ClarionTHE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

Volume 57, No. 8 � April 11, 2008

Inside this issue

� Real Heroes � Poohsticks� Unity efforts between the Canadian and United Reformed Churches

. . .a hero is abusiness personwho engages in

fair business practiceswith everyone. . .

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To all appearances he was a quiet, low-key hero

Real Heroes

186 • APRIL 11, 2008

EditorialR. Aasman

Charles Dickens starts his novel David Copperfieldwith this line: “Whether I shall turn out to be the heroof my own life, or whether that station will be held byanybody else, these pages must show.” The literalmeaning of hero is “protector” or “guardian.”However, in everyday usage a hero is someone who inthe face of danger and adversity, or from a position ofweakness, displays courage and the will for self-sacrifice to achieve a higher good. The life of DavidCopperfield demonstrates that he is not the hero ofhis own life. Someone else is his hero.

There are people whom we do regard as realheroes. We think of men like Martin Luther, JohnCalvin, and Guido de Brès. In the face of terribledanger and at considerable risk to their personallives, these men displayed courage as they strove tobring the Word of God back to the people. Guido deBrès did that at the cost of his own life. But even menlike these would never have claimed to be a hero inthe fullest sense of the word, as if somehow in theirown strength they were the protectors and guardiansof their own lives and the lives of others. Guido deBrès said on the day of his execution: “This morning Ihave been condemned to death for the doctrine of theSon of God. Praise be to him. I am happy. I neverdared to think that God would do me such an honour.”Even heroes recognize that whatever they are andwhatever they accomplish is only possible throughJesus Christ, our real hero.

The real heroIn the Bible God is clearly portrayed as our hero in

the literal sense of the word: He is our defender,protector, and guardian. David writes in Psalm 23:“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadowof death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; yourrod and your staff, they comfort me.” These words arefulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our hero not onlyin the sense that He protects and guards us, but also inthe sense that He faced terrific danger with courageand the willingness to sacrifice Himself in order todefend us. His heroism was not accomplished withgreat fanfare and the kind of swashbuckling bravado

that our culture likes to see in its heroes. When JesusChrist faced the great enemy Satan, He did not raise afist or a sword, nor did He surround Himself with anarmy of disciples, but He became obedient to death.To all appearances He was a quiet, low-key hero. Hewas obedient to his Father – both in keeping the lawand being willing to pay for the sins of his people bydeath on a cross. His victory cry was “it is finished.”His heroism was confirmed in breathing his last andbowing his head in death. No greater sacrifice has theworld ever seen. No greater suffering has any man everendured. That was a real hero – a one-of-a-kind hero –that died on Golgotha. We read in Hebrews 2:14, 15:“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too sharedin their humanity so that by his death he might destroyhim who holds the power of death – that is, the devil –and free those who all their lives were held in slaveryby their fear of death.”

Jesus Christ is the hero of our life: He has deliveredus from Satan, sin, and death. He has also caused us tobe born again through his Spirit. And even though welive in a world that is still the valley of the shadow ofdeath, He remains our constant guardian and defender.

Heroes of faithWe saw that Charles Dickens starts David

Copperfield with this line: “Whether I shall turn out tobe the hero of my own life, or whether that station willbe held by anybody else, these pages must show.” To usthe answer is obvious: only Jesus Christ is the hero inmy life. However, when we genuinely believe that andlive by faith in Jesus Christ, then we also becomeheroes. Think of Hebrews 11 where we read of believingmen and women who are often called “heroes of faith.”Their heroism was not in the first place a matter of whatthey accomplished, but it was a matter of theirundivided confidence in Jesus Christ. Looking in faith toJesus Christ, they denied themselves, took up their crossand followed Jesus. And in Jesus Christ they began todo very courageous things. Some of them might notsound like heroes. We read of Abel offering a bettersacrifice; Abraham prepared to offer Isaac as asacrifice; Moses’ parents hiding him for three months;

Rev. R.Aasman is minister ofthe Providence CanadianReformed Church atEdmonton,Albertaraasman@telusplanet.net

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APRIL 11, 2008 • 187

Rahab the prostitute welcoming the Israelite spies inJericho. Of others we read:

Some faced jeers and flogging, while still otherswere chained and put in prison. They were stoned;they were sawed in two; they were put to death bythe sword. They went about in sheepskins andgoatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated –the world was not worthy of them.

A hero of faith does not have to accomplishspectacular feats of strength and courage andsacrifice. A hero of faith does not have to receiveaccolades, trophies, medals, or a Nobel peace prize.He or she must hold on to Jesus and courageously livelife to the praise and glory of God.

The right stuffLet us take an example from Scripture. In the

letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, weread of regular everyday people who go to work at thelocal guild and are pressured to worship the emperoror the pagan gods of their particular guild. Failure todo so could result in loss of job, an inability to buyand sell, and even the loss of freedom, property, andlife. Jesus Christ said to them:

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sitwith me on my throne, just as I overcame and satdown with my Father on his throne. He who has anear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Whoever denies himself, takes up his cross, andfollows Jesus in all situations is more than aconqueror. He or she is a hero of faith. Such peoplecould never do this in their own strength. But they cando it in Jesus Christ who leads them safely throughthe valley of the shadow of death.

Who is the hero?Our concept of a hero really should not be shaped

by culture and the entertainment industry. Evenhistory skews the idea of what it takes to be a hero.Considering what we have said above, heroes areeveryday men and women, boys and girls who live byfaith in Jesus Christ. A hero is a teenager working atMcDonald’s who refuses to work on Sunday or to getinvolved in the immoral lifestyle of fellow workers.A hero is a college student who quietly but firmlystates in biology classes a personal belief in God asCreator of this world. A hero is a young wife whodares to get pregnant and to raise children in themidst of a broken world. A hero is a business personwho engages in fair business practices witheveryone. Heroes are regular, everyday people whohave experienced the joy of salvation in Jesus Christand courageously use their lives to serve God and tobuild up the life of their neighbour.

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In This Issue

Editorial – Real Heroes — R.Aasman ......................................186Treasures, New and Old – Poohsticks

— J.L. van Popta ......................................................................188Unity efforts between the Canadian and United

Reformed Churches: Progress to Date (2)— E. Kampen ..........................................................................189

Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and P. Gelms ..............................192College Corner – News from the Theological College

— G.H.Visscher ........................................................................193Education Matters – Evaluation and/or Assessment

— K. Sikkema ..........................................................................195Press Releases

– Classis Manitoba, Classis Central Ontario ..................199

Regular Mail$48.00*$60.00$89.00

Air Mail$ 79.00*$ 77.00$130.00

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188 • APRIL 11, 2008

Rev. J.L. van Popta is minister of theFellowship Canadian ReformedChurch at Burlington, Ontarioj.vanpopta@gmail.com

Treasures, New and OldJ.L. van Popta

MATTHEW 13:52

We’ve all played poohsticks. Youmight not have called it that, but I’msure you’ve played it just as I did.Winnie the Pooh invented thatgame. You can read about it in TheHouse at Pooh Corner. Winnie thePooh and his friends would standon the upstream side of the bridgein the Hundred Acre Wood and leanout over the creek. Each of themwould drop a stick into the waterand then race to the other side ofthe bridge to see whose stick cameout first. It’s a fun and simple game.Try it some time.

I remember my aunt inEdmonton taking her grandchildrenout into the back lane behind herhouse to play poohsticks. Like manyCanadian cities, the older part oftown where they lived had manyback lanes and those lanes werenever cleared of snow during thewinter. The cars packed the layersof snow down all winter, untilsometimes that ice was more thantwenty centimetres thick. And thenthe spring thaw would come. Thosenarrow back lanes would quicklybecome rivers of melt water rushingdown to the storm sewers.

My aunt would come out withher grandkids to race popsiclesticks down those streams andeddies in the back lanes.Convoluted streams flowed downthe lane, this way and that, butalways directing the water to thedrain cover. Grandma and herkiddies were out there, racing stickson the water. Their hands were inthe ice-cold water; the warm sunwas on their necks. What fun! Eachwould try to find the fastest streamso that their stick would be the first

to the drain cover, the first todisappear down into the earth,never to reappear again.

If you’ve played this game, you’llknow how the flow of the wateralways controls the stick. Perhapsyou have tried this in a mountainstream. Throw in a stick, or branch,or twig, and violently the streamcarries it away. It’s pulled under;then it leaps out in the rapids, untilit plunges over the falls anddisappears. If it is slower water, atwig, branch, or leaf bobs along onthe current, gets caught in theeddies, and then aimlessly roundsthe bend of the creek, never to beseen again.

