Filmography: Courageous

On the heels of the blockbuster success of Fireproof, Sherwood Pictures founders Michael Catt, Jim McBride, Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick announced a follow-up film project last night at the evening service of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The next Sherwood film is tentatively titled 'Courageous: Honor Begins at Home'. The film is the fourth in a series of faith-based pictures produced by the Sherwood congregation, including 'Fireproof', 'Facing the Giants' and 'Flywheel'.

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

Morning Service: Our pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, led the service, directing the congregation to Isaiah 59:9 to Isaiah 60:5, focusing on Isaiah 60:1-2:

"Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you."

The congregation was pointed to Zion's prophetic daybreak, a glorious dawn fulfilled by the risen Christ.

Sermon Points: The Light Risen Upon Zion A Sinful Church in Darkness A Glorious Light is Risen A Gospel Command is Given

Senior's Home Ministry: Returning to our study of the Apostle's Paul's pastoral letter to his 'son in the faith' in Ephesus, I focused on 1 Timothy 1:18 to 1 Timothy 2:4. The young pastor is commended for his embrace of the good fight and a clear conscience and warned against the shipwrecked faith of Hymenaeus and Alexander. The Apostle exhorts Timothy to prayer, calling for supplication, intercession and thanksgiving for all, including political leaders at every level of government, for "this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Afternoon Service: Our pastor directed the congregation to 2 Corinthians 7:1-11, contrasting natural and godly sorrow in the exercise of Biblical rebuke - for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by our church and held at the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church, nineteen Mexican and Guatemalan labourers joined us for the evening Hispanic service. Our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout focused on 1 Pedro 4:12-19 (1 Peter 4:12-19) and the persecuted faith of the believer.

First Spin: Alive Again

His fifth solo album, Canadian-born worship artist Matt Maher's newest project, 'Alive Again', confirms the gifted musician's ranking as one of the most competent and eloquent songwriters producing music for the contemporary church. In his latest offering, Maher crafts together twelve purpose-driven songs echoing both the victories and defeats of the pilgrimage of faith.

The album sets a positive tone with its first and title track 'Alive Again', easily flowing into the triumphal 'Shout of the King' and more intimate 'Sing Over Your Children'. In the face of current economic troubles, 'Hold Us Together' is a bluesy, protest-style indictment against pocket-book salvation, directing listeners to Christ as the spiritual anchor in life's storms. One of the album's most contagious songs, 'No Greater Love' is quickly becoming an anthem of modern worship, similar to Maher's breakthrough release 'Your Grace Is Enough' on the 2008 major label debut 'Empty & Beautiful'. An introspective treatment of the bread and wine of the communion table, 'Rememberance' draws listenerers to the essential elements of sacramental observance.

The album ends on a thoughtful note with the songs 'You Were on the Cross', 'Christ is Risen' and 'Garden', featuring emerging artist Audrey Assad. Maher's latest effort continues to push the contemporary worship genre beyond the walls of the corporate sanctuary and onto Christian radio charts across North America.

Lest We Forget: World Wars I and II, Korea, Afghanistan

Remembrance Day

Remembering the historic sacrifices at Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele and Ypres in the First World War; Dieppe, Normandy, the Netherlands, Italy and the North Atlantic during the Second World War; the battles at Hill 355 and Hill 187 in the swamps and rice fields of Korea between 1950 and 1953 and the current NATO-led security and development mission in Afghanistan, grateful Canadians paused for two minutes of silence to pay tribute to the nation's fallen heroes - coverage by Canada's public broadcaster was dignified and poignant, especially in profile segments of Canada's current frontline heroes in Afghanistan, including pieces on the recovery of Vancouver-based reserve officer Captain Trevor Greene and the ultimate sacrifice made by Master Corporal Scott Vernelli.

