There is a time for every matter under heaven. - Clarion ...

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THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

There is a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Season’s Greetings

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Best Wishes and the

Lord’s blessings in the year

2013 to all our readers

Dr. J. Visscher, editorRev. P. Holtvlüwer, co-editor

Rev. E. Kampen, co-editorRev. K. Stam, co-editor

Dr. C. Van Dam, co-editorMrs. L. Veenendaal, copy manager

617 • Year-End Issue

A timely issueIn his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul had to

encourage his readers as they dealt with the death of loved ones. He wrote, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope” (1 Thess 4:13). Paul then showed how our Christian hope of the coming of the Lord Jesus in glory shapes our grieving. As this hope shapes our grieving, it actually shapes everything we do, including our celebration. We can adapt Paul’s words and say, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you. . . to celebrate like the rest of men, who have no hope.”

It is particularly helpful to think about this at the time of the year when there is much celebration. Companies throw Christmas parties. We have our own family celebrations at Christmas, as well on New Year’s Eve. These are not the only times of celebration in the whole year, but when it comes to celebrations, the year does seem to end with a bang, so to speak. Some find it difficult to squeeze in every party they are invited to. So, it is a good time to ask ourselves if we celebrate as those who have hope.

Scriptural warningOur manner of celebrating is addressed in the

practical sections of various apostolic letters found in Scripture. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote,

. . .our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy (Rom 13:11-13).

In his letter to the Ephesians he wrote, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery” (Eph 5:18). In Peter’s first letter he wrote that his reader had

Spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do – living in debauchery, lust,

drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you (1 Pet 4:3, 4).

When you note that Paul wrote to the believers in Rome and Ephesus, and Peter wrote to the believers scattered throughout the area of present day Turkey, it is evident that there was a strong pull to the party habits of the world in which the early Christians lived. Peter’s words indicate that there was considerable pressure to participate in the party scene of those days. Not participating was seen as being judgmental.

From the words used by Paul and Peter, we learn that these were wild parties. We actually come across some words that we may not even know the meaning of, beyond sensing that they speak of something bad. For example, in each of the passages we come across the word “debauchery.” One dictionary defines debauchery as gross sensual indulgence or as abandoning all duty, virtue, and faithfulness. All three passages also refer to drunkenness, as it leads to debauchery. You get the impression that in the parties of those days, people just let loose. Filled with liquid spirits, they were in high spirits.

It is worth noting how Paul’s warning in Ephesians 5 not to get drunk on wine is immediately followed by, “Instead be filled with the Spirit.” This is a striking contrast of liquid spirits and the Holy Spirit. A Christian can’t be filled with both and be true to the name Christian, for where the liquid spirits increase, the Holy Spirit must decrease. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of self-control, while the liquid spirits take over control.

Scriptural directionWe should not think, however, that this warning

against partying in the style of the world means that Christians have to go through life with sour and dour faces. Keep in mind that the celebration style of the world is because they have no hope. That lack of hope leads

Eric Kampen

Rev. Eric Kampen is minister of the Canadian Reformed Church at

Orangeville, Ontario [email protected]

Celebrate Like Those Who Have Hope

Year-End Issue • 618

to the mindset expressed in the lyrics of a still popular song, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so have a good time, the sun can’t shine every day” (from the band Trooper, 1977). As Christians we have every reason to be joyful. There are repeated exhortations in Scripture to rejoice. Do note that it is a call to rejoice in the Lord (e.g. Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18; Phil 4:4).

This talk of joy, of course, is first and foremost an inner joy. That inner joy is there even when one is surrounded by much external misery. This is obvious from the context of the book of Habakkuk and Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

This does not take away that there is also opportunity for actual joyful celebration. We see that in the way the LORD commanded Israel to keep a whole series of feasts. Besides the weekly Sabbath, there was an annual cycle of feasts associated with the agricultural calendar. One can read about this in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16. The Lord commanded his people to rejoice at the different phases of the harvest. To make sure that those celebrations would be in accord with the hope of Israel, the Lord linked key events on the agricultural calendar with what we might term the annual church calendar of the Old Testament times. Israel was to celebrate before the Lord and remember how he had delivered them from Egypt. This is evident in the way the three key feasts of unleavened bread (Passover), Pentecost, and Feast of Booths were to be celebrated at the place where the Lord would chose to make his name dwell. First this was the tabernacle and later the temple. The time of rejoicing over material blessings was also the time to rejoice over spiritual blessings. The rejoicing over material blessings was to take place in light of the spiritual blessings. Note the key point of linking material and spiritual blessings, of celebrating in the presence of the Lord.

Current applicationWhile as New Testament Church we are free from

the ceremonial laws, this principle has been applied by the church in different ways. Already early in the history of the Christian church, there developed a celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus. The date was chosen because it was a time of the year when people

were accustomed to celebrating the lengthening of days as part of the old pagan religions. The early church, in its wisdom, filled the vacuum in celebration that had come about because of rejecting the old pagan feast with a feast that linked it to an important event in the church calendar, the birth of Christ. It remains an ongoing discussion as to whether this was good or not, but it is a reality. You can fight it or live with the wisdom of the forefathers, and link the celebration of an event on the annual calendar with the great event of the incarnation, when the eternal Son of God humbled himself and took on our human flesh.

We can also see this in connection with the custom of having a worship service in connection with the start of a new year. This is something that we have inherited as, by the providence of God, we have our church roots in The Netherlands. It is a fact that services in connection with the new year were maintained upon the request of the civil authorities, who saw it as a way to control excessive partying. Again, you can fight it or live with the wisdom of the forefathers, and link the celebration of an event on the annual calendar with the fact that salvation is now closer than when we first believed.

Even apart from these external aids, our celebrations should always be done as those who have hope. Both Paul and Peter were not just thinking of possible Christmas and New Year’s parties but of all partying. As Christians, the Lord our God should always be on our mind. If we live conscientious, thankful lives, we will think of him often. Our daily prayers at meal times and before bed, and our weekly worship, keep him ever on our mind. Our Lord is with us constantly through his Holy Spirit who dwells within us. His presence should not be seen as a bogeyman to keep us from sinning, but as a joyful stimulant to live our whole life to the glory of our God, also in our celebrations. We live our whole life before the face of God, also when no one else sees us.

Wishing all a joyful celebrationAs we are in the midst of our year end celebrations,

we do well then to impress upon ourselves that celebrating is very much part of our Christian identity. Christians actually are the only ones who have reason to celebrate. The unbelieving world parties to numb itself and many wake up with a bad hangover and regrets. As Christians we may celebrate because of our hope in the coming of our Lord Jesus in glory. Such celebration should not be numbing but invigorating.

May our gracious God grant you all a joyful time as family and friends as you celebrate like those who have hope.

“Our salvation is nearer now than when

we first believed”


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In This IssueEditorial – Celebrate Like Those Who Have Hope

— E. Kampen .........................................................617Treasures, New and Old – Light — A.J. Pol ...................... 620Christ’s Two Appearances — N. Pronk .............................621Christmas: The End of Fear — K. Stam .............................624My Soul Magnifies the Lord — L. de Vos ......................... 626Guido de Brés High School Commencement 2012

— K. Jager ............................................................ 629Graduation 2012 at Emmanuel Christian High School

— A. Kingma ......................................................... 632From the Publisher — W.J. Gortemaker ........................... 634Abbotsford Welcomes Rev. Justin Roukema!

— A. Nienhuis ........................................................635Elora Congregation Celebrates Twenty-Five Years

— I. VanderMeulen................................................. 636Rev. Schouten’s Twenty-Five Years of Ministry

— H. Ludwig ......................................................... 638Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and P. Gelms ....................... 640Book Review – Reviewed by C. Van Dam ..........................641Letter to the Editor ........................................................ 644Press Release – Classis Alberta ........................................ 645Year 2012 in Review — J. Visscher .................................. 646

What’s InsideIn your hands you hold the final issue of Clarion for

the 2012 year. Here at the magazine we are thankful for a regular supply of articles and we are pleased to be able to send our readers an issue every two weeks. As in the past, Issue 25 is much longer than most issues, commemorating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ as well as reflecting on the year that is coming to an end and looking forward to a new year.

We bring the readers several articles especially for the Christmas season, including the editorial, Treasures New and Old meditation, and an article from Rev. Klaas Stam. We are thankful for permission from Faith in Focus to republish an article by Leo de Vos entitled “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,”

as well as to The Messenger for Neil Pronk’s article “Christ’s Two Appearances.” Our Editor Dr. James Visscher also gives us a review of the 2012 year in the Canadian Reformed Churches.

You will find reports on happenings within the church recently: young people graduate, a new pastor is joyfully welcomed, and both congregations and ministers celebrate twenty-five years. Issue 25 also brings you Ray of Sunshine, a letter to the editor, a press release, and a book review.

Along with the many greetings from church members throughout the federation, I would like to wish you greetings and best wishes on behalf of us all at Clarion. Dear readers, may the Lord grant you a blessed Christmas season and may he be your guide as you enter a new year.

Laura Veenendaal



Andrew J. Pol

Light

At this time of year people enjoy putting Christmas lights on their homes, or in trees or shrubs. The days are short and it gets dark early. The desire for light is natural. Life and light go together. Light is necessary for life to grow and blossom. If there is darkness and no light, living things will not flourish, but finally die. It should therefore not surprise us that the Bible links the words “light” and “darkness” with a number of very important concepts.

In his account of the gospel, the Apostle John testifies of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. “In him was life,” writes John, “and that life was the light of men” (1:4). Notice how the Apostle links life and light together. He then goes on to describe our Saviour as “the true light.”

What kind of light does Jesus give? It’s not “the light of reason,” or “the light of nature.” He is the only source of true spiritual light and life. The statement about Jesus Christ as the light emphasizes his divinity and the effect of the Word that he proclaimed. Compare it, for example, to Psalm 36:9, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Those words applied to the LORD, the God of the covenant. But the Apostle John shows that such words also apply to our Saviour.

Light in the darknessJesus Christ promises to give us light. He proclaimed

concerning himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The world in which Jesus Christ was born was different than the world made in the beginning. It’s a world that has been defiled by man’s sin. It’s a world in which there is much darkness. The effects of sin can be seen all around us and are also evident in us. Our sinful nature continues to produce bad fruit.

Without Jesus Christ people live in darkness. This darkness results in eternal damnation. But there is hope for all who take refuge in him. After all, he “gives light to every man” (John 1:9). This means that he gives

salvation without distinction. It’s not just for Jews. It’s for people from every tribe and nation on earth. No repentant sinner will be turned away.

Salvation is for all who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the promised Messiah. John writes in 1:12, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

“Receiving” Jesus Christ refers to accepting that he is who he claims to be. This is how John explains what it means to believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Believing in the “name” of Jesus Christ involves believing all that is revealed about him as the incarnate Son of God. Consider his glory, his power and majesty. Consider the love that motivated him to be born of the virgin Mary and to live on earth as a human being. Think of his earthly ministry and his death on the cross to save us from the darkness of sin. Think about his resurrection and ascension into heaven. Rejoice in what he continues to do for our salvation.

There were Jews and also people of heathen background who saw the light. They acknowledged Jesus Christ as the Saviour. John is talking about them when he writes about “all who received him.” Jesus was born as a Jew. His primary task was to reveal himself to the Jews as their Messiah. But John makes it clear that salvation is not only for Jews. It’s also meant for people like us.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Embracing this truth involves more than simply understanding it with our minds. It’s a matter of the heart. It leads to a lifelong commitment, a life of faith.

Our Saviour continues to be the source of life and light. As we look to him in faith, something remarkable happens. We “reflect the Lord’s glory,” and “are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). There is a purpose for this. Think of how Jesus describes his followers: “You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14).

Those words remind us of our task. What are you going to do about it?

MATTHEW 13:52

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

Treasures, New and Old

Dr. Andrew J. Pol is minister of the Canadian Reformed Church in

Carman West, Manitoba [email protected]


Christ’s Two Appearances

Neil Pronk

Rev. Neil Pronk is editor of The Messanger and an

emeritus pastor of the FRCNA [email protected]

This article originally appeared in The Messenger (December 2008). It is reprinted with permission.

Is there a biblical warrant for celebrating Christmas?

With Christmas approaching, the question many Christians will ask again is, is it biblical to celebrate our Saviour’s birth? This is an important question. It seems clear from reading the New Testament that the early Christians did not celebrate Christmas, at least not the way we do today. There are, of course, the stories of Christ’s birth and the shepherds and the wise men, the songs of Mary, Zachariah, and Simeon. But in the letters of Paul and the other apostles there is not one reference to a Christmas celebration. Why? Did the early Christians not care about our Lord’s birthday? Were they opposed to it, like the Puritans who felt that Christmas was a frivolous and worldly festivity so that during Cromwell’s reign they even forbade its observance by law? I don’t think so.

The Puritans were good people who have left us a very valuable legacy of devotional writings, but I think they went too far with their opposition to Christmas celebrations. I realize that they based their view on the fact that the New Testament is silent on the matter, but I think they misinterpreted that silence.

How the early church viewed the IncarnationThe reason why we don’t find first-century Christians

celebrating the incarnation is that they did not see the life of Jesus in segments as we do. We distinguish between his birth, the early years in Nazareth, the public ministry, the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and the descent of his Spirit. We have the complete record of Jesus’ life in the gospels and it is easier to study it when it is broken up that way. But they saw the life of Jesus and his ministry as one complete whole; all the great events blended together into one, which they called “the

appearing of Jesus Christ.” As Paul writes to Titus, his fellow servant in Christ:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14).

Christ’s first appearanceThe Apostle groups these various phases of Jesus’

life and ministry together in one great event, which he calls “the appearing.” What does Paul mean by that term? Notice that he speaks of two “appearings,” one at the beginning of our passage and another one at the end of it. The first one is a part of history, for, says Paul, “the grace of God has [emphasis mine, CP] appeared.” It covers the entire life and ministry of Jesus Christ, approximately thirty-three years, from his birth through to the cross and the resurrection; from Bethlehem to the Mount of Olives; from the open heavens, where the shepherds heard the voices of the angels singing, to the open heavens when the disciples looked up and saw him disappearing into the clouds of heaven. Thirty-three years are thus compressed into one event: the “appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Christ’s second appearanceThe second appearing refers to a future event.

We are, Paul says, waiting “for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us.” Paul calls this our “blessed hope.” Ever since Jesus ascended up to heaven, his church has been anxiously awaiting his return. The


first appearing is called the appearing of the grace of our Lord Jesus, while the second one is the appearing of his glory – two quite different things.

In between comes what has been called, quite properly, “the age of grace,” the age in which we live, and the age in which Paul wrote. It is interesting that the Greek word for “appearing” is “epiphany.” Literally, that word means “a shining forth or dawning.” One modern translation captures that meaning well when it says, “The grace of God has dawned upon the world.” That is the meaning of Christmas, basically. The birth of the Son of God represents the shining forth of divine grace to mankind.

As Paul puts it: “The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” The incarnation of Christ reveals that God is gracious. It means gospel, good news. The gospel presupposes the guilt and danger of sinners. It declares what Christ has done to remove our guilt and to rescue us from that danger. It proclaims God’s readiness to forgive and restore. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

The ultimate purpose of Christ’s first appearance

However, Christ also appeared in this world for another reason. Having stated that the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Paul goes on to say, “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” In a sense, that is the real purpose of Christ’s appearing in this world. Yes, he came to save sinners, but to what end? Not only that they would escape eternal punishment, but also and especially that they would once again serve God and glorify him. “It is God’s will,” Paul writes to the Thessalonian Christians, “that you should be sanctified” (1 Thess 4:3). When God saves a sinner this is his goal. He wants us to take up where we left off, when in the Garden of Eden we got off the track and the train of our life derailed. It is only the gospel that can tell us how to get back on the right track. By ungodliness is meant everything that is contrary to God and his law.

Worldly lusts remind us of what the Apostle John writes in his first epistle, chapter 2:15, 16: “Do not love the world or anything in the world,” etc. All of these we must deny and forsake. Nor is it only open transgressions that we are to avoid, but we must resist even our sinful

thoughts and desires. This is only the negative aspect of the law. But there are also many positive requirements God insists on. Paul says we should “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” This is the kind of life God requires of us. Who can ever meet such high standards? No one, left to his or her own strength and inclinations, can do so. But notice what Paul is saying here. It is the gospel of grace that teaches us to do what is impossible by nature. “Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil” (Jer l3:23).

But what is impossible with men is possible with God. That’s why the gospel first directs sinners to flee to Christ for pardon of all their sins through his precious blood. This is our first business, and only after we are enabled by God’s grace to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ our faith will start to work, being motivated by love. We learn to set our feet on that new and narrow path that leads to heaven, relying on Jesus to whom we are united by faith as the branches are joined to the Vine. Any good works we perform are done by virtue of that union. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This is the secret of godliness, the gospel mystery of sanctification, and the only way to become holy. To bring all this about our Saviour appeared among us.

The connection between Christ’s two appearances

What is the connection between these two appearances? What Paul means is that only those who as a result of Christ’s first coming have learned to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, etc., will also look forward to his second coming. Ungodly sinners who live according to the lusts of the flesh have no incentive to wait for Christ to come from heaven. For that coming can only mean judgment and condemnation for them. Believers in Christ, on the other hand, rejoice at the prospect of seeing him return with the clouds of heaven. Why? Because as Paul says here, his second appearance

The birth of the Son of God represents the shining forth of divine grace to mankind


represents his people’s “blessed hope.” Why is Christ’s second advent something believers are hoping for? Because it will be the moment when all they have done for God and his cause on earth will be brought to light. Although our good works will never be the ground of our acceptance with God, they will not escape his notice. He will approve of them and reward them openly.

What an incentive to holiness this should be! At Christ’s first appearance the nature, purpose, and effect of his mission was not clearly understood. He performed miracles, cast out demons, and healed many sick, but only a few believed on him in a saving way. It was not until Pentecost that the purpose of his incarnation, death, and resurrection were fully revealed. Then the power of his gospel was demonstrated in the conversion of the three thousand and many more later. The healing balm of the gospel was poured out upon multitudes. And yet there is another, even clearer manifestation of Christ’s saving mission to follow.

At his second coming there will be one grand public display of the success of the gospel. Then and not till then will be seen the full extent of our Saviour’s work. When that multitude that no man can number will stand before the throne – all of them washed in Jesus’ blood with palm branches of victory in their hands – it will be clear to angels, demons, and the lost that Christ’s mission has succeeded. He will have rescued from this sinful, corrupt race a people formed for himself who shall show forth his praises forever. It will be seen and understood that he gave himself to redeem us, not merely from condemnation, but from sin; from the love and practice of sin and to purify unto himself a peculiar

people, zealous of good works. Then our blessed Lord will see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. He will be glorified in his saints and admired in all that believe (2 Thess 1:10).

Incentive to serve and celebrateSurely, this should be a strong incentive and

motivation to serve him with more zeal and consistency than we have displayed so far. May our holy God, who has favoured us with his holy gospel, render it effectual by his Holy Spirit to make us holy in all manner of conversation and godliness and may he at that great day of Christ’s appearing present us “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Col l:22).

Let us keep these things in mind as we celebrate the birth of Christ this month. And as we wish each other a blessed Christmas, let us remember that the only way we can have such a Christmas is to understand by faith the inseparable connection between our Saviour’s two epiphanies (appearances) and our thankful and heartfelt responses to both of them. Anything short of this is not a Christian celebration at all but little more than a pagan festival.

This should be a strong incentive and motivation to serve him with more

zeal and consistency than we have displayed so far


Christmas: The End of Fear

Klaas Stam

The Christmas feast is the ultimate celebration of God’s love. We know that “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son that whosoever believes in him might not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Because God’s love stands central at Christmas, perhaps this is the reason why so many non-Christians also like this feast. People long to be loved. In a hard and heartless society where love is growing colder all the time, the quest for love continues. But often we do not get past the stage of cheap sentimentality.

For many people the search for love is a desperate, broken quest. It is hard to find a person who will truly love you in return. Even in close and intimate relationships, people are often afraid to give themselves unreservedly. Too many heart-aches and disappointments. We can become very cynical about love. In many instances we are afraid to love.

The world is filled with fear. We shudder at the horrors that are committed in the name of love. Some even say, “What’s love got to do with it? What’s love but a second-hand emotion?” And it is true: under the guise of love, many atrocities have been committed. But somehow the story of the baby in the manger strikes a chord: perhaps here is sweet love! Alas, the tinsel attention of the world is fickle and fleeting. The Babe is soon forgotten.

The end of fearPerhaps this Christmas we may focus on the theme:

the end of fear. It is striking how many times around the first Noel and subsequent redemptive historical events, we read: “Do not fear.” Let me highlight the version of events given in the gospel according to Luke.

When the priest Zechariah sees an angel in the temple, where he is serving, he is gripped with fear. But the angel says to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” When Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel, he says to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.”

In the song of Zechariah we find these words, “. . .to enable us to serve him without fear. . . .” When an angel appears to the shepherds in Ephrata’s fields, we read that the shepherds are “terrified.” They have great fear, and the original uses the word “mega phobia.” But the angel says, “Do not be afraid. . . .”

This fear can be explained in part by the a la carte appearance of angels. If you suddenly saw an angel, you’d probably fall right off your rocker. But it is more than just fear of extra-terrestrial beings. The people involved knew with unmistakable clarity that they were suddenly in the presence of God. Who can stand in this brilliant light?

I also think for a moment of what happened to Joseph. He saw an angel in a vision and was also deeply troubled. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife” (Matt 1: 20). Obviously Christmas is a feast that powerfully dispels all fear.

God has come to us, Immanuel, and yet we do not have to be afraid. The fear of Adam in Paradise, after he sinned, led him to hide from the Lord (Genesis 3:10, “I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Fear leads to hiding, seeking obscurity, lest we be found and indicted.

People long to be loved

He expresses to us his boundless love and takes away all our doubts and

anxieties concerning redemption

Rev. Klaas Stam is minister emeritus of the Canadian Reformed Church

at Hamilton, Ontario [email protected]


But the word at Christmas is: do not be afraid. God has in Jesus Christ not come to destroy but to redeem. He expresses to us his boundless love and takes away all our doubts and anxieties concerning redemption. Whoever receives this gospel and is unafraid to meet God has found the essence of Christ.

There is no fear in loveThe Apostle John has written these memorable

words, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts our fear because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:19). Christ has taken our curse upon him and borne the punishment for us. Therefore there is no reason to fear anymore. By God’s grace in Jesus Christ through faith in him, all fear is banished.

Perfect love casts out fear. Of course our love is never perfect in this life. We do have our worries and anxieties. Sometimes a Christmas celebration can be spoiled by

these anxieties. Maybe we are afraid sometimes that this child will one day rise up against us. But Christmas means the end of fear, if we embrace this Saviour.

I think of 1 John 3:18, which even in its beautiful context, is an excellent Christmas section in the Bible. Christmas is the end of fear. We can breathe again. There is new life. Let us embrace it in Christ. Whatever I may still be afraid of in this life, I do not fear meeting my Saviour Jesus Christ. He came once; he is coming again. It should fill you not with desperation but anticipation. “We have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 John 3:17).

1 John 3 is must reading on Christmas Day. Have a blessed festive season.

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 3:23

n n n

Church NewsCalled and declined the call to Bethel Canadian Reformed Church of Toronto, Ontario:

Rev. D. Poppe

of Coaldale, Alberta

Called by the Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church at Fergus, Ontario:

Rev. P. Feenstra

of Grand Valley, Ontario


This article originally appeared in Faith in Focus (December 2007). It is reprinted with permission.

And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,for the Mighty One has done great things for me –holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost

thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever,just as he promised our ancestors.”

(Luke 1:46-55)

Some of you have heard this beautiful song of praise described as The Magnificat. This is because the Latin Vulgate begins Mary’s Song with the words Magnificat – to magnify. Some have compared this song to Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2, but closer examination shows that it is saturated with portions of the Psalms. Boys and girls might wonder why they should memorize Scripture and Catechism, but here we see the rich results of memorization in Mary’s life. You cannot memorize too much from God’s Word.

The occasion of Mary’s praiseIf we want to understand this beautiful song,

we must understand the circumstances when Mary expressed these words. The angel Gabriel had already visited Mary with words of wonder. What amazing news: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:31-32)! Mary has been chosen by God to give birth to the Son of the Highest, the Messiah.

Now we also know that Mary had difficulty with Gabriel’s revelation. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings to our attention the stages of Mary’s faith: At first Mary is skeptical, staggering at this great revelation – “How will this be. . . since I am a virgin?” (v. 34) And we thank God for Gabriel’s ready answer – “No word from God will ever fail” (v. 37). Then Mary moves to the second stage: “I am the Lord’s servant. . . may your word to me be fulfilled” (v. 38). Mary says, “I don’t understand but I leave it in God’s hands.” Can we not identify with this stage – well, I don’t understand, but I will submit? Shortly after, Mary hurries to the house of her cousin Elizabeth, and Elizabeth speaking by the Holy Spirit confirms the words of the angel Gabriel (see verses 42-45). And God used these words to speak to Mary and give her a full assurance of faith, for she immediately breaks forth into praise!

The Bible’s description of Mary’s stages of faith is helpful to us. We can identify with her stages of faith and also with her weakness of faith. We also identify with the assurance of faith God gives us in his Word, just as the words of Gabriel and Elizabeth gave assurance to Mary. And when the wonderful truth of the birth of Christ penetrates our hearts, we are led to join Mary in a song of praise. How wonderful that God has not left us in our sin, but sent such a Saviour!

Leo de Vos

My Soul Magnifies the LordA Christmas meditation on the Song of Mary

Rev. Leo de Vos is the minister of the Reformed Church

of Wainuiomata (Reformed Churches of New Zealand)


The depth of Mary’s praiseMary uses two expressions: my soul and my spirit

to say that she is moved within the very depths of her being. Her joy is not superficial, but a response of everything within her to God’s revelation. Does the gospel ever move you and send shivers of delight into the very core of your being? Is it not true that sometimes we are too cold and clinical in our confession of faith? If we really understand what happened when the Son of God left the courts of heaven and came into the world in this way and manner; if we grasp something of its eternal significance, of its profundity, its amazing character, how can it fail to move us, especially in our souls and in our spirits (Lloyd-Jones, Magnificat, p. 11)?

Christmas is not just having a warm, nice feeling of being surrounded with friends and family. But for us, it should move us to the depths that God loved sinners so much that, at the right moment, Christ died for the ungodly. We should be deeply moved that there is a bright light burning like a lighthouse in this dark world, a Saviour who we confess as Christ the Lord!

What do Mary’s words to magnify the Lord mean? The verb magnify means to make great, to enlarge. But, you might ask, how can God be made greater? Is he not altogether great and unchangeable? We must understand that, in this passage, the verb magnify means to glorify, praise, extol. Think of when a young man falls in love and marries – he puts his bride on a pedestal, he magnifies her! Initially, at least, he cannot make her any different than she already is, but she becomes the centre of all his thoughts and affections. Mary in this song focuses on the Lord and his mercy to sinners. In her mind and heart, God is on a pedestal! Mary’s passion is that all the world would see the greatness and mercy of God. Her song is an invitation that all sinners may come to know, love, and praise Jesus Christ. “Glorify the LORD with me, let us exalt his name together” (Ps 34:3). This Christmas season let us shout the same to our family, our neighbours, and to our work-mates – O, magnify the Lord with me, O, that all may know and love Jesus Christ, O that Christ would be lifted up on a pedestal in our minds!

The object of Mary’s praiseThe Roman Church lifts Mary up to a high pedestal,

but Mary, while humbling herself, lifts up the name of God. Notice the words by which her song addresses God: he is the Lord, Jehovah, and shines in greatness and glory! The name Lord or Jehovah emphasizes that

God is our covenant God who keeps his promises. Mary also makes it clear that she is but a sinner in need of the Saviour as well. Notice that she exalts the Saviour, while confessing her own submission and weakness: “For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed” (v. 48).”

Sometimes in reaction to the Roman Catholic veneration of Mary, we have slighted Mary’s role in giving birth to the Saviour. We must honour Mary not for anything she is in herself, but for her wonderful role in redemptive history. Mary reminds us that, because she has been chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah, all generations will call her blessed. However, in her song, it is crystal clear that she, too, is a sinner who needs and loves the Saviour!

Notice that Mary also praises God’s great power! “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” (v. 49), “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts” (v. 51). Oh how weak and hopeless is our situation in this world. Thank God for the power of his salvation. When we feel overwhelmed surrounded by the secularism and unbelief of our culture, we must remind ourselves of God’s great power to destroy the haughty imaginations of men who are wise in their own eyes.

Mary praises God for his holiness: “Holy is his name” (v. 49). Why does Mary mention the holiness of God here? We can answer this question with another question – why did Christ have to come into this world? The answer is because God is holy and hates sin. Christ came to satisfy the justice of a holy God, so that we could be his children. Without a clear idea of God’s holiness, the righteousness work and life of Christ would not be understandable.

