Cause forCelebration?25 Years of theCharter ofRights andFreedoms

The Lambof God

Volume 56, No. 12 • June 8, 2007 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

God’s presence in the Charter has been ignoredGod’s presence in the Charter has been ignored

286 • JUNE 8, 2007

Cause for Celebration?25 Years of the Charter ofRights and Freedoms

The concern for human rights in the western worldis for a large part due to our Christian heritage

EditorialC. Van Dam

It was about twenty-five years ago, on April 17 ofthis year to be precise, that the Canadian Charter ofRights and Freedoms became part of the Canadianconstitution. This document has enshrined manyrights and freedoms as inviolable. The four basicfreedoms mentioned in the Charter are freedom ofconscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief,opinion, and expression; freedom of peacefulassembly; and freedom of association (Section 2). Therights mentioned include “the right to life, liberty andsecurity of the person and the right not to be deprivedthereof except in accordance with the principles offundamental justice” (Section 7). Also important is theright to equality before and under the law as well asequal protection and benefit of the law withoutdiscrimination (Section 15). With all these rights andfreedoms guaranteed, it is small wonder that thetwenty-fifth anniversary of the Charter has occasionedmuch celebration and laudatory commentary.

And should we not rejoice as well? How should weevaluate this anniversary? As Christians we realizethat the trend of Charter-based court rulings over thepast few years has been disturbing to say the least.For example, religious freedom has been erodedwhile new rights such as those of gays have beencreated. What are we to make of this?

The goodGood things can be said about the Charter and one

can provide biblical justification for a nationalgovernment to guarantee certain rights for its citizens.

After all, Scripture speaks of the need forgovernments to defend the rights of the destitute(Prov 31:8-9; Jer 5:28) and to exercise justice andrighteousness (Jer 21:12; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17).Indeed, the concern for human rights in the westernworld is for a large part due to our Christian heritage.Individual liberty, freedom of conscience, andfreedom of religion (also for those who did not professthe true faith) have always been defended byCalvinists. After all, the state is not the church.

It is the people of God who have the duty to seek theexpansion of Christ’s church and kingdom. And so theconcept of the state guaranteeing certain rights andfreedoms is a good thing. It belongs to the task of theauthorities whom God has set over us. A majorcontribution of the Protestant Reformation was theredefining of the nature and authority of the family,church, and state to reflect biblical teaching. In theprocess, the liberties of those subject to the variousauthorities were more clearly articulated to preventabuse of power.

We need to realize, however, that when theReformers defended rights, they did so on the basis of

Dr. C.Van Dam is professorof OldTestament at theTheological College of theCanadian Reformed Churchesin Hamilton, Ontariocvandam@canrc.org

If man is to be the measure of things ourcountry and civilization have noblessed future

JUNE 8, 2007 • 287

the duties that God required to Himself and to one’sneighbour. So the duty to honour and worship Godalone, and to observe the Sabbath, means that onehas the right to honour God and to have freedom ofworship. These rights find their origin in God and hisjustice. Similarly, the duty not to kill your neighbourmeans that the neighbour has a right to life. Likewise,the duty not to commit adultery, to steal, or to bearfalse witness means that others have the right toproperty, marital faithfulness, and a good name.The duty to raise our children in the fear of the Lordimplies that we have the right to do so. Rights arebased on duties owed to God and to one’s neighbour;ultimately rights have their origin in God. Theseteachings, among others, ultimately helped bring onProtestant revolts in the sixteenth and seventeenthcenturies in The Netherlands and Scotland againstunjustly oppressive authorities.

History, however, did not stop here. This conceptof rights was, so to speak, hijacked by theman-centered thinking of the Enlightenment.The impact is still felt today.

The badIn the thinking of the Enlightenment, human

rights do not have their origin in God but in the basicgoodness and potential of human nature. Eachperson is considered by nature to be equal in virtueand dignity and endowed with inherent andinalienable rights of life, liberty, and property. Eachperson is also entitled to and capable of pursuingone’s happiness. To prevent chaos, rational peopleform a society by entering into social contracts andratifying constitutions. Typically such a constitutioninsists on the safeguarding of one’s inalienablerights. This thinking has heavily influenced theformulation of human rights in the western worldfrom the eighteenth century on. It also undergirds theUnited Nations’ Universal Declaration of HumanRights of 1948.

Now the remarkable thing about our Charter isthat it is prefaced by the statement: “WhereasCanada is founded upon principles that recognize thesupremacy of God and the rule of law.” God’ssupremacy was officially recognized because ofpressure from religious groups. However, God’spresence in the Charter has been studiously ignoredin judgments based on the Charter.

The results have been disastrous for Christians, fordemocracy, and for freedom generally.1 With God outof the picture, man becomes the measure of justice

Published biweekly by Premier Printing Ltd.,Winnipeg, MB

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:Editor: J.Visscher; Copy Manager: LauraVeenendaalCoeditors: R.Aasman, E. Kampen, Cl. Stam,C.Van DamADDRESS FOR COPY MANAGER:Clarion, 57 Oakridge Drive South, St.Albert,AB T8N 7H2E-Mail: veenendaal@shaw.ca

ADDRESS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:CLARION, Premier Printing Ltd.One Beghin Avenue,Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2J 3X5Phone: (204) 663-9000 Fax: (204) 663-9202Subscriptions: clarionadmin@premierpublishing.caAdvertisements: clarionads@premierpublishing.caWebsite: www.premierpublishing.caRETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIANADDRESSESTO:One Beghin Avenue,Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2J 3X5

Subscription Rates for 2007Canada*U.S.A. U.S. FundsInternational*Including 6% GST – No. 890967359RTAdvertisements: $14.00 per column inchFull Colour Display Advertisements: $20.00 per column inchWe reserve the right to refuse ads.We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada,through the Publication Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

Cancellation AgreementUnless a written subscription cancellation is received we assume you wish tocontinue to subscribe.You will be invoiced prior to the subscription renewal date.Agreement No. 40063293; PAP Registration No. 9907; ISSN 0383-0438

Copyright © Premier Printing Ltd.All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced in any manner withoutpermission in writing from the publisher, except brief quotations used inconnection with a review in a magazine or newspaper.Useful Link: www.canrc.org

In This IssueEditorial – Cause for Celebration? 25Years of the Charter

of Rights and Freedoms — C.Van Dam ................................286Treasures, New and Old –The Lamb of God

— J.E. Ludwig............................................................................289WalkingTogether through theValley (3)— R. Ludwig ..........290Covenant Canadian Reformed Church Official Opening

— L. Stel andT. Ravensbergen ................................................293What’s New??? — E. Kampen ..................................................295Education Matters – Peregrine Survey — K. Sikkema ........297New Powerful Tools for Discussions in Science

— Reviewed by Margaret Helder ..........................................299Press Release – Classis PacificWest ......................................301Letter to the Editor ....................................................................302

Regular Mail$47.00*$57.00$84.00

Air Mail$ 77.00*$ 72.00$123.00

288 • JUNE 8, 2007

and equity. Human rights are no longer premised onman’s duty towards God and his neighbour but oninherent rights to a host of things, whatever manimagines himself to have a right to, including sinfullifestyles and practices. In essence, God and his goodlaw have been replaced by a false god, the idol ofhumanism and man’s pretensions to decide for himselfwhat is right and wrong.

False gods and idols tend to be very cruel, forSatan, who is the power behind them, is no respecterof what is good and what makes for true happiness.For example, the worship of Molech in ancient Israelled to the sacrifice of children (cf. 2 Kgs 23:10; Jer 32:35)and undoubtedly many tears. The current worship ofthe idol of human autonomy and inherent humanrights continues to fuel the ongoing slaughter ofuntold numbers of unborn children, the endorsementof dangerous gay life-styles, and the robbing of oursociety of a common day of rest. God gives man up tohis sinful desires (cf. Rom 1:21-32). If man is to be themeasure of things our country and civilization have noblessed future. For whose rights or which rights are tobe paramount? For example, children’s rights aregenerally being sacrificed for what adults want.The latest example is the Ontario Court of Appeal’sdecision of January 2, 2007 to recognize that a childmay have more than two legal parents. Without Godand his wisdom man is a fool and there is no end insight for his foolishness.

With the Supreme Court consciously leaving Godout of the picture, there is no outside absolute norm togovern the Charter. Nowhere does the Charter, forexample, identify and define “the principles offundamental justice” (Section 7). This means thatwhatever the judges determine these principles to be,they will be. Since the judges are in a sense productsof our society, it is what society determines them to be.Thus, if there is to be real change, society will have tochange. Herein lies the challenge for Christians to bea light and salt and influence society’s understandingof justice and righteousness.

In conclusionThe Charter as officially set forth and adopted

could work for the good of our nation if our countrystill respected God and his rights. But when God’srights are trodden under foot, and sinful humandesires and self-styled rights are exalted, the pathahead is not very promising. In the end, man will takethe place of God and declare himself to be God(cf. 2 Thess 2:3-4).

As Christians our task is clear. By word and deedwe need to affirm the sovereignty and supremacy ofGod. Every opportunity must be used to show thatGod’s will and way as summarized, for example, inthe Ten Commandments, is the best route for ourcountry and that rights presuppose the duties we oweto God and our neighbour. “Righteousness exalts anation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”(Prov 14:34).

As Christians we also need to recognize andoppose the unbiblical individualism and self-interestthat saturates talk of rights and litigation in our day.We can and in some cases must insist on our rights.The Apostle Paul, after being beaten and jailedwithout trial in Philippi, did so as a Roman citizenwhen he had demanded that the magistrates escorthim and Silas out of prison. He did this not so much forSilas and himself, but to show their innocence for thebenefit of the young church at Philippi (Acts 16:37).On other occasions, Paul did not insist on his rights,again because of the gospel which he did not want tohinder (1 Cor 9:1-15).

