Febraury 19, 2012

From the Pastors’ Desk

 

 

 

Yes, we’re getting a jump-start on Lent this year. It does actually begin on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on Feb. 22 so that the first Sunday of Lent is Feb. 26. However, our church’s 60^th anniversary celebrations fall on that weekend so we started our Lenten celebrations a week early. The theme for our Lent series is: Spiritual Disciplines. We will consider: The Word, Meditation, Surrender/Sacrifice, Fasting, Godliness and Simplicity. Throughout the centuries the saints have practiced these, and many other disciplines, in order to draw close to God

 

 

 

Richard Foster, in his excellent book “Celebration of Discipline” wrote

 

We must not be led to believe that the Disciplines are for spiritual giants hence

 

beyond our reach, or for contemplatives who devote all their time to prayer and meditation. Far from it. God intends the Disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings: people who have jobs, who care for children, who must wash dishes and mow lawns. In fact, the Disciplines are best exercised in the midst of our normal daily activities. If they are to have any transforming effect, the effect must be found in the ordinary junctures of human life: in our relationships with our husband or wife, our brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors. [page 1]

 

We are, each of us, every ordinary people. We are people who are crying out to God for revival. This month the focus of our revival prayers is for God to teach us to love Him above all else. The Disciplines help us to remove the distractions and temptations and idols that clutter our lives and to focus our living on our God and King. This focus truly helps re-orient our living in the real world, among real people who are experiencing joys and sorrows. We are ordinary people seeking to love God above all else. Filled with His love and loving Him we then continue to carry His love to the people of our broken and hurting world.

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

 

February 12, 2012

From the Pastor’s Desk

 

            A couple weeks ago, both in the sermon and in the bulletin, we taught on the ancient Christian practice of anointing the sick with oil. The goal was to reintroduce one of God’s rich blessings which has been significantly (but not entirely) neglected in our tradition.

 

            We’ve already talked at length about what anointing means and for whom it is intended. In summary, the oil of anointing symbolizes the healing presence of God, and it is for any and all who need to be reminded that God is with them. This includes those who are physically ill or in pain as well as those who feel weak, afraid, depressed, lonely, or just hungry for a greater sense of God’s reality in their life. Through anointing, God can give physical healing, although it’s not a guarantee. He might also give spiritual healing, or he might give a new endurance in the face of the trial, or a new joy in the midst of sorrow, or a new strength in the midst of weakness. If you’d like to review what we’ve already taught about the meaning of anointing, both the sermon and bulletin for January 29 remain on the website: www.livinghopecrc.com. If you don’t have internet access, you can talk directly to either one of us.

 

            In follow up, we’d like to give a little bit more of a practical explanation of what a service of anointing actually involves. Perhaps the very idea of anointing brings to mind images of Aaron in Psalm 133 with oil drenching his hair, his beard, his clothes—and you’re left wondering, “If I request anointing, how am I going to clean up afterward?” Perhaps you imagine some uncomfortable and archaic ceremony that will do more to make you feel awkward than blessed.

 

            Fear not. Being anointed with oil is far less messy and far less peculiar than you might imagine. As was highlighted before, being anointed is primarily a ministry of prayer. It’s not a whole lot more involved than having the pastors or an elder pray over you.   And the oil—far from being a jug that gets poured over your head—comes in a compact ¼ oz. vial. As part of the prayer, or while a blessing is being said over you, the pastor or elder simply wets the tip of his finger with the oil and rubs it onto your forehead, perhaps in the shape of a cross—no dripping at all. The oil itself is a lightly scented olive oil that’s made specially for anointing. Both the feel and the scent of the oil are God communicating, not just to our ears, but to our other senses, “I am with you…I will make you well.”

 

            This is something that can be done in your home, at the church office, as part of a Bible Study or prayer group, or even as part of a worship service. The service of anointing can range in length from only a few minutes to as long as the person desires.

 

            As was mentioned before, it’s most fitting for the persons who desire to be anointed to request this ministry for themselves. Both of us have had the privilege of administering this gift since it was first introduced a couple weeks ago, a rich blessing for all of us involved. It’s a ministry that we are delighted to provide believing that God himself longs to bless his people in this way.

 

The Lord be with you.

 

Pastors Craig Hoekema and Richard VanderVaart

 

 

January 29 2012

@ From the Pastors’ Desk

 

      Our sermon this morning is on the much debated words of the Apostle James who wrote, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up” (5:14-15). The Word of the God invites us to be anointed with oil in order to be ‘made well’. And yet most of us have probably never even seen someone anointed with oil, much less experienced it for ourselves.

 

      Part of the reason has to do with the fact that not all interpreters of scripture accept this call to anointing as valid and binding in the church today. Pastor Craig will offer a couple reasons to think that this view is mistaken, and that this practice remains one of the profound ministries of grace that God offers to his people.

