NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended

To Rev. L. Blok of Nunspeet, The Netherlands, by the Chilliwack, British Columbia Congregation.

To Rev. J. denHoed of Rock Valley, Iowa, by the Middelharnis, The Netherlands congregation.

Declined

By Rev. L. Blok of Nunspeet, The Netherlands, to the St. Catharines, Ontario and Chilliwack, British Columbia congregations.

REPORT OF THE GENERAL SYNOD IN UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS

On Tuesday, September 12, 1989, the evening prior to the General Synod in The Netherlands, Rev. A. F. Honkoop led in a prayer service based on Jeremiah 14:20,21 in the church at Utrecht. He spoke of the necessity that people acknowledge their sins, the need of prayer that for His Name’s sake, the Lord will not abhor His people because of a covenant that is unbreakable.

On Wednesday morning, Rev. A.M. Den Boer, as pastor of the calling church at Lisse, spoke an opening word on Revelation 2:1 on the church of Ephesus, how the work of the Apostle Paul was blessed and a flourishing congregation had come to be there. But when the Lord builds, Satan comes to break down. That is still the same today. Then the enemies not only come from the side of the world, but also from within. The minister said: “Brothers, this comfort we have, the Lord not only calls unto the office, but also upholds in the office.” He addressed the need not only for ministers, but also for elders and deacons who have been prepared and called by the Lord. We must not only address the social needs, but above all the spiritual decline.

Synodical officers elected were:

President — Rev. A. F. Honkoop

Vice President — Rev. A. Moerkerken

First Clerk — Rev. K. de Cier

Second Clerk — Elder H. Van Rossom

Third Clerk — Rev. H. Paul

Treasurers — Elders B.J. Nieuwenhuis and J. Honkoop

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 (or print neatly) your information, enclose $5.00, and forward to “New and £ vents,” 2115 Romence St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 by the 5th of the month preceding publication.

After the officers took their respective seats, the chairman acknowledged the delegates for their trust on behalf of the moderamen and expressed the desire to work together, and also mentioned the need for wisdom from above.

Following this, Rev. J. denHoed of Rock Valley, Iowa, was given the opportunity to bring the greetings from the congregations of the United States and Canada. He expressed sincere thankfulness for the financial assistance to the schools in America and Canada. He wished for them the Lord’s wisdom for the meeting.

The first point of business was to send a telegram to the Queen of the Netherlands. Greetings were sent to her from the Synod, wishing her the Lord’s blessing and wisdom in her many labors. The following day, a telegram from the Queen was received in return.

Article 5 on the agenda was the many reports of the various committees. The Curatorium report revealed that during the period from 1986 until 1989, four students were accepted to begin theological training and that four candidates were made callable during this period of time.

Deputies of Foreign Churches write that in the three years which lie behind us the correspondence bond between the churches in the United States, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand has been continued and seen as valuable.

The Emeritus Report reveals that to be able to take care of all future needs pertaining to ministers who have received Emeritus status, that the average of 5.90 per member, which is the responsibility of the congregations today, will have to be raised to 12 gilders. It was stressed that every congregation must feel their responsibility for this.

The meeting of the first day was adjourned at 8 P.M., beginning again the following morning at 10 o’clock.

Much time was spent the second day on the alarming reality of young people leaving the church. Rev. Moerkerken explained that each year a church full of young people (approximately a thousand) leave the Gereformeerde Gemeente. Many go to another denomination and a percentage do not attend church at all. The question was raised: Why is this? It is not enough to say that it is out of enmity against the doctrine of free and sovereign grace. Also we cannot say that it is because of a lack of working with the youth in the way of youth organizations and youth activities. I was amazed to see in this report how much youth work there is in the churches of the Netherlands. Rev. C. Harinck pointed out that we as ministers must put our hand in our bosom and ask the question: Does our message reach our young people? For only when the preached Word gives impression, only when that Word by the grace of God binds to the truth, can we hope for a change in this alarming trend. At the end of this discussion, a committee was appointed to investigate this very saddening and alarming circumstance.

After the noon meal of the second day, the Chairman, Rev. A. F. Honkoop, presented Rev. K. de Gier with the first leather-bound edition of the explanation of the Church Order of Dort. Rev. de Gier has taught Church Order at the Theological School for almost thirty years. All the dictations prepared and used by Rev. de Gier throughout the years are now bound together and marketed by Uitgeverij en Boekhandel Den Hertog. A volume, with a word of acknowledgement, was also given to Rev. Golverdingen who proofread the work. Student Visscher was also given a copy for his assistance. Rev. A. F. Honkoop brought to everyone’s attention at the Synodical meeting, that every church should stimulate an interest among their members that they acquire this valuable work.