There can also be times when we forgo our rightsand remember the word of our Saviour that we turnthe other cheek or be prepared to give up what isprecious to us for the sake of the kingdom (Matt 5:39-4;cf. 16:24; Phil 2:3-7). After all, we are ultimately here onearth not for ourselves but to love and serve our Godfor the sake of his glory. Not our rights, but God’srights are of paramount importance.

1 See, e.g., Rory Leishman, Against Judicial Activism: TheDecline of Freedom and Democracy in Canada (Montrealand Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2006;reviewed in the Clarion of September 1, 2006).

By word and deed we need to affirmthe sovereignty and supremacy of God

JUNE 8, 2007 • 289

The above text contains a titleof our Lord Jesus which is used forthe first time in the New Testamentand which has become prominentin many Christian hymns: JesusChrist – the Lamb of God. John theBaptist publicly identifies Jesus tothe people of Israel. We canassume that Jesus, who hadalready been baptized, wasreturning from the wilderness,where He had been tempted by thedevil. His ministry of suffering andreconciliation, then, had begun. Hehad yet to be pointed out to theJews, who He was and what He hadcome to do. When John sees Himcoming he does just that. Johndirects the attention of the crowdsto the promised Messiah, to theOne for whom they had waited solong. John is in line with all the OldTestament prophets that precededhim and who foretold the coming ofChrist. John is so privileged that hedoes not merely foretell of Him, no,he can say, “Look, there He is!”

This title for Christ underlineshow important it is to maintain theunity between the Old and Newtestaments. Without the OldTestament you would not have aclue what John means by the“Lamb of God.” Perhaps John wasthinking of the prophecy of Isaiahwhere the suffering servant iscompared to a lamb. In 53:7 weread, “He was oppressed, and hewas afflicted, yet he opened not hismouth like a lamb that is led to theslaughter. . . .”

In his suffering Christ remainedas humble and as meek as a lamb.That’s what a lamb does: it followsthe leader, the shepherd. And yetthe element of submissiveness andhumiliation is not the only one inthe title “Lamb of God.” You have toremember that John came from apriestly family. He would haveknown how often the law requireda lamb for a sacrifice. Every daytwo male lambs were slaughteredin the temple – one in the morningand one in the evening as acontinual burnt offering before theLord (Ex 29). The lamb was used fora peace offering, for a sin offering,and for a guilt offering. In thewhole Old Testament sacrificialsystem the lamb was the centraloffering. And every Jew knew thepurpose of the sacrifices. They allrequired the shedding of blood, forwithout the shedding of bloodthere is no forgiveness of sins.

The law stipulated that thelamb had to be without blemish. Ithad to be perfect. Only a perfectlife could make atonement for theimperfect. Only a life withoutblemish could take away theblemishes and the scars of sin.All these perfect lambsforeshadowed the coming of thegreat and final sacrifice. That’swhy John the Baptist says,“Behold, the lamb of God.”

Within the context of the wholegospel, these words have specialreference to the Passover lamb.The Apostle John, who wrote thisgospel, structured his work around

the Passover feasts held inJerusalem. At least four times atkey moments in this gospel youfind the words: “The Passover ofthe Jews was at hand, and Jesuswent up to Jerusalem.” It is also ofprofound significance that Johnrecords for us that on the night ofhis betrayal, when the Lamb ofGod was about to be sacrificed,the Passover feast was beingcelebrated. And on that nightChrist instituted the holy supperthat we still celebrate today.

The Passover commemoratedthe deliverance of Israel fromEgypt. The blood of a male lamb –without blemish! – had to besmeared on the doorposts of theirhouses and then the angel of deathwould pass over their houses. Butfor all those without the blood, heslew the first-born child. Withoutthe shedding of blood there is nodeliverance from death. Thesymbolism this had for Christ canhardly be overlooked. John includesthat in the second part of the text,“Look, the lamb of God who takesaway the sin of the world!”

This lamb is “of God.” Godtakes the initiative in oursalvation. He sends the lamb thatwill take away the sin of the world.None of the lambs that Israeloffered, which over the years musthave amounted to hundreds ofthousands, not one of them couldsatisfy God’s holy justice. Noanimal could redeem man. Israelknew that. For that reason she hadto keep on sacrificing until God

Rev. J.E. Ludwig is minister of theAmerican Reformed Church atGrand Rapids, Michiganjeludwig@wmis.net

Treasures, New and OldJ.E. Ludwig

MATTHEW 13:52

The Lambof God

“Look, the Lamb of God who takes awaythe sin of the world.”

John 1:29

290 • JUNE 8, 2007

presented the perfect sacrifice.Was that also not foreshadowed inthe offering of Isaac? Recall thewords of Abraham to Isaac: “Godwill provide himself the lamb for aburnt offering, my son.” Godprovided. That’s what the title“Lamb of God” loudly andjoyfully proclaims.

Only a man without spot orblemish, that is, without sin, couldmake atonement. Therefore God

gave his only Son as a sacrificewho became man for us. He is “ofGod” in the sense that He and theFather are one. John uses thepresent tense, “Who takes awaythe sin of the world;” not will takeaway, but who is busy now alreadytaking upon Himself and soremoving from you your sin.

At the table of the Lord wecommemorate this gracious workof redemption. We look to the past:

at the wonderful salvation wehave in Christ. When we eat thebread and drink the wine in faiththen our souls are nourished andrefreshed to everlasting life. That’smakes us also look in joy towardsthe future: when we will celebratethe marriage Feast of the Lamb.We will stand before the throne ofGod and of the Lamb purified inhis blood. . . and we will follow theLamb to springs of living water.

This seminar was recentlypresented by Mr. Ludwig inCarman, Manitoba

The pastoral friendThe Bible is filled with

examples of the care of ourheavenly Father for the widow andthe orphan. There is a strong sensethat God is well in tune with theplight of the bereaved. I won’t citeall kinds of examples, but ratherfocus on the twenty-third Psalm astypifying the role of a pastoralsupport for the grieving. The wordsare very familiar to us: “He guidesme in paths of righteousness forhis name’s sake. Even though Iwalk through the valley of theshadow of death, I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod andyour staff, they comfort me.”Certainly these are words of

consolation for the dying as well asthose left behind. The grievingperson will relate to the feeling ofwalking in the shadow of death,where every thought, decision, andaction seems to be overshadowedby the reality of the loss of theirloved one. The comfort offered inthis passage is that they are notalone. The shepherd is with themand He has the tools to protect andcomfort. Yet, He does not steer themoff the path or introduce a newway. He does not suggest that adifferent road be taken so that onecan flee from the shadow of death.He accompanies them on thejourney and uses his resources tocomfort and allow for safepassage. This then is the role forthe pastoral friend.

Practically speaking, what doesthis mean? How can an officebearer or friend fulfill this calling?

The foundation for helping thebereaved is the need for a personalcomfort level and acceptance ofthe grieving process. If you are areluctant traveller on the griefjourney, you may prove to be oflittle assistance to the grievingperson. If your goal is to take thegrief away, you will do everythingpossible to find the shortcuts, tosidetrack, to sit and rest ratherthan travel along on the hardjourney. This is demonstrated byexplaining away the need for griefbecause of our sure comfort andour heavenly perspective, byavoiding the topic altogether, bydoing all the talking andcontrolling the direction ofdiscussions, by cutting off,interjecting, providing quicksolutions, by showinguncomfortable body language inthe face of tears, etc. This must be

Rick Ludwig

Walking Together throughthe Valley (Part 3 of 4)

Mr. Rick Ludwig is a licensedOntario Funeral Director andowner of Kitching, Steepe &Ludwig Funeral Homelocated inWaterdown, Ontario

JUNE 8, 2007 • 291

your initial consideration: am Iprepared to make this journey?If not, I suggest you would bebetter off to turn the rod and staffover to another and not feign yourassistance by asserting your ownway. You cannot help the grieving,even when you come with thegospel of salvation in your hand,if you are unable to allow for andaccept the expression of grief. Godlistens to and accepts our grief asevidence of our love, his shepherdsmust be willing to as well.

If we are willing, that is a start.We will still need to employ thetools and resources. What exactlyis the rod and staff that willcomfort the weary traveller andmaintain a safe way, and how dowe use them? We all know theclear expression of the source ofour comfort as summarized in theHeidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day1, but we also need to know how toadminister that comfort effectivelyto the bereaved. I suggest thatwhen you accompany someone onthe grief journey you need to adaptto the terrain. We need to bewilling to respond to a differing setof needs as time moves on. I spokeearlier of the initial grief responsesincluding shock, denial, numbness,and disbelief. At this early stage ofgrief it is important to be awarethat our words are our leasteffective tool. This is because thehearing of the listener is muffled.The shock accompanying thefinality of the death of a loved one,even when it is expected, reducesone’s ability to absorb and digestwhat one is told. This is not thetime for an eloquent explanation ofGod’s eternal plan for his people.Yet this is a time for action for thecaregiver. This is a time to “be

with” the bereaved. This is a timewhen our accessibility andpresence is important, wheresimple words of support, love, andprayer are offered. A calm, caring,and supportive presence is whatwe can provide at this time. Weneed to be aware of theinadequacy of our words and bewilling to accept that.

