March 2011 | www.thebanner.org 20 06 A Sacred Circle A Sacred Circle Calvin!Go 18 for Today Lent 07 the Trenches for Life in Spirituality Faith Alive - Dwell (Dean) Faith Alive - Dwell Preview God created all things, and they were good. All things have fallen from that original goodness. Christ, who has redeemed all things, eventually will restore them. We aid the Spirit’s work of restoration by seeking to make all things better.
All things encompasses the richness of Calvin’s Reformed theology; it’s also a good way of describing how Calvin equips students for the future. Calvin students explore the academic spectrum—always analyzing, always considering how they can make the world a better place. Calvin people believe God’s words: “See, I am making all things new.” In our minds, that’s a promise—and a call.
www.calvin.edu 3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 526-6106 or 1-800-688-0122 Calvin does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex or disability in any of its educational programs or opportunities, employment or other activities.
12991DM_Banner_AllThings.indd 1 5/25/10 1:31:01 PM Volume 146 | Number 03 | 2011
Features Yes and No: Lent and the Reformed Faith Today 18 Discerning best practices for Lent in our own time and place web q’s by John D. Witvliet A Sacred Circle 20 The sad chapter in Canada’s history of the Indian residential schools leads to a meaningful conversation about reconciliation. by Rebecca Warren with Roy Berkenbosch, Travis Enright, and Maggie Hodgson Talking Biblically about Homosexuality 32 One church’s conversation leads to a request to synod. by David Kromminga
Departments Editorial: Go Calvin! by Bob De Moor 6 Exploring the links between creation and the confessions is part of faithful Christian scholarship.
Catch Your Breath: Parque Central by Joel Van Dyke 7 Spirituality for life in the trenches
IMHO: The Muslim-Christian Chasm by Paul Hansen 8 Let’s not gloss over the serious differences between Christianity and Islam.
Letters to the Editor 8
News: Canadian government cuts CRWRC funding 10
Frequently Asked Questions 17 Serving the community on Sunday?
Just for Kids: Journey to Egypt by Christin Baker 30 A spring break trip for everyone!
Parenting: Speaking to Souls by Gary D. Schmidt 35 The great gift of good books
Tuned In: Connected or Cut Off? by Quentin Schultze 36 The pros and cons of viewing media alone
Reformed Matters: The Least of Us by Tim Collins 38 web q’s Who is Jesus really talking about when he refers to “the least of these”?
Punch Lines 47
Church@Work Called to Be Sent by Kristen deRoo VanderBerg 22 CRWRC’s international relief managers go where they’re needed.
Dear Reader: In Praise of Volunteers by Jerry Dykstra 26
Cover Photo bY istockphoto
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 5 Editorial
The Magazine of the Christian Reformed Church Go Calvin! www.thebanner.org
In last month’s Banner we reported on a bit of a dustup at Calvin College, our denomi- Bob De Moor Editor nationally owned liberal arts school. Two profs in Calvin’s religion department recently published Henry Hess Editor, Church@Work articles in a scholarly journal questioning whether we should take the Genesis creation accounts as historical and whether we need to reframe the doctrine of the Fall to better square with current Dean R. Heetderks Art Director biblical interpretation and scientific findings. Let’s be clear: unlike classic liberalism, these profs Joyce Kane Managing Editor do not question biblical authority, God’s creation of everything, humanity’s bondage to sin, our Jena Vander Ploeg Features Editor need for salvation in Christ, or the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. What they question is how our confessions formulate the doctrines of creation and how sin and sadness came to be. Gayla R. Postma News Editor I don’t regret that we reported on this. You have a right to know what’s happening at your Kristy Quist Tuned In Editor college. But I regret that the matter turned a bit ugly even before we reported on it. It has Sandy Swartzentruber Copy Editor created tension between Calvin professors and administrators. That’s understandable and not so serious. With a wise board, solid leadership, and an excellent committee process, Calvin will Pete Euwema Graphic Design sort that out. Worse is that Frank Gutbrod Graphic Design
this has needlessly sown dis- Shelli Lokers-Calanchi Marketing trust in Calvin’s support com- Sorting out how Scripture Manager Imunity: prospective students, parents, and donors. intends to be read in light Contact Us Sorting out how Scripture 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue SE intends to be read and inter- of creation revelation is a Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560 preted in the light of creation complex task. Address Changes and Subscriptions revelation is a complex, ongo- 800-777-7270 or visit our website at ing task. I am delighted that www.thebanner.org the community of scholars and students at Calvin College take on this challenge with a deep Classified Advertising commitment to Scripture and the confessions. If their careful investigation turns up something 616-224-0725 [email protected] we need to consider or reconsider, let’s hear them out without resorting to snap judgments and Display Advertising
blanket condemnations. www.thebanner.org 616-224-0729 [email protected] When believers inquire carefully into the relationship of fossils and faith, it opens them up to lots of questions. The mysteries of God and God’s interaction with the creation are much Editorial more complex than we ever imagined. That should lead us to greater humility about our own 616-224-0785 [email protected] position and greater shared wonder at the glory and majesty of God. It should not lead us to News scratch each others’ eyes out. 613-543-3603 [email protected] Let’s not spoil what can be a healthy investigation appropriately carried out in a biblically obedient, Reformed, academic community. By overreacting now, we damage an institution that Published monthly (12 issues per year). continues to serve us so well. Calvin does not deserve that. Periodicals postage paid at Grand Rapids, I know many Calvin profs and administrators. I respect them highly and trust them. I know many Mich. Postmaster, send address changes Calvin grads. They received excellent preparation for their life’s callings and have matured in their to: The Banner, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, faith. They were mentored to explore the jagged edges of truth, to question, to grow in understanding— Grand Rapids, MI 49560. Canadian and to do so always fully committed to the Truth who is Person, not proposition. publications mail agreement #40063614. As a pastor I speak with many covenant youth who experienced a crisis of faith trying to square Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Banner, 3475 Mainway, PO Box what they learned in Sunday school with what they learn in biology class. They deserve far better 5070, STN LCD 1, Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8. answers than I can give them. The help of Calvin scholarship in this has been a godsend. I am grateful for Calvin and schools like it where there is no disconnect between knowledge Copyright 2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources, a ministry of the Christian and faith but where faith seeks after knowledge. Reformed Church. Printed in U.S.A. Calvin needs and deserves our generous and sustained Rev. Bob De Moor is editor of The Banner and pastor The Banner (ISSN0005-5557). Vol. 146, n No. 03, 2011. support. Go Calvin! of preaching and administration for West End Member of Associated Church Press and CRC, Edmonton, Alberta. Evangelical Press Association.
6 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Catch your breath
Parque Central
am tired. Really, really and jump while the breeze glistens their W.H. Auden animates our work with tired. faces with mist from the fountain. Teen- his words: “I know nothing, except what Lately, in my ministry agers in colorful uniforms pass through everyone knows—if there when Grace with Christian Reformed on their way to school. This morning, at dances, I should dance.” The truth, of World Missions, I’ve been this moment, all is well with the world in course, is that grace is always dancing, thinking about what Parque Central. oftentimes most artfully in the very places I spiritual formation looks Why do I seldom find these kinds of my friends currently find themselves. like in really hard places. sweet, sacred centering times in my life? The late missiologist and theologian I’ve talked with others about what the Why is it that I have figured out so intri- Orlando Costas wrote, “With Jesus there Jesuits meant by exploring a “spirituality cately the “running” part of Jesuit spiri- came a fundamental shift in the location on the run.” I have read that Ignation tuality but have so poorly lived out the of salvation: the center was moved to the spirituality required only 15 minutes a “spirituality” part? periphery. . . . The fact that Jesus wrought day for reflection so the Jesuits would The key here, of course, is not found in salvation outside the Holy City does not remain deeply engaged in the world. momentary escape from the noisy world. mean that we have now a new salvific As I sat down this morning to do some Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274) wrote that center but, rather, a permanent, moving journaling, my mind raced back to the God is “within all things, but not enclosed; center in the periphery of life.” leadership summit I just attended in San outside all things, but not excluded; above Maybe that’s what “spirituality on the José, Costa Rica, with my colleagues. What all things, but not aloof; below all things, run” looks like: a beautiful fountain in a an incredible blessing my wife, Marilyn, but not debased.” He spoke of God as one parque central that moves wherever I go and I have to rub shoulders with such “whose center is everywhere and whose if only I can cultivate the awareness to amazing people who are engaged so deeply circumference is nowhere.” He declared with the world in Central America. live into it. Today I’m relaxing on a bench in Parque that “the origin, magnitude, multitude, For now, at least, I am content to sit Central in Antigua, Guatemala, on a two- beauty, fullness, activity, and order of all here on this bench in this particular day break for writing and reflection. It’s created things” are the very “footprints parque central and pray for my friends one of the loveliest central parks in all of and fingerprints” of God. in the hard places—that they too might Latin America. I became quickly attentive Bonaventure saw the whole world as dance today, that they too might experi- to the restlessness of my soul against this the Parque Central I find myself sitting ence the life-giving fountain of God’s backdrop of beauty and sweetness. in right now! presence in all places at all times. n A majestic fountain lies at the center, What would it look like if I could learn and around it revolves all activity in the to live out the implications of that theo- Rev. Joel Van Dyke serves in logical premise? What would it mean for Guatemala City with Christian park. European and U.S. tourists mingle Reformed World Missions. He with indigenous women selling their cosas leaders in missional communities around currently directs the Estrategía tipicas (typical things). Shoe-shine boys the world who need a spirituality that de Transformación, which offer their services with a smile. Lovers can sustain them amid seemingly insur- nurtures missional communities of grassroots peer into each other’s eyes. Children run mountable pain and hardship? leaders in Central America and the Caribbean.
There is nothing in our lives that is not part of our spiritual lives.
—James Martin, SJ
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 7 In My Humble Opinion
The Muslim-Christian Chasm
Let’s not gloss over the ings of Islam is to NOT have to tell the truth to nonbelievers! If the truth shall serious differences set us free, perhaps it would be wise to consider Islam not as it is taught to groups between Christianity of Christians by Muslims, but rather how it has been forced on Christians and oth- and Islam. ers of all spiritual backgrounds. Theologically a wide gulf exists between Reformed Christianity and Islam, a chasm that only Jesus Christ can bridge. No amount of theological gymnastics can diminish the differences between the doctrines of Islam and the Christian doctrines of God’s grace, assurance of Justice and Mercy IMHO salvation, forgiveness, mercy, and love. The two features “Illegal” and “Lopsided Several issues ago Banner Editor Then there are our philosophical dif- Mercy” (February 2011) really hit home, Bob De Moor wrote about his church’s ferences. Because Sharia is Islam’s rule of since they are so appropriate with what’s positive encounter with two devout Mus- law and because Islam was founded as going on here in the state of Arizona. I lims (“In All Honesty,” November 2010). an empire state, there are fundamental am ashamed of the politicians in power That experience stands in sharp contrast differences between what Muslims and who show little or no compassion and to how others who practice Islam have Christians believe. The all-encompassing love for certain individuals and the poor treated Christians and their worship influence of Sharia involves all of culture. and sick. Crazy laws are being passed that spaces—for a recent example, note the Nothing within Islam commends that discriminate and tend to play God with violence in Nigeria. foundation for our learning and growth people’s lives. Two citizens have died since Let’s not gloss over our serious his- as God’s children. We would do well to the state has denied funding for trans- torical, scriptural, theological, and look to our own Calvinist roots to begin plants for the poor. Recently 280,000 poor philosophical differences. to better understand the world within people have been taken off health care. Historically, little has been mentioned which we live. This is not pro-life but passing death about the hundreds of thousands of For those who desire a more in-depth sentences on the poor and sick, which is Christians who were massacred, forced discussion of Islam, I recommend Rev. not in accordance with God’s will. And to convert to Islam, placed in an eco- Marvin Heyboer, who offers an excellent now they are moving to deny citizenship nomically and culturally enslaved condi- two-day seminar on the topic (drmarvin@ to babies born here if at least one parent tion, or had their church buildings yahoo.com). n cannot prove citizenship. This goes against destroyed or taken over. Most of the the 14th amendment. I am also disturbed Crusades were efforts to throw back the by the silence of the religious community Islamic empire and secure the church in on these issues. By contrast, the people the Middle East. of Arizona have shown much love and Scripturally, we hold that all truth is compassion to the victims. If only our God’s truth. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus politicians could do the same. Other than is the truth. And Jesus challenges us to that, Arizona is a great place to live. “teach the way of God in accordance with —Herman Klap the truth” (Matt. 22:16). Do we? Scripture Rev. Paul Hansen is pastor Sahuarita, Ariz. also teaches that there will be those who, of First Christian Reformed “by their wickedness will suppress the Church, Hull, Iowa. Science and Faith truth” (Rom. 1:18). Does Islam fall under After reading “Calvin Profs Say Evolution that heading? One of the principle teach- Evidence Conflicts with Reformed Creeds”
8 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org (News, February 2011), I consider profes- It is supercilious to place human thinking For the Unborn sors Daniel Harlow and John Schneider above the Word of God. No science is I have worked at a crisis pregnancy cen- to be heroes of the Reformed faith for infallible. It continues to change. Science ter for 15 years and have seen firsthand taking “ecclesia reformata semper refor- at best is speculative on many levels. the devastating effects of abortion on mandum est” (“the Reformed church is —Peter. J. Sluys Sr. women. Also, I am one of those “hard always reforming”) seriously. This has Grand Rapids, Mich. cases.” I became pregnant with my third child 10 years after the birth of our other regularly meant asking uncomfortable The recent scholarly articles on human children and was very reluctant to start questions, and the age of modern evolu- origins published by Calvin professors over with the “baby stage.” My doctor tionary science is no different. The Refor- Harlow and Schneider challenge some core mation was born out of uncomfortable offered me several opportunities during doctrines of the college and church. The my pregnancy for an amniocentesis test. but intellectually honest questions, and articles join the current larger international I’m sure our favorite theologian would I decided against it since I wouldn’t abort conversation about faith-science issues. regardless of what it showed. Several recognize the importance of this principle, Although the college did not approve or months later our third daughter was born. even if his namesake college does not. endorse the ideas in the published articles, She has a rare genetic condition that has —Steve Roels and Sarah Bodbyl Roels it does endorse the importance of asking required serious surgeries, therapies, and University of Kansas questions and prayerfully and humbly specialists. Now almost 16 years old, she Department of Ecology and seeking answers. Much like new ideas or is nonverbal, severely autistic, functions Evolutionary Biology diagrams on a whiteboard, these articles at the cognitive level of a 2 year old, and Lawrence, Kan. are attempts to engage new scientific, his- needs 24/7 supervision and care. And she torical, and hermeneutical understandings Since when have we stated in our is the love of our life! and their connection to core doctrines. Reformed confessions that we must sub- Our daughter has brought so much In retrospect, it would have been advis- scribe to a literal understanding of the joy to those around her. She teaches us able for Drs. Harlow and Schneider to more Bible and its teachings? Even though we much more about grace than we could strongly emphasize the provisional nature all agree that the question “How did all ever have learned any other way. How of their work and to raise the direct confes- this happen?” is crucial (most often result- does one rationalize the right to end a sional issues differently. (The Form of ing in a literal understanding of Scrip- pregnancy because of “hard circum- Subscription describes a process for raising stances”? Who are we to say she doesn’t ture), the matter does not rest with that confessional issues.) In retrospect, the inter- have a purpose to fill in this world? Should question alone, which developed in large nal review processes used by the authors I have been granted the moral right to part since the scientific age. We must and the college should have been tighter. abort her to promote sensitivity and always ask the all-important question of Professors Harlow and Schneider have Christian grace? the Hebrew/Old Testament mind: “What expressed regret and think the articles read —Shelly Boeve* does this story or event mean?” more definitively than they intended. Holland, Mich. In our academic settings we need to All Calvin faculty members, including encourage asking questions in order to Drs. Harlow and Schneider, are committed *More Online! harmonize our understanding of Scrip- to upholding the Reformed creeds and See longer versions of these letters plus ture with science and vice versa. I cannot confessions in the classroom even while more responses on our new website at accept the Calvin professors’ own asser- new discoveries bring difficult questions. www.thebanner.org! tions in this case that the evidence creates We appreciate your support, prayers, conflicts with our historic creeds. Our and patience. More information can be Reformed confessions are in full harmony found at www.calvin.edu/provost/origins- when we go beyond the mere literal discussion/ approach to understanding the Bible. —Gaylen Byker, President —Rev. Henry Numan* Calvin College Vancouver, British Columbia Grand Rapids, Mich.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 9 nNews Correspoendents ws Flood Aid for For correspondents’ e-mail addresses, see www.thebanner.org New Brunswick Gayla R. Postma News Editor E-mail: [email protected] ozens of members of Fred- Sarah Boonstra ericton (New Brunswick) Classes Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone 303-247-0697 Christian Reformed Church Anita Brinkman D joined relief efforts when severe Classes Huron, Chatham 519-354-9126 weather caused flooding in Jenny deGroot Classes BC North-West, BC South-East numerous New Brunswick homes
