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Church News

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended:

To Rev. E. Hakvoort of Norwich, Ontario, by the congregation of Sunnyside, Washington.

To Rev. A.T. Huijser of Sliedrecht, the Netherlands, by the congregation of Rock Valley, Iowa.

To Rev. C. Sonnevelt of Krabbendijke, the Netherlands, by the congregation of Lynden, Washington.

To Rev. A.T. Vergunst of Waupun, Wisconsin, by the congregations of Kapelle-Biezelingen, the Netherlands, and Markham, Ontario.

To Rev. A.H. Verhoef of St. Catharines, Ontario, by the congregations of Covell Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Rotterdam-Ijsselmonde, the Netherlands

Declined:

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

By Rev. A.T. Huijser of Sliedrecht, the Netherlands, to the congregation of Rock Valley, Iowa.

By Rev. A.T. Vergunst of Waupun, Wisconsin, to the congregation of Kapelle-Biezelingen, the Netherlands.

Obituaries

BOON, Gerrit (George) – Age 83, March 24, 2017; Norwich, Ontario; Wife – Eva (deceased); Children – Glenda & Martin Vlietstra, Albert & Rita Boon, Wilfred & Wilma Boon, Madelyn & Jake Rozendaal, Tom & Stella Boon; Brothers & sisters – Albartus (deceased) & Gerritje (deceased), Hennie & Wim (deceased) Mijer, Maartje (deceased) & Geurt Vande Scheur, Geurt & Stieneke Boon, Jannie Boon, Jan & Dini Boon, Allie & Maas Van Veldhuizen; Brothers- & sisters-in-law – Leen (deceased) & Leentje (deceased) Snijders, Leen & Lena Bijl, John (deceased) & Jacoba (deceased) Weeda, Arie (deceased) & Maria (deceased) Joosse, Hendrika & John Lobbezoo, Peter (deceased) & Pauline Vanderweerd, Marinus Byl, Carl & Audrey Koudys, John & Reata Bijl; 40 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren. (Rev. E. Hakvoort, Hebrews 9:27&28.)

BRON, Gerhard Elberdinus – Age 55, April 1, 2017; Fort MacLeod, Alberta; Wife – Christine; Children – Jacqueline and fiancé Immanuel Kashihalwa, Leonard Bron, Justin & Amber Bron, Marianne Bron, Gerald and fiancée Janelle Van Huigenbos, Veronica Bron, Jentina Bron; Siblings – Peter & Cora Bron, Klasina & Zweer de Bruin, Loys & Aantje Bron, Nellie & Cees Meijering, Johanna & Kees Noordzij, Leendert Bron, Sam & Anneke De Visser, Henri & Petra Van Herk, Lyda & Koos Scherpenisse; In-laws – Glenda Bron, Jane & Jake de Peuter, Anne Siebenga, Jeanette & Martin Slingerland, Gerda & Les McDaniel, John & Caroline VanEe, Arlene & Henry Bakker; 2 grandchildren; predeceased by his parents Peter & Johanna Bron, parents-in-law Jan & Gerritje VanEe, and brother-in-law Wieger Siebenga. (Rev. A.H. Verhoef, John 5:35; Rev. C. Vogelaar (at cemetery), Revelation 22:3b.)

DE FOUW, Maria – Age 92, March 29, 2017; Chilliwack, British Columbia; Husband – Jacobus de Fouw; Children – Marie & Rod, John, Ina & Bill, Morrey, Jack & Marlene, Bill & Mary, Frank & Christine, Lynda; Brothers – Jacobus Neels, Chris Neels; Sisters – Willie Guliker, Ina Lagemaat; numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren; predeceased by son Charlie and daughter Leuntje. (Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg, 2 Corinthians 7:9.)

