A Reformed Monthly 76th Year of Publication | June 14, 2021 | No. 3126 $5.00

Christ-centred. Creative. Canadian.

WOMEN ORDAINED IN THE CRC

Serving in the shadow of ‘maybe’ after 25 years. Cheryl Mahaffy

TWIN NIECES TURNED 25 the day let their ordination lapse. That I began writing this article. They leaves 177 active in ministry – were born in 1996, the very year about one woman for every six when the synod of the Christian ordained men. The number of Reformed Church (CRC) first ap- active clergy women has nearly proved women for ordination and doubled in the past decade, and gave congregations the option they are serving in a multiplicity of calling women as Ministers of ways. But those whose gifts of the Word. Born prematurely, call them to parish ministry say those two tiny girls spent agoniz- they’ve had a harder time than ing months in neonatal intensive men to find a post, especially as care but have thrived since then, lead pastor. nurtured and nurturing with love. Perhaps it’s no surprise: Last Can the same be said of women year, 48 years after a synodical ordained in the CRC – and of the study committee concluded that denomination they serve? excluding women from ecclesi- astical office cannot be defended Queen Elizabeth II greets Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David Onley and his wife Ruth at Buckingham Palace, 2008. WAITING FOR THE CALL on biblical grounds, a quarter of The CRC has ordained 200 CRC churches responding to a women since 1996. Some have denominational survey said they ONLEY’S INSIGHTS retired, left the denomination or Continued on page 2

David Onley, former Lieutenant Governor & polio survivor, on COVID lessons and the fragile gift of life. | Angela Reitsma Bick

HE HOLDS HONORARY DEGREES from 10 Canadian universities; he’s at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, received both the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada; he’s in “but there’s a resiliency to chil- the Terry Fox Hall of Fame, and the town where he was born named a dren that young.” Over multiple park after him. Yet when he answered the phone for our interview, the waves of the disease, occurring Honourable David Onley sounded like any other grandparent during from 1927 to 1962, an estimated COVID-19 – excited that his grandchildren, finally able to visit again, 50,000 Canadians, mostly chil- were coming over soon. dren, suffered paralysis from David Onley worked as a journalist before serving as Lieutenant polio, and four thousand died. Governor of Ontario from 2007 to 2014. He was the first Canadian Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and with a visible disability in both of those public roles. His physical Paul Martin Jr. are all polio sur- disability stems from an earlier epidemic: polio, which he contracted vivors. David Onley recovered, in 1953 at age three. but the disease left its mark. He

“I missed my family terribly,” he says of spending seven months Continued on page 3 Maaike Vander Meer

MAIL TO:

PM# 40009999 R9375 PM# 4 | Working with my dad 6 | Taking mom home 17 | COVID’s learning loss News

ORDAINED CONTINUED presiding at the communion table while pregnant with her second would not hire a woman pastor child. As she spoke the promise, and another third did not answer “This is my body, broken for you,” the question. Just 33 percent an- she felt the baby kick. “It was swered “yes.” deeply, deeply personal, not vis- Lynette van de Hoef Meyers, ible, but I felt that in my body and who graduated from Calvin felt with my people and I loved Theological Seminary this year, it,” she says. “There’s just depth was among those searching for of complexity and beauty being a post at time of writing. She re- in a woman’s body and nourish- cently preached at a church that ing my son that I think is good welcomed her warmly, yet was to bring to theological reflection.” restricting its pastoral search to male candidates. “I don’t under- CLEAR CALL, STRONG COM- stand the double standard, or MITMENT the willingness to accept female A common thread among the ‘exhorter’ but not a full-time pas- women contributing to this ser-

tor,” she writes. “I wish we could Stroobosscher Heather by submitted Photo ies is a clear sense of calling. For move beyond our discomfort or CRC Pastor delegates at Synod in 2015 (l to r): Adriana Sybenga, Bonny Mulder-Behnia, Mary Stegink, Heidi De Jonge, some, it stretches back to child- the newness of it all, and embrace Meg Jenista, Susan LaClear, Willemina Zwart, Rita Klein-Geltink and Heather Stroobosscher. hood; for others, it arrives long the beauty of how God speaks in after others see their gifts for and through women.” after one of her sermons and said, consider me a ‘safe’ person, initially due to my gender, and (whether ministry. “You preach like a man. I need to this is justified or not) are more willing to talk to me about faith, doubt “God dramatically and un- TO LEAD OR NOT rethink what I believe. I think I and traumatic life experiences than they are their church pastors in expectedly plucked me right out Of the 177 women now active can try.” their home churches. I consider this a great honour and privilege – one of my context at the age of 39 – in ministry, 102 have found that I carry with much care.” my kids were 3, 6 and 9 – and sent positions with churches. Fewer THE OTHER CALLS me to seminary,” writes Heather than half, or 41, are lead, sole or Ordained CRC women who are GIFTS IN WAITING Stroobosscher. Later, in conver- co-pastors; the remaining 61 fill not in parish ministry also serve For ordained women working elsewhere when their gifts call them to sation, she describes how drop- roles such as worship coordina- in significant ways (see graph). lead a congregation, however, the yearning for a parish post is palpable. ping in on a friend’s “Discerning tion or children’s ministry. Roles Ordained in 2018, Sara DeMoor After graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary in 2010, Amanda Your Calling Conversation” led that involve less preaching and walks alongside students as CRC Bakale waited four years before receiving a call to Community CRC to a pondering that changed her leadership – less sense of au- campus minister at the Univer- in Kitchener, Ontario. “It was disheartening,” she says. “Deeply dis- life. When she shared her call thority, historically a danced- sity of Guelph in Ontario. She heartening. I did wonderful things: got a Masters in counselling in with her pastor, his response was, around concept where women resisted ordination for years, in- psychotherapy, served as interim pastor, worked at World Renew in “It’s about time.” in the CRC are concerned. Beth tent on pursuing law – and loathe Burlington. But I had to wrestle ordination from the denomination.” As a woman answering the call, Fellinger is among the minority – to become a target in a denomin- With no call in sight (and the search complicated by the fact that Stroobosscher met challenges lead pastor at Destination Church ation “where I feared I would her husband already had a campus ministry post in Ontario), Bakale that caught her by surprise. En- in St. Thomas, Ontario. She have to continually defend my encouraged World Renew to recognize her work with young adults tering seminary meant leaving graduated from Eastern Semin- right to exist as a woman in min- as pastoral ministry. With the support of her home church and classis, her home church in Michigan, a ary in 1981, when expectations istry.” Then involvement in CRC she was ordained. “It was both joyous and sad,” she recalls. “It wasn’t CRC that did not affirm women for her future leaned to being “a campus ministry while attending a church calling me; it was a denominational position.” in office. One of her first pos- good pastor’s wife or a children’s the Institute for Christian Stud- Reflecting on what she brings to Community CRC, Bakale recalls itions put her in a congregation pastor.” Instead, she has led a ies, coupled with immersion in church restart and three church an emerging leader program, re- plants, including Destination. directed her life. “THIS was the “Being a lead pastor has been a vocation God had created me for,” gift that honored the dreams of she says. my childhood,” she reflects. Like “I don’t think I could have im- many ordained women, her jour- agined what an asset my gender ney includes experiences both could have been in campus min- ironic and hopeful. Including the istry,” DeMoor continues. “Stu- older gentleman who approached dents and faculty of both genders

THE HUSBANDS It’s often assumed that, for women, family obligations make it difficult to move. But in some clergy families, it’s men making those sacrifices. “I’ve now uprooted my husband and family twice to countries where he couldn’t work,” writes Brenda Kronemei- jer-Heyink. Heidi De Jonge’s husband, also an ordained minister, left jobs he loved twice so she could accept calls to parish ministry. He has also served as the family’s primary stay-at-home parent, she reports. “All this to say that sometimes in marriage, and in the denomina- tion, sacrifices get made in order to further important movements.”

2 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News that did not support women’s ONLEY CONTINUED in downtown Toronto, where ordination but, wanting to tap his grandparents were founding her gifts, hired her as Director of members in the late 1920s. Equipping for Ministry. “It was a struggle for me; am I still a pas- LIVING WITHIN LIMITS tor?” she recalls. “But they put As we’re talking, Onley searches ‘Pastor Heather’ on my door. And online for “epidemics in Can- they changed the rules so I could ada” and rattles off the flu of ’57, preach – but not lead.” SARS and H1N1. I ask what les- Most recently, Stroobosscher sons we might learn from pan- was hired to collaborate with an- demics of the past. “The fragil- other pastor but found her role ity of life,” he says; people with increasingly shrunken and shad- disabilities have a PhD in that owed by power imbalance. She particular lesson, with much to requested formal separation and teach others on the subject. Cop- is searching again for a call. “It underwent therapy to gain use of ing with lockdown has also been was heartbreaking to separate, his hands and arms and was even- easier for people with disabilities, but it was really difficult and not tually able to walk with leg braces Onley continues, because “they sustainable to be woman in min- and crutches. Today he uses an are more used to those limits.” istry under those circumstances,” electric scooter. “It wasn’t until What advice would Onley she says. “And this is not unique the Salk vaccine came along [in give to people who are still to my church; it’s systemic in 1953] that really blunted the true on the fence about getting the the denomination. My daughter fear that parents had of their chil- COVID-19 vaccine? Phoebe says, ‘You’re making dren coming down with polio.” “Get it immediately,” he says. strides for women in ministry. Curious about parallels be- “If you can get it sooner than im- Every time you take a hit, it’s one tween polio and COVID, I in- mediately, do that too. A lot of less hit the woman behind you itially contacted David Onley Christian doctors are supportive has to take. It makes me so proud, with a handful of history ques- of this. I just don’t know any sci- mom.’ But that’s not something I tions. But during our hour-long ence that shows the vaccines as a signed up for.” conversation, Onley shared at David Onley as a young boy. danger.” Yet Stroobosscher remains least two perspectives on the “There is a reality that a certain committed to her call. “Ministry current pandemic that I haven’t long-term care home in Toronto, abandoned because their users had percentage of people will suc- has been so much more glorious seen anywhere else in the news: died. The last three provincial governments in Ontario haven’t done cumb to any vaccine. Children in and life-giving than I imagined that people with disabilities have enough to take care of people with disabilities, Onley says. “A huge the 1950s did die from the polio it could or would be,” she writes. been disproportionately affect- percentage of the COVID deaths didn’t have to happen; many seniors’ vaccine, but it was an infinites- “I’ve worked as a waitress, a ed by the virus and that COVID homes and long-term care facilities had zero cases and zero deaths. imally small number compared professor and an editor, all jobs long-haulers are on track to raise The governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia did far superior to the total millions of vaccines. I enjoyed. I’ve also been an en- the percentage of Canadians with jobs than Ontario and Quebec.” People die. And at young ages. thusiastic church volunteer in disabilities. Epidemics of the past Essentially, people with disabilities are still treated like second class We’re just not promised any- many, many areas of ministry. certainly have valuable lessons citizens, he says, even though statistically 22 percent of Canadians thing. We really could go at any But serving as a pastor in min- for today, but more important, have a disability. Those who try to live independently often have “a time. We need to know our rela- istry feels like I’m finally doing according to Onley, is what can desperately poor quality of life,” living on less than $1,200 per month, tionship with Christ and not take what God has been preparing me be learned from people with dis- according to Onley. anything for granted.” all along to do, as though I’m liv- abilities on a regular basis. When you ask Canadians to name national heroes, two severely As we emerge from lockdown, ing in my authentic skin.” disabled people – Terry Fox and Rick Hampton – regularly show up as more Canadians receive the MISLEADING HEADLINES in the polls. “So, we’re proud to characterize them as heroes,” Onley COVID-19 vaccine, it’s a timely In 2020, the majority of COVID says, pointing out that this doesn’t happen in other countries, “but reminder for all of us – what- Cheryl Mahaffy cases – 81 percent, accord- we’re not prepared to provide the kind of assistance that could allow ever segment of the population Cheryl is an Edmon- ing to Statistics Canada – were other persons with disabilities the opportunity to be heroes. Or, if not we are in. Maybe this pandemic ton-based writer who “residents of senior citizen homes heroes, to lead lives other than lives of terrible desperation.” will finally teach us that life is a worships at Fellowship and long-term care facilities.” I ask Onley whether he thought the COVID long-haulers – the fragile gift from God. Christian Reformed “As soon as I heard that,” people taking months to recover – might be considered people with By the time our conversation Church. She stands among the Alberta wom- Onley says, “I knew something disabilities in the future. “Yes, absolutely,” he says, “a friend of mine wraps up, there’s a noticeable en who advocated for was wrong. What struck me was is one of them. In his 50s, athletic, not an ounce of fat on him – he increase in background noise on women in ecclesiastical that both government and media caught COVID in January and he’s still not back at work. He’s just Onley’s end. “I’d better let you office as long ago as the were not using the correct terms.” debilitated.” Onley thinks that more long-haulers will struggle with go,” I say, smiling. early 1980s. More about that journey in the next They should have said “disabled returning to work, raising the percentage of Canadians with disabil- Visits from grandchildren, after issue. persons who happened to be sen- ities from 22 percent to 25 “in the blink of an eye. A quarter of the a long year apart? iors and disabled persons living population.” Another gift that, Lord willing, in long term care facilities. If you And if federal and provincial governments aren’t doing enough to we won’t take for granted again. ONGOING RESEARCH are able-bodied, you do not live help, this growing demographic represents a huge opportunity for Angela Reitsma Bick This article is one in a series in a long-term care facility.” Canadian churches. “We have to examine our hearts and examine informed in part by a survey “People with disabilities form what we are doing, as we call ourselves Christian,” Onley, who was Angela, Editor of Chris- tian Courier, lives in of women ordained in the the largest single cohort affect- raised Baptist, says. Newcastle, Ont., where CRC, which is still open for ed by COVID,” he says. He de- “What percentage of our congregations is persons with disabil- she’s wrapping up a year responses at christiancourier. scribes a side lot full of empty ities?” he asks. Is it anywhere close to the general population’s 22 of home-schooling. This article is based on an ca/womencrc. wheelchairs left out in the rain in percent, and “if not, why not?” interview that took place front of Camilla Care Community Onley and his wife Ruth attend Yorkminster Park Baptist Church May 7.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 3 Guest Editorial

a new roof. I must have been five years old or so, and all of a sudden THE RENOVATION one day a bunch of guys (many of them Dad’s fellow Christian school teachers) showed up with hammers and work belts. I remember how Michael Buma | Contributing Editor interesting it all felt (a new roof on our house!), and the sense of fra- Founded in 1945 Michael is a Contributing Editor at CC. He is an academic by training, a ternity and community that I perceived among my Dad and his friends product manager by trade, and now – thanks to a great teacher and a Christian Courier’s independent working on this project together. I wanted in. Eventually I was given Canadian journalism inspires action, few months’ experience – an amateur framer and drywaller. the job of scouring the lawn for stray nails, with a one cent per-nail builds community and influences bounty as an added bonus. What a feeling! I was one of the guys, and culture for Christ I was about to be rich! Years later when I was a teenager and our new house was in need of a new roof, the crew came back, just like before, EDITORIAL TEAM & only this time I truly became one of the guys swinging hammers up PRODUCTION STAFF Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick on the roof. I can’t help but feel like something has been lost from [email protected] one generation to the next. Now that I’m an adult with a roof of my Assistant Editor: Maaike VanderMeer own, my friends mostly don’t have the skillset to help me redo it and, [email protected] Features Editor: Amy MacLachlan anyways, we’re all too busy to call on each other for this kind of help. [email protected] Reviews Editor: Brian Bork [email protected] Contributing Editor: Michael Buma I’m realizing how much I’ve learned [email protected] Contributing Editor: Peter Schuurman from my Dad, how much I’ve inherited [email protected] Circulation: Sarah Smith of his disposition, outlook, [email protected] Admin: Heather Snippe work ethic and demeanor. [email protected] Development: Jennifer Neutel [email protected] Website: Maaike VanderMeer GOING ON AHEAD [email protected] Layout and design: Kevin Tamming