She praises God for his mercy! “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (v. 50). While grace takes into account our guilt, mercy takes into account our misery due to our fallen nature and sin. What do we see in hospitals, in rest homes, in

Mary’s passion is that all the world would see

the greatness and mercy of God


the streets, on TV news? Whether we see people broken physically or spiritually, we see misery. We see people lost and groaning under increasing burdens of the consequences of sin. Christmas is the message that Christ has come to show mercy to poor but penitent sinners.

Mary also praises God for his faithfulness! “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors” (v. 54-55). When we look at the Christmas story it is essential that we remember that God had promised to send the Saviour in the Old Testament. We can scarcely read a chapter of the Old Testament without encountering God’s covenant promises time and again. God made the promise of a Saviour to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 and then repeated this promise to Abraham and to his seed. Mary has long thought of these promises and now that God is showing his faithfulness to them by fulfilling them, she breaks out in praise. Christmas means that God keeps his promises! And these promises are still valid for us and for our covenant children. When we read the Bible at home, preach the Bible at church, teach the Bible at home, church, and school, we can never speak enough about God’s faithfulness. This faithfulness is never more clearly seen than when God sent his Son to be our Saviour.

J.C. Ryle reminds us: Let us lay hold of this woman’s example, to lay firm hold on Bible promises. It is of the deepest importance to our peace to do so. Promises are, in fact, the manna that we should daily eat, and the water that we should daily drink, as we travel through the wilderness of this world. We see not yet all things put under us. We see not Christ, and heaven, and the book of life, and the mansions prepared for us. We walk by faith and this faith leans on the promises. But on those promises we may lean confidently. They will bear all the weight we can lay on them. We shall find one day, like the virgin Mary, that God keeps his word, and that what he has spoken, so he will always in due time perform.

SourceS

In writing this meditation, I was blessed by a sermon of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on this passage. It can be found in: Christmas Sermons: An Exposition of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). I also found a note on the back cover to be of interest and hopefully instructive to us. It reads as follows: “During his long ministry at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones used the Christmas season to preach some notable Advent sermons. In his own words, ‘we take advantage of this season to remind ourselves of the coming of our blessed Lord into this world.’” J.C. Ryle always warms the mind and heart. The quotation comes from his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.

Christmas means that God keeps his promises!

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born will be called

Holy, the Son of God.”

Luke 1:35


It was a beautiful blustery day on September 29 as the 2012 graduands of Guido de Brès Christian High School were reunited at their high school one last time. The students enjoyed a luncheon with their classmates of four years, parents, and the teachers who were there to guide them through each of those high school years. Many pictures were taken as students reminisced the good times spent at Guido de Brès.

Soon the graduands entered Hamilton Place, full of excitement that this day had finally arrived. The Guido orchestra marked their arrival with the music of Tim Nijenhuis, “Variations on Ebenezer.” Mr. VanderHoeven, Chairman of the Board, welcomed the graduands and visitors and opened the ceremony with reading a portion of God’s Word. He reminded both the graduands and the audience that on a day like today we should joyfully remember the blessings that our Lord has showered upon us. We responded with the singing of Psalm 90:1, 9 which speaks of God’s grace to us through the generations, how he is our refuge, our dwelling place, our haven. We may have confidence knowing that in generations to come God will be our children’s everlasting home.

Mr. Vanoostveen, the new principal at Guido de Brès, spoke of how this school has flourished because of its rock solid foundation. He told the students that their class picture in the hall of Guido was a memorial of their time spent at Guido, a reminder of the work that God had done in that part of their life. He continued to explain that the graduands are living rocks, a people belonging to God. However, they are still being formed; one part of their life has come to a close, and the next part of their life is just beginning.

We then enjoyed a powerful musical performance by the following graduands: Robin Vanderwoude, Marlaina Vanderhout, Andrew Bosscher, and Brad VanDasselaar. These talented students along with Tim Nijenhuis played a medley of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “The Steadfast Love.”

This led us to our main speaker, Mr. VanDooren, who had worked as principal for the past twenty-five years. He gave students the message that not only were they ready to move on, they already had. He emphasized how this Christian class has spread their wings into the world and now each of them needs to respond to 1 Peter 3:15 - “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Mr. VanDooren expressed that in this world of uncertainty, as the graduands move out of the safety net of their Christian schools and are faced with the philosophies of this world which will test their faith, they need to stand firm and defend their faith. We need to take time to deeply think about God and his Word, to talk to our friends, and learn how to stand firm in an anti-Christian world. He left the graduands with this question: “Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have in Christ?”

The audience joined in the singing of “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” after which the graduands were called forward one by one to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas. After all 101 graduates stood for applause and photos, they made their way back to their seats while everyone sang “In Christ Alone.” A number of graduates received special awards for different achievements and a list of the recipients can be found below.

Guido de Brès High School, Commencement 2012

Katie Jager


Andrew Bosscher stood up for the class of 2012 and gave the Valedictory Address. He began by introducing who Guido de Brès was, and why it is an honour to have our school named after him. He reminisced about the good times spent by all in their four years of high school. Andrew even brought along the numerous McDonald straws that had once filled a locker at Guido. Andrew gave thanks to fellow students, parents, and teachers, especially Mr. Alkema (rumour has it that maybe some bribery was involved). Andrew ended by giving thanks to God, our Heavenly Father for the many blessings received.

The audience joined in singing “The Hope of Faith Shall Not Deceive Us,” reminding us once again that our Lord and Saviour rules this earth and so our faith should be deeply rooted in Christ and should not waver despite the confusion of the world we live in today. We closed the celebration with a thanksgiving prayer, led by Mr. A. Bethlehem, and then the audience rose to sing “Oh Canada!”

Congratulations Graduates of 2012! May God always be your Guide and may his Word always be a light on your path.

AWARDSThe Harry Aasman and George DeBoer

Memorial Scholarships

Rachel Kieft Matt LudwigJessica Mans Belinda OlijKaitlyn Vanderee Sarah VanderVeen

The Guido de Brès Proficiency Scholarships

Emily Breukelman Meaghan DatemaTaran Hoogsteen Esther KnegtMelanie Koning Thomas SmedingIan Vandergriendt Sara VanderhorstAndrew VanLuik Tim Veenstra

The Governor General’s Academic Medal

Belinda Olij

The Guido de Brès Christian High School Participation Awards

Shane DeJonge Tyler SchuttenNathaniel Schutten Kaitlyn VandereeSara Vanderhorst Evan VanderVeldeRobin Vanderwoude

The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students

Breanne Buitenhuis

The Dr. F.G. Oosterhoff Student-of-the-Year Award

Melanie Koning


* Received the Ontario Secondary School Certificate** Received the Certificate of Accomplishment

Jacob Harry AasmanMeagan Elizabeth ApperlooDavid Michael BergsmaEric Hubert BethlehemMatthew John BosmaAndrew John BosscherKevin Franklin BosscherCody Tyler BouwmanMorgan Kane BouwmanKyle Edward BoverhofEmily Arina BreukelmanShane Wesley Breukelman*Jacob Garett Philip BroekemaKevin Adrian BuikemaBreanne Evelyn BuitenhuisTimothy Gerard William BuitenwerfEthan James BurnsMeaghan Gloria DatemaMichael James DeBoerRachel Dianne DeBoerShane Willem DeJongeAllan Michal DraaistraJoshua Nicholas EvinkSarah Joanne FeenstraLaurie Geraldine GraceyKevin James GritterGraham George HelderHolly Grace HofsinkTaran William HoogsteenAlexandra Nicole HordykCassandra Jane HuininkDesiree Ceara HullemanDarren Hendrikus JansDarryl Gerry Jans

Dustin John JansemaJeremy John JongsmaThomas Henry JongsmaMeghan Brianne KampenVictoria Megan KampenRachel Geralynn KieftEsther Marie Mildred KnegtCory Shane KomdeurMelanie Alyvia KoningBrittany Ann LigtenbergApril Elizabeth LindeKristen Lindsey LudwigMatthew Edward LudwigJessica Helena MansLeanna Michelle NicholsonJoshua Peter NobelsCharissa Lee NordemanRyan Adrian NordemanBelinda Christine OlijSabrina Ellen OlijReece Jacob OosterhoffMarisa Lynn PetterDerrick Benjamin PilonJonathan Hein PostJoshua Fredrik PostScott Nicholas PostJeremy William PrinzenWillem Christopher SalomonsNathaniel Marc SchuttenTyler Gerard SchuttenPatrick Kenneth SchwantzJoshua Arend SmedingThomas Arend SmedingKevin Gerrit Spanninga

Eleanor Trudy Stieva

Melissa Johanna Maria Alida Stieva

Robyn Jane Tenhage

Jessica Lynn Togeretz

Matthew James VanAmerongen

Timothy Jason VanDam

Bradley John VanDasselaar

Fredrik John Vandenbos

Izak John Vanderee

Kaitlyn Michelle Vanderee

Ian Jacob Vandergriendt

Sara Jacklin Vanderhorst

Marlaina Jacqueline Vanderhout

Sarah Lynelle VanderVeen

Edward James VanderVegte

Evan Michael VanderVelde

Jordana Grace Vandervelde

Henry James Vandervliet

Mitchell John Vanderwoude

Robin Elizabeth Vanderwoude

Jacqueline Nicole VanHengstum

Wilhelmina Melinda Van Iperen

Adrian Brice VanLuik

Andrew John VanLuik

Edward John VanRootselaar**

Nicholas James VanRootselaar

Jordan Hendrik Gerard VanVeen

Christina Elizabeth

VanWoudenberg

Tabitha Maria Wilma Veenstra

Timothy John Veenstra

Travis Dylan Venema

Gavin Mark Wieske

Ontario Secondary School Diplomas


Arthur Kingma

The autumn display was at its finest. The maples were at their prime. Various shades of red, orange, yellow, and green edged fields and roads, making the trip to the Emmanuel Canadian Reformed Church of Guelph a most pleasant drive. The afternoon sun enhanced the intensity of the colours. Dust trailed combines that were harvesting the soya bean fields. Billowy white cumulus clouds decorated the bright blue autumn sky. Emmanuel Christian High School’s Graduation 2012 could not have been on a better day.

From their parked cars students, parents, board members, and staff walked across the parking lot into the church’s Fellowship Hall. Decorative garden-picked flowers arranged in glass bowls graced each of the seventeen tables, providing bright autumn colour to the neatly arranged room. The graduands took their places at the head table that graced the centre of the room. Meanwhile, Niel and Liz VanWeerden, and the kitchen crew, were busy with the food, adding the last-minute spices and dishing it up into serving bowls and hot stainless steel trays—ready for the buffet table. Once the MC, Mr. Dave Nienhuis, got all to quiet down, he opened the meal with Bible reading and prayer, welcomed

the honoured graduands and the rest, and then hastily proceeded to provide all guests with an orderly way to receive their food. Various smiling and courteous Grade 12 students filled the guests’ plates with a variety of salads, vegetables, pulled pork, and applesauce.

Between the main course and the desserts, the grads and all the other guests could enjoy a Made-by-the-Staff Jeopardy game about all the grads, a scrambled name search of various graduands’ names, and a video clip or two that shared lighter moments of the grads while they attended Emmanuel.

After coffee, juice, and a plethora of desserts, the guests could walk in the decorated foyer or on the church grounds while the Grade 12 students diligently cleared the tables and did the dishes. All the other guests and family members arrived, and found their places in the church auditorium. The graduands donned their gowns and stoles, the orchestra arranged for “Pomp and Circumstance,” the organist provided the background music, and last few guest trickled in. At 8:00 the official ceremonies began. The principal, Mr. Henk Nobel, led the procession of grads to their seats, and the board chair, Mr. Andrew Wildeboer, took his place behind the pulpit. After reading from Psalm 73, leading in prayer, and getting us all to sing, the board chair spoke words of welcome to all and words of congratulations to the grads. The guest speaker, Mr. Kasper VanVeen, a parent of one of the grads, then shared his message to the graduands. By comparing songs of today with songs of the past, he showed how empty the world’s message to the youth is. And then, by comparing the world’s message to that of God’s Word, especially focusing on Psalm 73, he showed to the grads how rich they are to have such a basis of Christian education. He encouraged them to go on in their apprenticeships, college, or university educations, but not to forget the wisdom of God’s Word, nor his purposes for their lives.

Before the principal and the chairman handed out diplomas, the principal shared his message to the grads.

Graduation 2012 at Emmanuel Christian High School

Guest speaker Mr. Kasper Vanveen

Valedictorian Tim Hutten


He reminded them that the grass may appear greener on the other side of the fence, but that in reality, it usually isn’t. He highlighted the last chapter of Ecclesiastes where the author concludes that “all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” In following this biblical instruction, the grass will always be green “under our very own feet.”

After the diplomas were distributed, and the class of 2012 was presented to the audience, Mr. Arthur Kingma and Mr. Theo Hopman presented the graduates with various awards. The awards not only highlighted academic achievements, but also service and stewardship experiences (see the sidebar), for the curriculum of Emmanuel is not only an official curriculum of books and knowledge, but also an unofficial curriculum of showing leadership, care, and love, of developing ones talents, and of providing a positive school spirit for the whole student body.

The students chose Tim Hutten to represent them as their valedictorian. It was difficult for many present to not think of Tim as a Matthew Cuthbert from the play Anne of Green Gables that the students put on in the spring, but Tim did a fine job of highlighting various serious and humourous aspects through which the class learned and gelled together. Tim also thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to their education at

Emmanuel, and voiced the graduates’ thanks to God for everything that he gave to them in the last four years.

After the official closing, the grads quickly marched off to the Fellowship Hall, grabbed a drink and some desserts, and lined up to receive the congratulatory well wishes from almost all present. Smiles, laughter, and joyous talk filled all the spaces in the building for almost an hour before the thankful crowds dispersed through the lamp-lit parking lot into their vehicles. A light rain had settled over the region, and through that rain brothers and sisters, friends and parents, grandparents and interested community members rode to their respective homes. God granted all a wonderful, memorable evening.

Honour RoleHenk Brakke, Janine DeGroot, Dianne Eygenraam, Rachel Harlaar, Yolanda Hoeksema, Craig Kroezen, Susan Landman, Alicia Lodder, Ben Meinen, Meagan Nijenhuis, Alina Sikkema, Eric Tamminga, Kendra VanLeeuwen, CaileyVanVeen, Samantha Vink

Post Farm Structures AwardDianne Eygenraam

Royal LePage RCR Realty Business Excellence AwardSusan Landman

Citizenship Award Meagan Nijenhuis

Stewardship AwardRachel Harlaar

Governor General AwardYolanda Hoeksema

Jordan Hutchinson Memorial Academic Proficiency AwardRachel Harlaar

Catching up with one another during dinner

Presenting the Graduating class (4 students missing)


ForgottenIt becomes more and more clear that the

majority of our fellow citizens have forgotten the Almighty God. Our countries were founded and populated by Christians who openly sought the blessing of God. But our culture has turned to the worship of the idol of self. The natural world and what can be proven scientifically are set in opposition to the supernatural power of God. The holy standards of his law are ignored. A growing number do not even have a basic knowledge of God and the Bible!

The God of the covenant warned his people many times not to forget his covenant, his works, and his commandments. The book of Deuteronomy is full of such warnings. But the people often turned aside, as the Lord declares by Jeremiah: “my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). Nevertheless God said to his covenant-breaking people “yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant” (Ezekiel 16:60).

RememberedBoth Mary and Zechariah recognized in

the birth of the Messiah God’s remembrance of his promised mercy. Zechariah said that the Lord God of Israel had acted “to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant” (Luke 1:72). The covenant God did not forget his forgetful people or his promises to them! “The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Psalm 98:2-3). Let us remember his works with thankfulness.

Thank YouClarion magazine serves to remind us of God’s

grace and our covenant obligations. This year again editors Dr. J. Visscher, Rev. P. Holtvlüwer, Rev. E. Kampen, Rev. K. Stam, and Dr. C. Van Dam have written and gathered much material for our spiritual edification. Our copy editor, Laura Veenendaal, organized and prepared this material on a regular schedule. Thank you all for your faithful work.

We were served with other regular articles: Dr. R. Bredenhof coordinated the Treasures, New and Old column; Arthur Kingma coordinated the Education Matters column; Corrine and Patricia Gelms wrote Ray of Sunshine; Rev. G. Van Popta, Rev. J. Van Popta, and Dr. W. Bredenhof also regularly supplied material. We also note the efforts of Otto Bouwman for the Education Matters column over the years. Coordinators and writers, thank you.

Dear subscribers and advertisers, thank you for your support, as it too is indispensable for the publication of Clarion. We look forward to your continued support in the coming year.

GreetingsOur heartfelt greetings and best wishes to

you all as we celebrate this joyous Christmas season and mark the changing of years. May we all remember the love and faithfulness of God, and go forward depending on his sure promises.

William Gortemaker

From the Publisher


Although Abbotsford welcomed a second pastor and teacher in Rev. J. Roukema early this past summer, it wasn’t until October 12 that we were able to give him an official Abbotsford welcome. Obviously, with that kind of lag between his ordination and the welcome evening, the evening had to be good, and the Abbotsford congregation did not disappoint!

Since both Rev. Justin Roukema and his wife Amanda grew up in the Fraser Valley, we had to come up with some difficult challenges for them to see how well they still knew the area and its people. To introduce them to the younger generation, they had to match daughters to their mothers and sons to their fathers. Amanda proved especially adept at this, even lending her husband a hand when she had time to spare after correctly matching up her side.

Magdalene Vanderlinde then presented an entertaining round of “Dutch Bingo,” where she managed to connect all but two members of Rev. Roukema’s ward in some way, from siblings and parents to more obscure connections such as cousins marrying sisters-in-law or nephews. While it may have seemed a bit strange to anyone walking in off the streets, we could all appreciate and smile at the many ties and links within our family of believers.

Rev. Roukema was then pitted against his co-pastor, Rev. Janssen, in a variant of the popular wedding “shoe game” where we could get to know both ministers a little better. Holding up their answers without seeing the answer of their opponent, they answered questions ranging from “Who is more likely to tear up at a movie?” to “Who eats more cake on visits?”

Rev. Roukema and his wife also got a chance to fight it out in a difficult round of trivia, where they proved close matches with strong competitive spirits! They couldn’t be stumped on anything, from the church address, to the names of our organists, and even to what day Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets on.

The Detmer and Teresa Deddens family shared their musical gifts with the congregation, showing they are

ready and able to step in as musical accompaniment should the organ ever fail during a worship service. On a more serious note, they also sang John Rutter’s “The Anthem” in beautiful harmony, a collection of encouraging and uplifting texts set to music.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study took the opportunity to address Amanda specifically, thankful that she has already joined them in Bible Study and officially welcoming her and helping her get to know us a bit better through song. She is already known to be creative and artistic, so the ladies shared hobbies and creative outlets they enjoy and encouraged her to join any of them in discussing and pursuing those interests. She was presented with a beautiful handmade quilt that included patches signed by the ladies “to keep her warm on all those nights when Justin is out visiting!”

Rev. Janssen then had a chance to address his co-pastor, and made a brief speech centred on that word “co.”. Going back to Latin, he tied in the words “company,” “colleague,” and “cooperate,” and welcomed Rev. Roukema as an equal partner with whom to share the role of pastor and teacher in Abbotsford congregation.

Finally, on behalf of the congregation, Rev. Roukema was presented with with a large wall clock, recognizing that God has a time and purpose for everything, and it was in his plan that Rev. Roukema would come to serve in Abbotsford congregation in 2012. It is with great thankfulness that we officially welcome a second minister to Abbotsford!

Anna Nienhuis

Abbotsford Welcomes Rev. Justin Roukema!


Ilse VanderMeulen

Elora Congregation Celebrates Twenty-Five Years

With fond memories and many laughs the congregation in Elora commemorated God’s faithfulness over the past twenty-five years. The Elora Canadian Reformed Church, instituted in 1987, was the thirty-ninth church in our federation in North America.

The official celebration on October 20 began with a dessert social for past and current members of Elora congregation in the recently renovated church building, nicely decorated with white pumpkins and mums and white antique cabinets displaying pictures and other items reminiscent of the past twenty-five years. It all helped to bring back a lot of stories and laughs of how things were then compared to how things are now.

Back in 1987, forty-six communicate members of Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church in Fergus, together with seventy-one children, signed up to start the Elora congregation. Within a few months the new congregation was instituted on Sunday, September 6. Rev. Clarence Stam led this service using the words of Revelation 1:12-16. Today, the church directory has tripled in size and eight of the founding families still belong to Elora: Luitsen and Annie DeWitt, Bert and Dinah Hutten, Jerry and Claire Hutten, Dick and Dina Lodder, Onno and Annette Sikkema, and Jackie Sipkes. Two members of the founding families, Jackie DeBoer (née Reinink) and Cobie Hutten, MC’d the official part of the evening in the church sanctuary. The theme was “giving thanks,” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks is all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It summarized the deep gratitude felt for all the Lord’s blessings over the twenty-five years.

Brother Jerry and Sister Claire Hutten highlighted some of those blessings for us, like the more than 2600 church services we could have unhindered over the past twenty-five years. Many guest ministers preached until Elora received their own ministers of the Word: Rev. James Slaa (1993-2001), now living in Smithers, BC,

our “Aussie” minister, Rev. Vermeulen (2001-2007), and our current preacher, Rev. Clarence VanderVelde (2009). Brother Hutten recalls: “Rev. Stam [leading services] at the beginning, who would at times preach for us a third service after his own two in Fergus; Dr. Van Dam who was a regular in the early years, being here numerous times each month; and Rev. P. Aasman who tirelessly taught our catechism students for a number of years.”

The five men installed as the first office bearers in 1987 were present during the celebration evening: Allard Gunnink, Jerry Hutten, Alex Thalen, Luitsen DeWitt, and Fred Reinink. Brother Hutten mentioned that the consistory has almost tripled in size, just like the congregation, but the amount of council meetings was reduced: “The early days had the elders and deacons meeting together as consistory, at the beginning, sometimes three times per week! Consistory meetings were at the office bearer’s houses around the kitchen table; the families were young enough back then that the children were in bed long before the meetings began. The archives were typically kept ‘safe’ in a shoe box at someone’s house – on a shelf, or under the bed. . . now I might add in filing cabinets lining one of the walls of the council room.”

Elora church building


Milk cratesFinding a suitable place to worship was a challenge.

“We worshipped in various rental facilities in the area, the two regular spots were the Salem school at first, then the old Alma community hall. We were sometimes scrambling for a place to worship when one of those places could not have us for various reasons.” According to Sister Hutten, the worship services over the past years were interrupted by a cat, mouse, and a bird. “We once made a makeshift pulpit out of milk crates for Prof. Deddens because he was so short. We have worshipped alongside Santa Claus and Christmas’ decorations of all sorts, manger settings, and even worshipped in the local legion one Christmas Day.”

In 1991 the congregation purchased their own building that was transported on big trucks to the new purchased property on Wellington County Road 7 in Salem, where it was placed on a new foundation. The manse next to the church was put up on Good Friday afternoon 1997 after the morning service; it was like a barn raising bee. In 2011 an extensive renovation and addition to the church were completed, making the building a beautiful functional property with comfortable worship facilities, a spacious council room, catechism rooms, and good area for the congregation to be together.

Horse and buggyMore interesting facts about the Elora church and

congregation came out in a game of Family Feud, organized by the young adults Bible study group: the means of transportation “Elorites” have used to go to

church (snow mobiles, tractors, and horse and buggy); the most popular baking at coffee socials (boterkoek); and the most odd things that ended up in the collection bag (Dutch and Canadian Tire money), to mention a few. Also letters from our past ministers containing hearty greetings and many good memories, read by Brother Henk Nobel, added to the reflections of the evening. A power point presentation summarized past and present in a visible way, containing pictures of the congregation, consistory, study societies, and church activities from 1987-2012. It emphasized that young and old, past and present members have all contributed along the way to make us what we are today: Christ’s church in this community.

So what will a glimpse into the future of Elora show us? Sister Hutten gave us her perspective: “Give us ten or fifteen more years and the senior section will likely fill the first five pews fully equipped with our own individual iPads set up with a Bible and Book of Praise app, two elevators, and we’re going to need a few more paved parking spots outside. The nursery, if we hold true to our past, will be filled to the brim with all of our great grandchildren. We could even consider bus service since most of us live in Elora, maybe even a home for the aged. The ladies aid had better start putting some of that pie baking money away for some serious needs down the road. . . .”

Whatever the future will hold, we can rely on our faithful heavenly Father. Therefore, we closed our anniversary evening with thankful hearts and voices singing Hymn 66: “Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God, My Father.” We may rest assured in God’s care and blessings. May all our efforts going forward be to his praise and glory!

Elora congregation


Harold Ludwig

Rev. Schouten’s Twenty-Five Years of Ministry

Guests, Rev. Schouten and family,Tomorrow, October 4, it will be twenty-five years

ago you were installed into the office of minister of the Word in Calgary, Alberta. Today in Aldergrove, B.C. we all may remember with you that it has been twenty-five years that the charge was given to you to love Christ, to feed his lambs, and tend his sheep, to quote 1 Peter 5:2; not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. You were also charged to preach the pure doctrine, so that by your preaching and teaching the congregation may be kept in obedience to the Word of God. Additionally you were charged to not neglect the gift (1 Tim 4:14) with which the Lord has endowed you for this ministry. Devote yourself to your duties with all your strength, and with perseverance, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Tim 4:16).

Well, dear pastor, by the grace of God, as far as man is able to determine you have faithfully kept the charge. You have kept the charge not only in the congregation of Calgary, also in Abbotsford and Aldergrove.

You’ve perhaps noted that Rev. Schouten is a true Western Canadian. He grew up in Surrey, studied in Hamilton, and then returned immediately to the West. He received many calls to go east, but declined them all to live in the most beautiful part of Canada. Perhaps you’ve also noted that our pastor only serves congregations with the first three letters of the alphabet. . . Calgary, Abbotsford, Aldergrove. It’s our wish you stay a true Westerner, and stick with the letter A. . . you get it. . . there’s no other church in Western Canada starting with the letter A.

This Western Canadian commitment even extends to the brand name of his bike he recently purchased. It’s a Rocky Mountain Sherpa. As you may know, our pastor loves biking. He’s put some 3000 kilometres on his new bike, which he bought only a couple of months ago. You know from next door here, he bikes out to Cultus Lake,

to Harrison Lake, Rolley Lake, Birch Bay. . . I’m not sure when he gets to all these lakes, if he goes for a dip into the lake or not, but I can tell you about his favorite destination. . . it’s a round trip out to Fort Langley. Now this is a bit of a sweaty ride, due to the elevation between here and the Fort, but you can always stop at the halfway point, pop into a book store with a coffee shop, and talk a little bike shop talk with other cyclists.

Our dear pastors blogs. His blog is called “Keep Ablaze.” A couple of weeks back he wrote a column “Two years ago.” It was two years ago he underwent surgery to remove a mass from his colon, followed by six months of chemotherapy. Thankfully our faithful God saved him for his family, and for the congregation, and the wider church community. He was blessed, as he writes, with a


strong sense of the Lord’s nearness to him and the Lord’s faithfulness to his family. Rev. Schouten writes that life with cancer seems to have a purifying effect on a child of God. He strongly wants, if allowed, the opportunity to continue to serve the cause of Christ and his Kingdom. The doctrine of the kingdom of God is his focus of study during the three months sabbatical which he is presently enjoying. The result of these studies, we hope, will appear in a series of public lectures, or a booklet. Sabbatical. . . a time with more time to spend in reading, studying, and most importantly with family.

Dear Rob, Janet, family, we are grateful that we may celebrate with you this twenty-fifth anniversary of the ordination into the gospel ministry. We encourage you to whole heartily continue to serve in this gospel ministry. As you wrote in your blog: “There’s still so much to learn, so much work to be done in the service of Christ, and so many goals still to pursue.” It’s our prayer that our Father in Heaven will provide you with the strength,

energy, and continuous insight in the Holy Scriptures to serve him and him alone.

I would like to close with the profile from Rob Schouten’s blog. About Rob Schouten:

I am a believer in Jesus Christ. Through the forgiveness and renewal of life imparted to me by him, I strive to be a good husband, a wise father, a faithful pastor, and a kind neighbour. I am interested in all aspects of God’s creation and human culture but I tend to focus on biblical theology, preaching, apologetics, ethics, political engagement, gardening, cycling, and the great outdoors. I hope to use this blog to share some of what I’ve learned as I pursue God’s call.

Rob, Janet would you now come forward to accept a gift of appreciation from the congregation.