Hosea knew about this. He usedthis image to describe the fate ofSamaria and its wicked king. Hoseawas the Lord’s prophet in the finalyears of the northern kingdom ofIsrael. The king and Samaria, thecapital city, were in open rebellionagainst God. They were steeped intheir sins and did not heed thepreachers that God sent to them.

The prophet therefore declaresthat Samaria and its king will belike a twig on the surface of thewaters. They will be swept away,like so many poohsticks. A branchin a mountain stream has no rudder.It’s caught in a whirlpool and goesunder; it floats into a back eddy,comes out again, then plunges overa falls. My aunt’s popsicle stickshad no control in those back-lanerivers. Winnie the Pooh and hisfriends’ sticks were driven by thestream. In all their power andpretension, the rebellious Samariaand its king were but twigs on astream. Sweep them away!

Men may think they have builtup mighty empires and kingdoms,but without God in Christ, they arerudderless. They have no sail, noengine, no propeller, and the currentof time draws them along like twigson the water. The Lord will sweepthem away on the streams of history.Through his prophet, God declaresthat mighty powers and institutions,nations and kings, can be and willbe swept away. They have noanchor, no power.

The same is not true for God’speople. In Isaiah 43:2, the Lordpromises safety for his own. Hesays, “When you pass through thewaters, I will be with you, and whenyou pass through the rivers you willnot be swept away!” When we walkwith the Lord Jesus Christ, we arenot twigs on the water. We are notanchorless, rudderless, andpowerless. We will not be sweptaway. Instead, it is our sins and ouriniquities that are removed. Thewater of baptism is a symbol thatHe has already taken them away.God in Christ is the anchor of oursoul, the captain of our lives. HisWord is our rudder. In Him we havestrength and power.

When springtime comes and thesnow melts, or perhaps this summerat a mountain stream, throw a twiginto running water. Watch thestream sweep it away. That is howGod deals with those who standagainst Him in their sin. But whenyou trust in God, you will never beswept away. Instead that twig willbe like your sins: washed awayaround the bend in the stream,never to be seen again.

Poohsticks“Samaria and its king will float away like a twig on the surface of the waters.”

Hosea 10:7

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E. Kampen

Unity efforts between theCanadian and UnitedReformed Churches:Progress to Date (Part 2 of 2)

Rev. E. Kampen is ministerof the Canadian ReformedChurch at Orangeville,Ontarioeric.kampen@canrc.org

This article is an edited version of aspeech delivered to the League Dayof the Canadian Reformed Men’sSocieties in Ontario, on November24, 2007.

The need to revive the driveto unity

While the review of the progressto date may have ended somewhatbleakly, there is the undeniablefact that despite giving mixedsignals, the recent synods of bothfederations have continued tocommit themselves to achievingfederative unity. The ecumenicaldrive that was there initially mayhave slowed, but there still is somedrive. While I may betray bias,I would say that the CanRC havedone everything they can to keepthe process going. In a way theyhave set the pace, for CanadianReformed synods are always heldearlier in the year than URCNAsynods. An example of this is theway Synod Smithers spoke about afederation-controlled seminary,admitting that it is hard to makethis an absolute scripturalprinciple. This did not take awaythe conviction that a federation-controlled seminary is a good wayof working out the principle that

the church should ensure it hasmen trained for the ministry (c.f. LD38, “First, that the ministry of thegospel and the schools bemaintained”). What we need toconsider is how to revive the drivethat led to those bold decisionsmade in 2001 to move towardfederative unity. Without revivingthat drive, the prognosis would bethat the status quo will continue,namely, of existing as separatefederations, slowly drifting apartas each gets wound up in its ownstruggles and developments.

In this connection it isworthwhile to refer to H. Algra, whowrote a fine book in the mid 1960swith the title, in translation, TheMiracle of the Nineteenth Century.In this book he wrote about theSecession of 1834 and the Doleantieof 1886, with the final chapter beingabout the Union of 1892. It was trulya miracle that the Reformed faith,which appeared nearlyextinguished at the beginning ofthe nineteenth century, revived. Atthe end of that century, after tworeformations, there was again astrong united Reformed witness inThe Netherlands. What wasremarkable was how quickly theunion between the two groups was

accomplished. That it was anaccomplished fact by 1892 isevidence not only of the amount ofenergy that was directed at thisunion but also of the powerfuldrive to unity. All this happenedeven though they also had to workthrough issues of church order andtheological training, perhapshaving less of an issue in acommon song book.

In the chapter on the Union of1892, Algra remarks that eventhough it took only six years, hewas convinced that it couldn’t havewaited any longer. He writes, intranslation, “Then unificationwould have become more difficultfrom year to year and humanlyspeaking would never have comeabout.” He then adds the causticremark, “And then there wouldhave been in 1965 (nearly seventyyears later) still weekly – ormonthly – articles in the churchpapers about what unites us andabout that which ‘as yet’ keeps usseparate and ‘don’t forceanything.’” He further adds thatcontinued separation would havekept alive the opinions the twogroups had of each other. Thepeople of the Doleantie, morerecently from the big and

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established church, would think ofthe Seceded as the followers ofDeCock and the Seceded wouldkeep on lamenting that theDoleantie people misunderstoodand neglected (miskend) them,acting as if they didn’t really exist.1

It would seem that we seesomething similar happening nowalready, as the unity process isfaltering. All too often in the lastcouple of years there are subtleswipes at Schilder’s views of thecovenant, often simply by droppinghis name in connection with thehot button issue of the FederalVision. At the same time, from theCanRC side, there is the sense theURCNA misunderstands us andneglects us and acts as if we don’texist. We simply don’t seem to havethe prominent position on theirsynod agenda as they do on ours.

In the end, the comments ofAlgra bring to mind the suggestionof C. Venema, made back in 1992,not to come to a prematureformation of new federation(s) offormer CRCs, stating that if thiswas done “it becomes extremelydifficult to pursue further contactswith a view to organic union”(Challenge of Church Union, pp140,141). The new federation of theURCNA may be a done deal, but itcan still work if there is theunderstanding that it is merely ameans to a goal.

Renewed commitmentIn light of this, if things are ever

going to reach the desired goal,there will first need to be a

renewed commitment to theprocess. Every year that passeswill make it more difficult. To showthe commitment to this process,both federations should direct alltheir energy to it and suspendeverything that suggests they arelimping on two opinions. Thismeans no more tinkering withpresent church orders, nortampering with the song books andliturgical documents. It wouldmean putting all the ecumenicalcontacts in a holding pattern,maintaining present contacts buttelling new groups seeking contactthat we will talk once federativeunity has been achieved. It wouldmean finding a solution to thetheological education issue wherethe opinions of both sides arerespected and the CanadianReformed approach is not ruled outimmediately.

Reviewing national orinternational

Secondly, there may be the needto re-evaluate the present goal ofaiming for a North Americanfederation. That may well be thebridge too far. In this respect, thewords of Dr. Faber come back as heurged all involved to work thingsout on a national level, keeping inmind the cultural differencesbetween Canadians andAmericans and that we live underdifferent governments. This is alsomore practical in that theCanadian churches know eachother and could easily integrate ata classical level. At present,approximately one third of theURCNA’s one hundredcongregations are in Canada,mainly in the same regions youfind Canadian Reformed churches.There would be the additionalbenefit of having the same sharedcultural experience in terms ofimmigration after the Second

World War while many of the USchurches have members with farlonger histories in the US in theimmigration of Seceded people inthe 1840s. Further, it would perhapsaddress the problem that theCanRC is an unknown entity to somany United Reformed churches inthe USA. It is to be recognized thissuggestion impacts the UnitedReformed churches that have along history of a transnationalfederation. There is need forCanadian Reformed people to besensitive to this. Still, one has to

190 • APRIL 11, 2008

The ecumenical drive thatwas there initially mayhave slowed, but there stillis some drive

ChurchNews

Called by the church of Elora,Ontario:

Rev. J.E. Ludwig

of Grand Rapids,MI, U.S.A.

Called by the church of Ottawa,Ontario:

Rev. G.Ph. van Popta

ofAncaster,Ontario.

Examined by Classis OntarioWest on March 26th, 2008, andreceived consent to speak anedifying word in the churches(C.O. Art. 21) upon successfulcompletion of the currentacademic year (May 25th):

Student RodneyVermeulen

After a colloquium (cf. Art. 5. B.2,C.O.) on March 26th, 2008Classis OntarioWest approvedthe call extended to:

Rev.A.William De Jong

He will be installed in Hamilton(Cornerstone),ON, on March30th, 2008,D.V. He previouslyserved as minister of the UnitedReformed Churches in NorthAmerica in Kansas City,MO.

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ask whether it is not moreimportant to be united with thebrotherhood in one’s own countryas a testimony to that countryrather than being divided at homein favour of a unity with thoseabroad. Of course we cannot insiston this, but in light of the currentsituation, it is something that at thevery least should be discussed.