Unsplash Other memories that have come back to me are more general, more [email protected] like specific feelings or the sudden recognition of shared patterns of Layout and Ad design: Naomi Francois BACK IN OCTOBER WE DECIDED TO UPDATE THE PAINT COLOURS in mind. I’m realizing how much I’ve learned from my Dad, how much collidemedia.ca our kitchen and living room, and before you know it the whole thing I’ve inherited of his disposition, outlook, work ethic and demeanor. spiralled out of control into a full-scale renovation. We’d been saying I’m recognizing the extent to which he has shown me, over the full Christian Courier is published by the for years that at some point we’d finish the basement to create an arc of our lives together, a good way to be at every stage. This is what Board of Reformed Faith Witness: James Dekker (Chair), Peter Elgersma, extra bedroom and family living space, and under the circumstances good fathers do, I think: they show the way. It makes me think of the Sylvan Gerritsma, Ron Rupke, Emma – COVID restrictions and work from home – we decided now was the pillars of cloud and fire, manifestations of God the Father, which led Winter, Jaime Spyksma, Noah Van time to act. My brother (a professional framer) and Dad (who spent the Israelites through the desert in Exodus. When it was time to move, Brenk and Sarah van der Ende summers framing during his university years) came down for a day the pillar went out ahead. And when it was time to stay put, the pillar The publication of comments, to help frame in the new basement rooms, and after that I thought I’d rested over the Tabernacle at the centre of camp. This is a helpful and opinions or advertising does not take it from there. instructive way to think about fatherhood, because I know my Dad’s imply agreement or endorsement by Here’s the thing about those TV renovation shows: they make it ability to play this role in my life flows directly from his relationship Christian Courier or the publisher. look easy. They make you feel capable, despite the fact that most of with his heavenly Father. Having a trustworthy and reliable father to The paper is published on the second the work happens off camera. Even if you don’t know what you’re follow has been one my life’s great blessings, and has enabled me in Monday of each month. doing, and even if you’re fully aware that you don’t know what you’re my own life to “travel by day or night” (Ex.13:21) in countless differ- CANADA MAIL doing, these shows kind of make you feel like you do. ent ways. Publications Mail Agreement Sort of. No. 40009999 Return undeliverable addresses to: Enough to try anyways. Christian Courier I quickly realized I was in way over my head. Although he never PO Box 124 said it out loud, I think my Dad realized it too. So, graciously, he of- Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 fered to come back and help out. And he just kept coming. The job that (ISSN 1192-3415) I naively thought would take me a week or so actually turned out to be closer to two months of both of us working three to four nights per SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe, week and full Saturdays. (We did it safely, by the way, wearing masks email [email protected] and observing public health guidelines – which is important to note or call 1-800-275-9185. during a global pandemic). One year (12 issues): $60. Six months (6 issues): $30. Two years (24 issues): $110 Please contact circulation if you cannot WORKING WITH DAD afford the subscription price but would I can’t really express how much it’s meant to me to work with my like to receive Christian Courier. Dad on finishing the basement. First of all, he really saved the day – CHRISTIAN COURIER without his skills and proficiency there’s no way that, armed with no PO Box 124 experience and a few YouTube videos, I would have been able to do Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 an acceptable job by myself. But the greater gift has been the oppor- 1-800-275-9185 tunity to spend so much time simply doing something together. While christiancourier.ca we worked, we would talk about things that interest us: sports, music, theology, the church, politics, national identity, family history, craft We acknowledge the financial beer, the outdoors, life. We made jokes and laughed a lot. We spent a support of the Government of lot of time thinking, problem solving, putting our heads together, and – from time to time – stepping back to feel good about our progress. Working with Dad has brought back a bunch of memories. One of Printed in Canada my earliest vivid childhood memories is from when our house needed Mike and his Dad, pre-COVID.

4 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Letters

CHURCH ASSEMBLY IN A ‘TIME OF PESTILENCE’ supporting Christian community One indirect result of my CC article “Our Christian Witness During during these days of continuing COVID” (christiancourier.ca, Feb. 8), was an interview with a local culture war (“A Plea for Unity Christian TV station about the controversy over the civil disobedience in the Church During Covid,” of Pastor James Coates near Edmonton that landed him behind bars. A by Angela Reitsma Bick, April letter in our city newspaper by a self-proclaimed agnostic condemned 12). A war that as Kristin Kobes the “hypocrisy” of the “religious right” for not following government DuMez’s book, Jesus and John guidelines. Thankfully, the writer distinguished between this and the Wayne, elaborates, has not just teachings of Christ. I read this letter during the interview as an ex- come into our churches but may ample of the public reaction to fellow-Christians who think they are well have been green-housed doing God’s will by disobeying the government. there. During the bubonic plague in the 14th century, funerals were Please know this decades-long banned. The dead had to be buried the next day. Richard Baxter, a CC reader joins you and prays for 17th century Puritan, some of whose books are in print today, could God to bless our mutual commit- have been addressing our situation when he asked: “May we omit ments. church-assemblies on the Lord’s day, if the magistrate forbid them?” Mark Davies BEAUTIFUL SPOT: Bert & Alice Groenenberg sent in this pho- Answer: “If the magistrate for a greater good (as the common safe- Penney Farms, Florida to of Wells Gray Provincial Park, B.C., where, Alice says, there’s ty) forbid church-assemblies in a time of pestilence, assault of ene- no cell service and “the printed copy [of CC] fits nicely in our mies or fire, or the like necessity, it is a duty to obey him.” ‘THE COLOSSIAN WAY’ backpack!” During the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, schools, churches and the- I really appreciate your editori- aters were closed to avoid the spread of the so-called Spanish flu. al on unity in the church during and writing about the last two years of the war in Nijmegen. In 1944, Newspapers offered to print sermons, service outlines, scriptures and COVID (“Plea for Unity…”). So at least 3,000 people – civilian and military – were killed in Nijmegen. announcements sent in by various clergy to help people worship at interesting to learn about what People were living in constant fear of the brutality of the occupiers in home. happened in the church in The the first half of the year, and of the constant bombing and explosions What a different attitude from those today who turn Romans 13 on Netherlands during WWII. I read of artillery for the rest of the year. Many were homeless and wounded, its head to teach that the government should obey us, not the other this editorial just after participat- grieving over the loss of dear ones; they were deprived of food, heat, way around! ing in a Colossian Way Wayfind- living in damaged houses and slept in their small cellars. The Germans J. Cameron Fraser ers webinar. The Colossian Way were becoming more and more vindictive. Many people, including my Lethbridge, Alta. is all about transforming conflict father, went to bed at night wondering whether this is the night that in the church to an opportunity there will be a loud knock on the door and the Germans will come to MAKING ROOM for spiritual growth/formation/ arrest him. With all that they still had to agonize over whether to join I’m so grateful for this profile! (“Don’t leave your faith behind,” An- discipleship. I think they are onto the new church with their brother Jan or stay in their old church with gela Reitsma Bick, April 12). Joey and Dana speak so beautifully something. You asked, “What their brother Piet, knowing that only one of the brothers would still be about their stories, and hold so much grace for a church that has hurt Shall We Then Print?” in the speaking to them after their decision. It is evil added to evil. so deeply. I’m so glad Christian Courier is giving room to voices like middle of controversy that would Ineke Neutel these, and I hope more Reformed publications (and churches) will do offer fresh perspective. I think an Ottawa, Ont. the same. article about The Colossian Way Julie Van Huizen and Wayfinders would be worth AFTER DACHAU, PAINFUL CHURCH SPLITS Hamilton, Ont. running. Our churches really Thanks, Angela, for the history lesson and your wish for the future need this and it might help to pre- (“Plea for Unity…”). AN ARTICLE TOO FAR vent schism. As I am a postwar baby, I had to learn the history of the Dutch re- God’s Word defines the Joey and Dana life as sinful when practising By the way, I’m a member of formed churches from my parents. As I remember from stories, my (“Don’t leave your faith behind”). Are they, and you, not promoting a the Washington, D.C. Christian dad, as he came back from spending 3.5 years in Dachau concentra- life of sin? A qualifying statement of your position would have helped Reformed Church. I lived in To- tion camp because he had prayed for the Dutch Queen in exile, was but now you almost condoning the lifestyle. And yes, we love them ronto for two years (went to ICS) not very pleased with the 1944 church split, even if a sister and broth- as sisters in Christ, which makes our request so much more urgent. where I first read the Christian er-in-law agreed with Dr. Schilder. We beg you to again have articles which promote the wholesome, Courier. It seems that when the church experiences strife and troubles, the Christlike life of those who have overcome sin in their life, who are Thanks for the Christian Cou- Devil is hard at work spreading more lies and trouble. suffering but with God’s help gained victory, who endured rejection rier. Wish we had something like August Guillaume for living a life worthy to be called by the Name who endured perse- it in the U.S.A.! Edmonton, Alta. cution for Christ’s sake. The secular media has plenty of articles on Joyce Ribbens Campbell the LGBTQ genre; we do not need them in CC. Greenbelt, Maryland Mary and Jack DeKok Stittsville, Ont. NIJMEGEN, 1944 Thanks for your article on lib- JOINING YOU IN PRAYER eration (“A Plea for Unity…”). I am really encouraged by your (renewed) commitment to make space Just a note: the Gereformeerden in CC for people to join in the effort to keep the unity of the paper’s Kerken in Nederland had about half a million members and the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk WINNING STORY! about two million at that time. In our April issue on “Disruption,” we asked CC readers whether Both translate as the Reformed something good has come out of the pandemic for you. Congrat- Church. The liberated church ulations to Jenny Siebring deGroot of Langley, B.C., for her win- came from the Gereformeerde ning entry! As our thanks, Jenny will receive a copy of Work and Kerken, meaning that the two Worship, and you can read about the unexpected gift that COVID million in your article should be gave her family on the next page. half a million. I have been looking at that issue

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 5 News HOLY PRIVILEGE

Taking Mom out of the care home and into our care during COVID. Jenny Siebring deGroot

Annie celebrating her 94th birthday.

now you are doing this again.” offers hours of joy. Mom delights Annie Siebring with four of her granddaughters. She might be confused about the in the constant flight of birds to reality but is so right about the the feeders. Car drives are a nev- THE DISRUPTION OF COVID GAVE OUR FAMILY an unexpected gift. ules and current reality made the wonder. er-ending opportunity for enjoy- Because of COVID, Mom is in our collective care and consideration, move, though not ideal, com- Tucking mom into bed at night ing the vistas of the mountains, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether we live close to her or pletely workable if they had the has become a precious time. tall trees, setting suns and rising far away. Our mom, Annie Siebring, will celebrate her 95th birthday commitment and support of the “What are we grateful for?” Liz moons. in the fall. She has 11 children ages 52 to 69 years old. She is Mama, rest of us. asks and they share the grati- We do not know when or how Oma, Omama and OmaOma to her grandchildren and great grandchil- tudes of the day. Then they sing a mom’s care needs might shift or dren living nearby or far away. PRECIOUS TIME prayer together, Mom’s childhood how long we might be able to March 2020 was a blur as the COVID pandemic became a reality. And so it has been for a year. prayer in her heart language. Ik continue with this arrangement. Senior care homes in the Vancouver area quickly registered outbreaks Three of us who live nearby have ga slapen, ik ben moe (I am going We do know this COVID disrup- and deaths. By mid-March, visits were no longer permitted. And then mom in our homes at least one to sleep, I am tired) / Ik sluit mijn tion has been life-giving for mom residents were not allowed to leave their rooms except for bathing day a week and share in driving to beide oogjes toe (I close both of and our family. routines. On March 24, I stood in the parking lot where I could see various appointments, having her my eyes) / Heere houd ook deze Mom always loves to end any mom looking down at me from her second-floor window. We waved, for dinner and going for car rides. nacht (Lord, even in this night) / meal or phone call or visit with blew kisses and chatted on the phone quietly. It was my birthday. It Siblings, in-laws and grandchil- over mij getrouw de wacht (Keep singing, “The steadfast love of was not the first time I wept for sadness after saying goodbye. Mom’s dren show their love and support faithful watch over me). the Lord never ceases. His mer- loneliness began to weigh on us. through phone calls and cards, Mom often talks about the safe- cies never come to an end. They A week later we gathered over zoom and decided to take mom out of mailed packages and gift cards, ty and love she felt from her par- are new every morning, new ev- the care home. We considered the homes, work and family situations fresh baking, impromptu visits ents as a child. In turn, Mom gave ery morning. Great is your faith- of the siblings who lived nearby and agreed that our sister Liz and her and longer respite care. COVID us each that love and safety when fulness, O Lord, great is your husband Tim were most able to take mom. Their modest single-floor travel restrictions make all of this we were children. Those have faithfulness.” bungalow provided the safest living arrangement. Their work sched- harder for some of us. come full circle for mom as we And then she will often add, For me, it has been a year of care for her. “That says it all, doesn’t it?” Saturdays with mom. It has been my holy privilege to give mom STEADFAST LOVE her weekly shower-bath. From One of the greatest gifts is mom’s Jenny Siebring testing to make sure the water is own gratitude and her ability to deGroot just right to scrubbing her back express it. Her morning begins Jenny lives in Langley, B.C. close to her mom and sis- and feet, washing her hair and with the familiar sounds and ters Liz, Angela and Grace. then drying her gently – it is all smells of making coffee in the Harmina lives in Kelowna, B.C. Anita and Heidi live in joy. The hesitancy and shyness kitchen. She loves the weekly Terrace, B.C. Joy and Kath- of that first shower has become Saturday morning zoom with leen live near Barrhead, AB. Elna who lives in Halifax N.S. a most blessed routine of antic- her children. She is grateful for and Albert in Lynden, Wash- ipation and laughter as well as and forming friendships with the ington have been unable to visit for almost a year. They awe at the miracle of this body home care workers who come in were all born on Vancouver that birthed us. Mom often says, the morning and evening. She Island where their parents first immigrated from the “Isn’t this something. You did appreciates pastoral visits and Netherlands and lived for Annie with three of her daughters. this for me when I was a baby and church online. Nederlandt Zingt over 50 years.