We also need to be aware of thelimits of our role at this point. Weare not expected to take the placeof family members by usurpingtheir roles. There also needs to bean allowance for neededwithdrawing and regrouping bythe family. We need to be careful toallow time for decision making andbe willing not to dominate,asserting our position as the“clear-headed” one. This can be aconfusing time for the bereaved.Imposing all our thoughts andideas in an effort to alleviate theburden from them will likely not behelpful. It has been suggested that“mouths closed, ears open,presence available” is the mosteffective help at this early stage.There is a great opportunity for thepastor to assist the family inplanning liturgy for a fitting

funeral service. A visitation periodoften provides opportunity for theward elder to provide comfort withsimple Scripture reading andprayer. The deacon may naturallyapproach the family in asupportive role offering the hand ofmercy. Friends may gather togetherto offer physical and emotionalsupport. Again, the fact that youare available speaks more thanany words you can say.

After the funeral can be acomplicated time for the bereavedand often a frustrating time forthose trying to help them. This isthe time characterized by feelingsof disorganization, confusion,searching, and yearning forsomething lost. One widowdescribes it this way, “I felt as if Iwas a lonely traveller with nocompanion, and worse yet, nodestination. It was as if I couldn’tfind myself or anybody else.”This is often a period when thebereaved feel as if they are goingcrazy. Disorganized thoughts and arestlessness never beforeexperienced become normal.Visual hallucinations in the formof memory pictures of thedeceased are very common. Thebereaved often feel as if they cansee their loved one in places theywould normally expect to seethem. Difficulties with eating andsleeping can accompany theseillusory moments, as well asrecurrent dreams. This is a timewhen regular visitation isimportant. This takes patience,because you will need to listen tostories and feelings repeated overand over again. This is helpful forthe bereaved as they begin tocome to terms with the reality ofthe death. Good listening skills

You cannot help thegrieving, even when youcome with the gospel ofsalvation in your hand, ifyou are unable to allowfor and accept theexpression of grief

292 • JUNE 8, 2007

are important, as the mourner willsense if you are interested or not.It is through the expression ofthese thoughts and feelings, attimes confused and emotional,that the mourner will developclarity of mind. Again the role ofthe caregiver is attentiveness,presence, and simple guidance.The bereaved should also bediscouraged from making anyrash or dramatic decisions at thistime. It is a time for reflection, notmore change.

Occasionally the caregiver maybecome the object of frustration oranger for the bereaved. Your helpand attention may be rebuffedbecause along with it comes theexperience of the pain of the lossthat has occurred. This is awarning sign that we may be toowilling to usher the bereavedalong on their journey, while theyare resistant and clinging to thepast. This is not wrong. It just is.This is not a time to take sideswith or against the mourner, ratherit is a time to understand theirfeelings and comfort them. Thisdoes not mean that you areencouraging them to cling to thepast, but that you areacknowledging their present needto do that. This is a key point inbeing helpful in a pastoral sense.Your role during the grievingprocess is not one of reproof orcorrection of the person’sfrustrations or feelings. Rather it isone of understanding andlistening to difficult feelings, evenspiritual struggles, accepting themas genuine, understanding whythey feel them, and offeringcomfort and hope for the future.

The caregiver’s role is not toexplain away the feelings of thebereaved but instead to beattentive and supportive. We mustremember that the bereaved arealways facing the pressure of thesociety around them to get on withtheir life by moving away fromtheir grief. The pastoral caregivershould be a grief facilitator,encouraging the expression anddiscussion of the feelingsassociated with grief. The fact thatthe loss is not talked about ormentioned, or that the bereavednever raised the subject at all,

does not constitute a healthy orhelpful visit. Our duty is to providea safe and comfortableenvironment to walk through theshadow of death. Our ability toconvey a level of comfort in thepresence of the expression of griefwill help in this regard. We need toprepare ourselves for that task andbe willing to address it by openinga way.

HopeThe ultimate goal in the grief

journey is reconciliation andreorganization. The task of thecaregiver is to expect that this willtake place and hold out this hopefor the bereaved. This includes theacknowledgment and acceptance

of the difficult road to get there.It also allows hope for a better dayand encouragement that the griefjourney does lead somewhere; nota recapturing of the past, but to anew future beyond the pain of thegrief that is presently experienced.The pastoral caregiver mustconvey an awareness andacceptance of the normalcy of griefand also the expectation and hopethat healing is possible. We mustunderstand that this is anemotional, physical, and spiritualjourney. The shepherd is equippedwith rod and staff to comfort onthe journey.

What are the rod and staff thatwe are equipped with? Without thegospel of Jesus Christ there is noreal hope for anybody. Yet, usedineffectively, the Word may not behelpful to the mourner. So I suggestto you that the rod and staff are thegospel message combined with thecommunication skills we havebeen blessed with that enable us tobe effective pastoral friends:persistent visitation, attentivelistening skills, careful and simpleexpressions of God’s love, soundguidance, willingness not to have“quick fix” solutions, patience, andperseverance. In summary, a trulyeffective shepherd needs tounderstand and accept the griefprocess and work within itsconfines. A healthy attitudetowards grief and its healingpathway is instrumental for beinghelpful. In this way the child ofGod may be assisted in making thegrief journey and also realize thefullness of the pastoral promises ofPsalm 23. . . dwelling in the houseof the Lord forever!

This is not the time for aneloquent explanation ofGod’s eternal plan forhis people

JUNE 8, 2007 • 293

On Friday January 26, 2007Covenant Canadian ReformedChurch (Grassie) celebrated theofficial opening of their new churchbuilding. The theme for theevening, taken from thecornerstone text, was Psalm 100:2,“Worship the Lord with gladness;come before Him with joyfulsongs.” Neighbours, governmentrepresentatives, all those involvedwith the building project,representatives from sistercongregations, and congregantswere warmly welcomed into thenarthex of the church with flowersand the sound of the grand pianoexpertly played by Brian Bosscher.Opportunity was given for all tosign the guest book and allreceived a pen and a program forthe evening.

The MC for the evening wasMike DeBoersap. After extending awarm welcome to all those presenthe gave the floor to our minister,Rev. C. VanDam, who opened witha word of prayer and gave anaddress on the dedication text.When you enter a new buildingthere are new impressions and onemay become disoriented. In thisbuilding, however, one only needsto look up; the wall above providesthe proper orientation in the wordsof the psalmist. The building isbuilt so that we can worship Godeach first day of the week, but thatworship must overflow into all ofour lives. We have not been left in

the hopeless state into which wehave plunged ourselves, but ourcovenant God has sent his Son andour Saviour to make payment forour pardoning. Because of thisreality we worship the Lord withgladness and joy. Rev. Van Damexhorted us to worship the Lordalone, because He is holy andawesome. Our lives must bemarked with joyful song andgladness. With that we sangtogether Hymn 40:1 and 2.

Our MC then called upon therepresentatives from variouscongregations. Ken Jager fromAttercliffe, Rev. DeBoer fromDunnville, Claude Boisvert fromGlanbrook, Gary VanIperen fromLincoln, Rev. Souman fromSmithville, Rev. VanderVelde fromSpring Creek, John VanderWoudefrom Hamilton, Rev Bouwers fromEmmanuel URC in Jordan, and Rev.Transky from Lincoln Pioneer

Church in Grassie all came up totake their turn at the microphone.Each in turn offered theircongratulations and encouragedCovenant congregation to be awitness with their building andtheir lives in the (surrounding)community. The MC then invited upthe government representativesand we received a congratulatoryscroll from the MP Dean Allison asrepresented by Eric Bouwman.

The women’s societies thenpresented their gifts. Lisa VanDamand Laura Feenstra presented a setof prints from the morning society,“Affirm the Covenant.” They read apoem which spoke about thebuilding’s new walls becoming oldbut still echoing the preaching andthey hoped these prints wouldadorn these walls. The eveningsociety as represented by LisDykema and Monica VanLuik reada humorous poem and unveiled a

Lyan Stel and Tracy Ravensbergen

CovenantCanadian Reformed ChurchOfficial Opening

Covenant Canadian Reformed Church

294 • JUNE 8, 2007

pulpit chair and two artificial,beautifully potted maple trees forthe church building.

We enjoyed a videopresentation wonderfully puttogether by the “ComPost Editor,”Fred Post, which visually walkedus through the building projectfrom groundbreaking to the finalcleaning. In a year’s time ourbuilding, under the blessing of theLord, was completed and that withhelp from many volunteers andwithout incident or injury. We wereawed and overcome with gratitude.

On behalf of the “five scrooges”(the seventy-year and up group ofvolunteers) Br. VanWoudenbergdelivered a humorous addressdetailing the ongoing hardshipand teasing endured by them atthe work-site on account of theirages, and the fact that they wereoutside of the insurable workergroup and without worker’scompensation. They wererestricted to hand tools as opposedto power tools since that is whatthey grew up with. They wereforbidden to use nail guns eventhough the gun registry did notapply to those over seventy. Theydid get away with wheelbarrowuse because even though theirdriver’s licenses were taken awayat age seventy, they were onprivate property, providing they

understood that they were drivingat their own risk.

The building constructionmanager from Hawkey, KenMatthews, was invited up to speakto us. He introduced Mr. BruceStanley and Mr. Dan Stanley asintegral men in the project. Whileworking on this project, they raninto more than a few “differentopinions” and while that has itschallenges, they were thankful tohave been part of this project. Heexpressed that they all consideredit a privilege to work with ourbuilding committee and that insolidarity and commitment, thisproject stood above the majority ofthe other 450 church projects thatthey have worked on. In hisopinion, without God’s direction, itwould have been chaos. Thebuilding stands as a tribute to theLord. God also honoured theprayers for safety through out theproject. He expressed his thanks forthe hospitality shown to hisbuilders who were billeted withmembers of the congregation andsaid this is becoming a lost art. Around of applause was given for allthe trades represented.