Reconsidering statementsThird, while it is becoming clear

that the nine points of SynodSchererville were not at all aimedat the CanRC, the cause of unitywas not helped by these points.These nine points, and especiallypoint six, immediately triggeredfear of the situation that led to theLiberation of 1944 because of theway it so narrowly defined the wayof speaking about the covenant tothe exclusion of other ways. It is tobe hoped that the brothers in theURCNA will realize that whiletrying to sweep out an enemy theythought was getting a toehold intheir churches, they nearly sweptout a dear friend in the process.They have touched a sensitivenerve in the hearts of CanadianReformed people and placed aconsiderable obstacle on the roadto federative unity.

Conclusion: work and prayIn a way, this prognosis does

not look promising. Of course,humanly speaking, the wholeeffort toward church unity is notpromising. While we may feel thatthe ball at this point is especiallyin the URCNA court, we have ourown responsibility while we waitfor them to toss it back to us.Do note well, however, that we arenot to pull out of the game. Ratherthan giving room for latentsentiments favouring retreatinginto our comfort zone, our own littledomains, we must remember thatChrist is not divided and neither

should his people be (1 Cor 1-3;Eph 2:11-22). We need to remaincommitted, or perhaps regain thecommitment to the unity of Christ’schurch and do what we can withthe opportunities given to us. Weneed also to give our UnitedReformed brothers room and time.They face challenges as a youngfederation we cannot imagine as awell established federation. Thekey thing is that we need to keepworking away at it and prayingfor it.

It is important to highlight thatlast aspect of praying. After all, theLord Jesus taught us to pray, “Yourkingdom come.” In our Catechismwe expand on that and say itmeans, “Preserve and increase

your church.” As James writes, “Youquarrel and fight. You do not have,because you do not ask God”(James 4:2).

It is on this note regardingprayer that we conclude. Indeed,we need to make sure we ask ourheavenly Father for his blessingover our humble efforts, eager thathis name be glorified in the unityof his children. As we pray that Hewill open the way that at timesseems to have roadblocks, aboveall we need to pray that He willkeep us on the better way, the wayof love.

1 See Algra, Het Wonder Van de 19eeeuw. Tweede Druk. Franeker: T.Wever, 1966, pp 334, 335.

APRIL 11, 2008 • 191

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What is a fruit of love? How can this fruit live in usand be shown in all we do? As we begin this miniseries on the fruits of the Spirit, we will concretelylook at the fruit of love.

The Bible has much to say about fruit, which ismentioned some 106 times in the Old Testament andseventy times in the New Testament. Even under theold covenant, a believer produced good fruit only byGod’s power, not his own. For, “Our fruitfulness comesfromme,” the Lord declared to ancient Israel in Hosea14:8. Yet the Lord wants us to bear much fruit: “This is tomy Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8a).

The first characteristic of spiritual fruit is love.This is also the most excellent way of Christian living.Love is also known to be the other word for fruit. Itblends so well with all the other fruits and there needsto be a lot of this fruit.

Jesus Christ is the supreme example of this virtue.It was not only the Father’s love but also his own lovethat led Jesus to lay down his life for us by dying onthe cross (Rom 5:8). When we see what love ourheavenly Father has given for us, through faith, theHoly Spirit will fill us with love directed back to Himand to those around us. For to believers, love is not anoption but a command. Yet this command cannot befulfilled apart from the Holy Spirit, the source of thislove and all other spiritual fruits. Paul explained tothe Roman believers in Romans 5 that the love of Godhas been poured out within our hearts through theHoly Spirit who has given it to us. It was for such lovein the Spirit that Paul gave thanks for the believers inColosse. We must walk in love. Paul continues toexhort us in Ephesians 5:1, 2 “Be imitators of God,therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life oflove, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for usas a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

May we find much strength, comfort, and joy in thelove of our heavenly Father. Trust and believe the wordsthat Jesus teaches us in John 15: 9-14, 17, “As the Fatherhas lovedme, so have I loved you. Now remain in mylove. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my

love, just as I have obeyedmy Father’s commands andremain in his love. I have told you this so that my joymay be in you and that your joy may be complete.My command is this: love each other as I have lovedyou. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay downhis life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatI command. This is my command: love each other.

All glory to Him alone for graciously pouring outhis love on us, while we were yet sinners. May ourlives be filled with God’s love and so be used asinstruments in his hand.

O come with thanks, God’s goodness praising;His firm and steadfast love endures.Let Israel and the house of AaronProclaim His love forever sure.Let all who come to Him in worshipBe in His steadfast love secure.Come to the LORD with your thanksgiving;His everlasting love endures.

Psalm 118:1

Birthdays in May:1 CLARENCE ZWIEP will be 54

653 Broad Street West, Dunnville, ON NIA IT8

4 DEBBIE VEENSTRA will be 34RR 1, Sherkston, ON L0S 1R0

10 ROB DE HAAN will be 43Anchor Home361 Thirty Road, RR 2, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2

30 BERNIE DE VOS will be 3340 Kerman Avenue, Grimsby, ON L3M 3W5

Till next month,Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Patricia Gelms

548 Kemp Road EastRR 2, Beamsville, ON LOR 1B2

905-563-0380jcorgelms@porchlight.ca

192 • APRIL 11, 2008

Ray of SunshineRay of SunshineBy Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Patricia Gelms

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love. . .”

Galatians 5:22

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Illness at the CollegeHow can we describe life at the

Theological College withoutmentioning the fact that we toodaily wrestle with the frailtiescommon to everyone else? As weall know, Dr. J. DeJong has been ondisability for some time because ofhis condition. Though his wife,Margaret, is still courageouslymanaging to care for him at home,regular communication is nolonger possible with him and hiswalking too has become verydifficult. It is so hard to observe ourbrother, once so very able, now asincapacitated as he is. May ourLord continue to be with him andhis family, daily giving them theblessings so needed. Last fall,we were again reminded of suchfrailty when Mrs. A. Geertsema,the dear wife of our retired NewTestament professor, suddenlybecame very seriously ill, evenclose to death. While we certainlythank the Lord for sparing her, shehas suffered serious impairment tothe use of her hands and her feet.That is, no doubt, so very difficultfor a woman who has been veryactive in so many ways all thedays of her life. It also means thather husband has had to abandonthe projects he was busy with inhis retirement days in order to giveher the care she needs. Lastly, asthe churches have been informed,our professor of Dogmatics, Dr. N.H.Gootjes, has also been sufferingwith health issues, particularly

with respect to his memory. In themeantime, extensive tests havebeen conducted and the specialistshave concluded that the difficultiesare entirely caused by stress. Thissurely is reason for tremendousgratitude. It is a good thing, then,that already in January, he wasrelieved of his duties as principalas we attempted to remove allunnecessary stress. We arethankful that he has still been ableto teach; in the meantime, theBoard of Governors has been busymaking other arrangements so thatDr. Gootjes can take a well-deserved rest from his teachingduties for the next academicseason as of September 2008. Wetrust that you will continue to prayfor these brothers and sisters andall of us at the College as we dailyexperience a need not only to teachyoung men about a reliance onGod and his grace but also topractise that same reliance in ourown lives, homes, and community.

“A full and independentreview”If you have followed the

decisions of our last majorassembly, General Synod Smithers2007, then you will be aware thatSynod responded to our request foradditional manpower partly bydeciding (Art 130, 5.5) that a “fulland independent review” of theTheological College shouldprecede any such action. As aresult of that decision, the Board of

Governors has decided that thebest way to conduct such a reviewand ensure that it would be indeedfull and independent would be toproceed with the matter of gainingfull accreditation for theTheological College. Accreditationis a process whereby anindependent organization takes along and detailed look at theCollege and literally evaluateseverything from the physical plantto the personnel to the courses andprograms we offer and makesrecommendations regardingpossible improvements. While thepossibility of going down this routehad been considered before andrejected also because of its time-consuming and energy-drainingnature, Synod’s decision gave newimpetus for following this course.To become a member of such anorganization and to remain amember throughout future yearswill no doubt be an exactingprocess but at the same time onethrough which the training we offercan only improve. In the past, wehave not always regarded thiscourse of action necessary alsobecause our graduates have beenaccepted in doctoral programs atso many different institutions ofhigher learning (a fine testimony initself!), but we have come to realizerecently that a process whereby weand others take a long hard look athow and why we do what we docan only be beneficial for thesignificant task we have amongthe churches and for the cause of

APRIL 11, 2008 • 193

College CornerG.H. Visscher

News from theTheological College

G.H.Visscher is principal andprofessor of NewTestamentat theTheological College ofthe Canadian ReformedChurches in Hamilton, Ontariogerhard.visscher@canrc.org

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the glorious gospel of our LordJesus Christ.