Let’s sing stanza 1 and 4 of Hymn 7.Glory be to God the Father,glory be to God the Son,glory be to God the Spirit,God Almighty, Three in One,Hallelujah, hallelujah! Glory be to him alone.

“Glory, blessing, praise eternal!”Thus the choir of angels sings.“Honour, glory, power, dominion!”Thus its praise creation brings.Hallelujah, hallelujah!Praise the mighty King of kings!


A note to all parents and caregiversIf there are any address or other changes that we need to

be aware of please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact us by the following means:

Mail: Corinne Gelms8301 Range 1 Road, Smithville, ON LOR 2A0

Phone: 905-957-0380; Email: [email protected]

by Corinne Gelms andPatricia Gelms

Ray of Sunshine

Birthday profileFrank Zegers, a fifty-four year

old gentleman, has resided at the Lighthouse in Fergus since last February. He loves living there. His jokes, Dutch phrases, and laughter bring joy to the home. He talks a lot and is always asking many questions. He wants to be in a good, happy mood.

He loves the Lord and wants to walk in his footsteps. He loves to talk to people about the Lord and will do so as he walks the nearby trails. Frank loves the outdoors and is a nature lover. Yes, he can identify many birds, even their sounds, and if you walk with him he will be sure to tell you about the plants you see and birds that fly. He has a green thumb and is often busy with his house plants making new cuttings. Frank is very willing to lend a hand in the gardens, wants to help you do dishes, and would jump at an opportunity to help you in your woodworking shop or spending time with your farm animals. Frank also enjoys doing crafts in his room where he spends many relaxing hours colouring, painting, cutting and pasting pictures from magazines, and woodburning. Often he gives finished crafts away as gifts. As he works, you can hear his CD player, or he listens to a sermon, or he sings beautifully. He likes to pray for people who are sick and needy, as well as for his mother and siblings whom he loves. Going to church and concerts is always a highlight for Frank, also for the social aspect. Let me end with words that Frank will often use as you leave, “May the Lord bless you and keep you!”

We extend a hearty belated happy birthday to all who have celebrated a birthday. We hope that you had a wonderful day celebrating with friends and family. And for those with birthdays yet to come we hope that your day is blessed with happiness and joy. Indeed, may the Lord bless you and keep you!

DecemberSandy Spyksma will be 31Peace Haven Homes6 Oneida Drive, Brantford, ON N3S 7X8

JAMES KAMMINGA will be 28Box 1125, Carman, MB ROG OJO

FRANK ZEGERS will be 546528 1st Line, RR 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

JULIE KAMMINGA will be 24Box 1125, Carman, MB ROG OJO

JanuaryLIZ KONING will be 529905 152nd Street, Edmonton, AB T5P 1X4

CHRISTINE BREUKELMAN will be 412225-19th Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1G4

STEPHEN DYKSTRA will be 30Box 3573, Smithers, BC VOJ 2NO

HENRY DRIEGEN will be 57#19-31450 Spur Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5M3

GRACE HOMAN will be 57c/o Anchor Home361 Thirty Road S., RR 2, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2

EDWIN SCHUTTE will be 29844 Bowman Road, Abbottsford, BC V3G 1S9

JANINE SMID will be 43141 Kittridge Avenue E., Strathroy, ON N7G 2A9

KATHERINE NIJENHUIS will be 476528 First Line, RR 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

TYLER HOEKSEMA will be 246755 Lorne Drive, Sardis, BC V2R 2G3


Not of Works

Ralph F. Boersema, Not of Works: Norman Shepherd and his Critics. The Justification Controversy Laid to Rest Through Understanding. Minneapolis: NextStep Resources, 2012.

Additional Information: 235 pages, about $15.00 US. It can be ordered via [email protected] for $18.00 CDN (postpaid)

This is a much needed and instructive book. Rev. Ralph Boersema, retired missionary who has laboured for many years in Brazil, has taken the time and trouble to investigate and find out exactly what has been going on with respect to the views and person of his former professor, Rev. Norman Shepherd. I have great respect for my colleague for doing all the research reflected in this book and for putting this book together in spite of his physical limitations of being legally blind. Most of all, I respect his integrity in not simply accepting the veracity of published condemnations of Shepherd’s views by Reformed church committees but searching the matter out to see if these condemnations were really warranted. An astounding fact mentioned in Shepherd’s preface to this book is that not a single church committee which condemned Shepherd ever spoke to him about his views. Boersema took the effort to do that as well as to speak to critics of Shepherd in order to try to get an accurate picture of the controversy. This book can therefore be taken seriously as one that is well researched and balanced.

PurposeIn Boersema’s own words: The main point of this book is not to convince the reader that Mr. Shepherd is correct. It is, rather, to promote theological reflection on the Bible’s teaching. Such reflection is not helped when opponents misunderstand each other. Therefore, this study wants to convince the reader that there are ways in which the critics misread Shepherd. In some cases clear statements are not taken into account and sometimes incorrect conclusions are drawn from what he says, and even from what he does not say (4).

The irenic character of this book is articulated in the author’s preface when he writes:

I want to be clear that Mr. Shepherd and I recognize a strong bond of fellowship even with those whose views we question. We embrace as Reformed brothers also those who hold views that we think need to be reconsidered. . . . As reflected in its cover design, this book extends the right hand of fellowship to Shepherd‘s opponents and seeks mutual up building about real differences, rather than recriminations based on misunderstandings (xxix).

The issuesFor the purpose of context, the foreword by Norman

Shepherd is very helpful. In it he summarizes the main issues. Boersema opens his account by noting that Shepherd is opposed to “‘Easy-believism,’ the idea that one can receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior, without obeying him as Lord. In answer to this error, he taught his students that living faith is always penitent, obedient faith. Faith cannot exist without works (James 2:26)” (3). That being said, a lot is involved in fleshing out exactly what that means and implies. A review cannot possibly do justice to the rich and deep contents of this book, but let me mention the following.

Boersema’s method in this book is to listen to the critics and dialog with them from the writings of Shepherd. As a result of his research, he affirms at the outset that Shepherd:

is only seeking to refine and develop Reformed thought, just as we are all called to do. In none of the points he is raising does Shepherd opt for legalistic, Romanistic or Arminian views. We may question whether he expresses himself clearly, whether he is right in his appeal to certain Reformed fathers or whether his exegesis is sound. We ought to interact with him to mutually build each other up. However,

Cornelis Van Dam

Dr. Cornelis Van Dam is professor emeritus of Old Testament at the

Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario

[email protected]

Book Review


we do not do well to interpret his teachings in the light of legalistic, Romanistic or Arminian schemes of thought. Careful attention to Shepherd‘s writings soon reveals that this just does not work (5).In chapters 2 to 4 Boersema deals with justification, including the

necessity of works for justification and justification and sanctification. While interacting with Shepherd’s critics, Boersema explains how Shepherd seeks to understand James 2:24 (“man is justified by works and not by faith alone”) in the light of Romans 3:28 (“we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law”). He shows that “faith cannot exist without works, but believing works do not merit justification” (25, 43). This is “the obedience of faith” (CD, I 9).

The issue in chapters 5 to 7 is whether Adam would have merited eternal life with his good work of obeying God. Boersema shows that a long-standing theme in Reformed dogmatics is to deny that life eternal was to be given to Adam as a reward for his merits in obeying God. It is furthermore questionable whether there was a covenant of works with Adam whereby he would merit eternal life. Can any creature merit something in relation to God? We are indebted to God to do good works. Also before the fall, man’s fellowship with God was the fruit of undeserved favour. It is part of the obedience of faith. This is the view held by theologians such as Klaas Schilder, John Murray, and Jelle Faber, and most recently championed by Norman Shepherd. In light of these and other considerations, Boersema suggests that rather than speak of covenant of works and covenant of grace when speaking of the covenant before and after the fall, we should speak of covenant of original favour and covenant of redemptive grace (80).

In chapter 8, Boersema deals with the issue of election and covenant. He stresses that we can only go by God’s revelation and not the secret things of God (Deut 29:29). Over against those who suggest that the covenant is made only with the elect, Shepherd notes

that Scripture teaches that God made his covenant with believers and their children, not just with the elect. The promises and demands of the covenant, including the call to repentance, go forth to all. This covenantal approach is that which is also familiar to us and is in the line of our confessions. Furthermore, the call to repentance must go out to all the nations. “It is a genuine offer of grace to the whole world, not just to the elect” (88).

Chapter 9 deals with the imputation of Christ’s active obedience. This difficult topic is not easily described in a short review but Boersema patiently gives a very clear account of it and shows that while Shepherd denies the imputation of Christ’s active obedience for our justification and so differs from the majority of Reformed teachers on this issue, his views are not inconsistent with the teaching of past Reformed theologians who have not been considered unorthodox for holding to this teaching. Shepherd is, for example, in the company of Johannes Bogermann, the moderator of the Synod of Dort (1618-1620) on this point. The reason Shepherd denies the imputation of Christ’s active obedience for our justification is the lack of biblical evidence for a works/merit principle of justification and a covenant of works which this position presupposes (106). Shepherd affirms that the forgiveness of our sins is grounded in the death and resurrection of Christ who “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Rom 4:25) (xvi). Shepherd does not deny that Christ’s perfect obedience throughout his life was necessary for our salvation, but affirms that our justification is through Christ’s blood (Rom 5:9; also see LD 25, Q/A 67) (108). Boersema competently deals with this intricate topic, also in interacting with Shepherd’s critics. He also shows that the idea of the imputation of Christ’s active obedience is not found in Calvin, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort.

In chapter 10 he explores reasons why Shepherd’s views received such hostility and affirms that Shepherd was not interested in a new theology but only in improving Reformed theological expression through careful exegesis (128).

In chapter 11, Boersema notes that Shepherd’s work is important. For example, it should make one more sensitive to the use of the law as the rule for


thankfulness and not just as convictor of sin (134-135). However, we merit nothing by doing God’s will. We simply show our love for God by doing his will.

The book concludes with several appendices. In appendix 1, Boersema gives extensive quotes from Shepherd’s critics and gives his response to them. Appendix 2 contains Shepherd’s thirty-four theses on justification in relation to faith, repentance, and good works which Shepherd presented to the Presbytery of Philadelphia of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1978, along with Boersema’s comments. In order to promote peace and unity among Reformed Christians by destroying straw men, Boersema presents a fictitious but realistic dialog between two elders about Shepherd in Appendix 3. Bibliography and indices round off the book.

In conclusionThis irenic book seeks to pull the Reformed

community together and not allow controversy over Shepherd’s views to cause unwarranted estrangement from each other. As Boersema noted at the outset and repeated later (141), the main point of the book is not

to convince the reader that Shepherd is correct but to promote edifying theological reflection. Boersema himself raises concerns here and there with Shepherd’s formulations and ideas (88, 130) and acknowledges that “more explanation might have improved the reception of Shepherd’s views” (123). However, he also correctly notes that it is the reader’s responsibility to read what is written and not draw conclusions on what is not written. Boersema affirms that

The need of the moment for Christ’s church is for some of the critics to publicly acknowledge that their understanding of his [Shepherd’s] views was mistaken. The peace of the church does not require that all agree, but it is served by humble recognition that there have been differing streams of interpretation in Reformed theology since the Reformation and that more than one have exegetical merit (142).

This book deserves a wide readership in the Reformed community affected by the Shepherd controversy. May the Lord be pleased to use it to bring understanding and peace among brothers and sisters of the same faith.

But when the time

had fully come,

God sent forth

his son. . .

Galatians 4:4


Response to Klaas Stam’s Article, “Do we need mentors?”

Dear Editor,I would like to thank Rev. Stam for considering

the idea of mentors and inviting feedback. We at the Langley Canadian Reformed Church have “signed up” with Stephen Ministries and have made use of their training resources and structures in forming a mentoring committee within our congregation. When we use the word mentor in this context, we are thinking of members from our congregation trained and supported to provide one-to-one caregiving relationships for other members who might benefit from such a relationship. Having gone through the process of starting this committee, we have been sensitive to many of the points that Rev. Stam has raised, but did not find them convincing.

Rev. Stam asks, “Do we need mentors?” and the answer from Scripture is clearly no. We don’t need mentors, just like we don’t need a property committee, nursery attendants, caretakers, and a host of other entities with which most Canadian Reformed congregations are familiar. A church of the Lord Jesus Christ needs elders and deacons. If mentors or mentoring would ever compromise the preaching of the gospel and care of God’s people, then we would expect elders and deacons to intervene and, if necessary, to end the program.

Rev. Stam wonders whether mentorship might lead to an erosion of the special offices that Christ has given to his church. This could of course happen if the elders and deacons were to contract out their duties and abdicate their responsibilities to anyone else, mentors included. However, we see mentors working not in competition with elders and deacons, but as a support to their care. Our elders have a lot on their plate, and the execution of their duties simply does not allow them to make a weekly visit to one

or more members of their ward over the course of a year or two. A mentoring committee is a great way to utilize others in the congregation who have the time and gifts to help out. Elders and deacons do not abdicate their responsibility when they seek out avenues of help and support for the sheep under their care, they exert it.

Rev. Stam also wonders if mentorship might erode the sense of the office of all believers. We think not, since formalizing and organizing within the congregation does not impede spontaneous and voluntary participation in other areas. In Langley we have a “Helping Hands” group that will organize meals and cleaning for members. Does that mean that no one cooks or cleans voluntarily? Not at all! The ladies of our church are like a small army, a Casserole Corps, ready to descend upon any family in need with a battery of pasta, rice, and potatoes dishes. Formalization and organization need not hinder voluntary participation, but they can help ensure continuity and accountability where it is crucially needed.

Although much more could be said, I hope that it is clear that mentoring committees and the resources provided by Stephen Ministries need not be a threat to the church and can be a useful asset.

In Christ, Rev. Ryan deJonge

ResponseThanks for your clarifying response. I sincerely

hope that the program is helpful and that the pitfalls described will not occur. Perhaps in due time an update will be helpful.

Greetings, Klaas

Letter to the Editor


Classis Alberta of October 2, 2012 convened by St. Albert Canadian Reformed Church

On behalf of the convening church of St. Albert, Rev. A. B. Roukema opened the meeting and invited the assembly to sing Psalm 33:1, 6. He then read Psalm 33 and led in prayer. Welcome was extended to all, including Rev. D. Kok from Leduc URC. Some matters of memorabilia were noted. The credentials were examined and found to be in good order, and one church had instructions. The classis was declared constituted. The officers suggested by the previous classis took their respective positions: Rev. R. Aasman, chairman, Rev. A. B. Roukema, vice-chairman, and Rev. J. D. Louwerse, clerk. The agenda was adopted.

The following reports were received. 1) The report of the treasurer was received with thankfulness. 2) A report from the church at St. Albert for the inspection of the books of the treasurer. The books were found to be in good order. 3) Reports of the Church Visitors: Coaldale Canadian Reformed Church, Edmonton Immanuel Canadian Reformed Church, Edmonton Providence Canadian Reformed Church.

Rev. D. Kok, fraternal delegate from the URCNA brought greetings and words of encouragement, and expressed thankfulness for the bond between the two federations. The chairman responded in kind.

A proposal is received from Taber regarding a central meeting place for classis. It is decided to leave classis regulations as is but encourage the convening church to consider using a central location.

The church at Barrhead expresses thankfulness for pulpit supply, and asks that it continue.

Question period according to Article 44 CO was held. One church asks for advice on a matter of church discipline.

In closed session advice was given on a matter of church discipline.

Letter received from Langley CanRC regarding Regional Synod.

Providence requests that the archives of the now defunct Committee for Financial Aid to Students for the Ministry be destroyed. This is agreed to.

Taber suggests guidelines for successful videoconferences. This is discussed and some additional suggestions are made. These will be added to the appendix to classis regulations dealing with videoconferences.

Convening church for next classis is Taber. Classis is scheduled for December 11, with March 12 as the alternate date. Officers: Chair – Rev. H. Kalkman, Vice – Rev. R. Aasman, Clerk – A.B. Roukema

Standing Committees and /or classical deputies/church visitors.1. Treasurer: J. Buitenbos.2. Church to audit the books of the treasurer: St. Albert.3. Church for care of the archives: Edmonton

Providence.4. Church to inspect the archives: Edmonton Immanuel.5. Church Visitors: Revs. R. Aasman, J. Louwerse,

W.B. Slomp (conv.), H. Kalkman, M. Jagt, and D. Poppe.6. Committee for examiners:

Rev. R. Aasman, Rev. W.B. Slomp.7. Examiners: Exegesis OT: Rev. R. Aasman Exegesis NT: Rev. J. Louwerse Knowledge of scripture: Rev. A.B. Roukema Doctrine and creeds: Rev. W.B. Slomp Church History: Rev. H. Kalkman Ethics: Rev. D. Poppe Church Polity: Rev. H. Kalkman Diaconiology: Rev. M. Jagt8. Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches:

C. DeBoer, W. Noot, J. Vanderdeen.9. Deputy for contact with the provincial government:

Rev. E.J. Tiggelaar. He is requested to submit an annual written report each spring.

10. Appointment of Observer to RCUS: Rev. H. Kalkman, alternate. Rev. D. Poppe.

11. Appointment of Observer to URCNA: Rev. A.B. Roukema

12. Delegation to Regional Synod West Langley, Nov. 5, 2012. D.V.

As elders: Brs. Bernie Van Raalte and Bert Wierenga As alternates: Brs. John Vanderdeen and Ray Noot As ministers: Revs. M. Jagt and J. Louwerse As alternates: Revs. A.B. Roukema, and D. Poppe,

in this order.Question Period was not made use of.

The chairman noted with thankfulness that brotherly censure was not necessary.

Acts and press release were read and adopted.Rev. Aasman lead in prayer and closed the meeting.

For classis, A.B. Roukema, vice-chair e.t.

Press Release


Once again we have come to that time when the days of another year are coming to a close. The year of our Lord 2012 is almost over.

Wrong psalm?Yes, and as it winds down many of us reach for our

Bibles and turn to Psalm 90. Perhaps more than any other psalm this is the psalm that is read and quoted as we move from one year into the next.

Still, the question may be asked, “Is it really fitting and suitable?” After all, consider the words of verse 7, “We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” Or what about the words of verse 11, “Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you”? What these words, and more, indicate is that this is not a psalm that was originally written in a time filled with fond memories and cosy remembrance. Rather Moses writes it after Israel has experienced God’s anger, wrath, and judgment.

Can we then still use it? Of course, but we should be honest enough to acknowledge its negative side and to point out its original setting. Indeed, it teaches us that full of the Spirit of God, Moses does not give up on prayer even in the face of God’s anger. He does not collapse in despair. He is honest enough to admit that Israel has it coming but bold enough to ask the Lord not to withdraw his favour completely. He pleads for the Lord to relent, “How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.” Even in dark days Moses does not shrink, and if he can do that, how much more can we today who have Jesus Christ at our side, not do the same?

With this in mind we can read this psalm and learn too from its references to time and its swift passage. It contrasts the eternal God (v. 1-2) with finite man (v. 3-4). It compares us to fickle grass (v. 5-6). It urges us, in light of the brevity of our days and years, to get with it and

to “gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). It expresses the hope that the number of our days of affliction will be matched by the number of our days of gladness.

For any number of you 2012 was a good year, for others it was not so good and no doubt for some of you, it was a terrible year. Nevertheless, as dire as the circumstances may have been Moses reminds us that there is one thing that we can always do, and that is to turn to our God and ask him for better days, for days full of compassion and renewed favour.

Still, it is not the intent of this column to dwell excessively on personal things. Our scope is wider and broader. It has to do with churches, with servants, with seminaries, and with kingdom work. What are the highlights of 2012 as far as our federation is concerned?

Churches and callsWe begin with churches and calls and note that in

last year’s review we started in the east and moved west. This time we will reverse the order and commence in the west.

British ColumbiaThe year 2012 saw a lot of change, especially in the

most westerly Canadian province of British Columbia. In the northern region the church of Houston said “farewell” to the Rev. Hendrik Alkema and his family as they moved all the way down to Albany, Western Australia. But then in fairly quick order Rev. Carl van Dam of the Grassie Canadian Reformed Church was called, accepted, moved, and installed. This time Houston will not need to wait a year or years for a replacement. Good for them!

In the southern part of the province things were also changing. The church at Abbotsford extended a call to Candidate Justin Roukema and he accepted. Since then he has been ordained and taken up his work as the second pastor of this congregation. There he is privileged to work beside the Rev. Karlo Janssen. Meanwhile to the

James Visscher

Year 2012 in Review

Dr. James Visscher is co-pastor of the Canadian Reformed

Church at Langley, British Columbia

[email protected]


east things were also stirring in the church at Yarrow as the Rev. Richard Eikelboom and his wife arrived from Launceston, Australia. For them it was quite a different move. Some years ago they transitioned from Calgary to Tasmania with all of their children. This time they came back but without their children, who remained behind. Hopefully they are in a congregation that will soon provide them with some “adopted” family and children.

Going a little more east in the Fraser Valley one comes to Chilliwack, and the congregation there was also able to greet a new minister. Candidate Abel Pol and his family arrived to take up the pastoral work in this charge. As a newly minted minister in a large church, he will have his work cut out for him and we wish him well.

Surveying the scene in BC points to only one vacancy and that is in the church of Langley. Calls extended to the Revs. John Louwerse and Marc Jagt were met with declines and so the largest church in the federation continues to have a vacancy. Notice I did not say that it was vacant as the Rev. Ryan deJonge continues to serve there, but with more than 700 members, some additional manpower would no doubt be much appreciated.

AlbertaMoving next door we come to Alberta. For quite

some time the churches in this province all had pastors but then the Rev. Bert Tiggelaar retired in 2011 and Barrhead church has been in pastoral search mode ever since. Thus far the calls that have been extended have been met with declines and as this is being written it is not known what the Rev. Rolf den Hollander will do with his call. Perhaps they will have some success this time.

Elsewhere in the province attempts to move Rev. John Louwerse of Neerlandia, Rev. Dirk Poppe of Coaldale, and Rev. Marc Jagt of Taber have proven to be unsuccessful. Of course, this will not stop churches who are vacant from trying to lure them away.

ManitobaManitoba is full. With the arrival of the Rev. Steve

Vandevelde in January of 2012 the only vacancy in this province came to an end. Attempts to attract a minister to accept a call to the church planting work that the Redeemer Winnipeg Church wants to do in southern Manitoba have thus far failed to materialize. Hopefully in 2013 a capable candidate or pastor will be found.

ColoradoSeeing that the Denver American Reformed Church

is a member church in Classis Manitoba, it seems right to head far to the south and to the west for a moment. We do so not because Denver has a ministerial vacancy but because Denver had up until October a ministerial wife vacancy. Rev. Ryan Kampen had been the only bachelor minister in the federation; however, this was remedied when he married Esther Weidenhammer of Carman, Manitoba, on October 6. Our congratulations to the newlyweds!

OntarioAlthough Grand Rapids is in Michigan and not

Ontario, it does belong to a classis in Ontario, so we will include it under that heading. The church there continued to remain vacant after the departure of the Rev. John Ludwig in 2009. Attempts to find a replacement failed, but the calling work continued and finally struck gold when the Rev. Ken Kok accepted. The same is true for the church at Chatham. After a long vacancy the Rev. David deBoer accepted its call. Since then he and his family have moved, settled down and gone to work.

Moving east we come to the church of Kerwood. Its pastor, the Rev. Cornelis Kleyn, felt led by the Lord to accept a call to the mission work in Papua New Guinea, and thus a new vacancy arose. No word has been received yet as to a replacement.

Elsewhere in Ontario, the Rev. John VanWoudenberg received a call from the church at Dunnville, and accepted, in what appeared to be, very quick order. Outside observers were left to wonder whether or not this


was what could be called “a call by stealth.” One moment he was a pastor in Guelph and then he suddenly emerged as a pastor in Dunnville.

The same cannot be said of the Rev. Douwe Agema. Those who are up on church news were aware that he received and accepted a call to the newest congregation in the federation, the Living Word Church of Guelph.

Meanwhile, not too far away in Fergus, there arose two vacancies. Rev. Agema’s departure created a vacancy in the Maranatha church and the departure of the Rev. Walter Geurts created an opening in Fergus North. Unfortunately the last vacancy was not due to a call elsewhere but due to a decision to sever the pastoral tie between pastor and congregation. Needless to say, this is a most painful thing and we wish both Rev. Geurts and his family, as well as the Fergus North church, much wisdom and strength as they go their separate ways.

Not that far away the church at Toronto (or should it be Richmond Hill?) entered into a period of vacancy with the retirement of the Rev. Pim den Hollander (more on that later). No doubt preparations are being made and soon the calling work will begin in earnest.

The same is true for the church at Grassie. The departure of the Rev. van Dam placed them in the vacant category but the calling wheels are no doubt in motion.

Besides the above vacancies, the Cornerstone church in Hamilton continued its efforts to find a pastor to work alongside the Rev. Bill DeJong. Thus far no additional worker has been found, but the search goes on.

Much further to the southeast the church at Blue Bell finds itself in the same predicament. After serving there for twenty-five years the Rev. Ken Kok was led to accept a call elsewhere and thus Blue Bell finds itself in the ranks of the “vacant.”

Still, all of this is not absolute for there is a deeper sense in which this church and all the other faithful churches in this situation are never really vacant. As long as Jesus Christ remains the head of his church the biggest vacancy of all remains filled, and what remains is the work of filling lesser vacancies. May that lesser, albeit important, work continue in the knowledge and certainty that King Jesus will sustain during the interim and provide for the future.

The retirement ranksOf note in 2012 was also the fact that the ministerial

retirement ranks continued to swell. At the beginning of May, the Rev. James Visscher ended his active service in the Langley church. The official retirement date also marked the end of twenty-five years of service in this congregation. Later in the year the Rev. Pim den Hollander of Toronto reached the age of sixty-five years as well and also decided that it was time to transition. Finally, the Rev. Jan de Gelder of Flamborough also joined them age-wise; however, he decided to soldier on through the winter months and plans to join the ranks of his two colleagues above, and others, in the spring of 2013.

SicknessSpeaking of others, it should be noted too that 2012

was a difficult year as far as health is concerned for some of the retired brothers. Professor Jakob Geertsema was in and out of the hospital and had one operation after another. Thankfully, the Lord enabled him to stage a series of comebacks and he continues to be in good spirits. Rev. Johannes Mulder also had and still has his health issues, so much so that he needs to move and receive more help than only his wife, Lies, can provide. Hopefully the door to additional care will open soon for him.

As always there remained ongoing concerns too about the health of Prof. Jack deJong and Prof. Niek Gootjes. Both of them, and their families, continue to be carried by the prayers of the saints across the land.


AnniversariesAs our federation ages and as both churches and

pastors age too, the number of anniversaries continues to increase. 2012 saw the following ministers celebrate twenty-five years in the ministry of the Word: Rev. Ken Kok (Grand Rapids), Rev. Dick Wynia (Lincoln), Rev. Rob Schouten (Aldergrove), and Rev. George van Popta (Ottawa). It also marked the fortieth year in the ministry for the Rev. James Visscher (Langley). May the Lord bless these brothers as they continue on in the service of the Lord.

BuildingsThe order here is churches and ministers or

professors first, and then buildings. In that connection this writer is not aware of any new church buildings being erected in 2012. This does not mean that everything is at a standstill, however, for while in southern Manitoba he was brought up to date on the significant renovation being undertaken by the church of Carman East. It was decided that the time had come to both spruce up and enlarge the building. As a result, the worship space is being renewed and new meeting/catechism rooms and baby-sitting facilities, plus a bigger foyer/fellowship hall are being added. All in all, it should lead to a much more functional building.

Synod 2013 in sightA visit to the federation website (www.canrc.

org) reveals more than just news about calls and anniversaries; it also highlights the fact that another general synod is just around the corner. According to the synod regulations, all of the reports to synod should be available six months ahead of time. A cursory look at the website shows that most of the standing and special committees are meeting this deadline. Good for them! As well this is good for the churches and for all of the members. In the past these reports were made available in print to only the office bearers in each church. Now these reports can be read, discussed, and commented on by all. I dare say that it leads to a more informed membership.

At the same time it also requires a membership that owns computers and is computer savvy. On the whole this is, I would think, not a problem as our members never appear to be far behind when it comes to the latest technology. Still, there will always be some. So for those

of you who do not own a computer, you are urged to consider purchasing one, and those of you who have difficulty operating one are advised to consult your grandchildren.

The Seminary Synod Burlington 2010 decided, upon

recommendation, that it would be good to give the Theological College a more up-to-date and proper name, hence while the official and legal name remains “The Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches,” the new operational name is “The Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary” or “CRTS” for short.

Aside from a name change, how is the Seminary doing? All reports and indications are that it is doing marvellously well.