6 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER CRC Ministries within Canada

and some of his past hurts. To- DISCIPLESHIP AND day, Brian is free from addiction. ANNIVERSARIES OF And God’s work in and through A TALE OF TWO MEN Brian is having resonating ef- INDIGENOUS JUSTICE fects. Cassie Westrate, Resonate Global Mission Six years after Brian and Ter- Victoria Veenstra, Canadian Indigenous Ministries Committee ence first met, Brian had a sim- THE TABLE, a Resonate Global Mission church plant partner in ilar discipleship encounter with Thorold, Ontario, is celebrating a young man’s new life in Christ – one of his neighbors: a young thanks to a discipleship encounter this spring that seemed to echo one man named Solly. Brian crossed six years ago. paths with Solly while walking Terence Schilstra, who planted The Table, first met Brian six years up the stairs to his apartment. ago. They crossed paths outside of the school gym where The Table He introduced himself, but Solly hosts community dinners. Terence smiled and introduced himself to didn’t respond. He simply stared Brian, but Brian didn’t respond. He simply stared back at Terence – back at Brian – and then walked and then walked away. away.

Harold Roscher (centre) drums with some young friends at the Edmonton Native Healing Centre, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

AT THE CRC CANADIAN Indigen- emotional, physical, mental, and ous Ministry Committee we spiritual needs as represented in The Table meets for a gathering. The Table is a micro-church, or missional community, mark all kinds of remembrances. the Indigenous medicine wheel. one of the church-planting models that Resonate Global Mission and the denomination are pursuing. August 17th is the anniversary of The backing of the Christian Re- the discovery of Tina Fontaine’s formed Church, along with indi- But over the next few weeks, Terence kept running into Brian. Ter- But over the next few weeks, body. October 23rd is the date vidual and community sponsors, ence listened to Brian’s story. He came from a broken home, was Brian persisted. He greeted Solly Chanie Wenjack died running has allowed the Centre to expand addicted to drugs, was part of a gang, and had been to jail a few times. when he saw him, and then he away from a residential school. their services in the community. He was also interested in The Table’s community. invited Solly over for dinner. May 5th is the National Day of Not only does Roscher want to The Table doesn’t look like your typical established church in the It didn’t seem like Solly really Awareness for Murdered and see the ministry continue cele- denomination. The Table is a micro-church, or missional community, wanted to come to dinner, but he Missing Indigenous Women and brating anniversaries but he also one of the models that Resonate and the denomination are pursu- came. Brain listened to Solly’s Girls. hopes to see broader journeys of ing in church planting. The Table currently has four small groups of story, and then continued to find And while we hold and ac- reconciliation growth as strong- 10-25 people who meet together to pray, read the Bible, and live in ways to connect with him. He knowledge these heavy moments er bridges are formed between community. shared his faith with Solly and that show the necessity of con- Indigenous communities and the As weeks passed, and Brian attended The Table’s gatherings, he invited him to The Table’s gath- tinuing the work of reconcilia- CRC. started to become friends with several people. Brian also became erings. tion, we also mark moments of “We see historically the jour- more curious about Jesus. He started asking more questions and read- And as Solly learned more growth, persistence and resili- ney between the church and the ing the Bible more often. One day, he decided to follow Christ. about Jesus, he became more ence. We observe April 14th as Indigenous community has not “God has worked powerfully in Brian’s life,” said Terence. captivated by the grace, hope, the date of “Daniel’s Decision” been a good one. I think we’re It wasn’t an easy process, but The Table supported Brian every step and love of the gospel. One day, which made clear that the feder- poised in the next 30 years to of the way – especially the steps back – as he overcame his addiction Solly decided to follow Christ. al government is responsible for make some meaningful inroads Today, both Brian and Solly Indigenous people regardless of into reconciliation and recogniz- continue to grow as disciples. official or non-official status. Oc- ing each other’s gifts,” he said. Terence said Brian has “amazing tober 22nd the implementation The recently launched Hearts gifts of connecting and hospi- of “Jordan’s Principle,” which Exchanged program is designed tality” and is co-leading a Bible protects health-care for Indigen- to help further engagement be- study, and Solly is part of one of ous people. Or October 27th the tween Reformed Christians and The Table’s gatherings and is be- founding date of the Edmonton Indigenous people as neighbours ing discipled by Brian and other Native Healing Centre. The Cen- and fellow image bearers. men. tre will celebrate their 30th anni- As more Christians come “It’s incredible to be part of versary this year. together to work towards rec- this interconnected chain of Director Harold Roscher de- onciliation through the work of discipleship as God builds his scribes the centre as “simply a organizations like the Edmonton kingdom in our city,” said Ter- community for people of all cul- Native Healing Centre, programs ence. “My hope and prayer are tures, faiths, financial standings, like Hearts Exchanged, and indi- that every able-bodied Christian what have you. A place where we vidual learning, we look forward would be inspired to make dis- can meet and grow together.” to celebrating more anniversaries ciples of Jesus.” The centre seeks to address the of flourishing.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier This page is made possible through a partnership with CRC Ministries within Canada. CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 7 News

church’s loss of members. This THE UNITED CHURCH hope is badly mistaken. Despite endorsing nearly every progres- AND SEXUALITY sive cause since the 1960s, in- cluding progressive positions on sexuality, the United Church has continually hemorrhaged people Sobering lessons for other denominations. | Kevin Flatt and today has a relatively elder- ly constituency. The decline ac- celerated measurably after the 1988 decision. This is a nearly IT WAS A HOT AUGUST NIGHT IN 1988 when the crucial vote passed. universal pattern in Western so- The reactions were intense – and wildly different. Sally Boyle, watch- cieties – the most “progressive” ing from the gallery, shed tears of relief and happiness. Graham Scott churches have the most difficulty literally tore his shirt, overcome by a sense of deep spiritual darkness. holding on to members and keep- The United Church of Canada, Canada’s largest Protestant denomina- ing up sustainable levels of com- tion, had sent a clear signal of its growing acceptance of homosexu- mitment. In our own research, my ality. colleagues and I have found that What happened in the United Church in the 1980s? And is there Lightstock even within mainline Protestant anything that denominations such as the Christian Reformed Church have made greater efforts to pro- sex relationships, while maintain- denominations, the handful of (CRC) and the Presbyterian Church in Canada can learn from it, as pose reinterpretations of the rele- ing in the long run its opposition growing congregations are mark- they wrestle with similar questions? vant passages. These are no doubt to extramarital sex, are fooling edly more theologically conser- sincere, but not very convincing themselves. (Indeed, the Bible’s vative than their many shrinking THE UNITED CHURCH’S JOURNEY on exegetical, hermeneutical or opposition to premarital sex and counterparts. Conservatism is no Well into the 20th century, the United Church shared the overwhelming historical grounds. Instead, per- polygamy, while clear, is less ex- guarantee against numerical de- cultural consensus that sex outside of a (heterosexual) marriage was sonal stories of pain and exclu- plicit than its opposition to homo- cline – most Western churches immoral. The church’s position started to change in the 1960s, during sion remain the powerful heart of sexual sex.) of any stripe are struggling just the wider sexual revolution taking place in affluent Western countries. the revisionist cause. As it was in to hold their own right now – but A new generation of church leaders proclaimed that the church had too the United Church, the debate in SHARP DIVISIONS the evidence is overwhelming often been an obstacle to progress; it was time to catch up with where the CRC is as much about how we Third, any position a church that the more theologically and the world was headed, and perhaps even to lead for once. should resolve moral questions as takes on sexuality will encourage morally liberal churches are, the By the 1980s, discussion focused on whether homosexuality should it is about the specific question some and alienate others, inside less able they are to withstand the be a bar to ordination. After many years of reports, lobbying and de- under consideration. and outside the denomination. secularizing pressures of contem- ferred decisions, in 1988 the General Council decided that sexual ori- Second, the revisionist position In the United Church, even the porary Western culture. entation was not an impediment to membership or ordination. reflects a consistent moral logic restrained wording of the 1988 Both sides in this fierce debate understood the decision as the be- with broader implications. In the decision provoked the intensely THE INESCAPABLE ginning of the end of the church’s opposition to homosexual relation- United Church, acceptance of opposite reactions of Boyle and QUESTION ships, and they were right: in 2000 the General Council stated that all homosexuality was preceded by Scott. Gays and lesbians, espe- The lessons from the United sexual orientations are gifts of God. Shortly after, the church embraced increasing tolerance of premari- cially those who had lived fear- Church’s history are sobering. same-sex marriage and gave its full endorsement to the transgender tal sex and abortion and followed fully in the closet as ministers, What is at stake is not just this movement. Today the United Church is known as one of the world’s by approval of today’s full spec- for the first time felt at home in one issue, important as it is, but a strongest religious backers of the new Western sexual morality. trum of LGBTQ+ identities. With their own church. Traditionalists, denomination’s approach to mor- hindsight it is clear that the same for their part, felt that their church al authority, its place in the global FOUR OBSERVATIONS convictions drove these several had changed beyond recognition, church, and maybe even its abil- The Christian Reformed Church of 2021 is not the United Church of changes: sexual self-expression leading to an exodus of clergy, ity to sustain itself numerically. 1988. The United Church has always been more theologically liberal, is essential to who people are, laypeople and congregations. Either way, people are going to and more identified with mainstream society, than the CRC. Today’s rules about sex are exclusionary, Outside the denomination, the be hurt, and people are going to social context is also starkly different. In the 1980s the United Church and the church harms people if it United Church’s stance on sexu- leave. Yet avoiding the issue is was on the leading edge of a change in sexual mores; today the CRC is refuses to affirm their deeply felt ality inspired some other mainline not a real alternative. a holdout against a hegemonic consensus in North America. sexual and gender identities. Protestant churches, but created As useful as historical compar- Still, there are four things the CRC can learn from the experience of Scholars like Jonathan Haidt serious tensions with Orthodox, isons can be, this question cannot the United Church. (I’ll refer to those who see heterosexual marriage and Carl Trueman would argue Catholic and Protestant churches be answered by what others have as the only legitimate context for sexual activity as “traditionalists,” that these convictions, while un- outside North America and West- done in the past, or what we think and those who believe same-sex relationships, including sexual inti- usual in historical and global ern Europe. Today the different will keep people in the church. macy, are equally valid, as “revisionists.”) terms, are deeply rooted in con- positions are more sharply drawn. Above all, it is a question of what First, debates about sexuality reflect deeper disagreements about temporary Western moral tastes The CRC’s position will not only is true and what is right. May the moral reasoning. In the United Church, revisionists focused on the that emphasize harm avoidance determine who will be inclined Lord help the Christian Reformed personal experiences of gays and lesbians in the church – often expe- and fairness above other consid- to stay and who to leave, but Church, and all of us facing this riences of exclusion and rejection – and concluded that complete affir- erations, and that see free sex- also whether the denomination question, choose wisely. mation of same-sex relationships was the only truly loving response. ual expression as fundamental is casting its lot with the United Traditionalists asked a different question – what are God’s intentions to a person’s identity. For most Church and other liberal Protes- Kevin Flatt for human sexuality? – and pointed to the Bible’s specific teachings as Westerners today, the moral im- tant churches in the West, or with Kevin is professor of history the authoritative guide to these intentions. perative to accept people for who the global church. at Redeemer University and The United Church had long been willing to question or set aside they are – and avoid the harm of Finally, some hope that the re- the author of After Evangel- icalism: The Sixties and the particular Scriptural teachings, which is partly why the opposition to not doing so – readily outweighs visionist position will help the United Church of Canada homosexuality was unsuccessful despite representing the large majori- ancient texts and venerable tradi- church hold on to young people (McGill-Queen’s, 2013). He’s written widely on the history ty of United Church members in the 1980s. Today in the CRC, biblical tions. Consequently, those who who accept the social consensus and sociology of Protestant- arguments carry more weight, and advocates of the revisionist position think the church can affirm same- about sexuality, and thus stem the ism in Canada.

8 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER @ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 9 Reviews SEEKING GRACEFUL HOSPITALITY

Darren Spyksma

PRESTON SPRINKLE IS A NEW TESTAMENT SCHOLAR, author and circles. A faithful approach is from the use of bathrooms or the speaker, and in Embodied he combines story, science and scripture to given for how to support and care planning of retreats. Sexual min- explore the intersection of sexuality, gender and faith. With a comfort- for those who are considering orities in our communities face able cadence, Sprinkle explores the complex relationship between the transitioning as well as questions many unique challenges, challen- theology and science of gender with a particular focus on transgender that need to be answered when ges that put them at a greater risk identities. Both the conservative and liberal reader will find aspects of supporting those who have tran- of self harm and suicide. This re- Sprinkle’s conclusions challenging to their views on this topic. sitioned already. Taking both an ality should not be ignored, and Embodied is divided into two sections with a short but significant ethical and practical lens, Sprin- helpful, compassionate practices interlude. Sprinkle roots his work in an emphasis on how we are all kle challenges the reader and are outlined in the book’s appen- image bearers of a creative God. By starting with people and stories, those who are seeking a transi- dix. he is able to remind the reader that the topic of transgender identities is tion to “think long and hard – and not first and foremost an intellectual problem to be wrestled with, but do quite a bit of listening from a OUTRAGEOUS LOVE rather a lived experience of many Christians within our communities. diverse array of informed voices Connecting the commitment EMBODIED: TRANSGENDER Once the reader is grappling with how their approach to this conversa- – before they make an irrevers- to both radical hospitality and IDENTITIES, THE CHURCH & tion might indeed impact “the least of these,” Sprinkle explains some ible lifelong decision.” an orthodox view of sexuality, WHAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY key concepts that all Christians need to understand as they take the ne- gender, and marriage, Sprinkle Preston Sprinkle cessary responsibility of educating themselves in preparation for liv- PRONOUNS AND calls all Christians to their own David C. Cook, 2021. ing well with the sexual minority population in their church and life. BATHROOMS commitment, that of outrageous Once the reader is introduced to an appropriate posture for entering As the book draws to a close, love. “Love changes the world. into conversations focused on gender and sexuality, Sprinkle takes the Sprinkle looks at three areas that Getting furious at our cultural reader on a scientific exploration of relevant concepts which influence Christian institutions will need to moment doesn’t convince people how to view sexual minorities. He clearly explains the difference be- explore as they continue to live of the truth. Our truth will not tween sex and gender, the concept of gender identity, as well as the out their mission and vision in be heard until our grace is felt, many facets of someone living a transgender reality. There is a call the world. Though seemingly in- because the greatest apologetic for all Christian communities and families to look at the destructive significant, the use of pronouns, for truth is love.” Sprinkle chal- power of unhealthy stereotypes that are negatively impacting many bathrooms, and sleeping spaces lenges all Christian readers to Christian youth, not just those who are sexual minorities. are the most prominent area develop a new narrative in sup- where institutional decisions will porting transgender people. IN THE IMAGE OF GOD have a lasting impact on sexual Sprinkle concludes “The Bible The strength of Embodied lives in the conversational approach that minority individuals and their challenged the stereotypes per- moves seamlessly between science and scripture. Sprinkle uses both view of faith and Christianity. petuated by its own cultures. science and scripture to support a theological approach to being cre- Arguing that Christians ought And it challenges ours. We’re ated in the image of God, a male/female binary, a response to persons to be slow to speak and quick to not being biblical Christians who are intersex, the possibility of a man’s brain in a woman’s body, listen, Sprinkle encourages the when we adopt cultural stereo- or a female soul in a male body. Each concept is carefully explored. use of the an individual’s pre- types and then attempt to stuff It is Sprinkle’s willingness to present his opinion carefully, yet con- ferred pronouns. After reviewing our teenagers unceremoniously fidently, at the end of each chapter that encourages readers to reflect, the positives and negatives of into them… Our cultural moment review scripture, and consider carefully and prayerfully (preferably each approach to pronoun use, is an outrageous one. What we within community) the conclusions each chapter draws. readers are invited to see pro- need is a different way. A fresh Yet the reader is never too far away from the invitation to root this noun use as an act of hospitality. posture. A radically biblical com- conversation in humanity. Repeatedly, Sprinkle challenges the reader By refusing to use preferred pro- munity. One that affirms bodies, to “sit down to listen and love a person before waxing eloquent on nouns, Christians are no longer rejects stereotypes, pursues truth the nature of their experience.” With an emphasis on the patterns of meeting people where they are as with humility, and lavishes grace Christ’s life as the guide, the reader is reminded that each transgender they are and walking with them on everyone who fails.” person’s experience is unique and should not be addressed through as- in their complexity. Embodied challenges the read- sumptions or preconceived notions. Without knowledge of the unique In another act of hospitality, er, giving them a glimpse into the experience of a specific individual, readers are encouraged to park Sprinkle suggests eliminating complexity of walking a com- their perspective and invest in listening, love, and relationship. as many barriers as possible re- munal journey of faith which garding bathrooms and sleeping courageously includes those with STATS AND STORIES spaces on retreats. These are dif- a transgender identity. The second half of Embodied focuses on the practical realities facing ficult situations for transgender Christian individuals, families, and institutions. There is a focus on individuals. For many Christian newly developing realities present in society because of the changing institutions, renovating a bath- views on sexuality and gender. His focus on the role of discipleship room to be a family or single in charting a path for this journey allows theology and practice to be use bathroom is a positive and intertwined. Sprinkle examines hot topics like “Rapid Onset Gender practical step toward hospitality. Darren Spyksma Dysphoria” and the concerns many people have with what is perceived Choosing a posture of listening, Darren is the Director of to be an “eager medicalization of kids.” He analyzes recent statistics, Christian institutions are encour- Learning for the Society of stories of people living this experience, and summarizes his Christian aged to treat these situations as Christian Schools in BC. He supports Christian schools response to individuals and families who are walking this journey. unique and ask the individual as they work to create a The book does not shy away from the potential areas of conflict to share their needs and desires, community where sexual minority youth are seen and for every Christian community as they intentionally step toward sup- working together to bring a reso- heard. You can find Darren porting the sexual minority community both within and outside their lution to any challenges that arise on Twitter using @DSpyksma