One point which has alreadycome out of our preparations forthis accreditation process is someinteresting statistics regardingenrolment at the College. TheCollege has produced a total ofeighty-four M.Div. graduates;eighty-three percent of thosereceived a place working in thefederation and twenty-one percentof the total also went on for somefurther graduate work at somepoint thereafter.

Another point raised by Synodwas the manner in whichprofessorial appointments aremade. Synod mandated the Boardof Governors “to review theappointment process for facultymembers to ensure transparencywithin the generally acceptedacademic appointment process”(Art 130, 5.6). The Senate welcomesthis review. May the Lord bless allefforts to pursue excellence in theinstruction and administration ofthe Theological College.

A new bookNew books are not uncommon

at the College, since the wonderfulwork of the Women’s SavingsAction makes considerable moneyavailable for us to purchase them.The publishing of a new book is,

however, more exciting when oneof our own faculty members haswritten it. We congratulate Dr. N.H.Gootjes with the publication of hisbook The Belgic Confession: ItsHistory and Sources, which hasbeen published by Baker Academicin the Texts and Studies inReformation and Post ReformationThought series. Especially sincethus far there has been littleinformation available in Englishabout this significant Reformedconfession, this is a tremendousaccomplishment.

A new websiteWhile one might for a moment

imagine that developments intechnology might just pass by acommunity that is busy studyingancient languages and antiquebooks, this is very far from true.Over the last seven years or so, theCollege has made major strides inthis regard with a state of the artnetwork, high speed wirelessInternet throughout the building –all of which also provides readyaccess to advanced computerizedsearching tools for the library. Inother words, we are using thefinest modern technology availableto get what we can out of all thatancient literature. And now, weoffer you the possibility to do soas well!

If you have journeyed to ourformer canrc.org site on theWorldWideWeb, you will have noticedthat you are now being redirectedto a new site atwww.theologicalcollege.ca. All theinformation that you might wantabout who we are and what we offeris found on this new, professionallydesigned website. Possible futurestudents can find all the informationthey need for admission on this site.Even our complete andmost recentcalendar is available in PDF format.

Of general interest, though, isthe possibility to access ourextensive library. If you want toknowwhether we have a certainbook among our collection of 26,000volumes, all you have to do is go towww.theologicalcollege.ca, toLibrary, and to Search LibraryCatalogue, and input the author’sname or the title. And do you havedifficulty remembering which issueof Clarion, Reformed Perspective,Preach theWord, Koinonia, orDiakonia contained a certainarticle? Go again towww.theologicalcollege.ca; thistime, go to Library and to SearchReformed Periodical Index andinput author, title, or subject andthere’s the information! True, youstill have to have the actual copiesof what you are looking foravailable to you, but at least nowyou knowwhere to find them andsuddenly those volumes are somuchmore useful. All of this hasbeen wonderfully done by our ownlibrarian, Miss MargaretVanderVelde. We thank her for herrelentless labours, not only withthose old books but also with all thisnew technology.

That’s it for now. We trust thatyou will pray for us, that ourgracious God may continue to givehealth and strength, insight andwisdom, and every gracious giftthat is needed so that we mightproperly prepare the young men Hegives for service in his Kingdom.

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The League of CanadianReformed School Societies inOntario (LCRSS) supports variousjoint activities to help localschools. Its Curriculum Assistancefor Reformed Education (CARE)committee is an example; andduring the summers of 2006 and2007, a subcommittee of CAREdeveloped a new curriculumframework for Bible Study. Itaddresses how general principlesof Reformed education apply to thissubject area, sets the parameterswithin which unit writers will beworking, and presents matters likeaims, themes, methodology, skills,content, and follow-up activities.The framework stresses ongoingassessment of student progress,with less emphasis on evaluation.The document was adopted byCARE in October, 2007 anddistributed to the principals andthe schools for discussion. Writingteams will begin the preparation ofteacher resource material in 2008.In this article, I discuss the aspectsof assessment and evaluation.

MarksA few definitions will help

understand the difference betweenassessment and evaluation.Though there is no unanimity onthis, assessment is generallyregarded as an ongoing process bywhich teachers monitor studentinvolvement, participation, andgrowth in knowledge andunderstanding. Teachers provide

corrective and encouragingfeedback for improvement and mayrecord aspects of studentdevelopment. This record isprimarily qualitative in nature, andmay translate into some comments,but no grade on a report card.Assessment helps the teacherteach more specifically to studentneeds and so to improve learning.Evaluation, on the other hand,stresses the deliberate effort of theteacher to put a value on theamount and quality of studentlearning by assigning a grade.This grade can be weightedagainst and averaged with othersto produce a mark for the reportcard. Evaluation and assessmentare not mutually exclusive: Manyteachers will continually assessstudent progress and take certainassignments (often including a testor project) for determining asummary mark.

Giving marks that fairly reflectstudent ability, effort, and progressis a challenging activity anywhere.Some twenty years ago, a group ofSentani (Indonesia) high schoolstudents had me appalled whenthey implied that low marks werealways the result of “lack ofdiligence” and high marks quitethe opposite. Other factors, such asability, aptitude, and support justweren’t considered. In NorthAmerica, an alternative rubricscheme has become popular; somediscard marks altogether; andothers give letter grades for some

subjects, but percentage grades forothers. Many schools supplementthe reports’ letter or percentagegrade with an effort mark andcomments. The point is, of course,to summarize for parents andstudents how well or how muchhas been achieved, and for theteachers to see how effective theirteaching has been. As noted, theBible Study curriculum frameworksuggests a shift away fromevaluation and sticking toassessment. While the nature ofthis shift is significant, it is notconsidered such that one shouldaccept or reject the curriculumframework on the basis of thisaspect only.

EvaluationWe are all used to marks and

probably embrace their propriety.They are the summary determinerfor whether or not students passthe test, get credit for the course,and whether there is a call forpulling up socks, lavish praise, oracceptance. It is not reallyrecommended, but marks may helpto motivate if there is a carrot orstick attached: If your average goesup, you get. . . ; unless you pass,you will not. . . . We also accept thatteaching groups of studentsimplies sorting, such as presentedin controversial but famous BellCurves. We expect the sorting toshow a “natural distribution,” inwhich four-fifths of our studentsperform somewhere between, say,

Evaluationand/or Assessment

Education MattersKeith Sikkema

Mr. Keith Sikkema isprincipal of Dufferin AreaChristian School inOrangeville, Ontarioksikkema@istop.com

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forty and eighty percent, andothers do better or worse. We don’tusually ask: what did you learn?but: what did you get? We classifyour children as “A, B, or Cstudents” in school and, whetherrightly or wrongly, ourconversation rarely emphasizesthat we actually work for the Lord.Some people are obsessed withnumbers, certainly in diagnosticevaluation: modern science wantsto measure everything, beingoptimistic that carefulmeasurement will help identifyand resolve problems. (However,teachers say that diagnostic testsmay give numbers that confirmwhat they already knew, withoutalways suggesting a remedy.)

Schools have been compared tofactories, students to workers, andgrades to wages; but educationrenewers often clamour forabolishing the grading system.1

Research suggests that stressinggrading and rewards may actuallyde-motivate students and that theymay look for easy and evenillegitimate ways to get the desiredgrades. Renewers also address theweakness of testing instruments:not all tests measure well whatwas learned. Aside from thedifficulty some students have todemonstrate what they know andunderstand, skills can hardly bemeasured in paper-and-penciltests; and multiple choicequestions falter in measuringcritical thinking and applications.Some things just cannot bemeasured: How does one test andgrade the “big things” we arereally after, such as growth inmaturity and Christiancommitment? As a result, ourreport cards rarely go beyond afairly subjective E, G, S, or I inconduct and attitude sections. It isdifficult to evaluate to what degreea student has worked for a mark, acarrot, or for the Lord; and we must

opt for describing behaviours.Questions clearly abound aboutthe reliability of grades, but peoplestill view them as the currency ofschooling and parents andstudents expect them on reportcards as an integral part ofeducation.

Catechetical instructionThe CARE document speaks

about Bible Study as the deliberateand organized study of the Word ofGod as source, object, and primarycontent of each lesson. It is aboutGod’s ongoing care for his creation,about the history of salvationthrough the redeeming work ofChrist, and about the sanctifyingwork of the Holy Spirit. Bible Studywants to relate the great deeds ofthe Lord and his work of salvationand evoke the students’ responseof love, gratitude, and obedience.