Along with a Canadian diplomat and two aid workers, 133 Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

Morning Service: On a Sunday when many churches across the country (on the heels of Reformation Day) prepare to observe the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and Remembrance Day, our pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, honoured both the sacrifices of persecuted believers in oppressive regimes and Canadian soldiers on the battlefield in his pastoral prayer and the enduring legacy of the fathers of the Reformation in his exegesis of the Word. Focusing on 2 Kings 22:1-13 and the implementation of King Josiah's reforms in Jerusalem, the congregation was directed to both the (a) nature and (b) elements of personal reformation.

In an effort to restore the temple square, the high priest Hilkiah finds a copy of the Book of the Law, directing the scribe Shaphan to present the lost document to Josiah. Falling under the full weight of conviction, the king receives the Book of the Law with godly sorrow, tearing his clothes at it's indictment of Judah - a physical renovation of the temple square leads to spiritual reform of the human heart. Distinguishing between reformation and revival, the congregation was shown how reformation always leads to a return to the standard of the Word in faith, worship and life. Seven elements of reformation were noted, including a (a) restoration of the Word of God, (b) conviction of sin, (c) pursuit of holiness, (d) zeal for evangelistic service, (e) renewed trust in the sufficiency of Scripture, (f) sincere inquiry and (e) boldness to speak truth to culture.

Senior's Home Ministry: Addressing Remembrance Day preparations (as well as the loss of Canadian soldier Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, killed Friday, October 30 in Afghanistan and thirteen American soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, Thursday, November 5), I focused on King Hezekiah's words of remembrance and courage in the face of war. With Jerusalem under siege by Sennacherib, King of Assyria, Hezekiah rests not on military might nor skilled diplomacy, but calls on God:

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles."

Afternoon Service: Sacrament of Baptism - the sign and seal of baptism was administered to Jonathan Hendrik, son of Ben and Pam Jansen and Scott Egbert, son of Mark and my cousin Theresa Wagter. Family and friends present for the administration of the sacrament were directed to Genesis 28:10-22 and the patriarch Jacob's confession at Bethel.

Sermon Points: Jacob's Confession at Bethel Jacob's Sense of a Glorious God His Faith in a Gracious Saviour His Vow of Grateful Service

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by the Heritage Reformed Congregaton of Jordan and held at the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church, around twenty-five Mexican and Guatemalan labourers joined us for the evening Hispanic worship service. Our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout focused on 1 Pedro 4:7-11 (1 Peter 4:7-11) and the exaltation of the Saviour in the body of Christ.

From the Producer's Desk: Freedom of Speech on Campus, Québec Euthanasia Debate, Maine Rejection of Same-Sex Marriage

On today's 'The Michael Coren Show' - we air our popular 'Faith Matters' panel with British author, apologist and Ravi Zacharias International Ministries associate Andy Bannister, Visiting Lecturer in Philosophy and Islam at the London School of Theology and Visiting Lecturer at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics; Rev. Msgr. Vincent Kerr, Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton; skeptic Justin Trottier, Executive Director of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and Rev. Cheri DiNovo, former pastor of Toronto's Emmanuel Howard Park United Church and the current New Democratic Party MPP for Parkdale-High Park.

On the table: free speech and pro-life activism on university campuses across the country, recent moves in Québec to promote euthanasia and assisted suicide, a European Court of Human Rights ruling banning crucifixes in Italy and Maine's recent rejection of same-sex marriage.

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

With our pastor serving the Maranatha Free Reformed Church of Hamilton, our pulpit in Vineland was filled by Puritian Reformed Theological Seminary ministry student Derek Baars.

Morning Service: Student Baars (who is visually impaired) directed the congregation to Micah 4 (in brail on the pulpit and red-letter edition in the pew), specifically focusing on Micah 4:1-5 and the prophet's foreknowledge of Christ's first and second coming. The prophet envisions a kingdom (a) established on the mountain of the LORD's house, secure in Zion and exalted above the hills; a kingdom (b) characterized by universal worship, peace, contentment and eternal life. Swords and instruments of war will be beaten into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks and nation shall not lift up sword against nation. The pilgrims in Christ's glorious kingdom will be free from fear and will remain steadfast in the promises of their Saviour.

Afternoon Service: Student Baars returned to the pulpit, directing the congregation to Hebrews 9:11-28 and Gospel comfort between the first and second advents of Christ. Written after Christ's ascension to heaven and before the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD), the author of Hebrews focuses on the Lord's first and second coming, which, among death and judgement as the Hebrew author notes, are two of the most important spiritual certainties facing both the believer and unbeliever. In the first advent, Christ is offered once to bear the sins of many - in the second advent, the Lord appears a second time (for those who eagerly wait for Him) for salvation. In both advents, Christ's superiority in His (a) person, (b) position, (c) office and (d) work is stressed.

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted at and held by the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church in Jordan, our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout directed the Mexican and Guatemalan men and women to 1 Pedro 4:1-6 (1 Peter 4:1-6) and the transformation from fleshly desire to spiritual renewal.

Semper Reformanda: From Printing Press to Digital Revolution

Reformation Day

Dr. David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, filled Redeemer University College's 970-seat auditorium in a Reformation Rally address drawing on the precedents of church history in an effort to equip the contemporary church for the key challenges of the present age. Citing the convergence of Johannes Gutenberg's (1398-1468) movable type print revolution and the 16th century Reformation, Dr. Murray focused on the church's current response to the digital revolution. Increasingly, the echo of Martin Luther's (1483-1546) hammer on the weathered door of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in Wittenberg, Germany and the ensuing doctrinal legacy of the Reformed fathers is being drowned out by the explosion of content and connectivity made possible by the advent of the Internet and wireless technology.

Dr. Murray commended the vigilance and guardian spirit of the Reformation and the Reformed insistence on the sufficiency of Scripture in the church's current approach to the digital revolution.

"Like the Reformers, we need to guard the church, our families and homes like watchmen on the wall, ready to blow the trumpet in the event of near and present danger. We need to view every technological advance through the lens of Scripture, and understand the Word, while not exhaustive, is comprehensive and has something to say about every area of life."

In an address that included cutting-edge media clips and overhead screen graphic elements, the media-savvy seminarian walked members of the audience through the challenges and prospects of the Internet, urging parents to neither completely reject nor fully embrace the digital revolution, but to approach the Internet with caution and discernment. Adopting the posture of the Reformed fathers, especially in their embrace of the printing press, Dr. Murray directed the large assembly of parents and young families to four foundational Biblical principles on technology.

The dynamic seminarian stressed how technology is (a) created by God, (b) not inherently sinful, (c) legitimately useful, and yet, (d) corrupted by the fall. Building on these four basic principles, Dr. Murray rejected approaches to the digital revolution leading either to uncritical embrace or naive denial, calling for disciplined discernment. Reminded of their covenantal vows, parents were urged to follow a seven-step approach to online activity, beginning with a call for (a) Internet literacy.

"As covenant parents we need to educate ourselves on the basic principles of Internet use and wireless technology. We need to understand how to use the Internet ourselves before we allow our children to go online."

Parents were called to (b) fence Internet use by setting clear and balanced boundaries, (c) mentor younger children when online, (d) supervise the Internet use of older children, (e) monitor and review online activity through web-based accountability software, (f) ultimately allow children to earn their parent's trust while online and finally to (g) model Internet use at all times. Despite the importance of guidelines and rules, the seminarian stressed the regenerating work of Christ in the heart of covenant children as the greatest defence against the sinful threats of online vices.

The evening ended with a practical multi-media primer on social networking sites, including myspace, facebook and twitter, providing parents with a number of tips on how to set, monitor and establish Internet safety and privacy settings.

Co-hosted by the Niagara-based Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church and Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, the annual ecumenical assembly drew members from United Reformed, Canadian Reformed, Free Reformed and Heritage Reformed churches across Southern Ontario.

Rev. Christo Heiberg, pastor of the Zion United Reformed Church, welcomed fellow church members and guests, opened the assembly in prayer and formally introduced Dr. Murray, while Rev. John Bouwers, Pastor of the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church thanked Dr. Murray for his address and closed the evening in prayer. Dr. Christiaan Teeuwsen, Associate Professor of Music at Redeemer University College led the assembly in worship, including a number of Psalters (Psalms 145, 42, 68 and 116) as well as the great battle cry of the Reformation, Martin Luther's 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God'. A free-will offering was taken to cover the rally's expenses and to support Word and Deed North America.

Following the Redeemer address, I joined friends Dan and Joanne Lindeboom, Jonathan Bergmann and Rev. Steve Surprenant, Associate Pastor at Armor Bible Church in Orchard Park, New York (a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America) at the Coach and Lantern on the escarpment brow in historic Ancaster village.

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

In a denomination-wide pulpit exchange on the heels of a pastoral retreat at the Crieff Hills Community retreat and conference centre near Guelph, Ontario, (featuring keynote speakers, Dr. David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology and Dr. Jerry Bilkes, Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan) our pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, traded pulpits with Rev. John Koopman, Pastor of the St. Thomas Free Reformed Church.

Morning Service: Directing the congregation to Romans 5:1-11, Rev. Koopman focused on the (a) ground, (b) character and (c) attainment of true joy in the midst of tribulations.

Afternoon Service: Rev. Koopman returned to the pulpit, directing the congregation to Psalm 136 and the exercise of gratitude in the believer's heart. The dynamic pastor pointed to five marks of gratitude in the heart of the believer - a grateful follower of Christ is characterized by (a) humility, (b) a full heart, (c) contentment, (d) thankfulness and (e) refreshment.

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by our church in Vineland and held at the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church in Jordan, twenty-eight Mexican and Guatemalan labourers joined us for the Hispanic evening service. Our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout led the service, directing the labourers to 1 Pedro 3:18-22 (1 Peter 3:18-22) and Christ's meritorious sacrifice for sin (His saving work foreshadowed in the safe passage of Noah in the flood and the believer through baptism).

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

A bountiful yield of honeycrisp apples, golden pumpkins and plump butternut squash adorning Niagara's roadside markets, our congregation gathered at the foot of the pulpit for a harvest Gospel feast. I was joined by family, friends and my fiancée Victoria Pizana for worship.

Morning Service: Our pastor directed the congregation to Genesis 27:1-29 and Isaac's blind blessing of his son Jacob in place of Esau. Despite Isaac's imprudent affection for Esau (knowing God's hand was on Jacob) and Jacob's cunning deception (knowing the birthright and inheritence of the elder brother belonged to Esau), God's sovereign design and covenant promise cannot be broken - discovering Jacob's deception upon Esau's return from the fields, Isaac is resigned to the immutable nature of the Lord's will: "Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, "Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed." The Lord's enduring promise to Abraham and his seed transcends the dysfunction of Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob.

Senior's Home Ministry: Heeding the thanksgiving directive of Psalm 147, I focused on God's glory in creation and His divine revelation. The Lord gathers the outcasts, heals the broken hearted, lifts the humble and casts down the wicked. His rain covers the earth. The godly are blessed with (a) security (He has strengthened the bars of your gates); (b) a rich heritage (He has blessed your children within you); (c) cessation of war (He makes peace in your borders) and (d) fruitful harvest (He fills you with the finest wheat).

Afternoon Service: Our pastor returned to the pulpit and directed the congregation to Titus 2:11 to Titus 3:8, Lord's Day 27 of the Heidelberg Catechism and the sacramental connection between external baptism and the washing away of sin itself. While a holy sign and seal, the water of external baptism is not tied to spiritual regeneration through (a) the physical application of the sign, (b) the administration of the sacrament consecrated through the Word of God or (c) the presumption of salvation at a later date. The sacrament is neither a meritorious ritual (administered out of custom or superstition) nor a meaningless initiation into the body of Christ, but a strong ground of appeal on which believers claim and plead the Father's covenant promises.

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by and held at the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church, over sixty Mexican and Guatemalan labourers joined us for the Hispanic evening service. Our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout led the service, directing the labourers to 1 Pedro 3:8-12 (1 Peter 3:8-12) and the purity and oneness of the body of Christ.

Post Card

Time: 10:38 PM, Friday, September 25, 2008 Location: Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church, Jordan, Ontario

A Report From the Field

Founded in 1953 in the iconic fishing village of Urk, Flevoland, the Netherlands, the Urker Christelijke Visserskoor 'Crescendo' (Crescendo Christian Fishing Choir of Urk) concluded a successful tour of Southern Ontario and Western Michigan this week, filling church sanctuaries and auditoriums across the Great Lakes basin. The tour included well-attended performances in Brampton, October 1; Grimsby, October 2; Ancaster, October 3; Woodstock, October 5; Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 6 and Barrie, October 8. The choir drew 500 to Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, 750 to Mountainview Christian Reformed Church in Grimsby, over 1000 to Redeemer University College's 970-seat auditorium in Ancaster, 1000 to Knox Presbyterian Church in Woodstock, 900 at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids and 600 at First Christian Reformed Church in Barrie.

All proceeds from the concert tour, amounting to $40,000, were forwarded to the 'House of Light' a special needs children home in central China, a project sponsored by the Dutch and North American-based Bonisa Mission.

Book Club

Currently reading: Pastor and politician Gerrit Kersten's (1882-1948) two-volume 'Reformed Dogmatics: A Systematic Treatment of Reformed Doctrine' (De Gereformeerde Dogmatiek voor de Gemeenten Toegelicht). Originally published in 1947, the theological work was translated into English in 1980. Dr. Kersten was founding pastor of the Gereformeerde Gemeenten (GG)(Reformed Congregations) in the Netherlands, affiliated with the Netherlands Reformed Congregations of North America.

Kingdom Citizenry: Canadian Law and Dignity of Life

Published by Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Premier Publishing (founded in 1962 by Grace Canadian Reformed Church of Winnipeg member Gerry Kuik), Association for Reformed Political Action Canada director Mark Penninga (a member of the British Columbia-based Langley Canadian Reformed Church) has written a new book addressing the philosophical, moral and religious context of Canada's ongoing sanctity of life debate. Titled 'Building on Sand: Human Dignity in Canadian Law and Society', the book presents Canadians with a primer on how recent legal and legislative developments have eroded the principles of human dignity. Penninga specifically focuses on recent Supreme Court decisions relating to human dignity and legislative developments regarding abortion, physician assisted suicide, equality rights and religious freedom. A valuable resource for sanctity of life advocates, churches and faith-based organizations across the country, the book is available from the ARPA Canada website.

First Spin: iWorship Hymns: The Essential Collection

The latest worship resource from Integrity Music, 'iWorship Hymns: The Essential Collection' features eighteen historic and contemporary hymns, appealing to a broad range of listeners across denominational and generational lines. Featuring some of Christian music's most popular worship artists, including Travis Cottrell, Israel Houghton, Paul Baloche and Eoghan Heaslip, the album ties the glorious legacy of the hymnal to the growing repertoire of the contemporary church. The album begins with Genevan composer Louis Bourgeois' universal doxology, 'Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow'. The original 'Old Hundreth' metre is updated with contemporary stylings and accessory lyrics, setting the album's tone. The doxology is followed by two updated anthems of the church, 'Rock of Ages/You Will Stand' and 'Take My Life and Let It Be/I Am Yours', featuring veteran songwriter Paul Boloche and Michael Neale, Worship Arts Pastor at the People's Church in Franklin, Tennessee. The disc seamlessly flows into newer compositions, including 'Still' featuring Hillsong, 'Fairest' (based on the hymn 'Fairest Lord Jesus') featuring Ross Parsley and 'Before the Throne of God Above' featuring the Promise Keepers Band. Independent artist Candi Pearson-Shelton provides an authentic and acoustic approach to 'He Leadeth Me'. Standards of the hymnal 'Come Thou Fount' and 'Be Thou My Vision' also receive traditional treatment, while contemporary adaptations of 'I Surrender All', 'How Great Thou Art' and 'When I Survey (The Wonderous Cross) give the disc fresh appeal. Additional hymns include 'Revelation Song', 'Worthy is the Lamb', 'Crown Him With Many Crowns', 'Your Name', 'In Christ Alone' and 'The Solid Rock'. An effective resource, the disc successfully preserves the legacy of the church's historic anthems and introduces the great hymns of faith, both old and new, to a new generation of believers.

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

Morning Service: Our pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, led the service, directing the congregation to Genesis 26:1-5 and Genesis 26:12-25, focusing on the testing of Isaac's faith in Gerar. The Lord calls the Patriach to remain in the promised land despite a severe famine. The Lord pledges:

"Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father."

Issac obeys the Lord, despite ongoing assaults against his faith, ultimately reaping a rich reward. As the author of Genesis records: "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him."

Sermon Points: Isaac's Faith in God's Promise Tested The Temptation Faced The Lessons Learned The Fruit Bestowed

Afternoon Service: Our pastor returned to the pulpit, focusing on Ezekiel 36:21-38, Lord's Day 26 of the Heidelberg Catechism and the sign and seal of baptism.

Sermon Points: The Sign and Seal of Baptism A Teaching Sign An Assuring Seal Personally Applied

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by our congregation at the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church in Jordan, migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout led the service with Rev. Harry Bout officiating in prayer. The Mexican and Guatemalan men and women were directed to 1 Pedro 3:7. On the heels of an exposition of 1 Pedro 3:1-6 addressing the role of esposas (wives), the labourers were directed to the responsibilities of the esposo (husband).

Concert Review: Urker Christelijke Visserskoor 'Crescendo'

Founded in 1953 in the iconic fishing village of Urk, Flevoland, the Netherlands, the Urker Christelijke Visserskoor 'Crescendo' (Crescendo Christian Fishing Choir of Urk) delivered a rousing selection of traditional Dutch anthems and Genevan Psalms at the Mountainview Christian Reformed Church of Grimsby tonight. The Grimsby sanctuary was filled beyond capacity with an estimated 750 ticket holders.

Directed by Louwe Kramer and featuring organist Pieter Heykoop, baritone soloist Piet Baarssen and bass soloist Bert van Slooten, the rousing performance of nostalgic English and Dutch works included renderings of Psalms 3, 42, 105, 107 and 136 in the Genevan metre, the beloved hymns 'Majesteit' (Majesty), 'De Lichstad' (City of Light), 'O Woeste Zee' (Wild Sea) and 'Blijf bij mij Heer' (Abide With Me) as well as the national hymn 'Neer'land en Oranje'. Dressed in traditional costume, the distinctive lilt (a dialect of old Dutch usage and Yiddish influence) and unique seafaring expressions of the Urk-based choristers (owing to the village’s relative former isolation as a saltwater island in the Zuider Zee) were well-received on the Southern shores of Lake Ontario at the Grimsby performance. The eighty-voice choir easily filled the rafters of the soaring Mountainview sanctuary with presence, poise and praise to God.

All proceeds from the concert tour were forwarded to the 'House of Light', a special needs children home in central China, a project sponsored by the Dutch and North American-based Bonisa Mission. With offices in Burgessville, Ontario and Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Bonisa Mission is supported by various members of Reformed, United Reformed, Canadian Reformed, Free Reformed, Heritage Reformed and Netherlands Reformed churches. The ‘Crescendo’ choir, itself an interdenominational effort, includes members of Hervormd (Reformed), Gereformeerde (Christian Reformed), Christelijke Gereformeerde (Free Reformed) and Gereformeerde Gemeenten (Netherlands Reformed) churches.

Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes, Pastor of the Ebenezer Free Reformed Church of Dundas, was on hand to open the concert in prayer while our church's pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, delivered a closing address. Rev. David Kranendonk, Pastor of the Bornholm Free Reformed Church, delivered a short presentation on the efforts of the Bonisa Mission in China.



On the heels of a concert, 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 1 at Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, additional performances in Southern Ontario are scheduled for 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 3 at Redeemer University College in Ancaster; 8:00 PM, Monday, October 5 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Woodstock and Thursday, October 8 at First Christian Reformed Church of Barrie. The choir is also scheduled to perform at 8:00 PM, Tuesday, October 6 at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reformed Calendar

	October Events
17	Calvin Quincentenary Psalm Celebration Location: Covenant Canadian Reformed Church Grassie, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Jeff Temple Lecturer in Church History and Doctoral Candidate, King's University College at the University of Western Ontario and Elder, Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church, London, Ontario
24	Word and Deed North America Fundraising Dinner Location: Heritage Christian School Jordan, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Rev. Ken Herfst Professor of Theology, Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano (Evangelical Presbyterian Seminary), San Felipe, Retalhuleu, Guatemala
29	Peace Haven Free Reformed Association Location: Maranatha Free Reformed Church Hamilton, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Murray Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
30-31	Addictions; A Banquet in the Grave Seminar Location: Bethany Christian Reformed Church Fenwick, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ed Welch Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary
30	Reformation Rally Location: Redeemer University College Ancaster, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Murray Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
31	Reformation Rally Location: Heritage Reformed Congregation of Jordan Jordan, Ontario Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Murray Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Thoughts on the Lord's Day

Our pastor, Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden, leading both morning and afternoon services above the Niagara Escarpment at the Zion Free Reformed Church of Fenwick, our pulpit in Vineland below the escarpment was supplied by Dr. Cornelis Venema, President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana in the morning and Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes, Pastor of the Ebenezer Free Reformed Church of Dundas in the afternoon.

Morning Service: Dr. Venema directed the congregation to 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, focusing on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and the role of spiritual gifts within the church. Dr. Venema noted the (a) nature, (b) diversity and (c) purpose of spiritual gifts, stressing how the chief end of the the Holy Spirit is the glorification of Christ. The congregation was shown how the Spirit is self-effacing, His work never isolated from the Gospel of Christ, His gifting always orientated to the greater service of the body of believers.

Sermon Points: Gifted by the Holy Spirit for Service The Nature of the Gifts The Diversity of the Gifts The Purpose of the Gifts

Afternoon Service: Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes led the service, directing the congregation to Psalm 1 and the portrait of the godly and ungodly. The godly do not walk, stand nor sit in the counsel, path and seat of the ungodly, sinful and scornful, but rather, adopt the posture of worship, meditating on the law of the LORD day and night.

Dr. Venema, meanwhile, filled the pulpit of the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church across the hollow in Jordan, focusing on Luke 15:1-2 and Luke 15:11-32 and the father's gracious welcome of the lost prodigal.

Migrant Worker Ministry: Hosted by the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Jordan at the Immanuel congregation, our migrant worker pastor Wilf Bout led the Hispanic service, directing the Mexican men and women to 1 Pedro 2 (1 Peter 2).

A Report From the Field

Bibles open, pews filled, the fifth annual Niagara Reformed Bible Conference drew students of the Word to the fertile vineyards and orchards of Jordan, Ontario, this weekend, directing conference attendees to the gracious welcome of the Gospel and Biblical ground and exercise of evangelism. Held at and hosted by the Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church in Jordan, along with the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Jordan, Zion Free Reformed Church of Fenwick and our congregation in Vineland, the conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Cornelis Venema, President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. Well-known and appreciated by his Niagara audience (having delivered a keynote address on renowned Dutch secessionist and theologian Herman Bavinck's view of the believer's union with Christ at last year’s annual Reformation Rally held at Redeemer University College in Ancaster), Dr. Venema directed conference attendees Friday evening to Jonah 3:10 to the end of Jonah 4. The seminarian contrasted the prophet Jonah's prejudiced, narrow view of the ministry of the Gospel in Nineveh with the extensive Gospel mandate of God the Father. Disappointed the LORD had not judged Nineveh according to the city's great sin, Jonah's smallness of heart is exposed in his bitter complaint to God for sparing the Assyrian capital - at the same time, God's greatness of heart is revealed. The dynamic seminarian stressed two main themes in his Friday evening address on Jonah, focusing on God's response to the repentance of the Ninevetes and the Lord's rebuke of His servant Jonah. Audience members were urged to heed God's largeness of heart and open door to sinners, both within and outside the covenant community.

"As people of God we are called and summoned to put away the pettiness and smallness of our hearts and put on God's largeness of heart as we bear witness of the Gospel message to the culture around us," Dr. Venema noted.

"God's Old Testament word to Jonah is a foreshadow of the great New Testament truth heralded by John 3:16 - when God loves, He loves the world; when God gives, He gives His own Son - and Luke 15 - the elder brother exhibits Israel's displeasure that Christ should welcome sinners and eat with them."

Concluding his exposition on Jonah, Dr. Venema called audience members to self-examination:

"There's no way of blunting God's rebuke of Jonah. The message of God's Word in the prophecy of Jonah and the largeness of His heart to sinners is directed to a covenant audience."

Following the address, conference organizer Eugene Gritter of the Zion Free Reformed Church and Rev. John Bouwers, Pastor of the Immanuel congregation, thanked Dr. Venema for his address and warmly welcomed audience members to the church's newly expanded fellowship hall (used each Sunday to host the Mexican migrant worker worship services).

A warm September sun burning away the autumn mist, Saturday's addresses began early as conference attendees returned to Immanuel's sanctuary for a practical application of the previous evening’s exposition. Following a hearty rendition of Psalm 41, as found in the pew Psalter Hymnal, Dr. Venema began the morning session, focusing on Romans 12:11 and the exercise of evangelism and practice of hospitality, stressing the importance of open churches, homes and dinner tables in the Gospel enterprise. The seminarian noted the Lord has not only instituted the means of the pulpit in the proclamation of the Gospel, but the importance of serving hands, whether in fellowship at church on Sunday or in the home during the week, pointing to the Lord's posture of hospitality to the 'stranger outside the gates' in the Old Testament.

In his second address of the day, the sun already high above the rolling vineyards of the nearby escarpment bench, Dr. Venema directed his Niagara audience to father of the Reformation John Calvin (1509-1564) and the great Reformer's view of the Gospel invitation. The seminarian documented three distinct views of the Gospel call in Reformed theology, rejecting views that either (a) deny the Gospel call or (b) acknowledge the call and yet deny the effectual nature of the free offer of grace - Dr. Venema stressed a third view, rooted in historic Calvinistic theology, both affirming the universal call of salvation and God's gracious disposition to lost sinners. The dynamic speaker concluded the two-day conference by offering some practical insight on contemporary ministry efforts, both at the local level and on the distant mission field.

Previous keynote speakers at the Niagara Reformed Bible Conference have included Dr. Hywel R. Jones, Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California; Dr. Joseph Pipa, President and Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Taylors, South Carolina; Rev. Paul Murphy, Pastor of Messiah's Reformed Fellowship in New York, New York and Dr. L. Anthony Curto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology in Missions and Evangelism at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Next year's conference is scheduled for Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25 and is scheduled to feature Dr. Joel Beeke, President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History and Homilectics at Puritian Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.