Rev. H. Hoeksema’s condition remains about the same—on a gradual decline. But he joyfully receives the comfort from the Word of God which he himself ministered to others in bygone years. Rev. G. Vos, of Hudsonville, suffered a collarbone fracture in a fall on the ice near his home on Feb. 9. He did not preach Sunday the 14th, but hoped to teach catechism that week and resume his preaching duties the next Sunday. Mrs. C. Hanko has been transferred from the hospital to the parsonage and is being cared for by family and friends. She spends a little time each day in a wheelchair, speaks but a few words at a time, but seems to be content in the Lord’s way. There has been a marked improvement in her condition since her home-coming.

The above accounts of illnesses in three of our parsonages, which are but examples of those found in so many of our homes, are all a part of that, “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die;” but all the sick may find comfort in the Scriptures which say, “But though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” II Cor. 4:16, 17.

Rev. and Mrs. H. Hanko left Doon Feb. 8 for Redlands, Rev. Hanko to pay a visit to his mother and Mrs. Hanko to remain for a while to minister to the invalid. Rev. H. Hanko combined this trip with the Church Visitation in Loveland and Redlands which he will conduct with Rev. J.A. Heys of South Holland.

Doon’s Young People’s Society had to give up their evening schedule for two weeks in February: the 7th because of the singspiration held in their church, and the 14th because of an evening service which was scheduled so that Rev. Woudenberg might preach for them during their pastor’s absence. The Singspiration was led by Mr. Gerald Kuiper, former music director of Hope Church in Grand Rapids.

The Reformed Witness Hour features Rev. J.A. Heys, of South Holland, Illinois for this month. The general theme of the series of sermons for March is “The Man After God’s Heart.” The schedule is as follows: March 7—”Divinely Chosen”; March 14—”Filled with Righteous Indignation”; March 21—”Hated Without a Cause”; March 28—”Saved in a Multitude of Mercy.” Copies of these sermons may be had upon request by writing to The Reformed Witness Hour, Box 1230, Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Publication Committee which publishes the works of Rev. H. Hoeksema met Feb. 9 and concluded all the business necessary to the printing of his “Dogmatics.” A local publisher has been secured at a reasonable cost and the work will be carried out with dispatch. May this be but the Committee’s first publication of Rev. H. Hoeksema’s important contribution to the development of the truths of Holy Writ.

Some of the “Quiet Thoughts” found in Southeast’s bulletins give a jolt not so quiet. “The idle Christian is the raw material out of which backsliders are made,” is one which probes the conscience of those named with an electric shock.

The first reminder of summer activities appeared in First Church’s bulletin in the depth of winter. It was a call to mark the date of the annual Sunday School picnic: June 16!

January was an important month on Loveland’s History Calendar. The congregation decided to build a new church edifice which will serve as church and school. The school will be housed in the church basement designed for that purpose.

Advance notice: Easter Sunday evening, April 18, the Radio Choir will give a public program in First Church at 9 P.M. This program is sponsored by the Protestant Reformed High School Circle.

During the last week in January Hull’s pastor and his family moved into their newly acquired parsonage. A bulletin announcement carried Rev. Kortering’s grateful thanks to all who helped in this project, cleaning ladies and toting men.

In a letter of information the consistory of Southeast Church in Grand Rapids acquainted the congregation with a plea from the Mission Committee that all our churches join in sending help to the churches of Jamaica with whom we have been working. They were also informed that a substantial gift was given from their Benevolent Fund for that purpose.

We note that the visits made by our Western ministers are usually utilized in a two-fold way. On a Church Visitation call to South Holland Rev. VanBaren also gave a lecture in their church; and Rev. Heys lectured in Loveland while on a similar official visit in that city with Rev. H. Hanko. 

. . . . see you in church. 

—J.M.F.