Just like faith has inseparable twincomponents of knowledge andtrust (HC, LD 7), Bible Study seeksto equip the students not only withskills and knowledge, but also toinstill trust, awe, and respect forthe work of the Lord. The Synod ofDordrecht (1618-1619) addressed theaims of what we call Bible Study asthe purpose of “catechetical”instruction. In its view, this tookplace in three distinct spheres ofresponsibility, each with uniqueapproaches. First, parents had anall-encompassing primary

mandate to bring up their childrenin the fear of the Lord, as inDeuteronomy 6:4-9; next, trainedteachers committed to theReformed faith should teachScripture knowledge with anacademic intent; and, finally,ministers should teach doctrine(what we call catechism) with apastoral approach. Thisarrangement was neither inconflict with Scripture, norexplicitly demanded by it. InArticle 58, our Church Order stillreflects the triangle envisioned byDort and parents still partiallydelegate their responsibility to theschool for (minimally) thedevelopment of academicknowledge and skills. This, ofcourse, also applies to the study ofthe Word of God.

Cognitive and affectivedomains

Educators have longdistinguished between differentdomains of learning. They talkabout the “affective domain” inconnection with emotions,attitudes, godliness, and trust; andabout the “cognitive domain” whenreferring to knowledge andunderstanding.2 In Bible Study,teachers convey very specificcontent, but pray that the studentswill not only acquire knowledge intheir heads (cognitive domain),but also embrace it in their hearts(affective domain). The Lord wantsus to love Him not just with ourwhole mind and strength, but alsowith our whole heart and soul.The school’s role has a strongtraditional focus on the cognitivedomain (mind and strength), but itcannot help but address theaffective domain (heart and soul)in the process. The two domainsare intimately intertwined.

Unlike the affective domain oflearning, the cognitive domaincontains much that can be

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Bible Study wants torelate the great deeds ofthe Lord and his work ofsalvation and evoke thestudents’ response of love,gratitude, and obedience

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measured. For instance, studentscan learn key texts of Scripture,remember important things thatthe Lord has done for his people,and they can demonstrate that theyunderstand how God works out hisplan of salvation. They can takequality notes and restate keyconcepts in their own words. Theextent to which they have learnedthese lessons falls within the rangefor which a grade can be assigned.Despite its inherent difficulties,measurement pertains here to theknowledge component of faith, ofwhich HC, LD 7 speaks; and, for atleast some decades now, this hasalso been applied by ministers incatechism tests. Ministers probablyunderstand that they cannot givemarks for the students’ faith,their love for the Lord, or theircommitment to his service.It becomes different whenconsistories examine candidatesfor admission to the Lord’s Table:They look for (cognitive) knowledgeof the Lord, but should be at leastas interested in an (affective) faith-commitment to that knowledge.

UniqueThe CARE curriculum

framework underlines that BibleStudy is a unique subject for veryspecial students. It does nottransfer just any knowledge andskills, but specifically teachesabout God’s work of salvation inJesus Christ and the history ofredemption. In addition, it isspecifically aimed at the childrenof believers, covenant children noless, who were received into gracein Christ, and who are called tolive a life of gratitude for what theyreceive in Him. In all subjects, weacknowledge that the earth is theLord’s and everything in it (Ps 124)and that by Christ all things werecreated and that in Him they holdtogether (Col 1), but more clearlythan any other subject, Bible Study

pursues affective aims for aresponse of praise. Both the aimsand the themes, as defined in thecurriculum framework, seek toguide the students in their spiritualgrowth to know, love, and servetheir God and Father. It is inattaining these affective aims thatthe cognitive aims receive their fullmeaning and purpose: knowingGod and his counsel from Scriptureinforms us and our children howwe are to live a life of gratefulobedience in a relationship of lovewith the Lord. At the same time, weacknowledge with 1 Corinthians 3that teachers can plant and water,but that God makes faith grow.

The CARE curriculumframework stresses that, as BibleStudy seeks to instill reverence,awe, and love for the triune God,and a commitment to a life ofgrateful service to Him, theemphasis should be on qualitativeassessment of growth towards the(mostly affective) aims. What ismeasurable (cognitiveachievement) should not takeprecedence over the core aims ofBible Study. Achievement in BibleStudy should not hinge onacademic ability and the courseshould be designed so that all cando well. The document argues thata percentage grade could actuallydistract from the core aims, byinadvertently suggesting that achild is less a child of God, or thathis or her commitment to serving

God is low because he or she getsa low mark. Conversely, it couldimply that the child must have adeep love for the Lord because heor she received an A. Our students’ability to do well (or not well) on apaper-and-pencil Bible Study testmust not be confused with theirlevel of confidence that the LordJesus Christ is also their Saviour, ortheir commitment to serve Himwholeheartedly. The curriculumframework argues for reducing (oreven eliminating) the significanceof evaluation and raising theimportance of ongoingassessment–including assessmentof the quality of the student’s work.

ErroneousObviously, it is erroneous to

link academic achievement toassumed commitment to the Lord.The error would be similar to thatof the Sentani girls, who believedthat high marks always resultfrom effort and low marks from noeffort. The error is far worse,however, if achievement is takenas the determining factor forsalvation. Some think I am toooptimistic, but I would trust thatparents do not read a mark forBible in this way and that theywill diligently hold before theirchildren that the Lord seeks theirheart and best effort more so thana high mark. To get a “passing” Bwith an “Insufficient” mark foreffort is a fail, but to get a “failing”D with an “Excellent” for effort is apass. It is imperative, however,that this be made very clear. Tocompletely reject measurement ofcognitive achievement in BibleStudy because of possiblemisinterpretation of the mark, orbecause of difficulties in designingtesting instruments, or because weaim for the heart, goes too far. Wewould have to completely rethinkour stance and conduct on markingand evaluation – not only in Bible.

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Teachers have a greatresponsibility in making sure thatBible Study is a positive andexciting experience for thestudents and their model of loveand enthusiasm as co-membersand heirs of the covenant cannotbut impact the affect of thestudents. To lead and directchildren in their calling to a life ofgratitude as prophets, priests, andkings and to develop their uniquegifts, it is imperative that studentsreceive instruction in God’s ways.It must be made clear that no oneis less a child of God just forgetting a low mark, or more so forgetting a high one. Mindful of this,teachers should continue to closelymonitor and assess their students’understanding and achievements,including the contributing effort,participation, attitude, interest,and commitment. They should giveregular feedback to the studentsabout their progress, help themovercome learning hurdles,perhaps modify expectations, andinclude a relevant summarycomment about affective growth onthe report card. With good care forits proper interpretation, they neednot hesitate to give a mark as well.

ConclusionParents continually assess their

children’s progress as they grow upand seek the Lord’s wisdom andguidance as they address thechallenges that arise; but fewparents would actually give marks.

Pastors and shepherds maydebate whether or not they shouldevaluate student progress in theircatechism classes through testsand other instruments: is it thepastoral thing to do, especiallywhen admission to the Lord’s Tabledoes not hinge on IQ or memory?But schools have evaluatedstudents through tests and quizzesand other instruments for as longas we can remember because thatis the nature of schools. There is nogood argument to support

eliminating assessment, butshould we abandon marks?

Part of this discussion wouldcentre on the purpose of the schooland particularly of the Bible Studycourse. Our schools have much incommon, such as a commitment tohelp the parents in training thechildren in godliness, but thereare also differences. Some schoolsstress equipping students withacademic knowledge and skills.Some added social, emotional,and affective aspects in theirstated purpose, but others onlyrefer to them by default, as notbeing able to avoid these factors.Some of these things can beevaluated and graded fairlyeasily; others would pose bigchallenges. Few schools wouldhave a thoughtfully definedrationale to mark cognitiveachievement in Bible Studywith a grade, or not to.What does your school expectthe teachers to do?

1 For instance as presented inPostman, Neil, & Weingartner,Charles (1973). The school book. Forpeople who want to know what allthe hollering is about. (New York:Delacorte Press). For one outspokencurrent critic of marking,homework and other traditions ineducation, see Alfie Kohnhttp://www.alfiekohn.org/index.html2 In the now popular Understandingby Design approach to educationaldesign, the cognitive and affectivedomains are much more integrated.

The Education Matters column issponsored by the CanadianReformed Teachers' AssociationEast. Anyone wishing to respond toan article written or willing towrite an article is kindly asked tosend materials to Clarion or toOtto Bouwmanobouwman@cornerstoneschool.us

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Teachers have a greatresponsibility in makingsure that Bible Study is apositive and excitingexperience for the students

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Press Release of ClassisManitoba convened in theRedeemer CanadianReformed Church inWinnipeg on March 14, 2008

1. On behalf of Grace CanadianReformed Church, the conveningchurch of the March 14, 2008classis, Br. V. Schriemer calledthe meeting to order. Herequested that the brothers singPsalm 133:1, 2 and read 1 John3:11-24. He welcomed all present,in particular Rev. D. Barnes fromClassis Central US (URCNA) andBr. A. Bakker from theProvidence Reformed Church(URCNA) in Winnipeg.