Coming to the end of the second day of the Synodical meeting, it became evident that not all of the reports had been discussed nor had the points from various particular Synods been discussed. It is for this reason, that the 17th and 18th days of January, 1990, were appointed for a follow-up Synod Meeting.

NEW ADDRESS

Rev. & Mrs. A. Den Boer

730 Skyline Drive

Sunnyside, WA 98944

(509) 839-4494

ANNIVERSARY

55th Wedding Anniversary

Mr. Arthur and Elizabeth Van Houten will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7th, 1989 D.V.

Their children are: Arthur Van Houten, residing in Wayne; Ann Vander Volk, residing in Clifton; Elizabeth Radler, residing in Clifton; James Van Houten, residing in Clifton; John Van Houten, deceased; 18 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Houten are members of the Clifton church and Mrs. Van Houten is the former Elizabeth Van Beveren.

OBITUARIES

KAMP, Cornelia (Kate) — Age 96; October 10, 1989; Grand Rapids, Ml; Sons — John, Peter, Richard, Henry; Daughters — Gertrude (Mrs. Richard Westrate), Jane (Mrs. Dan DeMeester), Helen, Martina (Mrs. Henry Spaans), Ada (Mrs. Henry Bloem); Sisters — Gertrude Sporte, Lena Strobel; 45 grandchildren; 63 great grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Isaiah 61:8b.)

MEYER, Gerri — Age 86; October 4, 1989; St. Catharines, Ontario; Sisters — Theresa Meyer, Els Van Soelen; Brother — Frederick Meyer and nieces and nephews. (Rev. Vogelaar, Isaiah 61:1–3.)

VANDE HOEF, Cornelia (Nellie) — Age 63; October 12, 1989; Sioux Center, Iowa; Husband — Gerrit; Brothers — Jake Blom, Jim Blom, John Blom, Arie Blom, Cornie Blom, Henry Blom; Sisters — Marie Schmidt, Jennie Kramer. (Rev. H. Hofman, Job 14;1,2.)

KIK, George — Age 70; October 22, 1989; Crand Rapids, Ml; Wife—Maude; Daughter — Ruth (Mrs. Richard Aagaard); Sons — Robert, Dan; Brother — Fred; Sisters — Ruth Brouillette, Cora Platt, Pearl Cook; Stepbrother— Richard Kik; Stepsister — Clara Statler; 4 grandchildren. (Rev. C Vogelaar, Eccl. 11:3b.)

VAN WINGEN, Janet C. — Abe 76; October 25, 1989; Crand Rapids, Ml; Son — Peter; Brothers — Robert, Arnold; Sisters — Christine Brouwer, Josephine (Mrs. Marvin Moll), Ruth (Mrs. Russell Lindhout), Jean Carlen, June Barents; 2 grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Rev. 21:4b.)

FINANCIAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING

JUNE 30,1989

ASSETS

Bank Certificate of Deposit $100.000.00

Bank Money Market Account 22,688.00

Loans Receivable from non-profit organizations 703,440.00

TOTAL ASSETS $826,128.00

LIABILITIES

Due Depositors $782,392.69

Fund Balance 43,735.31

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE $826,128.00

Income:

Interest Earned $ 59,126.66

Expenses:

Interest Paid $53,128.97

Supplies & Accounting 722.64

Total Expense $53,851.61

NET INCOME $ 5,275.05

Fund Balance 6/30/88 $ 38,460.26

Fund Balance 6/30/89 $ 43,735.31

Peter Southway, Treasurer

187 Glenwood Drive

North Haledon, NJ 07508

Telephone: 201/427-5093

Renewal and Gift Subscriptions

Most subscriptions to The Banner of Truth expire with the December 1989 issue. To avoid missing future issues, please forward your renewal for 1990 prior to January 1. A self-addressed envelope is provided in this issue. Please note that if your church assumes payment of The Banner of Truth, you need not respond to this notice.

In either case, we wish to thank you for your continued support, prayers, and gifts. A particular thanks to those who forward amounts in excess of the subscription price. As you know, we are dependent on your donations to meet our costs. Please assist us if you are able.

Once again we wish to continue the valuable service of providing our periodical to various seminaries and pastors, many of whom have expressed their appreciation for this gift Please check the appropriate box on the provided envelope if you desire your donation to be used for this purpose.

Finally, a heart-felt thanks to all those who have assisted us in providing our 55th year of Banner of Truth reading material: our ministers, elders, and assistant editor for their timely contributions; our business manager, secretary, and those who assist with updating files and mailings; our typesetters, printers, and Banner of Truth Committee.

May God continue to command and add His blessing upon the reading of our Banner of Truth to many hearts—also to you and yours, out of the rich abundance of His grace.