DEN DEKKER, Cornelis (Case) – Age 55, March 4, 2017; Woodstock, Ontario; Wife – Christina; Children – Anneke & Arie van Ginkel, Helena & Erik Van Wijk, Case den Dekker, Jr., Matthew & Jonneke den Dekker, Corinne den Dekker & special friend Jordan Bock; Father – Cornelis den Dekker; Brothers – Henry & Lisa, John & Mary, Marcel & Janette; 7 grandchildren; predeceased by his mother Hendrika and sister Anneke. (Rev. A.H. Verhoef, John 3:7b.)

EASTERHOFF, Frank, Jr. – Age 85, April 7, 2017; Oakland, New Jersey; Wife – Marie (deceased); Children – Laurie Nagle, Russell & Jane Easterhoff, Edward Easterhoff, Karen Van Wingerden, Jennie & Ben Vanden Beukel; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Psalm 34:6.)

NEELS, Maria – Age 87, March 30, 2017; Chilliwack, British Columbia; Husband – Joost (deceased); Children – John & Erin Neels, Mattie & Ben Bisschop, Martin & Pauline Neels, Wim & Wilma Neels, Pete & Wilma Neels, Lena & Chris Adams, Joe & Tami Neels, Mike & Freda Neels, Jim & Sarah Neels, Dave Neels; Sister – Anna Neels; Brother – Michiel de Pooter; 42 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; predeceased by sister Wilhelmina Bareman and brothers Piet and Kees de Pooter. (Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg, John 3:35&36.)

RUS, Herman – Age 90, March 17, 2017; Armour, South Dakota; Wife – Gertrude (deceased); Children – Joanne & Darold Den Boer, Gib & Donna-Jean Rus, Kenny & Cindy Rus; Brothers & sisters – Jacob & Frances Rus, Lorn & Marilyn Rus, Hermina Van Veldhuizen, Jennie Van Bemden, Cora Star; Sisters-in-law – Audrey Rus, Judy Rus; Brother-in-law – Cornie Rus; 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; predeceased by brothers Elmer and Leon, sister Nellie Fluit, and brothers-in-law Alvin Star, Albert Spaans, Arie Van Veldhuizen, Isaac Van Bemden, and Tunis Fluit. (Rev. E.C. Adams, Mark 13:37.)

VAN DER STAD, Cornelius – Age 84, April 3, 2017; Wayne, New Jersey; Wife – Grace; Children – Chris Van Der Stad, Jacqueline & Ronald Van Grouw, Alan & Sarah Van Der Stad; Sister – Ida & Jacob Van Dalen; Brothers – Leonard & Alyce Van Der Stad, David & Lois Van Der Stad; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Psalm 89:48.)

VAN VOORST, Johanna Cornelia – Age 89, March 28, 2017; Sioux Center, Iowa; Husband – Gerrit (deceased); Children – Harlan & Karen Van Voorst, Mavis & Dale Crandall, Carol & Dave Johnson, Sue & Jeff Meendering, Donna & Larry De Weerd, Sharon & Lyle Den Herder, Jim & Janene Van Voorst, Janice & Loren Roetman; Sister – Cornelia Hoogendoorn; Brother – John & Lois Vanden Brink; Brothers-in-law – Jake Van Voorst, Jack Dibbet; Sisters-in-law – Dort Van Voorst, Hattie Rus, Marie Bakker; 33 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; predeceased by brother-in-law Gilbert Hoogendoorn. (Rev. A.T. Vergunst, Psalm 46.)

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 519-403-5178 or ldendekker@rcsnorwich.com.

In Memoriam

Mr. Gerrit Boon

On March 24, 2017, it pleased the Lord to take from the midst of his family and our congregation former deacon Gerrit Boon at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. Boon served our congregation of Norwich faithfully for fourteen years as a deacon with all the love of his heart and the gifts the Lord had given him. There is an empty place not only in the midst of the family circle but also in the midst of the congregation. May the Lord graciously remember the mourning family and sanctify this calling to each of us.

— The Norwich NRC Consistory

In Memoriam

Mr. Herman Rus

Om March 17, 2017, it pleased the Lord to suddenly take by the hand of death, out of the midst of his family and the congregation of Corsica, Mr. Herman Rus at the age of ninety years. He was given to faithfully serve the congregation as a deacon for twenty years. May the Lord uphold and comfort the mourning family and sanctify the calling to the hearts of young and old.