2. The credentials of the delegateswere examined by the brothersfrom the Grace CanadianReformed Church and reportedto be in order. Only one of thedelegates from Denver was ableto attend. There were twoinstructions from the churchat Denver.

3. Classis was declaredconstituted.

4. The following officers wereappointed:a. Chairman: Rev. J. Poppeb. Vice Chairman: Rev. A.J. Polc. Clerk: Rev. P.H. Holtvlüwer

5. Rev. Poppe thanked the GraceCanadian Reformed Church forthe preparations involved inconvening the classis. Hementioned that since the lastclassis the Grace congregationextended a call to Rev. C.VanderVelde, but that the callwas declined. He also wishedthe church at Denver the Lord’sguidance and blessings in viewof the impending departure ofRev. D. M. Boersma. He reflectedwith thankfulness to the Lord on

the good news from theTheological College concerningDr. Gootjes. The agenda wasadopted after a few adjustments.

6. The fraternal delegates wereseated.

7. The documentation pertaining tothe departure of Rev. Boersma,who has accepted a call to workas missionary of the Pretoria-Maranata Vrye GereformeerdeKerk in South Africa, wasexamined and found to be inorder. A Certificate of Releasepertaining to Rev. Boersma wasprovided by Classis for theclassis FRCSA (CO 5B1).

8. A financial report was receivedfrom Br. H. Veldman, thetreasurer of Classis. Therecommendation that theclassical assessment of $5.00 percommunicant member bemaintained was accepted. Thechurch of Carman West reportedthat the books of the treasurer ofClassis were audited and foundto be in order. The RedeemerCanadian Reformed Churchreported that the archives ofClassis have been inspectedand found to be in order, with theexception of part of the archivesof the September 2007 classis,which were handed over at thecurrent classis. A report wasreceived from Br. W. van Beek inregard to the activities of theDeputies for Contact with theProvincial Government. TheRedeemer Canadian ReformedChurch also reported that thefinancial records of theCommittee for Aid to NeedyChurches have been inspectedand found to be in good order.In closed session the churchvisitors reported on visits to theCanadian Reformed Churches ofCarman East and West and theGrace and Redeemer Canadian

Reformed Churches inWinnipeg. Prayers were offeredfor these churches after eachreport.In open session again, thedelegates to ecclesiasticalassemblies of sister churchesreported on their activities,which consisted ofcorrespondence in response toinvitations extended to attendclasses of the RCUS andURCNA.

A. A proposal from the Carman EastCanadian Reformed Churchregarding the appointment ofDeputies for Contact withNeighbouring Classes wasdiscussed. Given the variousresponsibilities that theministers have locally andbecause of tasks alreadyentrusted to them by Classis,Regional Synod, and GeneralSynod, it is recommended thatmen other than ministers beappointed as Deputies torespond to invitations to attendecclesiastical assemblies ofchurches with which we haveecclesiastical fellowship(currently the URCNA, OPC andRCUS). The proposal wasadopted with an amendmentstipulating that the Deputieswill attempt to organize annualvisits in person or at least onceevery two years to thePresbytery of the Dakotas (OPC),the Northern Plains Classis(RCUS), and Classis Central US(URCNA); also, that the Deputieswill occasionally make use ofretired or active ministers asfeasible in visiting theseassemblies.

B. The church at Denver requestedadvice in regard to the positionof Rev. Horner, a minister of theRCUS who has become amember of the church at Denver

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Press Releases

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with his family. He was sentfrom California to start amission work in Denver, but thiswas discontinued. He isapproaching retirement age.Since he still has ministerialstanding in the RCUS, Classisencourages the church at Denverto continue to make use of hisservices. The church at Denveralso requested pulpit supplyfrom Classis in view of thedeparture of Rev. Boersma.Arrangements will be made forpulpit supply once every threemonths. Br. Werkman led inprayer for the church at Denver.

10. Question Period according to Art44 COwas held. The church ofCarman East requested advicethat was given in closed session.

11. A letter of greetings from thePresbytery of the Dakotas of theOPCwas read. Rev. Pol offered aprayer for the Presbytery of theDakotas and for the RCUS. Rev.Barnes was given the floor toaddress Classis. He expressedappreciation for the fellowshipexperienced with the CanadianReformed Churches. He notedthe like-mindedness in manymatters and highlighted theimportance of continuing to workon resolving differences. Weneed to have patience with eachother in these matters.Interaction with each other alsodoes much to remove caricaturesthat have arisen regarding eachother. Br. Bakker broughtgreetings from the ProvidenceReformed Church and expressedthankfulness for the pulpitexchanges and various contactsbetween the ProvidenceReformed Church and theCanadian Reformed Churches.They are encouraged by thegrowing relationship. Rev.Holtvlüwer thanked Rev. Barnesand Br. Bakker for coming,expressing appreciation in turn

for the developing contacts, andled in prayer for the URCNA.

12. Correspondence: A letter wasreceived from the Committee forFinancial Aid to Students for theMinistry requesting theappointment of a replacementmember. Classis decided toappoint Br. R. Werkman to thiscommittee.A letter was received from Rev.R. Grossman extending aninvitation to the South CentralClassis of the RCUS, to beconvened on March 25-26, 2008.Although the gesture isappreciated, it is felt that itwould not be feasible to send adelegate since there is alreadycontact with the Northern PlainsClassis of the RCUS.

13. Appointments.a. The convening church for the

next classis is the RedeemerCanadian Reformed ChurchinWinnipeg. The classis isscheduled to be held on June27, 2008. Alternate date:September 26, 2008.

b. The suggested officers for thenext classis are:i. Chairman: Rev. Holtvlüwerii. Vice-chairman: Rev. Poppeiii. Clerk: Rev. Pol

c. Appointment of Deputies forContact with NeighbouringClasses: Brs. A. Poppe andW. Gortemaker.

14. Personal question period washeld.

15. No censure according to Art 34CO was necessary.

16. The Acts were adopted and thePress Release approved forpublication.

17. The chairman requested thatthe brothers sing Hymn 46:2 andled in closing prayer.

For Classis Manitoba,March 14, 2008

A.J. PolVice-chairman at that time

Press Release of ClassisCentral Ontario March 14,2008

On behalf of the conveningchurch of Ottawa, Br. Schriemercalled the meeting to order. Themeeting was opened in theChristian manner: the assemblysang Psalm 133:1 and Br. Schriemerread from 1 Corinthians 1. He thenwelcomed the delegates.

The church at Flamboroughexamined the credentials. Thedelegates of that church reportedthat all the churches were properlyrepresented. There were noinstructions. Classis was thenconstituted.

The following officers took theirplaces: Rev. J. L. van Popta as vice-chairman and Rev. Dr. G. Nederveenas clerk. The suggested officer forthe chair was not present (Rev. J. DeGelder was in Cyprus, at a meetingof the MERF board of directors). Theassembly appointed Rev. W. DenHollander in his place. Rev. DenHollander took the chair.

The chairman noted that sincethe last regular classis Rev. J.Huijgen accepted a call to theChurch at Attercliffe. LastDecember, Rev. Jagt departed to thewest and has taken up a charge inTaber. The chairman commendedthe church at Ottawa and RehobothChurch to the grace of God, as theircalling committees did their work.Rev. den Hollander declined a callto Elora.

The church of Toronto’smissionary has received two callsto churches in Australia. Wecommend Rev. ’t Hart and thechurch at Toronto to the Lord’s careduring this time. Some commentswere made concerning joys andsorrows in some of the ministerialfamilies. The assembly noted withthankfulness that Dr. Gootjes’health concerns are not as seriousas was feared.

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The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.Psalm 126:3

We give thanks to our gracious Father and praise His name for Hehas heard our prayers and granted us a healthy daughter

LORISSA ARABELLALORISSA ARABELLABorn December 5, 2007

A sister for Jessica, Jamie, Kerri†, Kenton and KarlyWayne and Hilda Bartels

3302 Haldimand Road #9, York, ON N0A 1R0

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your worksare wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

With thankfulness to the LORD we joyfully announce the early butsafe arrival of our 4th child

NICHOLAS JAMESNICHOLAS JAMESFebruary 25, 2008

Kevin and Andrea VanderzwaagA little brother for Emily, Seth and Joshua

7th grandchild for William and Rita Reinink12th grandchild for Ben and JoAnne Vanderzwaag

861 Omar Street, Fergus, ON N1M 3C5

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to thy name,O Most High. Psalm 92:1

With thankfulness to our heavenly Father for the miracle of newlife, we joyfully announce the birth of our second child

RYLEE ROSALINE VAN DER HOEVENRYLEE ROSALINE VAN DER HOEVENBorn March 9, 2008

Brian and Karen van der HoevenBraedyn Matteüs

16th grandchild for John and Mary van der Hoeven7th grandchild for Ben and Anita Poort14 Jane Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on yourown understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6With thankfulness to the Lord for directing the lives of Hischildren, Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Janet Kingma would like to

announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter

STEPHANIE JOELLE KINGMASTEPHANIE JOELLE KINGMAtoto

MARK ALAN TEN HAAFMARK ALAN TEN HAAFson of Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Lynn ten Haaf

The ceremony will take place, D.V., on May 9, 2008at 5:30 p.m. in the American Reformed Church of

Grand Rapids, MichiganFuture address: 3532 Hickory S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508

APRIL 11, 2008 • 201

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

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The provisional agenda wasadopted with some changes.