604-888-5505 just before Christmas. O ord Van by Margaret Photos Larry Edsall Classes Arizona, Red Mesa The Christian Reformed World Debbie Boonstoppel of Frederic- between CRWRC-DRS, Samaritan’s 602-300-4518 Doug Evenhouse Relief Committee’s Disaster ton CRC and Debbie VanOord, Purse, and other Christian congre- Classes Northern Illinois, Wisconsin Responce Services mobilized to help visiting from Providence CRC in gations has been inspirational.” 630-241-0735 Karen Gorter people in the community tear out Beamsville, Ontario, helped cart CRWRC-DRS and Samaritan’s Classes Holland, Zeeland, 616-399-6123 wet and damaged building materi- out debris from flooded Purse also collaborated in New- Melissa Holtrop als and prepare for reconstruction. homes. foundland in the aftermath of Classes Central Plains, Chicago South 708-217-7197 Church members Dick and Hurricane Igor in November 2010. Henry Huisjen Margaret VanOord are area man- nessed without words. “The world Volunteers came from all the Classes Kalamazoo, Lake Erie 517-694-0273 agers for CRWRC-DRS and so were can see what love is,” he said. Maritime CRC churches to help Calvin Hulstein Classes Atlantic NE, Hackensack, Hudson able to quickly assess the situa- Rev. Harold Winter, pastor of out. 860-644-8512 tion. Fredericton CRC, said “The flood As Dick VanOord said, “If the Jonathan J. Kim Classis Pacific Hanmi One recipient of the cleanup has had a major impact on our Lord calls, you gotta go!” 626-616-0411 Rachel deKoning Kraay help said that the workers wit- congregation. The cooperation —Brenda Visser Classes Alberta North, Alberta South & Saskatchewan 403-782-9917 Noah Kruis Western Michigan Christian Wins State Soccer Championship Classes Grand Rapids East, Grand Rapids North 616-558-8166 Amy Rycenga Classes Muskegon, Northern Michigan 616-402-8881 Ryan Struyk Classes Grand Rapids South, Thornapple Valley 616-550-6723 Amy Toornstra Classes Columbia, Pacific Northwest 503-399-9165 Roxanne Van Farowe Classis Southeast U.S. 919-477-2084 Brenda Visser Classes Eastern Canada, Quinte 613-924-1792 Heidi Wicker Western Michigan Christian High School’s 2010 Classes California South, state championship boys’ soccer team
Central California, Greater L.A., John Mulder 209-599-3799 Carolyn Koster Yost estern Michigan Christian High School’s boys’ soccer team won the 2010 state championship. Classes Georgetown, Grandville 616-516-9175 For the school, located in Muskegon, Mich., the win was thrilling, as the team was not antic- Louis Tamminga ipating a victory. In Memoriam articles W 616-949-4539 “No one expected us to win. This year’s team had nine new starters. Even when we were at the state finals, we were not expected to win,” said Coach David Hulings. If your region is not listed here, please contact the news editor. The 2010 team finished the season with a record of 22-2-1. Several players received statewide recognition for their contribution, including Colin Breit, Matt DeKryger, Chaise Schuiteman, Matt Wisen, Tim Schuitema, Jacob Baren, and Jason Prince. Hulings was named Coach of the Year by two separate high school soccer associations. —Amy Rycenga
10 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org CRWRC Loses Funding from Canadian Government n late December 2010, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee-Canada received notice that Check thebanner.org for its funding from the Canadian government’s Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) athe expanded story. Iwould not be renewed. The loss of $1.1 million is about 10 percent of the community development program funding, which does not include disaster response funding or other special grants CRWRC receives. In Memoriam This decision does not mean that CRWRC’s programs are not up to CIDA’s standards. Andrew Ryskamp, director of CRWRC-U.S., explained: “Instead, CRWRC—like many other Canadian charities— was caught in the murky space between old and new priorities and changes in proposal application procedures and expectations at CIDA.” Even though the funding cut is on the Canadian side, it affects the entire organization. CRWRC is appealing for transitional funding until they can submit another proposal in March, with a response not expected until September 2011. “CRWRC was not alone in being denied CIDA funding. Many other organizations found themselves Rev. Anthony De Jager in the same situation in between the two funding frameworks,” explained Ryskamp. He said that 1922-2010 unless the gap in funding is met, CRWRC will have to cut some of its programs. Rev. Anthony De Jager, all-around “This is where the greatest discouragement and devastation happens. . . . CIDA’s decision will pastor and serious Bible student, impact most significantly the communities trying to get out of poverty,” explained Ida Kaastra-Mu- equally kind as a minister and a toigo, director of CRWRC-Canada. father, as serious in his prayers as CRWRC is hoping that people will step up and make a special donation. It will also tap into reserves in his pulpit work, passed away and cut costs. on September 25 in Brampton, “We now have to switch the way we think about CIDA’s money. It has to be looked at now as more Ontario. flexible funding, and we will have to adjust the core program budgeting accordingly,” said Kaastra- De Jager emigrated to Canada Mutoigo. —Rachel deKoning Kraay in 1951 and graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1952. He Ontario Church Pastors Intercede served Christian Reformed con- gregations in Alberta, Ontario, and Librarian Wins Award for School Rocked by Violence California. He retired in 1987. hurch librarian Cathy Goring won fter two sixth-grade students at Roseland Christian School De Jager was as liked as a an award for publicity and pro- died violent deaths this school year, local pastors were invited person as he was respected as a motion of the library at Hebron by principal Jim Van Zyl to pray at the Chicago school at the C A pastor, and was equally devoted Christian Reformed Church in Whitby, beginning of 2011. to his family as to his congrega- Ontario. “We just want to tions. The award was given by the Church bring some peace to He was a frequent delegate to Library Association of Ontario. this place,” said Van synod (the annual leadership Goring heads up the church’s Zyl, a member of meeting of the CRC). He wrote library committee. Crossroads Commu- often for The Banner and Christian W h e n s h e f i r s t n i t y C h r i s t i a n Courier. When the latter was still started, the library Reformed Church in Calvinist Contact, De Jager wrote only offered chil- Schererville, Ind. a popular series about Dutch dren’s videos, but Student Michael immigrant life in Canada under after Hebron CRC Pierce was acciden- the pen-name “Arie Doff.” moved to a new tally shot and killed De Jager is survived by his wife, building, the library on September 12. Joi p Melissa H oltro Jane, seven children and their grew to include Cochran was stabbed Prayer walkers gather where photos hang Cathy Goring, spouses, 13 grandchildren, and both fiction and to death, along with of two students who died violently this church librar- 10 great-grandchildren. non-fiction titles, her older sister and school year. ian at Hebron —Louis M. Tamminga periodicals, DVDs, mother, on November 29. Their photographs hang on a wall near CRC in Whitby, and more. It now the school’s entrance. Further information on recently Ontario. contains more than Revs. Calvin Aardsma, Marjorie Kooy, Heino Blaauw, and Kris Vos deceased ministers is available each 1,500 titles. joined Van Zyl and other Roseland staff for prayer on January 13. year in the front pages of the Christian The library is publicized through Roseland Christian School was founded by members of the Reformed Church’s annual Yearbook. wann S tudios S wann B lack S harlene B eek m an, weekly bulletin announcements and Christian Reformed Church in 1884. Van Zyl said it represents stabil- More information can also be found creative displays. Goring also hosts ity in a community that is struggling. at www.thebanner.org. annual fundraisers. —Brenda Visser —Melissa Holtrop
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 11 news Washington Church Creates Community
with a Winter Carnival H eu v el Vanden Megan “ f we wanted to reach the com- various reasons. “They are willing A beanbag toss game gave munity, we needed to reach out to give us a shot because they kids a chance to win fun prizes Ito kids,” said Rev. Brad Vos of engaged with us in a nonthreaten- at a Vancouver, Wash., winter CrossWay Christian Reformed Church ing way. It is cool because it gives carnival. in Vancouver, Wash. us the ability to build credibility G inger Pri m us In January, the church welcomed Lori Dykstra with one of her with them,” said Vos. “[Reaching families] takes a ton 36 kids and 20 of their parents to sculptures The church also ran a craft tent of relational energy. You need to jump in a bounce house, toss bean- at a summer farmer’s market, a fall find natural ways to connect with Celebrating bags, and earn prizes. school supply drive, a barbeque, people,” Vos said. Many were once involved in a a Harry Potter party, and a Christ- —Amy Toornstra Creativity in church, but stopped attending for mas gathering. Washington, D.C. West Michigan Christians ecently at the Christian Mixing Art and Ministry Reformed Church of Stay on the Same (Bible) Page RWashington, D.C., three in Ontario artists celebrated God’s gifts of n art ministry in Kingston, Ontario, creativity and imagination. called “The Mess” is providing a Rod Jellema, a poet, read Anew avenue for relational minis- from his recently published try for Mechele TeBrake of First Christian book Incarnality: The Collected Reformed Church and her friend, Sandi Poems. Dodds. Lori Dykstra, a visual artist, Up to10 people come each week, oung explained several of her paint- with art supplies provided for free. “I Y ings and sculptures. come to The Mess because something Jazz musician David Jellema great is happening here, and I want to A nnie D e (son of Rod), who grew up in be part of it. Art is a big part of who I very day in West Michigan, Susan Bordewyk (left) and the church, played improvised am,” said Bob, a regular participant. people from 15 Byron Kelly Bordewyk discuss a musical responses. TeBrake is very clear that the min- ECenter area churches, Bible passage. Marjorie Gray appreciated istry doesn’t try to change people. “We including five Christian many post observations on the event and wrote in her blog just love them and let God change Reformed congregations and Facebook. that the artists “reopened our them,” she said. two Christian schools, all open Pastors from seven of the eyes to the tangible Creation —Brenda Visser their Bibles to the same participating churches belong which beckons us to respond; chapter. to a peer learning group that the Creator’s signature talent Sherry enjoys painting at The Mess, an It’s part of an interdenomi- meets weekly. They collaborate blossoms in human creativity art ministry in Kingston, Ontario. national and intergenerational on the background of the pas- throughout every life every- Bible-reading program called sages, surprises, main ideas, where.” One Book One Body. and sermon applications. The event raised almost Jim Heethuis, a ministry asso- Heethuis said that, although $800 for the Christian Reformed ciate at Pathway Christian many Bible-reading plans exist, World Relief Committee, to be Reformed Church, said, “The goal this one aims for consistency. “By used for flood relief in Paki- is to help people who have Bibles the time they get to Leviticus and stan. read them and to unify the com- Numbers, many people fall off —Calvin Hulstein munity around the texts.” the wagon. We’re trying to keep Everyone involved reads the people in the program.” same designated passage, and —Carolyn Koster Yost
12 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Check thebanner.org for athe expanded story.
Henry Huisjen Michigan Church Moves for Fresh Start fter more than 75 years in the Flint, Mich., area, Good Shepherd Chris- tian Reformed Church is seeking a fresh start in a different town. A The small congregation left its location in Flushing, west of Flint, to start afresh in Burton, a larger community east of Flint. The old location, chosen in the 1960s, was quite rural and not con- ducive to growth, said Rev. Adrian Eising. “We were kind of isolated and not reaching out where we were.” The church’s membership dropped from 176 in the mid-1990s to 46 by 2002. First the congregation sold off some land to avoid closing but later it had to put its building up for sale as well. A surprising offer in a weak real estate market left the church with replenished financial coffers but no home. Then they found a former United Methodist church for sale in Bur- ton. Though it meant a longer drive for many, the congregation decided to make the move and are praying that the church will grow. “We view this as a chance to start anew,” Eising said, “to reach out to people and minister Christ’s love to them.” —Henry Huisjen The congregation at Good Shepherd CRC in its new community
Michigan Church Hosts Officers and Ex-Offenders very Thursday, you’ll find police offi- would always ask when Timmer was com- cers and recently released inmates ing for the weekly CLEAR lunch. Ebreaking bread together at First During the meetings, participants Christian Reformed Church in Grand share stories of success as well as frustra- Rapids, Mich. tion with the challenges of reentry from The lunches are part of a reentry initia- the previous week. tive for ex-offenders called CLEAR (Coalition Will Horrice is a participant who was Leadership Education And Rehabilitation). a member of Celebration Fellowship CRC They provide time for interaction between (a congregation that operates inside the nita B rink m an A nita released inmates (now called returning prison). He said, “We are sitting with law Ian and Matthew get gooey during citizens) and the professionals who make enforcement, the warden, a pastor. There “Fridays at Grace.” it their goal to lower recidivism rates. is hope. You have to be in the right space Ontario Church Kicks Off Officer Terry Dixon serves as a co-fa- with yourself.” cilitator for the gathering. He described Of the returning citizens that have Weekends with Grace the traditional role of police officer as “‘find participated in the program, only 18 or the third year, Grace Christian Reformed the bad guy and lock him up,’ not ‘help percent have returned to prison and only Church in Chatham, Ontario, opens its doors him get back out.’” one of the 10 or so core members of the Fon Friday nights with programs for all ages. But in his role as co-facilitator, Dixon group has reoffended. Many of the 80-90 children who come to “Fridays testified to his reliance on God: “I The lunches are hosted by Bates Place, at Grace” live in a large housing complex next door don’t have all the answers, but a ministry of First CRC. to the church. through Christ I do.” —Noah Kruis Activities include games, crafts and lessons for Luiz Timmer met Dixon at children, a youth group for young teens, and men’s Bellamy Creek Correctional Facil- Jason R ei ff er and women’s Bible studies. ity in Ionia, Mich. “We wanted to have something for everyone,” “When you see ‘the law’ you says Elaine Wolting, a coordinator of the ministry. think, ‘here it goes again,’” “An effective ministry has to involve the whole said Timmer. But he family.” noticed that Dixon had Mackenzie, 12, said, she likes coming to “Fridays a different vibe and at Grace” and has also started coming to church on worked to build rela- Sunday mornings. “I get to play and learn about tionships. Whenever God,” she said. —Anita Brinkman they met, Dixon
Officer Terry Dixon congratulates Kenneth Clark on receiving his official release from being on parole. www.thebanner.org | February 2011 | THE BANNER 13 news Making Church Delicious in South Carolina From left, Melanie, Monica,
renda Visser B renda Sharon, and Rev. Cary Holbert stand in front of their church, From left, Heather Halliday, Jonathan which also happens to be an VanOostveen, Amos Cohoe, and Jason award-winning restaurant. Adema enjoy a soup supper made by members of First and Westside CRCs in him in the same place as Kingston, Ontario. other churchgoers who must balance work and ministry. Soup’s on for Ontario He encourages his congrega- Students tion to bring their faith into eneva Fellowship, the Christian their work situations, while Reformed campus ministry at doing so himself. Queen’s University in Kingston, South Carolina church recognized the church with a Live on the Rock CRC G plant is getting rave “golden spatula” award. Ontario, offers weekly homemade soup strives to share an intelligent suppers all school-year long, with the Areviews for its food. That’s because the church Reformed message, said Hol- help of soup-makers from Westside Fel- The food at Live on the also happens to be Desserts brook. The church hosts musi- lowship and First CRCs in Kingston. Rock Christian Reformed & More, a 4-year-old restaurant cians and comedians on Fri- Candace Adema, who grew up in the Church in Columbia, S.C., is so managed by Rev. Cary Holbert, day evenings and has a Philippines, especially likes the soup sup- good that its pimiento cheese- his wife Sharon, and their two weekly teen ministry. pers because “. . . it is easy to invite people, burger was featured among daughters. “We’re here to —Roxanne Van Farowe and it is not intimidating.” Up to 50 stu- the state’s top five in a special make Jesus known,” said Hol- dents attend the free supper. insert of Southern Living bert. —Brenda Visser magazine last winter. In 2009 To Holbert, being a restau- local television station WLTX rant owner and pastor puts Filipino Church in Colorado Helps Churches in the Philippines Christian Reformed ministry ministry opportunities, it will be for Filipino immigrants in easier for everyone because the ADenver, Colo., is helping responsibility is shared,” Serrano support seven Christian ministries said. in the Philippines. Serrano credits his partnership The Crucible started as a house with other pastors with making church, partnered with Eastern Hills the church self-sustaining. None Community Christian Reformed of the pastors take a salary, and Church in Aurora, Colo., and Chris- by meeting in other church build- tian Reformed Home Missions. ings they do not need a budget. It has since grown to more than Instead, the offerings that are 50 people who gather for worship collected each Sunday are sent and meals together. The group is back to the Philippines to help served by three pastors: Rev. Henry seven different pastors in their Serrano of the CRC, and two other ministries there. Some members of The Crucible CRC in Denver: seated, Anne pastors, one from the Baptist Gen- Serrano said as long as there Varallo, Marites Peterson; standing, Janella Casem, Ruby Preece, eral Conference and one from the is a need in the Philippines, “there Eloida Wagner, Annie Matillano, Vickylyn Yambao, Southern Baptist church. is help coming from the Lord’s Myrna dela Cruz, Amy Serrano, Guy Boquiren “[By] opening the ministry to hand in Colorado.” other pastors who are looking for —Sarah Boonstra
14 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Check thebanner.org for athe expanded story.