Another round of applausefollowed as the members of thebuilding committee came forward.

Speaking for the committee, DaveVan Amerongen said that themandate given them in Septemberof 2000 had now been completed.He gave the appropriate thanks tomany and varied people involvedin the project and presented aninsurance policy to the organistswho were concerned about waterin the organ pit. PeteRavensbergen was called forwardand received a pair of flippers. Inconclusion, he gave thanks to ourheavenly Father. As an officialgesture Br. Jager and Br. VanAmerongen were given the honourof cutting the ribbon and Davepresented the official occupancypermit to Br. Rolland VanAndel,Vice-Chair of Council.

Appropriately, the “Voice ofPraise” choir closed our eveningwith an arrangement of Psalm 23, byJonathan Kingma, offering praise toour God and Saviour. We were givena taste of the beautiful acoustics ofour building. Br. R. VanAndel closedwith thanksgiving prayer and werose to sing two stanzas of “OCanada.” We were invited to tourthe church following the programand to enjoy refreshment in thefellowship hall.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Fellowship Hall

JUNE 8, 2007 • 295

Perusing the various churchbulletins, I am reminded of thecontrast between what makes itinto the history books and whatactually keeps people busy day byday. To think of general history,many books are devoted to warsand political intrigue. Only in thelast century or so has there come aserious interest in the lives of theordinary people. It is difficult tostudy this, however, becauseordinary people don’t leave behindextensive records of theiractivities. Nevertheless, the studyof what is available indicates theissues that make it into the booksare not necessarily the things thatreally concern people in daily life.The same goes for Church History.Many books are devoted toecclesiastical wars as well aschurch political intrigue. There areActs of many assemblies. Whilechurch bulletins don’t quite get youinto the personal lives of people,they do bring you closer to real lifeas they give a glimpse into thelocal congregations. What standsout is that the issues that might fillthe Acts of General Synods are notalways the concern of the people inthe pew. So, here are some itemsthat pertain to the lives of thepeople in the pew.

First, there is the perennialmatter of liturgy. Some churcheshave adopted changes and others

are considering changes. Sincemany people visit the Church atVernon for holidays, it may behelpful to know that it was decidedthat after the shaking of theminister’s (or reading elder’s) hand,the minister (or elder) will proceedto the pulpit and make variousannouncements, to be followed bya pre-service Psalm or Hymn. Afterthat, the congregation will beasked to rise and the votum andsalutation will follow. Visitingministers don’t have to worry aboutnot knowing the exact procedure,for, “In the case of a visitingminister, the elder of service will

ascend the pulpit and giveannouncements, song andwelcome and after that willexchange places with visitingminister with a handshake.”

Continuing on the theme ofliturgy, in the Fellowship Church atBurlington the council decided tohave the congregation sing a“Three-Fold Amen” after theblessing at the end of the service.This will be tried for a two-monthperiod.

The Church at Carman West isjust beginning to reflect on someliturgical matters. The CouncilReport of April 2 referred to a

E. Kampen

What’s New???Rev. E. Kampen is minister ofthe Canadian ReformedChurch at Orangeville, Ontarioeric.kampen@canrc.org

296 • JUNE 8, 2007

“request to review our order ofworship. Dissatisfaction has beenexpressed about the fact that, atpresent, about a third of theworship service passes by beforewe even pray. Other suggestionsare also made.” The same reportindicated that there was a“request for more ‘standing’ whilesinging.” Discussion on both thesematters was to take place at asubsequent meeting.

Undoubtedly, talk of possiblechanges in liturgy will always leadto some discomfort and perhaps attimes even intense discussion. Justthe same, it is good to think aboutliturgy. Discussions need notnecessarily lead to change. In fact,a discussion may lead to aconfirmation and renewedappreciation of current practices.The exercise of speaking about it isgood for all involved.

Right next door to CarmanWest, namely, in Carman East,a practical matter requiredattention. The Council Report ofMarch 21, 2007 mentioned that the“Congregation will be requested toshut off cell phones when theycome into the church buildingunless they are associated withemergency response services.Concerns have been expressed re:

the disruption caused by memberswho use their phones to textmessage during services.” I amsure it is not only worship servicesfacing this problem. In fact, it is apotential problem also in theCatechism classes as well asconsistory and other meetings.

While I have gleaned a numberof items from the churches inManitoba, one more item meritsmention, namely, their combinedChurch News. It must be the onlyChurch News in the federation thatis a combined effort of CanadianReformed Churches and a UnitedReformed Church, namely, theProvidence URC in Winnipeg.This is a good example to imitateby other Canadian and UnitedReformed Churches living in closeproximity. It may help bring theunity process to the grassroots asmembers can become moreexposed to what lives in theneighbouring congregations of therespective federations.

Another of the concerns of thepeople in the pew is gathering thefunds for all the things that comeour way as kingdom citizens.A considerable portion of bulletinsis taken up by pleas to supportvarious causes and to attendfundraisers. Among the interestingones was a Trapshoot Fundraiserat the local gun club. Another onethat caught the eye was a widelyadvertised Euchre tournament.With respect to the latter, it wouldmake an interesting study to seehow the people in the pew havelooked at games involving cardsover the centuries, even as afundraiser for a good cause. Withrespect to the sheer multitude ofcauses seeking support, onewonders if an outsider reading thebulletin might perceive the church

more as a fundraising communityrather than a worshippingcommunity. I mention this just as athought to consider.

Finally, a continued concern isthe spiritual welfare of themembers of the congregation.A Guelph consistory report stated,“The consistory again discussedthe matter of praying by name forthe spiritually sick in thecongregation, this time havinghad the benefit of somecongregational input and time toreflect further on the matter.Considering the seriousness ofmany of these pastoral issues,the vital importance of prayer inreceiving the Lord’s blessings andhealing in such situations,and how the congregationalprayers affect personal andfamily prayers, the consistorydecided to have as a specificagenda item at the end of everyconsistory meeting for the matterof discussing and deciding onwhat pastoral matters should bespecifically mentioned in thecongregational prayers. It wasalso decided, as a general rule,to mention names of individualsonly with consent of theindividuals involved in order toavoid the impression of thecongregational prayers beingused inappropriately.” Lookingafter the sheep is the essence ofthe offices.

With this, we conclude our lookinto some of the regular concernsof the people in the pew. Again,I end with a word of thanks to allwho faithfully send their bulletinsand an invitation to others to joinin. My email address iseric.kampen@canrc.org.

Till next time.

ChurchChurchNewsNews

The Canadian Reformed Churchof Ottawa has changed itssummer celebration of theLord's Supper from July 8, 2007to July 1, 2007.

The Correspondence Clerk forGrace Canadian ReformedChurch (Winnipeg, MB) is:Richard BuistPh. (204)663-1237,email rbuist@mts.net

JUNE 8, 2007 • 297

FundsFunding frequently occurs on

the agendas of our school societies.John Calvin School in Smithvillehas been blessed with sufficientfunds to pay off the remaining debtof its latest expansion, now in usefor two years. Its local treasurerswill also be “working diligentlywith the promotion members whowill actively visit those whoprovide us with no financialsupport.” The PTA of CovenantChristian School (Millgrove)contributed $20,000 to the schoolbudget with the condition that themajority of funds be used to“provide relief for category 3members.” An initial drive forexpansion funds in Neerlandiaadded up to $600,000. Rumour has itthat Credo Christian School inWoodbridge, which draws studentsfrom the Toronto and Bramptonareas, has a contest to raise fundsby the pound. In Stage 1, peoplesponsor contestants per pound lostby the end of June. Stage 2 requiresweight-losers to pay $2 for everypound gained between July 1 andDecember 31. Participants areencouraged to lose as much weightas possible before the end of June.After, the advice is to “start feedingthe skinny boys to bring the schooltotals as high as possible.”

This is also the time of yearwhen most boards present budgetsfor 2007-2008 to the societies.Putting those together is hardwork, as there are alwaysconflicting interests that boards

like to meet as well as possible.Transportation needs a new bus,education expects to pay propersalaries to all staff, maintenancerequires a new roof, administrationand staff need a new photocopier,expansion requires anotherclassroom, and members don’tusually cherish tuition hikes. Onetreasurer mentions that budgetingwould be much easier “if we hadthe support of 100% of our churchmembership.” It is not surprisingthat there are ongoing effortseverywhere to help all covenantwage-earners understand that theyare allowed to use the gifts Godgave them to help support theschool. Some societies also holddrives, grand dinners, or otherfeasts for capital expendituressuch as buses, roofs, photocopiers,and resources. Some have tuitionreduction drives or participate inthe TRIP (tuition reductionincentive program) approach.Some keep costs down withsignificant amounts of variedforms of volunteer labour(Cornerstone Christian School inLynden, for instance, calculatedthat 100 volunteer hours are spentin school each week).

Despite all these fund-raisingefforts, the bottom line questionremains: if funds are scarce, whatshould prevail? This question isreally about the school’s core valueand business, as expressed in theschool’s statement of purpose, ormission statement. If the school isto provide quality Reformed

education to all children of thechurch community, that principleshould also guide the budgetdiscussion. It helps to focus thefunds on essentials, rather than on“what would be nice to have.”There can be a new bus or a newroof or a new photocopier only if itenhances and does not jeopardizethe school’s core task.