The chairman asked thedelegates of the churches thequestions required by the ChurchOrder in Article 44. In response, allthe churches reported that theministry of the office-bearers isbeing continued and the decisionsof the major assemblies are beinghonoured. Classis decided to invitethe deputies for Regional Synod(CO 48) to assist the churches indetermining whether or not one ofthe churches is honouring the

decisions of the broaderassemblies.

The church at Ottawa requestedthat the churches of Classis providepulpit supply for one Sunday permonth. This request was granted.

An appeal was judgedinadmissible (Art 30 CO).

The church of Toronto wasappointed to convene the nextclassis to be held on June 13 (withan alternate date, September 19) inthe Ebenezer Church building at9:00 a.m. The following officerswere suggested: Rev. de Gelder as

chairman; Rev. den Hollander asvice-chairman; Rev. van Poptaas clerk.

Question period was held. Thechairman asked whether censure asper Art 34 COwas necessary. It wasnot required. The Acts were read bythe clerk and adopted by theassembly. The Press Release wasapproved for publication. Thechairman thanked the brothers fortheir good co-operation. After theassembly sang Psalm 134, he closedthe meeting with prayer.

Advertise in

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Blessed is he whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in theLORD his God. Psalm 146:5

It is with thankfulness to our Father that we hope to celebratethe 70th birthday of our wife, mother and grandmother on

April 26, 2008

LINDA ELZINGALINDA ELZINGADunnville, ON: Keith ElzingaBurlington, ON: Ralph and Joanne Elzinga, BradleyOnoway, AB: Harold and Linda Elzinga, Dustin, JamieOrangeville, ON: Krista and Tony VanOmmen

Roslynn, Justin, Darren, MatthewCharlotte and John Bouwers

Corry, Kaylina, RickiSmithville, ON: Grace and Roger Otterman, Jessica, LaurynCarvel, AB: Paul and Dorothy Elzinga

Micheal, Katherine, NicoleDunnville, ON: Frank Elzinga

Open House at Keith and Linda Elzinga’s home, D.V., onSaturday, April 26, 2008 from 1:30-4:30 at

7800 Canboro Road, RR 1, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W1

40th Wedding Anniversary1968 ~ March 22 ~ 2008

I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1, 2With thankfulness to our heavenly Father for His guiding hand,

we wish a blessed 40th Anniversary to ourparents and grandparents

ANDYANDY andand HELEN LEFFERSHELEN LEFFERSCoaldale, AB: Pete and Ang Hulst

Karina, Kevin, Tara-Lee, AndreaKen and Shelley Leffers

Andrew, SamuelPete and Melanie Harthoorn

Edmonton, AB: Bryan and Denise MeyerCurtis, Kelsey

Dwayne and Trixie LeffersKailyn, Jocelyn, Laryssa, Hailey, Brennan

Box 652, Coaldale, AB T1M 1M6

1963 ~ March 29 ~ 2008Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own under-standing; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your

paths straight. Proverbs 3:5With thankfulness to the Lord for His steadfast love,

we announce the 45th Wedding Anniversary of our parents

HENDRIKHENDRIK (Hank) and(Hank) and

HENDRIKA (HENDRIKA (HennyHenny) BOUWERS () BOUWERS (VanRaalteVanRaalte))

It is our prayer that the Lord may continue to bless and keep themin their married life together.

With much love,Shelburne, ON: Willy and Betty Kamphuis

Shannon, Brandon, NicoleOrangeville, ON: John and Charlotte Bouwers

Corry, Kaylina, RickiRob and Anne Bouwers

Joshua, Sheri, Brett, Taryn, TiffanyJack and Tanya Bouwers

CassandraAndy and Arlene Bouwers

Brittany, Emily, Todd, Megan, JaredWellandport, ON: John and Shirley Lof

Chantal, Shayna, Annika, KaelynRR 1, Shelburne, Ontario L0N 1S5

1973 ~ May 11 ~ 2008Burlington, Ontario

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your ownunderstanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make

your paths straight. Proverbs 3:15With praise and thankfulness to the Lord, we are pleased toannounce the 35th Wedding Anniversary of our parents and

grandparents

DIRK JAN (DIRK JAN (JohnJohn)) andand

ZWAANTJE (ZWAANTJE (TinaTina) RIEMER () RIEMER (nee Hulleman)nee Hulleman)Celebrating this occasion with them, we thank the Lord for Hisfaithfulness and abundant blessings throughout the years.

Caledonia, ON: Tina and Derek LantingSarah, Terissa, Lydia, Albert, John

Aldergrove, BC: Gary RiemerHamilton, ON: Mark and Monica Riemer

Jonathan, Marta1080 Clearview Avenue, Burlington, ON L7T 2J1

BIRTHDAYS

ANNIVERSARIES

Subscribe to

clarion@premierprinting.ca

�� ��

91865_57n8:Clarion 3/26/08 12:10 PM Page 202

APRIL 11, 2008 • 203

TEACHING POSITIONS

TheMARANATHA CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOL SOCIETY INC.of Fergus, Guelph and District, in planning for the 2008-2009

school year, invites applications forPOSSIBLE OPENINGS IN OUR

UPPER ELEMENTARY GRADESAll duties to commence August 1, 2008

Our school is located in the beautiful and picturesquesouthern Ontario town of Fergus, where one would be very

close to rural life and within easy commute ofmajor urban areas.

The school currently has 253 students in Grades K – 8.If interested in the above position or have any questions

about aspects of the position or of the school, please contactone of the following people for more information,or submit your resume to the school’s address:

Lydia VanVeen, principal519-843-3029 (school); 519-843-4062 (home)

lydia_vanveen@bellnet.caMark Veenman, Education Committee Chair

519-699-6274Applications to be addressed to:

Maranatha Christian Schoolc/o Education Committee

RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W4

NEEDEDELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER(S)ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER(S)

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER(S)HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER(S)The Board of the Covenant Canadian Reformed School at

Neerlandia invites applications for the 2008 – 09 school yearto fill 3 openings.

Applicants must be confessing members of a CanadianReformed or sister church and must possess a Bachelor of

Education degree, or its equivalent.

We are a rural K – 12 school with a projected 2008 studentenrolment of 180, and a further substantial growthpotential. Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks,

competitive salaries, a good benefits package, small classsizes with angelic children, an expanded facility, a terrific

staff, a supportive membership and Board, and acomparatively low cost of living within an hour’s drive

of big city conveniences. School membership feesremain among the lowest in the country.

Successful applicants cannot lose!Inquiries should be directed toHarry VanDelden, principal, at:

School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704e-mail: hvd@xplornet.com

Applications should be sent attention:Mrs. Sonya Van Leeuwen

Covenant Canadian Reformed SchoolPO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

The Board of Credo Christian School in Woodbridge, Ontario isseeking applications for a

GRADE 7 AND 8 TEACHERGRADE 7 AND 8 TEACHERAspirations of assuming the role of Principal,

either immediately or in the future, would be an assetbut are not required.

In light of a potential opening, we are also invitingapplications for a

PRIMARY GRADE TEACHERPRIMARY GRADE TEACHERfor the 2008/2009 school year.

Credo is a school of roughly 60 students, serving thecongregations of Brampton and Toronto. The school is blessedwith exceptional community involvement which enhances theacademic, musical and athletic programs that we are able tooffer. Our students consistently meet with success and are

well prepared to enter the high school environment. If you area team player interested in helping us maintain high

standards, we would love to hear from you.For more information, contact the Principal, Miss B. Maat

school: (905) 851-1620; home (905) 453-7480E-mail: credo@idirect.com or

Education Committee Chairman: Mr. Anthony KampenHome: (905) 927-9790; Work (905) 764-5455

Letters of application stating qualifications, experience andreferences, as well as a personal statement of philosophy of

Christian education should be sent to:Anthony Kampen, Chairman, Education Committee22 Gormley Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4A 1E2

E-mail: at.kampen@sympatico.ca

The Owen Sound Canadian Reformed School Society invitesapplications for a full-time

TEACHING POSITIONTEACHING POSITIONin the elementary grades for the 2008-2009 school year.