— The Corsica NRC Consistory

Rev. P.L. Bazen Granted Emeritus Status

At the recent meeting of Classis Far West held on March 22, 2017, in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Rev. P.L. Bazen of Picture Butte, with the support of his consistory, requested and was unanimously granted emeritus status as a minister in the denomination of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations. This status was awarded to him in the most honorable manner with grateful acknowledgement for the many years of service the Lord has granted him both on the mission field in Bolivia and in congregations in Classis Far West and Midwest.

May the Lord grant health and strength during these difficult days since the many years on the mission field have led to present bodily weakness.

“The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life” (Psalm 128:5).

Address of Rev. de Leeuw

Rev. G.M. de Leeuw
2339 Deer Trail Dr. N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Phone: 616-265-5929

The Firs Conference Notice

The Youth Planning Committee of the Chilliwack, BC, NRC is planning a Young Adult/ Secondary Youth Conference at The Firs on June 8-10, 2017. We welcome all post-secondary young adults to attend for a time of learning and fellowship. Rev. A.T. Vergunst and Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg hope to provide topics. Accommodations for the weekend will be arranged for out-of-town guests. For further information please visit our website at www.bnrcyouth.com/registration.

Classis East Youth Conference

The Classis East Youth Conference will be held, the Lord willing, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, in Norwich, Ontario. All young people ages 16+ are heartily invited to attend. There will be a supper and evening activities on the Friday evening of June 23. For further details see the next issue of The Banner of Truth, or you may contact elder Rob Fallowfield at 519-424-2750 or rrfallowfield@execulink.com.

Classis Midwest Youth Day

The annual Youth Day of the Classis Midwest will be held on July 7&8, 2017, at the Grand Rapids Beckwith Avenue Church. Rev. de Leeuw and Rev. Hofman hope to present topics. Further information will be provided in the June issue of The Banner of Truth.

Classis Far West Youth Day

The Classis Far West Youth Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 8, 2017, in Lethbridge. On the previous Friday evening the young people of Alberta will meet at Calvin Christian School to welcome those from other places to our Youth Day and get acquainted. On Saturday attendees will meet in the Lethbridge church meeting room for topics in the morning. Afterwards, they will be bused to Calvin Christian School for lunch, socializing, and some activities. In the evening we hope to have supper together and finish the day with a sing-along in the school gym and a questionand- answer session. We look forward to seeing many of our young people there. Those wishing to attend should contact Elder J. Fluit at jlfluit@gmail.com. A registration form will be emailed and can be filled in with the necessary information and sent back.

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.

Education

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, COALHURST, ALBERTA, is in need of certified teachers to join its staff in August of 2017. The greatest need is for secondary teachers, but applications for any subject or grade level will be welcome. 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, home 403-331-4574, or at marc.slingerland@ccschool. ca. Applications should be e-mailed to office@ccschool.ca.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, ROCK VALLEY/SIOUX CENTER, IOWA, is seeking applicants for a music teacher to begin at any time. We also encourage applications for anticipated secondary and elementary openings. Please send all inquiries regarding position details to Principal D. Breuer, 712 20th Ave. S.E., Rock Valley, IA 51247, e-mail dbreuer@nrcsia.org, or call 712-476-2821.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, are accepting applications for the 2017-2018 academic year for at least one opening in the elementary school and possible openings in the high school. Interested K-6 applicants can request an elementary school application and e-mail their résumés and/or questions to Mr. Nathan Bleeker (nbleeker@plymouthchristian. us). Interested 7-12 applicants can request a high school application and e-mail their résumés and/or questions to Mr. James Bazen (jbazen@plymouthchristian.us).