TEACHERS

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Corsica, SD, will be needing an elementary teacher either for grades K-3 or 4–8 for the 1989–90 school year. Phone Cerrit Hup (605) 946-5503 or Jay Ymker (605) 724-2221.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOI, Lethbridge/FL Macleod. Applications are still being sought for both the elementary and high school level. For more information contact the principal: Mr. A.H. Verhoef (403) 381-3030— School; (403) 381-4434 — Home. Please send applications with references to the secretary of the school board: Mr. A.M. De Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alta., Canada T0L 1M0

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Norwich, Ont. For this school year (89–90) we invite applications for a teacher to take the place of one of our teachers, a mother with several children at home, for the Intermediate Crades 7–10. We are looking for a teacher with a background in English with a willingness to teach some other subjects. For more information or an application, please contact Mr. Henry Scholten, President, (519) 468-2714 or Mr. Martien Vanderspek, Principal, (519) 863-2403 (school) or (519) 863-3119 (home). Rehoboth Christian School, 43 Main St. E., PO Box 220, Norwich, OnL N0J 1P0.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Pompton Plains, New Jersey would like to begin a high school program for the school year 1990–91. Much planning is being done. Plans are being made to make a final proposal to our Grade 8 parents in January or February. While recognizing the agreement not to advertise specific openings before January, we need to know the availability of teachers by this date. Therefore we would like to encourage interested teachers to inquire before December 31 by contacting Mr. D. Vande Vrede (201) 694-7495 or Mr. J. Van Der Brink (201) 790-1565. May the Lord open the way.

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Kalamazoo, Ml, is accepting applications for several elementary teaching positions for 1990-1991 school year. Interested applicants are asked to contact either of the following:

Mr. Gary Blok, Principal,

1328 Miller Road, Kalamazoo, Ml 49001

(616)349-8295

Mr. Dirk Schipper

4732 East C Avenue, Kalamazoo Ml 49004 (616) 349-9448

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

Most are likely aware of the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding the Missouri law that limits access to abortions in certain circumstances. Further, the justices have agreed to hear three more abortion-related cases next term (this fall) which could eventually lead to a complete overturning of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973 which “legalized” abortion on demand. At the present time, the question of restricting abortion lies in the hands of state legislatures and governors. We urge our readership to seek the Lord in prayer to overturn the hearts of those leaders who are determined to maintain abortion “rights” in their states. We also ask you to consider writing a brief but pointed letter to your state representatives and governor urging the passage of pro-life legislation or the maintaining of pro-life laws already in place. Several states are now initiating test cases to see how flexible the high court’s Webster decision will allow states to be. Now is a very critical time in the sixteen year old battle against this particularly heinous sin.

Update on Child Care Legislation

Christian World Report reports the Senate passage of a child-care bill fashioned after Sen. Dodd’s ABC Bill (see July ‘89 Current Events) with the added amendment that parents receiving government child care certificates may spend them at sectarian (religious) centers. Sen. Durenberger, author of that amendment to the ABC Bill, still has concerns including:

• this amendment may be stripped away by courts as unconstitutional (violating church/state separation)

• church-based centers not submitting to government licensing would be exempt

• traditional single-income families where parents choose to mind their own children will not benefit at all, becoming in the senator’s words, “the highest cost child care of all.”

Since the House version differs widely from the Senate version, being more hostile toward more parental choice in child care, the final version will likely stem from a conference committee compromise. We will try to keep you updated.

New Age Legislation?

Consider contacting your U.S. Senators to voice opposition to SJR 135, a Senate resolution introduced by Sen. Claiborn Pell which would establish a 25-member “National Commission on Human Resource Development” which would explore “increased fulfillment of human potential” through such New Age techniques as transcendental meditation, Zen yoga, etc.

INFORMATION

Louisiana Considers Law Against Blasphemy

It is refreshing to report that a New Orleans legislator has introduced a bill making the taking of God’s Name in vain or ridiculing “generally accepted and recognized religion” or its teachings a misdemeanor. It is not expected that the law would survive constitutional challenges if passed.

New Jersey Supreme Court Strikes “Year of Our Lord” from Law Licenses

As a result of a lawsuit from an atheist, an agnostic, and a secular humanist, the N.J. Supreme Court has removed “in the Year of Our LORD” from law licenses because the expression offended the above-described three lawyers.

Michigan Court Rules: Home-school Teachers Must Be Licensed

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld separate county court decisions requiring “qualified” (certified) teachers, even in home-school settings. The court said the religious rights of the parents were not unduly violated since they could become certified teachers by attending religious schools, their home-school was not a school because it lacked a qualified teacher, and teacher certification is essential for the protection of state interests in education. (Reported by National and International Religion Report)

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