Duties to commence in August of 2008.Our school is located in the countryside in the beautiful Owen

Sound area, about 2 hours northwest of Toronto.Our small and growing school currently has

56 students in grades 1-8.If you are interested in this position or have any questions

about this position or of the school, please contact:Diane Jonker, principal

(519)371-4498 (school); (519)371-4847 (home)jjonker@wightman.ca

Please submit applications toOSCRS Education Committee

c/o M. NyenhuisPO Box 439, Tara, ON N0H 2N0e-mail: 9house@bmts.com

91865_57n8:Clarion 3/27/08 11:28 AM Page 203

204 • APRIL 11, 2008

FOR THE 2008/2009 SCHOOL YEARThe Canadian Reformed School Society of Flamborough, Inc.operating Covenant Christian School is in need of a PART-PART-

TIME TEACHERTIME TEACHERfor GRADE SIX MATH AND LANGUAGE ARTS

Qualified persons are asked to send their letter of application,résumé, statement of faith and view of reformed education to

the address below. Applicants belonging to either theCanadian Reformed or United Reformed churches are

encouraged to apply. For further information,please contact the Principal.Principal – Mr. G. Hofsink

(905) 689-3191 - school; (905) 383-6782 - homeApplications may be sent to or faxed to:

Covenant Christian SchoolAttention: Personnel Committee

497 Millgrove Sideroad, PO Box 2, Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0Fax: (905) 689-0191

Email: covenantchristianschool@bellnet.ca

To fill possible vacancies starting September 1,2008, the Board of the Canadian Reformed

School Society of Abbotsford, B.C.operating the John Calvin School invites

applications forPRIMARY OR INTERMEDIATE TEACHERSPRIMARY OR INTERMEDIATE TEACHERS

(Gr. K - 3) (Gr. 4 - 7)Successful applicants must:• be a communicant member of a Canadian Reformed

Church or a sister church;• be able to obtain an Independent School certificate or

certification from the B.C. College of Teachers;• be able to commence duties as of September 1, 2008;• furnish two professional references;• furnish a character reference from the applicant’s pastor.

Applicants with French proficiency would be an asset.For information contact the principal,

Mr. P.H. Torenvliet1-604-823-6814 (school) 1-604-854-5851 (home)

1-604-823-6791 (fax)Send resumes and applications to the Secretary of the Board:

c/o John Calvin School4268 Stewart Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5G2

The Board of the Coaldale Canadian Reformed School Society,Coaldale, Alberta invites applications for a

POSSIBLE POSITION IN JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGHPOSSIBLE POSITION IN JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGHWe are especially looking for candidates with qualifications in

Social Studies and possibly Band.Position would commence August 2008.

For further information, please contact the Principal.Mr. J. Harthoorn

(403) 345-4055 (school); 345-4891 (home); fax: (403) 345-6436;E-mail: ccsoffic@telusplanet.net

Letters of application should include university and teachingqualifications, and two letters of reference.

Mail to: Coaldale Christian School2008 - 8th Street, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1L1

The John Calvin Christian College inArmadale, Western Australia, has vacancies for

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERSin 2008 and beyond.

The Middle School consists of Years 7 – 9 and is a transitionbetween primary (elementary) education and secondary

education. Presently it consists of some 180 students acrossthe three year levels, who are taught by 8 full time teachersand a number of part time teachers. The Middle School has itsown dedicated facilities and draws on specialist facilities inthe wider College. It offers a full range of subjects by way of

compulsory studies and electives.The most urgent vacancy is for an English teacher.

Also urgent but not as pressing is an upcoming vacancyin the area of Science.

The vacancies are at Year 8 level, although prospectiveapplicants need to realise that over time they could be

expected to teach across the range of Middle School students,depending on the needs of the moment.

The vacancies could be suited to primary (elementary)teachers who would like to be challenged by subject material

at a higher level.The College invites expressions of interest and / or

applications for the position of Middle School teachersfrom teachers who have abilities and specialities in the

nominated areas.Applicants will be members of one of the Free Reformed

Churches of Australia or one of its sister churches. They willhave a keen desire to serve the cause of Reformed Education.

Completion of a Reformed Education Diploma will beconsidered favourably.

All teachers in Western Australia must be registered with theWestern Australian College of Teaching (WACOT).Applicants must therefore have accredited teaching

qualifications that would be recognised internationally.The School Association will assist with immigration

procedures and relocation expenses. Working conditionsinclude a salary which is based on a scale which in general

is the same as that received by Western Australiangovernment teachers.

Information regarding the criteria for this positioncan be obtained from the Principal:

Mr Alwyn Terpstra, phone: (08) 9497 0000,or by email: alwyn.terpstra@frsa.asn.au

Application forms can be downloaded fromhttp://www.frsa.asn.au

A complete application pack should include a completedapplication form, a resume, teacher registration certificate andtwo references, one professional and one from the present

pastor (or elder), and should be addressed to:Confidential – Career Application

Free Reformed School Association (Inc.)PO Box 474, Armadale, WA 6992 Australia

The deadline for applications is prior to close of business on28th March 2008.

91865_57n8:Clarion 3/26/08 12:11 PM Page 204

APRIL 11, 2008 • 205

PRINCIPALMaranatha Christian School

Due to the strong growth of our school, we are acceptingapplications for an experienced and energetic principal,duties to commence August 2008. Experience and post-

graduate work will be definite assets. All parties interested inthis position are invited to contact the chairman of the

education committee.Open to all members of Canadian Reformed Churches and

Churches with which the Canadian Reformed Churches haveecclesiastical fellowship.

Maranatha Christian School offers Grades K-8, presently with254 students, and is located in Fergus, Ontario.

Ms. Lydia VanVeen, Principal(519) 843-3029 (school); (519) 843-4062 (home)

Email: lydia_vanveen@bellnet.caMr. Mark Veenman, chairman, education committee

(519) 699-6274 (home)Applications to be addressed to:Maranatha Christian School

Attention: Mr. Mark Veenman, Education Committee ChairRR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

JOHN CALVIN SCHOOL320 Station Street, PO Box 280, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

“The Heart of the Niagara Peninsula”In anticipation of an upcoming vacancy(ies) the Board andEducation Committee of JOHN CALVIN SCHOOL invites

applications fromQUALIFIED TEACHERSQUALIFIED TEACHERS

for the school year 2008-2009. Enquiries about andapplications for these positions are encouraged.

Please contact the Principal, Mr. F.C. Ludwig, for furtherinformation, at

(905) 957-2341 School, or (905) 957-3111 HomeApplications and resumés may be faxed directly to the school

at (905) 957-2342, to the attention of the Principal,or addressed to:

The Education Committeec/o Mr. E. Ludwig, Secretary

RR 2, 7057 Concession 4, Smithville, Ontario L0R 2A0

The Board of Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MBis inviting applications for the following 2008-2009 position

MIDDLE YEARS / HIGH SCHOOLMIDDLE YEARS / HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERTEACHERDufferin Christian School is a K-12 school with

208 students and 20 full-time staff.More information about our school can be obtained byvisiting our website: home.merlin.mb.ca/~dufferin

If you are interested or would like further information,please contact the principal

Mr. Andy HuismanPhone: 204-745-2278 (work) or 204-745-3023 (home) or

Email: dcsprincipal@mts.netApplications can be sent to:

Anton Borst, Secretary of the BoardPO Box 1450, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Fax: 204-745-3441 or email: dufferin@mts.net

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.Proverbs 1:7a

With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father,the Maranatha Christian School Society

is pleased to celebrate40 YEARS

of providing covenant education!

We hope to celebrate this milestone, D.V.,with an Open House on

Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 7-9 p.m.at Maranatha Christian School

8037 Wellington Road 19, Fergus, Ontariowww.mcsfergus.ca

CHRIST in the BOOK of PSALMSPRIORITY OF PSALM SINGING

G. vanGongen; importance, need & highest priority of Psalm singingin worship services; Christ referring to the book Psalms; Christ inthe book of Psalms according to the New Testament; Christ onHimself; evangelist & apostles on Christ; His people in the Psalms(N.T.); meaning for our congregational singing; index of Psalms inN.T.; psalm singing on the decline?, etc. $12.86 + shipping & tax.

Payable to: Jerry Tillema – 519 351 4290 - 6 am - 11 pmBethel Books, 274 McNaughton Ave. E., Chatham, ON N7L 2G8For Covenant in Creation, please see Clarion Feb.29/08, page 122

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206 • APRIL 11, 2008

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APRIL 11, 2008 • 207

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