Caring for Children in Washington
Mike VanderVeen Mike onlight Community Chris Swoverland removes the oil drain pan from Christian Reformed under a neighbor’s car as his father, Pete Swover- SChurch in Lynden, land, prepares to back the car off the ramps. Wash., is serious about obeying God’s mandate to Reaching the Neighbors care for orphans. Six Son- with Oil Changes light families have adopted egular car maintenance can be an expensive seven children in the past tion by covering topics (l-r) Jazmyn, Alexa, and proposition for people who are elderly and two years. such as evaluating adop- Sadie were all recently Rliving on a fixed income. So three times a Carleen Polinder and tion agencies, submitting adopted by families at year, Parklane Christian Reformed Church in Port- Jacquee Larsen, members of paperwork, and welcoming Sonlight Community CRC land, Ore., helps out by offering free oil changes. the congregation, lead an children home. in Lynden, Washington. Volunteers serviced 57 cars at the church’s most adoption support group Hope 1.27 also encour- giving foster care have recent event. Rev. Vance Hays, pastor of Parklane, called Hope 1.27 (after James ages church members to helped Sonlight be a little said that each oil change costs the church only 1:27, which exhorts Chris- get involved in foster care. reflection of heaven. Chil- about $20. “But for a lot of people, 20 bucks is a tians to care for orphans). “We don’t realize how many dren of every color and lot of money,” he said. “We keep doing it because Larsen, an adoptive foster kids are in our own tribe and country are it is fun and it reaches people.” mom herself, teaches a country,” Larsen says. accepted and welcomed as The church has been offering the service since class called “If You Were Rev. Peter Byma, pastor part of our family through 2006. —Amy Toornstra Mine” that helps families of Sonlight CRC, said, grace and love.” who are considering adop- “Adoptions and families —Amy Toornstra
Gabe has many hopes for the Michigan Family’s future, including playing soccer Special Formula at Michigan State University and becoming a cardiologist. “My Is Love mom’s [family] have really bad n what Sandy Roelofs said is heart problems,” he said. “The God’s plan for her family of six, Roelofs have this special formula Ianother place has been added for me. It’s hard to put into words. at the table for Gabe Mateo, a They offer me a lot of help.” friend and soccer teammate of “This whole thing is just love,” her son Trent. said Doug Roelofs, “Christ’s love Sandy and husband Doug’s for us. Gabe is a son.” four children all attend The Pot- The Roelofs are members of ter’s House Christian School in EverGreen Christian Reformed Grand Rapids, Mich., a school that Church in Hudsonville, Mich. is deliberately inclusive of students —Karen Gorter aren G orter from all ethnic backgrounds and K Back row (l-r): Trent and Sierra Roelofs, Gabe Mateo income levels. That is where Trent Front row (l-r): Levi, Sandy, Doug, and Noah Roelofs met Gabe. Gabe’s mom, Minerva Mateo, decisions. “They are a good family,” “I’m happy and proud of supported Gabe joining the she said “I want him to be a good myself, and my mom is proud of Roelofs family so he’ll have more person, help people, have a better me,” said Gabe. “She says to take structure and make better school life.” this as a gift—I’m so thankful.”
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 15 newsThe fall kick-off service at The Well in Aurora, Colo. Loving the Neighborhood One House at a Time s poverty and violence Christian Reformed Church, knew threatened his neighbor- that complaining about the prob- Ahood, Leroy Werkhoven, a lem would not help. member of Sunnyside (Wash.) Instead, Werkhoven and a small group of church members started an initiative called “Loving Sunnyside” to demonstrate their love for the neighborhood. Volunteers paint home exteri- Keeping Kids Coming Back to The Well ors, clean up yards, and mow n any given Tuesday night, you’ll find upwards of 125 high lawns for neighbors who are school students gathered in the Eastern Hills Community elderly, have disabilities, or Christian Reformed Church in Aurora, Colo. struggle with finances. They’ve O They are there to worship at The Well, but they’re finding much painted 29 homes in the Sunny- v er m anc
a more than worship. The Well is a youth church service that is run side neighborhood so far. Their in part by the young people to reach out to youths in the Aurora D oug L most recent work day brought out area. Over the course of a year, more than 300 teens come into Volunteers scrape, prime, and 200 volunteers. contact with the church. paint the houses of individuals A follow-up team will assist home- Kendal Hommes, the senior high youth pastor, said many of in need. owners for a year and seek to bring the teens “don’t go to church somewhere else. Their families are them into the fellowship of a Christian unchurched. They’ve ended up at The Well either through a friend, organization. “Simply painting a Writer Needed Young Life, or Campus Life.” house is not reaching as far as we The Banner is seeking news Hommes says the strength of The Well is its leadership. “Our need to,” Werkhoven said. correspondents in regions adult leaders are constantly in contact with students, checking “If you ignore poverty, the that include Iowa, South in with them, making sure things are going well,” he said. Youth problems multiply. We are going Dakota, and southern leaders use social networking to maintain that contact. to reach out and help.” Ontario’s Toronto/Niagara —Sarah Boonstra —Amy Toornstra region to write about Chris- tian Reformed people and activities of interest to our California Ministry Meets God in the Wilderness readers. If you live in one of “ od put me here to be an experience a connection with God Kristine Galindo participated these states or provinces and advocate for the outdoors in new ways, and leave the busy- in the ministry’s first overnight you like to write, we’d like to Gand to share this love for ness of life behind, said Kelly. camping and backpacking adven- hear from you. We’d espe- ture in the mountains. She said, God’s creation with others,” said Hal and Kelly Holland from The cially welcome writers from “This is a great ‘inviting’ opportu- Hal Holland, member of The Gath- Gathering CRC love to experience diverse ethnic backgrounds. nity. I can think of several ering Christian Reformed Church the wilderness with their family All expressions of interest unchurched families that are in in Sacramento, Calif. and share it with others. should be addressed via Hal and his wife, Kelly, both the same situation we are. They email to Gayla Postma, News biologists, are co-leaders of a new have young kids, they love the Editor, at gpostma@crcna. Adventure ministry that brings outdoors, but don’t have the org. Please include a resume together their passion for creation equipment or the experience to or letter outlining your news- and their love of hiking and back- venture out on their own. This is writing experience and some packing. a non-threatening way to intro- recent samples of your The Adventure ministry helps duce friends to their need for God work. individuals and families to put while giving them an adventure their faith in God as they partici- they could not create on their pate in outdoor adventures, own.” —Heidi Wicker
16 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org FAQs Church Some of us grew up in an era Some churches are when the rule for Sunday activities Qshowing compassion and generosity to their com- was "Thou shalt not." munity by serving meals, washing cars, and cleaning Staying on top of emerging career trends Condoning another’s wrongful behavior Ais an art unto itself, as careers wax and Ais frequently a sin. A person condones up the neighborhood during wane to meet changing circumstances and such behavior when the person is aware that keep pace with emerging technologies. At this the other’s actions produce harm, the person the week. I’m very upset particular point in time, the healthiest broad does not denounce the other’s actions or hiring sectors are engineering (except for civil), attempt to make the harm less likely to occur, that our church has encour- accounting, information technology, health and the person suspects that such inaction is care, and, supposedly, education. However, morally blameworthy. Thus, for example, a aged our members to do you could expand that list of general fields by woman condones the bad behavior of her these things on Sunday. adding technology to specific careers, result- boyfriend if she allows him to use illegal drugs ing in job titles such as social media marketing in the presence of her children, and her inac- How do I respond? specialist, health informatics specialist, or tion qualifies as a sin of omission. transportation geography researcher. The boy you describe does not appear to Some of us grew up in an era when the That said, I do not typically encourage fit this characterization of condoning behavior. rule for Sunday activities—other than A people I see to pursue any of the top10 He probably realizes that his father’s actions going to church, preparing our catechism careers just because they appear on a list of have harmed his family, that there is nothing lesson, taking a nap, and reading The Banner— “hot” careers. Why is that? The reason is two- he could have done to alter this course of was “Thou shalt not.” Thankfully, that has fold. First, a career that is viable one day may events, and that his own inaction is therefore changed. Not only is the Lord’s Day a wonder- be outmoded in the future. The second reason not blameworthy. ful day to show compassion and generosity is because of individual gifts and calling. If Condoning harm is less serious, morally to others, but it’s also a day when many you have a true passion for and gifts in an speaking, than facilitating harm. A person people have time in their schedules to par- area where you feel God is calling you, then facilitates the harm produced by another’s ticipate in these “deeds of love and mercy by faith it’s wise to pursue that direction. God wrongdoing when the person acts to increase through which the heavenly kingdom comes” is not bound by statistical probabilities and the likelihood that the other’s actions produce (Psalter Hymnal 555:2). is able to creatively make a way where none the harm. If your convictions won’t allow you to par- is apparent. Facilitating harm, in turn, is less serious than ticipate in these activities on Sunday, consider —Bonnie Speyers enabling harm. A person enables the harm praying that the ministry of your fellow church produced by another’s wrongdoing when the members will help draw the recipients of such Bonnie Speyers is a career counselor at Calvin other’s actions would not produce the harm generosity to the Savior in whose name these College in Grand Rapids, Mich. were it not for this person’s own actions, and deeds are being done. the person is aware that his or her own actions —George Vander Weit Christian Morality may contribute to the harm. A man I know divorced his wife of 27 Finally, even if a person unintentionally George Vander Weit is a retired pastor in the Qyears to marry another woman. His condones, facilitates, or enables the harm Christian Reformed Church. son, a junior in high school, chose to live produced by another, it can still qualify as with his father and his new stepmother. The sinful (Lev. 5:15). Calling friends and relatives of his mother were —Gregory Mellema What new jobs do you see being cre- outraged and told the son that he was Qated in our changing world? I’d like to condoning his father’s despicable behavior Dr. Gregory Mellema is a philosophy professor know so I can acquire the cutting-edge skills by making this choice. Is condoning another’s at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. n or education that is essential for preparing bad behavior a sin? Is condoning a type of for the future. facilitating or enabling?
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 17 By John D. Witvliet
Yesand
NLento iving as faithful disciples described both an increase of interest in of Jesus requires making a lot of and opposition to observing Lent, then and the judgment calls. We are called to firmly concluded, “We believe both views Reformed “test everything” (1 Thess. 5:21), are one-sided.” to “discern what is best” Kuiper said no to the ancient idea that Faith (Phil. 1:10). To see this pro- Lent should feature a lot of spiritual dis- cess of discernment at work, consider ciplines, like fasting. As Kuiper argued, if Today the history of Lent—the traditional we strengthen our piety during Lent, aren’t cally been warm to sermon series on Jesus’ 40-day season (not counting Sundays) we likely to become lax afterward? Aren’t suffering and death, rather cool to too of preparation for Easter. we supposed to be “always excelling in the much emphasis on spiritual disciplines work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58)? Don’t including fasting and prayer, and down- Our Recent Practice Lenten obligations lead us to legalism? right cold to other traditions that grew Many congregations in the Christian At the same time, Kuiper said yes to up around Lent: Mardi Gras parties, fish Reformed Church today observe Lent— the importance of a season of preparation on Fridays, and setting aside the word but in a way that seems unusual to most for Easter, citing a longstanding Reformed “Alleluia” during Lenten worship (until Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, practice of sermons on Jesus’ sufferings Easter morning). This is why, for example, and Anglicans. It is an approach already as a fitting approach. the 1987 Psalter Hymnal’s section on Lent reflected in a 1933 editorial in The Banner, For the past three generations, Chris- focuses almost exclusively on Jesus’ suf- where longtime editor H.J. Kuiper tian Reformed congregations have typi- fering and death.
18 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Lent was Fourth-Century Innovation a pastoral to particular challenges we face in our In part because of the limited historical own ministry contexts. information available to him, Kuiper gave innovation In places where Lent is associated no attention to another dimension of for a time almost exclusively with legalism or super- Lent: the link between Lent and baptism. stition, Reformed Christians would be As recent historical studies have shown, a lot like wise to follow Calvin’s lead and say no to Lent came about as early church leaders our own. Lent. Instead, perhaps pastors should lead were also saying yes and no to possible congregations through reflections on the ministry practices in light of contempo- theme of “freedom in Christ.” rary cultural challenges. gift of new life in Christ and the Holy In other contexts there may be great In A.D. 313 the Roman emperor Con- Spirit (sanctification). Lent was a time wisdom in adopting Lent as an identifi- stantine converted to Christianity, and for new and veteran Christians to live able season of preparation for Easter. All made it legal—even preferable—for into—to “practice”—the basic moves of of us need to sanctify our calendars and Roman citizens to become Christian. the Christian life: to deny oneself, to turn make clear that nothing in the winter and Suddenly the church had a lot of adult to Jesus, to put off gossip and bitterness, springtime of the year—not Valentine’s baptisms to celebrate! and to put on patience and compassion. Day, not spring break, not March Mad- Just as athletes need to drill key skills and But that created a challenge: How was ness, not even the hockey playoffs—is as musicians need to practice scales, so too the church supposed to ensure that important to our identity as Jesus’ death Christians need to practice self-denial people who wanted to be baptized were and resurrection. and self-giving love. serious about Jesus? And what did the In missional places, where we long In other words, Lent was developed in church need to do to shape these new for a lot of adult baptisms at Easter, there what we now call a “missional context.” It Christian lives? Baptism alone was not is a lot of wisdom in recovering the idea was a pastoral innovation for a time much enough. More was needed to form these that Lent is not just about Jesus’ suffer- like our own, where vast numbers of new Christians as disciples of Jesus. ing and death, but also about our union people do not grow up in the church. Lent So the church developed a 40-day with Christ in baptism. There may be was the church’s way of saying yes to the Yes course of preparation for baptism—a great wisdom in intentionally practicing and free offer of salvation and no to cheap our new life in Christ with disciplines time of Bible study, catechism study grace—baptism without discipleship. (that’s right—catechism study 1,200 years of prayer, fasting, and repentance— before John Calvin), and spiritual disci- disciplines that are so life-giving that we 16th-Century Reform plan on keeping them going long after plines including prayer and fasting. This By the time John Calvin came along, the was a super-charged “40-day spiritual Lent ends. After all, many of us live in memory of Lent as a season for shaping cultures with too few—not too many—of adventure” or “40 days of purpose” (both new Christians had long faded. Adult are modern riffs on an ancient idea). The these disciplines. baptisms were rare. Just about everyone Sometimes we inherit from our NLento idea was that during those 40 days believ- was baptized as an infant. The Lenten spiritual ancestors settled answers to key ers should be either preparing for their disciplines were still practiced, but they questions. But often we inherit instead and the own baptism or encouraging someone were often imposed by the church in a models for asking unsettling questions. who was preparing for baptism. Reformed distorted way as a means of currying favor How can we put Jesus at the center of Instead of a time for focusing only with God. how we mark time? How can we convey on the suffering and death of Jesus, Lent Faith So Calvin said yes to the practice he the beauty of baptismal identity to seek- became about focusing on our union felt his people needed—teaching built ers and strengthen it for veteran believers? Today with Christ’s death and resurrection in around the catechism. But he said no to How can we practice disciplines in the baptism. Romans 6:3-4 served as a theme the season of Lent as too hopelessly super- Christian life without coming to trust in text: “Do you not know that all of us stitious to be of help to his people. or be overly proud of those practices? who have been baptized into Christ Jesus May God’s Spirit equip us with all were baptized into his death? Therefore What’s Best Today? “love and spiritual knowledge to discern we have been buried with him by bap- So how should we celebrate Lent today? what is best” (Phil. 1:10). n tism into death, so that, just as Christ We need to join fourth-century pas- was raised from the dead by the glory tors, John Calvin, H.J. Kuiper, and a lot of the Father, so we too might walk in of thoughtful contemporary Roman Dr. John D. Witvliet teaches theology, worship, and music newness of life.” Catholic leaders who are studying the at Calvin College and Calvin In terms of doctrine, this put the same history, in making wise choices that Theological Seminary, and emphasis not only on God’s gift of for- promote faithful discipleship. We, too, directs the Calvin Institute of giveness (justification), but also on the need to say both yes and no in response Christian Worship (www.calvin.edu/worship).
