decision: Classis gave unanimous approval to proceed in the institution of a congregation in Nobleford.

2. The Picture Butte consistory requests advice on a discipline case.

Classis Decision: Classis gave some advice and direction, with the wish of the Lord’s blessing upon the means.

g. Sunnyside: No points

Moderatorships

The current moderatorship arrangements will remain unchanged. If a Nobleford congregation is instituted before the next Classis meeting, then Rev. A.A. Brugge will fill the moderator position on a temporary basis until Classis officially assigns a moderator.

Artesia: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Chilliwack: Rev. H.D. den Hollander

Fort Macleod, Calgary: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Lethbridge, Choteau: Rev. H.D. den Hollander

Lynden: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Picture Butte: Rev. A.A. Brugge

Sunnyside: Rev. A.A. Brugge

Synodical Delegates

Ministers:

Rev. A.A. Brugge

Rev. H.D. den Hollander

Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Elders:

William Grisnich

John Moens

Gerald Neels

Arie Van Wingerden

Alternate Elders in order:

Henry de Kok

Gerrit Van Hierden

Next Classis meeting

Fort Macleod, Alberta, will be the calling church for the next Classis meeting to be held in Lethbridge, Alberta. If a Fall meeting is required, it will be held on October 17. The regular Spring meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2019, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The prayer service, to be conducted by Rev. A.A. Brugge, is scheduled to take place on the preceding Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Rev. H.D. den Hollander will serve as chairman, Rev. A. A. Brugge as vice president, while Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg will open the meeting. An officebearers’ conference, led by Rev. A.A. Brugge, is scheduled to take place prior to the prayer service at 3:00 p.m. All the above the Lord willing.

Classis Expenses

The total expenses for the Classis meeting was $4779.77, expressed in USD. The collection amounted to $307.00. The balance of the expenses will be prorated to each of the congregations based on membership numbers.

Closing

Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg thanked the delegates for the way we could meet and discuss the points. A word of thanks was also extended to the calling church and to Sunnyside congregation for hosting the meeting. At this time, Elder G. Neels was asked to close. The meeting was closed with the singing of Psalter 163:1&3 and prayer.

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