FuturesThe Board of Covenant

Christian School (Millgrove) iscontemplating its future. Thispertains to its location, as itcontinues to seek approval forbuilding behind RehobothCanadian Reformed Church inWaterdown (together with JohnCalvin School in Burlington), butalso to other aspects of being aChristian school. It agreed todevote one executive meeting peryear to long term planning andanticipates requesting anotherschool evaluation by theevaluation committee of theLeague of Canadian ReformedSchool Societies, probably during2008-2009. The Board of Guido deBrès Christian High School inHamilton is also contemplatingthe future of the school in acomprehensive context of strategicplanning, considering “enrolmentand staff changes, technology, staffand community, students andprograms, school vision, and boardand committees.” Its enrolment isexpected to peak in the 2007-2008school-year; one third of its staff is

Education MattersKeith Sikkema

Peregrine SurveyMr. Keith Sikkema is principalof Dufferin Area ChristianSchool in Orangeville, Ontarioksikkema@istop.com

298 • JUNE 8, 2007

currently over fifty, and a decliningfamily size may makereplacements for retiring teachersharder to find.

The chairman of MaranathaChristian School in Fergus reflectson the school’s identity andkeeping its awareness alive:

Some 20 years ago, VaclavHavel was the hero of the Czechstruggle for democracy againstSoviet Communism. . . In hisfight for democratic freedom,he claimed that clichés, bysupporting accepted ways ofthinking, encourageddictatorships: “The clichéorganizes life; it takes awaypeople’s identity; it becomesruler, defence lawyer, judgeand the law.” His point wasclear: If we repeat somethingoften enough, we are bound toforget its meaning. We, at MCS,have organized large parts ofour life around this school, andit has rightly become part of ouridentity. Around us we seeevidence of God’s countlessblessings. The question is: havewe repeated the foundationalstatements so often that theyhave become powerless? Themembers of the educationcommittee, which is constantlysupporting the continuedimprovement of the spiritualand academic caliber of theschool, attempt to make wordslike “Covenant” and“Historical-Redemptive” fresh,real, and relevant.

One way in which this is going totake shape during the first week ofJuly is the presentation of a mini-course in teaching Bible History.Rev. D.G.J. Agema of Fergus, whohas also been the instructor for theBible course at Covenant TeachersCollege, will present the course.Bible History is also on the summer

agenda of the CARE (CurriculumAssistance for ReformedEducation) committee in Ontario,as a writing team will cometogether again for furtherdevelopment of a Framework forBible History Instruction. Thisframework is intended to form thebasis for ongoing developments inthis central part of the curriculum.

FacilitiesThe growth of the schools in

Fergus has led to obtaining townand board approval for adding aportable. That is, of course, atemporary fix, as the “GuelphInitiative” to start a newelementary school is alsoconsidered in the context of thegrowing student population at boththe elementary and high schooland future facility needs. Severaloptions relating to this need forexpansion are being studied indetail with regards to capital costsand membership fees, as well aspros and cons for education, thefeeder school model, andexpressed desires. Meanwhile, atParkland Immanuel ChristianSchool (PICS, Edmonton) afacilities development committeeis “engaging staff and students” asit explores ways to “meet the needsof a growing student populationand enhanced programming.” Thecommittee is studying options thatexplore a wide spectrum ofpossibilities right from portable

classrooms to total relocation.Cornerstone (Lynden) seescontinuing progress on theconstruction of its new addition.A different kind of expansion isconsidered at Attercliffe CanadianReformed Elementary School(ACRES), where the board received“an official request to take over therunning of the Kindergarten as partof the school.” An anonymousdonation to Eben-Ezer ChristianSchool in Chatham allowed for theaddition of proper staff-room andoffice facilities and enlargement oflibrary and computer-lab spaces.A story in the local newspaperquoted the principal’sacknowledgment of the Lord’sblessings received in the donationand in parental involvement inthe school.

As we finalize the planning forthe next school year or considerwhat lies beyond, and as wecontemplate the upcomingholidays, let us continue toacknowledge the Lord in all ourways. Then we can rest assuredthat He will make our pathsstraight (Prov 3:5-6).

The Education Matters column issponsored by the Canadian ReformedTeachers' Association East. Anyonewishing to respond to an article writtenor willing to write an article is kindlyasked to sendmaterials to Clarion or toOtto Bouwmanobouwman@cornerstoneschool.us

JUNE 8, 2007 • 299

Illustra Media set a new highstandard for Christian scientificcommentary when the programUnlocking the Mystery of Life wasreleased in 2002. This video andthe subsequent The PrivilegedPlanet have actually beendeveloped by advocates ofintelligent design. The material isso excellent however, thatsupporters of six day creation alsogreatly benefit from thesediscussions. These programs arenot just for students of science, butalso for ordinary people who enjoyinteresting information.

The first video, Unlocking theMystery of Life, discussesimportant molecular machinesfound in living cells. Withanimated sequences, the workingsof these molecular machines areportrayed. The bacterial flagellum,which works like a miniatureoutboard motor, is portrayed anddiscussed first. Secondly, and evenmore exciting, is the working of aregular cell. There is abreathtaking animated sequencewhich shows how information isread from DNA in the nucleus,copied onto another moleculewhich exits the nucleus, and islater used to put together a specificprotein out in the cell proper. Themachines depicted look veryimpressive, but the real machines

are actually much more intricateand precise.

The discussion and visualcomponents certainly give us agood idea of what is involved. Amachine, of course, is made up ofcomponent parts which enable thedevice to perform a specific task.Be it large or small, there is nodoubt in our minds that everymachine we have ever encounteredwas designed and manufactured.Machines are not “mere” works ofart, made to be admired. Ifanything does not work, it is not amachine. Some of our machinesare quite simple devices. Othersare very intricate. In every case,however, we understand that adesigner/manufacturer wasinvolved. Machines do not developby change, not even (or perhapsespecially) submicroscopicmachines. The implications of thisobvious fact are very important toChristians. This issue is the subjectof the first video.

Among the scientistsinterviewed for this first video isDr. Michael Behe. He recounts howhe chanced to read MichaelDenton’s book, Evolution: a Theoryin Crisis. At the time, Dr. Behe wasalready on the faculty at LehighUniversity. He had completed hiseducation including years ofscientific research, but he hadnever heard the arguments in the

Denton book. Dr. Behe says he feltangry and cheated. Why had henever been made aware of thisinteresting information? Thusstarted Dr. Behe’s new researchprogram. The evidence forirreducible complexity fairlyleaped out of the laboratory andfrom the scientific literature. Therest, for Dr. Behe and for intelligentdesign advocates, is history.

Dr. Dean Kenyon is anotherscientist featured on this video. Heis a well known expert on origin oflife theories, partly because he anda colleague wrote a book entitledBiochemical Predestination (1969).In 1976, while Dr. Kenyon was aprofessor at San Francisco StateUniversity, a student urged Dr.Kenyon to read John Whitcomb andHenry Morris’ The Genesis Flood.Later Dr. Kenyon also read Dr. A.E.Wilder-Smith’s book, The Creationof Life: A Cybernetic Approach toEvolution. Dr. Kenyon decided thathe could not refute these bookswhich support the young earthcreation model. So, for Dr. Kenyontoo, the rest is history.

Thus, Unlocking the Mystery oflife is a powerful video whichdemonstrates visually and throughargument that the living cell bearsirrefutable testimony to the work ofthe Creator (our Lord). This video isdivided into two parts and isaltogether 70 seventy minutes long.

Reviewed by Margaret Helder

New Powerful Tools forDiscussions in Science

Dr. M. Helder is a botanistwho specializes in scientificissues of interest to theChristian. She is based inEdmonton,Albertamhelder@telus.net

300 • JUNE 8, 2007

The video The Privileged Planetdoes for astronomy what theprevious video did for biologists.The newer video features beautifulphotography and also manycomputer animated images ofspace. Another interesting featureis the commentary by well knownexperts like astronomer RobertJastrow and Donald Brownlee (co-author with Peter Ward of the bookRare Earth). These famous expertsdo not support the conclusions ofthis video. They are merely makingstatements of fact. The videohowever draws these statements offact together to draw some veryinteresting conclusions.

The discussion begins with theimage, captured by Voyager I onFebruary 14, 1990, of our sun andsix circling planets. Among thelatter planets, was a tiny dotrepresenting our planet, recordedby the spacecraft from four billionmiles away. The focus of this partof the video is to assess thesignificance of this tiny dot. Isthere anything special about ourglobe, or is it just another artifact,among many, in space?

The modern view that our earthis an insignificant globe had itsroots in the description of our solarsystem by Nicholas Copernicus inthe sixteenth century. Previously,based on Greek thought, everyonebelieved that the earth was thefocal point of the heavens. Thisdisplacing of earth from a centralposition has been extended bymodern scientists into aphilosophy. They consider thatnothing about our globe, ourselvesincluded, is at all special orremarkable. The work of EdwinHubble in the 1920s alsocontributed to the same view.Based on his work, scientistsrealized that our galaxy is only oneamong billions in space, not theonly one as had formerly beenassumed. Despite all this, thevideo discusses how new scientificstudies are making it harder andharder to sustain ideas about ourlack of significance in the universe.It is clear that our globe is uniquelydesigned to support life.

The second half of the programis based on a book byastrobiologists Guillermo

Gonzales and Jay Richards (bothintelligent design supporters).Beginning with the remarkablesituation which allows our moonto completely eclipse the sun,thereby allowing the sun’s coronato be seen and studied, thesescientists assess the significanceof earth’s position in space. Theyestablish that the earth is in thebest possible location in our solarsystem and in our galaxy, not onlyfor life to exist on earth, but alsofor us to view and appreciate theheavens. Moreover, Australianastrophysicist Paul Davies pointsout that we have been providedwith brains which are able tostudy the universe at the sametime that our remarkable positionin space allows us to do so.The question as to why this is sotakes us to the final discussion ofthis program.