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 19 By Rebecca Warren with Roy Berkenbosch, Travis Enright, and Maggie Hodgson
The “sad chapter” {A Sacred Circle} in Canada’s history of the Indian residential schools leads to a meaningful conversation about reconciliation.
econciliation begins with truth. Participants from Blue Quills First Nations College in St. Paul, Before there can be handshaking or com- Alberta, also attended the conference and met at a special ing together in a moment of forgiveness, dinner with King’s students that featured bannock and stew. truth must be told. In addition to many conversations and informal meetings, In June 2008, prime minister Stephen the students and members of the public who attended the con- Harper acknowledged the truth of a “sad ference were honored to listen to the stories of residential schools chapter” in Canada’s history with a state- as shared by the survivors themselves. A culminating event at ment of apology for the government’s the Canadian Native Friendship Centre allowed all participants role in the operation of Indian residential schools. More than to see reconciliation in action. The ceremony included traditional 150,000 First Nations, Metis, and Indian children were taken aboriginal elements such as smudging and drumming, as well against their parents’ wishes and placed in the care of the schools— as Christian symbols like candles. The evening allowed for heart- often run by churches—where they were forced to abandon their felt words offered on the part of both elders and church leaders, language and their culture and assimilate to white ways. There including sincere words of apology and forgiveness. were more than 130 residential schools in Canada from the 1870s As participants sat in a circle, all were drawn into the power until the last one closed in 1996 (source: Truth and Reconciliation of that moment. As Edmonton writer Cheryl Mahaffy noted, Commission of Canada, www.trc.ca). “In a circle, no one can merely observe” (Edmonton Journal, Jan. The prime minister’s apology offered an opportunity for all 24, 2009). And that, perhaps, is exactly where the church must Canadians to join in a process of reconciliation with aboriginal begin any conversation about reconciliation: none of us can neighbors—a process that requires much listening and learning. merely observe the process; it demands action. Since listening and learning is what Christian education is The conference began a friendship between members of the about, the King’s University College responded by focusing its organizing committee that has continued, pushing us to explore January 2009 Interdisciplinary Studies conference on the theme ways to continue our learning and engagement in reconciliation. “Truth and Reconciliation: Healing the Legacy of Residential Recently four members of the organizing committee—Maggie Schools.” That event was developed by a committee that included Hodgson, Rev. Canon Travis Enright, Roy Berkenbosch, and aboriginal leaders, church leaders from the Remembering the Rebecca Warren—sat down again for lunch to continue talking Children initiative, and members of King’s staff and faculty. about the work of reconciliation.
20 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org “In a circle, no one can merely observe.”
Continuing the Conversation “What scares me about the TRC is how easy it is to turn it off, Maggie Hodgson began the conversation, saying, “The owner- change the channel, don’t think about it,” Travis commented. ship of reconciliation rests with oneself.” No matter whether “We need to build a shared understanding,” agreed Maggie. the other person is able to acknowledge the wrong done, you “It’s about being willing to have our stereotypes changed. Before can take ownership of your own healing. Still, there is hope I had anything to do with Dutch Reformed people I had my ste- that there will be some kind of change in behavior. As Maggie reotypes, but through your willingness to listen to our recom- noted, “If your actions don’t follow your words, then that mendations for the conference and implement them, you built doesn’t mean it’s going to be all right. Reconciliation is some- trust and respect.” times trust that behaviors will change.” Maggie told the story of Len Blumenthal, a Dutch immigrant “People can understand reconciliation on an intellectual whose family was kept alive by blood Indians when they first and theological level,” noted Travis Enright, “but not a day-to- came to Canada. “I think his truth about that being spoken a n ada day practical level.” For example, when he’s looking for church about by his grandfather and his father down to him is part of communities to participate in a walk commemorating violence building shared understanding. When Len went to work in c hi v es against aboriginal women, “they don’t see the walk as an act addictions, he treated us the whole time like we were the ‘First of reconciliation or education. They may still have a charity Peoples,’ the ones who saved his family’s life.” model: I’ll give you something, then you’re reconciled.” At the end of the conference, Roy bought a pair of Dutch Maggie Hodgson spoke about the call for involvement in wooden shoes and a pair of moccasins to present to Maggie terms of asking others (including readers of this article) to act Hodgson in appreciation of the key role she played in helping ibliothèque et ar a n ada / B ibliothèque as spiritual witnesses. “If I come to your wedding,” she explained, to shape the conference. “We walked in each other’s shoes for “I don’t just come to see you in a pretty gown. Being a witness a while,” Roy noted with appreciation. “Now we have a shared c hi v es means phoning you up when things are hard, saying, ‘What mission,” said Maggie.
y a n d ar can we do to support and help; how can we be as much part Whatever reconciliation looks like, it also looks like this: four of this as we [were] in your wedding?’ Being a spiritual witness friends sitting around a table over lunch, asking the hard ques- means listening, learning, developing a relationship . . . then tions, committed to meeting together over the long haul. Because taking the next step of reaching out and learning more. Rec- where reconciliation begins, action and changed behavior also onciliation is about building understanding.” begin. As Elder Abe Burnstick says, “It is up to you!” n
al Photo bY L ibrar O rigi n al Photo In order for understanding to occur, it’s important that every- one’s truth is spoken: in this case, not just survivors of the resi- To Find Out More . . . dential schools, but also staff members and church leaders. And those who hear these stories have a responsibility to do The following websites can tell you more about the history of something with what they have learned. “I don’t think the Truth the Indian residential schools: and Reconciliation Commission is being as successful as it Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada could because people are not taking their responsibilities seri- www.trc.ca ously,” observed Maggie. “The ministers, the post-secondary institutions, even those in my community aren’t taking their Remembering the Children Initiative responsibility seriously. If every Indian there brought a non- rememberingthechildren.ca native friend, that would really be something because it would Stolen Children: Truth and Reconciliation (from the CBC news) include Metis, Inuit, black, brown, pink, and whatever color www.cbc.ca/news/background/truth-reconciliation they bring with them!” U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People The education of all Canadians is one primary goal of the Truth www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/drip.html and Reconciliation Commission. Roy Berkenbosch suggested, “Maybe we need to think of treaty as covenant. Just as we accept King’s University College Truth and Reconciliation Conference the rights of citizenship, we accept the obligations of citizenship www.kingsu.ca/IS-conference/2009/january.html too. No doubt I am as obligated [to participate in reconciliation] as a member of the United Church back in the 1800s.” (The United Rebecca Warren worked on the Truth and Reconciliation conference at Church was the primary founder of the residential schools.) King’s University College. She is assistant director of the Ronning Centre This means that all Canadians bear some responsibility, for the Study of Religion and Public Life at the University of Alberta. whether their relatives were directly involved in the residential Roy Berkenbosh is director of the Micah Centre and Interdisciplinary schools or not. As the Belhar Confession notes, “Christ’s work Studies at The King’s University College, Edmonton, Alberta. of reconciliation is made manifest in the church as the com- munity of believers who have been reconciled with God and The Rev. Canon Travis Enright is Canon Missioner for Indigenous Ministry in with one another (Eph. 2:11-22).” Just how is it made manifest? the Chair of St. John de Brebeuf at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral in Edmonton. Through our acceptance of responsibility and our willingness Maggie Hodgson is founder of the National Day of Healing and to demonstrate that in our actions and behavior. Reconciliation and a leader in the aboriginal community.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 21 CHURCHATWORKVolunteers in ministry Called to Be Sent by Kristen deRoo VanderBerg
lly Dalmaijer says she and her husband, Jack, “never plan any- thing . . . we just live life as it goes.” It’s a formula that in the past 10 years has taken the St. Albert, EAlberta, couple to 11 countries as inter- national relief managers—volunteers working with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) to bring aid when and where disaster strikes. Like the 20 other international relief managers on CRWRC’s roster, they are accustomed to being called on at a moment’s notice. Their involvement with CRWRC’s International Disaster Response started in 2000, shortly after Jack and his partners sold their construction-related business. With more time on their hands, the D al m ai j er by E lly Photo couple began to look for opportunities Elly Dalmaijer with flood survivors in “Jack went to pick up the camper and to serve God in a new way. Pakistan. the phone rang,” Elly remembers. “It turns “We had to decide, ‘Is this enough?’” out that the man who was going to go to recalls Elly. “We could chase money the An opportunity arose that summer Mozambique could no longer go. They rest of our lives, or we could decide that while the Dalmaijers were on vacation. wanted to know if we could go, and if we we had enough and use what we had and “There was a flood in Mozambique,” could leave the next week. our lifetime of skills in a different con- recalls Elly. “Jack and I were on holidays “I put the phone down, went outside, text.” visiting friends in the States. We got an and there came Jack with the camper. I She and Jack had already been involved e-mail from our pastor who said that said, ‘You’d better take it back; we’re going in their local church, St. Albert Christian CRWRC was looking for an accountant to Mozambique.’” Reformed Church, as well as with the to go to Mozambique.” After consulting an atlas to find out board of The King’s University College Jack called CRWRC and was told that where Mozambique is, the couple pre- in Edmonton, Alberta, and various other the position had already been filled. Three pared for their first volunteer service activities. “We now wanted to serve the weeks later, the couple returned home abroad. Jack’s assignment for the next worldwide church of God,” Elly says. and decided to go on a camping trip. four months was to train staff at the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique to After consulting an atlas to find manage the accounting for a large CRWRC-funded disaster response proj- out where Mozambique is, the ect. The church did not have a computer or software, so Jack brought those with couple prepared for their first him. “I went as ‘the wife,’” Elly says. “I had volunteer service abroad. to cook and clean.”
22 THE BANNER | DMarchecember 2011 2009 | www.thebanner.org | www.thebanner.org Then CRWRC received a note from a physical and cultural realities of living in remote community whose village had different countries. washed away. “They said they could work “For us, the hardest project physi- really hard, but had no access to basic cally was the five months that we were tools and materials.” in Darfur, Sudan,” Elly says. “The living Janet Janz, CRWRC’s Disaster Response conditions were very primitive. We program manager in Eastern Africa at lived on a compound and were under the time, suggested that Elly manage that United Nations rule. We had to follow project. She taught Elly how to write a all kinds of security guidelines and were proposal for a $15,000 grant and set her not allowed to leave the compound.” Jack and Elly Dalmaijer to work. She recalls that it was very hot and “I started meeting with the commu- So Jack and Elly repacked their bags, there was no running water in the nity,” Elly recalls. “I slept on the floor with said goodbye to their family, and house. “Water was delivered to us by snakes and chickens and the women all CRWRC’s international relief manager donkey.” huddled around me.” program was born. The project was very successful. Of the “That was the beginning, and we’ve Volunteering by the Numbers 66 planned houses, 64 were built by the never really looked back,” said Elly. community members themselves. By the Since that original trip to Mozambique, Between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, time that project wrapped up, Jack’s was the Dalmaijers have managed projects in more than 3,600 volunteers participated also finishing, so the couple went home Mozambique, Rwanda, the Democratic in CRWRC programs. This includes: to Alberta. Republic of the Congo, Uganda, the Phil- • 20 international relief managers serving Two weeks later, the phone rang again. ippines, Mexico, Haiti, Guatemala, Mali, a total of 1,259 days responding to CRWRC wanted to follow up their relief and Sudan. In December 2010 they emergencies around the world. programs in southern Mozambique with returned from their most recent project: • 1,449 Disaster Response Services vol- an animal distribution to replace livestock managing part of the flood response in unteers who donned green shirts and that had drowned in the flood. Because Pakistan. responded to disasters within North of Elly’s success at managing the house- “Most of the time we spend four to America. building project, they wanted the Dal- six months away,” Elly says. “We come • 1,858 people who were part of a church, maijers to manage this $400,000 pro- home for a while and then go again.” school, or youth work group that gram. Their time overseas is no vacation. responded to disasters in North International relief managers work hard, America. Jack Dalmaijer meets with farmers in Pakistan managing the logistics of projects with • 20 people who volunteered or interned to get their input on the need for seed to budgets ranging from $500,000 to $2 in CRWRC’s home offices. replant crops destroyed by floods. million. They also have to deal with the • 49 people who were part of interna- tional work teams. • 5 people who were part of a work team within the United States. • 12 people who completed an interna- tional internship. lly D al m ai j er by E lly Photo • 5 people who went on a Discovery Tour. • 244 volunteers who performed short- or long-term assignments with CRWRC staff and partners around the world.
In total, volunteers donated 350,742 hours of their time to CRWRC’s ministry. That’s roughly the equivalent of 168 full- time employees for one year.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 23 In order to carry out orderly aid distribution, recipients are registered in advance. Here a woman signs in and CHURCHreceives her ticket for food rations.ATWORKVolunteers in ministry ServiceLink Is the Link
ServiceLink is a volunteer program of the Christian Reformed Church in North America that provides a one-stop resource center to link volunteers with national or international ministries. Staff work in partnership with the various CRC agencies and
programs as well as with partner ministries and D al m ai j er by Jack Photo organizations. Prospective volunteers don’t need to “Having international relief man- know exactly where they want to go or what agers is a crucial component of our they want to do when they contact one of disaster response ministry,” deJong the ServiceLink offices. said. “When disasters strike, we have “ServiceLink can match you with a min- trained, qualified people who can go istry around the world or in your own and manage the details for us. backyard that uses your skills and interests. “We would not have been able to You can volunteer for a few hours, days, respond as quickly and effectively to weeks, months, or even years,” says Carol recent disasters such as the South Asia Sybenga, ServiceLink program manager. tsunami or the Haiti earthquake With offices in Burlington, Ontario, and Photo by I la D ie p ersloot Photo without our IRMs.” Grand Rapids, Mich., ServiceLink helps Walking together: Elly Dalmaijer and a These days, Elly spends part of her prepare individuals to serve in many ways, such as Rwandan woman. time recruiting new IRMs. She has teaching HIV/AIDS prevention in Latin America, led information workshops at working as teachers in Asia, or serving as accoun- She jokes that “the highlight of our churches across the United States and tants in Africa. day was at 7:30 p.m. We’d sit outside Canada and has developed modules Closer to home, volunteers can be regional the gate and watch the cows come to help prepare prospective volunteers advocates for the CRC’s Disability Concerns office, home.” for what they will experience. or church groups can serve for a week in rural The work also takes an emotional Through it all, the Dalmaijers Appalachia or with aboriginal ministries in Winnipeg, toll. remain modest about their contribu- Manitoba. “Emotionally, the hardest project tion to ministry. All volunteers are required to go through orien- that we’ve worked on was in Uganda “When I was 10 there was a big tation prior to arriving on the field and are debriefed after the Lord’s Resistance Army had flood in Holland and the whole world upon their return. Additional orientation and train- been there. The women kept coming was sending money and supplies,” ing takes place upon arrival in the field and is specific to me and wanting to tell their stories Elly says. “I remember it so vividly— to the country and the volunteer’s assignment. of children being abducted. all these countries I barely knew or Above all, ServiceLink helps people become “In one [aid] distribution, there ever thought about were helping Hol- comfortable with the idea of volunteering. was a whole group of girls who were land. “A mission trip is a big undertaking and can, in about 12, and they were all pregnant “That always stuck with me. Now fact, be very overwhelming if you have never done from being raped. Then we never in my own way I’m paying back a it before,” says Lisa Sochacki, volunteer coordinator heard from them again. little bit.” in the United States. “Rest assured. We have been “The fact that that war was so For more information about involved in this work for years and have many focused on children was really hard CRWRC’s international relief man- resources available and experts to walk alongside to cope with.” ager program, visit www.crwrc.org/ you to help make your trip a success.” But the opportunity to serve others volunteer. n To learn more about ServiceLink, visit its website makes it all worthwhile, she adds. at www.crcna.org/servicelink. To speak with someone Wayne deJong, CRWRC’s director Kristen deRoo VanderBerg about ServiceLink, call the Canadian office at 1-800- of Disaster Response & Rehabilitation, is communications project 730-3490 or the U.S. office at 1-877-279-9994. says that volunteers such as the Dal- manager for CRWRC. —Chris Meehan, CRC Communications maijers provide vital support to CRWRC’s efforts.
24 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Rev. Paul Mpindi (left) meets with students and volunteer mentors in Bangui, Central African Republic.