10 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Reviews GRACE IN THE DARK

May Drost

IN HIS LITTLE DEVOTIONAL BOOK Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buech- GOOD COMPANY mercy in the person of this kind, ner says we should not look to Scripture for answers first of all, but in- Jack’s love story begins seemingly beautiful woman that knows who stead listen to the questions it asks. Good advice. Certainty is a luxury by accident. (Another question: Is and what he is, and loves him the human race can ill afford. Conviction that “we” have answers and their meeting just a random event, anyway. He cannot give her up. “they” do not has created a good deal of misery, historically speaking. or is it meant to be?) “Just when he One evening Della is wait- On the other hand, perpetual doubt can lead to misery as well, usually thought he knew something about ing for him in his room when he on a personal level. Maybe if we could ask the right questions, we the rest of his life, there was Del- comes home. Robinson writes: would be more receptive to the gifts God offers, and to extending love la.” Jack first meets Della when “This was the most remarkable and grace to others. she drops some papers and books experience he had ever had in Marilynne Robinson’s novel Jack heartbreakingly but tenderly asks on her way home in the rain. Ever his life, when he considered the questions, and invites readers to empathize with her characters as they the gallant gentleman, he helps her emotions it set off in him, joy and struggle toward answers. Many questions bedevil the title character pick her things up, and offers her bewilderment, and only a little Jack, but one stands out: What is the difference between faith and pre- his umbrella (which he has just dread, since, whatever else might JACK sumption? Robinson never implies glib answers. But, oh, the questions! stolen). He walks her home and be true, she had come to him. He Marilynne Robinson It is an astonishing novel, drenched in sorrow circumscribed by grace. she invites him in for tea. Della could actually think of no way McClelland and Stewart, 2020. Jack is a vagrant who lives in the dark, literally and figuratively. He is an African American woman, a in which he could be at fault. A is the son of the Reverend Robert Boughton, whom readers have met teacher in a Black high school. It bit later, Jack says to Della, “A in Robinson’s previous novels. Jack says he is an atheist and describes is clear that they are kindred spir- fellow told me that if the Lord himself thus: “I’m a gifted thief. I lie fluently, often for no reason. I’m a its in many ways, sensitive poetic gave this doomed soul a few min- bad but confirmed drunk. I have no talent for friendship. What talents I souls, outliers in their respective utes of grace, He wouldn’t mind if do have, I make no use of. I am aware instantly and almost obsessively families, though Della is Jack’s I enjoyed it.” of anything fragile, with the thought that I must and will break it . . . I polar opposite in other ways. And yet. Even in these loving isolate myself as a way of limiting the harm I can do.” A tender-is-the-night scene oc- and gentle moments Jack under- Later in the novel he reflects that, “as a living creature he was curs when Jack and Della meet cuts his own peace and thinks of ill-suited to the brittle, frangible world of things. It was as though accidentally, in a cemetery of all himself as “caught in the snares planet Energy and planet Order had collided and merged, leaving dis- places. The dark notwithstanding, of loyalties he could only dis- placement as the settling of the ruins.” Jack’s searing self-assessment they keep each other company in appoint.” He is convinced that shows that his is not a gratuitous, mindless dissolution. He is a lost the most luminous sense of those he is doomed to live under the soul hanging on by his fingernails and he cannot accept the world as it words. This idyllic but fragile law of unintended consequences. is, or God as he perceives him to be. He is reminiscent of Ivan in The meeting of kindred souls cannot He wonders if he should mention Brothers Karamazov and also of the self-deprecating whiskey priest in last of course, but it is a bless- that if eternity existed, his eter- The Power and the Glory. ed time nevertheless. Robinson nity would be very different from Jack’s relentless honesty about himself is one of the sources of his writes: “The black of the sky was hers. He thinks maybe Hell is despair. He has no idea why he is what he is (another question!) He dimming with light. . . . He could “No flames at all, just an eternity does not defend or excuse himself. He accepts the beatings and shake- not bring himself to look at her of disheartened self-awareness.” downs he receives on the street as a way of assuaging his guilt for directly, and she did not look at In the morning, when Della has to hurting others, and as a sort of justice. He always assumes he “has it him, both of them as still as if the leave and is at risk of being seen, coming.” He constantly dissects his own motives for the things he does kindly dark were not receding from Jack thinks, or perhaps prays, or says, and never finds them to be pure. He calls himself the prince them. What would be the one suf- “Ah, Jesus, get her home, keep of darkness. Jack’s father once said that The more scrupulous a con- ficient thing to say before the flood her safe. Keep her safe from me.” science is, the heavier the burden it carries. By that measure, Jack’s of light swept over them, now that As the novel ends, Jack and conscience works overtime. their world was ending? Amen, he Della face an uncertain future cut thought.” off from their families and their ‘JUST LOOK AT HIM’ respective cultures. They can only So he is an alien in the world and a misfit in the church. He is not com- ‘KEEP HER SAFE’ hope that love is enough to sus- fortable in his own skin, and often feels naked and exposed: “It was a Over time, even as their relation- tain a relationship that, humanly terrible thing to be looked at. He had always thought so, even before he ship deepens, it stumbles, and speaking, is doomed from the had his history written all over him.” When he is sober, he cares about Jack’s difficulties do not lessen, start. But in the context of a story his appearance and often apologizes for it. His derelict clothing is em- for now he feels additional guilt. in which darkness is a refuge, blematic of his tattered soul. One comment that hurts him deeply is “Just Whereas he as a white man has and light a threat; where a white look at him.” One can imagine that if he were to attend some eternal nothing to lose, he is jeopardizing ne’er-do-well and a Black woman feast, he would be the one not wearing a suitable wedding garment. Hu- Della’s life and career as a teach- experience love in a climate of miliation and embarrassment are his constant companions, made worse er and as a Black woman. Her racial hatred; where each shared because he feels he has brought them on himself: “Sometimes I wish I family is vehemently opposed meal is a sort of sacrament; where were just a suit of clothes and a decent shave. Uninhabited, so to speak.” to the relationship, and because hope and despair co-exist, who The climax of Jack’s misery comes in a dark-night-of-the-soul ex- of the miscegenation laws they knows? Has their destiny been perience when he spends the night alone in a pitch dark dance hall. cannot co-habit or marry. They fore-ordained, or not? “One mind by itself can fill a room,” Robinson writes. “In such a large cannot even be seen together. space there are no strategies of concealment, neither of him from his Time and again Jack resolves to May Drost

thoughts, nor of his thoughts from his unguarded awareness of them.” remove himself from Della’s life May (ac.ocegoc@1tsordm) is In this case the darkness, usually a friend, does not shield Jack from his in order to spare her further harm, a retired teacher of English demons. We can identify: Who among us has never spent a sleepless but every time his resolve deserts who lives in Sarnia, Ont. night recycling regrets and groping for a way forward? him. He has received grace and

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 11 Features

“They post different things – messages about how others in the church are doing – that run though the screen [during the sermon], but because there’s no descriptive, I don’t see it,” says Kovacs. In fact, the only reason she knows her church does this, is because someone mentioned one of the messages to her, and when she remarked she hadn’t heard that, they explained where they saw it in the sermon. “It’s these kind of things,” says Kovacs. “I’m not a dis- abled person. I’m a blind per- son. I do a lot to prove I’m an abled person; the only thing I can’t do is print.”

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES But while Kovacs can do many dif- ferent things, she still needs peo- ple to care about her challenges. The Canadian government fol- lows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are in- ternationally recognized guidelines about how organizations can make their websites and online videos more accessible for people with a variety of disabilities, to ensure ev- LEFT OUT BY LEADERS eryone can access the information A CHURCH OF EVERY TRIBE Not everyone is that lucky. On top on their sites. “I wish the church of their own personal struggles was the same way,” says Kovacs. with their sight or their hearing, Some of the problem stems Online services fall short on accessibility. | Christina Van Starkenburg some people in our churches have from a simple desire to create aes- to deal with church leaders who thetically appealing videos and simply don’t want to help them. websites. It’s hard to stare at plain WHEN LARGE GROUP MEET- British Columbia, acknowledges But what about those who can’t “Some people say, ‘but they’re white powerpoint backgrounds all INGS were suspended a year that there are indeed benefits of participate? People like Maria not my target audience,’ to end the time. We see major news orga- ago due to COVID-19, church- Zoom and YouTube, explaining Kovacs, who despite being fairly the conversation. Then they don’t nizations with text running across es scrambled to figure out what how a virtual church creates new technologically savvy, still strug- have to think about accessibility the bottom of their screens, so it an online church would look opportunities for mission work: gles because of her blindness. issues,” says Mark Stephenson, makes sense that churches should like. Would it be on Zoom or “People who are anxious, who “It’s very hard,” says Kovacs. director of Disability Concerns be able to do that, too. After all, YouTube? Would they be able have mental health barriers to par- “With our church website, the for the Christian Reformed it easily and effectively gets other to compete with all of the pro- ticipation, who are nervous about first time I tried to find the- ser Church. “They forget that the important, though not currently fessional quality videos already walking into new buildings, they mon, it took me almost 45 min- church in Revelation 7 is a relevant, information across. But posted? Should each church can join a Zoom meeting or watch utes. I almost gave up.” church of every tribe and lan- ignoring the contrast between the continue to create their own a previously recorded YouTube If times were normal she could guage,” which includes those written text of a song and the back- sermons? Or should they join video and try things out.” call someone to come over and with disabilities. ground, or overlooking the fact that together with other churches in It’s not just attitudes and poor- closed captions often run across the their diocese, classis or presby- It's about setting the table for when people ly designed church websites that bottom of the screen right where tery, and let the larger churches, cause roadblocks for some indi- the extra information is displayed, which already had a good on- are ready to come and eat. viduals; how churches present forces some people to the side, and line presence, shepherd every- their sermons can also be prob- signals that they are unimportant to one for the time being? And they’re not the only ones help. But times, as we all know, lematic. Zoom and YouTube have their church community. Of course different churches who are better able to engage are anything but. “It’s aggravat- the option for closed-captioning, did different things and most in a church community because ing,” she says. “Nobody wants but not every church uses that fea- BEING PROACTIVE scrambled through in various it was forced into the online to come here,” and, unless they ture and not everyone knows how If you’re not sure where to start, ways. Unfortunately, one topic sphere. People who are home- know what her system looks like, to turn it on, so those who struggle Kovacs points out that it would that was often left out of these bound, caregivers without re- trying to explain to her where to to hear can’t follow along. be useful for those who work important discussions was how spite, parents of young children, look and what buttons to click Most churches still use videos for her church to understand the accessible these options would people with no transportation, over the phone is challenging that are not described and have systems she uses to interact with be for those who have some and many others are now easily at best. Luckily for Kovacs, her no audio besides instrumental others online. form of disability. able to join in, listen to the ser- church’s secretary has seen the music, which means those who And if churches aren’t sure Caroline Short, a regional ad- mons, and connect with fellow system she uses and was able to struggle to see have no idea what what needs there are, how about vocate for Disability Concerns in congregants. talk her through it. is happening. asking? “You can think together