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, is seeking qualified applicants for K-9 teaching positions. Please contact Tom Kwekel at school at 269-385-4889 or the Education Committee chairman, Bryan Kleyn, at 269-344-8722. Applications will be sent upon request. Letters, applications, and résumés may be mailed to Bryan Kleyn at 2853 Valley Glen Circle, 49004, or e-mailed to brk5465@gmail.com.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, NORWICH, ONTARIO, is seeking qualified applicants to fill at least five elementary and secondary teaching positions for the 2017-2018 school year. For more information about these positions please contact the principal, Mr. John Heikoop, at principal@rcsnorwich.com or 519-863-2403, ext. 223. Applications should include a letter of intent as well as a résumé. Please e-mail them to the HR committee chairman, Mr. Andy Stubbe, at a.stubbe@rcsnorwich.com.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLLUMBIA, is seeking British Columbia-certifiable teachers who are interested in joining us in a motivating and exciting learning environment. We are implementing an interesting new curriculum that focuses on knowing, doing, and understanding while including self-assessment strategies for learners. Teaching this curriculum through a Christian worldview requires teachers who thrive in a dynamic educational environment. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Mr. Doug Stam, principal, at dstam@timothychristian.ca or 604-794-7114 for more information and an application package.

Meeting of Classis Far West 2017

The spring meeting of Classis Far West was held in Fort Macleod, Alberta, on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. The prior evening, Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg conducted the Classis prayer service. His sermon was based on 1 Peter 2:1-3, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

The sermon’s title was “The Newborn Children’s Needs”. The text was explained in the following points: 1) Their birth; 2) Their milk; 3) Their taste; 4) Their growth; 5) Their desire.

On Wednesday morning, Rev. H.D. den Hollander opened the meeting on behalf of the calling church of Artesia, California. After greeting the delegates, he opened the meeting with the singing of Psalter 126, stanzas 1, 2, and 5, and then read from Psalm 46, and led in prayer.

Article II. Credentials

After recalling a number of significant events within the Classis and the denomination in the past year, special words were given in regards to the health of Student G. Bron, who continues in a weak condition. May the Lord grant His favor to the student and also to Rev. de Leeuw, who hopes to be installed in Grand Rapids.

The credentials were examined and approved as follows. (The two deacons were granted the right to vote.)

Artesia: Elder Sam Wisse and Deacon Art Wisse

Chilliwack: Rev. P. Van Ruitenberg and Elder K. Den Bok

Fort Macleod: Rev. H.D. den Hollander and Elder G. Van Hierden

Lethbridge: Rev. A.A. Brugge and Elder R. Vanden Brink

Lynden: Elders J. De Bruin and J. Timmer

Picture Butte: Elders H. De Kok and N. Vander Smit

Sunnyside: Elder Arie Van Wingerden and Deacon Archie den Hoed

Article III. Moderamen

President: Rev. A.A. Brugge

Vice President: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Clerk: Elder J. Timmer

Treasurer: Elder G. Van Hierden

Article IV. Correspondence

1. The minutes of the March 16, 2016, meeting of the Classis held in Chilliwack, British Columbia, were approved and signed.

2. A report which had been forwarded from the Classis Far West Youth Conference Planning Committee was read.

3. The Synod report of 2016 regarding the Far West points was available for review if needed; all delegates had received the written Synod report prior to the Classis meeting, so this report was not read.

4. The Pansexuality report: The committee that was appointed from the Far West at the 2016 Classis forwarded their report. This report has received Synod approval, and the committee will continue to add to this report. A suggestion was given by the delegates to add a section of how parents, office-bearers, and teachers can deal with these situations. Classis gave approval for this report to be forwarded to the NRCEA if a request was received.

Article V. Church Visitation

Church visitation was held in the following congregations, and all was found to be in good order.

A. Chilliwack

B. Lynden

C. Sunnyside

The Lord willing, the congregations of Artesia, Fort Macleod, Lethbridge, and Picture Butte will be visited in the next year.

Article VII. Submitted Points

Artesia: No points

Chilliwack: No points

Fort Macleod: No points

Lethbridge: We should always be thankful when the Lord grants outward growth of our congregations, especially in the confusing time in which we live, so that some congregations may need to establish new branches. We would like to suggest that the following points are considered before these branches are established:

a) If this will directly influence the membership of a sister congregation, the consistory of that congregation should be consulted before proceeding and before any announcements are made.

b) That the sister congregations should work together in the planning of such a branch.