“This also creates an important part- Back to God nership between local churches and Back to God Ministries International,” he adds. Volunteers “We connect with these church leaders through our training conferences. Make Ministry “We serve them first by providing • More than 200 partner churches biblical teaching, and in return they vol- throughout Brazil provide volunteer Happen unteer to serve with our ministry. Most staff to follow up with people who very week, an average of 2,500 people of these volunteers do not have money request prayer or spiritual counseling walk through the doors of the Back to give in support of our ministry, but in response to the DisquePaz (Dial to God Ministries center in Kinshasa, they joyfully give of their time. Peace) ministry. E “We could not do this part of our • At least 170 volunteers throughout the Congo, in response to messages they heard through the media. ministry without our volunteers.” Middle East quietly disciple seekers It’s an astonishing response, requiring More than 750 volunteers serve with Back who want to know more about the a huge commitment by ministry staff. “We to God Ministries International around the Christian faith. • Since the 1980s, volunteers in West Michigan and Iowa have faithfully deliv- ered Today devotionals to area churches and businesses, providing God’s Word for people in many communities. • A volunteer team in Nigeria helps distribute 5,000 Today devotionals throughout villages there. And people in China and Cuba, on their own ini- tiative, have been sharing BTGMI devotional booklets with people hun- gry for biblical instruction. Bible study students in Central African Rev. Bob Heerspink, director of Back to Republic wait to review lessons with their God Ministries International, says, volunteer mentors. “Because of the nature of media ministry, cannot do discipleship without our vol- BTGMI volunteer Matty Viana celebrates volunteer staff in many places throughout unteers,” notes Rev. Paul Mpindi, BTGMI’s “graduation” with one of her Bible study the world are crucial for carrying out French-language ministry leader. students in Kinshasa, Congo. discipleship ministries with those who A network of 225 trained volunteers— contact us with questions about faith and world. The ways these volunteers offer pastors and church leaders— in several Christian resources.” assistance are varied, but they’re essential places throughout Africa serve as mentors If you are interested in volunteer for providing effective media outreach for to new believers and seekers enrolled in opportunities with BTGMI, visit Bible study correspondence courses. each of BTGMI’s 10 language ministries. BackToGod.net/get-involved/for-you. n On average, more than 5,000 students • Volunteers assist the Chinese and Japanese ministries by providing the —Nancy Vander Meer is a staff writer enroll in the Bible study course each month. for Back to God Ministries International. The volunteers provide ongoing supervision voices for audio broadcasts. Fifty vol- as students work through the lessons. unteers assist the Chinese ministry with Volunteers also deliver study materials distributing discipleship materials. to people who live too far away to come to the ministry centers. Others provide spiritual counseling for those who come We could not do this part of with deep needs. “We set up appointments, and several our ministry without our pastors come every week to provide indi- vidual counseling,” Rev. Mpindi explains. volunteers.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 25 CHURCHATWORK Dear Reader In Praise of Volunteers
y local church is on a journey though the book To these folks, I want to say thank you! Thank you for your of Proverbs—a chapter a day for 31 days. Each service. Thank you for your unselfish attitudes. Thank you for day I receive an email from my pastor that offers what you do for God’s church and kingdom. thoughts and insights into that day’s readings. As we celebrate these diligent servants, we are reminded that It has been an interesting and excellent exercise they are not alone. The church is filled with a multitude of in spiritual discipline. volunteers. Those who give freely of their time and energy form MAs I wander through this wisdom literature, I occasionally the backbone of the church. Without them, the church would stop and notice how wonderfully God cease to exist. provides a window into his heart and I have the opportunity to visit many mind. While I know that none of us will churches, and I have observed that ever understand God fully, it is delight- vibrant, healthy churches are filled with ful to catch glimpses of God’s desire for volunteers. These churches are not rely- our lives. ing on paid staff to do the work; they I am struck by how often Proverbs are staffed by volunteers who keep the makes reference to our words. “The ministries and programs alive and well. tongue of the righteous is choice silver. People in those churches are actively . . . The lips of the righteous nourish engaged in outreach, congregational many” (Prov. 10:20-21). care, discipleship, and prayer. They We all acknowledge the power of respect and support their leaders, but words in our daily lives. Words can raise they do not expect them to do most of our spirits or cut deeper than a knife. the work of ministry. Words, once spoken, cannot be withdrawn. Sometimes they These churches reflect the beautiful image of the body of leave an indelible mark. Words can build trust, but words Christ described by Paul in Romans 12. Together, all the dif- misspoken can destroy trust in a heartbeat; the resulting dam- ferent members form one body. But this only happens when age can take a lifetime to repair. all the members of the body are using the gifts that God has Proverbs reminds us that the right words spoken at the right provided. time are precious. As I reflect on words that have had the most You might think that your work in Christ’s body is unimport- impact on my life, I note that two of the richest words in the ant or inconsequential, but it is not. Paul himself acknowledged world are “thank you.” As a child, my parents insisted that I the importance of all the gifts when he reminded us that “those express thanks whenever appropriate. Even today I often hear parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and my mother’s voice: “What do you say?” the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special This month’s Church at Work pages include stories about honor” (1 Cor. 12:22-23). volunteers—women and men who give selflessly of their time, So today, I want to thank all those who serve as volunteers talents, and resources to advance the kingdom of God. Their in Christ’s church. May God bless you and your ministry. May work is done not out of selfish ambition but out of a deep love he fill you with his grace and give you strength to continue for Christ and his church. Rather than hording the resources your mission. May you know and feel his presence in your God provides, they happily use those gifts by giving to others. life. And again, thank you. n Proverbs reminds us that the right words Rev. Jerry Dykstra is executive director of spoken at the right time the Christian Reformed are precious. Church in North America.
26 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Troops in Afghanistan gather for prayer around an Advent candle. Here and There
and created this Advent piece would read a passage of Scrip- and included this dedication: ture followed by one of “To the many men and women Kroeze’s devotionals. whom we honor, encourage, “It was a wonderful time of and support in their service to reflection. They reflected not our country. . . .” only on Christ’s mission on “The candlelight and the earth to bring liberty to those Lighting the Freedom Candle Spirit it represents thus unite held captive by sin but on our very evening for 28 The candle itself was a the foreground and background own [mission] to liberate the nights, Special Opera- symbol of God’s Spirit, shining symbols, affirming the com- Afghan people from the tions soldiers and others through the Special Opera- mon cause of bringing freedom oppression of the Taliban,” squeezed into the office tions shield, illuminating the where there is captivity and says Hofman. n ofE CRC army chaplain Capt. cross and star “and reminding bringing light where there is —Chris Meehan, Peter Hofman in Afghani- us of the Spirit that lives in and darkness,” says Kroeze, CRC Communications stan. shines through each one of us,” Kroeze also prepared devo- Battles went on outside in says Hofman. tionals for the Advent gather- Afghan towns and villages, but Nicholas V. Kroeze, Hof- ings. After lighting the Advent in the office warfare was set man’s father-in-law, designed of Freedom candle, someone aside for a time. Voices were hushed. Those gathered there turned out the lights and took The Network at One Year turns lighting the specially he Network is accomplishing one of the most important things that it set out do: designed Advent of Freedom connect people and churches to enhance ministry. candle. While many people visit the CRC’s networking site to read blogs and articles of “The Advent of Freedom interest to them, an increasing number are comparing notes with each other. “It’s niceT to get 10,000 page views per week,” says Tim Postuma, web manager for the CRCNA. candle was a simple reminder of the Advent wreaths many “But the real goal is for people to connect and help each other do ministry.” of us may be familiar with In The Network’s first year, CRC members posted over 3,000 comments and discussion during Christmas celebrations topics. “This is the most connected the CRC has ever been online,” says Postuma of the past,” says Hofman. This We emailed some Network users to find out what they most appreciated about the site. candle was decorated in ways Grace Hirte of Delavan CRC in Delavan, Wis., says she appreciates “the discussion that that reflected aspects of the is going on regarding music for worship.” mission and approach of Spe- Miranda Vande Kuyt, a member of Inglewood CRC in Edmonton, Alberta, says she has cial Operations personnel. appreciated reading articles about Safe Church Ministry Teams. “I find that reading the First, there was the Special comments which describe the struggles and victories in educating our church members is Forces shield emblem in the a most powerful tool to ‘recommit’ myself to the work of the Safe Church Team,” she says. foreground of the candle, says Church staff also benefit from The Network. “As a youth ministries coordinator who only Hofman. works 12 hours per week, I often feel as though I don’t have enough time to explore what is From there, a star was out there,” says Rachel Bush of Ann Arbor (Mich.) CRC. “However, I do take the time to read placed in the background, all of the blog posts and check out the links provided by The Network. It’s just the right serving as a reminder of the amount of input that doesn’t ‘monopolize’ too much of my time.” star of Bethlehem “that Kory Plockmeyer, a first-year college chaplain, also uses The Network to help him in pointed the way to the Christ- his work. He enjoys the blog posts that offer a “refreshing take on hot-button issues.” child, symbolizing the hope, The Network has also helped him to connect with veteran college chaplains so he can expectation, and celebration ask questions “and learn from the wisdom and experience of a whole host of other people we feel in our hearts as we who bring a different set of ideas to the table,” says Plockmeyer, who works on the campus reflect on the birth of Jesus,” of Michigan State University. says Hofman. To explore and participate in The Network, visit www.crcna.org/network. n Framing the star was the —Chris Meehan, CRC Communications shape of the cross.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 27 Pastors on “The Deeper Journey” take time to share stories Here and There
CHURCHATWORK Rev. David Kromminga, Pastors Take ‘Deeper Journey’ pastor of Sherman Street CRC in Grand Rapids, recommends espite their best inten- the program. He appreciates tions, pastors don’t the focus on spiritual develop- always practice what ment and connection to fellow they preach when it ing and prayer), it is almost Offered through the Great pastors and others. “In my comesD to spending meaningful always in a ‘professional’ pas- Lakes Region of Christian experience, this kind of fel- time in Scripture reading, toral or preaching/teaching Reformed Home Missions, the lowship has been all too rare, prayer, and solitude. setting.” program is a two-year “journey which makes finding it in the “Like the rest of humanity To remedy this, DeVries into greater intimacy with God,” ‘Deeper Journey’ very sweet we get caught up in busy joined 24 other CRC pastors said Rev. Douglas Kamstra, who indeed,” he said. schedules and pressing com- and other ministry leaders in is part of the leadership team More information, a bro- mitments,” says Rev. Paul a series of retreats called “The with six other pastors. “We’re chure, and applications for the DeVries, pastor of Brookside Deeper Journey.” just facilitating the opportunity next “Deeper Journey” can be Christian Reformed Church Through this program, for the Spirit to work.” obtained by contacting Home in Grand Rapids, Mich. which begins again this Other regions in CRHM Missions’ Great Lakes Regional “The spiritual disciplines March, pastors and others have shown interest in the Office at 616-224-0753 or have found renewal, program, said Rev. Ben Becks- fall by the wayside, and we do [email protected]. n not practice them. Or, if we do refreshment, and a new voort, Great Lakes regional —Chris Meehan, practice them (like Bible read- commitment to ministry. leader for CRHM. CRC Communications Freed from Addiction and Ready to Serve fter becoming addicted to drugs face to face with Jesus Christ, and began meet the need, CRWM missionaries and at the age of 15, Carlos Vazquez to change. pastors of the Reformed Presbyterian quickly grew angry and aggressive. As the years passed, Carlos felt God Church established the Bible institute to Many people turned away from leading him to help others ensnared by train local church leaders. Ahim, but not his neighbor. drugs. In 2006, Carlos and two others On December 12, Carlos and eight Instead, the neighbor continually began a Christian men’s drug and alcohol other men and women became the insti- reached out to Carlos, telling him that rehab center in Tijuana, Mexico. Fifty tute’s third graduating class. only Jesus Christ could free him from men are now enrolled there, and Carlos Having completed the program, Car- drugs. is the director. los believes more strongly than ever “that Carlos tried to ignore him, but his “Through prayer, he sensed that he God has given him a purpose in this life: neighbor’s comments intrigued him. He needed to be fully equipped in the Word to serve faithfully at the rehab center and eventually started to study the Bible, came of God,” says James Lee, a Christian preach at different churches and evange- Reformed World Missions missionary in list events,” says Lee. Tijuana. Carlos received a scholarship Other graduates are serving as elders, from one of the Lees’ supporters and deacons, and Sunday school teachers, or are preaching in churches without a cur- enrolled in the Reformed Bible Institute rent pastor. Some are considering going of Tijuana. for further seminary training to become “In the past, the ministry in Tijuana ordained pastors. All of the graduates, had relied on ordained pastors coming however, look forward to seeing how God out of the seminary in Mexico City to will use them to impact others and, in help establish new missions and churches the process, be changed themselves. n in Tijuana,” says Scott Geurink, another —Sarah Van Stempvoort, Christian CRWM missionary in Tijuana. Reformed World Missions Since Mexico City and Tijuana are New graduates of Reformed Bible Institute 1,800 miles apart, a leadership training in Tijuana, Mexico program was needed in Tijuana itself. To
28 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Creating ‘A Shared thenics, and the history of Space’ western migration through building covered wagons. The rian Fuller, a Calvin Calvin students also taught the College communica- rudiments of filmmaking to tion arts and sciences the Mustard Seed students. professor, was intrigued This past summer, three byB what he had heard about more Calvin students were Mustard Seed School in Hobo- Brian Fuller has hired to sift through the 131 ken, N.J. completed a hours of raw footage and to When someone told him documentary on a find a story to be told in a that the school’s curriculum faith-based art school short documentary. The com- is anchored in the arts, he in New Jersey. pleted work, titled A Shared wondered if that were really Space: Learning from the Mus- true. He visited the school in by 1989 Calvin graduate the January interim of 2010 to tard Seed School, shows urban 2009, prepared to be disap- Christine Metzger, draws stu- film it. The project was funded Christian education that runs pointed. “But I wasn’t,” said dents from a range of ethnic, by the Kuyers Institute for counter to existing stereotypes. Fuller. “They really did inte- racial, and socioeconomic Christian Teaching and Learn- The film premiered at Calvin grate art into everything.” backgrounds. ing. in February. n Fuller was also impressed Deciding to make a docu- For three weeks the film —Myrna Anderson, by the school’s student demo- mentary about the school, crew worked long hours. They Calvin College graphic: “They were somehow Fuller scouted locations and captured students learning communications attracting a really diverse stu- returned with three Calvin Spanish through sculpture, dent body.” The school, headed students to Hoboken during mathematics through calis-
Update of NIV Released Digitally First ible publisher Zonder- development and copies have been sold since van ventured into new beyond the release it was first introduced in territory late last year of the first NIV in 1978. by releasing what is 1978. David For more information saidB to be the first digital Engelhard served about the new NIV, go e-Book version of the Bible as translator on to www.theNIVBible.com. To that launched before the print one of the subcom- learn about the members and version. mittees. translation philosophy of the Zondervan plans to release Current CTS Committee on Bible Transla- the print version of the 2010 Michael Williams and Doris Rikkers leadership on the tion (with videos of some update of the bestselling New project came members, including Professor International Version in Wheaton College professor through Old Testament pro- Williams), go to www.niv-cbt. March, although the e-Book and chairman of the Com- fessor Michael Williams, who org. has now been available for mittee on Bible Translation. serves on the Committee on To find the entire 2010 months. Since the conception of the Bible Translation, and Board update of the NIV available The latest update main- NIV in the early 1960s, Calvin of Trustees member Doris for viewing at no cost, go to tains about 95 percent of the Theological Seminary has Rikkers, who served as editor www.biblegateway.com. n original NIV as translators been part of the development with Stek and Woudstra and —Kathy Smith, director strived for “the ideal blend of of this contemporary transla- remains as an editor today. of continuing education at transparency to the original tion. Professors John Stek and For years the NIV has Calvin Theological text and ease of understand- Marten Woudstra served on ranked as the bestselling and Seminary ing . . . in every verse of the the original Committee on most-read version of the Bible,” said Douglas Moo, a Bible Translation through its Bible. More than 400 million
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 29 just for kids Journey to Egypt Have you ever traveled to a faraway room! All you need is a good book or place? If you haven’t sailed to a tropical magazine to take you to amazing island or hiked through the jungles of places around the world. I hope you’ve the Amazon lately, try the next best packed your suitcase. We’re headed on thing. Reading lets you travel to distant a round-trip journey to one of the most places without ever leaving your living ancient countries on the planet!
Sizzling Sands, Lush Lands Much of Egypt is made up of hot, sandy deserts that can reach tem- green land near the shores of the Mediter- peratures as high as 109 degrees ranean Sea and the Nile River. The rich soil Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in the around these bodies of water produces many summer. People living in this climate often different crops, such as cotton, rice, beans, wear loose clothing that can shade them from oranges, and tomatoes. the scorching sun. Egypt also contains lush
Powerful Pyramids In certain parts of Egypt, if you stroll Super Sculpture through the sandy desert you’ll see mas- Another cool sight you don’t want to miss is the Great Sphinx of Giza. A sive pyramids towering on the horizon. sphinx is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an These pyramids are some of the remain- Egyptian pharaoh. The human head represents wisdom, and the lion’s ing traces of ancientEgyptian civilizations body symbolizes strength. that existed more than 5,000 years ago. This huge figure is the oldest and largest The pyramids were mostly large tombs known statue in the world, standing about for pharaohs, the rulers of Egypt. Most 65 feet high and 240 feet long (about 20 of these tombs took decades to build— meters by 73 meters)! sometimes the entire reign of a pharaoh! Take a look at the photograph. Does- The pyramids were often filled with items the Sphinx look like it’s missing some like gold, food, and water. The Egyptians thing? Some historians say the nose believed that each pharaoh would need was pried off by vandals sometime in these things in the afterlife. the Middle Ages.