12 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Features and engage with the folks. Ask ‘what do you need so you can participate as fully as possible?’” says Stephenson. Both Kovacs and Short caution not to stop once you’ve met the needs you can see easily. “When churches are choos- ing web accessibility, it’s not always about filling needs you know about. It’s about setting the table for when those peo- ple are ready to come and eat,” says Short. People like Krysia Emily Waldock, who is autistic and likes online church because there is less stimulation. As she explains in an article for the Lightstock. Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health and Disability: “I have enjoyed being in a space for those not living locally. How is your congregation preparing that does not overwhelm my DIGITAL DILEMMA? now for the post-pandemic world that is fast approaching? senses and being able to listen, In resourcing local congregations these days, I ask, “What is be and focus.” It gives Waldock one thing you have started as a church during the pandemic that more time to think about what Applying what we’ve learned for a post- you hope will continue?” and “What is one thing you have let she’s heard and any questions pandemic church. | Ross Lockhart go of as a church that you hope to never pick up again?” As you she might have, and she can might imagine, the majority of responses to the first question avoid encounters with people involve technology, and the positive impact it has had on church who tell her to find somewhere YEARS AGO, I DEVELOPED a course entitled “Catechesis and life. For example, many have said that small group ministry is else to worship or disregard the Community,” looking at new forms of Christian community and easier to access from home (no travel time) and breakout rooms extra support she needs. how the faith was being transmitted in a post-Christendom world. I provide a more intimate space where more introverted people Sometimes churches may nev- included a whole class on “online church.” At the time, the inclusion can find their voice. Others have noted that hosting evangelistic er know who has been blessed of a digital Christian presence was met with raised eyebrows as outreach programs like Alpha online connects with a wider group because of their decisions to be some openly asked, “online church – is that even a thing?” My, of people than before, and the barrier of having to enter a church more accessible. Other times, how times have changed! After more than a year of pandemic building to explore Christian faith has been removed. And of those individuals may need a with closed church buildings, so many congregations have played course, there are many who comment on how online worship while to feel comfortable enough catch-up with their digital presence, and the theologically fraught enables those who were previously unable to attend in person to come forward. questions of how to live out an incarnational faith like Christianity (due to mobility, health, transportation or weather concerns) can Short shared a story about a in an “ex-carnate” online space. My colleagues Jason Byassee and now participate more fully in worship of Father, Son and Spirit. woman who felt called to in- Andria Irwin have just published a new book entitled Following: But what about the things we have stopped doing as terpret her church’s sermons in Embodied Discipleship in a Digital Age. In it they ask out loud congregations during the pandemic? Will we leave those behind? sign-language. No one in their a question many have been wondering, “how can the church use Many of our “church traditions” involving fundraising have church needed sign-language, technology with hope, rather than being used by it?” paused, such as flea markets or rummage sales as well as social but the feeling didn’t leave. One If fear of technology kept many churches from engaging gatherings. Looking to a non-pandemic world again, technology year later a couple of individu- digital opportunities prior to the pandemic, now, out of comes into play. Church leaders have told me they are wondering als came forward and thanked necessity, many are asking what a post-pandemic church with how many committee meetings they really need, and whether her for translating the sermon they could have them online. Really important conversations for them. How is your congregation preparing now are already underway in many churches about the use of their “[Web accessibility] doesn’t for the post-pandemic world? buildings and how they might better leverage their physical assets always feel urgent,” says Short, for Kingdom work in light of what COVID-19 and technology “but if it can be diligently pur- have taught them. sued, then things can happen,” a digital ministry will look like. As Carey Nieuwhof recently In their book Following, Byassee and Irwin argue that the and our brothers and sisters who observed, if the question following the pandemic is, “Should digital space does not replace the need for in-person gathering. are often overlooked can finally, ministry be digital or physical?” then the answer is, “yes.” Instead, the digital relationship should lead to the incarnational. fully engage with the rest of the Will churches continue to build upon the gains made during Indeed, we all live hybrid lives these days – partly online and church family. the pandemic with relational connections online? The Angus partly in person. As many Christians long to return to the Reid Institute’s recent poll of faith-based Canadians this personal connections lost during the pandemic, the question spring seems to think so. The survey revealed that more than Christina Van remains: Has this extended experience of digital community life Starkenburg three times as many people say that they would maintain the changed our patterns of behaviour and gathering for good? availability of online services rather than discontinue them post- Christina is a wife, moth- pandemic (56 percent versus 17 percent respectively). Recently, Ross Lockhart er of three, and writer. To read more please I was working with a Reformed congregation that has seen such Ross is Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at The University of British visit her at christinavan- an increase in online worship attendance during the pandemic, Columbia. starkenburg.com or on the leadership decided to name one of the elders specifically Facebook @christinavan- as the “online Elder” for pastoral care and support, especially starkenburg.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 13 INDEPENDENT LIVING Life Lease & Monthly Rentals with Enhanced Services

Our enhanced services feature three Chef prepared meals per day, weekly housekeeping, flat laundry service, a full activity program, scheduled transportation and an emergency response system

Contact us @ (905) 988-9414 [email protected] 1128 Vansickle Road North, St. Catharines

www.MartindalePlace.com | facebook.com/MartindalePlace

14 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

that puts self and family at the top of design help. Eggs for bread. Not DON’T GO IT ALONE one’s bucket list. just going for coffee but folding My friend Kate Schat wrote re- laundry or weeding the garden Curt Gesch | [email protected] cently that she had noticed, too, while you chat? Building friend- among homesteading types that ship and community based on Curt lives in Quick, B.C. He recommends moving a piano as a good self is highly vaunted but is an more than just talk, but accom- practice exercise for building community-reliance. illusionary goal at best. Here’s plishing things together.” what she wrote: Thanks be to God that, in a IN A FAMOUS MOVIE CALLED Shenandoah (1965), Jimmy Stewart’s “[This week] I planted 2-3 flats world in which individualism character says grace before he and his family partake of a table heaped of onions, started from seed by a and self-reliance can become not with food produced on their farm. friend of ours. When I did a live just ideals but idols, a younger Lord, we cleared this land; video for my insiders blog in Feb- generation is promoting commu- We plowed it, sowed it and harvested it. ruary, of my seed stash and what I nity as the God-intended state of We cooked the harvest. planned to seed, he watched it and human life. It wouldn’t be here – we wouldn’t be eating it – if we hadn’t then called me on the telephone: ‘I done it all ourselves. heard you can’t start your onions Helping out a neighbour. We worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel, because of the activity of your Kate Schat and her husband But we thank you just the same anyway, Lord, for this food wildcard rascal toddler and being what we should be striving for]. I we’re about to eat. Amen. pregnant. . . . I will come pick up don’t think we are meant to know Marius live in Quick, B.C. This prayer reminds me of the fierce pride I encountered amongst with their five children, often-isolated immigrants to Canada. To be sure, neighbourliness and “The church is church only when it is hogs, chickens and a milk community actions were highly appreciated, but there seems to re- there for others.” cow, where Kate makes main, even today, almost a cult of self-reliance. cheese, butter and yogurt. “Be all you can be” and “there’s nothing you can’t do if you try hard –Dietrich Bonhoeffer Marius is famous for plant- enough” seem to be the active aphorisms for many people . . . and not just among those pioneers. Being independent (off the grid), doing your seeds and start them for you’ how to do every. single. thing, ing 400+ potatoes each May. whatever it takes to get the job of your choice, raising money for caus- and he did. He babied those seed- or have the capacity to do it all They appreciate community es dear to you, and providing for your own seem to me to indicate that lings along in his house and green- either. I think it’s about learning help at potato-digging time. self-reliance and self-sufficiency constitute the ethos of many of us. house for months! all the skills you can, and then He also provides moose, More and more I feel that using those skills in bartering and deer and bear meat for the THE ILLUSION OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY self-sufficiency has nothing to trading. Like trading the skill of family and friends. I was recently alerted to the fact that many of my counter-cultural friends do with turning into ourselves, carpentry: fixing a barn and trad- – young ones! – are not immune to the independent, pioneering mentality but ‘community sufficiency’ [is ing for hay. Childcare for graphic

FOR THOSE WHO HOME DEPOT PRAYERS DELIVER MAIL As she bounds up the steps of our Roland De Vries | [email protected] home, our postal carrier is keeping us connected with the wider world. Roland teaches at The Presbyterian College, Montreal. He likes Sometimes she delivers bills, yet to explore culture and play with words. even bills keep us in contact with someone who has served us or AMONG THE GIFTS OF the pan- tered in just the past few weeks. blessed us. On occasion she brings demic, I would suggest, is our hand-written notes from someone increasing attentiveness to FOR THOSE WHO INSTALL who insists on yester-year’s tech- everyday work and workers. WINDOWS AND DOORS nology; a greeting inscribed with Over past months there has O God who provides home and pen and paper. O God of covenant unsplash tock. Yildirim Umit been a new energy given to shelter, we lift to you those who and relationships, we thank you our congregational prayers for install windows and doors. As for those who deliver our mail, I needed. Those boards will con- help us to live well within such front-line medical workers, for they pry out old, rotted win- doing their part to keep us in touch stitute new benches in our quiet structures; lawyers who help us those who deliver online orders, dow frames, scattering dust with the wide world. We pray that courtyard in the middle of the understand and interpret the law. and for staff in grocery stores. and splinters of wood, they their work may contribute to the city. O Living God, thank you In the writing of contracts and the As we enter the new normal of thwart drafts and mildew. As building of relationships oriented for the kindness and patience of vetting of policies, they provide worship in the days ahead, my they install new windows and to the way of our risen Lord. retail staff. Thank you for their us with essential help. Through hope is that our shared prayers doors, they provide protection performance of the simple task their professional competence we for everyday work will be en- against wind and cold and rain FOR THE PATIENCE OF of cutting lengths of board in ser- are able to work together with riched and deepened – that we and heat. Remind each one RETAIL STAFF vice of a quiet spot to sit and re- transparency and integrity and in will remember that most of us that their work with hammer The guys at the Home Depot flect and pray. Bless the work of the ways of justice. We pray your participate in God’s mission and level and cordless driver were helpful and patient. When their hands, feet, and voices. blessing on lawyers, that their through our everyday work; are your work for the wellbe- I realized I’d gotten the wrong service may be for the upbuilding that our everyday vocations ing of others. As we celebrate length of 2x4’s and 2x12’s, they FOR THOSE WHO INTERPRET of our shared life in institutions, are a means by which we serve their work, O God, we also re- loaded them up and trundled THE LAW and for your glory. Christ in the world. As an en- member and pray for those who them back to the shelves with O living God, our life together is May all such prayers be offered couragement in this direction, live without such protection me. They showed me where the often within the structures of in- through the one who is the Lord I offer these prayers for some from the elements; we pray for correct lengths were and then cut stitutions and organizations, and of our daily lives; Jesus, the risen of the workers I have encoun- the coming kingdom of Jesus. them to the more precise lengths we thank you for lawyers who one.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 15 Columns

“That young lady should have a party at her knees and invite her skirt down.” Jack turned nine in June. My birthday that year was Friday, August 13th. Big words fascinated me, like triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). Some folks believed Friday the thirteenth to be particu- larly unlucky. I thought it was neat to have it as my birthday.

This year we have another summer of “65,” as we both reach that golden age that entitles us to full Canada Pension and seniors’ dis- counts pretty much everywhere. The God who blessed our childhood Our bikes are a little more powerful these days! continues to care for us through all ings. Everyone went home when these years. SUMMER OF ‘65’ the streetlights came on. A nickel bought a Popsicle When I turned 30, I was fond of telling people, “I’m 30 and my Heidi VanderSlikke | [email protected] big enough to share with a husband is 30 too.” I repeated the joke every ten years. Until we hit friend. The Five and Dime 60. Somehow it didn’t seem so amusing anymore. Now we’re reach- Heidi lives in Mapleton Township, Ont. Her life and writing centre on faith, family and farm life. Store offered a treasure trove ing the midpoint of this decade and I wonder how that’s even pos- of cool stuff easily affordable sible. Somewhere in my heart that carefree nine-year-old still lives. on a 15 cent weekly allowance. (I know it’s true for Jack as well, since I see the young boy emerge IN THE SUMMER OF 1965 JACK AND I were both happy-go-lucky nine- On rainy days we might watch now and then.) Living on a farm, summer days are at least as much year-olds, living life between grades three and four. We grew up about reruns of Gilligan’s Island or about work as play. We’re not exactly “happy-go-lucky” anymore, 15 miles apart. Although we never met, I wonder if maybe we ever Green Acres. Sometimes I bor- but life is still very good. stood in the same lineup for ice cream at the Stoney Creek Dairy. That rowed my brother’s transistor “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before was one of the best places to be on a hot summer day. radio and we sang along with one of them came to be,” says Psalm 139. The God who blessed our Gasoline cost 30 cents per gallon. No one cared about fuel conserv- four young Brits known as childhood continues to care for us through all these years. As we ation. The only electric cars were the ones on a toy race track. The Beatles. My father called watch our grandchildren racing around the yard with youthful en- A kid with a bicycle was fancy free. If you told your parents where their haircuts ridiculous and thusiasm and boundless energy, we’re keenly aware of how swiftly you were going and showed up on time for meals, you could spend hours frequently suggested that they time passes. While it’s fun to reminisce, there’s no need for undue away from home. We biked all around town and often to the nearest pub- should do time in the military. nostalgia. Every stage of life brings its own unique joy. God is good lic swimming pool. Jack lived close enough to ride to Lake Ontario. He Mini-skirts rocked the fashion through all the seasons and faithful for all eternity. That truth grows spent happy days constructing forts from scrap wood and cardboard, or world. My friend’s mother, ob- more precious with each passing day. zooming down the Niagara Escarpment with his buddies. Kids in our serving some teenager in a short And guess what? My birthday this year is on Friday the thirteenth neighbourhood gathered together to play tag or hide and seek in the even- skirt would often comment, again! Is that cool, or what?

with the COVID-19 pandemic, we paused the work with infographics. And Janneke? POWER OF THE VISUAL At home, we relied solely on her eye gaze with objects and spaces that Janneke has yet to show con- were in the room with her. For example, after an activity such as a walk sistency in her indication of Sara Pot | [email protected] outside, I would ask her if she wanted to watch a show on the T.V. or rest choices while seated in her wheel- The Pot family story includes daughters Rachel and Janneke in bed. Due to the proximity of the choices, she was able to show me her chair. Yet when she is in her walk- who are severely disabled but radiate joy and grace. choice by looking to the left at her bed or her right at the T.V. Though er at school, she is determined to this was working, we knew this wasn’t sustainable long-term. make her way to either the gym or the outdoors. We hope one day we MY MOTHER-IN-LAW recently and Janneke, I have learned so TEAM EFFORT will learn her language! moved into a long-term care much about communication and When Rachel started high school in September, we began working home in our neighbourhood, so I the power of the visual. with an augmentative communication team from the local children’s am able to walk over to see her. treatment centre. Together, we discussed common choices Rachel has Her present health on account of WORKING WITH CHOICE each day, both at home and at school. I talked about how we take aging has made it difficult for her A number of years ago, we intro- walks at home and sit in the butterfly garden. School staff created their to remember names and events duced some pictures with Rachel, list of common choices for Rachel. well. When we talk together, as a way to communicate choice. As a result, a book was created with familiar infographics that now there are times when she has dif- We used simple infographics, travels between home and school each day. The back of the book is ficulty recalling. Yet when I pull presenting two options as a covered in a soft material similar to felt. Each graphic is laminated up pictures to remind her, she choice. For example, we used a and has velcro on the back. This allows anyone to attach the graphic shares specific details and sud- red stop sign for no and a green to the back of her communication book. Our first step is to create a denly a whole story spills out. circle for yes. Facing Rachel, connection between the infographics and what they represent. For ex- When my daughters Emily with one graphic in each hand ample, before working on choices, we are establishing what the info- and Sophia were young, they and held at least a shoulder’s graphics “get out of chair” and “listen to book” look like (see photo). would create all kinds of pic- width apart, we tried to develop a So far, we sense Rachel is paying attention. Time will tell us more. tures to explain their stories, and routine with her eye gaze on the Creating connection through communication is a beautiful thing. The many of their first words were graphic to indicate yes or no. beauty is found in the unique and different ways we share our stories initiated with common sign lan- This worked well enough with and our preferences. This beauty requires patience in waiting for re- guage. Now as a mom of two her peers supporting her at school, sponses – and, at times, for our memory to recall, but the connection non-speaking daughters, Rachel but when our world was turned is worth the wait. Rachel and her new book.

