Rev. J. Kortering has declined the call from Randolph, Wis. Lynden, Wash. has called the Rev. B. Woudenberg, of Doon, Iowa.

Sunday, Oct. 3, Rev. M. Schipper, of Southeast Church, officiated at the installation of Rev. G. VanBaren in First Church, Grand Rapids. The sermon was an exposition of II Tim. 4:2, by which the speaker charged the new minister to “Preach the Gospel.” The theme developed the truth that this charge is unique, constant, and serious. Rev. VanBaren preached his inaugural sermon that evening based on I Cor. 9:16 under the theme, “The Necessity of Preaching the Gospel.” The following Wednesday evening Rev. VanBaren and his family were given a congregational welcome with a short program in the auditorium and a social gathering in the church parlors. At this writing Rev. VanBaren has plunged into the work of catechisms, family visitation, pastoral calls on the sick and preaching. It is the prayer of First Church that the Lord may be pleased to prosper their new minister in their midst.

Rev. G. Lanting, of Holland, Mich. was recently scheduled to lecture on two occasions. At the Annual Standard Bearer Meeting he spoke on, “A Personal Calling” in which he pointed out that the dissemination of the truth found in our magazine was a personal challenge to each member of our society, and of the entire membership of our denomination. Rev. Lanting spoke at the Office Bearer’s Conference, held Oct. 5, answering two questions, “May the diaconate of one church offer assistance to another diaconate when an outstanding need exists ?” and, “Must that diaconate who offers assistance have the approval of their elders?” To both questions the speaker gave affirmative answers, giving reasons founded on the Scriptures and our Church Order.

The Reformed Witness Hour presents Rev. J. Kortering, of Hull, Iowa, on their program Nov. 7 and 14, and Rev. B. Woudenberg, of Doon, Iowa, the next four Sundays. The topics for November are: Nov. 7—”The Days of Prophecy” (Acts 2:27, 28); Nov. 14—”The Righteous Scarcely Saved” (I Pet. 4:17, 18); Nov. 21—”The Christian Stranger” (I Pet. 1:1, 2); Nov. 28—”The Christian’s Hope” (I Pet. 1:3-5). Free copies of these sermons can be obtained by writing to The Reformed Witness Hour, P.O. Box 1230, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sunday, Oct. 3 will be a date of special remembrance to the congregation of Forbes, N.D. It was on that date that the congregation gathered for the first time in their newly acquired church building. Joy and thanksgiving overwhelmed the flock. During the previous week the building was moved from the neighboring vicinity of Ashley, N.D., some 25 miles distant. The men of the congregation erected the foundation on a lot next to the parsonage in the center of the town of Forbes. On Thursday afternoon the movers set the building on its foundation; Friday evening saw the organ and books moved from their former meeting place—a schoolhouse in the country—to their new location; Saturday the men built the front steps and the ladies gave the church a thorough cleaning; thus everything was ready for the services on Sunday. This needed church property was provided by the Lord at a cost of about $2,500.00. To meet this cost the church will seek assistance from our other churches. Classis West has already approved the request; and when the consistories receive it, the little congregation urges that liberality be shown, that their needs may be provided. Thus the last of our congregations has obtained its own church property, which is a cause of rejoicing, not only for Forbes, but throughout our churches. (This contribution was sent in by Mr. Mile Dewald, their clerk.)

We dope to have the description and a picture of Forbes’ new church in our next issue if it is received in time.

We dope to have the description and a picture of Forbes’ new church in our next issue if it is received in time. Rev. C. Hanko, of Redlands, Calif. was delegated to Classis West, which met in South Holland, Ill. He made a hurried trip to Grand Rapids to see his children and grandchildren for a very short visit. His itinerary: Arrived in South Holland at 4 A.M., attended Classis, drove to Grand Rapids and back to Chicago; flew to California, and back home at 10 P.M.the same day! It sounds impossible, but with the speed of Jet aircraft and the time differential taken into account, it can be done!

Rev. D. Engelsma’s catechism classes are somewhat separated by distance. Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons he holds classes in Loveland, and Wednesday evenings he has two in Denver. His Adult Bible Classes follow the catechisms in both places: Loveland’s class now treating the 16th chapter of the Book of Acts, and Denver’s studying the 17th chapter thereof.

Both Classis East and Classis West have recessed to a later time, Classis East to Nov. 3 and Classis West to January. In both cases there was too much material: to be treated on the floor of classis, and it was referred to committee for study and recommendation. Rev. G. Vos, of Hudsonville, was the only minister unable to attend his classis due to a virus infection which kept him indoors. Reports of classis meetings; will be made public when their work is finished.

Know this first: “That no prophecy of the Scripture is of private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Pet. 1:21.) 

. . . . see you in church.

—J.M.F