Classis Decision: After a brief introduction regarding this point and a discussion, the Classis agreed to accept Part A of the proposal from Lethbridge. The brothers were asked and agreed to continue to work together in the future, so that unity is experienced among all of the Southern Alberta congregations. May the Lord grant His blessing as once again physical growth can be seen, and may the Lord also grant true conversions.

Lynden: No points

Picture Butte: The consistory of the Picture Butte congregation brings the following points to be discussed at the March 22, 2017, Classis Far West meeting:

a) Rev. P. L. Bazen has applied for emeritus status as of April 11, 2017, D.V. (see attached letters, 1&2)

Classis Decision: As this request was also made by Rev. P.L. Bazen, the Far West delegates, Rev. A. Vergunst and Rev. A.H. Verhoef, and in conjunction with the deputies of Article 49, Rev. P.L. Bazen was given honorable emeritus status according to Article 13 of the Church Order and also due to his poor health. Rev. P.L. Bazen has served faithfully and honorably. May the Lord yet bless His servant with strength for both body and soul. Emeritus status will commence on March 31, 2017.

b) In the Netherlands, there is a separate Synodical committee (Deputaatschap for Evangelisatie) that oversees local areas or places where there is a need or opportunity for evangelizing. The Picture Butte consistory suggest Classis Far West forward this point to the Synod of 2018 for discussion and consideration.

Classis Decision: The Synod of 1996 and 1998 handled a similar point as above. In light of this, the delegates of Picture Butte agreed to review Synod’s decision. If further inquiries are necessary, this can be done at a future meeting.

c) The translation of the Dutch Synodical study regarding marriage and divorce has not yet been completed; therefore, it cannot be presented to Classis yet (see Classis Far West March 16, 2016, minutes, point 2).

The above was for informational purposes; no decision(s) was necessary.

Sunnyside: No points

Article VIII. Moderatorships

Artesia: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Chilliwack: Rev. H.D. den Hollander

Fort Macleod: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg (includes Calgary)

Lethbridge: Rev. H.D. den Hollander (includes Choteau)

Lynden: Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg

Picture Butte: Rev. A.A. Brugge (includes Nobleford)

Sunnyside: Rev. A.A. Brugge

Article X. Next Classis Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on August 3, 2017. All current delegates were requested to come to this meeting to hear and witness the examination of Student E. Maljaars. A letter will be sent to the delegates of Articles 48 and 49, as well as the theological school instructors, requesting their attendance. The Classis agreed to request the examination to be conducted by the theological school instructors.

Chilliwack will be the calling church at the Classis meeting which will be held in Sunnyside, Washington, on March 21, 2018. Rev. H.D. den Hollander will conduct the prayer service on the prior evening of March 20. Rev. P. Van Ruitenburg will serve as chairman, Rev. H.D. den Hollander as Vice Chairman, and Rev. A.A. Brugge will open the Classis meeting.

All of the above, the Lord willing.

There will be an office bearers’ conference on the same day as the prayer service where Rev. A.A. Brugge will be giving the topic. All consistories are urged to have as many of their consistory members present as possible.

Expenses were allocated on the basis of the professing members of the congregations.

Article XIII. Closing

Rev. A.A. Brugge thanked the delegates for the peaceful meeting. While there were no customary questions, may it be a question in each one of our hearts how the matter stands between the Lord and our soul, for time and eternity.

A word of thanks was given to the calling church of Artesia, the hosting church of Fort Macleod, and to the Deputies of Article 49. May the Lord grant His blessing on all of the decisions that were made.

Elder S. Wisse closed the meeting with a word of prayer and asked the Lord for His blessing on the meal. Elder G. Van Hierden then thanked the ladies for the delicious meal and closed with the reading of Psalm 19 and in prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Rev. A.A. Brugge, President
Elder J. Timmer, Clerk

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