16 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

POST-COVID PLANS lar path, with many bumps ahead known columnist Fareed Za- are expected to favour places to achieve changes he introduced karia. He predicts we could lose with good health care more than quickly. The response to World some recent gains in reduction in the past. Kathy Vandergrift | [email protected] War I is widely seen as a missed of global poverty. Gaps between Kathy, a public policy analyst, brings experience in government, social opportunity to make changes – well-resourced and poorly-re- THE WILL TO CHANGE justice work and a Master’s Degree in Public Ethics to her reflections. and that contributed to World sourced households within Can- The evidence suggests that so- War II. The bubonic plague wid- ada might grow wider, depend- cieties with less inequality can ened gaps in the global world ing on next steps. While some manage pandemics better than I’M HEARING A LOT about learning sult of COVID. Pandemics can societies with a high level of from COVID-times and making be equalizers because all people inequality. One factor is higher some course corrections in our face a common enemy. levels of trust when people share society. Expectations for change But improvement is not in- many aspects of life. In highly run high in some communities. evitable. My experience with monetized societies, life for the There is a long tradition of crises change after other tragedies, such wealthy is so different from life and tragedies leading to significant as child deaths, makes me worry for those with few resources that social change. In fact, advocates about a return to entrenched hab- it is hard to maintain common talk about not letting a tragedy go its, harmful ones as well as hugs. purpose for a common good. to waste. Turning bad into good is A reality check reminds us that Outcomes are not inevitable or also a strong Biblical theme. Are COVID also increased some so- pre-determined. The most crit- the current expectations realistic? cial divides, which can be major ical factor is human agency, the What will make a difference to barriers to change. will to make change. Right now achieve needed changes? there is a high level of knowledge COVID-19 raised public NEW DIVIDES about what needs to change, but awareness of many social justice Lessons from history are mixed. less certainty about the will to issues. There is wide agreement Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New change. Those who read Scrip- on the need to show greater re- Deal in the United States is of- at that time. Polio, on the other big companies have benefited, ture are not surprised that our spect for essential workers – and ten cited as an example of cri- hand, led to a high level of global local innovative businesses may moral resolve to make changes adequate pay and sick leave. Fix- sis-inspired reform. His personal solidarity to almost eradicate it. not survive. There could be a ourselves and work for changes ing support systems and cracks experience with polio helped to The potential to go backward new divide – between places in our society will determine if in systems, such as nursing propel change and take advan- or forward is highlighted in a with good health care systems post-COVID Canada is a more homes, education and child care, tage of that moment. President new book, Ten Lessons for a and places with weak health care or less just society where all cre- has higher public support as a re- Biden seems to be trying a simi- Post-pandemic World, by well- systems. Tourists, for example, ation can flourish.

EDUCATIONAL FINDINGS sources have been added to make DUTCH DATA ON COVID’S LEARNING LOSS The results of the study were not the online experience richer. We encouraging. Students showed a also realise that attention to online Rudy Eikelboom | [email protected] taged students receive enhanced learning decrease about equivalent learning is essential. In addition, Rudy, who has grandchildren in first-year university down to junior financing), individual schools to the schools’ period of closure this study focused on academic kindergarten, is a pastoral elder at Waterloo Christian Reformed Church have a significant degree of au- (7.2 weeks) compared to previous performance based on standard- and a psychology professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. tonomy, and parents have the years. In other words, students did ized tests and did not ask about the flexibility to send their children not appear to learn much while school closure’s social or mental MANY PEOPLE ARE WONDERING about the effects of pandemic-induced to the fully funded school of their they were at home. This loss was health effects. We all realise that school closures. Here in Ontario’s third wave of the pandemic, schools choice. To maintain quality con- true for all ages, for girls and boys, schools provide more than an aca- are closed again (with some exceptions for special needs students). It’s trol, standardized testing is done and regardless of how good a stu- demic education, helping our chil- possible the year will finish online. While the closures are necessary from in late January and June. dent they were. The tests included dren learn social skills and how to a medical standpoint, what effect do they have on our children? In 2020, Dutch schools were mathematics, spelling and reading, interact with others. Finally, the Recently, researchers in the Netherlands, led by Per Engzell, exam- closed for eight weeks, from and the losses were similar in all focus was on Grades 4 to 7, so it ined an eight-week closure of Dutch schools during the first wave of March 16 till May 11, so the tests three subjects. The only differen- is not clear how closures impact COVID-19. The Dutch have a rich data collection system to make bracketed the closing. Data from tiating factor was home life. For younger and older students. sure students are receiving a quality education. While funding for 2020 was compared to data from disadvantaged homes – in which But overall, the scale of the learn- schools is centralized and equitable (schools with more disadvan- the previous three regular years. parents had the lowest levels of ing loss and the disproportionate The study involved 350,000 education – the educational losses effect on marginalised students eight- to 11-year-old students. The were up to 60 percent larger. suggest the pandemic may have Dutch have among the best rates While this study is the best evi- a significant impact on our chil- of broadband internet access and dence to date of the adverse effects dren’s education. These losses provided students with devices of switching to online learning from are something that teachers and to study online when the schools in-school education, some cau- schools will need to consider this were closed. And the eight-week tions should be noted. This closure fall when we hopefully return to closure was short in comparison happened very quickly in the first more stable in-class instruction to many other countries’ experi- response to the pandemic. People as the vaccines become widely ences. In many ways, the Dutch may have assumed that online administered. Our prayers for our situation represents a best-case learning would be a short-term ex- children, teachers and others in- scenario for school closures, so perience and so were more relaxed volved in their education are that it is interesting to see how grade about their children’s work ethic. schools may safely reopen soon to school students did in these Since we in Canada have experi- help our children grow into their circumstances. enced multiple closures, many re- full God-given potential.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 17 Columns

BOB: give glory to people rather than OUR CHILDHOOD BIJBEL Anne De Vries’ Kleuterbijbel to God. As literature, they fail be- Vertelboek is written at about our cause they are transparently false Bob and Louisa Bruinsma level of proficiency in Dutch and to experience. Writing intended provides us with a fresh look at to delight has far more power to Bob is a retired Professor of Education (The King’s Univer- sity) and Louisa is a retired high school English teacher many favourite Bible stories. It instruct than writing explicitly teaching ESL (now via ZOOM). They live in Edmonton. may be difficult to be more nu- calculated to do so. anced with little children, but I LOUISA: am struck by the general notion LOUISA: I found a treasure at the Thrift Store. It was an Anne De Vries Kleuter- among adults as well that good I’m not sure how you would bijbel Vertelboek (Kindergarten Story Book Bible). Though the stitch- people will be rewarded and bad include a Bathsheba story in a ing is broken and some pages missing, Bob and I are taking turns ones punished. After all there is Kleuterbijbel. That has its own reading it out loud after supper for devotions. Initially, we stumbled both a heaven and a hell, is there complications. Anne De Vries on lots of the Dutch words, but we are getting pretty good at phras- not? The problem with this sim- does manage to deal with the vi- es that bring us back to our childhood when our parents read these ple binary moralism is that it is olence of the crucifixion. I love verhalen to us. Sixty years later, I still get choked up when Joseph based on a theology of salvation the wonderful account of Mary reveals himself to his brother (“Ik ben Josef!”) or when the old Father by works that locates human crying at the tomb, and the gar- can’t believe his eyes when he recognizes the limp of his prodigal son worth in personal behaviour and dener asking “Vrouw, waarom returning home down the lane. self-improvement rather than in for emulation, although without huil je?” (“Why are you cry- How simple it is: two columns of characters – obedient, good the inherently created value of all the accompanying “God talk.” ing?”) – so like the voice of my (gehoorzaan) and bad (lelijke, boze), just like in fairy tales. Little con- human beings who are saved by In fact, religious moralism is mother when I had hurt myself fusion between right and wrong. David with his harp, but no Bathsheba. grace alone. secular virtue dressed up in re- as a child. When Jesus said her Judas with ulterior motives (but for three years he was a follower!). Moralistic stories are al- ligious language. At the Sunday name, Mary’s eyes were opened. Mary chose the better way, but Martha should listen more. (Yet some- most always didactic, teaching school level, it takes the “Heroes The men from Emmaus with one had to make the coffee and do the dishes!) heavy-handed, transparent “les- of the Faith” approach. “Dare to their sophisticated theology I wonder whether this simplistic approach to right and wrong be- sons.” They tend to read like be a Daniel” is an example, and didn’t recognize Jesus. havior has damaged our way of thinking about morality by ignoring (bad) sermons disguised as sto- it is revealing that Daniel’s vir- As we age, we see differently, the complexity of behavior. It makes us so judgmental and unaware ries. Secular versions of moral- tue rather than God’s protecting mostly “through a glass darkly,” of the need for our own cleansing. Worse, we don’t dare to share our ism are hardly different from re- grace becomes the central focus but we do grow in seeing the own darknesses because then our communities will place us in that ligious ones in that they hold up of the story. Theologically, mor- depth of grace, often in the places “bad” category. specific exemplary individuals alistic stories fail because they we least expect.

LISTENING FOR TRUMPETS do not think about it at all – let’s day there was thunder and light- cf. 150:3). enjoy life now. Few are listening ning . . . and a very loud trum- The Prophets warn of the sound Tom Wolthuis | [email protected] for trumpets. pet blast. Everyone in the camp of the enemy’s trumpets com- trembled. Then Moses led the ing in judgment (Isa.18:3, Jer. Tom is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church and the Director of WHY TRUMPETS? people out of the camp to meet 4:19). Ezekiel is called to sound Geneva Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa. Trumpet is our translation of with God.” the trumpet of warning (33:2-6). the Hebrew “shofar,” the hol- In Numbers the sound of the These are also the trumpets of LATELY, I KEEP HEARING trumpets. No doubt, when that happens low ram’s horn. In Jewish prac- ram’s horn called people to break Revelation 8-11. Did you hear them at Prince Phil- someone will say, “I’ve never tice, based on Leviticus, it is camp and move on. Trumpets ip’s funeral? “Taps” was played at liked trumpets in worship.” still blown on Rosh Hashanah were a sound for battle and vic- LISTENING FOR TRUMPETS my father-in-law’s military inter- (Jewish New Year) and Yom tory, especially at Jericho and Like a car horn, trumpets warn. ment ceremony last month. I read SECOND COMING Kippur (Day of Atonement), Gideon’s triumph. Trumpets Trumpets get our attention. “I trumpet texts at the funeral. In the 1800s the Seventh Day both in early Fall. Both stand were blown at the king’s coron- appointed watchmen over you “Listen, I tell you a mystery: Adventist and Jehovah’s Wit- for renewal. ation and in praise of the Great and said, ‘Listen to the sound We will not all sleep, but we will nesses predicted the trumpets, In the Hebrew Bible we first King. “God has ascended amid of the trumpet!’” (Jer. 6:17) Lis- all be changed – in a flash, in the but Jesus did not return. Hal hear trumpets in Exodus 19. shouts of joy, the Lord amid the ten for the prophetic trumpets of twinkling of an eye, at the last Lindsey and the Left Behind “On the morning of the third sounding of trumpets” (Ps. 47:5, justice. trumpet. For the trumpet will books and movies picture it, but Trumpets announce God is sound, the dead will be raised in the 1980s Jesus was not heard. here at work. They call us to imperishable, and we will be Even Harold Camping, raised in celebration and to join into new changed” (1. Cor. 15:51-52). the Christian Reformed Church, things. “On the Lord’s Day I was “For the Lord himself will who led others to high expecta- in the Spirit, and I heard behind come down from heaven, with a tions in 1994 and 2011, was let me a loud voice like a trumpet” loud command, with the voice of down. Second Coming notes (Rev. 1:10) Listen. the archangel and with the trum- aren’t trending now. Trumpets awaken us to the pet call of God, and the dead in Some people are optimistic present and encourage us for the Christ will rise first. After that, progressive Post-Millennials: the future. Sing the last stanza of the we who are still alive and are church will reform society into the hymn “God of All Ages” with the left will be caught up together Kingdom of God. Others are pes- opening trumpet notes. “Refresh with them in the clouds to meet simistic spiritualistic Pre-Millen- thy people on their toilsome way the Lord in the air. And so we will nials: God will deliver us from this / lead us from night to never-end- be with the Lord forever. There- evil world and bring us to heaven. ing day / fill all our lives with love fore encourage one another with A-Millennials realistically look at and grace divine / all glory, laud these words” (1 Thess. 4:16-17). the conflict now. Most Millennials Tom Wolthuis blows his shofar. and praise be ever thine.”

18 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

ALEXA, TELL ME A JOKE fusion since the word intelligence is typically associated with being Derek Schuurman | [email protected] human. Perhaps a better term for Derek is a professor of computer science at Calvin University and the field of AI is “data science,” a has published in the area of machine vision for robots. term that emphasizes the reliance on data and the science of ex- tracting patterns from that data. “ALEXA, TELL ME A STORY.” Today things can do, rather than ask- we can ask our “voice assistants” ing what things are. I think the MACHINES DOING MATH almost any question and hear a question “what is AI?” is an es- The danger with seeing ma- reply. Alexa can tell jokes and sential one. This is what philos- chines as people is that we will bedtime stories and even play ophers refer to as the ontological be inclined to use them in plac- games. Artificial intelligence question – the question of being. es that ought to be reserved for (AI) applied to areas like this ap- Once we have established who humans. The early AI pioneer pears almost magical. we are and what machines are, Joseph Weizenbaum created a As a computer scientist I de- we can start asking subsequent simple pattern-matching program light in the possibilities of AI questions about ethics. called Eliza that emulated a Ro- but I don’t see it as magic. It’s A common tendency is to at- gerian psychotherapist which math encoded in a computer pro- tribute human characteristics some suggested could be used for gram. Typically, AI programs or anthropomorphize our ma- automated psychotherapy. Wei- begin with a “training” phase, chines, thereby elevating the zebaum was troubled by these which associates known inputs status of machines and, in doing suggestions, and asserted that that are not reducible to mathematics or algorithms (although there are with outputs through weighted so, reducing the distinctiveness therapy requires empathy, some- many who would argue otherwise). connections tuned to minimize of human beings. This way of thing a machine could never do. In fact, it is the power of statistical logic in AI that enables it to be error. AI uses statistical logic to thinking is encouraged by the He concluded that “there are lim- fruitfully applied in many areas like classifying images, performing a classify inputs but has no actual language we use. We say that AI its to what computers ought to be web search, or sorting parts on an assembly line, to name just a few. comprehension of the meaning programs “learn” and that com- put to do.” However, this statistical logic is not appropriate when applied to areas of those inputs. In reality, AI sys- puters “think.” The blurring of If we understand AI as a machine like human companionship, therapy or decisions requiring wisdom. tems are no more capable of com- machines and people is further doing math, we should conclude When I queried Siri, a voice assistant on my computer, “What are prehension than a spreadsheet. complicated by designing voice that there are many things that AI you?” it replied, “I’m not a person . . . I’m software here to help.” However, the remarkable strides assistants like Alexa and Siri to “ought not to be put to do.” AI While AI is entirely unsuitable for answering philosophical questions, in AI have begun to blur the lines sound just like human beings. can perform statistical classifica- this automated answer made me smile. An understanding of what AI between humans and machines. Even the phrase “artificial intel- tions, but it has no comprehen- really is will be essential as we discern how to responsibly use this We are often captivated by what ligence” can exacerbate this con- sion, wisdom or empathy – things emerging technology.