 

      For this reason, the pastors and the elders have been discussing the practice of anointing with oil, and beginning today, we are offering this ministry to any who would like to receive it. Here are a few key things that need to be kept in mind since this practice is new to many of us.

 

 

 

- The oil signifies the healing presence of God. In the sacraments, we’re familiar with the fact that God communicates his grace—not only to our ears but also to our other senses. In just the same way, God uses the feel and scent of the anointing oil to communicate his presence to our senses. Through anointing, God says, “I am with you—whatever you’re going through—I love you, and I’m here.” Often a lightly scented olive oil is dabbed on the forehead in the shape of a cross.

 

 

 

- This is a ministry that is done at the request of the individual in need, not at the urging of others. James tells the sick person to request this ministry for him or herself. It is not the kind of ministry one should ever feel pressured into.

 

 

 

- As Pastor Craig explains in this morning’s sermon, anointing with oil is not a guarantee of physical healing. The words that James uses for ‘being made well’ and ‘raised up’ are very broad terms that may involve physical healing (we ought never doubt this possibility), but might not. To be ‘made well’ and ‘raised up’ might mean physical healing, or it might mean spiritual healing, or it might mean a new endurance in the face of the trial, or a new joy in the midst of sorrow, or a new strength in the midst of weakness. All of these blessings and more are what we receive when God enters into our pain and says, “I am with you”. Surely, this is to be ‘made well’ and ‘raised up’, regardless of what happens to our bodies.

 

 

 

- Closely related to the previous point, this also means that anointing is not only for the physically ill but for all types of need—emotional and spiritual as well. The word James uses for ‘sick’ is a broad term that refers to more than just physical need. Being anointed with oil is as fitting for those who are lonely or afraid as it is for those with cancer or chronic pain.

 

 

 

- More than anything, anointing is a ministry of prayer. James puts the emphasis on the prayer that is offered on behalf of the person in need. The oil is a physical reminder that God answers our prayers.

 

     

 

      We have much to learn together about this wonderful ministry that God has given to his people. We do not know the depths to which God can and will bless us as we open ourselves up to his gift. If you have any more questions, or if you’d like to request anointing, please feel free to speak to one of the pastors or to your district elder.

 

      The Lord be with you.

 

Pastors Craig Hoekema and Richard VanderVaart

 

 

 

 

 

January 22 2012

@ From the Pastors’ Desk

 

And we’re off; well into the New Year already. Hard to believe all the wonderful gifts we’ve been given over the last few weeks.

 

The commissioning of Tom and Melissa Deelstra as our teaching missionaries in Nigeria.  The latest good news is that things have quieted down and they will be able to return to Nigeria on the 19^th, so by the time you are reading this, Lord willing, they will be back at Hillcrest.  What a great joy to spend a few extra days with them and to learn more about their work.  As Melissa was leaving she noted, when they left for Nigeria it was very quick and there really wasn’t time to connect with this congregation and share their excitement about going to Nigeria. This time period has given them plenty of opportunity to connect and to share all that God is doing.  And, she noted now they are feeling very supported and more ready to share prayer concerns and joys.  What a privilege God gives us all in this partnership.

 

The Dominican Team is now assembled in the DR and already at work. What an amazing opportunity for them to go as ambassadors of Christ and of Living Hope.  They are the fragrance of Christ and His encouragement.  And, no doubt, when they return and share the stories we will hear how Christ has caused the people among whom they ministered to be a blessing to them also. 

 

Our elders are also launching a leadership development ministry. It is exciting.  Many times it happens that council needs a few elders and deacons, and they search the directory and call up a few people and all of a sudden leadership roles are thrust upon people in the pews.  Pastor Craig developed a wonderful mentoring ministry model, where each of the elders has been asked to find a person he can mentor. The goal of this mentoring relationship is  for the person being mentored [the mentee] to grow in maturity in Christ and to uncover the gifts the Spirit has given. The launch breakfast was held yesterday and for the next several months these mentors and mentees will be meeting, praying and encouraging one another. These meetings will help our mentees discover the leadership gifts the Spirit has given. There may be gifts for council, or cadets or NeighbourLink or whole other areas not yet considered.  It is exciting to see where the Spirit leads on this.

 

Pastor Richard attends the deacons’ meetings and has been so blessed to hear of the compassionate response these men and woman have to the various needs of our community.  Truly God has blessed our leadership.  The reach of our congregation is extended through our partnership with NeighbourLink as well. Again, what a great open door God gives us so that the Gospel may go forward here in Sarnia-Lambton through acts of service.