The universe is obviouslyordered and suitable for study. Thesource of the order is beyond thematerial universe itself; indeed, itis obviously God the Creator whohas wrought this wonderful design.Thus concludes the discussion.After this, in a computer animatedsequence, we retreat throughspace from the earth, from the solarsystem, from the galaxy, andthrough deep space which ischaracterized by its own three-dimensional frothy arrangement ofthe celestial bodies. Even in deepspace there is structure and order,however subtle.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life.(Illustra Media, 2002.) 70 minutes.DVD or VHS formats.

The Privileged Planet.(Illustra Media, 2004.) 60 minutes.DVD or VHS formats.

JUNE 8, 2007 • 301

Press Release of theClassis Pacific West of theCanadian ReformedChurches meeting on March27, 2007 in Langley, B.C.

On behalf of the conveningchurch, the church at Houston, theRev. H. Alkema welcomed thebrothers and opened the meetingin the usual Christian manner.Several highlights since the lastclassis were mentioned: the churchat Willoughby Heights remainsvacant after a recent call wasdeclined, the church at Surrey hascalled the Rev. J. VanSpronsen formission work in Brazil and isawaiting his decision, and thechurch at Smithers is busypreparing to host the upcominggeneral synod.

The delegates from the churchat Cloverdale reported on thecredentials. Classis was declaredconstituted. The executive wascomposed of Rev. T. Lodder,chairman, Rev. J. Visscher, vice-chairman, Rev. Alkema, clerk.The agenda was adopted. TheRev. F. Dong, as missionary of thechurch at Cloverdale, waswelcomed and received asan advisor.

The chairman as yetcongratulated the church atHouston on receiving a newminister in the person of Rev.Alkema. He mentioned thedeparture of the Rev. C. Macleod toScotland and the Free Church.The passing of Sr. H. van Popta,the widow of the late Rev. J.T. vanPopta, was recalled. As well, therecent trip of several areaministers to China and Australiawas noted.

The Form of Subscription forministers of Classis Pacific Westwas read and signed byRev. Alkema.

A report was received from thecommittee appointed to review themanner in which classis deals withstudents for the ministry. It wasdiscussed, amended, and adopted.The result is that Classis PacificWest has revised its approach totheological students, theirpromotion, preparation,supervision, and funding. It alsochanged the name of thecommittee from “The Committeefor Financial Aid to Students” to“The Committee for TheologicalStudents.”

The church at Smithersrequested and receivedclarification on the travel costsof delegates.

A number of reports werereceived. The treasurer, Br. K.Bulthuis, submitted a report thatwas received with thankfulness.The treasurer was thanked for hiswork. A report for auditing thebooks from the church atCloverdale was also received.The church at Houston submitteda report on the inspection of thearchives. An oral report wasreceived from the convener forchurch visitations, Rev. Visscher,proposing that all of the churchesin classis be visited in 2007.

The following appointmentswere made.

Convening church: the churchat Langley. Dates: June 7, 2007(alternate date: October 16, 2007).Time: 9:00 a.m. Officers: W.Bredenhof – chairman; H. Alkema –vice-chairman; J. VanSpronsen –clerk.

The Committee forExaminations: the Revs. J. VanVlietand J. Visscher. Subjects andexaminers: OT – J. VanSpronsen;NT – T. Lodder; Doctrine andCreeds – J. VanVliet; Knowledge ofHoly Scriptures – H. Alkema;Church History – J. Visscher;Church Polity – W. Bredenhof;Ethics – W. Bredenhof;Diaconiology – T. Lodder.

Church visitors: J. Visscher(convener), T. Lodder, J. VanVliet.

The Church for the Archives: thechurch at Smithers.

The Church for the Inspection ofthe Archives: the church at Houston.

Classical treasurer: Br. K.Bulthuis.

The Church for Auditing theBooks of the Treasurer: the churchat Cloverdale.

The Committee for TheologicalStudents: Rev. W. Bredenhof (2011),Rev. T. Lodder (2009), Br. J. Winkel(2009), Br. M. VanDriel (2011).

The Committee for NeedyChurches: Br. H. Leyenhorst, Br. P.Vandergugten, Br. R. VanOene.

Deputy for preachingarrangements in vacant churches:Rev. T. Lodder.

Deputy for CoordinatingEcclesiastical Contact: Rev. J.Visscher.

Question period was used.Censure according to Article 34

C.O., was not deemed to benecessary.

The Acts were adopted and thePress Release was approved.

Rev. Lodder requested thebrothers to sing Hymn 46: 1 and 2and led in prayer. Classis wasclosed.

For the Classis Pacific West,J. Visscher, vice-chairman

at that time

Press Release

302 • JUNE 8, 2007

Dear Editor,In the Clarion issue of August 18, 2006 Rev. W. B.

Slomp wrote a not very complimentary editorial inregards to the Free Reformed Churches of NorthAmerica (FRCNA). Rev. Slomp is especially grievedby the fact that the External Relations Committee(ERC) of the FRCNA expressed in a letter to theCommittee for the Promotion of Ecclesiastical Unity(CPEU) to that they no longer have “no longer anymotivation to meet together.” The literal wording inour letter was that “at this point there is not muchmotivation for the scheduled meeting [of January2006, JWW].” We still wish to maintain the first levelof official brotherly contact as has been establishedin the years past. Today’s letter is a late response, butwe thought better late than not to respond at all.

As ERC, and especially as members of the sub-committee in contact with the Canadian ReformedChurches (CanRC), it should be stated in fairnessthat we likewise were frustrated when we read yourviews on the subject in an editorial. We did not andstill do not think it was right for you to publiclycritique our letter before first acknowledging receiptof it to the proper bodies involved. You want to beopen with all things, and we agree, but that shouldnot negate the call to common courtesy.

What seems to be a point of friction is a differentapproach to unity talks between the two churches.Your committee is set up for the purpose of promotingecclesiastical unity, as its name indicates. Inpursuing this, talks are very much geared toprocedure. Whether or not we should come to a unionbetween our church federations appears to us a muteissue for our Canadian brothers. The main questionfor them is how this objective is to be accomplished.To us, however, it is not a settled matter that weshould unite, let alone how this should materialize.We have no agenda that outlines procedural stepstoward federative union. In fact, we have no agendaat all except that we are willing to discuss matters ofmutual concern and interest. We both agree thatScripture and the confessions are the basis for unity.But as it is in a marriage, you cannot legislate love.

Historically, there are differences between bothchurches. It is not the place here to give an expositionon what our differences are. Much has been writtenabout that. The position of the Free ReformedChurchesNA reflects the “‘old’” Calvinism traditionwith its experiential emphases as opposed to the“‘new’” Calvinism the Canadian Reformed Churchesand others hold to. That such differences existbetween these two schools is widely recognized.Ignoring or denying this will not help establishing

closer contact. We arespeaking herecategorically andgenerally. But we believethat it is a fair statement.

Does that mean that wesee no use in furtherdiscussions? We do seeuse in it. Discussions are away to get to know eachother better, to spell outdifferences, to removestereotypes, and this wayto open the way to a better understanding andgreater appreciation for each other. Our agenda doesnot go much beyond that. Our approach is thereforemuch more open-ended. We do not wish to bepressured. We do not wish to commit ourselves to atrack, and ‘be “hooked up to the unity train.”’

Does that mean that we believe in a pluriformityof the church, as we have been charged with? Neitherformally, nor practically. We do not glorify theexistence of different churches or denominations, asA. Kuyper did. We believe that they are the result ofthe brokenness of this world and alas the church aswell, caused by human sin. We lament that, and seekto foster contact with those that have a likemindedfaith. For example, the FRCNA are members if theICRC and NAPARC. We have fraternal relations withother churches; we are in the process of establishingcloser bonds with the Heritage Reformed Churches;we cross the ocean to visit other synods. Suchcontacts may not result in a complete correspondenceor union due to various reasons. We do not think itnecessarily disobedience to our Lord to allowdifferent churches to exist alongside each other. In abroken situation we believe that it is sometimesbetter to let a situation exist rather than causingmore damage by forcing unity.

Our report to Synod 2005 states the following andwe still stand fully behind that: “While the goal ofeventual union with churches with whom we havedeveloped an ecclesiastical relationship may seemunattainable in most cases, we do not wish topreclude this ideal in our dialogue with otherdenominations. We lament the brokenness of theChurch. We encourage more prayer in our churchesfor the unity of the Body of Christ. Upon believingprayer we may expect wonders of grace, not onlypersonally but also as church federations.”

For the External Relations Committeeof the Free Reformed Churches of North America

Rev. J.W. Wullschleger

Letter to the Editor

Letters to the Editor should be written in a brotherly fashion in order to be considered for publication.Submissions need to be less than one page in length.

JUNE 8, 2007 • 303

. . .do not worry. . . consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap,they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.