Genevan tunes, whose metrical FRESH VERSIFIED TEXTS all, of the material on a blog dedi- THE GENEVAN PSALMS structures are much less regular Near the end of the last millen- cated to the subject. than those of the psalters used nium, I posted a simple website I was recently awarded a grant David T. Koyzis | [email protected] in the English-speaking world. devoted to the Genevan Psalter, enabling me to expand on my Their rhythms are occasionally which I updated regularly there- work with the Psalms, including David is a Global Scholar with Global Scholars Canada. His new syncopated in the style of Ren- after. Initially I posted some 40 coming up with at least 30 fresh Psalter website can be found at genevanpsalter.blogspot.com. aissance madrigals. Although Psalms which I had set to verse in versified texts and recording generations of Dutch Reformed the late 1980s and into the ‘90s. some of these for my YouTube TWO MONTHS AGO in this space rule, it contains the versifications Christians became accustomed Eventually I expanded this num- channel. My long-term goal is to I recounted the story behind my of Jiří Strejc, a member of the to singing them in agonizing- ber to 85, covering more than half complete texts for all 150 Psalms, longstanding interest in the bib- Unitas Fratrum, the heirs of the ly slow even notes, they were of the total number. While some perhaps publishing them in a lical Psalter and its liturgical use. 15th-century Hussites. originally sung in the spirit of of my metrical psalms rhymed, portable volume to make for easy In the mid 1980s I came across I was quite taken with the dance tunes, famously leading not all did so. Trying to render a singing. (At one time I was also the Genevan Psalter, with which Queen Elizabeth I to deride them psalm in metre already risks doing arranging the tunes, but I’ve put I had previously not had much as “Genevan jigs.” violence to the text. Rhyme only that aside for now.) contact. My childhood church In the Scottish Psalter virtually compounds this problem. More- Of course, metrical psalmody sang largely from the 1912 Psal- every text is in common metre, over, most of the existing texts is not the only way to sing the ter, with a very few Genevan or 8 6 8 6, and split-leaf psalters of the Genevan Psalms in sever- Psalms. Many Christians, in- melodies included, such as the have been printed for genera- al languages fail consistently to cluding Orthodox, Roman Cath- ubiquitous Psalm 134, renum- tions, enabling worshippers to match the stresses of the texts to olics, Lutherans and Anglicans, bered OLD HUNDREDTH in the mix and match texts and tunes those of the tunes, which I have continue to chant them in prose 1650 Scottish Psalter. easily. By contrast, one could tried to rectify in my own work. form. We have not generally It wasn’t until age 30 that I hardly do this with the Genevan My Genevan Psalter project sat done this in the Reformed trad- discovered the riches of the Gen- tunes, whose irregularities resist on the shelf for several years, as ition, but it might be worth a try. evan Psalms. To my surprise, such treatment. It would be im- I published books, kept up with Yet however we may sing them, I found that I had already had possible to sing Genevan Psalm my teaching, mentored my stu- we should never neglect the bib- a copy of them in Czech which 23 to the well-known tune for dents, and struggled unsuccess- lical Psalms in our worship. As I had acquired at an antiquarian Psalm 68, which became the fully to keep my job. But now Calvin put it, “there is no other bookshop in Prague a decade anthem of the French Protest- I’ve returned to it. After my for- book in which we are more per- earlier. Published in 1900, dur- ants seeking freedom from their mer employer took down my old fectly taught the right manner of ing the last decades of Habsburg Owen Jones' 1800's Psalter. Roman oppressors. website, I reposted much, but not praising God.”

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 19 News

tures has allowed us to weather the storm of THE OLD WOODEN STOOL the pandemic. Historically, most supporters of Christian education are accustomed to the Christian schools weather a full year of COVID-19. | Jonathan Schat school leg bearing the majority of the weight of the educational experience. The pandemic has forced us to shift the weight around, so the I HAVE BEEN SITTING too much these days. Other than grocery runs, I hardly get out home leg has been bearing more educational of the house. I miss walking around schools during my regular visits. I miss playing in weight than ever before. my annual volleyball league. Many of us in the world of education feel like we’ve been COVID-19 has moved education from sitting for too long. within the walls of the school into the liv- Like our public school counterparts, Christian schools have bounced back and forth between ing rooms of our homes. Families are now remote and in-school learning. Although our Christian schools as a whole have done remark- bearing a significant portion of the educa- is asked to bear more weight for a time, it ably well during this time, a full calendar year of COVID-19 hasn’t been without its challenges. tional experience. This is not to minimize isn’t an affront to us as it may be to others The pandemic seems to have amplified both the unity and some of the division within the work of the professional educator. with a different understanding of education. our Christian schools. The amazing gifts and resilience of educators has been incredibly With the constant flux of remote and in- We’ve made promises to each other that apparent. But some school communities were engaged in strongly polarized arguments class learning, they have had to be nimble, we are willing to follow through on. Even over mask-wearing. There has been increased generosity from donors assisting families creative and flexible in providing a valu- though our covenantal promise has been hit hard by the economic impact of the pandemic. But in some schools, the voice of dissent able and authentic learning experience. strained, pushed and bent, the wood of the with remote learning grew louder and led to an exodus of families to home schooling. Yet much of the classroom management stool has held and supported our Christian Heightened levels of stress and anxiety are understandable as we try to adjust to the and in-class activities have fallen at the schools throughout this pandemic journey. disruption of our daily routines while the sightlines to the future are so unclear. Both feet of the parents. And it’s old wood. staff and students typically rely on the consistency of schedules, lesson plans and re- But the innate structural understanding The wood of this stool has been carved lational learning. As much as we’ve tried to recreate this, it’s difficult to do outside of of Christian education has helped Chris- and shaped throughout the years and its the physical structures of the school itself. Yet that was our task: create a new structure tian schools to experience success during very grain is the wisdom of those who in education this year, outside of the classroom and into the home. And because of the a time when the public education system have gone before us, and who, like us now, covenantal promise of Christian education, we have been able to adapt. has struggled. As Christian school support- put their faith in the Promise. ers, we expect some aspects of education to BUILDING ON THE PROMISES take place in our home – maybe not to the Jonathan Schat The Christian school movement has always seen school and family as fundamental partners extent that has happened during the pan- Jonathan is the Executive Director of in education. This arises out of the covenantal Promise of God and his people, thereby form- demic! Nonetheless, the school has always Vocate Christian School Employees ing both the structural foundation but also the relational dynamics of the three-legged stool of been welcomed in our homes. Therefore, Association. He lives in Copetown, On- Christian education: church, school and home. The steadfast strength of these essential struc- when the home leg of the three-legged stool tario, with his wife and four children.

20 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the been a better way to communicate the news of departmental closures than to embed it in authors and do not necessarily represent the editorial perspective of Christian Courier. an announcement about expanding the business program? (“New BBA, Faculty Hiring and Program Restructuring,” April 20, redeemer.ca). We understand that enrollment in these specific departments was not growing, raising LIBERAL ARTS LAMENT the question of whether it was fiscally responsible to keep them. Could Redeemer have more broadly and aggressively marketed these as the only undergraduate French major An open letter to the Board and Senate of Redeemer University, its available at a Christian post-secondary institution in Canada and the only Theatre major leadership and to the broader Redeemer University Community. offered at a Christian University east of Alberta? Could not the larger departments, as was done in the past, carry the smaller ones, rather than terminating them and jeopardiz- ing Redeemer’s status as a full-bodied liberal arts institution? We, the undersigned, express our disappointment at the recent termination of Redeemer Uni- Through its Theatre Arts department, Redeemer offered a program that recognizes that versity’s Theatre and French departments and the positions of the faculty who led them. Christians are called to make and change culture. Theatre encourages us to value our bod- Redeemer University’s mission is to offer a “university-level liberal arts and science ies. Theatre encourages us to practice empathy through encountering lives different from education which is Scripturally directed and explores the relation of faith, learning and our own. Theatre teaches presentation skills, marketing and promotion, event planning, the living from a Reformed Christian perspective” and “to support research and creative ability to be flexible, how to work as part of a team, and how to be innovative and creative. endeavor in this context.” Despite pressure to become like other universities, Redeemer Our alumni community includes theatre supporters who didn’t major or minor in must tenaciously hold to its Reformed roots, which proclaim that every square inch of Theatre at Redeemer. In addition to alumni with active careers in theatre now, pastors, creation belongs to God, including French and theatre. Having these departments as part teachers, missionaries, business people and more have all benefited from the training of a small Christian college in the first place was prophetic and inspired. and intuitive experience they received under the guidance of Professor Raymond Louter Cutting out these programs represents a significant loss for Redeemer and for Christian and Dr. Sharon Klassen in a space where honest engagement with faith and God was church communities across Canada. Current Theatre and French students are prevented encouraged. from continuing their intended course of studies. Potential applicants are robbed of an op- French studies are also crucial in cultivating Christians who have an impact in Canadi- portunity to pursue their areas of interest. Faculty members are losing their livelihoods and an society. Discontinuing French limits Redeemer’s potential for shaping leaders in our years of vocational investment in building up these departments. Patrons of Redeemer’s bilingual nation and limits the options of those who wish to have an influence in public Theatre productions are losing a distinct cultural voice. Christian schools across Canada service. It also hurts Redeemer’s recruitment of students to its Education program and are losing access to French teachers trained at a Christian institution. Christian church its ability to supply qualified graduates to teach in Christian schools. communities in Ontario and beyond are losing a precious resource of post secondary lan- We write this letter not only because we grieve but also because we fear the loss of guage and arts training from a distinctly Reformed Christian perspective. other valuable programs that are key to cultivating well-rounded Christians to be of We recognize that this was a difficult, if not agonizing, decision. We think a decision service in God’s world. of this gravity warranted broader consultation and more transparency. Could there have Signed,

Richard Van Holst ’86 Krista (Posthumus) Ritskes ’99 Krista Cranston-Laposi ’10 Joy Louise Semple ’22 Doug Hoogsteen ’89 Heather Sinnema ’99 Stephen Siemens ’11 Emily Wright ’22 Michael Van Lingen ’89 Steph (Cilia) VanderMeulen ’99 Heather Cichosz (Westra) ’12 Julia Bakker ’23 Bryan Alkema, ’91 Amy Etinger- Seenaraine ’00 Catherine Hordyk ’12 Jeremy DeBoer ’23 Judith Alkema, ’91 Kenneth Dryfhout ’00 Jessica Carney Hoornweg ’12 Jess Hilton ’23 Nancy DeVries ’91 Scott Post ’00 Jessica Marshall ’12 Rowena Hobbs ’23 Dr. Maureen Elgersman Lee '91 Kathleen (Jarvis) Wells ’00 Geoffrey Roome ’12. Deanne Korvemaker ’23 Maki Van Dyke ’91 Kristine (Aguilar) Wildschut ’00 Lindsay Hoekstra ’13 Rachel Ten Hove ’23 Jeff Kiers ’92 Rebecca Bootsma ’02 Catriona Watt ’13 Bethany Wiebe ’23 Yvonne de Boer (Horlings) ’93 Anita Brinkman ’02 Gregory Beenen ’14 Abigail Bergel ’24 Andrew Luth ’93 Dawn Cuthill ’02 Emily (Groot) Nywening ’14 Dimitri Daoulas ’24 David van Belle ’93 Brett Alan Dewing ’02, ’03 Bethany Beenen ’15 Lilly Dettweiler ’24 Bernard (Ben) Westerveld ’93 Jeff Cullum ’03 Rachel (Korvemaker) De Jager, ’16 Seth Schouten ’24 Hanna van Dijk-Alac ’94 Erin Glanville ’03 Rebekka Gondosch ’16 Elizabeth Verwijs ’24 Liese (Van Arragon) Van Lingen ’94 Brianna Kube ’03 Sarah-Ann Wijngaarden ’16 Marnie Goheen Dennis Van Staalduinen ’94 Daniel Irvine ’04 Courtney Phelps ’17 Dennis J. Hassell, Guest Artist ’94 Andrew de Boer ’95 Walter Miedema ’04 Julia Stephen ’17 Tom Carson, Frequent Guest Director Winston Neutel ’95 Rebecca (Holst) Penfold, ’04, ’19 Katrina deSchiffert ’18 Andrew Lakin, Guest Director Lori Pegg ’95 Timothy Fransky ’05 Stephanie Ten Hove ’18 Dr. John Byl, Joel Bootsma ’96 Henny Hamilton ’06 Rebecca Bokma ’19 Professor Emeritus in Physical Education Bradley Cuzen ’96 Amanda Joubert ’06 Jenna de Boer ’19 Dr. Christopher Cuthill, ’96 Richard Tomlin ’96 Amy Belder ’07 Nicole Katerberg ’19 and Chair of Art and Design ’03-’17 Nicole McCabe Brouwer ’97 Allison Bennink ’07 Kirsten Klompmaker ’19 Robert Di Francesco, Chris Davis ’97 Stephanie Elgersma ’07 Julia Paddock ’19 Adjunct Professor of Spanish, 02’-06’ James de Boer ’97 Brittany Groen ’07 Tammy Silverthorn ’19 Dr. Michael W Goheen Clarissa Dernederlanden Taylor ’97 Terri Lynn Brunsting ’08 JoyAnna Bodini ’20 Professor of Religion and Theology '94 -'00 Deborah Vanderkruk ’97 Scott Fairley ’08 Heather Janssens ’20 Dr. Thea van Til Rusthoven, Sarah Weber ’97 Chris Howlett ’08 Erica Ten Hove ’20 Associate Professor of French, Emerita Alicia Looyenga ’98 Sharon Jones ’08 Eveliina Ahonen ’21 ’89-’12 (-’17 in the Edu.Dept.) Sarah de Boer ’99 Amy Martisius ’08 Clarissa Giesbrecht ’21 Harry A. Van Belle, PhD., Jason Hofing ’99 Daniel Rusthoven ’08 Jewel Klumpenhower ’21 Professor of Psychology ’82 - ‘92 Rachel Hofing ’99 Ryan M. Sero ’08 Nathan Lise ’22 Harold Kallemeyn, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Amanda Kleinhuis ’99 Denise Tonna ’08 Kimberly Lobbezoo ’22 Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix-en-Provence, France Mike Kleinhuis ’99 Jon Reinink ’08, DMin Amy Pardy ’22 Dr. Calvin Seerveld, Professor Emeritus of Ryan McKenna ’99 Aaron Joel Craig ’10 Severine Salvador ’22 Aesthetics, Institute for Christian Studies.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 21 Classifieds