 

In a few weeks the council will be seeking elder and deacon nominees.  Please begin to be praying about the men and women you might consider nominating for these positions.  And, let the names of those you nominate remain between you and the Lord. There are times a nominee’s name will not go forward to the church~and there are a wide variety of reasons for this.  Sometimes a nominee  has valid reasons for not serving that are confidential, other times a nominee is not suited to the particular office to which he or she was nominated—their gift-mix is better suited to another ministry.  And often a nominee does not go forward as council votes for the number needed for ballot.  If you have questions, it is always good to speak with your elder or deacon or one of the pastors about this.  May Christ, the Head of the Church, continue to lead us by His Spirit so that effective ministry may continue to be carried out here in this place and beyond our walls to every place the King of Glory leads us.

 

If this is how the year begins, it is exciting to anticipate what is yet in store!

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

 

 

 

 

From the Pastors’ Desk: A few thoughts on why it is exciting to minister here.

 

A brief explanation of the stone manger and our Advent display; up front on stage each week you see the advent display undergoing changes. The display was suggested by Joan Baker and Debra Komodore in an article in Reformed Worship, Volume 101. The stone manger reminds us of the harsh reality of Jesus’ birth. The deep blue cloth that had been laid on the manger represented His great royalty—no matter how humble His earthly birth—this Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of David—King of heaven and earth. His crib was a manger; you can see the hay in the manger. Then a crown was added, the Prince of Peace brings glory and peace—and He exchanged the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns. The halo behind our manger scene, added on week 3, represented the glory of God in those humble surroundings. Now again the scene is more humble once again, the cloth and crown are removed. The flowers at the manger are a symbol of offering our hearts and lives to Jesus. The star reminds us that news of His birth reaches far and wide.

 

Jesus’ birth echoes through the ages and blesses us still. God is mindful of our brokenness and need. Jesus is the Good News for our desperate world. Through art, music, teaching, service, hospitality, accounting, committee work, babysitting, sound and power points ministries, going to our neighbours nearby and far-away God is using our people to declare His love.

 

2011 is winding down. At our New Year’s Eve Service Council Chairman Ralph DeJong will remind us the various notable events and milestones of the year. It will be good to celebrate together giving thanks to God for all that is excellent and bringing before Him our grief for all that was and is difficult to bear. In faith we worship knowing He is faithful.

 

All the while, preparations are being made for 2012; it is obvious we have another exciting year ahead of us. And our hearts swell in expectation for all that God has in store for us. Here are just a few things that are so exciting to your pastors:

• Our council is leading in our congregation in praying for God’s revival among us. Revival is the work of the Spirit of Christ to deepen our faith; make wider our joy and heighten our compassion for the lost. The theme text that guides us is: “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
• Men in Action [M.I.A.] continues to gear up and attract attention. In the early part of the year we’ll see the movie: Courageous. There is a chance for a bible-study follow up.
• The elders have been encouraged to find someone whom they can mentor. Often leadership roles [head counselor of cadets, deacon, leading a committee, et cetera] are thrust upon people with little or no advance preparation. It is the desire of our elders to seek out gifted men and mentor them into discovering God’s equipping work in their lives and to help them discern how they can continue to grow in faith and service.
• The Outreach Team is working on Summer Vacation Bible School and making sure the dates we choose don’t conflict with other VBS ministries in our community.
• Run for God. This ministry helps people get off the couch and learn: biblical perspectives about health and fitness, proper gear and training techniques and gives accountability so that at the end of 12 weeks participants will run or walk or jog 5 km.
• These exciting initiatives add to all the wonderful ministries that already take place in our church: prayer, catechism, bible studies, quilting, fellowship coffees and meals, Friendship and so much more. No wonder your pastors are so excited to minister here.

 

Merry Christmas and blessed New Year to each and every one of you.

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

From the Pastors’ Desk December 4, 2011 

Answering some questions.

 

Here is the final installment on ‘worship as dialogue.’ This is written in response to questions we, as the Pastoral Team at Living Hope CRC, have received over the last few months. Part of the on-going dialogue of worship includes the Law. As Christians, who have a reformed accent, we understand several uses of the Ten Commandments, also known as, The Law.

 

1. 1.The Law can be a teacher of sin. When we make use of the Law in this way, then reading it reminds us we all sin and fall short of the glory of God and we fall short of His perfect design for our lives. By means of the Law, God speaks to us and calls to be holy as He is holy.
2. 2.The Law can be a guide to thankful living. Earlier in the liturgy of confession by a text or a hymn, God spoke and called us to holiness. We confessed our brokenness. He offered His forgiveness to us in Christ. Then it is wonderful to read the Law as a guide for grateful living. As forgiven people, how shall we live? The Law of God then is our declaration: we will live in obedience to God, Who has demonstrated His love to us in Christ. I John 5:1-5 reminds us we are born again and, therefore it is not burdensome to obey His commands, rather our obedience is the sign of Christ’s victory in our lives. In this sense the Law is part of our response to God—this is how we will choose to live as we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
3. 3.Another use of the Law, which is not necessarily tied in with worship and liturgy, is the Law as a guide for society. The laws of our nation are based on the commands of God—not to steal, not to murder and so on. These laws form a solid foundation for harmonious living.

