Rev. J.A. Heys, of South Holland, will be our radio speaker for the month of March. Under the general theme, “The Man After God’s Heart,” Rev, Heys has chosen to pursue that thought under the following subtitles, March 7—”Divinely Chosen;” March 14—”Filled with Righteous Indignation;” March 21—”Hated Without a Cause;” March 28—”Saved in a Multitude of Mercy.”

One appreciates the truth of the reality of the Communion of Saints so readily in a small denomination such as ours. It seems that all our church bulletins give weekly reports on the condition of Mrs. C. Hanko. May Rev. Hanko’s family be comforted with the admonition and promise found in I Peter 5, “Humble yourselves therefore under the hand of God that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”

The physical condition of our beloved Rev. H. Hoeksema is gradually declining. At this writing he is experiencing a little speech difficulty and further loss of eyesight. He is mentally alert, and is spiritually content in the way in which the Lord is preparing him for his translation to glory.

Hull’s directory for ’65 has reached our desk, and noteworthy is the fact that each of the fifty-two Sundays of the year calls for a special collection (the objects thereof also designated), besides those to be taken at the six special church services. Indeed, we are but stewards of our goods and shall give account of the disposition thereof. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” II Cor. 9:6, 7.

Although our Reformed Witness Hour radio programs are no longer broadcast over K-F-M-K, Houston, Tex., the people there who were contacted by our Home Missionary are still enjoying our Distinctively Reformed radio ministry. Upon the request of Rev. Lubbers, Southwest’s pastor, the Radio Committee has been mailing them tapes each week. The Houston people have invited Rev. Lubbers to visit them a few weeks in February. Expenses to cover that trip, and for tapes, etc., accompanied the invitation.

The Young People’s Federation Board sent a letter to all the member societies containing some constructive criticism of past conventions, and proposed remedies. According to the area bulletins the young people discussed the letter in after-recess programs, and generally adopted the proposed recommendations. It is heartening to their parents and pastors that the leading young people are concerned with the spiritual advancement of the Annual Conventions, and that they give healthy direction in this matter.

Beginning with the Jan. 31st copy Hope’s bulletin committee constantly keeps the thoughts of the congregation on the new church they hope to occupy this year. The bulletin cover portrays the new edifice with a drawing of the front elevation, and the effect is very pleasing indeed. This picture must be especially heartening to the overflow audience attending the service in the basement because of lack of room in the auditorium.

Perusing the bulletins for news in which you might be interested we are forcibly faced with the reality of the brevity and vanity of life, and are wont to echo the confession of the patriarch Jacob as he stood before Pharaoh that few and evil are the days of our pilgrimage. One reads in ever recurrent refrain: “suffered a stroke . . . . submitted to surgery . . . . respiratory ailment . . . . is undergoing therapy . . . passed away and funeral services will be held. .” Even the Ladies Aid Society of Southwest Church devoted an after recess program to the question, “Should a person’s life be prolonged through surgery or drugs if his death is imminent?” Oh, “Vanity of vanities, saith the .Preacher, all is vanity.”

The Ladies Aid Society of Doon is currently raising funds for the purchase of folding chairs for use in the basement as well as in the auditorium. Becoming a little impatient with the slow growth of that fund they recently solicited a little boost from the congregation to complete the project.

Sunday, Jan. 17 Rev. R.C. Harbach of Kalamazoo had an evening classical appointment in First Church of Grand Rapids. He and his replacement, Sem. R. Decker remained in their respective churches that evening due to the wintry weather which prohibited road travel.

According to Southeast’s bulletin, Rev. Schipper’s two year pastorate experienced a growth from 27 to 40 families and from 119 to 165 souls.’

Adams St. Mothers’ Club presented a Round Table discussion at their Feb. 4th meeting. The discussion was prepared and held by various teachers from Hope school. 

. . .see you in church. 

—J.M.F.