Luke 12:22-24aOn April 9th, 2007 our family joyfully welcomed with

thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, His precious gift of life

RAVEN MARGRIETRAVEN MARGRIET65th great-grandchild for Grietje Bouwman40th grandchild for John and Tinie de Jager

39th grandchild for Len and Nell MuisDennis and Marg Muis

Kristin and Ryan, Brandy and Adam, Jonathan, Mitchel, Amber,Taylor, Dawn, Randal, Lee, Dean, Ember, Evan

1519 Moss Glen Court, Burlington, ON L7P 2B7dmuis@cogeco.ca

I prayed for this child and the LORD granted me what I asked of Him.1Samuel 1:27

We give thanks to God for the miracle of life. He has made allthings well and granted us another one of His covenant children

ALYSSA HOPEALYSSA HOPEBorn April 12, 2007

A new sister for Scott LeviCarl and Christina De Boer

22nd grandchild for Gerry and Nellie De Boer15th grandchild for John and Linda Douma

52 Leeson Street N, Box 595, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth willI make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

With thanks to the LORD, who has again blessed our marriage, weannounce the birth of our daughter

BRENNA MARIEBRENNA MARIEBrenna was born on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.

Brian and Nancy-Jo NiezenVery excited siblings are Alyssa, Caleb, Joel and Levi

7158 Jones Baseline, RR 3, Arthur, ON N0B 1J0bniezen@albedo.net

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learnYour commands. Psalm 119:73

On May 3, 2007 our Heavenly Father blessed our family with thebirth of another covenant child, our daughter and sister

CHLOE CASSANDRACHLOE CASSANDRAWe thank Him for this precious gift.

Mike and Korine VandeBurgtCullen, Arissa, Travis, and Casey

2407 Lakeshore Road, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W8mkvdburgt@aol.com

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You. Psalm 5:11With thankfulness to our God and Father,

who directs our lives, we

RACHEL TANYA BROEKEMARACHEL TANYA BROEKEMAandand

MARK DAVID TORENVLIETMARK DAVID TORENVLIETjoyfully announce our engagement.

April 6, 200779 Goldenview Court, Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H4

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:12b

With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for bringing themtogether, Ed and Lorraine Feenstra and Henry and Joanne Kok are

happy to announce the upcoming wedding of their children

LUANNE JENNIFERLUANNE JENNIFER

andand

NATHAN HENDRIK ADRIANNATHAN HENDRIK ADRIANThe ceremony will take place, the Lord willing, on

Friday, June 29, 2007 at 4:30 pm in theAttercliffe Canadian Reformed Church.

Rev. D. de Boer officiating.Their future address: 3671 19th Street, Jordan, ON L0R 1S0

Therefore what God has joined together let not man separate.Mark 10:9

With thankfulness to God for bringing us together, we

JACKIE REININKJACKIE REININK

andand

ROB DEBOERROB DEBOER

daughter of Fred and Marg Reinink, son of Hans and Joanne Deboerjoyfully announce our forthcoming marriage

on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 1:00 pm inthe Owen Sound Canadian Reformed Church.

Our new residence is: 15 Grosbeak Road, Elmira, ON N3B 1V6

�� ��

�� ��

�� ��

�� ��

Advertisements:Advertisements:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (withOpen House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.

Clarion Advertisements

BIRTHS

WEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENTS

Thank YouThank YouA sincere thank you to all who sent cards of comfort andsympathy with the passing into glory of my husband John,father, grand and great-grandfather. The communion of saintswas shown during this difficult time.

Alie Janssens and family

304 • JUNE 8, 2007

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love isstrong as death. . . . Song of Solomon 8:6-7a

With thankfulness to our LORD and Saviour, we, Jack and MargaretLodder joyfully announce the marriage of our daughter

JENNIFER COLLEEN LODDERJENNIFER COLLEEN LODDERtoto

BARTELD WARNER VANDENBERGBARTELD WARNER VANDENBERGson of Johan and Afien Vandenberg

Ceremony will take place the Lord willing on Saturday, June 9,2007 at 1:00p.m. in the Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church,

Fergus, Ontario.Rev. W.W.J. VanOene officiating – Third Generation

Jennifer and Barteld (d.v. June 9, 2007)daughter of Jack and Margaret Lodder (September 9, 1978)son of George† and Margaretha Lodder (October 12, 1949)

Address: Apt. 112, 275 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus, ON N1M 2Y2

45th Wedding Anniversary1962 ~ May 26 ~ 2007

WAYNEWAYNE andand HELEN VAN SYDENBORGHHELEN VAN SYDENBORGH (nee Knooihuizen)(nee Knooihuizen)You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy inYour presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11

It has been 45 years since Mom and Dad were united inmarriage – what a great blessing!

We thank them for their dedication and love to each other andtheir family, and we pray that our Lord will continue to lead them

and care for them for many more years. Congratulations!With love,

Michael Van SydenborghPaul and Sharon Van Sydenborgh

Warren, Denise, Joel, Dean, Beth, PaigeCarrie and Paul SlootsDevon, Owen, Tristan

Julie Van Sydenborgh and Wes Van Hill4294 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2

30th Wedding AnniversaryFRANKFRANK andand JENNY OOSTDYKJENNY OOSTDYK

June 25th, 1977 – 2007We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for blessing the marriage

of our parents and grandparents with 30 wonderful years.I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever, with my mouth I will make

your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1Cambridge, ON: Bryan and Cynthia Schieck

Owen, Tyler and babyGuelph, ON: Kevin and Rachel Oostdyk

CameronOwen Sound, ON: Todd and Melissa Kruisselbrink

Aaron and BrodyLondon, ON: Sean Oostdyk

Darren OostdykAmanda Oostdyk and Derek Slaa

3957 West Graham Place, London, ON N6P 1G3

ANNIVERSARIES

�� ��

OBITUARIES

March 5, 1958 April 22, 2007Our gracious heavenly Father suddenly called home His

covenant child

GEORGE BYSTERVELDGEORGE BYSTERVELDOur Husband, Father and Opa

At the age of 49 years.May we find comfort in the words of Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion on his children so the LORD hascompassion on those who fear Him.

Husband of: Henny Bysterveld (nee Fennema)Father of: Brenda and Richard Hovius

Taylor, BradenMelanie and Dennis Van Oene

Eric, MeganRobert BysterveldKyle Bysterveld and Nadine Barendregt

Now we are fragile, But God’s care is Eternaland we know his compassion and concern for us.

We know when God examines our lives,He remembers our human condition.

Our weakness should never be used as a justification for sin.God will deal with us compassionately. Trust Him.

Amsterdam HamiltonDecember 24, 1916 May 8, 2007Psalm 23:6b “…and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

ABRAM NIEZENABRAM NIEZENThe Lord has called home our dear father, grandfather and

great-grandfather at the age of 90.Husband of our late mother Margaretha Voogt (1977) and

stepmother Grietje Slot (Balder) (1991)Arie and Reina Niezen, RR 2, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Y9

Margaret and Paul JanssenNatasha, Timothy, Daniel, Matthew

Rob and Lynn Niezen, Michael, DevonNellie and Russell Farrell, 9 Albert Street S. Apt.105

Lindsay, ON K9V 5E4Larry and Leslie Good, Amber, KatelynCathy and Alan Uprichard,

Sarah and Marc, Michelle, Kim and BradBob and Brenda Good, Amanda, Megan

Bert and Diane Niezen, 275 Albert StreetW., Fergus, ON N1M 1X5Brian and NancyJo Niezen

Alyssa, Caleb, Joel, Levi, BrennaDavid and Melanie Niezen, Dawson, Carter, DeclanEd and Katherine Niezen

Miranda, Claire, Timothy, Mark, WesleyChris and Hilda Niezen, Kaitlyn

Stepchildren:Nellie and Tom Scholman, Gerda and Ron Kresky,Henry and Maureen Balder, Katie and Albert Karsten,and their children and grandchildren

WEDDINGS

JUNE 8, 2007 • 305

TEACHING POSITIONS

The Eternal God is your refuge.And underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

At his appointed time, the Lord suddenly took to himself his child

GEORGE BYSTERVELDGEORGE BYSTERVELDAt the age of 49 years.

Son of Jane (Jantje) Bysterveld (nee Brouwers)Predeceased by his father George (Germt) Bysterveld

and brother Marvin BysterveldBrother of: John and Dorothy Bysterveld

Martin and Jane BysterveldJohn and Elles HomanAlbert and Rita BysterveldJerry and Ann BysterveldArnie and Tine VersluisPeter and Glenda BysterveldNorman and Helen Bysterveld

Predeceased also by 3 infant brothersAlso lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews

Although we will miss George very much,we will always be comforted

and given strength by the Lord’s Word each Sunday.

NEEDED1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERDue to the happy circumstance of significant growth

projections, the Board of the Covenant Canadian ReformedSchool at Neerlandia invites applications for 2 teachers for

the 2007–08 school year.Applicants must be confessing members of the CanadianReformed Church or a sister church and must possess a

Bachelor of Education degree.

We are a rural K-12 school with a projected 2007 studentenrolment of 170.

Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks, a good benefitspackage, small class sizes, a terrific staff, a supportive

membership and Board, and a low cost of living within anhour drive of big city conveniences.

Inquiries should be directed toHarry VanDelden, principal, at:

School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704e-mail: hvd@xplornet.comApplications should be sent

attention: Mrs. Sonya Van LeeuwenCovenant Canadian Reformed SchoolPO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

EBEN-EZER CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOLCHATHAM ONTARIO

The Board invites applications for

GRADE 3/4 TEACHERfor the 2007/2008 school year. We seek interest from teacherswith a sincere love for the Lord and a strong desire to educate

His covenantal children.

Eben-Ezer Christian School has an enrolment of approximately50 students, K to 8, with 5 full-time staff.

Our school has a low student to teacher ratio and excellentworking relationships between teachers, principal, board andschool society. Our church is soundly Reformed and warmly

welcomes new members and their families.