Symposium and conference2012 opened with another successful symposium

sponsored by the Seminary. This time it was on preaching. Each faculty member delivered an address to students, pastors, and guests alike on one or other aspect relating to the ministry of the Word. A number of the theological students received as opportunity to present a concept sermon and were given appropriate feedback. Young and old, experienced and inexperienced, pastor and students received all sorts of advice on how to hone their homiletic skills. Hopefully, the churches are already receiving and hearing the benefits of these efforts.


In the week after the preaching symposium a conference was held on church planting. The Rev. Ross Graham, who heads the church planting efforts of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, was in attendance and shared some of his insights. The Rev. Henk Drost, who works for our Dutch sister churches in the Ukraine, gave a number of insightful and stimulating talks on evangelism. These presentations were subsequently posted on the Seminary website (www.canadianreformedseminary.ca) and continue to be accessible there.

It may also be noted here that plans are well underway to host another symposium on preaching in 2013, only this time it will be on catechism preaching. Also, a conference is being planned to highlight the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism. Seeing that these conferences are attracting more and more attention and participants, next year’s effort may need to be moved off-site as the Seminary building will not be large enough to host all of the activities and attendees. Needless to say, that is not a bad problem to have.

ATS workThe past year also found the staff, faculty, and board

of the Seminary deep in the final phases of accreditation work. Becoming a member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is an arduous task requiring all sorts of assessments, studies, analyses, and presentations.

Has all the effort been worth it? From speaking to some of those involved one gains the impression that this has been a challenging but profitable exercise. In life generally it is good for any organization, company, or institution to re-examine its purpose, goals, and functioning from time to time, so why not a seminary? In addition, it is beneficial for an organization to know where it stands when it comes to comparable organizations, as well as to belong to an association that has credibility and demands accountability. Hence the efforts of all involved in this project are to be lauded. May it lead to full membership in an association that will help iron sharpen iron.

StudentsIn September of 2012 three students were awarded

degrees: Tim Schouten, Rob VanMiddelkoop, and David Winkel; however, only the last student decided that in

due time he will ask the churches to examine him with a view to receiving a call and entering the ministry. Before such an exam takes place David Winkel will first work until the end of the year in the church of Guelph (Emmanuel).

While thankful for this one student and potential minister, it cannot be denied that there is a degree of disappointment and concern in the air. Of course, one cannot compel young men to enter the ministry, but at the same time it would be hoped that in the future a higher number of graduates will be willing, ready, and able to make that step. After all, we need more ministers! As things now look, there will be ten vacancies by the end of year and three more in the new year. The Lord of the harvest needs more harvesters.

And thankfully they are coming! The coming may be slow, but they are coming. While three students graduated in 2012, eight more could be admitted. Altogether the Seminary has its highest enrollment ever! Cause for rejoicing, indeed!

At the same time it is not a cause of relaxing and resting on one’s laurels. It takes a long time to mould, shape, and train a young man for the ministry. It also requires an army of people: parents, teachers, ministers, friends, relatives. Finally, it also requires a certain ecclesiastical environment. What do I mean? It has to do with just how do church members view, support, regard, and esteem the ministry. Are the parents among us still encouraging their able children to aim for it? Are teachers and pastors still lighting a fire in the hearts of young men? Are the churches still praying for more shepherds and teachers?


A fifth professorWhile incoming students and accreditation work was

high on the Seminary agenda in 2012, so was one more thing, namely the preparations for the appointment of a fifth professor. For some time already various general synods have instructed the Seminary to move forward with such an appointment. Now, it is beginning to look as if General Synod 2013 will receive a recommendation and then instruct the Board to make it happen.

Still, all of this requires preparation. A special committee needs to be struck, the churches need to be consulted, proposed names need to be weighed, interviews need to take place, ample discussion needs to happen, and a candidate needs to be selected. In addition, all of this needs to be the subject of much prayer.

Yet you may wonder, “Is this necessary? Do we really need a fifth man?” From all of the reports received, the answer is “Yes!” What needs to be understood is that it is hard for the current teacher, Prof. A.J. de Visser, to do justice to the wide diversity of subjects that he needs to teach. In reality, he is head of not just one department but of three – church history, church polity, and the pastoral disciplines (preaching, teaching, training for office, counseling, evangelism, missions). In many other seminaries each of the subjects like counseling or missions has its own separate department, as well as a host of teachers, part-time and full-time.

Foreign missionIf the Seminary is close to the heart of the members,

so too is the mission work that is being done in far off places by any number of missionaries sent out by our churches.

Papua New Guinea (Toronto church)The local church that has served as a calling

church for foreign mission the longest in our Canadian Reformed federation is the Toronto church. Why, I can still remember as a boy growing up in that congregation during the 1960s what an excitement surrounded the visit of the Rev. H. Knigge, the first missionary called by that church to work in far away and mysterious Papua New Guinea (formerly called Irian Jaya, and a province of Indonesia).

Well, here we are almost in 2013 and that work is still going on. True, it has moved from the western part of that huge and divided island to the eastern part. In addition, it is also true that the work of the missionaries has changed. Now, instead of being the only ones to preach to the locals, they teach and train local men to do more and more of the preaching and pastoral work.

Yet while the work may have changed somewhat, there is no doubt that the workload remains as heavy as ever. Realizing this, the Toronto church, also on behalf of its supporting churches, has called two men to do this work. Rev. Henry Versteeg and his wife Rita are there for their second stint. For years they served in the western part, then repatriated and served the Chatham church, and now that their children are grown, they are back and serving in the Port Moresby area. They will also soon be joined by Rev. Cornelis Kleyn and his wife. Together with the help of others, they will be involved in the training work at the Bible College. May the Lord see fit to bless their labours and so raise up many new pastors, teachers, elders, and church workers for his church in that part of the world.

Brazil (Surrey-Maranatha and Hamilton churches)

Two of our churches, one in the east and the other in the west, continue to be busy in Brazil. In that connection it should also be mentioned that the Surrey-Maranatha church will soon relinquish its responsibility as a calling/sending church and passing the baton to the Aldergrove church.

Currently, Surrey (soon Aldergrove) sends out and supports two men in the field, namely the Revs. Ken Wieske and Julius VanSpronsen. Together they have their hands full preaching and teaching in many places in northeastern Brazil. An increasing number of churches and pastors are discovering the Reformed faith,


contacting them, and asking for assistance. In addition, there are young men who need to be trained as future Brazilian pastors and teachers.

Further to the south in Maceio, the Rev. Bram de Graaf is labouring on behalf of the Hamilton church and its supporting churches. He is doing all that he can to move the local church there towards institution and self-existence. He too is engaged in seminary teaching and training.

Together these three missionaries also serve that fledgling federation of churches called the Reformed Churches of Brazil in many and various ways. Advice is frequently sought, guidance is often needed, and in-depth study on a host of issues is frequently demanded of them.

During this past year the Rev. Ken Wieske and his family could also enjoy a much needed furlough. Part of their time away from the mission field was devoted to resting and reconnecting with family and friends. Another part had to do with visiting the supporting churches in Manitoba, Alberta, and BC. May the time have been well-sent and may the batteries be sufficiently re-charged.

West Timor, Indonesia (Smithville church)In a different part of the world than Brazil but much

closer to PNG, we have the work that is being done by the Rev. Ed Dethan for the church at Smithville and its supporting churches. As with the other missionaries already mentioned, his work too centres around teaching and training. Together with others, he operates a College/Seminary in which young men are trained for various vocations, as well as for work in the churches. In

addition, he and his wife are also engaged in organizing social work and assistance for needy people and orphans.

China (Cloverdale and Langley churches)Far to the north of Indonesia lies the most populous

nation on the face the earth, China. Unlike so many others nations where missionaries can enter and work freely, China remains a nation controlled by the Communist Party. Officially it claims to allow freedom of religion, but the reality is that the Christian church in China faces many hurdles, barriers, and obstacles. At times and in different parts of the country God’s people there also faces persecution.

Now anyone who is familiar with Chinese history can understand at least in part the government’s obsession with control. For so long this ancient land has experienced nothing else than upheaval, warfare, and poverty. There is, and has always been, fear in the air.

Regrettably in such a climate what the Chinese authorities fail to understand is that the Reformed Church does not side with revolution and lawlessness but with peace, order, and good government. What better ally is there than an ally who teaches its members to pray for the government, to honour those in authority, and to pay taxes? What better friend is there than one that seeks the absolute best for your country and people?

Well now, in this land the churches of Cloverdale and Langley are active. Thanks to the efforts of their missionary, and with the assistance of others, local churches are being assisted, leaders are being taught, and members are being exposed to the beauties of the Reformed faith.

Nevertheless, the field is so vast and the work so endless that visits alone cannot meet the demand. More needs to be done and to this end the Internet is being used. An online Bible college is now in operation. It was supposed to start with an absolute limit of twelve students, but somehow twelve have become seventeen. If all who want to be taught were to be admitted the numbers would quickly swell to 170, even to 1700 and beyond.

And yet a start has been made. A small, select, able, and really, really hard-working bunch of students are now hitting the books. More are impatiently waiting to be enrolled. The introductory study phase is coming to a close and soon a start will be made on two courses in the first semester or year.

Thanks to the help of a number of very able brothers, all of the courses for the first and second semester/


year have now been written in English and work is commencing on the third and final semester/year. In turn these courses are sent to translators in Canada and China and then edited by a full-time and very able team consisting of Sr. Jean, Sr. Helen, and Sr. Maple. The computer work for all of this is being done by a brother who is, quite frankly, a computer genius. May the Lord see fit to bless this tiny effort in such a vast sea of humanity.

Home missionHaving ranged over a good part of the world, we now

come home again to Canada and to any number of local home mission efforts and initiatives.

In the west there are currently four church planting efforts in various stages of development. In the Surrey and Langley area 2012 saw the ordination of two elders and one deacon for the Chinese Reformed Church. Usually the ordination of elders and deacons in a new church means that a new church is being instituted. In this case it was decided to separate ordination and institution. The result is that the brothers ordained are still under the jurisdiction of the Cloverdale church. After some time and after gaining some additional experience and confidence, a decision will be made on institution.

Also in the Vancouver area, work has begun on a church plant in the city of Burnaby. Again two churches, this time the Willoughby Heights and Aldergrove churches, have joined forces and put their shoulders to the task. A Bible study group has commenced operating and over time it is hoped that it will attract more and more people.

Further up north in Prince George, the Rev. Jim Witteveen continues to move the local church plant forward. More people joined in 2012 and a good foundation is being laid for what in the future will hopefully be another Canadian Reformed Church.

Winkler, Manitoba, is the designated site for another church plant. This time it is the Winnipeg Church (Redeemer) that is spearheading the efforts. Thus far they have called several men for this work but received only declines. Still, they are determined to press ahead and have already commenced with a Bible study group in the area.

In Hamilton, Ontario, the Ancaster church, together with the Burlington church (Fellowship), called the

Rev. Paul Aasman some years ago to develop an inner city mission called Streetlight. It continues to be the only church plant among our Ontario churches that I know about.

At the same time it faces its own unique challenges as it attempts to move on to institution. Inner city projects are notoriously difficult to shape into viable congregations, mostly because of issues relating to poverty, addiction, mental health, and single parent families. Asking stable families from elsewhere to move into the area solves some of these problems but also tends to create new ones. All in all, we can only wish all who involved in this ambitious venture well. May the application of much prayer, wisdom, and patience lead one day to a viable congregation.

What this short national survey indicates is that Canadian Reformed Churches are slowly warming up to the idea of planting churches. Only much more could and should be done. Some years ago I floated the idea that it would be great if each classis across the country had at least one church plant on the go. At the moment there are three in Classis Pacific West, one in Classis Manitoba, and one in Classis Ontario West. This means that less than half of the classical resorts are active in this regard. Something to think about, pray about, and work on – perhaps?

CRMAAnother mysterious set of capital letters strung

together? Unfortunately the answer is “Yes,” although over time you might recognize them as standing for the Canadian Reformed Missions Association. As such this Association is still in its infancy having been around for less than two years. Still, there are signs that it is growing and here to stay. In September its second annual meeting was held. At that meeting Dr. A.J. de Visser introduced the subject of an overall mission strategy for our churches. This writer spoke about online theological training especially as this relates to a certain country and reported on its progress. Other business related to constitutional matters, finances, and membership.

Also some clarification about the vision and purpose of the CRMA was deemed to be necessary and the following statement was drafted and agreed upon: The purpose of the CRMA is to assist local churches

in carrying out their mandate to do mission work, both locally and internationally. Recognizing the principle that mission is the task of the local church, the CMRA has no intention of playing any other role than a purely supportive one.


What kind of support would the CRMA be able to offer? Based on feedback from sending churches and mission boards, the CRMA envisages that it will support the churches in mainly three ways: (1) The CRMA would assist churches and mission

workers with advice. Whether questions come from a mission board that is involved in foreign mission, or a local church here in Canada that is looking for a good evangelism course, the CRMA could become an address where such questions can be asked.

(2) The CRMA would help churches and mission workers to coordinate efforts and use each other’s expertise. The problem is all too often that mission workers are struggling to find a solution to a certain problem while the solution for that problem has already been found somewhere else. The CRMA could function as a platform where mission workers can share expertise. The CRMA will also be able to maintain contact with mission organizations of other Reformed denominations (NAPARC, ICRC churches) and share relevant information with the churches.

(3) There is often a great need for members of mission boards and evangelism committees to be equipped for their task, not just practically but also in terms of Reformed principles. The CRMA will stimulate this by organizing mission conferences with capable speakers, and by pointing churches and individuals to good Reformed material.

Hence the intent of the CRMA is to act as an advising, coordinating, and equipping body. Those who see it as a

precursor to some sort of centralized, dominating, and bureaucratic super mission board can rest easy. It’s all about serving and not about lording.

Mission aid workClosely allied to and connected to the work of foreign

mission is the work of mission aid. In the northeast of Brazil Chris Boersema continues to oversee and organize any number of support programs. Aid to education, start-up loans for new businessmen in the church, help for seniors, changes and renovations to the seminary site, he takes care of it all and much more. Further south in Maceio the bulk of the mission aid support is directed at Christian education.

With respect to the work in Papua New Guinea I am not aware of a special mission aid committee being at work, although no doubt there are matters that arise which call for financial or material support. No doubt the church at Toronto, together with the sending Australia and New Zealand churches, has a strategy in place for dealing with such matters.

As for the work in West Timor, we know that a lot of assistance is given in the areas of schooling and orphanages. Sr. F. Dethan does a lot of work in this area. The same by the way can be said for Rev. Yonson Dethan and his wife who are supported by the Children of Light organization out of Edmonton, Alberta.

And then there is China where little or no money changes hands except a little to support several needy students. From the very beginning it has been the goal of this work to stress teaching, teaching, and more teaching. Hence no money has been set aside for schools or orphanages.

Relief workAlthough relief work is closely related to mission aid

work, it does differ in that it is not tied or connected to any specific mission work. In this connection one can think of the work that Randy and Karen Lodder are doing in Haiti, and that Jeremy and Ana VanBeelen, as well as Duane and Maribel Visscher, are doing in Mexico. While the former work is being done under the umbrella of the Word and Deed organization, the latter is done under the auspices of Children of Hope. In neither case is there a missionary sent out by our churches in the area. Would that it could be so; however, such is not the case. Still,


the work of spreading the mercy of Christ goes on in these places, and for that we should be thankful.

On a much broader scale we also have the relief work done by the Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund (www.crwrf.ca). During the past year they continued to support two orphanages (Achego and Tumaini) in Kenya. They were involved in community development projects in Malawi, Mali, Guatemala, and the Sudan (Darfur region). They remained active in hospice and home based care in South Africa. As well, disaster relief had their attention in such places as the Philippines, Africa, and Japan. Finally, the CRWRF provides opportunities for both short and long term mission work abroad. Under the banner of Faithworks they do the former, and under the newly minted “International Youth Internship Program,” they are organizing and stimulating the latter. A great deal of mercy work was done in 2012 and no doubt more will be needed in 2013 as our planet becomes prone to more and more disasters.

Christian educationThere is not a direct connection between our

churches and Christian education in that our consistories do not operate or fund schools. Our schools are not parochial schools. Still, there is no doubt that the tie between church and school is strong and that this is due especially to the home. By and large most parents and families in our churches continue to be huge participants in and supporters of Christian education. They elect boards to run these schools. Through these boards, schools buildings are erected, teachers are hired, and children are enrolled and receive an education.

At the same time it needs to be recognized that in some places these schools are the result of great sacrifices. For example, in the province of Ontario many a family needs two breadwinners, one to feed the family and the

other to pay for the education of the children. It is thus a sad reality that in a faith based community that places a high value on family life and stay-at-home moms, these same moms are often forced out of their homes and into the work force in order to make ends meet.

As difficult as all of this may be, there are no signs that Christian education is in decline. The work goes on and the schools continue to grow.

At least in most places. It has to be acknowledged that here and there in the eastern and western parts of the country several schools are shrinking. One thinks here of the Credo School between Brampton and Toronto and the William of Orange School in Surrey. The causes, however, are not related to waning support but to changing demographics, as well as to growing and encroaching ethnic populations.

At the same time other schools are under pressure to expand more and more. Schools such as Maranatha School in Fergus, Parkland Immanuel in Edmonton, and Credo Elementary School in Langley come to mind. Often school board members are left scratching their heads as to how to accommodate a growing number of students. Additions and portables frequently provide both long-term and short-term answers.

In the past I have tried to comment on the number of schools, teachers, and students that there are in our community, but such attempts often prove to be inaccurate. Let it, therefore, simply be said that in most places where one finds a Canadian Reformed church one also finds a Christian school where the covenant youth receive a great education. Thanks go out to all of the committed parents, the dedicated teachers, the efficient staff, the hard working boards and, above all, to the Lord who makes it all possible.

Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers College (www.covenantteacherscollege.com) in Hamilton, Ontario, also needs to be recognized as a vital cog in the educational endeavour. Thanks to the efforts of the full-time staffers: Dr. Christine vanHalen-Faber, Allard Gunnink, and Judy Kingma, as well as the part-timers: Rev. D. Agema, Rev. Dr. W. Bredenhof, Br. A. Smid, Br. D. Smid, Dr. A. Witten, Br. P. Leistra and Br. T. Wildeboer, the students are amply supplied with qualified instructors.

Once again this year its graduates supplied any number of schools with fresh faces and new energy. This is especially true for Ontario where its graduates can find employment without restriction or regulation. Elsewhere

Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MB


in the country it is a different story as other provincial governments require all teachers to have recognized degrees and to meet provincial standards. Hopefully, as the reputation of Covenant College grows it will move the hearts of provincial officials.

Special homes and placesIn addition to our youth, also those with special

needs and the seniors have a special place in our community. With regard to our special needs members, the residences operated by Bethesda in BC, Rehoboth in Alberta, and Anchor in Ontario take great care of their needs and provide them with a safe and loving environment.

On the senior front, such places as Trinity Towers (Brampton), Shalom (Grimsby), Maranatha and Mount Nemo (Burlington), Ebenezer Villa (Hamilton), Emmanuel (Edmonton), Manoah (Langley), Elim (Surrey), and many more, provide great places to grow old gracefully. Our thanks go out to the many fine caregivers working in these facilities.

Political involvementFinally, this review would be remiss if it did not

mention one more key development and that has to do with the political realm. During 2012 the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) was very active hosting presentations around the country as well as in the nation’s capital. In Ottawa Members of Parliament

were invited to attend a special meeting, and some of them did. As a result, such pressing issues as abortion, prostitution, euthanasia, and human rights received some real biblical attention. Thanks go out to the ARPA Board, as well as to its energetic workers, Mark Penninga and Andre Schutten.

In addition, appreciation should also be expressed for the work that Mike Schouten is doing for the WeNeedaLaw organization. Its main goal is to convince the Canadian electorate that Parliament should pass a law on abortion. At present there are only three nations in the world that have no such law, and Canada is one of them! A sad state of affairs, indeed!

ClosingThe time has come to bring this long tale to a close. If I

have forgotten something important or passed along wrong information, please email me at [email protected].

We end with a quote from that popular psalm mentioned at the beginning. As we said its original context is one of judgment and wrath, but there are still nuggets in it that apply today. Here is one that is fitting as we enter 2013: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands” (v. 17).


For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:39

Joyfully praising God for His guiding hand in our lives, we announce the arrival of our new son

BRADLEY JAMESBorn: July 28, 2008

Arrived home: February 29, 2012Received the sign and seal of the covenant: November 18, 2012

Thankful parents and siblings:Ed and Joanne DeRuiter

Dyllan, Cara, JanelleThankful Grandparents:

Paul and Nel DeRuiter, Carman, MBCase and Dinie Hamoen, Barrhead, AB

[email protected]

1967 ~ December 8 ~ 2012I will sing of the Lord’s great love; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1

With thankfulness to our heavenly Father for the many greatBlessings through the years, we joyfully announce the

45th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents and grandparents.

FARINES and HENNY FLOKSTRA (Linde)Yarrow, BC: Darlene Flokstra Ken and Marcie Flokstra Franklin, Keisha, TerryChilliwack, BC: Dennis and Jennifer Flokstra Valerie, Jared, Stacy, Nathan, Micah, Caleb, LukeGuelph, ON: Herman and Karen Post MaiyaAbbotsford, BC: Mike and Diana VanderWoerd Anneke, Eva Andrew and Kristina VanderWoerd

461 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 1S3

Adoptions

ClarionAdvertisements

ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries

(especially those with an Open House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.

50th Wedding Anniversary1962 ~ December 28 ~ 2012

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5

DICK and MARTHA DEGELDERRejoicing with them in the rich blessings they have received

from our Heavenly Father who has guided them over the years. May our gracious God continue to uphold them,

blessing them and keeping them in his care.Much love from us:Waterdown, ON: Melanie and Albert Kasper Larissa and Mark Visscher Janelle and Brent Vanderveen Colin, Nathan, and BradenAncaster, ON: Rose and Gerard Woudenberg Calvin, Marya, Kieran, and LucasLynden, WA: Joyce and Brian HendricksDundas, ON: Eric DeGelderFlamborough, ON: Matt and Elsa DeGelder Garnet, Justin, Katelyn, Landen, and Erin Ryan DeGelder

We hope to celebrate with an Open House on Friday, December 28 from 11-4 at their home.

632 Safari Road, Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0

AnniversAries

November 9, 1928 – November 23, 2012At His appointed time the LORD, in His infinite

wisdom, called home into glory our dear sister and aunt

BERENDINA ADRIANA EENKHOORNGeorge and Dicky Wendt Catherine Wendt and Jay McGregor Perry and Leanne WendtHank and Diny Wendt Roger and Cathy Kieneker John and Orsi Wendt Ken and Brenda Wendt Grace and Andrew Byzitter Henry and Rita Wendt Paul and Jeanette Wendt Mike and Trish Wendt

Surrey B.C. [email protected]

[email protected]

Obituaries


December 3, 1920 – November 1, 2012I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to

me on that day. . . 2 Timothy 4:7,8a On Thursday, November 1, 2012, after blessing him with a full life of 91 years, the Lord called our father, grandfather

and great-grandfather

JOUKE (Joe) VAN DER LEEST to be with Him in eternity.

Preceded in 1991 by his beloved wife, Lutgerdina (Dina)Predeceased by daughter Tettje (1946), son John, (1970)

and great grandson, Trenton (2010)Dear Dad of:Jenison, MI, USA: Alice Arends (Peter† 2009)Vernon, BC: Yogi and Sophie van der Leest Surrey, BC: Herman and Kathleen van der Leest Burlington, ON: Patricia and John Hofsink Cardup, WA, AU: Dianne and Henry Moesker - Loved Grandpa of 25 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren

Obituaries

August 4, 1932 – October 20, 2012I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand

upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my

own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

GERRIT (Gerry) VAN WOUDENBERGAt His appointed time, and in full assurance of his faith,

the Lord, called home into eternal glory our beloved brother and brother in-law. Gerry will be lovingly remembered by us.

Langley, BC: Annie and Hans BumaChilliwack, BC: Jack and Ella VanWoudenberg Pieter and Mary VanWoudenberg Hope, BC: Ed and Audrey VanWoudenberg Beamsville, ON: William and Corrie VanWoudenberg Deroche, BC: George and Hilly VanWoudenberg

Gerry was also a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews, and his departure will leave a big empty place in the

extended family.We commend his dear wife Jenny, and the immediate family

into the care of our faithful God and father.

January 6, 1928 – November 16, 2012The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

The Lord in His infinite wisdom took unto Himself into eternal glory at the age of 84 years, our dear mother, grandmother

and great-grandmother

JANNA BULTENA (nee Visscher)Predeceased by her husband Berend (Ben) in August, 2003

and her son Stan in March, 2008Fergus, Ontario: Harold and Joanne Bultena Kevin and Carolyn Bultena Nolan, Brooke, Carter Jenn Bultena Cor and Irene Bultena Nadia Bultena Barbara Bultena Steven and Emma Bultena, Austin, Maya Shelley and Dan Vanderveen Marsha BultenaDelta, BC: Audrey and John Eenkhoorn Karen Eenhoorn and Reuben Dam Linda Eenkhoorn William Eenkhoorn Sarah Eenkhoorn and Chris Jongs Carol Ann Eenkhoorn Maria EenkhoornBelwood, Ontario: Albert and Marianne Bultena Gwen and Matt Potts, Damian, Jakob Mitch and Alisha Bultena, Chad Joe Bultena and Henrike Antuma Sam and Leonard Van Gils Doug Bultena and Steph Breukelman Suz CalebGuelph, Ontario: Ed Bultena Amy

Contact address: H. Bultena916 Scotland Street, RR 4, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W5

Obituaries

Advertise in

[email protected]


Eben-Ezer Christian School in Chatham Ontario invites applications for the 2013-2014 school year for the position of

PRINCIPAL/TEACHEREben-Ezer Christian School offers grades JK-8 with an

enrolment of approximately 40 students, and five teachers.Eben-Ezer is a close-knit school community, with great

relations between staff, board and membership. Chatham has much to offer the prospective applicant, being

a smaller community, but within an hour’s commute to larger centers. The cost of living is significantly lower than

many Canadian cities.Chatham has a vibrant congregation of approximately

300 members and has just installed its new pastor, Rev. DeBoer. We are excited about the coming years as

we get to know Rev. DeBoer and his family better and we rejoice in having a shepherd.

If you would like further information about school operations and opportunities, please contact

Janice Vanderveen, Ed. Com. Chair [email protected]

30634 Brick Road, Thamesville, ON NOP 2K0

The board of Tyndale Christian School of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

invites applications for the 2012/2013 school year for the possible positions of

PRIMARY and SECONDARY GRADES TEACHERSTyndale Christian School currently offers grades K-12,

with an enrollment of approximately 75 students, and 6 full-time staff.

If you would like further information about the opportunities, school operations, or living in the beautiful

Calgary area; please contact the board chairman:Mr. Eric Veenendaal

Home: (403) 698-1858; [email protected] the principal: Mr. Ed Hoogerdyk

Home: (403) 285-4680; [email protected] can be sent to:

Debbie Chin, Secretary of the Board5851 22 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 2C1

[email protected]

TEACHING PRINCIPAL and/or TEACHERThe Silverstream Christian School is a Christian school set up

to provide Christian education to our covenant children. Our aim is to develop a biblically consistent world and life

view in our students based on the Reformed faith. We believe this Reformed faith to be the most accurate

expression of biblical Christianity.Applicants must be committed to the Reformed faith and to

Reformed Christian education. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a vibrant covenant

community, and we look forward to your application. Silverstream is a suburb about 30 km from

Wellington, New Zealand.If you have any questions or would like more information

please do not hesitate to contact us. Please forward your C.V. with 3 references to:

Contact details: Dirk den HarderEmail: [email protected], Ph +64 4 528 8066

The Board of Cornerstone Christian School, located in Lynden, WA, is seeking an energetic

PRINCIPAL / TEACHER with a strong vision of Reformed Christian Education to assume the leadership of the school and its educational

program beginning August, 2013. Cornerstone has been blessed with strong administrative

leadership since its inception in 2001. We have approximately 120 students in grades 1-12,

thirteen full or part time teachers, excellent staff relations, a beautiful and functional facility, and a high level of

community support. Our ideal candidate is an experienced administrator and passionate teacher, able to teach at the high school level, with demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with fellow staff members, and with students of all ages

and abilities. Subject area expertise in Music/Band and high school English would be a real plus.

Interested parties, who are members in good standing of a Canadian or American Reformed Church or a sister church,

are asked to contact either the Board Chairman, Mr. Jim Bareman,

or the Education Committee Chairman, Mr. Bob Lodder, via one of the following means:

•[email protected], H: (360) 354-3714, C: (360) 739-7480•[email protected], H: (360) 966-4142, C: (360) 319-1320Completed applications including a cover letter detailing

interest in the position and a résumé summarizing university, teaching, and administrative qualifications, and contact information for four references, can be sent

electronically to either of the above email addresses, or via mail to:

Attn: Board ChairmanCornerstone Christian School

8872 Northwood Road, Lynden, WA 98264We ask that all correspondence be received by February 1, 2013.

Teaching PosiTions

The Board of the Owen Sound Canadian Reformed Schoolinvites applications for

TEACHING PRINCIPALOwen Sound Canadian Reformed School currently offers

grades 1-8, with an enrollment of approximately 40 students.If you love to teach, have good interpersonal skills and desire to support our community in its mandate to raise all our covenant

children in the fear of the Lord, please send us your resume, statement of faith and a list of references.

To submit an application or for further information about the opportunities, school operations or about the surrounding

area of Owen Sound please contact:Mr. Alex Sikkema, Board Chair

519-934-3763, [email protected] orMr. Tim Degelder, Education Committee519-794-2168, [email protected]


Teaching PosiTions

The Canadian Reformed School Society of Edmonton, operating Parkland Immanuel Christian School, invites

applications for the following position:

FRENCH TEACHERParkland Immanuel Christian School operates a reformed

K-12 school that offers a supportive school community, competitive wages, and a collaborative and

professional environment that encourages and supports excellence in teaching.

A Bachelor of Education degree is a requirement for this position. The successful candidate would take over an existing Gr. 4-11 French program that has potential for

further expansion and development. For more information please contact the Principal,

Mr. John JagersmaPhone: (780) 444-6443 (school)

(780) 987-5557 (home)[email protected]

Applications should be directed in writing or via email to the school:

Parkland Immanuel Christian School c/o Mr. Gus Rus, Chair of Personnel Committee21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6

[email protected]

The Board of Coaldale Christian School invites immediate applications for

VARIOUS POSITIONS in our school due to increasing enrolment and a present

shortage of qualified staff.Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor of Education degree who would be able to teach a variety of subjects and/or grade levels. We encourage students

graduating in 2014 to submit letters of interest for future consideration.

Coaldale Christian School offers Kindergarten to Grade 12 education and currently has a student body of 150.

We anticipate significant growth over the next several years resulting in an increased number of elementary classes.

Planning has also started on a new addition to our school building.

To submit an application or to receive further information about our school or about our area, please contact:

Mr. Erik deBoer, Board ChairmanPhone: 1-403-635-1041, email: [email protected]

Mr. Joop Harthoorn, PrincipalPhone: 1-403-345-4891, email: [email protected]

Applications may be sent to:Mr. Erik deBoer

Coaldale Christian School2008-8 Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1L1

Our school is growing!The Canadian Reformed School Society of London and

District, operating Covenant Christian School, is inviting applications from qualified individuals to fill our need for a

MATH and LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERfor some of the primary-intermediate grades.

This position would be PART-TIME, with the possibility for FULL-TIME.

This is a new position, opening up for the 2013-2014 school year.

What we offer:• Positive Christian work environment• Well-maintained building with gym and a newly

renovated wing• Student population of approximately 100, grades K-8• Supportive school community with excellent volunteer

base• Competitive salary (we follow the salary grid of the

League of Canadian Reformed School Societies)

For more information please contact the Principal:Mr. Shawn Wolski at 519-203-0266or email: [email protected]

Letters of application (including Statement of Faith and Philosophy of Reformed Education) may be sent to:

Mrs. Rebecca Bredenhof, Secretary of the Education Committee

2732 Hutchinson Court, London, ON N6M 1L4Telephone: 226.663.0454, email: [email protected]

Covenant Canadian Reformed School, Neerlandia, AlbertaThe board of CCRS invites applications for the following

positions in the 2013/2014 school year

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, ELEMENTARY TEACHER,and a HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

with an interest in Social Studies and or Math.

We are also in need of a

QUALIFIED EDUCATION ASSISTANTwho would lead our Special Education Program.

We are a K-12 school, which under God’s Blessing is seeing a steadily increasing enrolment. We offer small-town country

living near urban areas.Qualified teachers are asked to send their application to the

address below.For more information, please contact the principal

Mr. James Meinen780-674-4774 (school) or 780-674-3145 (home)

[email protected] applications to: [email protected]

Mail: CCRS School BoardAttention: Joanne DeRuiter, Corresponding Secretary

Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0


The vision of the Board of Covenant College is to be the definitive source for Reformed teacher training, and includes planning for succession, distance education, and in-service support. To this end, we are looking to expand the full-time

instructional team for the 2013-2014 academic year and beyond. If you are interested in joining the faculty as a

FULL TIME FACULTY MEMBERwe invite you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss

options and possibilities.

Persons interested in this position will, among other things, demonstrate a deep love for Reformed education, be willing to provide educational leadership at multiple levels, be interested in exploring curriculum theory, and display a healthy level of

intellectual curiosity within biblical bounds (Prov. 1:5).

The candidate will be a communicant member of a Canadian Reformed Church, or of a Church with whom we maintain

ecclesiastical fellowship, will hold at least a Masters Degree preferably in the area of education, and will have teaching

experience in either elementary or secondary school settings.For additional information, contact

Dr. Christine van Halen-Faber, Principal, at (905) 385-0634 or at [email protected]

www.covenantteacherscollege.com

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Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.Location: Palm View First Baptist Church

Corner US 41 and 49th Street East

Minister: Rev. M. ZylstraParsonage: (941) 721-4519 • Information: (941) 723-6898

Streetlight Ministries invites applications for the position of

MALE YOUTH WORKERStreetlight Ministries is an urban mission in downtown

Hamilton that operates under the supervision of Ancaster Canadian Reformed Church.

The successful applicant will be able to create and administer programs for male youth and possibly organize and supervise other programs to ensure they are cohesive and in line with

the goals of the ministry. As a team member, he should be able to demonstrate an

ability to work with other youth workers and the missionary to whom they are/will be accountable.

Only those who show a zeal for the work at Streetlight Ministry need apply.

Applicants must be well grounded in the Reformed faith and be a member in good standing of a Canadian Reformed Church

or one with whom we have ecclesiastic fellowship. For a more detailed job description please contact our board

secretarySharon Hofsink at [email protected]


The Harvest Endowment Foundation is a Canadian Reformed

foundation established for the purpose of operating a fund for

the benefit of Canadian Reformed school societies. A planned

gift to Harvest Endowment Foundation may be arranged as a gift

providing short or long term benefits to your local school society.

An outright gift of cash is the simplest way to give. Your gift

goes to work immediately in developing the endowment funds

for our schools in general or your school of choice. You receive

a donation receipt for the full amount you give, resulting in

immediate tax savings.

The most common type of gift for the future is a charitable

bequest. It can be as simple as a sentence or two in your will such as:

“I give to the Harvest Endowment Foundation the sum of $______ to be treated as capital and invested and the net income there from to be paid to, or used for purposes as Harvest Endowment Foundation from time to time may determine.”

For More information, please contact The Harvest Endowment

Foundation or your local school board.

Donations and Planned Gifts that keep on Giving.

supporting future generations of reformed education

3182 Sprucehill Ave. Burlington, ON, L7N 2G5

905-802-0256 www.harvestfoundation.ca

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Though not a prerequisite, familiarity with printing operations will be considered an asset.

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ISBN 0-88756-101-2

9 7 8 0 8 8 7 5 6 1 0 1 6

The Privilege of ParentingC. Bouwman

Who are the children we habitually tuck into

bed, drive to their hockey games, assist with

their homework and take along on holidays?

In the midst of life’s busyness, is raising the

next generation simply another of life’s many

demands competing for our time and energy and

resources?? This publication follows the historic Form for the Baptism of Infants to explore

Scripture’s answer to questions about children’s identity. The author draws

out that God Himself has formed a bond of love with the children He has

entrusted to believing parents, and so these parents receive a most privileged

function in God’s kingdom – training the next generation of little ones to know

their Father in heaven. He concludes that the greatest contribution godly men

and women can make to the kingdom of God and the nation to which they

belong is to impress on their children the glorious identity with which God has

marked them, and train them to live in a fashion consistent with their royal

distinctiveness. The privilege of parenting: there’s none like it.*****

Clarence Bouwman received his theological training at the Canadian Reformed

Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Canada. His marriage to Arlene has been

blessed with six children, and they now delight in seeing their family expand

with the arrival of a new generation of covenant offspring. While raising his

family, the author served as minister of the Word of God in four congregations

in Canada and Australia, currently serving as minister of the Canadian Reformed

Church of Yarrow, British Columbia. He has written several other publications,

including The Overflowing Riches of my God (an explanation of the Belgic

Confession), Notes on the Canons of Dort, Spiritual Order for the Church (the

Biblical basis for Reformed Church Polity), A Vow to Love (a Biblical explanation

of the Form for the Solemnization of Marriage) and To Live is Christ (sermons on

the Letter to the Philippians).

OFFICEKen CarboneAlan DeWitBill GortemakerWilliam GortemakerKendra KlassenCathy SmithHenry van DeldenSteve van Delden

SALESKen DoornbosDarryl HeintzRon RaapMark RomasGlen Tiel

PRODUCTIONTom BennettBrian BruinsmaRob DewittKen DeWitJessica GortemakerTheodore GortemakerJames Torrance

CUSTOMER SERVICEBruce EdgeDavid GortemakerDennis KlowakArthur TeitsmaDan Wiersema

PREPRESSLillian BluntTina HarkeLarry KowalskiRachelle Painchaud-NashBill van BeekFenny van DeldenJohn Vandenberg

PRESSTodd BennettPhil CalverleyDan DegelderBrian FonsecaMichael KuikGlenn McLaughlinDanny MillerTyler ScheperRay SchreyerKevin TorranceAl VeenendaalRyan VeldmanPeter Wlock

SHIPPINGEdward GortemakerEd HarkeMark HordykAndy KanisTeresa Nobel

BINDERYBrittney BarthMike BrazeauPeter DeBoerAndy HerieEmily JordaanFenny KuikPauline LawrenceDan LemoinePaul MulderDaryl SchneiderKarl SchneiderHoward SlaterJim SmithDustin SmythHarry Ste. MarieRemi ToupinAlex VandehoefBryan van DeldenHeidi van DeldenLuke VandenbergBill VanderlindeRemmie VanderVegtePeter VerhelstAl Vincent

VALLEY FASHIONSDan CoatesJeremy DacombeSarah GensorekDarnley GibbsKevin HurrieBrandi HutletBrant NobelCalvin NobelJan NobelAndrea Tiel

Management and Staff:

Premier Printing Ltd.

Wishing you all aMerry Christmas

and aBlessed New Year

WILLY VANDERGAAGJOHN BAKKER

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1076 Main Street – Box 2680Smithers, BC V0J 2N0

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Babine Truck and Equipment Ltd.

Smithers 3364 Hwy 16 Prince GeorgeBox 265 9341 Rock Island RoadPh: 250-847-3981 Ph: 250-562-7422Toll Free 888-847-3981 Toll Free 877-888-7422


Comfort, comfort my people, says your God... and proclaim to her... that her sins has been paid for. Isaiah 40:1, 2

Bill and Jean Devries


SMITHERS – British ColumbiaSmitherS Canadian reformed ChurCh

Wishing all our brothers and sisters in the family of Jesus Christ the Lord’s blessing during the holiday season and throughout 2013.

DICK and RENA BANDSTRA PHIL and KAREN BANDSTRA, Steven, Danielle, Erin, KatieRICK and LORI-ANNE BANDSTRA, Sam, Anna, Elyse, ThomasANDREW and JANE BARENDREGTAUGUST and LUCY BARENDREGT CASEY and INEKE BARENDREGT DAN and WENDY BARENDREGT, Dawson, Taylor, Sydney,

MyahJOHN and LIZ BARENDREGT, Darren, MarieNORMAN and CHRISTINA DEJONG, Thyson, Trista, Liam,

RomeBILL and JEAN DEVRIES, Kim, Alyssa, Byron, Daryl, Jolene, Ben,

Esther, DeborahWARN and JENNY DEVRIES HANK and KARIN DOORNBOS, Matthew, Cassidy, Jordan,

Aaron, Krista. ReubenMRS. MARTJE DYKSTRA MARTIN and ROSE HAAR, Ashley, Chris, Michelle, Michael, AllanJOE and BERNICE HAMELINK, Korey Meints, Riley MeintsFRED and JUDY HOFSINK, Robynn, Rachel, Debbi, Fred D., DavidFRED and PLOON HOFSINK Sr., NelenaGEORGE HOFSINKHARRY and CLARA HOFSINK and familyMANDY HOFSINKWILLIE and RITA HOFSINK and family MARK and ANNEMARIE MOES, Joshua, Ivan, MeganSTEVE and CYNDI ONDERWATER, Luke, Seth, Aleasha, Joshua,

Bethany, Leah, JamesHENRY and ANN PENNINGA DAVE and DANA PENNINGA, James, Chelsea, Amy, ThomasTIM and CLARINDA PENNINGA, Ian, Skyler, Craig, OliviaLEIF and ELIZABETH SCOTT, Georgia, LaurenPASTOR JAMES and MIRIAM SLAA, Daniel, Timothy, Matthew,

Hannah, Calvin, Sarah, GuidoBILL and MARTINE VANASSEN, Jonathan, Cameron, Andrea,

Nicole, Claire, LaurenAREND and MINKE VANDERGAAG GERRY and HETTIE VANDERGAAG, LeannePETE and TINA VANDERGAAG, LauraWILLY and GRETA VANDERGAAG, MichaelRICK and LUDI VANDERGUGTEN JOE and JESSICA VANDERLEEST, Jacob, Ashley, Reuben, JoshuaDICK and ZINA VANDEVELDE MRS. DOROTHY VANGROOTHEEST ED and MARJ WIERENGA, Alana, Kyle, Caitlyn, Erin, KevinLARRY and JENNY WIERENGA

VERNON – British Columbia Vernon Canadian reformed ChurCh

We wish all the brothers and sisters around the world Season’s Greetings and the Lord’s blessings in 2013!

DICK and MARY AIKEMAPETE and GRACE AIKEMATOM and JANE BOEVEDIANE DALHUISENJOHN and PLONY deJONG BAS and ALICE deHAAS BEN and DOROTHY HOFSINK EBBEL and MAUREEN KAMPEN RON and DIANE KLEEFMAN, Katrina, JanelleDIANE KLEINE-DETERSBEN and NANCY MEERSTRAPOLLY TENBRINKE, AsjiaALVIN and SHERRY VANDERDEEN, Tristan, IsabelleYOGI and SOPHIA VANDERLEESTJOHN and CORRIE VANDERLINDETOM and RITA VANDERMEULENCORNELIUS and JOHANNA VANSPRONSENREV. AREND and RENAE WITTEN, Jacob, Marnie, Annalise

PRINCE GEORGE – British Columbia

Christmas Greetings from the Northern Capital of BC.

JOSH and JESSICA BERGEN, Malakai, Shandelle, SolomonMARK and BELINDA CARRICO, Calvin, Baillie, Geneva, LydiaJEAN and LOUISE DEVEAULT, JonathanJESSE FENNEMATERESA GROUNDS, Tiffany, Julia, Megan, Madison, Brooke,

Thomas, LukeDANIELLE KERBRATJORDAN KILLAMMORLEY KYLESONIA PETERSENPAUL and CECILIA ROBERTS, Brooklyn, Jim, ElijahRICHARD SENFFHUDSON STOFFELSLEON VERHELSTTRAVIS and NATALIE WIERENGA, Mason, CarterPASTOR JIM and NALLELY WITTEVEEN, McKinley

Best wishes from the staff at Smithers Lumber Yard,and may God bless you in 2013

SMITHERS

ToPrince George& Vancouver

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Stopping at points all along Highway 37 North to Watson Lake

Freight service between:• Vancouver• Prince George• Smithers• Terrace• Dease Lake• Watson Lake

BNDSTR 2779c (Bandstra ad).indd 1 22/11/2010 10:04:47 AMYear-End Issue • 668


SURREY – British Columbiamaranatha Canadian reformed ChurCh

The following brothers and sisters of Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church at Surrey, BC, wish all brothers and sisters in Christ a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year.

BILL and BEP BISSCHOPADRIANA EENKHOORNRICK and CHRIS EENKHOORN and familyALLAN and CORRIE FABER and familyWILL and GLORIA FABER, Aleana, Ethan, Matthew, Peter, NadiaCONRAD KLEEFMANFRED and JANE KLEINE-DETERSALBERT and COBY VAN DER HEIDE KEES VAN DRIEL TED and CHRISTINE VAN RAALTE, Alex, Elianna, Carissa,

Matthew, Abigail, Sophia, EliciaGEORGE and DICKY WENDT

YARROW – British ColumbiaYarrow Canadian reformed ChurCh

Wishing all brothers and sisters in the Lord a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

REV. and MRS. BEN and WIES BERENDSKEN and JOANNE BOEVE, Melissa, Kendra, Rudy, Karissa, Steven,

MaKenna, LukeMARY BOEVEJOHN and FLORINE BREUKELMAN, Gerard, JordanDICK and JENNY BYKERMARK and JOHANNA BYKER, Patricia, JasmineHARRY and MARTHA DEGELDERANDREW and ANITA DELEEUW, Donald, Allen, JamesHANS and JANET DELEEUWCLARENCE and MARGARET DEVRIESPEARL DEVRIESKEN and ALANA DYKSTRARICHARD and HENDRIETTE EIKELBOOMALBERT and SYLVIA GELDERMAN, Amber, Mark, OliviaJONATHAN and JENNIFER GELDERMAN, William,

Annaliese, JulienneKEN and KAREN GELDERMAN and familyNEAL and ALISA GELDERMAN, Matthew, Elizabeth, Rebecca,

Lydia, NathanielKEN and YVONNE HUTTEMA, Matthew, KimTYSON and DEANNA HUTTEMADAN and JOANNE LIEUWEN, Corey, Shane, Deanna, Joel, Jared,

KayleeDOROTHY SIKMAWILLIAM and HETTY TAMS, Tyson, Leanne, Dayna, AbbyJOHN and JACKIE VANDERWEL, Nick, Holly, CaseyJOHN and LYNN VANKAMMEN, Nadia, OwenJAKE and LIZ VANLAAR, MattGREG and WENDY WINKELAAR, Gilbert, Jenoah, HudsonWINNIE WINKELAAR

HOUSTON – British ColumbiahouSton Canadian reformed ChurCh

Extending to all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad, our hope that the Lord will guide and keep you in His care in the New Year.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

ARCHIE and JEAN BRIENENHENRY and DIANE FENNEMA, James and Sydney, Nicole and

ShaneHENRY and CLAUDIA HANSMA, Stephanie, Andrea, Katie and

BrandonEVERT and RENEE JASPERSDIRK and AMBER KANISANDREW and ARLENE LEFFERS, Brendan, RyanRICK and KATHY LEFFERS, Laura, MaxALY MEINTSANDY and JAN MEINTS, Brenda Meints and Ben Beukema, Marcel,

Ashlee, Kyle, TravisANDY and SANDRA MEINTS, JocelynMR. and MRS. AUKE and FENNIE MEINTSJACK and REGINA MEINTS, Brett, Byron, CodyJANE MEINTSMINNIE NYMAN and HENRY NYMANERIC and BRENDA ONDERWATER, Kierra, Darren, Sheldon,

NadiaMARTIN and DIANE ONDERWATERNELSON and CRYSTAL PETERS, CaseyANN VANDENHOEKCARL and LISA VANDAM, Rachel, Martin, Carrie, HeatherTREVOR and TANYA VANDERMOOREN, Joel, Reegan,

Gregory

Greetings from management and staff of

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We wish all our brothers and sisters and Customers a blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.



ABBOTSFORD – British ColumbiaabbotSford Canadian reformed ChurCh

Wishing all our brothers and sisters a blessed Christmas and God’s gracious blessings in the year 2013.

TONY and ELENOR BIKKERMIKE and RIFKA BLOKKER, Noah, SamuelPAULETTE BOSCHJEAN BREUKELMANCARL and JOPPA BYLENGAHARRY and MARIAN DEBOERKEVIN and JES DEBOERED and FLO DE HAANBOB and CLARA DE HAAN, Anthony, ColinHANK and GRACE DERAADJOHN and JENNIE DEKKERHERMAN and JANE DRIEGEN, Cheryl, Shannon, KarenHOEGE and JOHANNA DRIEGEN, HenryMAGDALENE DULLAARDFRANK and HENNY FLOKSTRAJANNY HANSMAKARLO and ANNET JANSSEN, Roy, Yannick, Kylian, Nyls,

Sophy, YesperJAKE and GRACE KOBES and familyKLAAS and FENJE KOBESTINA KOBESBERT and RUTH KUIKPETE and MARIAN NIENHUISHARRY and JENNIE PELLEBOERJUSTIN and AMANDA ROUKEMA, Ian, Hannah,

LynneaPETE SCHUITVLOTKEES and JEAN SELLESJOHN and RENEE VANDEBURGTDAN and WYN VANDERHORST, BrendaKLAAS VANDERLINDEMARTIN VANDERWEL and ANDREA BOMHOFREUBEN and ROSEANNE VANLAAR, Braiden, Zachary,

Tristan, TanayaREV. and MRS. W.W.J. VANOENEGEORGE and HILLY VANWOUDENBERGPETE and COBY VELDMANALBERT and ROSA WITTEVEENJOHN and RENEE ZIETSMA, Mikiah, Ezra, Nadia, Jamin

ALDERGROVE – British ColumbiaaldergroVe Canadian reformed ChurCh

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

JOHN and GRACE DAMBRAD and ANG DE BOER, Kayla, Esther, Ryan, and JoelCHRIS and PEARL HOFF, Faith, Genieva, Naomi, Bethany,

Cornelius and JudahHENRY and CLASINA KLOSHAROLD and TINA LUDWIGADRI and BEP LOUWERSEJACK and WILMA MARISSENANTHONY and KATY TOGERETZTONY and MARCELLE TOGERETZ and familyROB and JANET SCHOUTEN and familyALLEN VADNAISHENRY and JEANETTE VAN DELDENHENRY and CORINNE VANDELFT and familyAUBREY and JANE VANDERGAAG and familyPETE and CELIA VANDERGUGTEN and familyJIM and KAREN VAN SPRONSENKEES and RIA VANVLIET

CLOVERDALE – British ColumbiaCloVerdale Canadian reformed ChurCh

Greetings to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. May He graciously guide us and care for us in the year ahead.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Psalm 90:1

GEORGE and AMY GUNNINK, Lydia, Andrew, Benjamin

DEREK and JULIA HOOGSTRA, Kyle, Kristin, Shane, Ryan

RICH and BETTY KLAVERHEATHER KLEINE-DETERS, Taylor, SawyerSHAUN and BRENDA RAAP, Seth, Hazel, LylaADRIAN and SHEILA VAN DELFT, Paige, Katie, Madison,

CassidyJENNY VANDERZYLAREN and MARY VAN DYKE,HENK and RITA VISSCHERHENK and DINY WENDT


Wishing all the Lord’s Blessing in 2013

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LANGLEY – British ColumbiaCanadian reformed ChurCh

We wish all our Brothers and Sisters in Christ a Joyous Christmas and the Lord’s continued Blessings in the New Year.

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”

Psalm 145:3

CHESTER and AGNES BAARDAANITA BINNENDIJKWILFRED and HELEN BULTHUIS, Brendan, Karen, Ashley,

Derek, JodiHANS and ANNIE BUMAJOHN and DINY de HAASPASTOR RYAN and RUTH deJONGE, Matthew, Samuel,

TimothyBRAM and GINA EIGENRAAM, Bryan, Inez and Dale, Waylon,

EthanFRANK and MARIJKE EZINGA, MichaelHENK and MINNIE HOOGSTRAMRS. GERDA HUISMANHAROLD and ANNETTE LEYENHORSTJOHN and DEBBIE LOF, Jenae, Justine, Tyson, KristaSYBE and MARTJE MEERSTRAHARRY and MARTHA MOESMATT and SUE SCHOUTENMIKE and SHAUNA STAM, Devon, Jaylene, Alisha, Kari, Mikayla,

HaileyHARRY and SISKA STELMAARTEN and JENNIE VAN DRIELCOLIN and ALICE VANDELFT, William and Karen Schouten,

Nicholas and Holly VanderWel, Joshua, Esther, Micah, Aidan, Levi, Anna, Helena, Asher, Sophia

TONY and KAREN VANDELFTNORMAN and DIANE VANDERHORST and familyVINCE and JOYCE VANSPRONSEN, Ashley, DanielREVEREND JAMES and WILLY VISSCHERKEITH and JESSICA WILDEBOER, Chelsea, TravisTOM and GRETA WILDEBOERWILL and MARCIA WILDEBOER, Heidi

Churches in Western Australiafree reformed ChurCheS of weStern auStralia

May the Lord bless you and keep you in the coming year.

MICHAEL and ANNA DYKSTRAED and BERNICE EIKELBOOM, Duane, Shauna, Lorette, Kaitlyn

and AleeshaREV. and MRS. W. HUIZINGA and family

CHILLIWACK – British ColumbiaChilliwaCk Canadian reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters a blessed Christmas and the Lord’s guidance in 2013.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.

Psalm 133:1

OEDS and HENNIE BRANDSMAJIM and MARGARET DYKSTRARALPH and SINA FENNEMADENNIS and JENNIFER FLOKSTRA, Valerie, Jared, Stacy,

Nathan, Micah, Caleb, LukeGORD and ALISA GELDERMAN, Benjamin, Melissa, Deanna,

Carolin, ZacharyIRENE HOEKSEMAMR. JOHN HOFSINKKLAAS and MANNIE HUTTEMAHERMAN and MARTHA KOBESFRANK and ALICE SCHOUTENHENRY and ANN SUPERANTHONY and MARY-ANN VANDERGUGTEN, Lorien,

PerrinGEOFF and ASHLEY VANLAAR, Camron, Alivia, Abigail

WILLOUGHBY HEIGHTS – British ColumbiawilloughbY heightS Canadian reformed ChurCh

We wish our brothers and sisters the Lord’s blessing for the year 2013.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Hebrews 10:23

RON and MARITHA DYKSTRACORY and EMMA FLOKSTRACJ and ROSE FLOKSTRA, Cody, Riley, Jaden, KasenBERT and JENNY KONINGMIKE and GHITA SCHOEN, Kyle, Meghan, Courtney, Mackenzie,

Cassidy, JennaREV. ANTHON and ANNETTE SOUMAN, Esther, Judith,

David, Nathan, Joshua, Timothy, JasonRICK and LIZ VANDERGRIENDT, Joel, Stephen, NathanBILL and JOANNA VANDERPOLHARRY and FREEDA WERKMAN


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Thank you for your continued support!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and the Lord’s blessing for the year 2013!

Bert and Joan VisRalph and Jane Vis Henry and Sharon VisEmily BosscherWolter and Veronica VisWesley Vis Shane Van BrederodeDevon Smart

Glen PattersonIrene DeBoerRobert BevaartMarita LindeGlenda VosBrad RobinsonTyler ColbertJimmy Bowles

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Wishing all of our clients and friends a

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Wade and Leanne Van BostelenJerry and Margret Bosscher

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Do you have a plan?Without a financial plan, any saving or investing that youdo is without a context. We analyze your goals andobjectives to help you achieve them. Your values,circumstances and goals, provide the context for yourpersonalized financial plan. Call today to get started.

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BLUE BELL – Pennsylvania, U.S.A. reformation ameriCan reformed ChurCh

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem

those under the Law, that we might be adopted as sons.

Galatians 4:4-5

BRIAN and ALICIA BRATCHER, ZoeyDENNIS and SHARON BRATCHER and family

LYNDEN – Washington, U.S.A.lYnden ameriCan reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in Christ, a joyous Christmas and the Lord’s continued blessings in the New Year.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:1

JIM and STEPHANIE BAREMAN and familyHENK and JOANNE BERENDSMRS. ALICE BOSSCHEROTTO and JEANETTE BOUWMAN and familyWAYNE and ANTINA CHASE, Sarah, MarianIAN and ANGELA DAVIS, Allison, Kayleigh, Emma, LucasMRS. HILDA EISSES, EvelynRICK and DEBBIE FABER, Laura, Kelsey, KristiMR. and MRS. RIEMER FABERAAD and MARJA HENSENDAVE and KAYLENE HOFFORD, Joel, Luke, Cohen, EllieCLARENCE and KELLI KOBES, Elias, Fei, JoshuaMRS. BERT KUIKDARREN and KARLA LEYENHORST, Shawn, Aaron, Shanna,

Alayna, Jill, ThomasBOB and DEBBY LODDER and familyRYAN and BETHANY VANDELFT, Ashtyn, KierstenCASON and HELENA VANDRIEL, Jason, Aaron, Jaymie, JuliaMARTY and FAITH VANDRIEL, Andrew, Ayden, Heidi, RachelRYAN and MICHELLE VANDRIEL, Joel, Tyler, DylanHENRY and SHIRLEY VELDMANMRS. MARTIN VREUGDENHILMARVIN and BERNICE VREUGDENHIL, Adrian, John,

Russell, Elissa, CraigBILL and BRENDA WIELENGA and family

GRAND RAPIDS – Michigan, USAameriCan reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in the U.S.A. and Canada and abroad a blessed 2013.

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3

JOHN and GRACE BUITENBOSPETER and JANET KINGMA, Chantelle, Mitchell, JoshuaREV. KEN and BRENDA KOK, Edwin, MeganJOHANNES and BEVERLY KOOISTRAJONATHAN and NICOLE MEDEMBLIK, Jordyn, AveryTERRY and RITA MEDEMBLIK, Patrick, OliviaBRYAN and NICKY PASTOORDIRK and RIA RIEDSTRADEREK and REBECCA TENHAAFDIRK and KATHRYN TENHAAF, Anthony, William, Alexandra,

VictoriaMARK and STEPHANIE TENHAAF, Jaiva, BauerMATT and MELANIE TENHAAF, Caleb, Noah, GabrielleHANK and AGNES VANBEEKMELISSA VANBEEKMICHAEL and CHRISTINA VANBEEK, ChristianRICK and TAMMY VANBEEK, Nathan, Samuel, Madelyn, MicahDERK and MARIA VAN DIJK, Simon, Miriam, Benjamin, Hannah,

SarahJOHN and MARTHA VANMIDDELKOOP and familyMR. G. VELLENGAMR. and MRS. MARTIN VERHEY Sr.MARTIN and HENNIE VERHEY, KimberleyPAT and LINDA WILLIAMS, Sierra, Savannah, LucasMRS. RHEA WOUTHUISANDY and SHIRLEY WYNGARDEN, Andrew, Raymond,

David, Jennifer, Joseph, Sara

DENVER, Colorado, USAemmanuel ameriCan reformed ChurCh

Let the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love.

For unto us a child is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11


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The staff from Guelph and Orangeville wish you aBlessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2013

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NEERLANDIA – AlbertaNeerlaNdia CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers & sisters in the Lord a joyous Christmas and a Blessed 2013.

“For the Lord is good, His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 100:5

ED and ELAINE AIKEMA, Kyle, BryanPETER and MARGARET AIKEMA, RobertMATTHEW and KERRY BREUKELMAN, LeviJOHN and TAMARA BREUKELMAN, Blaine, Ashton, Amy,

Thys, AnnaleeED and JOANNE DERUITER, Dyllan, Cara, Janelle, BradleyJOHN and HENRIETTA FROMA and familyLIES HAMOENERROL and MELANIE HOOIMEYER, Jackson, Zachary,

Maddison, Karter, DanikaJOHN and ALICE KIPPERSLEE and Kathy KIPPERS, Zachary, Adam, ColtonJOHN and ANNET LOUWERSE, Joel, Liselle, AnnesaTREVOR and GWEN MAST, Jacob, Kirkland, Jordyn, KadeROSANNE OLSONJOE and FREDDIE PETERSRICHARD and FETTIE PETERS, Jessica, Jeremy, Benjamin,

NeilGERT and MARIE STEENBERGEN, Pieter, Randy, Tara,

LucasREINDER and TINEKE STEENBERGEN, Kor, HaroldRUSS and VANESSA TAEKEMA, Brayden, Trinity, Alexis, Hailey,

IsabellaDAVE and GERRIE TERPSMAJOHN and RITA VANASSENNETTY VANASSENPETER and MARGARET VAN ASSEN, Ian, AndreaBERT and CINDY VANDERIET, Martina, Julia, TessaWALTER and BETTY VANDERZYLJEFF and MARCIA VANGROOTHEEST, Jayden, Lucas, Aaron,

Hannah, JaredALBERT and SONJA VANLEEUWEN, Phil and Nicole, Natasha,

LauraSTAN and IRENE VIERSEN, Peter, BenJAMES VIERSENJACOB and IRENE WERKMANPETER and CAROL WERKMANWES and GLORIA WERKMAN, Hailey, Sierra,

Saige

EDMONTON – AlbertaimmaNuel CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad the Lord’s blessing and His guidance for 2013.

BERT and JEANETTE DeBRUINRALPH and TANIA DeBRUIN, Brandan, Rebekah, Janessa,

SavannahBRIAN and JOLENA de HAAN and familyBEN and KAREN de JONG, Shaun, Riana, Amy, EvanFRED and RIA de JONGRICK and AKKELENE DUKER and familyROB and EMILY DUKER, Asia, Lydia, Sierra, JaxonMRS. H. DYKHUIZENJERRY and SANDRA DYKSTRASHAWN and DARLENE DYKSTRA, ShaelynnMR. G. HOEKSEMA ANTHONY and JANE HOEKSEMAJULIUS and HETTY JAGERSMA, Tyson, IanRICK JOHANNESENHANS and KAREN KLAVERMRS. IRENE KLAVERCATHY KUNTZKEN and NATALIE MARKO, Ethan, Cole, ErikaHARRY and GRACE NOOTGERALD and HELEN OSTERMEIER, Marieka and John,

JoshuaJAKE and ANITA OUSSORENHENK and AAFKE REININKBONNE STIKSMABRAD and MELINDA STIKSMA, Kyle, Brock, Zack,

LukeHILDA STIKSMA, JeanTENIE STIKSMAMATT and ASHLEY TIGGELAARKELVIN and MARJ VAN DASSELAARBRAD and HANNAH van DELDEN, TaylorANDREW and GERDA VANDENHAAKCHUCK and DOREEN VANDERVEEN and familyDERK and MARTJE VANDERVEENMRS. A. VANDERZYLBRAM and JOANNE VEGTER, JessamyGARRY and CATHY VISSCHERHENNIE WEESSIESPETER and THERESA WEESSIES, MatthewJOHANNA WERKMANJOHN and FREDA WIERSEMA


Wishing you a Blessed New Year

Paul and Kinske deVos403-223-0663

[email protected]

It’s Comforting to Come Home.Waterdown’s family Funeral Home for four generations...

Speak to Rick Ludwig or Garnet Van Popta today to learn more about how you can plan ahead and help your family in their time of need.

Serving YouCloSe to Home

146 Mill Street NorthWaterdown, ON905.689.4852

www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com

rick ludwig garnet van Popta

Serving the Golden Horseshoe from our facility or in

a church building of your choice.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas and New YearI bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:10

JoVan MechanicalPlumbing & Heating

Commercial • Industrial • Residential

Rob Vanderveen PO Box 567 Bus: (519) 436-0772 Chatham, ON Fax: (519) 436-0780 N7M 5K6 [email protected]



ST. ALBERT – AlbertaSt. albert CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters across Canada and the world a blessed 2013!

“Lord you have been are dwelling place throughout all generations.”

Psalm 90:1

GORDON and JENNIFER CAMPBELL, Samantha, Liam, Ava JACK and PAULINE DE HAAS JOHN and SHIRLEY DE HAAS, Curtis, Craig, Janessa, Trevor,

Jason STUART and MARGARET DE JONG JOE and HILDA DE VRIES NICK and LYNETTE GEUSEBROEK, JoshuaMARTIN and JENNIE HOOIMEYER WIEBRAND and TJEERTDIE JAGERJOHN and ANGELA KIPPERS, Lucy, April DARREN and ANNETTE MUIS, Benjamin, Lucas, Stella. LinnaeKEVIN and ROSE NOOTWALTER and DIANA NOOTTONY and ALISA ROUKEMA, Kennedy, Annelies, Jonah, Miriam,

Layla, GideonHARRY and VAL SLAA, Dylan, Grant, Griffin, LeviARON and SUSAN VAN DELFT, Seth, Pierce, Alex BERNIE and BARB VAN RAALTEJOHN and INGRID VANDER GAAGJOHN and HILDA VAN VEEN, ErikSHAWN and LAURA VEENENDAAL, Mya, Chloe, Graham,

Hannah

TABER – Alberta

Sending Christmas greetings to our fellow brothers and sisters from Taber.

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.”

Luke 1:68

STUART and DARLENE BOEVE, Denise, Esther, Jody, Kristen and Jason

GOOI and CLARY BOUMA, Peter, William, and SidneyANNO and CAROLA BYLSMA, Dianne, Siebe, Frederick, Rebecca

and EmmyPAUL and KINSKE DEVOS, David, and Nicholas

EVERT and PEARL VANKAMMEN, Paetra

EDMONTON – AlbertaProvideNCe CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

As we look forward to the year of our Lord 2013 we remember that this is the year which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We wish every one of our brothers and sisters a very Blessed year and a speedy return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

RICHARD and JOANNE AASMANMRS. COBY BOSCHMRS. ELIZABETH BOUWSEMAMRS. ANNE DOORTENTONY and ANITA LAANDOUG AND VAL LEFFERS, Warren, Emerson, Cohen, JarenMRS. JANTINA NOOTWES and JULIE VAN HILLMRS. FLORY VAN ORIZANDEMRS. SADIE VAN SPRONSENCORNELIS and MENNIE VELDKAMPGERDA ZELDENRUST

COALDALE – AlbertaCoaldale CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

MANCE and MARY BREUKELMAN and familyDIRK and WILMA DEVRIESLEON and RACHEL DIEK, Matthew and MeaghanJOOP and JANNY HARTHOORN, Shawn and NicoleHENK and MAGGIE HOFSINKMIKE and SYLVIA HOFSINK, Brendan, Rebecca, Emily,

JaredDIRK and MARY KOKANDREW and HELEN LEFFERSCORNELIUS and JEN LEFFERS, Sophia, Darek, Kylie, TravisERIC and GERDINE LEFFERS, KaraHOWARD and IRENE LEFFERS, NadiaJOHN and JANE LEFFERSREV. DIRK and AMANDA POPPE, Benjamin, Angelica, Caleb,

David, Timothy, MatthewGUS and CORNELIA VAN DASSELAARNEIL and SIMONE VANSETERSRICHARD and AMIE VELDKAMPPHIL and DEB VERSTEEG, Logan, Mya, NathanielITE and JANE VEURINKCHARLENE VOORHORSTHARRY and JOANNE VOORHORSTJOHN and JENNY VOORHORST, Nic


“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY INTO YOUR HOME

THE LOCK HUT can:1. Install Dead bolts – Make them work to get through2. Install Window Bars – Basement windows are most vulnerable3. Re-key locks when moving – Have previous tenants given you ALL the keys?? (Police strongly recommend)

Season’s Greetings from the Staff of

THE LOCK HUT • Alarms • Locksmithing • T.V. Monitoring • Security Window Systems

• Commercial • Industrial • Residential

•SurveillanceCameras •EntryCardReaders •HandicapDoorOpeners

www.thelockhut.caDEAD BOLTWays to secure your home...

Gerald HoeksemaBurlington

905-637-9660905-689-0514


BARRHEAD – Albertabarrhead CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad the joy and peace of the Christmas Season and the Lord’s blessing and guidance throughout the New Year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.”

DIRK and TANIA BARENDREGT, Maddisyn, Ava, JudahHERMAN and MARIANNE BARENDREGT, Kyla and

Brendan, Seth, Ray, KeriTIM BREUKELMANHARRY and GEZINA DEBOER, and familyADRIAN DEVINK and STEPHANIE DELEEUWRICK and STEPHANIE DEVINK, BlakeRIEKS and JANNA DEVINKLOUIS SR. and TENA DYKSTRA RIKIE FERINGACASE and DINIE HAMOENQUINTON HARTHOORNGERRIT and MENNIE HELMUS, Emily, Clarence, Winston,

DawsonMARINUS and ALJA HELMUS, Berenda, Jessalynn, Harrold,

AlyshaMELVIN and JANE HOEKSEMA and familyJELTE and IRENE JAGERSMA and familyJOHN and HELEN JISSINKHERB and SANDY KOBES and familyJAMES and RENEE KOBES, Brandon, Rachelle, Justine, JacobKEN and LINDA KOOPMANSGREG and CLAIRE LARSON and familyMRS. JEAN MARISSENALAN and FAY MUL, Julia, Ryan, AndreaRIEKJE OTTENERWIN and HELEN PETERS, Matthew, Jeffrey, Danielle, Joseph,

MelissaMARCEL and JESSICA PETERS, Brittney, Kameron, Kaylee,

ConnerKEN and ALICIA SCHOUTEN, Nadiya, Noah, Delaney, Maguire,

MeclaynePETER and BAUCINA SELLESALBERT-JAN STEENBERGEN and LOUISE DEVINKBERT and DARLENE STEENBERGEN, Tyson, JennaHENRY and HETTY STEL REV. BERT and DIANNE TIGGELAARBRENDAN and TARA TIGGELAAR, Mikaela, Bailey, Dakota,

Porscha JORDAN and JESELINA TIGGELAAR, KingstonBYRON and RACHEL TUININGA and familyLOREN and NELLIE VAN ASSEN, Rhonda, Arden, Devon,

Chelsea

DARRYL and LEANNE VAN DASSELAAR, Chloe, Easten, Taryn

HARRY and ALIE VANDELDENJOSHUA VANDELDENJAMES and B.J. VANDENHOVEN, Renee, JosephMATTHEW and CHRISTINE VANDENHOVEN,

Levi, Liam DANIEL and KYLA VANDERDEENJOHN and VALERIE VANDERDEEN, Rachel and Darren,

Miriam, Jonathan, Bethany, Lydia, AaronMICK and MARCELLA VANDERLAAN, MikennaARLENE VANDERSLUIS, JessicaKEITH and JESSICA VANDERSLUIS, Aurora KEVIN and SHERRY VANGROOTHEEST, Keira, IanBRAD and MARNY VANLEEUWEN, Dawson, CarterSHAUN and BERDIEN VANLEEUWEN, TalisHERMINA VAN RAALTETHADDEUS and ANITA VEGTER, Declan, Laila, Skye,

ClayBILL and ALIE VOGELZANGLIEN and CORRIE WATTELGEORGE and JENNY WEMEKAMPJOHN WEMEKAMPBERT and TENA WIERENGAHAROLD and REGINA WIERENGA

CARMAN – ManitobaCaNadiaN reformed ChurCh – CarmaN WeSt

HENRY and BETTY BREUKELMAN and familyKEES and ALICE BROUWERGERALD and NELINDA DERUITER, Nathan, Cody, Mitchell,

KylieRON and LUCIE deRUITER and familyFRED and CELIA DEWITTIM and TJARDA KOSTER and familyARNO and ALICE LINDEPETER and TAMARA LINDE, Dominique, Daphne, Micah, Nadia,

Jude, Tyrus, NikitaLEENDERT OVERBEEKEART and ALICE POPPEJACK and FRANCES VANDERMEULENSTEVE and ADRIANNE VANDERSLUIS, Nolan, Gerrin,

Brydon, Hannon, DelaneyALLAN and ANITA VANDERVEEN, Ashley, DylanSCOTT and JENNA VANDERVEENGLEN and NANCY VANDERVELDE, Tiffany, StephanieRON and DEBBIE VANDERZWAAG


CALGARY – AlbertaCalgary CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

The members of the church of Jesus Christ in Calgary, wish all their brothers and sisters in North America and abroad, the Lord’s blessing for A.D. 2013 with the words of Psalm 90:17.

ALLAN and JUDY BERGSMA, Raelene, Rynell, Laura, Denise, Jocelyn

BOB and NANCY BOERSEMAGERALD and ANNETTE BOES, Jordan, Jackson, AdamTONY BOONESHAUN and DEBORAH CHIN, Emily, Nathaniel, LeahHANFORD and PAULINE DEGLINT, Ava, NadiaMIKE and EUNICE de GROOT, KatarinaRICHARD and GWENDA de HAAS and familyALICE de JONGBILL and JACKIE DEKKERTONY and ALYSSA DEWIT, Aiden, NatalieHANS and MARIANNE DUIKERRICHARD and DEBBIE FEENSTRA and familyED and CAROLIN HELDER, Aidan, Caitlin, MicahEDWARD and ALICE HOOGERDYK, ZacharyMARCEL and ELAINE JACOBI, Kelsey, Jasmine, Kent, DanicaDEWEY and DIANNA JONGBLOED and familyJASON JONGBLOEDPASTOR HANS and GERDA KALKMANLYNDON and DINY KOK, Erika, Lydia, Emma, LauraAWADIA MAZ and familyEILEEN MCEWANDANIEL and NANCY MOEDTRAY and MELINA NOOT, Victoria, Matthew, Alexandra,

BenjaminALIDA OOSTENBRUGHENRY and ANN OSTERMEIER and familyRALPH and ANN PENNINGACURTIS PETERSJOEY and BECKY SCHOUTEN and familySTEPHEN and COLETTE SCHOUTEN and familyDAVE and TAMMY SCHRIEMER, Deanna, Brent, Chloe,

Cassidy, HaleyMARTIN and BARBARA VAN BOSTELENRAY and SHARON van de BURGT, Kierra, Malachi, Nikko,

AlexisHENRY and AUDREY van den HOVENERIC and CAROLYN vanderVEEN and familyNEIL and JUDY van ELLENBERGCRAIG and KAREN van ELLENBERG, Tyler, Chad, Larissa,

Timothy, JaydenBILL and LORRAINE van OOSTERHOUT and family

KEVIN and IRENE VAN TIL, AustinERIC and NATASHA VEENENDAAL and familyDEAN and KARIN WALLACE, Michelle, Jordan, BrettDARCY and PAM WERKMAN, Braxton, Dominique,

KaiyenJASON and SHANNON WIERENGA, Jessica, Owen, NoahJEFF and RYANNE WIERSEMA and family

CARMAN – ManitobaCaNadiaN reformed ChurCh CarmaN-eaSt

Wishing all brothers and sisters in the Lord his blessing for 2013.

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of woman, born under law, to redeem those under

law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Galatians 4:4)

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

Revelation 3:11

JUERGEN and JOYCE BEICHTER and familyAUKE and WILMA BERGSMABRENDAN and MICHELLE BERGSMA, Gianna, Kayla, Anika,

Janoah, KinsleyERIC and LISA BERGSMATONY and NINA BERGSMAWAYNE and FINA BERGSMAHARWIN and JOLENE BOUWMAN, Roxanne, TonyaHANK and MARY KAMMINGA, James, Julie.LEN and BRENDA LODDERPIET and ELSIEN NIJENHUISMIKE and BONITA RAAP, Cayden, Mackenzie, Nolen,

DeclanWILLIAM and RICKI SCHEPERCHARLIE and JOANNE TERMEER and familyTHEO and MARGARET VANDASSELAARJOHN and ELAINE VANDERMEULENBILL and HILLY VANDERSLUISGERRY and MARRY VAN DIJK, Garret, Darcie, MyronGERRY and ELSA VANLAAR and familyARIE and ALICE VEENENDAAL, DevinGUS and FREDDIE VEENENDAALTERRY and ANNA VEENENDAALHENRY and WILLEMIENE VELDMANHANK and JACKIE VERSTEEGWAYNE and MARNA WEIDENHAMMER,

Ben, Brad


“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob….”

Num 24:17a

SOUTHWESTERN CONSTRUCTION INC.Phil Bultje - President

Chatham, Ontario 519-351-3777 or fax 519-351-9634

[email protected]

•Concreteformingandfinishing •Concretedrivewaysandfloors •WindTurbinebases

Wishing all our brothers and sisters the peace of Christ’s birth and a joyous New Year!

think green. think quality sod.

Wishing you, our customers and friends, the Lord’s

Hamilton: 905.521.1567 | Windsor: 519.682.3455 | www.VanderwoudeSod.com

blessings at Christmas and throughout 201 .3


WINNIPEG – ManitobagraCe CaNadiaN reformed ChurCh

The following brothers and sisters of Winnipeg wish all brothers and sisters in Christ, friends and acquaintances in Canada and abroad, God’s blessing at Christmas time and throughout the New Year.

For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures for ever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:5

FRANK and SHIRLEY ANNE BAKERRICHARD and LIZ BUIST, Melville, Glenn, Eric, MarjorieREV. ROLF and LIZ DEN HOLLANDER, JakobKEN DEWITALAN and JANETTE DEWIT, Darren, Nathan, ZacharyWILLIAM and DIANE DEWIT, Jenna, EdenDOUG and JULIETTE DEWITT, Joshua, Adam, Bailey, Shelby,

Naomi, FaithJEFF and EVELYN DYKSTRA, Elissa, Stephen, Christopher, KevinED and TINA HARKEMARK and SACHA HOFSINK, Jordan, Cody, Brett, Jaydyn, JesseJOHN and MARGARET HOOGERDIJK, Reuben and Harleigh,

Christina and Sheldon, Matt, MiriamFERNAND and ANGIE JONKER, BenTYSON and TERA KAMMINGA, LeightonROB and FRANCINE KOTTELENBERG, RussellBONNIE KUIK, Aynsley, ShaniaJOHN and ARDIS KUIKBOB and CORRIE LEACHJORDAN and CAYLE LUTZ, AlyviaRICK and TESSA MOSTERT, Victoria, Mitchell, Nicholas, SavannahJANESSA MULDER, DJPAUL and ALINDA MULDER, Kendall, Daniel, JulianneSCOTT and DEBBIE SCHRIEMER, Taylor, Sierra, Hunter,

Damian, Darius, Veronica, MasonVICTOR and GRACE SCHRIEMER DAVE and ELLEN SHPAKART and SHARON TEITSMA, Mikayla, Shaylene, Destaney,

Summer, JasmineDENNIS and ANNIE TEITSMAJAMES and JOANNE TEITSMA, Michael, Melannie, Megan,

Matthew, MarissaNEIL and RIKKI TEITSMA and familyJACK and WILMA TOET and familyJOHN and AUDREY TOETALEX and DIANA VANDEHOEF, Alicia, Chelsea, JanelleJOHN and JANET VANDENBERGMATTHEW VANDENBERGREMMIE and LINDA VANDER VEGTE, Lance, Scott, KennySHANE and KYLA VANDER VEGTE, SloanRALPH and MARGARET VAN GOOR, Rudy, AlinaGILBERT and LINDA VANLEEUWEN, Stacey, Emily, Thomas

CASEY and MARTHA VAN SETERSSHANE and MICHELLE VAN VEEN, Erin, Chelsea, Gavin,

JillianRYAN and MAUREEN VELDMAN, Caitlyn, Jessica, Natalie,

Taryn, LoganKEVIN and SUZANNE VERSTEEGWAYNE and CAROLYN VERSTEEG, Bev, Ryan

TORONTO – Ontario

We share in the joy of the birth of our Saviour. To all our brothers and sisters across Canada and abroad, the Lord’s blessing for 2013.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

ANDREW and MARIANN BAARTMAN, BrentGERALD and THERESA BOOT, John, Sarah, Steven, KimberlyJOHN and HETTY BOOTBRUCE and HELENA DEBOER, Veronica, Edward, Luke, Delaney,

Cari, Jacquelyn, Melissa, ZacharyDICKY DEBOERPAUL and KRYSTLE DEN HOLLANDER, Mackenzie, AsherELIZABETH DE ROOWIM and AGAATH GRIFFIOENGERRY and FRANCIS HEIKENSBRIAN and TRUDY HERES, Hope, LeahJACK and EVELYN HERESJOHN and JANE HUIZING and familyGARY and BETTY JANSEN ANDREW and YVONNE KAMPEN, Trevor, EvanBRAD and SANDRA KAMPEN, Jessica, Spencer, Taylor, JordynBRANDON and ELYSHA KAMPEN, MasonFRANK and JENNY KAMPEN FRED and ANITA KAMPEN, Robyn, Madison, Colin, LeviHANK and MARY KAMPEN FRED and MARILYN PILON, Rebecca and Tom, Derrick,

Katherine, Michaella, MichaelWILLIAM and GERALDINE SALOMONS, Willem, Joshua,

Jesse, Scott, Jeremy JOHN and ANNETTE SMID, Leanna, Christina, Myko, TheoMIKE and JEANETTE TEL, Micheline, Elijah, Andréa, Abigail, Zoë,

Kaiya, ArwynBERNICE VAN HOFIZAK and LINDA VANDEREEJOHN and ELAINE VANDYK, Dennis and Ana, Melanie, Jodie and

Greg, Jennifer, ShannonART and JOANNE VANHALTEREN, Monique, Janelle, Tara,

AnnemarieKARL and HETTY VELDKAMP, Rachelle, Harrison, Olivia


Toll free: 1-877-501-4646

Personal: Home, Auto, LifeCommercial: Business Ins. Solutions

Wishing all the Lord’s Blessing for 2013

Ed AasmanGeneral Manager

3050 Harvester Road, Suite 110 Telephone: (905) 631-6070Burlington, Ontario L7N 3J1 Facsimile: (905) 631-8183

Wishing all the Lord’s Blessing for 2013

Kerpel ShoeSERVICE

BURLINGTON SUPER CENTER2025 GUELPH LINE

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7P 4M8

Neil Kerpel – owner(905) 336-1622

Dependable Auto Service

Season’s GreetingsHenry & Bernice Oostdyk and family

750 Darlene Crt. # 3, Burlington, ON905-681-2992

[email protected]

Precision Metalworks Inc.CUSTOM MACHINING & FABRICATING

Season’s Greetingsand Best Wishes for 2013

Harry and Cynthia Hordyk and family

6 Iroquois Trail, Grimsby, ON Tel: 905-945-0202Canada L3M 5E7 Fax: 905-945-8181

www.precision-metalworks.comEmail: [email protected]

Season’s Greetings from:

FRED and MARG DANTUMA FAMILYAND STAFF

246 6th CONCESSION T: 905-689-5557RR 1, MILLGROVE F: 905-689-9643ONTARIO L0R 1V0 E: [email protected]

Season’s GreetingsE. JOHN BOSSCHER & SON

BUILDINGCONTRACTOR

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL / CUSTOM BUILDING

638ARTREVACRESCENTBURLINGTON,ONL7L2B6

GERALD AND CATHY AND FAMILY(905) 634-1321


WINNIPEG – ManitobaRedeemeR Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

The following brothers and sisters of Winnipeg wish all brothers and sisters in Christ, friends and acquaintances in Canada and abroad, God’s blessing at Christmas time and throughout the New Year.

For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures for ever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:5

BILL and HEATHER BARENDREGT and familyMRS. MARGARET BARONWALTER BARONGARRY and CHRISTINA BOERINGA, Daniel, ValerieDICK and TINEKE BYZITTERKEN and ALISA DEBOER, Jared, Nadia, Tyson, EthanMARK and ELEANOR DENHOLLANDER, CaitlinMRS. J. DE VOSDEREK and JUDITH DEWITT, Stephanie, Emily, Nathan,

Matthew, Gabriel, Kiera, Amy, Sarah, HollyDERK and BEP DEWITTROB and ANNIE DEWITT, Colin, Jeff, RobynBILL and GRIETJE GORTEMAKER, Peter and AndreaDAVE and TERESA GORTEMAKER, Joel, Alexis, Brooklyn,

KaelynnTED and VANESSA GORTEMAKER, Nicole, Dylan, LeanneWILL and SHAWNA GORTEMAKER, Rachel, MeganEVERETT and BRENDA GRITTER, Darren, RyanRANDY and JANINA GUNNINK, KennedyDEAN and CHARLOTTE KAMMINGA, Kiana, ConnerANDY and MICHELLE KANIS, A-J, Jamie-RayDARREN and EMILY KUIK, Noah, TiannaFENNY KUIKGERRY KUIKJAKE and RITA KUIKBRANT and CELIA NOBEL, Caleb, Adam, KylaJAN and KAREN NOBELMARGARET NOBEL, Teresa and Danny, CalvinJOE and SHARON POPPE, Rachel, Nicole, Hannah, Carrie, Nathan,

Nelda, Erin, AsherBILL and HENRIETTA RAAPSY and JENNY RAAPHENRY and FRANCES SLAAHENRY and JUDY SLAA, Sheldon and Christina, Erin and Duard,

Tyson, RileyMRS. F. TIGGELAARLAWRENCE and MARILYN TOET, Travis and Jaysa, Megan and

Doug, ShaynaLEN and JANNIE TOETBRYAN and MIRISSA VAN DELDEN, Julie, Deanna, NathanHENRY and FENNY VAN DELDENBILL and BONITA VANDERLINDE, Daniel

JAMES and TERI VANDERLINDE, Joshua, Caleb, Jacob, IsaiahFLOYD and MARYNE VANDERMEULEN, Aveline, Samuel,

FentonJAMES and MARY-ELLEN VANDERMEULENALAN and COLLEEN VEENENDAAL, Aiden, Brady, RylanPETER and TRUDY VEENENDAAL, ReganSHAUN and JONI VELDMAN, Kirsten, Melissa, JoshuaJONATHAN and AMANDA VERSTEEG, Morgan, Drew,

Cohen, Jamin, TyJANNES and CATHY WIERSEMA, Deborah and DanielDALE and JANE WILLSIE, Courtney

TINTERN – OntarioSpRing CReek Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

APPY and EM BREUKELMAN, Shane, Tyler, Leanne, Dan and KenWILCO and JULIE DE HAAN and familyTOM and JENNY DEKKERBERT and ALIDA GRITTERBILL and THERESA HEEMSKERK and family REV. PETER and ERICA HOLTVLÜWER, Lucas, Noah, Elliott,

Gabriel, Susanna, Angelina GERRIT and THERESA JONKER, MatthewJIM and JOHANNA KOOLSBERGEN, Andrew and Maria JENICE MANS, Brody CARL and MONICA OOSTERHOFF, Timothy, Ruth-Ann,

Samuel, Micah CLARENCE and DIANA OOSTERHOFF, Leanne, Brad, Janelle,

Daniel, Megan RUDY and DOROTHY OUWERSLOOT, Andrew HERMAN and GERRY POORT BRANDON POSTLEO and GERALDINE POST NATHAN and MELISSA POST, PaigeLEO and CHRISTINE ROZEMA GERALD and TRACY SCHULLER, Erin, Tara, Myles, Ethan,

Meghan and Tanya PETER and INGRID SCHULLER, Frank, Garrett, John, William,

Wyatt ANDY and HELEN STIEVA, Melissa ROB and JOYCE VAN AMERONGEN, Dave, Rob, Thomas,

Colin, Katherine, Joel, Evan LEN and RIA VANDERGRIENDT JACK and JENNY VANDERVEEN KARL and EILEEN VAN ES, Alissa, Arie, Aaron, AmySOPHIA VAN IPERENJOHN and CONNIE VAN OMMENJAN and KITTY VAN ZANTEN


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Specializing in Commercial and Residential Applications Since 1966.

Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas and New Year

CALL US AT (905)


GUELPH – Ontario Living WoRd Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Sending our best wishes for the new year 2013!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you … and give you peace.”,

Numbers 6:24-26

REV. DOUWE and LIZ AGEMA, Ben, HannahPIETER AGEMA and TINEKE BIJLSMAALEXANDER ALLENBUD and PATRICIA ALLEN, BrianLAUREN BEINTEMADEREK and LUCY BOUWMAN, Molly, Casey, OscarGREGORY BOUWMANWAYNE and KAREN BREUKELMAN, Stephanie, Reuben, Sean,

Lucas, LiamDALE and ANNIE DALLINGAWENDELL and MARJORIE DALLINGA, Dylan, Ian, AimeeCHRIS and KENNEDY ENGBERSJOOP and CAROLYN FEENSTRA, Nadine, Conner, Brooklyn,

DustinMARIA GEERTSEMABRIAN GROENEVELDMR. MIKE GRUTTERROB and JOANNE HOPMAN, Kelvin, Fiona, Alexis, SheldonKIM HUTTENTIMOTHY HUTTENDARRYL and SHANNON JAGER, Braeden, QuynnJONATHAN JANSSENSJOHN and DIANE JONKERGARY and EMMA KROEZEN, Craig, Daryl, Tyson, Zachary,

JaydenCOBUS and JUDITH LANDMAN, Susan, Elana, Thelma, Chris,

JohnHARRY and DEANNA LINDE, Thea, Harlen, Rielle, IlaWEIMING and YAN YAN LIU, DanielJOSI LODDERKEEGAN and LAURA LODDER, GavinLEO and AFKE LODDERMARK and VICKI LODDER, PeytonNATHAN and LEANNE LODDER, Hailey, Leland, LukeTIM and CARA LODDER, Nolan, Ella, ParkerSEBASTIAAN MAANGREG and JOURDAN MEINENMARIAN MEINEN, BenjaminMRS. AKKE METZLARHOLLY and WAYNE MILLS, Nick, AliciaANDRE and MARTIE MOOLMAN, Kira, TimonIAN MUIRNADINE NIJENHUISKONNIE PEETJAMES and LATAUNYA PENNINGA, Myka, Taya

GERALD and MCKENZIE REININKKOR and TARA REININK, Nora, WadeMATT and KELLY SCHARRINGA, WyattBRYAN and CYNTHIA SCHIECK, Owen, Tyler, Kylie, Lincoln,

BriannaGREG and JESSICA SLAAROBIN and LAURA SMIT, Levi, Oakley, JonahSHELLEY SPENCER TALO and DINEKE TAMMINGACHRIS and JOLENE TOGERETZMIKE and ELIZABETH VANDERGAAG, Jayla, Amber,

MeganCOR and NICOLIEN VANDERPOLTREVOR and CATHERINE VANDERPOLAMANDA VANDERVEENBRAD and ANGELA VANDERWOUDE, Jordan, Bronte,

Kennedy, TierraJOLANDA and BEN VANDIJK, Simon, Danita, LennoHOWARD and TERESA vanESCH, Caleb, Aaron, Marie, Daniel,

Sam, HannahCOR and YOLANDA VANLEEUWEN, Casey, Jonah, Ryan,

NathanGREG and DANIELLE VANLEEUWEN, Seth, Madisyn, KieraJASON and TRACEY VANRAALTE, Jamelle, Brodie, Lexi,

NikaraMRS. MIEN vanWEERDENDUANE and DIANNE WESTRIK, Spencer, Reuben, SophiaMENCO and JANICE WIESKE, Lenora, Kelly, Jonathan, Amanda,

RachelTINUS and CAROL ZANDBERGEN

KERWOOD – OntariogRaCe Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

MRS. W. BLOEMENDALJOHN and JOANNE BORK, ScottCHRIS and JOANNA DEBOER, Peter and AnnemarieBILL and LINDA DOKTERMRS. ALIE JANSSENSJIM and JACKIE JANSSENSMIKE and SARA JANSSENS, Landon and SavayaJACOB and GRACE LENTINGRICK and DEANNA LENTING, Jayden, Gavin, Marissa, Keira

and AllanaMAYNARD and SUSAN SMID, JanineMRS. B. TAMMINGAPETER and EBELIEN WATTEL, Aylien, Erin, Laurenne


Wishing you a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year

Gary Aikema and family

SHELTERCLADCONSTRUCTION LTD.

1190 - Westover Road, Millgrove, Ontario

Phone (905) 659-7570 (905) 659-3340Fax (905) 659-3650

Season’s Greetings from

CHEVROLET • CORVETTE

“The People’s Choice”

MARTY MUISSales & Leasing Consultant

282 CENTENNIAL PARKWAY N.HAMILTON, ON

L8E 2X4

TEL: (905) 560-2020FAX: (905) 560-3800

Best Wishes for 2013 from

IMPORTED & DOMESTIC HARDWOODS, SOFTWOODS & VENEERS

PLYWOODS, FINISHING SUPPLIESSALVAGE TIMBER & SLABS

WIDE PLANK FLOORINGCUSTOM PLANING & MILLWORKMUSICAL INSTRUMENT WOODS

John and Tetje Hordyk - Founder 5229 Harvester RoadJohn and Connie Hordyk and family Burlington, OntarioMel and Nancy Hordyk and family L7L 5L4

Tel: (905) 335-8066 • Fax: (905) 335-7080 • E-mail: [email protected]

• Website: www.exotic-woods.com

\ Season’s Greetings \

For nearly 65 years, Pollard Windows has been manufacturing quality windows and doors. If you’re replacing windows or have a new construction project, visit our 10,000 sq. ft. Display Centre – the ideal place to “Window Shop.”Bert Vanderwoerd • Wayne Vanderwoude • Jan Visser

Call 1-800-585-5561 or (905) 633-7444

Display Centre - 1217 King Rd., BurlingtonI n Toronto: 416 - 696 - 6716w w w . p o l l a r d w i n d o w s . c o m

BURLINGTON


GUELPH – OntarioemmanueL Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad the joy and peace of the Christmas Season and the Lord’s blessing and guidance throughout the New Year 2013.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish

but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world

through Him”

John 3:16, 17GERRIT and FREDA BOS, Colin, Adam, Elissa, KelseyMRS. RIKA BOUWMANHAROLD and JOCELYN BOUWMAN, Alyssa, KennedyKLAAS and JANNY BOUWMANJOHN and RACHEL BROEKEMALEE and ADA DAM, CobyJOHN and HENNIE HELDERMRS. SHIRLEY KNOTART and SHAWNA LODDER, Ileya GEORGE LODDER and GRACE KNEGT-LODDERTONY and NINETTE LODDER, Leana, Jenna JOHN and JEANNETTE MEIJAARD and familyCHRIS and HILDA NIEZEN, Kaitlyn, Kierra, KendraKLAAS and DARLENE NIJENHUIS, Nadine, Fallon, Nick and

Emily, Danielle, DavidCORNELIS and MARY POPPEJOHN and BETTY SCHOLTENMARTY and ERICA TOET, Johnathan, Thomas, Sean, Davin,

KailynnJOHN and BRENDA VAN AMERONGEN, Austin, EthanBERT and GRACE VANDERWOERDKEITH and ANN VAN LEEUWENLLOYD and JOANNA VANLUIK, Rachelle, Hein, Laurissa,

CourtneyPETE and ANITA VAN ROOTSELAARKASPER and SHERRI VAN VEEN, Kassia, Cailey, Samantha,

Lori, Isaac, TessaNEIL and LIZ VAN WEERDEN, Dianthé, Emma, Garnet, Levi,

Holly, GloriaREV. and MRS. J. VAN WOUDENBERG, and familyANDREW and THERESA WESTRIK, Julia, Aaron, Tiana, Riki

Louise, Loraya, AudreyFRED and RIKI WESTRIKJOHN and ROBIN WESTRIK, Matthew, Marty, James, Jason,

Alexander

GRAND VALLEY – OntariogRand vaLLey Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

The following brothers and sisters of the Grand Valley congregation wish all brothers and sisters in Christ, in Canada and abroad, God’s blessing at Christmas and throughout the year.

“He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel, all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.“ Psalm 98:3

BILL and GRACE BALCHJACOB and NELLEKE BRAKKE, Janneke and Dave, Henk and

Leah, RosalieALBERT and MARIANNE BULTENA, Joe and Henrike, Doug

and Steph, Suz , CalebCARL and CHRISTINA DEBOER, Scott, Alyssa, HaileyREV. PETER and JEANETTE FEENSTRA and familyMENZE and SYLVIA FEENSTRA, Christina, Nicholas, Timothy,

Julia, Benjamin, Matthew, EstherDUCO and JOYCE FEENSTRA, Cornelius, Henrietta, William,

Sarah Jane, Karen, JoannaDOUG FREEMANED and BERTHA GROEN and familyJOHN and MARIANNE HULST, Breanne, Jonathan, DarienJOHN and DIANE JONKER, Tiffany, Joseph, AnnaliseKEVIN and SHERYL KAMPHUIS, Letisha, CaidenSWANIETA KRUIZENGA, Joanne and Jeremy, Jonathan and Alicia,

Benieta, Matthew, Ivan, Patricia, SharonJAMES and ANGELA MEERVELD, Emberly, Mikaela, CalvinSAM and MARIAN OKKEMA, Shelley, Taylor, ScottJELKO and ADRIANA OOSTERHOF, Samantha, Kevin, Marnix,

PatrickJOHN and FRAN PENNINGA, Kerissa, Karlena, Darren, DanelleLUTE and SHIRLEY PRINSEN, Deanna, Kevin, NatashaBILL and WILMA SCHEPERROB and LYDIA VANDERWOERDJOHN and HELEN VANDERWOERD, JocelynPAUL and KIM VAN EERDE, Ben, Debbie, Daniel, David, Sarah,

Jonathan, MichealDAVE and MARG VAN OMMEN, Elizabeth and Justin, Nick,

Serena, Curtis, MarissaCLARENCE and RYMA VAN RAALTEFRANK and KELLY VAN RAALTE, Jordan, Ashley, Jessica, Taryn,

RileyJIM and AUDREY VAN RAALTERANDY and NIENKE VAN RAALTE, Amanda, Roy, JeremyANDREW and JANET WILDEBOER, Brianna, Willem, Josiah,

Jenna, SummerGREG and SHERI WILDEBOER, Leah, Alicyn, Thomas, John

Season’s Greetings& Best Wishes for 2013

Soils • Aggregates • Mulches • Sod

682 - 5th Concession W. Tel: 905-689-5527Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H2 Fax: 905-689-9760

www.millgrovegardensupplies.com

Soils • Aggregates • Mulches • Stone

2273 Dundas Street (Hwy 5) Tel: 905-336-7725Burlington, Ontario L7R 3X4 Fax: 905-336-6378

www.burlingtongardens.ca

Ed & Johanna Dokter and Staff

Bu r l i n g t o nGARDEN SUPPLIES

LIMITED

M i l l g r o v eGARDEN SUPPLIES LTD.

TOPSOIL

Wishing all the Lord’s Blessing in 2013

Haulland Trucking inc.

Aggregate & Landscape SupplyCustom Snow & Fill Removal

905-971-5538Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0

Pete & Tracey Strating



GLANBROOK – OntarioTRiniTy Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Wishing our brothers and sisters much joy in this season of our Saviour’s birth. May God bless us as we await His return and continue in His service in 2013!

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:32, 33

DAN and TRACY AASMAN, Lily, BrockED and LISA BAKER, Josh, Simon, KatrinaGEOFF and CHELSEA BARTELS, RaeAnna, MacKenna,

GraydenWES and JACLYN BLOKKER and familyCLAUDE and TERESA BOISVERT, Samuel, JacquelineDAVE and HEATHER BOSMA, Nathan, Rachael, JessicaGIL and WILMA BUIKEMA, David, Russell, LaurenHENK and NELLIE BUITENHUISARIE and TAMARA DEN HOLLANDER, William, Lucas,

Abigail, Esther, JonathanREV. and MRS. W. DEN HOLLANDERHENRI and TRISH GELMS, Sheldon, Mitchell, Kaylee, Amy, Cason,

Alaynia, BenjaminJOHN and WILMA GROENWOLD, Sara, Nadia, KristaBRIAN and BARBARA HARSEVOORT, Bethany, Jeremy,

Zachary, Joshua, Caleb, Micah, Benjamin, EstherTHEA HEYINKTIM and ELLY HUTTEN, Esther, Nathan, Calvin JOHN and MIEKE JAGERHARRY and GAIL JANS, Kaitlyn, Darren, Sean, Jarod, BlakeDEREK and TINA LANTING, Sarah, Terissa, Lydia, Albert, John,

Hannah, Owen, ElainaDUSTIN and DANIELLE LUDWIG, Simon, Patrick, OliverPETER and JOANNE OSTERMEIER, TiannaJUSTIN and MARY-LYNN SCHUTTEN, Kyle, Brayden,

NataniaFRANK and KAREN SCHUURMAN and familyGARY and JACKIE SMID and familyPETER and GRACE SMID DR. and MRS. J. VAN VLIET, Curtis, Hannah, Ruth, Abigail,

Philip, JoelleRICK and JENNY VANDENBOS and familySTAN and SHELLEY VANDENBOS, Christi, David, KimFRITS and LIEKE VANDERBRUGGHEN, Reuben, JustinTREVOR and ALISON VANDERWOUDE, Emma, Justin, Reid,

Carson, Asia

GRASSIE – OntarioCovenanT Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish all the brothers and sisters around the world Season’s Greetings and God’s blessings in 2013!

HENRY and DOROTHY BEIJES, ScottJASON and DEBRA BOUWMAN, Josina, Jamie, Jackson, JewelRON and JENNIFER BOVERHOF, Kyle, Matthew, AndrewALBERT and GRACE BULTJEHESSEL and BIENY DANTUMAANDREW and JoANNE DeBOER, Kurtis, Kristen, Leanne, MelissaBEN and HILDA DEVOSADRIAN and JOANNE DIELEMANBILL and LIZ DYKEMAPETER and MARGARET FEENSTRA and familyBEN and RACHEL HELDER, Emmalyne, Isaac, Daeton, AddisonMRS. PEARL JAGERJOHN and DIRKJE KOSTERJOHN and TONI KOTTELENBERGYUL and COBY KRIKKEALIDA LEISTRASTEVE and SOPHIE LENTING, Jacob, Mattheus, CalebDARRYL and CORRIE LOF, JennaJOHN and JOLANDA OOSTDYKMARION OVERBEEKJOHN and RIETA PIEROTTI, David, Lydia, Evan, Justin, AvaPETER SCHOON SR.GERRY and SOPHIA SCHULLERKEN and LYAN STEL and familyFRED and JEANETTE TAMMINGA and familyJASON and LINDA TENHAGE, Owen, Zach, Noah,

Logan, DylanJEFF and ANNETTE TENHAGE, Lucas, Brett, Levi, Timera,

Davis, BlakeSTAN and ANGELA TENHAGE, Shane, Justin, Nadine,

JaydenPAUL and SHARON VAN SYDENBORGH, Warren, Denise,

Joel, Dean, Beth, PaigeKEN and TRISH VANANDEL, Devon, Riley, Shaelan,

NatashaMARK and HELEN VANANDELBERT and JANET VANGOOLEN, David, Angela, Michelle, Robert,

LindseyHENRY and MARGARET VANIPEREN, Jo-anneJASON and JoAnn VANIPEREN, Caleb, Kendra, ReubenMARK and JOANNE WANDERS, Valerie, Dan, Jocelyn, Katrina,

Nathan, Jeremy


Season’s Greetings to Clients and Friends fromHERMAN FABER, LL.B., LL.M.

HAROLD OLIJ, LL.B.

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS & NOTARIES PUBLIC

IN HAMILTON VanderWoerd & Faber& BURLINGTON: 1025 Waterdown Road, Burlington, Ontario L7T 1N4 Phone: 905-681-7800, Res: 905-524-2203, Fax: 905-681-7814, Email: [email protected]

IN SMITHVILLE: Olij & Faber

128 St. Catharine Street, PO Box 38, Smithville, Ontario L0R 2A0 Phone: 905-957-7240, Fax: 905-957-4635, Email: [email protected]

Thank you For Your Continuous Support and Patronage.

Wishing all the Lord’s blessings for 2013

MARCON CONSTRUCTION LTD.• ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS

1309 HAZELTON BLVD., BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7P 4V5

Phone: (905) 332-9834 Email: [email protected]

Mark and Mary DeBoer family and staff

Season’s Greetings to Customers and FriendsSpecial thanks for your continued support.

Rob and Lisa Dantuma

DUNDAS AUTO SERVICEand 1333892 ONT. INC.

Tune Ups • Electrical • Ignition • Carburetor • Brakes • SuspensionWheel Balancing • General Repairs • Safety Checks

Conventional & Computerized Fuel System Analysis • Emission Testing Available

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSR134A SYSTEMS

123 Hatt Street, Dundas, ONTelephone: 628-6141


FERGUS NORTH – Ontario

Wishing all our Brothers and Sisters in the Lord a Blessed Christmas and the Lord’s Guidance in 2013!

JAKE and ANITA BOUWMAN and familyJOHN and HEATHER BROERSMA, Justine, Gared, MadelynROB and LYNN NIEZEN, Michael, DevonJOHN D. and TRUDY GANSEKOELELIGHTHOUSE – CAMERON, DAVE, FRANK, JACK,

KATHERINE, MARSHA, TERENCETIM and AMY LINDE, ChloeERIC and PATRICIA SMITH, MarkWILLEM and ROELIE SMITHBEN and JO-ANNE VANDERZWAAG and familyKEVIN and ANDREA VANDERZWAAG, Emily, Seth, Joshua,

Nicholas, LilyanHENRY and EILEEN VANEERDE, Jolene, Wade, Chantel

FERGUS – OntariomaRanaTha Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Greetings to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. May He graciously guide us and care for us in the year ahead.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1

JOHN and HILLY BEUKEMA, Kaitlyn and Kyle, JordanCORNELIS and RENA BOOTHARRY BOUWMAN JEANNETTE BOUWMANCOR and IRENE BULTENA, MarshaHAROLD and JOANNE BULTENAMENNO and CLARY DEGROOTHENRY and CORINNE DEJONG and familyALBERT and BAUKJE DEWITTROD and JANINE DYKSTRA, Tyler, Jaydelle, KenzieRICHARD and MARGARETH HOEKSEMA and familyJOHN and JOANNE HUTTEN and familySHAWN and MONICA HUTTEN, MichaelHENK and NATASHA HUIJGENMARTEN and DIETJE JANSENJOHN and TERESA JONGSMA and familyARTHUR and BETSY KINGMA, Jared, Laurence, Calvin, Martin,

Sheldon, Bryant WALTER and LEANNE KINGMA, Keira

ROBERT and TRUDIE LODDERDETTY MEDEMBLIKJOHN MEDEMBLIKBERT and DIANE NIEZENMRS. K. SIKKEMALARRY and JOYCE TENHAGE, Brittany, MeganJASON and JODI VAN DE BURGT, MelvinKEITH and TRUDY VANDENBEUKELPOPPE and JEAN VANDERMEULENWAYNE and JULIE VANLEEUWEN, SeanTONY and JOANNE VANTOL, Jennifer, Jonathan,

MikkyleTERRANCE and CHARMAINE VIS, Andrew, Travis,

Jared, ChaseMRS. D. WALINGA - ALKEMA CHARLES and LINDA WESTRIK, Nicole, Ryan, Colin, Joshua,

Danielle

LONDON – OntariopiLgRim Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh of

Wishing all our brothers and sisters in the Lord a Blessed Christmas and New Year, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour and look forward to His return.

DIRK and ANNEMARIE BERGSMAKEN and SHELLEEN BLOKKER, Cody, BrettMRS. ANNE BOERINGAMRS. NEL BOSTELAARREV. REUBEN and REBECCA BREDENHOF, Abigail, Kyra,

Sasha, ToriALAN and ANNETTE JANSSENS, Kyle, Connor, LucasJAY and META KOSTER, Rianna, Tyler, Alexis, John,

ChristianMRS. KINA MEINENFRANK and JENNY OOSTDYKART and LISA PIETERMAN and familyJACK and RENNIE PIETERMANMRS. NELLIE PLOUFFEDAVID RAWSONMRS. A. SALOMONSMR. and MRS. JOHN SCHOUTENTED and LYNDA SCHOUTEN and familyBILL and CATHY SLAAKEITH and TERRY TEMPLEJASON and CAROL VERSTEEG and familyMRS. J. WILDEBOER


Wishing you the Lord’s Blessingin 2013!

From the staff of:

INTEGRATED STRAPPING AND ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS

919 Zelco DriveBurlington, Ontario L7L 4Y2

Phone: 905-333-3695 Ext. 224Mobile: 330-980-1763

Fax: 905-681-3172

Web: www.itipacksystems.com



FLAMBOROUGH – OntariofLamboRough Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Greetings from the following brothers and sisters of Flamborough! We wish all brothers and sisters in Christ a joyous Christmas season and the Lord’s blessing and guidance throughout the New Year.

MIKE and WILMA BEIJES, Jordan, Rachel, Jessica JEFF and EILEEN BREUKELMAN and familyREV. JAN and RITA DEGELDERNATHAN and MICHELLE HELDER, Keziah, LincolnROB and CONNIE HOFSINK, Aaron, Holly, Naomi, Jonathan,

LutherHERMAN and JOANNE JANS, Darryl, Sarah, Devon, TrentPETE and LYNNE JANS, Kate, Jasper JOB and DONNA SCHENKEL, Shannon, Jordan, Tristan, Connor,

DylanMARC and MARG SCHUTTEN and familyPETER and LORI STEGENGA, Dustin, Karissa, Ashley, TylerHENK and CHRISTINE VAN HALENRICH and CYNTHIA VANDERLAAN, Nathan, Kendra,

Natasha, Debra, Calvin, Ashley, BrittanyGARY and JONI VIS, Benjamin, Brandon, Nicole, Gary, Devon, Ava

OTTAWA – OntariooTTaWa JubiLee Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad, the Lord’s blessing and guidance for the coming year.

NEAL and JESSICA BAARTMAN, Lincoln, HarperPETER and ELLIE BUISTRICHARD and EMMA BUIST, PeterCAROL BUTLERHENK and ANN CAZEMIERKENDRA CAZEMIER, XavierTREVOR and LINDA DEVRIES, Matthias, Keylin, EmilyPATRICK and ZWANY HAVENAAR, Devon, Kyle, Lindsay,

StevenREUBEN and IRENE HELDERHENK and SUSAN HOLTVLUWERHENRY and RIA JANS and familyEDWARD and SARA LUDWIG, Jurgen, Mathias, Thomas, JohanCATHERINE MARTINFRED and EVELYN NIEUWENHUIS, Samuel, James, Sofia,

ArwenANDY and CARLA PIEPERSEBEL and JANNY POLHENRY and NANCY SCHRIEMER and family

ANDRE and KARYN SCHUTTENHAROLD and ELISABETH SMITH, Joanna, Simon, NoahKATIE SPEIJER, Ethan KeepROB and RONNY SPEIJERANDREW and CARRIE VANDERVEEN, LilyPASTOR GEORGE and DORA VANPOPTAREUBEN and JODI VANPOPTA, Hannah, Rebecca, SarahMICHAEL and SERENA VERSTEEGDARYN and IRENE VISSCHER, MyaDAVID and MELISSA WILDEBOER, Marika, Callista, EstherMALCOLM and CINDY WILDEBOER, Ronda, Sjanie, Naomi,

Anna, Olivia, CallumALETTA WYNIA

LINCOLN – OntariovineyaRd Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

God’s continous blessing and guidance for the year 2013 is our wish to our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad.

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Psalm 90:1

JOHN and HENRIETTA BEINTEMAMARK and HEIDI DEBOER, Keira, Teagan, AustinALLARD and ELSA DEVRIES, Claire, Arie, Joel, KatieJERRY and RICKI BLOKKERRAY and AGNES ELLENSJOHN and JENNY HORDYK, Rebecca and Peyton, SimonBERT and TINA MANSHENNY MANSJAKE and GRACE OOSTERHOFFARNIE and MARCY SCHULENBERG, Austin, Connor, Levi,

Hudson, QuintonWILLY and LYDIA SCHULENBERGERIC and GRACE STIEVAGERALDINE STIEVAGERALD and JEAN TERPSTRA, Nick, LuciaHEIN and RIA VANLUIKMAURICE and LORRAINE VANSPRONSEN, Jon, Jord,

Luke, LorissaWAYNE and HELEN VANSYDENBORGH, MichaelBILL and CORRIE VANWOUDENBERGJANE VISSER

Wishing you a Blessed Christmasand a Prosperous New Year

A Blessed Christmasand a

Prosperous New Yearto all!

DUTCH TOKOEuropean Deli & Gifts

Harry ThalenTrevor Thalen

Mountain Plaza Mall661 Upper James Street, Hamilton L9C 5R8

(905) 383-2981

Downtown Guelph118 Wyndham Street N, Guelph N1H 4E8

(519) 822-4690



SMITHVILLE, – OntarioSmithville Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad, the Lord’s blessing and His guidance in the New Year.

JOHN and TINA BARTELS and familyLIZ BOS and CINDY BOSJAKE and WINNIE BOSJOHN and DIANE BOS, TrevorJOHN and KAREN BOS, Justin, TaylorREV. CLARENCE and ARLENE BOUWMAN and familyEVERT and JOHANNA BREUKELMAN and familyDERRICK and JEANETTE DEBOER, Madelyn,

LauraGERRY and NELLIE DEBOERKONNY and ANN DEBOERPETE and SHEILA DERUITER, Tarissa, Jeremy, Jordan,

JuanitaMR. and MRS. W. HOEKSEMADAN and JEANNETTE HUIZINGA, CamrynJOHN and RENNIE LINDEZWANY LINDEPETER and ALICE LOFARIE and LOIS MUISALBERT and TRACY NORDEMAN, Lauren, Nicole, Trevor,

Lindsay, KylePETER and LINDA OOSTERHOFFRICK and DANIËLLE RAVENSBERGEN, Maria, Nathan,

Stephen, Amy, Julia, Leanne, ThomasMIKE and BETH STEL, Russell, GenevaFRED and MIENEKE STOFFELSJOHN and THERESA VAN DOODEWAARDJOHN and MARY VANEERDE

ORANGEVILLE – OntariooRangeville Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters around the world the Lord’s blessing and guidance for the coming year.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.