30 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Falafel Burgers A popular dish throughout Egypt and the Middle East is a tasty food called falafel (fah-LAH-full). y It is made from crushed chick- peas or fava beans mixed together with different spices ott H ollada and then deep fried. Falafel pat- ties or balls are usually placed Secret Codes inside pita bread and eaten with n b y Sc I llustratio vegetables like cucumbers, tur- Have you ever written Eingyptians a secret had language a special or writ code- to a friend? The ancient nips, and onions. Falafel is such ten language made up of pictures and symbols called a popular food that McDonald’s hieroglyphics (say it “high-row-GLIFF-icks”), which restaurants throughout Egypt in Greek means “sacred writings.” These beautiful offer “McFalafel” burgers! writings have been found carved onparchment pyramid, made walls and written on special paper called from animal skins. For thousands of years,But no about one could figure out what the symbols meant. 200 years ago, archeologists discovered a large stone on which were carved words written in hieroglyphEgyptian- ics and two other languages: Greek and - Demotic. Because historians could read ancient Greek and Demotic, they were finally able to crack the code to hieroglyph ics! This special stone became known as the Rosetta Stone. Hieroglyphics don’t function exactly like our 26-letter alphabet, but you can still have some fun with them. To the left are some of the most popular hieroglyphic symbols. Try writing your name in hieroglyphics! Crack the Code Match the correct hieroglyphic symbol with the letter in the alphabet ______to crack the hieroglyphic phrase to the left.
Egypt in the Bible Start Bible stories ______The Bible mentionsE gypt many times. Draw a line to match the following about Egypt with the correct Bible passages. Use your Bible ifa you Live need help! Exodus 1:1-14 Joseph is sold into slavery to Egypt by his brothers. Genesis 37:25-28 The Israelites become slaves in Egypt. Matthew 2:13-15 Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt to escape from King Herod. Christin Baker is a full-time stay- at-home mom who also writes Genesis 12:10 Joseph becomes a ruler in Egypt. for Faith Alive. She and her family Abram and Sarai go toE gypt to live because of a famine live in Grand Rapids, Mich. Genesis 41:41-43 in their land.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 31 By David Kromminga
Talking Biblically About Homosexuality A request for help
32 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org was proud of our congregation. For our questions and comments after the presentations: we were four consecutive Sundays about a year and weakest in speaking about homosexuality biblically. a half ago we looked at the issue of sexual- To some extent we could appreciate the scientific com- ity in general and homosexuality in particular. plexities surrounding sexual orientation. And we were certainly And it didn’t blow up the church. In fact, I able to tell stories, many extremely sad and heartbreaking, of think it made us healthier. the experiences of homosexual men and women in the church We planned for it carefully. For our general and in families. But when we turned to what the Bible has to consideration of the subject, I preached in the say about homosexuality, we were all over the map. morning on sex as a gift, sex as an idol, and sex It wasn’t so much that participants were ill-informed, and the life of discipleship. In the evening we although in some cases that may have been true. It was more examined first the biblical underpinnings of that they had heard all sorts of biblical interpretations across the Christian Reformed Church’s position the whole theological and ideological spectrum. Also, as a group on homosexual orientation and practice, then the scientific we lacked the Reformed interpretive skills necessary to evalu- evidence regarding sexual identity, and then finally heard a ate those interpretations panel discussion regarding the experience of homosexual critically and confessionally. Christians in the church. After each presentation we held Familiarity with more If there was facilitated discussions in small groups. As a result of those recent interpretations also led meetings, our elders felt led to add a final session to evaluate some to regard the CRC’s ever a time the series as a whole and to talk about next steps. “middle-aged” position as Nearly 100 people attended each evening. Even though they automatically obsolete or held diverse convictions, especially regarding homosexuality, superceded by the newer for up-to-date they learned together and listened to one another with respect models. Even middle-aged and without nastiness. As a pastor, that made me proud. study reports, however, biblical To be honest, I had dreaded the conversation. Civil discus- deserve to be evaluated sion has become almost a lost art in a culture that loves to rant. according to their merits teaching on Homosexuality is certainly one of those “hot-button” issues in rather than dismissed pri- the church and society that can encourage such ranting. And marily because they are old. the subject, unlike other controversial matters—taxes, for example—sex- Do we even want to bother uality lies very close to our personal identity. It is inevitably an with interpreting Scripture? intimate subject. The potential for someone to be deeply, per- I sometimes detect hints of a it is now. sonally hurt in such a discussion is enormous. I had always kind of postmodern cynicism considered an open conversation on homosexuality in the that says people can make the Bible say pretty much what they church too dangerous. want it to say—making biblical interpretation largely irrelevant. Our church learned, however, that not talking about the I certainly believe that our long, painful consideration of women issue carries its own set of risks and that silence on the subject in church office has made us extremely skittish about entering also inflicts pain. When at a council meeting we became aware into such biblical conversations about controversial matters. that the denomination’s stance regarding homosexual orienta- While understandable, that fear is also lamentable because tion and practice was not well understood by many of our central to the work and calling of church is to speak biblically elders and deacons, we resolved to do something about the to the issues of our times. ignorance that our silence had produced. As a council we After our experience in considering one of those issues, our resolved to read the 1973 and 2002 study reports on the issue. church council decided that our congregation as well as the We also formed a task force to come up with a plan to help our wider church needs help in interpreting what the Bible has to congregation consider the subject. Our four-week series was say in regard to homosexuality. We noted that our denomina- the result of their planning. tion’s most recent biblical work on the issue stems from 1973’s report. Since that time a multitude of books and articles and Our Discovery study reports have commented on the subject, and other In their evaluation afterward, the elders judged the series a churches have been discussing it at great length. How can we success. Some good learning happened. People were challenged expect our 38-year-old report to respond adequately to all the to think deeply and Christianly about sexuality. They discov- biblical and theological discussions of nearly four decades? ered that we can and should talk together in the church about In addition, our cultural landscape is vastly different today. such matters. Although the 1973 report uncannily anticipates committed The elders noted something else, however, about our con- homosexual unions (p. 600), we now live in an age in which
Photo bY desig n p i c s Photo versation—particularly in the small group sessions but also in Canadian law and the laws of a growing number of U.S.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 33 states regard it a right for homosexual persons to marry. In In Official Language 1973 commercial TV regarded homosexuality largely as a taboo subject for its viewers; it’s now a major theme in many sitcoms. The council of Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church Since 1973 the American Psychiatric Association has removed overtures Classis Grand Rapids East to overture Synod [2011] homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of to appoint a study committee to review the biblical teachings Mental Disorders (DSM), now regarding it as a sexual variant. regarding homosexual orientation and practice in light of Regardless of how we view these changes, no one can doubt current biblical and theological study of these issues. they represent an enormous cultural shift. The point is simply Grounds: this: if there was ever a time for up-to-date biblical teaching 1. Our latest official statement regarding biblical teachings on on the subject, it is now. this issue is [38] years old. This need was already recognized about a decade ago. A 2. There has been significant biblical and theological consider- CRC study committee on Pastoral Care for Homosexual Mem- ation of these issues since then, both in the Reformed tradition bers suggested in its report to Synod 2002 that the church could and in the wider Christian church. benefit from more current biblical and theological work on this matter. 3. both the 2002 Study Committee report on Pastoral Care for Even though the committee judged it outside of its mandate Homosexual Members and the advisory committee assigned the report at Synod 2002 recognized the possible usefulness “to re-examine Scriptural texts that deal explicitly or implicitly of such a review: with homosexuality,” the committee did say “there may be wisdom, both pastorally and theologically, for the church to a) After discussing the responses of churches and individuals address these concerns at some time in the future” (Agenda for to the 1973 report, the 2002 Study Committee stated that Synod 2002, p. 315). Synod 2002 agreed, saying that “there may “ . . . given the thoughtful challenges posed by individuals be wisdom in developing a current response to the many recent and churches within the denomination, there may be wisdom, both pastorally and theologically, for the church treatments of the biblical passages pertaining to this issue” to address these concerns at some time in the future” (Acts of Synod 2002, p.483). That was basically an open invita- (Agenda for Synod 2002, p. 315). tion for an overture from some church or classis (regional group of churches),─an invitation that has sat on the church’s b) Noting this statement from the report, the advisory com- desk for nearly a decade. mittee observed “ . . . there may be wisdom in developing a current response to the many recent treatments of the Our Request biblical passages pertaining to this issue” (Acts of Synod After our series, the elders asked what God was calling us to do 2002, p.483) in light of what we’d learned, observed, and experienced. We 4. In this time of social, legal, and cultural change in regard to solicited feedback from the congregation. We found great con- homosexuality, our congregations need such a study in order sensus that we need to promote better biblical understanding to address pastorally and theologically individuals and the of this issue. We also decided that this is an area of concern for wider culture in a biblically informed manner. all the churches, not simply our congregation. So we did some- thing that seems so stereotypically Christian Reformed: we wrote an overture. In it, we asked our classis to request synod Some may of course think so, but that was certainly not the “to appoint a study committee to review the biblical teachings consensus of our council or classis. regarding homosexual orientation and practice in light of cur- Our goal is to begin talking again about the issue biblically. rent biblical and theological study of these issues.” For that purpose, we ask for this review. Classis Grand Rapids East approved the overture in its meet- Talking biblically is not necessarily easy or safe. It can be ing last May. Because it was too late for Synod 2010’s printed painful and unsettling. To be honest, I’m still scared of the agenda, it’s included in the business for this year’s synod. conversation. It will hurt. But talking biblically is the work of As overtures go, it’s extremely modest. It does not ask for a the church, and not doing that work is even more dangerous— re-examination of the denomination’s position on homosexual perhaps deadly. orientation and practice, although some may suspect that is Doing that work, on the other hand, is ultimately life-giving its goal. and life-changing for the church. After all, it is by listening to What the overture asks for is a review of our biblical teach- God’s Word and following God’s Spirit that we are reformed. n ings with an eye to the biblical and theological work that has Rev. David Kromminga is pastor of Sherman Street been done on this issue in the past 38 years. We didn’t even Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. want to use the word “reexamine” because we thought it sounded prejudicial, assuming in advance that there’s something wrong with the denomination’s biblical teachings on homosexuality.
34 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org parenting
Speaking to Souls
egin here: A book is a story told by one soul to Few children another soul. This means learn the joy that the writer for young and wisdom readers has the opportunity B —a stunning opportunity, that books when you think of it—to bring something offer of delight and beauty, and perhaps of mean- without ing and wisdom, to a child. It means the writer can speak to the young reader of seeing their things deeply important, in ways deeply parents engaging. “Go little book,” wrote Chaucer, value and he sent his art out into the world to tell reading for entertaining stories that talk about love, mercy, justice, and understanding. themselves. “The world is dark, and light is pre- cious. Come closer, dear reader,” whispers the narrator of Kate DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux (Candlewick, 2003); “I am telling you a story.” “Wish that there was something I could gift you,” says Cal in Heather Henson’s Cushman’s Catherine, Called Birdy child to be a reader, she must see books That Book Woman (Atheneum, 2008), but (Clarion, 1994), which asks whether in the home. We all know this. Parents the librarian who has ridden her horse obedience in a good cause must lead to need to read to their children, of course. deep into hollers knows he already has the denial of one’s true self. But also, books must be taken seriously; gifted her: he has learned to read, and now Light, truth, and bubbling. parents need to pick them up and read he sees “what’s truly there.” Stories for young readers ask questions them for themselves. And they need to And as Jack in Love That Dog (Har- that point to new perspectives and expe- talk about what they are reading, and how perCollins, 2001) listens to a poet read, riences. Barbara McClintock’s The Fan- the story works, and what the story might he discovers “the blood in my veins was tastic Drawings of Danielle (Houghton mean on the deepest levels. bubbling.” Mifflin, 1996) affirms a young girl’s Few children learn the joy and wisdom That is what good stories can do: give imagination that has been despised by that books offer without seeing their light, truth, and bubbling. parents value reading for themselves. We others. Katherine Applegate’s Home of Consider the bravado required to take time to do the things we believe are the Brave (Feiwel, 2007) tells of young address questions of light and truth to a important. Kek, whose journey from Africa to the young audience. Remember the final line For many young readers a book will winter of Minnesota is softened by a cow of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat? Look it represent their first encounter with dif- up and confront the enormous moral whose name means “family” in his own ference or justice or moral choice or issues question it poses. Consider Eve Bunting’s language. In Francisco Stork’s Marcelo in of faith. Thus the book delights and We Were There (Clarion, 2001), which the Real World (Scholastic, 2009), Marcelo entertains and speaks to deepest needs. asks the reader who the Christ-child came braves the difficulties of autism to make A parent can give few better things. n to—and presents an answer through the his way in a threatening world. snake, the rat, the spider, and the scorpion But books are a silent medium; they Gary D. Schmidt is a professor compete for young readers against the of English at Calvin College in who were also at the stable. Or Matt Grand Rapids, Mich. He has Phelan’s graphic novel The Storm in the loud and bright technologies of this won several awards, including Barn (Candlewick, 2009), which asks how world. They could use allies, and here two Newbery Honors, for we can love the unlovable. Or Karen parents may play the decisive role. For a his books for children and young adults.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 35 Tuned IN
Connected or Cut Off? Almost In Bowling Alone (Touchstone), Rob- home entertainment device for private Christian ert D. Putnam says that adults are spend- family viewing. By the 1980s, most by Kenda Creasy Dean reviewed by Robert N. Hosack ing less time with friends and neighbors homes had multiple sets so family mem- and more time alone with media. Why bers could watch individually. A recent Based on the National Study go to a noisy and perhaps expensive bowl- Dutch survey found that adults prefer of Youth and Religion—the ing alley when you can bowl on your viewing television either alone or with same survey as Christian Wii—even without a partner? Why talk someone who does not comment on the Smith’s Soul Searching—this with your kids in the car when you can program. Dutch men said they prefer fascinating new book examines keep them quiet with a portable DVD watching sports programs alone. why American teens are so player in the back seat? Nevertheless, the growth of “home positive about Christianity yet Using media privately is age-old. theaters” is reviving communal viewing so apathetic about genuine Since the fourth century, most Western by families and friends. Early adopters religious practice. Popularizing adults have read books silently. Drama proudly invite others to their homes for the dense research on the remained public, but reading became special TV and movie showings. Video American teen creed, Moral- primarily personal and private except in gaming also gets people together. istic Therapeutic Deism, religious services. The real news today is pocket devices Almost Christian explains that The first person I saw reading on a that promote personal viewing. At a doc- teens are not the problem— Kindle was a 75-ish man eating lunch tor’s office I saw a teenager wearing ear the church is. Dean calls the alone at a busy restaurant. Soon the buds and watching YouTube videos on church to offer a “consequen- Kindle, iPad, and similar devices will offer his phone. I listened to his chuckles. tial faith,” a plea that all serious e-book readers one-click access to video Airline travelers commonly watch mov- parents and Christian educa- interviews with authors, movie versions ies on their iPods, computers, or DVD tors should read and heed. of the book, blogs about the book, and players. Who cares about the airline- (Oxford) more. Would that reader care? scheduled movie when you have your Seeing a movie was once a public own portable movie theater? activity. So was early television—like Will we all end up wired to media Band of Joy today’s sports bars. Then TV became a centers, happily oblivious to others in the by Robert Plant same room? Hardly. God made us social reviewed by Robert N. Hosack Adults are creatures with strong desires to share our Forty years after the birth of the band Led Zeppelin, former lives with friends and family. Yet we have lead singer Robert Plant has been reborn as an interpreter of spending less to use new media intentionally for our Americana roots music. Plant, once known for songs with shared lives or we might discover that occult/mythic influences, is now singing gospel-tinged works time with friends we are becoming media rich and relation- like “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down.” The follow-up ally poor. n to his platinum collaboration with Alison Krauss finds Plant and neighbors Quentin J. Schultze is the in the capable hands of another Christian, co-producer Buddy Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair of Miller, exploring and interpreting a diverse American songbook and more time Faith & Communication at where romantic and religious language often merge. The Calvin College and a member results are deep and brooding. (Rounder) alone with media. at Church of the Servant in Grand Rapids, Mich. 36 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Babies reviewed by Sandy Swartzentruber Starting from Scratch Babies are endlessly fasci- by Susan Gilbert-Collins The Lowdown nating, and so is this docu- reviewed by Kate Padilla Mission Minded: mentary now out on DVD. James C. Schaap Olivia Tschetter leaves her The filmmakers follow four offers stories and doctoral defense to learn babies during the first year photos from the that her mother has died. of their lives in Japan, rich history of In one swift moment, her Namibia, Mongolia, and the Rehoboth Christian School in certainties are gone, and U.S. The beautiful cinema- the new book Rehoboth: A she is left to figure out tography and absence of Place for Us. (Faith Alive) narration give viewers time what comes next. Cooking offers immediate satisfaction for the hunger, and space to make their Here Oar There: and as she dives further into her mother’s own observations, cultural Looking for a comparisons, and discover- cookbooks—so intimately recorded they might have been diaries—she learns more nearby launch ies. Parents: Babies contains a fair amount of site for your partial nudity (breastfeeding in particular), about the bitter secrets simmering quietly in the back of a family she thought she knew. kayak or canoe? Check out the but you shouldn’t hesitate to see this enlight- launch map at www.paddling. ening film with your kids. (Focus Features) Starting from Scratch, eloquent and clever, is the debut novel of author Gilbert-Collins, net/launches. who is a member of Webster CRC in Web- ster, N.Y. (Touchstone) Goth Girl: I f Word After Word you’re in need of After Word Grammar Girl a dose of brood- by Patricia MacLachlan reviewed by Kathryn Hoffman i n g m e n a n d reviewed by Sonya VanderVeen misty moors, the newest film Feddema Can you end a sentence version of Jane Eyre is due in When Patricia MacLachlan with a preposition? Is it theaters this month. (Focus was asked to write a book proper to say “different Features) about her life as an author, she from” or “different than”? responded with a fictional account of a visit- Grammar Girl Mignon BookTube? ing author who teaches fourth-grade students Fogarty answers these Publishers that their lives are filled with stories worth questions and more on her website dedi- looking for buzz for their titles writing about: a dog’s death, a parent suffering cated to language usage, including sections are putting out book trailers. from cancer, the adoption of a sibling, stress about grammar and punctuation. Grammar Now readers have joined the between parents, and more. This winsome Girl’s instruction is succinct, and she often movement. Check on YouTube juvenile chapter book introduces children to shares mnemonic devices to help readers for creative “fanmade” trailers the transforming power of writing “word after remember the correct use of a word. The for popular novels, including word after word.” Ages 9-12. (Katherine Tegen website is a valuable tool for writers of all The Book Thief, The Hunger Books) ages. To find Grammar Girl, go to grammar. Games, and The Chronicles of quickanddirtytips.com. Narnia.