ANNIVERSARIES

COOK, John & Sarah VERMEER, Dick & Mary FISHER, Ronald & Gerry Please join us in celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary 60th wedding anniversary! With grateful hearts, we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of of our parents, John and Sarah (nee Colenbrander) Cook. On June 23, 1961, Dick & Mary Vermeer (nee Bouwhuis) our parents, Ronald & Gerry Fisher on June 15, 2021. With Their wedding took place on June 26, 1971 at Willowdale were married in Fruitland, Ontario. Congratulations Mom love from Melanie, Tim & Jeanne, Mike & Amy, Christine & Christian Reformed Church in Toronto. & Dad, Oma & Opa, Great-Oma & Great Opa! Much love Brad, Joel, Eric & Erin, Trent & Kristen, Morgan, Owen & They celebrate this milestone acknowledging the from Annette & Chris, Karen & Kevin, Mark & Annette, Caitlin, Mikayla, and Isabel. [email protected] faithfulness of God and remembering their wedding text your 10 grandchildren and their spouses, and 3 great- JOBS from Psalm 139:5, grandchildren. “You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face FULL-TIME TEACHING PASTOR upon me.” shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face Hope Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Courtice, On- toward you and give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:24-26. Congratulations Dad and Mom for the many years in which tario, is actively seeking a full-time Teaching Pastor passionate the Lord has blessed you. You have blessed many! about preaching God’s word within dynamic worship, with a With love from your children: Nigel and Annick, Elisa and VACATION focus on cross-generational shepherding and discipleship and a Gary, Milon and grandchildren Akira, Marynna, Noah, passion for engaging the next generation. Hope Fellowship em- Janna and Lauren. Holiday accommodation in Holland with vehi- braces and lives out God’s redemptive plan by inviting people to cle rentals and tours. chestnutlane.nl believe in Jesus, belong to God’s family and bless every neigh- Correspondence may be sent to: 43 Cobblestone Dr., bour. Send questions and resumes to [email protected] Russell, Ontario K4R 0A7 or [email protected]. Hulse & English BAKKER Funeral Home ADSBARRISTER & CLASSIFIEDS & SOLICITOR 75 Church St. St. Catharines For 1information Keefer Road and to submit an 905-684-6346 - 24 Hours St. Catharines ON L2M 6K4 ad, email [email protected] or Email: [email protected] hulseandenglish.com submitEast onlineof Lock at 1 christiancourier.ca- on site parking Holly Rousseau - Managing Director Next issue905-688-9352 date: July 12, 2021 Serving the community over150 years Deadline:Albert J JuneBakker 23, 2021 [email protected] RAMAKER'S IMPORTS INC. St Catharines > 905.646.0199 [email protected] Beamsville > 905.563.7374 MEESTER We specializeMeester in St Catharines > 905.646.0199 INSURANCE CENTRE Burlington > 905.643.6978 DUTCHInsurance FOOD / CHEESE Centre / Beamsville > 905.563.7374 CHOCOLATE / TEXTILES & GIFTS Burlington > 905.643.6978 European Deli and Gifts Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life 579 Ontario St., St. Catharines ON L2N 4N8 o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. 118 Wyndham St. N. Guelph Fax: 905-934-3344 905-934-6454 The Village Square 519-822-4690 [email protected] Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 760 Upper James St., Hamilton www.dykstrabros.com Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1 ramakersimports.com 905-383-2981 Tel: 905.957.2333 • Fax: 905.957.2599 www.dykstrabros.com Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1

Serving Beamsville GARY VAN EYK CPA,CMA BAKKER Serving Beamsville and area since 1969 Chartered Professional Accountant and area since 1969 Accounting - Tax - Financial Consulting BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Complete Collision Repairs 126 Niagara Street Complete Collision Repairs Quality Refinishing 201- 50 Lakeport Rd., St. Catharines ON L2R 4L4 Quality Refinishing St. Catharines ON L2N 4P7 On Site Parking – Side Door Entrance Jerry Gerritsen 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Jerry Gerritsen 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Ph: 905-646-7331 Fax: 905-646-0951 Email: [email protected] Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 905-688-9352 Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702 E-mail: [email protected] Albert J Bakker Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702

Meester 22 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Insurance Centre European Deli and Gifts Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life 118 Wyndham St. N. Guelph o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. 519-822-4690 The Village Square Regional Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 760 Upper James St., Hamilton Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-383-2981 Tel: 905.957.2333 meesterinsurance.com • Fax: 905.957.2599 Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256

The business directory ads are 2.4068 by 1.6708 inches - can that be simplified? Will send individually and also greyscale ones in proper .pdfs when I know these are ok. They are currently for the second issue of the month but can put 4 in one issue and 4 in another or so when there are two issues in the month. Classifieds

OBITUARIES

UFKES, Henderikus (Henk) STRONKS, Gloria December 12, 1934 – May 10, 2021 (nee Goris) Henk was received by God on May 10, with his devoted wife July 2, 1936 – April 28, 2021 Klaaske (Carol) Straatsma-Ufkes and children at his bedside. Carol Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 nursed Henk for various illnesses for the past 5 years, and honored Gloria Goris was born on a farm outside of Emden, Minnesota. his wish to be cared for at home, where he succumbed to liver When she was 15, she left home to attend a Christian high school cancer. Henk’s other wish was that he should live long enough to in Hull, Iowa and two years later she went to Calvin College. celebrate their 62nd Wedding Anniversary, “Carol would like that,” While working with children at Mary Free Bed hospital in Grand he said. God granted this to them and together with all five children Rapids, Michigan, she met William Stronks—an aid and fellow student at the college. They mar- present were able to celebrate this on April 18, 2021. ried and had two children. Henk enjoyed cooking (no one at their table will forget his famous rice casseroles, complement- In the 1960s during political unrest in the south, Gloria taught in schools in Tennessee and ed by Carol’s salads). They treated family and friends to the Maple syrup they produced from Kentucky. The experience opened her eyes to issues of poverty and racial discrimination, and it their own trees and many dinner guests tasted venison for the first time in their lives, the yield spurred her to consider issues of justice throughout her life. In later years she was a reading spe- of Henk’s hunting and butchering skills. When he was a hunter (in season) he also enjoyed both cialist in Roseland Christian school outside of Chicago and in the Chicago Christian school sys- lake and ice fishing other times of the year. To relax he played a variety of games, being quite tem. Eventually she obtained her doctorate in education and became a professor at two Christian competitive. He had a great sense of humor and was a terrific host. He took his guests for rides colleges, now universities, Dordt and Calvin. on the A.T.V. or SKI-DOO, or walks on their Country property, teaching about birds, deer and bears, who not long before he would say, had turned these stones looking for grubs (filling all Gloria was a prolific scholar and a sought-after speaker. Her focus was on helping educators think his guests with fears of bear encounters!). Together with Klaaske, he traveled to B.C. several about their craft through the eyes of faith. She worked with teachers and schools on every continent times, to Algonquin Park for a Dog Sledding trip (gifted by their children). To the “Marsh” for a except Antarctica. However, she had a special love for the children she met in Hyderabad, India. Canal Rowing Trip (both being sunburned to a crisp!). After they retired, Gloria and Bill moved to Spokane, Washington to be near family. Two years Henk worked at various jobs, he and Klaaske even managed a Fish and Chip store in Erin. Henk ago, Gloria was diagnosed with cancer and the family is grateful to Horizon Hospice and Fair- enjoyed his work on the “Pipeline” the most, often working in conditions of below 40℃. The last wood Retirement Center for all the love and help they offered during the difficult transition. several decades before he retired, he worked as a Welder for Reinders. Gloria believed in the power of story as a tool to demonstrate God’s love. She shared stories and Henk experienced many losses, his father and youngest brother in 1946 when he was 12 years she listened to stories—making people in all walks of life feel cared for and appreciated. She old. Followed by the losses of 3 more brothers, 2 sisters, his mother and lastly, his beloved loved her family, classical music, poetry of Langston Hughes, the streets of Amsterdam, the ven- grandson Joshua in January of this year. He was a private man about his feelings and faith life. dors on the beaches of Mexico, and good gin. In her later years she learned to love basketball as Henk and Klaaske were members of the Presbyterian Church in Roslin. He was in awe of God’s she watched her only grandchild play through high school and college. She was known to call out creative Power in Nature which he enjoyed daily for several decades in their country home, and “visualize” as the players stood at the free-throw line and her favorite phase was “three in the key, could name all the birds which came to the feeders, amply supplied by him with seeds, peanuts ref! Three in the key!” and slabs of fat to see them through the winter. Gloria is survived by her husband William J. Stronks, her children, Julia Stronks & Charles Zand- Left to remember him in love are: bergen and Bill Stronks & Amy Wilson-Stronks, and her grandson Matt Zandbergen & Jasmine Emiko Spencer Zandbergen. His wife: Klaaske (Carol) Straatsma-Ufkes. Children: Henk Ufkes Jr., Sandra Ufkes-Ligterink, Allen Ufkes, Gloria was a teacher, an author, a mentor, and a friend. She was deeply loved and will be missed John Ufkes, Beverley Ufkes-Mullen. by so many. And their Partners Condolences can be sent to 2611 E. Golden Rd, Spokane, WA 99208 or [email protected] Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. MEIJAARD, Gerard Sister: Johanna (Ricky) Ufkes-De Pleijt. May 12, 1935 May 5, 2021 Extended Ufkes and Straatsma families. Medemblik, North Holland Grimsby, Ontario Correspondence to Klaaske Straatsma-Ufkes, 204-201 Palmer Rd., Belleville, On, K8P-4T7 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of Donations in memory of Henk to: The Canadian Cancer Society. my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Gerry was called home to glory at the age of 85. Predeceased by his loving wife Heidi (nee Muys), he leaves behind his son Tyler (Alma), and grandchil- dren: Michael (Bethany), Melissa (Michael Spangler), Christina (Edward Kelly), Scott (Feli- cia), and Adam. He will also be missed by his 17 great grandchildren. We are sad to say good- bye, but rejoice that his struggles on earth have ended. A memorial service was held at the Smith Funeral Home in Burlington, with Rev. Daniel Ventura officiating.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | JUNE 14, 2021 23 News

University has created select two- THE CLOSING SCENE year associate degrees, includ- ing administration, education, business and computer science, Redeemer’s painful program cuts reflect wider university enrolment trends. which are advertised as providing Noah Van Brenk “a fast track into the workforce.” Much university program growth and student enrolment is trending balance the needs of the various towards professional programs people impacted, while knowing such as engineering, nursing, the pain could not be avoided.” computer science and business He also noted that “since the de- – but this is by no means an ex- cision was communicated, Re- haustive list. deemer staff have connected with Amid these educational indus- each of the impacted students and try changes, Redeemer students Gerrits Lucas The cast of Stranger practiced in masks are working with them to deter- and alumni stoutly attest to the and performed without (Nov. 2020). mine pathways to graduation, in- value of liberal arts education, cluding the possibility of offering including in the programs so re- sciences core that is unique and select courses to assist students cently cut at Redeemer. continues to shape students holis- in the latter part of their degree “I was challenged to live out tically to bring the restoring hope programs.” my faith in multilingual con- and love of Christ to all areas of Zietsma also provided fur- texts,” Sarah-Ann Wijngaarden, our culture. That’s an amazing ther explanation about how the a French alumna, described. “In fulfilment of Redeemer’s liber- program decisions were made Dr. Curnew’s classes, I had the al arts and sciences mission. To Lucas Gerrits Lucas Redeemer’s fall main stage production, Stranger in the Land, “prayerfully, after a comprehen- privilege of discovering a stun- preserve this mission, to preserve was the last play directed by Professor Ray Louter. sive review of the full program ning, demanding, yet worthwhile the current breadth in liberal arts array at Redeemer. The review language I’ve adopted as my and sciences that we have, and ON APRIL 20, REDEEMER UNIVERSITY MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT process considered financial, en- own. This language has helped to continue to prepare the next with two parts: first, that students are now able to enroll in anew rolment and market data and was me connect with people in ways generation, we must use the re- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. And, secondly, led by a team of academic and I could have never dreamed, but sources that God allows us with that its French and theatre arts departments would be discontinued staff leaders. The final decision ways God certainly designed.” careful wisdom.” due to low enrollment. The business degree is being accompanied by was passed by the Redeemer Uni- Another French graduate, Kirs- the creation of new faculty positions in the business, social work and versity senate, on which faculty ten Klompmaker, who studied in SHAPED AND SHAPING education programs – all areas where enrolment growth has been sig- representatives sit. The board of France through one of Redeem- The fact remains that certain nificant. Meanwhile, all three full-time faculty positions in French and governors was consulted in the er’s programs, said “I learned programs at Redeemer have en- theatre will end this summer. process.” He also mentioned that that studying French is more than rolment levels which make their To say that reactions to these program changes have been strong is faculty had been aware that the re- just linguistics. It is about under- survival tenuous. Questions will an understatement. At the time of writing, the announcement post on view process was happening, and standing a new culture, a history, (and should) continue to be asked Redeemer’s Facebook page has garnered almost 160 comments, the conversations regarding sustain- a new way of living and a differ- about whether Redeemer’s deci- overwhelming majority of which express keen disappointment at the ability have been ongoing inter- ent way of communicating. It is sions support its liberal arts and loss of the theatre and French departments or with how the cuts were nally for several years now. Such about creating a bridge to reach sciences mandate. But that man- announced in conjunction with new growth. Even CBC published its sustainability is crucial since “no our brothers and sisters; creat- date also depends on demand own brief report on the program restructurings, quoting Redeemer program at Redeemer runs at a ing more unity, and celebrating from students who want to study theatre alumni saddened and hurt by the decision and how it was re- ‘profit,’ and all programs rely on diversity within our country and the liberal arts. And students ported. the generosity of donors to oper- the world.” will enroll in programs that they In the wake of these changes, affected current students have also ex- ate.” Given the fact that there was Those who have expressed value, and as such they possess pressed their grief and feelings of betrayal at being unable to continue only one graduate from the the- concerns, disappointment and massive influence over their edu- in their studies of choice and learn from beloved professors. First year atre department and three gradu- disagreement with the program cational spheres. While Christian student Abigail Berger described the decision to discontinue the the- ates from the French department changes are united in the con- institutions like Redeemer cer- atre department as “a total shock. I had just finished picking courses in 2021, Zietsma says those pro- viction that the removal of the tainly shape their members, they for my second year of an English Literature and Theatre Performance grams were deemed unsustain- French and theatre departments are also shaped by those mem- double major, so I was left reeling and confused about what this meant able and therefore needed to be and simultaneous expansion of bers themselves, perhaps more for my education.” Another theatre student, Kimberly Lobbezoo, who cut in order to sustain the greatest the business, social work and than we are aware of or want to is entering her final year at Redeemer this fall, echoed how sudden possible diversity of liberal arts education programs seriously acknowledge. These program de- the decision felt. She says it would have helped if the programs could and sciences departments. impedes Redeemer’s ability to cisions thus represent an oppor- have been phased out gradually rather than cut: “I was left wishing the deliver a true and unique liber- tunity for members of Redeem- school would have worked with us on this prior to the announcement.” WHITE COLLAR TRENDS al arts and sciences education er’s community in its fullest and Redeemer’s situation is by no within Canada. When asked how widest sense, from prospective SUSTAINABILITY DECISIONS means unique. Enrolment in the university would respond to students to alumni to donors, to When reached for comment, Redeemer’s Interim President Dr. David higher education humanities de- these claims that the program reflect on how their engagement Zietsma emphasized to Christian Courier that the decision to close the partments, both in Christian and cuts work against Redeemer’s with the university conveys what theatre and French departments has been painful: “They have always secular universities, has been on mission as a liberal arts institu- they value. been respected and valued at Redeemer and their faculty, alumni and the decline across North America tion, Zietsma drew attention back students have made impressive and important contributions to the uni- for the last decade, forcing sig- to the social work, business and Noah Van Brenk versity and the world.” He went on to state that, “We also sincerely re- nificant changes at many institu- education programs experiencing Noah is a graduate from gret the impact this has had on current students – both for their univer- tions. Calvin University discon- growth: “At Redeemer, these Redeemer’s English de- sity education overall and for how and when the news was shared. The tinued its theatre arts major and programs are grounded in an partment. He attends All options in front of us were extremely challenging. We endeavoured to program back in 2015, and Dordt interdisciplinary liberal arts and Nations CRC in Halifax.

24 JUNE 14, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER