Covenant Communique

Covenant Reformed Church Volume 53 Issue 9

October 2016

Thank You 3

Classis Report 4-5

Library News & Reviews 6

October Birthdays 7

October Schedules 8-10

October Calendar 11

Inside this issue:

Politics in a Broken Culture Rev. Doug Barnes

“What are we supposed to do? I mean … look at our options! What are we supposed

to do?” They are questions I have heard with increasing frequency as the 2016 general elec-

tion draws near. God’s people are wondering: do we need to sit this one out? If sitting it out is a poor option, how do we vote when there doesn’t seem to be a reasonable option?

I get the dilemma – especially with our upcoming presidential election! In one corner of the ring sits a lifelong politician whose liberalism is legendary; who is

devoted to the wanton destruction of infants; and whose own allies trust her as much as one trusts a scorpion in a dark room.

In the other corner: a self-important braggart who lacks any semblance of self-control; spent most of his life championing the causes he now opposes; and possesses a disgraceful history of failing to keep his vows – both in the business world and with his wives.

Out of 321 million people, these two are the best we can find? Wow. It is tempting to just sit at home muttering about Hades and handbaskets. But let me

suggest that there’s a better option for Christians who take seriously their calling as citizens.

Remember Jesus’ admonition: “Everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).

We have been given a nation that is a true rarity. Most nations have been entirely dependent on men. If their rulers were benevolent, the people prospered; but if their rulers were foolish, cruel or devious, the whole nation would adopt the image of their wickedness.

America was designed to be ruled by law, rather than by personality. That’s why we cherish our brief but carefully crafted Constitution and Bill of Rights. It’s also why our government is divided into three branches which, in the normal course of events, get in one another’s way and limit one another’s progress. And it’s why we have state governments that operate independently from the federal government.

It’s all designed to limit the effects of man’s sin. What that means for us is that the presidential election is not the only important

game in town. Legislative elections will determine what lawmakers will gain the opportunity either to advance or to limit the president’s plans. Elections for state legislators will determine who has the opportunity to erect roadblocks to limit potential overreach by the federal government.

And, although our presidential options are less than ideal, on that election rides the future of our courts – which will have a significant impact for decades to come.

So I don’t believe American Christians legitimately have the option to “sit one out.” At the very least, I think we have the calling to research carefully and vote for the legislative candidates. Ignore the presidential race if you must – but at least vote for the lawmakers who have the greatest likelihood of leading our nation in a Godly direction.

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‘Politics in a Broken Culture” continued... Of course, the cynic in me (and maybe in you) snorts at the idea that any of the candidates will lead in a godly

way, regardless of what they say. And it’s true: we can’t know how honest their campaign promises are. A candidate who looks good on paper might be a pathological liar intent on destroying the nation.

But we must try. God has given us a nation poised – more than any other nation – to preserve and advance the Gospel. That opportunity is worth fighting for. Therefore it’s worth taking the time to research the candidates – examining their record, considering their religious commitments, asking them hard questions.

Aside from the presidential election, we have the opportunity to vote for candidates to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Iowa House of Representatives. In the Senate, long-time Senator Chuck Grassley is running against Patty Judge. In the U.S. House race, incumbent Rep. Dave Loebsack is facing off against Christopher Peters. And in the Iowa House, Rep. Greg Heartsill (Dist. 28) is seeking re-election against challenger Martin Duffy, while Rep. Guy Vander Linden (Dist. 79) is running unopposed.

Google the names. Do the research. See who stands for what, and which of those positions are compatible with a Christian conviction.

I’ll give you something to start with: One of the candidates in each of those races is a strong supporter of abortion rights. These candidates have determined to do whatever they can do protect the legal right to kill babies. Can you stand before the Judge of all men and defend casting a vote for such callous souls? Are you willing to explain to Him why you failed to fight against the election of those who would justify the murder of children?

That’s what convicts me for the presidential election. In the primary election season, I didn’t favor either of the candidates – not even marginally. But I’m going to

vote for one of them, and with a clear conscience. Because only one of the candidates strongly supports abortion. And whoever serves as President has the calling to defend our nation against evildoers (Rom. 13:1-7). Only

one of the candidates is willing even to accurately identify those who most continually threaten our nation with terrorism.

Whoever serves as President has the calling to appoint judges who will serve unlimited terms. But only one of the candidates has expressed the conviction that judges should be bound to interpret the Constitution strictly, in line with its original intent.

Whoever serves as President will be charged with enforcing the laws of our nation. One of the candidates has violated law after law after law. How can one who openly scorns the law be expected to uphold it?

I’m not fond of either candidate. But is it not legitimate to elect a far-less-than-ideal candidate in order to prevent the election of a candidate who seems intent on overturning the remnants of morality and goodness in our nation?

Sadly, there are no perfect candidates in this fallen world. Jesus is not on the ballot. But our calling, as Christians, is to research the options and vote for those candidates most likely to advance righteousness, limit wickedness, and preserve freedom for God’s Kingdom to spread.

Let us pray that God will give His people wisdom to this end. Then … let’s do our homework and cast our ballots with confidence – looking to Christ, who rules from heaven over it all!

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Thank You

We want to thank all who expressed words of sympathy and sent cards with the pass-ing of our brother, Donald Rus. Thanks to Rev. Barnes for his prayers. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

John & Dorothy Van Gorp John & Frances Rus

We want to thank the congregation for the many prayers for Vernon’s recovery and also for the cards. Thanks also to those that visited me in the hospital and at home. Above all we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His healing hand and comfort. “God is our refuge and strength.” ~Psalm 46:1

Vernon & Margaret Menninga

Thanks to all who expressed concern and prayed for our son John when he had his brain tumor removed. Thanks to Rev. Barnes for his special prayers. John is home again after nine days and doing well. He is receiving therapy in the Corydon Hospital. “Give thank to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” ~ Psalm 118:1

John & Frances Rus

We would like to thank our church family for the prayers, kind words of sympathy and the cards during the recent loss of both of our mothers, Edna Fynaardt and Clara Hoekstra. Job 1:21b.

Stan & Cheryl Fynaardt and Family

Thank you for your prayers, visits, cards, and food after having knee replacement surgery. I very much enjoyed and appreciated the visit from Rev. Barnes. God is good. Thanks be to Him for successful surgery and recovery.

Mary De Zwarte

Thank you to the congregation for your gift to $660.95 to Bible League International this past August. Your generosity has provided God’s Word and other Bible resources to many people in Africa. Thanks again for your gifts.

Frances Rus Key Contact Person for Our Church

We want to thank all who offered prayers and kinds words of support, over the last several weeks, on our family’s behalf. God’s grace was evident to us all as everything happened in His perfect timing. Even through the tears we witnessed one miracle after another during the days leading to Naomi’s birth and in her longer than expected life. She was a gift from God and we are comforted to know she is made whole in Jesus arms. How precious it is to be part of the family of God. May the glory be to Him.

Joel & Deb Braafhart

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Report on the meeting of Classis Central US of the URCNA

Convening at the Sioux Center United Reformed Church building in Sioux Center, Iowa

September 12-13, 2016

Delegates to the 41st meeting of Classis Central U.S. arrived at the building of the Sioux Center United Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA and were greeted with Christian fellowship and a hot meal prior to beginning the meet-ing. The saints at the Sioux Center URC were excited to host the Classis for their first time. Classis Central U.S.

convened at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 12, and concluded just before supper on Tuesday.

The Monday evening session began with welcoming visitors and guests. Rev. Ruben Sernas and Rev. Joel Wories were also welcomed for their first time at Classis Central U.S. After approving the work of the convening Consisto-ry, the Stated Clerk and the Classis Treasurer, the Church Planting Advisory Committee (CPAC) reported on its

activities. Classis approved the same budget amount for CPAC for 2017 as was approved for 2016, $3,550.

Rev. G. I. Williamson brought fraternal greetings on behalf of the Presbytery of the Dakotas of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, after which the Classis began a colloquium doctum with Rev. Jeff De Boer. Rev. De Boer served in the Reformed Churches in the United States (RCUS) and is currently ordained in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). He and his family have been worshipping at the Community URC in Schererville, where Rev. De Boer is active in filling the pulpit, mentoring and discipleship, neighborhood outreach, and desires to serve as a police chaplain. Rev. De Boer works fulltime as the Director of Enrollment Management at

Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

Rev. Nick Alons covered the area of practica and Rev. Bradd Nymeyer the area of church polity, after which Rev. Brian Janssen brought fraternal greetings from the Iowa Presbytery of the PCA. Having made a good beginning

with the colloquium doctum the Classis recessed until the morning.

The morning session opened with Rev. Ruben Sernas introducing himself to the Classis regarding the ongoing work at the church plant El Pacto de Gracia in Chicago Heights, IL. The colloquium doctum then resumed with Rev. Tom Wetselaar covering the area of confessional knowledge and Rev. Harold Miller the area of ethics. Classis took a brief break and then concluded the colloquium doctum with Rev. Barnes covering the area of reformed doctrine. After tallying the ballots it was determined that Rev. Jeff De Boer sustained the colloquium doctum. Consequently, the Classis declared him eligible to

receive a call in the URCNA.

Rev. Jonathan Haney brought fraternal greetings on behalf of the Midwest Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America. Before Classis took a break for lunch it approved to send to Synod 2018 an overture that seeks to adopt a classical rotation for hosting synods, taking into account the

recent addition of two classes.

During the lunch break Rev. Jeff Doll gave a presentation of the work he is doing with the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling. Having begun its third session, the Classis heard fraternal greetings from Rev. Herman Van

Stedum of the South Central Classis of the RCUS.

Classis took up an overture intended for Synod 2018 that would add an Appendix 7 to the church order. The content of this appendix is intended to be what Synod will approve as guidelines for appeals. The overture was approved. Classis then discussed and approved an overture to establish a church assistance fund within the classis, which is similar to funds established by other classes in the federation. Churches desiring assistance will request such of the Classis, which will then consider each request. Churches decide the level and frequency to

contribute to this fund based on the needs presented to the Classis.

Classis

Report

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Having completed most of the matters on its agenda, Classis pressed on to finish its work. Rev. Sam Perez

addressed the Classis concerning the work being done at the Grace Reformed church plant in Jersey City. After

this, the Classis began to consider requests for advice from seven churches. It gave advice to proceed to the

second step of discipline to two churches that sought that advice, Immanuel URC and Sioux Center URC, but did

not give such advice to Providence URC that sought it.

Classis took a brief afternoon break before returning to its business. Mr. Jacob Kuik brought greetings on behalf of

Classis Manitoba of the Canadian and American Reformed Churches. Then, Classis gave advice to Christ

Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD, which sought advice concerning if a member may exhort in non-NAPARC

churches if that member is not licensed to exhort in the URCNA. Classis gave advice to proceed to the second step

of discipline to the Covenant Reformed Church in Kansas City, which sought such advice. Classis also gave advice

to the Cornerstone URC of how best to minister to its members still living in Prinsburg, MN. The last item of advice

concerned the Grace URC in Waupun, WI. The Consistory of Grace URC asked for advice to proceed to the

exclusion of a professing member. After discussing the issue, Classis gave advice that they may proceed to the

second step of discipline.

Classis made a number of appointments: Rev. John Vermeer as alternate church visitor for the east side of the

Classis, Rev. Harold Miller as church visitor for the west side of the Classis, Rev. John Vermeer as alternate CECCA

delegate, Rev. Todd De Rooy as CERCU delegate, Rev. Joel Vander Kooi as alternate CERCU delegate, Rev. Jody

Lucero as Missions Committee delegate, and Rev. Joel Wories as Website Oversight Committee delegate. Although

the term for the CECCA delegate expires shortly before the next Classis, this was left unfilled to give more time to

consider men for the position.

The next meeting of Classis Central US is scheduled to convene April 3, 2017, the Lord

willing. The Consistory of the Christ Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD will serve as

the convening and hosting Consistory.

Classis wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the members of the Sioux Center

URC for their gracious hospitality, to the Sioux Center Consistory for its work in conven-

ing this meeting, and to Rev. Spencer Aalsburg and Rev. Todd Joling for their excellent

service as chairman and vice-chairman, respectively.

For further information, contact Rev. Talman Wagenmaker, pastor of the Grace URC and Stated Clerk of Classis, by telephone at 920-324-2924 or via e-mail at ClassisCentralUS@gmail.com

Classis

Report

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Bo�k� f�� B�y� �n� G��l�: Baby Wren and the Great Gift Adventures of Little Bear The Eye Book (board book) I Lost My Tooth

Ma���i�l� F�� Y��n� Pe����: This month look for The Warden and the Wolf King, the fourth and last book in the “Wingfeather Saga” series by Andrew Peterson. Prepare to have your heart stirred by the bittersweet and sweeping finish! In an epic conclusion, read about sea dragons, a desperate quest, and the final battle for the Shining Isle.