Band of Joy by Robert Plant reviewed by Robert N. Hosack Forty years after the birth of the band Led Zeppelin, former lead singer Robert Plant has been reborn as an interpreter of Americana roots music. Plant, once known for songs with occult/mythic influences, is now singing gospel-tinged works like “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down.” The follow-up to his platinum collaboration with Alison Krauss finds Plant in the capable hands of another Christian, co-producer Buddy Miller, exploring and interpreting a diverse American songbook Check thebanner.org Flickr by p _a_h where romantic and religious language often merge. The for links to find out results are deep and brooding. (Rounder) more about these titles.
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 37 Reformed Matters The Least of Us
One of the best-kept secrets of New Testament exegesis concerns the interpretation of the parable of the sheep Jesus will not forget and the goats (Matt. 25:31-46). Here Jesus says that “the nations”—everybody—will be how you are treated, gathered before him, and he will separate them based on their treatment of “the least of these” (v. 40). Jesus’ dramatic and especially when you poignant identification with “the least” has stirred countless hearts for social justice. As the New Jerome Commentary puts are one of it, “This much-loved text presents a practical religion of deeds of loving-kindness.” his brothers and sisters . So far, so good. The problem, however, is that commentators throughout history have recognized that “the least of these” refers not to the needy in general, but to needy followers of Jesus in particular. to show partiality, and we’re to see all people as our brothers OThe evidence for that interpretation is strong: When Jesus and sisters. How strange, then, that Jesus would judge us spe- speaks of his family, as he does here, he’s always referring to cifically on our treatment of disciples. Doesn’t Jesus care about his disciples, those who do God’s will (Matt. 12:46-50; 23:8-9; everyone—from Christians to Muslims to atheists? 28:10). Commentators also point out that “the least of these” To understand what Jesus is saying here, we need to put in verses 40 and 45 of Matthew 25 is similar to “little ones” in ourselves in the shoes of the disciples. Jesus’ statement comes Matthew 10:42; 18:6, 10, 14, where Jesus also refers to his dis- at the end of his “Olivet discourse” in Matthew, delivered to ciples. Finally, we see a parallel to Matthew 10:40-42: his disciples from the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me This discourse is filled with warnings about the importance of receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet being ready for “the Day of the Lord,” and these are among because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and Jesus’ final words to those who have followed him nearly to the anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righ- end of his earthly ministry. teous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if His disciples don’t yet know it, but soon they will be scat- anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little tered following Jesus’ arrest and execution. And not long ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will thereafter they will be sent out into the world, empowered certainly not lose his reward (NIV, 1985). by the Holy Spirit to carry Jesus’ good news to the nations. This interpretation is the one chosen historically by no less These same humble brothers and sisters will be Jesus’ ambas- than John Calvin and John Chrysostom, and more recently by sadors to the world. evangelical academic authorities Don Carson, Michael Green, When Jesus says that his disciples—those who remain true Craig Keener, and others. In fact, the only sources I ran across to him and pour out their lives in his service—are a litmus test who support the more familiar interpretation—the one that for judgment, he’s saying that they don’t just carry his gospel. Jesus is referring to the needy in general, and the one you’ve In first-century Rome, a world that knew nothing about the probably heard in sermons—were Jerome and Ron Sider, the gospel, Jesus’ brothers and sisters were the gospel. How natural latter in his book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. that those who respond to Jesus would help the poor and If you think about that even a little, you’ll find it unsettling. vulnerable community of faith. After all, as Christians we’ve been taught, from the prophets To become a Christian wasn’t just to intellectually assent to the Good Samaritan, to reach out to all the needy. We’re not to a proposition. It wasn’t merely to embark on a personal
38 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org spiritual journey. It was to embrace the community of faith, of Adam, there is a still more sacred union among the children the only one in the world that carries Jesus’ message of hope of God.” and freedom. Jesus cares very much how you are received when you step Who are those clothing, feeding, visiting, and caring for the out in faith and make yourself vulnerable for the sake of his needy of the church? Surely they are the same ones who have kingdom. He will not forget how you are treated, especially heard and accepted the gospel. when you are one of “the least” of his brothers and sisters. Jesus knows the travail that awaits his brothers and sisters, Similarly, let Jesus’ compassion and concern move you to and he identifies with them in the deepest way possible. Imag- special concern for those who give their lives for him, yet are ine sending your own sibling into a world that will hate and needy—even thirsty, naked, hungry, or in prison. As Galatians reject him or her. What gratitude you would feel to those who 6:10 tells us, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let offered protection and support! us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the In the same way, Jesus’ heart is with all of those in the church family of faith.” n web q’s who are needy, and his gratitude is for all who care for them in their time of need. Tim Collins is a freelance writer and a member of Rochester (N.Y.) Christian Reformed Church. Of course we are to show God’s love to all people—that is deeply embedded in our gospel. But as Calvin says of this passage, “though there is a common tie that binds all the children
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Annual Day of Prayer Synod has designated Wednesday, March PRAIRIE LANE CRC in Omaha, NE is celebrating its 50th anniversary Denominational and 9, 2011, as the Annual Day of Prayer. All CRC congregations are requested on April 9-10. Our theme is “only by grace”. Friends and former mem Classical Announcements to assemble to ask for God’s blessing upon the world, our nations, for bers are encouraged to visit www.omahacrc.org or contact us for more crops and industry, and for the church worldwide. Councils are reminded information/other special events. Agenda for Synod 2011 Synod has established the following that if it is judged that the observance of the Annual Day of Prayer can be more meaningfully observed in conjunction with the National Day deadlines for materials to be received by the executive director of the of Prayer (U. S.) they have the right to change the date of service Announcements CRCNA for the synodical agenda: accordingly (Acts of Synod 1996, p. 578). The National Day of Prayer a. Reports of standing committees and affiliated youth and educa (U. S.) is May 5, 2011. Gerard L. Dykstra Executive Director tional agencies are due on February 15. NEW! The Synodical Faith Formation Committee encourages churches LLOOKING TO ESCAPE the northern cold winter? Consider warm, b. Reports of agency boards are due ten days after the conclusion to check out its website (www.crcna.org/faithformation) for ongoing sunny paradise on the S. W. coast of Florida at Venice. Enjoy warm, of the board meetings, but no later than March 1. updates intended to help engage congregations in study and conver friendly welcome at the Reformed Church, 1600 Banyan Dr. c. Overtures and appeals are due no later than March 15. sation. The latest addition—podcast interviews with committee (US Highway 41 and Center Rd.) Sunday morning worship, 10:30, d. Names and addresses of delegates to synod on the Credentials members about sacramental practices and faith formation issues— 941-493-3075. for Synod, as well as the completed information sheet on each provides a great way to initiate small group discussion. delegate, are to be submitted by stated clerks of classes as soon Announcement of Candidacy Birthdays as possible but no later than March 15. We are pleased to announce that Lucas R. Lockard has now Materials will not be included in the printed Agenda if received after completed his academic requirements and is eligible for call as a the synodically established deadlines. candidate for the ministry of the Word. 95th Birthday Gerard L. Dykstra Executive Director Rev. Gerard L. Dykstra, executive director John VanDerPol, 403 Cardinal Dr, Prinsburg, MN 56281 will cele Financial Aid brate his 95th birthday on March 12. His children, Shirley, Alden, Jeryl and Mary, Gary, Duaine and Marlene, Debra and Randy, 12 grandchil Classis Holland Students from our Classis who are studying for dren and 18 great-grandchildren thank God for his love and long life. the ordained ministry in the CRC are invited to apply for financial aid from Classis for the 2011-2012 academic year. For information or an “Great is Thy faithfulness.” application contact Dave Altena at [email protected] or 616- 90th Birthday 3356258 Applications must be received before April 1, 2011 Henrietta Byker, 725 Baldwin St., B-26, Jenison, MI 49428 will Students from Zeeland Classis preparing for ordained/nonor celebrate her 90th birthday on March 12, 2011. Widow of the late Gary dained ministry in the CRC are invited to apply for financial aid to the Byker. Her children and grandchildren give thanks to God for her life. Classis Ministry Leadership Team for the 2011-2012 school year. For Praise God from whom all blessings flow! information, contact Judi Steenwyk, 1623 High Pointe Drive, Zeeland, MI, 49464 (616) 772-1772. All requests to be received by April l, 2011 Corinne Eldrenkamp (Vis) 10333 S Mayfield, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 celebrates her 90th birthday on March 16. Wife of the late Clarence Meetings of Classis Eldrenkamp. Children: Judy, Paul & Nancy Zylstra (Roger, Corie). We Classis Holland will meet in regular session May 19, 2011 at give thanks to God for her faith and the blessing she is to our family. Noordeloos CRC, Holland, MI. Agenda items are due by April 7, 2011 Psalm 121 and should be sent to: Rev. Tony Louwerse, Stated Clerk, Fax: 616-494- 6054, email: [email protected]. Janet (Jonker) Hietbrink will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house, 2-4 PM, March 5th at the Warm Friend, 5 East 8th Correction: Classis Illiana will meet in session beginning at 9:00 Street, Holland, Michigan. Her daughters and their families thank God AM on March 1, 2011 at the First Christian Reformed Church in South for her - we love you Mom! Holland, Illinois. Please disregard previous announcement. MAE KRUIS, 23 Tumbleweed, Gamerco, NM 87317 celebrates her Congregational 90th birthday on March 8. We honor our mother, grandmother and Announcements great-grandmother at this special time! EDNA VOS 3213 Mack Rd, Everson, WA 98247 celebrates her 90th Church’s 100th Anniversary birthday on March 6. God bless you Mom. Congratulations from your family. First CRC of Everett, WA will celebrate 100 years of God’s bless ings on July 23 and 24, 2011. We invite all friends and past members to attend. Memories and pictures would be appreciated, Please contact Anniversaries the church office—425-252-7317 or send an email to everett1stcrc@ frontier.com. Church’s 50th Anniversary 65th Anniversary Faith Christian Fellowship of Walnut Creek, CA, is celebrating Cole, Walter and Nellie (Feddes) 5850 Stagecaoch Trail, Manhattan, 50 years of God’s grace and faithfulness on July 30-31, 2011. We invite Mt. 59741 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on February 5, friends and past members to attend. For more information, visit 50years. 2011. Children: Harv & Marlene TeSlaa, Stuart, Gary & Norma Bekker, faithfellowship.com. 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. We thank God for you.
40 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org 50th Anniversary She is survived by her children: Edward and Marilyn Boes, Patricia Waanders and Carole Gaiser; by his many brothers-in-law and sisters- Boes; grandchildren: Justin and Stephanie Boes, Matthew and Tiffany in-law, and nephews and nieces. His love of God and of his family DEBOER John and Nell (Wilms) will celebrate their 50th wedding Boes, Rebekah and Gary Nicklas, Michael and Kelly Clough; great leaves us with an enduring example of a life lived well. 1 Cor. 13 anniversary on March 25, 2011 DV. Congratulations and love from your grandchildren: Gabriella, Alexis, and Ethan Boes, Brent and Janae GROENBOOM John Calvin, 72, passed away January 12th after a short children Anthony (Linda), Margo Murley (Scott), John David (Nyla Nicklas, Noah Clough. Jean), Suanne Miedema (Adrian), Tim (Michelle) and grandchildren. illness. N 1525 Oak Shores Lane, Fontana, WE 53125. Husband of Doris, May God continue to watch over your coming and going both now DeBruyn, Otto John, aged 94; January 4, 2011; 3553 Whispering Brook nee Rozema for 52 years. Father of Cathy (Tom) Arnold, Diana (Bob) and forevermore (Psalm 121). Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508; Otto is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mari Beckus and Julie Groenboom. Grandfather of John (Jennifer), Bradley lyn DeBruyn (Dolfin); his children, Marlene DeBruyn Zwier (Paul), Karen and Christopher Arnold, Jason, Nicole and Brooke Beckus. Brother of Rispens, Sidney & Grace, please join DeBruyn (Rick Chilcutt), Bob DeBruyn (Karyl); six grandchildren; sisters: Joanne (Art) Vos; brother-in-law of Ann (Bob and the late Ed Bilthouse) friends and family in celebration of Sid and Nancy Bloem (Gerald) and Bette Bosma (John). He was preceded in death Havel, Stuart (Marge and the late Alice) Rozema, Ronald (Joanne) Grace Rispens’ 50th Wedding Anniversary by his wife of 24 years, Kathryn (Mersman); brothers, Cornelius (Jo) and on April 16, 2011 in Helena, MT. Visit Rozema and the late Agnes (the late Claude) Klein; also survived by Walter; sister, Frances Tinklenberg (Richard), Marian Petersen (Herm), and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials to Bethshan or www.rispens.us for details. Adeline DeBruyn. Otto will be lovingly remembered by Marilyn’s children, Elim Christian Services, which have lovingly cared for his precious Tom Dolfin (Linda), Debra Deacon, Linda Karbowski (Dean), Mary Dolfin, daughter Julie, are appreciated. Bethshan, 12927 S. Monitor Ave., Dan Dolfin; five step grandchildren; one step great grandchild. Palos Heights, IL 60463 or Elim Christian Services, 13020 S. Central Gritter George E., of Kentwood MI, went to his heavenly home on Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463. Obituaries Jan 10, 2011 at the age of 86. George will be missed by his beloved wife of 64 years, Gladys (nee Kooi), and by their four children and their spouses: Robert (Ruth), Kenneth (Marianne), Cynthia (Vincent) Gar Boes, Mrs. Marie D. (nee, DeKruyter); aged 93; January 17, 2011; She gagliano and Judith (James) Kleinwolterink; and by their 11 grand was predeceased by her husband Donald in 2002, one sister and two children and 8 great-grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered brothers, Carol Hybels, Jack DeKryter, and Rev. Dr. Arthur DeKruyter. by his brother William Gritter, and his sisters Jeanne Welde, Marilyn Church Positions Announcements
Pastor of Pastoral Care Prairie Edge CRC seeking part-time newlenox.org. If you feel the “tug of the Spirit” and would like to Pastor of Visitation (40 hours/month). Full job description at pecrc. contact the search committee, you can reach them at org. Interested men may contact Tom VandenBerg at 269-207-4024 [email protected]. or [email protected] PASTOR: Blythefield CRC, Rockford, MI is seeking candidates for the Outreach Director Inglewood CRC in Edmonton, AB is seeking position of Pastor in preparation for the planned retirement of our a part-time Outreach Director. Interested candidates should visit beloved pastor Rev. John L Witvliet. The gifts we are seeking include www.inglewoodcrc.org for details. a servant leader with a passion for the Word of God demonstrated through preaching, teaching, congregational care, and sharing of FULL TIME YOUTH DIRECTOR Parklane Christian Reformed Church the gospel message. Send resume and letter of interest to; Search in Portland, OR, welcomes applications for its full-time Youth Direc Committee, Blythefield CRC, 6350 Kuttshill NE, Rockford, MI 49341 tor position. We offer programs for children, junior high, high school or [email protected]. and young adults. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. For more information contact Pastor Vance Hays at (503) 253-4728, Pastor: Ellsworth CRC located in scenic Northwest Lower Michigan or email [email protected]. Website: parklanechurch.org. is seeking a full-time pastor. We are a small town congregation with numerous outreach possibilities. We desire a pastor who is commit Enon Baptist Church of Chester Virginia is currently seeking a ted to sound Biblical teaching and able to interact with the youth part-time Music Director to lead the worship portions of our services and the community. If interested, please contact Carl Veenstra at Is there a new project your church is and the choir. Please forward resumes to Michelle Harris (231) 599-2392 or email [email protected]. [email protected]. 804-530-1229 excited about? One that will foster health? Bethel CRC Saskatoon, SK, is actively seeking a full-time pastor Reformational worldview Small, reformationally minded (m). We are a growing congregation of about 200 people, located just We’d love to hear about it! church seeks pastor. Liturgical worship guided by the lectionary with outside the city. We hope and pray that God will send maybe YOU as emphasis in the arts. [email protected] for the right person to lead and nurture our congregation. As a church Have you considered applying for an SCE information. we strive for a continuance and an improvement to all activities that Health & Renewal Grant? Put your skills to work! Lead us in developing relationships promote unity, caring, fellowship and spiritual growth in a positive, with 6 to 14 year-old children and their families in our multi-ethnic uplifting and loving manner. We truly thank God for our previous It’s not hard. Why not look into it? community. This involves the creation of extra-curricular school and pastors. Please let us know if you are interested to hear more about church programs. Your passion and creativity is required for up to 20 us. Contact Art Rekman, [email protected] or call 1-306-384-5198. We’ll even help you complete the application. flexible hours per week. For information contact Orangewood CRC, New Jersey: Covenant CRC is looking for God’s new beginning and Phoenix, AZ [email protected] or Pastor Larry 602-574-7759 seeking a pastor to lead us in this next chapter. We are located in Application deadline is June 1. First CRC Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Senior Pastor with a suburban North Jersey and are situated in a largely un-churched passion for preaching, teamwork, and building Christ-centered area. We are evangelistic and have an influential youth ministry in For more information contact us relationships. Please direct inquiries by March 31 to Dave Jacobs, our community. We are blended in worship style and desire strong by phone toll free at 877-279-9994 x0805 search committee chair, at [email protected]. preaching and teaching. We are experiencing numerical growth despite losing our beloved pastor and shepherd. Please contact Dan by email [email protected] Senior Pastor, New Life CRC After 14 years of faithful service, Steenstra at [email protected] and check out our website at or visit www.crcna.org/sce our founding pastor, the Rev. Jul Medenblik, has been appointed the www.covcrc.org if you are interested in this unique opportunity. next President of Calvin Theological Seminary to begin July 1, 2011. SCE grants are for churches with New Life is a multi-generational, seeker-sensitive, outreach and Youth Director Trinity CRC in Edmonton, AB is seeking a full-time 150 active, professing members or less. community focused church with an experienced staff and a wide Youth Director who is passionate about working with youth and help array of established ministries in a quickly expanding community ing them experience God’s love and be equipped for Christian service. with 700+ weekly attendees. New Life is located in New Lenox, a Relevant experience desired. For more information, or to submit your resume, email Clint Schenk @ [email protected]. south suburb of Chicago. We are currently engaged in a season of SCE is a program to support and strengthen discernment but will soon initiate a process of prayerfully-seeking Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI is seeking CRC congregations—so they can be used a dynamic and experienced pastor with strong preaching and a new pastor. For more information or to send a resume, contact Cork by God to transform lives and communities. leadership skills. To check out New Life Church go to www.newlife Steenwyk at [email protected]
www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 41 Hengeveld William “Bill”, 84, of Sheldon, IA, died 1/23/11. Those Knoper, Alice, age 85, of Alpine, TX, died December 30, 2010. Her MA; two daughters, Elissa Knoper of Portland, OR and Carla Kelly of left to cherish his memories are his children: Katha (Ron) Petroelje of husband, Forest, had died in June. Formerly of Wheaton, IL, and before Vancouver, WA; and grandchildren Martin, Franny, and Liam. Holland, MI, Ken (Kim) Hengeveld of Sheldon, IA, Laurie (Scott) that Cicero, IL, she graduated from Chicago Christian High School in VANDERARK, MinaJune, age 91 of Ellsworth, MI died on Dec. 19. She 1943 and from Calvin College in 1948. She taught at Timothy Christian Vanden Bosch of Sioux Falls, SD, Joel (Julie) Hengeveld of Sheldon, IA; was preceded in death by her husband Willard. She is survived by Dan School in Cicero and later, for 17 years, at Winfield Public Middle School, (Judy) VanderArk, Ron (Alison) VanderArk, Diane (Dale) McKenzie, 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister: Minnie De Hoogh in Winfield, IL. She raised her four children in Wheaton and was a Mary (Fred) Taylor; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. of Sheldon, IA. Preceded in death by his wife: Catherine. Online Expres member of the Wheaton CRC for 21 years. She is sorely missed by her sions of Sympathy can be sent to www.andringafuneralhome.com two sons, Mark Knoper of Alpine, TX and Randall Knoper of Amherst, Volunteers
“Genesis 1-11: Myth or History?” Mississippi Christian Family Services, Rolling Fork, MS needs In this hard-hitting, 36-page booklet, Calvin volunteers to operate thrift store and/or light maintenance activity. On site A/C apartments. Desire 2 week commitment. Call or e-mail College graduate and Reformed theologian Larry Faber 616-257-4489 [email protected]. More info on Facebook. David J. Engelsma responds to the contention by evangelical and Reformed scholars that Real Estate: Genesis 1-11 is “myth.” Written for evangelical Sales and Rental and Reformed believers and their children, the For Sale 2 bdrm patio home in 55+ CRC strata. 1165 sq ft 1.5 bath, booklet lays bare the great issues at stake for near shopping, churches, green space. Duncan BC (250)732-8853 http://tiny.cc/bmfm the whole of the Christian faith and life in the Kissimme home for rent New, 6 bedroom, 4 bath, fully furnished controversy, whether Genesis 1-11 is myth or home with private pool, 3 miles from Disney. www. floridavaca history. The booklet demonstrates that the fundamental issue is the home.com. 708-372-2586 FLORIDA RENTAL Fort Myers 2 Bed, 2 Bath condo $1,500 per month (historical) reality of Jesus Christ. “Out of a mythical Genesis 1-11 May-Nov includes Golf, Pool, Tennis. Near airport, shopping, beaches. comes a mythical Christ.” Before the Reformed churches, schools, Tammy 479-586-7997. and people commit themselves to a mythical Genesis 1-11, they Venice FL 3/2/2 pool home Built 2004; 1780 sq ft Quiet neighborhood near Gulf $219k Call Bob 941-416-6881 or email rlviands11@yahoo. should read this booklet. com for photos For a free copy please e-mail: [email protected] Bonita Springs, FL condo for rent. 2 bd, 2 bath. Pool, tennis courts, more. Openings for April. Call 239-325-3510 or email [email protected]. Cottage for Rent LAKE MICHIGAN-Lakefront, Whitehall area; beautiful sandy beach, 3BR/2BA, private setting, great lake views. Close to golfing, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, dunes, Mich.’s Adventure. No pets please. $1450/wk. 248-344-0996 or sji2003@ comcast.net Condo for Sale near Calvin 2 BR end unit for $39,900! Condo fee incl. cable TV and total gas bill. Private balcony. Carport has storage rm for bikes, etc. Call Sam at Starner Realty 616-446-1309 Lakefront Cottage on peaceful Winfield Lake – 45 min. North of G. R. MI. Completely remodeled! Deck/Rowboat. 2 bedrooms. Sleeps 6. Great fishing. 2 blocks from 18 hole golf course. $650/wk. OR $400/ Mon thru Fri special rate. Call 616-455-5318 or 616-669-2714 or kimk@ schepersbrothers.com. Holland weekly rental- Lake Michigan home w lakefront veiws & private beach. Sleeps 12 w 31/2 baths. Features WI-FI, kayaks, bikes & more. PH 269-375-7874 Lakefront log home 2+ bed. Sleeps 6-8. 30 min N of GR on Englewright Lk. Sandy bottom. Incl. fishing boat, kayak, swim raft. 1HWKHUODQGV $695/wk. Call 616-583-0407 Cottage 4 rent. 4 bed, 3 bath, updated. Sleeps 12, Hess Lake, MI. 'RUGW&ROOHJH$OXPQLDQG)ULHQGV $1,200/week. Call Lonnie 616-942-0048. ([SORULQJ'XWFKFXOWXUHDQGWKHKLVWRU\RIWKHFKXUFKHVRIWKH5HIRUPDWLRQ /HGE\/HHQGHUWYDQ%HHNDQG-DPHV&6FKDDS LAKE MICHIGAN COTTAGE FOR RENT Holland MI, near Tunnel Park. Lake view, 2/3 bedrooms, pvt beach access, $1000/wk. 616-455-2850 or [email protected] 0D\ Big Star Lake Cottage for rent in North Bay Shores. 2 bedroom, sleeps 8. $800 wkly in June and $850 wkly in July & August. veltema1@ sbcglobal.net or call Amy 616-662-9659 )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW'LDQQH'H:LWDW RUGGHZLW#GRUGWHGX Burt Lake Cottage Northern MI Rental- Burt Lake 4 BR 3 bath, sleeps 12 Boating, fishing, skiing, fall colors, Inland Waterway. Weeks in July still available. [email protected]
42 THE BANNER | March 2011 | www.thebanner.org Stony Lake Cottage New Era, MI, new 4BR/3BA, sleeps 13, all heritage reunion celebration Pine Rest is celebrating 100 sports lake, close to Lake Michigan, golf, no smoking/no pets, $1500/ Miscellaneous Years of providing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. All retired and week, 616-293-4539 616-293-4539 former staff are invited to a special event on May 5, 2011. For more information, please contact us at 616-281-6390 / 1-800-248-3485 or PHI ALPHA KAPPA CHR FRATERNITY Do you know of any young [email protected] men considering attending the University of Michigan and looking for 2011 Mexico START Program sponsored by IDEA Ministries July living options consistent with their faith? Phi Alpha Kappa Christian 6-27 in the Yucatan Peninsula (not on the border). Mayan Culture, SWIM CAMP AT CALVIN Come spend a week this summer in the Fraternity (also known as the “Dutch House”) is a centrally located Mexican History & Missions. Host family lodging, daily team Bible new Venema Aquatic Center on the campus of Calvin College. Coach Gelderloos invites swimmers of all abilities to come learn from the affordable housing option at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor study; basic construction and Vacation Bible School; closing conference. campus. Live in a place with like-minded individuals seeking to uphold best. Calvin offers two opportunities, including a comprehensive camp Based in Merida, Mexico’s safest city. Email [email protected] Christian values as they pursue a world-class university education. For for ages 10-18 that focuses on all 4 competitive strokes and an elite further information please contact [email protected] and/or or call 616.446.5051 by April 1. sprint camp that brings in top sprint coaches from around the country. call (734) 761-5491 Both camps also have opportunities to talk about how to be a suc FREE TO A CHURCH NURSERY (Kalamazoo area)—1970 Simmons cessful athlete from a Christian Reformed Perspective. For more cozy 1 bed apartment for rent in private country setting white crib. Very good condition. 269-345-8467. information and registration, go to www.tpscamps.com. north of Toronto, incl heat/hydro/internet, no laundry/cable, no smok ing/pets $1,000 per month, suits single/young couple 905-859-0190 Nobleton Travel Because faith formation doesn’t just happen Tulip Tours: See The Netherlands next Fall by bus, bike or boat! All information for this and other 2011 Tours is available at www.gotuliptours.com or call 269-429-8637 for help in making your plans. Products and Services
Church Pews for Sale Grace Valley CRC has (10) 12 foot solid oak pews with padded seats with attached hymnal racks. All are in good condition. 815-362-6601
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At Calvin eological Seminary we are deeply invested in the personal and spiritual formation of every student. Rooted in Reformed theology, our program is designed for developing pastors and nurtures the individual growth and development essential to this important calling.
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www.thebanner.org | March 2011 | THE BANNER 45 Go beyond an ordinary faith. It comes In the Works. If you like a comfortable Christianity that only matters on Sunday, this series isn’t for you.
99 $ each 9 US/CDN* If, on the other hand, you’re not afraid to be What Do I Do challenged and you desire a deep faith experience, With My Life? Serving God rough Work the In the Works series was designed with you in mind. Where Do I Come In? Joining God’s Mission Discover what it means to join What Do I Owe? Managing the Gifts God in his mission in the world. God Gives You Go beyond an ordinary faith. How Do I Make It Right? Doing Justice in It comes In the Works. a Broken World How Do I Begin? Sharing God’s Story *CDN price at current exchange rate
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Punch Lines
“Chuck . . . that toilet sure does boy. After celebrating the Pass- serious police officer. The officer Share in the fun and send us make a lot of noise!” over, Mary and Joseph leave for ordered him to exit the car with your funny story or joke. Got a —Chuck Lindemulder home, while Jesus returns to the his hands up. photo of something humorous temple. We wondered together He was taken to the police illy: “I can be sick for nothing related to the Reformed Chris- how Mary and Joseph must have station, where he was searched, because my dad is a doctor.” tian life? We’ll take that too! B felt when they couldn’t find Jesus, fingerprinted, photographed, and Jimmy: “Oh yeah? Well, I can be Please send your contributions why they were so anxious and placed in a holding cell. good for nothing because my dad to The Banner at 2850 Kalama- worried. A child replied, “It After a couple of hours, a is a preacher.” zoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI wouldn’t have been a problem if policeman approached the cell 49560; or email them to edito- —Dick Bylsma Jesus had a cell phone.” and escorted the man back to the [email protected]. Christian school teacher —Alice Apol booking desk, where the arresting asked her class to draw a officer was waiting with his per- A he light turned yellow just in sonal effects. minister was approached by picture of something in the Bible. front of her. She did the right “I’m very sorry for this mistake,” Aa congregant who said he One little boy drew a picture of a T thing, stopping at the crosswalk began the officer. “You see, I pulled was worried about the strange couple sitting in the back seat of even though she could have up behind your car while you were dreams he was having. Concerned, a car and a man driving the car. beaten the red light by accelerat- blowing your horn and cussing a the pastor asked what type of The teacher was puzzled and dreams they were. ing through the intersection. blue streak at the woman ahead said, “What is this supposed to The man explained that, the The tailgating man was furious of you. I noticed the “What Would be?” night before, he had dreamed he and honked his horn, knocking over Jesus Do?” license plate holder The boy answered, “Don’t you was in the Old West. He was rid- his coffee and dropping his cell and the “Follow Me to Sunday know? This is God driving Adam and ing his horse out of town when phone as he screamed in frustration School” bumper sticker, along with Eve out of the Garden of Eden!” he met a Wells Fargo coach. He that he had missed his chance to the chrome-plated fish emblem —Lois Gort flagged down the coach, got off get through the intersection. on the trunk . . . so naturally, I his horse, opened the door, and s a Children and Worship As he was still in mid-rant, he assumed you had stolen the car.” climbed in. Inside, he slid across Aleader, I was telling the story heard a tap on his window and —Earl Clements the seat, opened the other door, of Jesus going to the temple as a looked up into the face of a very exited, remounted his horse, and rode away. The minister pondered this for several minutes, then told the man, “Don’t worry! It’s just a stage you’re going through.” —Dave Hollander
y mother, who is in her M103rd year and lives inde- pendently, has slowly lost some of her vision and hearing. After being urged for many years to acquire and use a hearing aid, she finally relented. On the phone recently, she proudly told me that she was able to insert that “tiny little battery” in place and insert the hearing aid correctly into her ear, even though her hands shake a bit. And then she announced, “I believe there's an unseen hand behind everything we do.”
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