Chatham and surrounding area is free from the stressassociated with large city centers as well as being a very

economical place to live and raise a family.For further information contact the principal,

Mrs. Carol Bos519-354-1142 (school); 519-695-2445 (home)

519-354-2159 (fax); email: cokkie@netrover.comPlease send resumes and applicationsto the Education Committee Chairman

Allan Bergsmac/o Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed School

485 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham, ON N7L 2H2The Board of the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School (in theBulkley Valley) invites applications from certified teachers who

are a member of the Canadian Reformed churches, UnitedReformed churches, or sister churches, for the position of

PRIMARY TEACHER (K-2)for the 2007/2008 school year.

There are possibilities for either full time or part time work.

We are looking for a teacher that:• loves God and his covenant children.• sets and maintains high personal standards• is professional in their work• knows how to have fun• understand the responsibility they are entrusted with

as teachers, and continually strive to submit theirwhole life to God.

If you meet the above criteria we urge you to contact us aboutworking at ECRS.

• Great kids• Fabulous preachers• Beautiful scenery and world-class outdoor activities• Friendly church and local community

If you have questions please callor email the principal, Derek Stoffels,

at work: (250) 847-3492; principal@ebenezerschool.com.

To apply please email your application to the principalor mail it to:

The Education CommitteeEbenezer Canadian Reformed School

Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0

Check our website for a “taste” of the school:www.ebenezerschool.com

Check www.town.smithers.bc.ca for information on thecommunity the school is located in.

306 • JUNE 8, 2007

TEACHING POSITIONS

PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATEInvites applications for three definite openings as

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERin the areas of Science, Math, English, History, Computer

Studies and French for the 2007/2008 school year.Full and part-time applicants will be given consideration.Providence has a student body of 100 students in grades

9-12. Now in its 10th year, the school is located a few minuteswest of London in a recently built facility.

Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field ofReformed Christian education, who submit to Scripture assummarized by the Reformed Confessions, are invited tosubmit a resume, a statement of faith, a statement of your

philosophy of education, and letters of reference(including one from you church consistory) to:

Providence Reformed CollegiateP.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0

For more information contact the principal,Mr. Roger Vanoostveen

at (519) 471 0661 (school), (519) 264 2575 (home),or e-mail prc_principal@rogers.com

Aldergrove Buy-A-Brick Campaign

After renting a place of worship for

the past 13 years, the Canadian

Reformed Church of Aldergrove B.C.

has come up with exciting plans to

build our own church building!

We currently own suitable land on

which to build, and hope to move

forward to the next stage of this

project as soon as financially

possible.

We invite everyone young and old to

assist us in the building process by

purchasing a brick(s). Please visit our

website at

www.Aldergrovechurch.com to support this important cause.

dlA

tnerretfftA

13taspeht

demorfforeR

eomcsah

Beovgrred

offopihsrowofeaclpagnit

naidanaCeht,sarey3

veogrredlAofhcruhC B

otsnalpgnitixcehtiwpu

yuB -A- cirB

ro

.C.B

o

gaipmaCkkc ng

roudliub

nerrucWe

bothcihw

otdrawroffo

astcejorp

.elbisosp

etviniWe

isutsissa

pgp

g!nidliubhcruhcnwo

odnalelbatiusnwoyltn

dliub , an veomotepohd

sihtofeagtsxtenehto

yllaicnaniffisanoos

doldnagnuyoeyonreve

bssecorpgnidliubehtn

n

otd

yb

nisahcrup

atetisbew

edlA.wwwwwww

tisviesaelP.)s(kcirbagn

t

omc.hcruhcveogr pgr usot

ruot

auctantorpmisihttropp .esu

Reach for your dreams in Alberta!

Apply for any of the following teachingpositions with Parkland Immanuel

Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta: where growth and opportunity abound in a land ofmountains, prairie and big sky.

Due to upcoming vacancies, the Canadian Reformed SchoolSociety of Edmonton, operating Parkland Immanuel Christian

School, invites applications for the following positions:

FULL TIME ELEMENTARY TEACHERFULL TIME JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH TEACHER

FRENCH TEACHERA University Degree is a requirement for these positions. For

further information please contact the Principal,Mr. R. Van Delft

Phone: (780) 444-6443 (school); (780) 458-0433 (home)Applications should be directed in writing to the school:

Personnel Committee, c/oParkland Immanuel Christian School

21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6

COUNTRY VACATION HOME FOR RENTDaily / Weekly

Available year round. Between Owen Sound and Wiarton.3 Bedroom, sleeps 8, A.C., Fireplace, BBQ,

Modern kitchen, Linens supplied.Adrian and Linda van Gils – 519-371-5616

Subscribe to

clarion@premierprinting.ca

JUNE 8, 2007 • 307

John MeerveldAssociate Broker

garden city realty inc., REALTOR®

Old Fashioned Service – High Tech Advantage

Serving theCommunity Since 1979

(905) 333-3500Fax: 333-3616

(905) 945-0660Fax: 945-2982

email: johnmeer@sympatico.cawww.johnmeerveld.com

MEMBER

100% CLUB

TOUR THE JOURNEYS OF“The Apostle Paul” and “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

October 15, 2007 FOR 15 DAYS

CALL Grace Visscher

Christian Guide Tours1-800-811-2388

George BartelsAssociate Broker

33 Bellstone LaneMount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0

Fax: 905-679-2225Email: bartels@fredhagenrealty.com

www.fredhagenrealty.com

905 - 388-9555

Serving the Ancaster, Hamilton, Glanbrook, Caledonia and Flamborough areas.

• R.R.S.P.s / R.R.I.F.s• Mutual Funds• Life Insurance• HighYield Cash Accounts• GICs / Term Deposits• Financial Planning

Investment Planning Counselof Canada TM

Financial Planning Professionals

59 Kirby Avenue, Unit 1, Dundas, Ontario L9H 6P3

PHONE: 905-628-9666 • FAX: 905-628-1035TOLL FREE: 1-866-856-5910

E-MAIL: rvanandel@ipcc.org

MEMBER OF IPC FINANCIAL NETWORK INC.

Roland Van Andel

ASSOCIATES / ADMINISTRATION

PETA-GAY TAI-MILTON, B.A.TINA TAI-DESTRO, B.A.

ASSOCIATE / INSURANCEANDREW JANSEN

JUNE 8, 2007 • 308JUNE 8, 2007 • 308

PM40063293R9907

Bus: (519) 843-5400Fax: (519) 843-2810Cell: (519) 993-1780

Royal LePage RCR162 St. Andrew Street EastFergus, Ontario N1M 1R9

“Serving Fergus, Elora, Guelph andsurrounding area

Eric VanGrootheestSalesRepresentative

email: ericvg82@hotmail.comVisit me at www.eric-sells.com

Mark vander VeldeSales Rep

Contact Info –Office – 905-957-5000 Toll Free – 1-800-461-0493Res – 905-386-7494 markv@royallepage.ca

www.markv.ca

2005 & 2006 ROYAL LEPAGE NIAGARA REAL ESTATECENTRE INC. BROKERAGE

Prompt and Professional Real Estateservicing the Niagara Region and

Haldimand County

Herman Faber, LL.B, LL.M.

HAMILTON LOCATION . . .

187 HUGHSON STREET SOUTH, HAMILTON, ONTARIO L8N 2B6TELEPHONE: (905) 525-3786 FACSIMILE: (905) 523-8875E-MAIL: FERGUS LOCATION . . . info@faberlaw.ca

FERGUS LOCATION . . .

162 ST. ANDREW STREET EAST, FERGUS, ONTARIO N1M 1P8TELEPHONE: (519) 843-3222 FACSIMILE: (519) 843-2810

van der Woerd & FaberBARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, NOTARIES PUBLIC, MEDIATOR

Real Estate, Business LawWills and Estates, Family Law

Mediation Services

HALF HOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Attentive to Your Needs, Affordable & Fair

DUTCHSPOKEN

Airfare / Cruises / All-Inclusives / Travel Insurance

Call us for our Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii– Air, Hotel and Cruise Specials

“Best Fares to Amsterdam”

Visscher’s Travel & Cruise Ltd.Toll Free:1-800-811-2388

Tel: 604-530-6771Website: www.visschertravelcruise.com

“Give Us a Try Before You Buy for All Your Travel Needs”BC. Reg. #25414

Love the car you’re with!We’re here to keep your vehicle running:

Wheel alignment, brakes, tires and the whole kit ’n kaboodle.

Bert’s Auto & TiresBert’s Auto & Tires requires individuals who are interested inAPPRENTICING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRADE.

We are also looking for anADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/SERVICE WRITER/PARTSMAN.

No previous training required for either position.

We offer a great working atmospherewith fellow Reformed believers, and competitive wages.

If interested, please apply, with resume at16623-111 Ave, Edmonton AB T5M 2S2

or e-mail at bertauto@telus.net

Phone: 780-484-1034– Henry VanderVeen –

HOUSE FOR RENT (Beamsville, ON)

3 + 1 Bedrooms with spacious walk-out basementand attached garage.

$1250./month + utilities.Newer, quiet subdivision, near QEW.

C/A washer and dryer, fridge and stove included.Furniture can be supplied.

T – 905-630-5457

Hutten Collision Centre Inc. is a prominent collision repairfacility in a small Southwestern Ontario town, where there are

2 churches and a school with grades K-12.We are inviting applications to fill an opening for a

LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN

Qualified individual should have excellent time managementskills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Please forward your resume to:John Hutten @ Hutten Collision Centre Inc.645 St. David Street N., Fergus, ON N1M 2K6

Fax: 519-843-7827E-mail: huttencollision@hotmail.com