Ma���i�l� f�� A��lt�: In a book that is neither a traditional systematic theology nor a Bible survey, D. A. Carson pulls together the whole biblical storyline through the lens of God's character and actions. The God Who is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story is a comprehensive defense for the Christian faith. The fourteen chapters range from “The God Who Made Everything” to “The God Who Triumphs.” A wonderful, thought-provoking resource! (Christian Living) “I love liberty, I will not, I cannot serve any faction.” These are the words of Erasmus who was rejected by the Catholics as subversive and by the Protestants as evasive. Author Roland H. Bainton, a specialist in Reformation history and the author who gave us Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, gives us another classical biography, this time of Erasmus of Rotterdam. Erasmus was a man of letters who campaigned for the purification of the church and walked a fine line between two camps: loyal to Roman Catholicism and also sympathetic to the Reformers on some points. It was his desire that dialogue between Catholics and Protestants never be closed. (Biography) The 2014 Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Conference has produced another book In the Beauty and Glory series. This time it's The Beauty and the Glory of Christ's Bride. The faculty addresses reproduced in

this four-part book focus on our love for the church and its spiritual loveliness in the first section. The second part examines what it means to participate in the life of the church. The theme of the third part is the beauty of the church's sacraments as signs and seals of Christ's love for His bride. And the final two chapters speak of the church's sorrows and hope. This book helps us to see the church through the eyes of Christ. (Theology) Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: Jonah by Bryan D. Estelle is another in The Gospel According to the Old Testament series, a series written for pastors and lay-people, not scholars. The story of Jonah is clear and simple, but “below the surface

simplicity, the prophecy of Jonah is an extremely subtle and complex piece of work” (p. 2). Hear the author speak: “In spite of all the difficulties, Jonah, has this most important message for the Christian church today: Christ, the risen One who is greater than Jonah, brings salvation through judgment and mercy to his people, those inside and outside of Israel who call on his name” (p. 3). (Bible Studies) Douglas Bond's recent book is a novel set in Wycliffe's England. The Revolt is a fast-paced, historically accurate account of the translation of the Bible into English. It's a highly readable imagining of the travails of John Wycliff, the 14th century “heretic” who dared to make the eternal truths of the Bible accessible to the English peasants. It's also a vivid reminder of the very real challenges of Bible translation. (Adult Fiction) Only when people respond to the cross of Christ and build their lives on it will we see a people saturated with spiritual life. After all, the church is the body of Christ. He must be all in all. – from The Beauty & Glory of Christ's Bride, Conrad Mbewe

Library

News &

Reviews

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October 1 Tia Le Mahieu Dean Vander Wilt Mary Van Steenis Jon Verhoef Marilyn Ver Meer Mark Zylstra

October 2 Joshua Van Gorp

October 4 Joan Fopma Daniel Guyer

October 5 Caleb Stam Elizabeth Verhoef Leah Hofland

October 6 Briana Van Gorp

October 7 Janice Wielard

October 8 Coretha Rozendaal

October 9 Rebecca Hoksbergen Jeconiah Vue Chuefeng Vue October 11 Robert Monsma (91) October 13 Bernice Dieleman (90)

October 14 Aaron Van Gorp Jacob Yang October 15 Moriah Worthington Sanne Guyer October 16 Rev. Doug Barnes October 17 Jennifer Thorington

October 18 Jenna Horstman Matt Hoksbergen Asher Swanson Kaelyn Swanson October 19 Lois Van Wyk Gary Beekhuizen October 20 Bob Van Hal (86) Dustin Van Wyk Rachel Hoksbergen October 21 Vickie Van Wyk Jill Van Soelen October 22 Jan De Zwarte Crystal Van Donselaar October 23 Kyra Kamerick October 24 Kevin Veenstra October 25 Hannah Van Wyk October 26 Joel Braafhart Brad Worthington Martin Landazuri October 27 Emily Van Gorp Nalie Vue Alex De Vries

October 28 Mary Vander Wilt Brianna De Vries October 29 Timothy Meinders October 30 Joshua Van Donselaar Roland Van Zee Lila Gullion

October

Birthdays

October

Schedules

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Nursery

October 2 AM Jan Dieleman Diane Van Gorp Delores Rus

Luke Meinders

PM Nancy Robinson Leah Fopma Matthew Lunsford

October 9 AM Mary Van Steenis Laura Vos Carol Posthuma

Elizabeth Posthuma

PM Deanne Breems Jana Vink Josiah Vink

October 16 AM Sharon Fopma Leisa Zylstra Tara Fransman

Landon Fransman

PM Deb Braafhart Sarah De Vries Rebecca De Vries

October 23 AM Clarice Meinders Sarah Posthuma Gina Zylstra

Ruby Zylstra

PM Stephanie Van Mersbergen Tasha Vos Adrie Fransman

October 30 AM Sandi De Vries Lucy Zylstra Cassie Gullion

Amanda Gullion

PM Terry & Jennifer Thorington Isaac Thorington

October 31 Dan & Tiara Fopma Tom Meinders

November 6 AM Rebecca Hoksbergen Rochelle De Bruin Alexia Alsum

Laura De Zwarte

PM Nikki Hol Amy Meinders Colton Chapman

November 13 AM Lisa Ver Meer Andrea Beekhuizen Jocelyn Meinders

Zoi Faro

PM Craig & Adele Shannon Eli Hoksbergen

November 20 AM Doug & Lisa Van Gorp Lori Lunsford Anika Faro

PM Erin Meinders Linda De Jong Jared De Vries

Reformation Day

October

Schedules

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Nursery

November 24 Thanksgiving Day Cheryl Fynaardt Jill Van Soelen

Emilie Van Arendonk Katherine Wielard

November 27 AM Becky Meinders Cory Meinders Holly Schiebout

Michelle Meinders

PM Justin & Rachel De Jong Abby Hol

Nursery Cleaning

Toddler Infant

October 1-15 Leah Hofland Jana Vink

October 16-31 Sarah De Vries Lisa Ver Meer

November 1-15 Jill Van Soelen Deanne Breems

Mindy Blommers Judy Fynaardt November 16-30

October

Schedules

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Enfolding

October 2 — Craig & Adele Shannon

October 9 — Irene Blom

October 16 — Dennis & Tena Roozeboom

October 23 — Terry & Nancy Robinson

October 30 — Bob & Mary Vander Wilt

Greeters

October 2 — Gary & Andrea Beekhuizen

October 9 — Jaron & Natasha Vos Family

October 16 — Sid & Mindy Blommers Family

October 23 — Shaun & Brenda De Bruin Family

October 30 — Justin & Rachel De Jong Family

Librarians

October 2 AM Marcella Beerends Deb Braafhart Vicki Van Mersbergen

PM Darlene Van Hal Linda De Jong Chris Meinders

October 9 AM Sharon Fopma Leah Fopma Cheryl Fynaardt

PM Jan Dieleman Nancy Robinson Michelle Meinders

October 16 AM Micky Boogman Judy De Vries Erma Stursma

PM Mary Van Steenis Lisa Van Gorp Rochelle De Bruin

October 23 AM Alice Vande Haar Mary Vander Wilt Carolyn Vander Wilt

PM Elaine Derringer Mary Van Zee Florence Meinders

October 30 AM Marilyn Van Gorp Joan Fopma Vicki Van Mersbergen

PM Darlene Van Hal Bill & Marilyn Ver Meer

2805 Fifield Road

Pella, Iowa 50219

We’re on the web!

www.covenantpella.org

Covenant Reformed Church

When possible, please

send all thank you’s and

articles via email to the

church office—

covenant@iowatelecom.net

or to the editor,

Sandra De Vries—

msdevries@netins.net

October Activities Calendar

Sunday, October 2 AM Worship - Communion Sunday School & Catechism – 10:45am Adult Sunday School-10:45am PM Worship Monday, October 3 Council Meeting - 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 5 Pizza & Prayer - 6:00 pm Cadets/GEMS - 7:00pm Youth Group - 7:00pm Family Night Book Study - 7:15pm Thursday, October 6 Missions Committee - 7:00pm Sunday, October 9 AM Worship Sunday School & Catechism – 10:45am Adult Sunday School - 10:45am Parish 6 leaves for CCF - 1:30pm PM Worship Choir Rehearsal- 7:15pm Tuesday, October 11 Seek & Serve - 1:30pm Building and Grounds Meeting – 7:00pm Youth Education Meeting - 7:00pm Wednesday, October 12 Youth Group - 7:00pm Sunday, October 16 AM Worship Sunday School & Catechism – 10:45am Adult Sunday School-10:45am PM Worship Fellowship Coffeetime Fellowship Meeting Monday, October 17 Consistory Meeting – 7:00pm

Wednesday, October 19 Pizza & Prayer - 6:00 pm Cadets/GEMS - 7:00pm Youth Group - 7:00pm Family Night Book Study - 7:15pm Sunday, October 23 AM Worship Sunday School & Catechism – 10:45 am Adult Sunday School-10:45 am PM Worship Choir Rehearsal- 7:15pm Communique Deadline Monday, October 24 Deacons Meeting- 7:30 pm Tuesday, October 25 Seek and Serve -1:30 pm Sunday, October 30 AM Worship Sunday School & Catechism – 10:45 am Adult Sunday School-10:45 am PM Worship Choir Rehearsal- 7:15pm Monday, October 31 Reformation Day Service – 7:00 pm