Luke 2:14

RON and INA BERENDS ANDY and ARLENE BOUWERS and familyROB and ANNE BOUWERS, Josh, Sheri, Brett, Taryn and TiffanyMRS. GERRIE DOEKESHAROLD JOHN and HENNY ENDEMAN

JOHN and HARMA GRITPAUL and MARGARET JANSSEN, Natasha, Timothy, Daniel,

MatthewERIC and KIM KAMPEN, EmilyGERALD and MICHELLE KNOL, Tristan, Austin, Dylan, Ethan,

Madison BEN and JOAN KOTTELENBERGBERNIE and JOANNEKE KOTTELENBERG, Caleb, Rebecca,

Josiah, Seth, Hadassah, Isaiah, Levi, JesseGARY and LORI KOTTELENBERG, Kayla, Katie, Juanita,

Christina, SarahJOHN and WILHELMINA KOTTELENBERGPAUL and KRYSTLE NEUMANN, Zachary, AlexaMRS. HILDA OVERBEEKED and PATTY ROODZANTJOHN and HILDA SPANNINGA, Mandy and JeffJOHN and HANNA VANBODEGOMALBERT and JANET VANRAALTE, Philip, Victoria, Laura,

RebeccaALBERT and NELLY VANSYDENBORGHJEFF and KAREN VANSYDENBORGH, Joel, Aaron, Jonah,

Hanna, LydiaMRS. RIEK WEMEKAMP

OWEN SOUND – Ontarioowen Sound Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Wishing all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad, Season’s Greetings and the Lord’s Blessing in 2013.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!

Luke 2:14

CHRIS and IRENE BARON, Bradley, Megan, Chantal, Andrew, Adam, Karina

HENRY and CAROLIN BOSSCHER and familyBRIAN and TONYA BREUKELMAN, Josette, Elise, DominicDIANE BREUKELMANALBERT and EMMA HUTTEN and familyREV. JACK and CHRISTINA MOESKERAVA SANDINK JEFF and CATHY SCHEPER, Shannon, Lauren, Kimberly, Ryan,

DerrickBILL and SHAWNIE WILDEBOER

Season’s Greetings& Best Wishes for 2013

design & construction ltd.FLAMBOROUGH, ONTARIO

905-659-8388

Andy & Cora Muis & familyEd & Jackie Dantuma & family

Wishing you the Lord’s blessing for 2013!

Landscape Construction Lawn Maintenance – Snow Removal

Dave and Wendy Heyink, Taylor, Mitchell, Morgan, & Madison

Staff:Stephen Bergsma, Jamie Chase, Lance Clarkson,

Caleb Datema, Kyle Dean, Mike Eldridge, Josh Feith, James Heyink, Sarah Leggat, April Linde, Matt Linneborn, Charrissa Nordeman, Spencer Nordeman, Ian Nymeyer,

Reece Oosterhoff, Mark Podio, Steve Randall, Isaac Sider, Tyson Sider, Jason Smith, Mark Vanderknyff

P.O. Box 150, Wainfleet, Ontario L0S 1V0 Serving the Niagara Peninsula and Haldimand County



CHATHAM – Ontarioeben-ezeR Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

May all our brothers and sisters shine brightly for Him now and in the coming New Year – Rejoice!

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches, I am the Root, and the Offspring of David,

and the bright Morning Star.”Revelation 22:16

ANDY and INA BEINTEMACHARLIE BEINTEMADOUG and KAREN BEINTEMA, Abigail, Olivia and MadelineMRS. JEAN BEINTEMALOUIS and MARG BEINTEMAAL and DIANE BERGSMA and familyPETE and TERESA BERGSMAJOHN and CAROL BOSRALPH and ANITA BOSGEORGE and TRACY BULTJE, EdwardJIM and YVONNE BULTJE, Nic and Lauren, Jen and Joash, Amy,

James and EricaJOHN and ANN BULTJEPHIL and JANICE BULTJE and familyERIC and KATHLEEN DEBOERJOHN and LISA DEBOER, MikeMEL and DONNA DEBOER, SamanthaMIKE and ANN DEBOERREV. DAVID and ANNETTE DEBOER, Katie, Alex, Josie and

EthanRICK and DEB DEBOER, EvanPETE and WILLY DEJONGEMR. and MRS. LLOYD DEKKERHENRY and JUDY HEYINKREBECKA HEYINKJOHN and JOANNE HOLSAPPELRICK and RACHELLE HOLSAPPEL, KayleeANNIE HOUGHMARG HOUSTONJOHN and ANN JONGBLOEDADRIAN and IETIE KOSTERBOB KOSTERKEN KOSTERDARREN and JESSICA LOGAN, LeahART PIETERMANLENA SIKKEMAJOHN and RIETTA SULLIVANAREND and WILLA DALE SMIDHILCO and ANN TAMMINGA, Jodi, Josh, Kyle, Lauren, Nathan

and AnnikaTALO and JITSKE TAMMINGAJERRY and IDA TILLEMA

BILL and ANGY VANDERGAAG and familyGERALD and NANCY VANDERGAAG and familyNEL VANDERGAAGBERT and JUDY VANDERHEIDEANDY and SANDRA VANDERVEEN, Kaitlyn, Matthew and

GregoryHERMAN and BARB VANDERVEENJIM and RENSKJE VANDERVEEN, Amanda, Eric and Natalie,

Denise, Roy, Sabina and AvaMIKE and NATASHA VANDERVEEN, MylesROB and JANET VANDERVEEN, Lisa and Phil Lindsay, NicoleSTAN and ELSA VANDERVEENTERRY and JENNIFER VANDERVEEN, Radley, Janea, Judine,

Johyna and BrettCHRIS and REBECCA VEENEMA, Lydia, Kara and RozlynHENK and WILMA VEENEMAJOHN and WANDA VEENEMA MIKE and ASHLEY VEENEMA, AmeliaDOROTHY WILDERDIJKJENNY YTSMA

ELORA – OntarioCanadian RefoRmed ChuRCh of eloRa

ANDY and FELICIA BIJLSMA, Seth, Tristan, RowanMARTEN and MARGRIET BIJLSMA, Haaye, Sacha, Hailey,

AldrikSIMON and BETTY BREUKELMANGERRY and HENNY BROERSMAMICHAEL and DIANA BROERSMA, Hadassah, Nethaneil, Micah,

ChristianPAUL and GERALDINE DEBOER, George, Tara, Dianne, Gavin,

Julie, HansenLUITSEN and ANNIE DEWITTWIM and SAAKJE FEENSTRABERT and DINAH HUTTEN, Robert, JoannaJERRY and CLAIRE HUTTENHANK and MARG JAGER, AshleyWILMA JANSEN, Dwayne and Jen, JeffDICK and DINA LODDERANDY and JEANNETTE NIJENHUISHENRY and CHRISTINE PIEFFERSJOHN and ENA POSTMARNIX and ANNE-MARIE SIKKEMA and familyBERT and HENRIETTA TENHAGE, Chelsey and Wes, Rebecca,

Deanna, EstherALEX and HENNY THALEN and familyREV. CLARENCE and THERESA VANDERVELDE, Nicolette,

Garrett

TOTAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1969

– John and Anita Poort – Shaun and Rebecca Poort– Ben and Anita Poort – Alicia Vos– Ralph and Lisa Buitenhuis – Eric Bethlehem– Steve and Nicole Buitenhuis – Greg Ludwig – Jason and Laura Poort – Tanya Poort

HAMILTON 905-577-0066 BURLINGTON 905-336-1557

Peter Van Egmond & SonsWishing you a Blessed Christmas

andGod’s blessing for a Prosperous New Year

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:10



HAMILTON – OntarioPRovidenCe Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Let the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

JOHN and MARTHA BEINTEMABERT and JEAN BLOKKERSTEVE and JACKIE BLOKKER, Madison, Luke, Robert, Naomi,

JoellePETER and ELEANOR BOERINGA, David, SarahREV. WES and ROSE BREDENHOF and familyJANE GROENWOLDGEORGE and COOSJE HELDER and familyPAUL and MARSHA LEISTRA, Rachel, Alexandra, Mark,

JoelSTEVE and ROSLYN ONLAND, Ayden, Ethan, Jonah, DeniaHERMAN and CHRISTINA SCHUTTENRYAN and ALANA SCHUTTEN, Tysen, Silas, WyattHERMAN and JANICE VAN BARNEVELD, Jaclyn,

Diedric, SethGREGG and LAURA VANDENBERG, Hannah, Joshua, Benjamin,

Andrew, SarahADRIAN and WILHELMINA VANDERLAAN, Corey, Jordan,

Nicholas, Brendan, MikaylaPETER and DEBBIE VANDERSLUIS, Talia and MarkJOEL and SARAH VAN POPTA, Juliana, Elyse, JamesREV. and MRS. G. WIESKE

HAMILTON – OntarioCoRneRStone Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Greetings to our brothers and sisters across Canada and throughout the world.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.“Psalm 37:7a

BRAD and DEB ALKEMA, Lauren, Brie, Cole, Naomi HANS and COBY BARTELS BOB and PEGGY BEINTEMA MRS. A. BLOKKERMR. H. BONTEKOEBRYAN and TOBI BOS, Chloë, Cohen, Lily, Joely SHAUN and KAREN DEJONGE, Kevin, Shane

ARJAN and INGE DEVISSER, Marise, Lennart, Arjaan FRED and SHARALEE DEWIT, Kendra, Cameron,

Quinton ANDREW and EMILY DYKSTRA, Lydia, Charlotte,

VivianMRS. W. FABER MRS. A. FEENSTRA CARL and JANET GROENWOLD DOUG and HILDA HEIKAMP, Erin, Matthew, Seth GEORGE and SHARON HOFSINK, Geoff, Kaylee, Kelvin,

Ben, Kara DAN and SARAH HUIZING, Olivia, Easton HAROLD and SHARON MEERVELD MRS. MINNIE MEYER, Jim HENRY and CHRIS NIENHUIS MRS. J. POST RUBY ROZA JACK and ELLY SCHUTTEN MIKE SIEDERS and JULENA VISSCHERREV. and MRS. Cl. STAMMR. and MRS. CASE VANANDEL MIKE and BARB VANDENBOS MRS. GERTIE VANDERHEIDENED and HENRIETTA VANDERLAAN, Robert, Tyler, Bradley,

Jonathan RALPH and TERESA VANDERLAAN TED and HELEN VANDERVEEN, Kyle and Christine,

Krista and Matt, Jason, ReannaADRIAN and MICHELLE VERSTEEG, Austin, Tijuana,

Nolan, ChloeDR. ART and EBELIEN WITTEN

BRAMPTON – Ontarioemmanuel Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Greetings to all our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

HAYE and MARGJE DEWITTJOHN (Joop) KLEINE DETERSMRS. ANN NIEUWENHUIS-JELSMAJOHN and MARG SCHOON, Kristen, DavidHARRY and ANNE VANBODEGOMREV. MATTHEW and GERTIE VANLUIK


Wishing you a Blessed Christmasand Prosperous New Year

PRESVAC SYSTEMS LTD4131 MORRIS DRIVE

BURLINGTON, ONTARIOCANADA L7L 5L5

Lou Sipkema

Wishing all our Customers and Friends a Blessed New Year through 2013

• GAS FURNACES • CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING• DUCTLESS AIR CONDITIONING • ELECTRONIC AIR PURIFIERS• CUSTOM DUCTWORK • POWER HUMIDIFIERS

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGSPECIALISTS IN TOTAL HOME COMFORT

(905) 570-3247www.palmerheating.ca

Robert and Alice Smouter Arie and Tina SmouterTrevor and Sara Smouter Herman and Rachel VanVeenAndries Smouter Erica SmouterDavid Vander Veen & Lindsay Bowes Catharina Smouter

Serving Halton& Waterdown AreasFor Over 35 Years


BURLINGTON SOUTH – OntariofellowShiP Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish all our brothers and sisters a blessed Christmas and the Lord’s guidance in the New Year.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.

Psalm 133:1

CHRIS and RITA BOSCHJOHN and EDITH BOSSCHER and familyHENK and JANNY BUISTAUDREY DEGELDERHERMAN and JO-ANNE FABER and familyDAVE and CRYSTAL HEIKAMPJOHANNA HORDYKHARRY and JOANNE HUTTEN and familyRON and ANNE JAGER and familyLEO and DIANE KAMPENBERT and INGRID KNOL, Chantelle, Celine, Christopher,

Stephanie, TysonHARRY and IRENE MALDA, KaitlynBEN and DIANE OOSTERVELDMIKE and JOANNE REDWOOD and familyJAKE and RITA SIEDERS, DarrylWILBUR and MARIE SIPKEMAGARTH and ALIDA SPANNINGA, Sara, Noah, Julia, NadiaHELEN VANHUISSTEDEREV. JOHN and BONITA VANPOPTA DAVID and GERALDINE VANRAALTE and family

BURLINGTON EAST – OntarioebenezeR Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

The following brothers and sisters of Burlington East, Ebenezer, wish all brothers and sisters in Christ, friends and acquaintances in Canada and abroad, God’s blessing at Christmas time and throughout the new year.

RALPH and HENNIE BOSSCHERAGATHA BUISTBINI BUISTWILLIAM and CATHARINA DEJONGGERRY and PAULINA DENBOKJOHN and LINDA DOUMAHERMAN and MARGARETE EVINKALBERTA HARKEJOHN and PATRICIA HOFSINK

GERRY and JANNIE JANSMRS. D. MALDA, RoseREV. and MRS. GIJSBERT and ANNIE NEDERVEENGERARD and JOHANNA NORDEMANBILL and LIZ OOSTDYKRALPH and TRUDI TERPSTRADR. and MRS. C. VANDAMMATT and RUBY VANDERMOOREN and familyHARPERT and MARGARET VANDERWELA. VANROOTSELAARBETSIE VAN SYDENBORGH

DUNNVILLE – OntarioCanadian RefoRmed ChuRCh at dunnville

BEACON HOME RESIDENTS – Derek, Nancy, Paul, Clarence, Jim, Fred, James, Bryce, Nick

BILL and SJANIE BETHLEHEMJOHN and ANITA BREUKELMAN, Justin, Natasha, LeviJEFF and TRICIA DEBOER, Steph, RyanCORNELL and WILMA FEENSTRAED and LORRAINE FEENSTRA, Josh and Kayla, Jodi and

Nathan, KalebVALERIE GRITHENRY and ANNELIES HOMAN, HeatherJOHN and JOHANNA HOMAN, Kathleen, HannahART and CHERYL HOPMAN and familyMR. and MRS. L. HOPMANHENRY and LINDA JANSEMA and girlsHERMAN and SYLVIA KAMSTRA and familyED and ALICE KELLY, Matt, AndrewHENRY and ROELI KELLY and familyJAMES and RACHEL KINGMA, Lucas, Elisabeth, Lilia, Ayanna,

ShilohJON and SHARON KINGMA, Avaiya, Javan, KenleyMR. and MRS. G.B. LANTINGHENRY and LEANNA LANTING, Sophia, Theressa, Garrett,

AdrianneGERALD and WENDY OOSTERHOFF, Melissa, Andrew,

Kristen, KyleWAYNE and JANE OOSTERHOFF, ReeceSHAWN and ANDREA SCHUTTEN, Dawsen, Zoe, Blake ,

SullivanJAY and DENISE VANDER HOEVEN, Kendra, Tianna, Madelyn,

Latara, JabinED and JENNIFER VANDER VEGTE, Ed, Danielle, KimED and WILMA VANDER VELDE, MichelleMARK and CHRISTY VANDER VELDE, Owen, Luke, Jenna,

Kara, Izaak, KadeJACK and MARLENE VANROOTSELAAR, Eddie, Nick and

Taylor, Tinielle, BenANDY and TINA VAN YKEN RALPH and JANE VIS, Jaden, Keegan, Ariel, Kara

Wishing you a Blessed 2013

From the staff of:

919 Zelco DriveBurlington, OntarioL7L 4Y2

BUS: 905-681-3630 ext. 222

RES: (905) 689-2591

FAX: (905) 681-3172

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Website: www.ahcustom.com

MACHINE



ATTERCLIFFE – OntarioatteRCliffe Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

Wishing our brothers and sisters the Lord’s richest blessings throughout this joyous holiday season and always!

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”John 10:10b

ANDREW AALBERSGERT and RENNIE AALBERS, Faith, Ava, Leah, SaraWICHERT and IENA AALBERSWIM and JOANNE AALBERS, Danielle, Tyler, Connor, DarrylWIM and CHRISTINA AANTJES, Cristian, Taya, KamrynBEN and LINDA BARTELS, Kate, Tonya, DarrenBILL and ANNETTE BARTELS and familyANDY and DEBBIE BLOKKER, Joshua and Rachel, Michaela,

NatassjeLAWRENCE and GERALDINE BLOKKERLES and BECKY BLOKKER, Jaime, Anya, Taylor, CarmenMRS. T.J. BOSMA-AUSMAHENK and SIENA BREUKELMANALAN and MELANIE DATEMA, Meaghan, Caleb, Noah, NaomiMRS. DINI DEBOER and familyJAMES and SIMONE DEBOER, Rachel, Colin, and Lucas BooneJIM and BETTY DEBOER, Janell, Deana, Michael, EricaJOHN and KRISTA DEBOER, Alanah, Brandon, Joshua, CalebHERMAN and JOLENE DEHAAN, Kaitlyn, SamuelMRS. S. DEVRIESHANS and ROSE DIEKNATHAN and AILEEN DIEK, Taryn, AidenKEITH and LINDA ELZINGA and familyCORNELIS and DEBBIE FEENSTRA and familyIKE and HEATHER GROENWOLD and familyWARREN and MARY ANNE HOEKSEMA, Christie, KayleyREV. and MRS. J. HUIJGEN and familyKEN and LIZ JAGER, Stephen, Sean, JacobDAVE and ANGELINA JANS, Brent, Mitchell, Slater, VivianERIC and RHONDA JANS, Nakieta, Tristan, Tiana, Levi, Elijah,

Elle, KaiaGERALD and HETTY JANSARNOLD and INGRID JANSEMA, Dustin, JeffreyJAKE and INGRID JANSEMA, Vanessa, Jacqueline, Jacob, Matthew,

ThomasJOHN and JACQUELINE JANSEMA, Shanya, Bradley, AveryBRYAN and KAREN JONGBLOED, Hailey, Brayden, Joel,

Kaitlyn, SeanTOM and ALICE JONGSMA, Samantha and Steve, Alyssa,

Kristopher, Natalie, Thomas, Jeremy, JustinJIM and DOROTHY KINGMA, Jack, JesseLLOYD and FENNY KINGMA, Juditha, ArenKARL and HETTIE KRATZJOHN and MARTA LANTINGKEN and TINA LINDE

RALPH and WENDY LINDEMRS. D. (Beatrix) LOFJAKE and LIZ LOFJOHN and LAURA LOF and familyJOHN and SHIRLEY LOF, Chantal, Shayna, Annika, Kaelyn,

Moriah, Keziah, BrinleyHARRY and JANET LUDWIGJESSE and DOROTHY OOSTERHOFF, KristiJOHAN and HENRIETTA PETTER, Marisa, Rachelle, Tyneesha,

Ryan, Bradley, NathanielCLAIRE ROZA-BOSMA, Tejada BosmaJOHN and JOANNE SCHULENBERG and familyBRAD and ERIN SCHUTTEN, Carter, Chase, MillerIVAN and EMILY TAMINGA, JeromeFRED and EVELYN VANDERVELDE, Felecia, JamesJACK and MICHELLE VANDERVELDE, Chelsea, Taylor, MeaganTRACEY VANDERVELDEJOHN and FRANCINE VAN IPEREN, Kenton, Johann, Tederic,

Fraser, KiannaTIM and DEANNA VANPYKEREN, Morgan, Samuel, Kallie,

Keiran, HaydenDAN and ALYSSA VIS, Klayton, Reagan, Quinn

BURLINGTON/WATERDOWN – OntarioRehoboth Canadian RefoRmed ChuRCh

We wish to extend season’s greetings to all our brothers and sisters in Christ. We pray that He will continue to guide and bless us all in 2013.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice!”Philippians 4:4

EVE BAARTSEJOHN and ALIDA BOLJOHN and TINIE deJAGERBART and JANNA DOUMAMRS. SUSANNE GROENWOLDJAN HARKEMRS. RHEA HORDYKHERMAN and WILLY HULZEBOSCHREV. and MRS. J. MULDERDENNIS and MARG MUIS, Jonathan, Mitchel and Nadine, Amber

and Nathan, Taylor, Dawn, Randal and Tyler, Lee, Dean, Ember, Evan, Raven

MATT and NADIA POORT, Cohen, Alexia, BennettPIETER and BETTY SCHENKELLOUIS and NANCY SIPKEMABRUCE and JANICE SCHWANTZ, Nicole, Helena, Patrick,

Gregory, Amanda, VioletJACK and LINDA VANDERHORST and familyBILL and JANNY VANYKENPETER and CHRISTINE WOLFRAIM, Sophie


Nathan BrinkMarlaine BuistHenriette BuitenwerfMarion GourleyKeith HillyerTrevor HoganIan HorlingsAnnette Ludwig

Mark LudwigMargaret MansGeoffrey NewRon NienhuisCharles SlaaKen StelDave TammingaFred Tamminga

Michael TrebilcockCarolyn VanAndelJo-anne Van IperenWilliam VisserKen WongJames Yarrow

194 Woolverton Road Grimsby, Ontario L3M 4E7Telephone (905) 945-1878 Fax (905) 945-7521

PREMIER IMPRESSIONS INC.

Season’s Greetings and the Lord’s blessing in 2013!

May you experience the joy of our Lord’s blessings during this Christmas season and

throughout the coming year

1.866.227.7722 | www.supersucker.ca

When they saw the star, they rejoicedwith exceeding great joy.’

Matthew 2:10 KJV

May you experience the joy of our Lord’s blessings during this Christmas season and

throughout the coming year


ANCASTER – Ontario

Greetings to all our brothers and sisters in Canada and abroad!

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.

Romans 11:36

ADRIAN and KERRI BARTELS, Paiton, Blake, Jemma, Carter, Finnley

BEN and INGRID BARTELSBILL and ANNEMARIE BARTELSDAN and RENA BARTELS, Hailey, Samantha, Tyler, William,

Christina, PaigeDARREN and ANNA BARTELS, Reuben, Eden, Isaac, ThomasGEORGE and MARTA BARTELSJOHN and WILLIE BARTELSPAUL and IRENE BOERINGA, Tracey and Pete, Denver, AngelaJ. GEERTSEMABERNIE and ELAINE HARSEVOORT, Jasmin, Jacob, Andrew,

Brett, AliyaGERRY and GAYLE JANSEN VAN DOORNJOANNE KOK, Matthew, David and ChevonREV. and MRS. LUDWIG, Rachelle and Ben, Jonathan, TimothyLOUIS and IRMA OOSTERHOFF, JamesBRYAN and CATHERINE STIEVA, Madeline, Zachary, Eleanor,

JacobJOHN and IRENE VANANDEL, Dave, Nathan and Tricia, Melissa

and Jon, LauraPETE and CHANDRA VANDERBOOM, Vanessa, Justin,

Melanie, Matthew, StephanieJOHN and NELLIE VISDR. GERHARD and TENY VISSCHER, Estelle and MikeBILL and JOANNA WIESKE, Landon, Steve, Calvin, Kayla, Tricia

and Nathan, Matthew, GavinGARY and CINDY WIESKE and familyJACK and TERESA WIESKE, Meagan, Amy, Erin, Micah, Luther

DUNNVILLE – OntarioCanadian RefoRmed ChuRCh at dunnville

BEACON HOME RESIDENTS – Derek, Nancy, Paul, Clarence, Jim, Fred, James, Bryce, Nick

BILL and SJANIE BETHLEHEMJOHN and ANITA BREUKELMAN, Justin, Natasha, LeviJEFF and TRICIA DEBOER, Steph, RyanCORNELL and WILMA FEENSTRAED and LORRAINE FEENSTRA, Josh and Kayla, Jodi and

Nathan, KalebVALERIE GRIT

HENRY and ANNELIES HOMAN, HeatherJOHN and JOHANNA HOMAN, Kathleen, HannahART and CHERYL HOPMAN and familyMR. and MRS. L. HOPMANHENRY and LINDA JANSEMA and girlsHERMAN and SYLVIA KAMSTRA and familyED and ALICE KELLY, Matt, AndrewHENRY and ROELI KELLY and familyJAMES and RACHEL KINGMA, Lucas, Elisabeth, Lilia, Ayanna,

ShilohJON and SHARON KINGMA, Avaiya, Javan, KenleyMR. and MRS. G.B. LANTINGHENRY and LEANNA LANTING, Sophia, Theressa, Garrett,

AdrianneGERALD and WENDY OOSTERHOFF, Melissa, Andrew,

Kristen, KyleWAYNE and JANE OOSTERHOFF, ReeceSHAWN and ANDREA SCHUTTEN, Dawsen, Zoe, Blake ,

SullivanJAY and DENISE VANDER HOEVEN, Kendra, Tianna, Madelyn,

Latara, JabinED and JENNIFER VANDER VEGTE, Ed, Danielle, KimED and WILMA VANDER VELDE, MichelleMARK and CHRISTY VANDER VELDE, Owen, Luke, Jenna,

Kara, Izaak, KadeJACK and MARLENE VANROOTSELAAR, Eddie, Nick and

Taylor, Tinielle, BenANDY and TINA VAN YKEN RALPH and JANE VIS, Jaden, Keegan, Ariel, Kara

• Landscape Construction• Property Maintenance

John Hutten, C.C.H.T. – Owner Operator

905-529-5999 BURLINGTON

Season’s Greetings from

NIAGARAPARKS

DIPLOMA

Season’s Greetings from:

www.clocksandwatches.ca

John and Margaret Bouwman389 John Street, Burlington, ON L7R 2K3 905 637-5804

Antique & ModernClocks & Watches

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Mrs. Ruth KuikAbbotsford, BC

Mr. L. ’t HartAlbany, W. Australia

Mrs. Tina LudwigAldergrove, BC

Mrs. Anna BartelsAncaster, ON

Mrs. Tracey VanderVeldeAttercliffe, ON

H.J. KorthuisW. Australia

Mrs. Dianne TiggelaarBarrhead, AB

Mr. Dennis BratcherBlue Bell, PA

Mr. John SchoonBrampton, ON

Mr. John HofsinkBurlington-Ebenezer, ON

Mrs. Marie SipkemaBurlington-Fellowship, ON

Mrs. Eve BaartseBurlington-Waterdown, ON

Mr. Martin VanBostelenCalgary, AB

Mrs. Marry Van DijkCarman-East, MB

Mrs. Nancy VanderVeldeCarman-West, MB

Mrs. Debbie DeBoerChatham, ON

Mrs. Ashley VanLaarChilliwack, BC

Mrs. Sheila VanDelftCloverdale, BC

Mrs. Jenny VoorhorstCoaldale, AB

Mrs. Vi van OtterlooDenver, CO

Mrs. Jennifer VanderVegteDunnville, ON

Mr. Harry NootEdmonton-Immanuel, AB

Mr. Douwe PostmaEdmonton-Providence, AB

Mrs. Wilma JansenElora, ON

Mrs. Heather BroersmaFergus-North, ON

Mrs. Diane NiezenFergus-Marantha, ON

Mrs. Joanne Jans Flamborough, ON

Mrs. Tamara DenHollanderGlanbrook, ON

Mr. and Mrs. M. Verhey, Jr. Grand Rapids, MI

Mrs. Ryma Van Raalte Grand Valley, ON

Mrs. Linda TenhageGrassie, ON

Mrs. Robin Westrik Guelph, ON

Mrs. Dianne Westrik Guelph-West, ON

Mrs. Sharon HofsinkHamilton, ON

Mrs. Jackie BlokkerHamilton-Providence, ON

Mrs. Claudia HansmaHouston, BC

Mrs. Sara JanssensKerwood, ON

Mrs. Carol VandeburgtLangley, BC

Mrs. Geraldine StievaLincoln, ON

Mrs. Lynda SchoutenLondon, ON

Mrs. Helena VanDrielLynden, WA

Mrs. Carol WerkmanNeerlandia, AB

Mrs. Margaret JanssenOrangeville, ON

Mrs. Susan HoltvlüwerOttawa, ON

Mrs. Ava SandinkOwen Sound, ON

Mrs. Monica Oosterhoff Spring Creek, ON

Mrs. Marj WierengaSmithers, BC

Mrs. Diane BosSmithville, ON

Mrs. Barbara Van RaalteSt. Albert, AB

Mrs. Corrie FaberSurrey, BC

Mrs. Darlene BoeveTaber, AB

Mr. and Mrs. P. Drew Tasmania, Australia

Mrs. Geraldine SalomonsToronto, ON

Mrs. Diane Kleine-DetersVernon, BC

Mrs. Wenda SikmaWilloughby Heights, BC

Mrs. Carolyn Versteeg Winnipeg-Grace, MB

Mrs. Annie DewittWinnipeg-Redeemer, MB

Mrs. Jackie VanderwelYarrow, BC


From your

Correspondents


Best Wishes and the

Lord’s blessings in the year

2013 to all our readers

Dr. J. Visscher, editorRev. P. Holtvlüwer, co-editor

Rev. E. Kampen, co-editorRev. K. Stam, co-editor

Dr. C. Van Dam, co-editorMrs. L. Veenendaal, copy manager

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There is a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1


From all of us atPremier Printing Ltd.

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