 

As you join with God’s people for worship, in the morning and evening, services: sing! It is your response to God. It is your part in the dialogue. In congregational prayers, repeat what the leader is praying and make the prayer personal or add to it in your heart so that you are responding to God also. Listen to Him as the scriptures are read, and pay attention to the Voice of God as the Law is read. Note well the character of worship as wonderful dialogue between God and His gathered people. You are not the audience. God speaks to His gathered people, and we, as His people, respond. What joy!

 

 

 

Another question, frequently asked, is why does Pastor Richard wear a robe and have preaching stoles? The preaching robe was presented as a gift early on his ministry. At the time he’d received frequent comments on his choice of suit, or shirt and tie, worn while he was preaching. It made sense to wear a robe and end the comments. It became regular practice. However, there is no Church Order requirement to wear a robe. Wearing a preaching robe or choosing to wear something else is entirely up to the one leading the worship service.

 

 

 

The preaching stoles are gifts which have been given to Pastor Richard over the years. Two aunts from the Netherlands, who gave him the robe, also gave him the white preaching stole. Each preaching stole has its own meaning.

 

1. 1.This white preaching stole is usually worn in times of celebration: Lord’s Supper, weddings and so on. All our celebrations are possible because Christ has, by the cross, taken away our sin and shame. Therefore the white stole has gold crosses embroidered on them.
2. 2.The purple stole has the intertwined: A and Ώ--these are the Hebrew letters Alpha and Omega. These are the first and the last letters of the alphabet and traditionally have been used in the Church to represent the fact God is from eternity to eternity. On the other side of the purple stole are the intertwined Greek letters: X and P. These are the letters: Chi and Rho. They are the first two letters which in Greek spell the Name of Christ, in Whom we receive all the blessings of God. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek. Two languages convey the one story of God’s grace. The purple can represent confession, such as might be appropriate in the time of Lent or Advent, or it can be the colour representing Christ’s royal victory—and therefore worn at celebrations.
3. 3.The multi-coloured preaching stole was made for a special service at a synodical worship service where Pastor Richard had a role in the planning and leading. The theme of the worship time was “unity”. The cross on the field of red represents the blood of Christ which binds us all from many tribes, nations, and tongues, together as one people saved by grace. Just above that is a swath of an “Ashanti Prayer Cloth” used in Africa when people gather for prayer. The black and white triangles are North American Native symbols for unity. The things that look like red commas are a Korean symbol of unity. The Alpha and Omega letters on a field of purple represent the victory we have in Christ and it is His victory that stirs within us a longing to delight in Him, together with all the redeemed, for all eternity. This preaching stole can be worn at various times during the year.
4. 4.The red preaching stole is embroidered with white crosses that have four smaller crosses within their arms. This represents the call on the Church to go in the power of the Spirit and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth. The large cross with the four smaller crosses within its arms is called: The Jerusalem Cross. This stole is usually associated with Pentecost, the pouring out of the Spirit. However it can also be worn at times of special mission emphasis—such as during the season of Epiphany, or Missions Sundays.

 

 

 

Thanks one and all for your questions. They are greatly appreciated and indicate your interest in all matters and things related to our congregation and worship. Such things are always fun for us, as your pastors, to reflect on and to teach.

 

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

 

 

 

From the Pastors’ Desk  November 27 2011

 

Last week we started to unpack the meaning behind all the different elements in a worship service. We stepped back and looked at the main sections of our standard morning worship service. This week we’re going to start looking more specifically at the individual elements within each section.

Once again, the key for understanding the elements is to recognize that worship is a conversation with God. Our worship services are not random collections of songs, prayers, and readings; rather, they are a living, breathing “give and take” with God himself. We welcome you again to get out your morning order of worship and notice the logical and repeated pattern of back and forth (highlighted here by the underlined phrases).

 

We Gather in the Presence of God

We always begin with a “Gathering Song” that’s meant to do exactly as it says—gather our hearts, gather our minds. The Holy Spirit is the one who gathers us for worship, and in this moment he begins to focus us on the one we’ve come to worship. This hymn often reminds us of reasons God is worthy of worship.

Then God speaks in the “Call to Worship.” This is not the worship leader calling us to worship. God himself is instructing us to worship him and reminding us that he is ready to listen and delight in our praise.

So naturally we respond to his call with a hymn of praise. God speaks again in “God’s Greeting.” This is not the pastor greeting us; it is God reminding us that when his people gather for worship, we are as welcome in his presence as a child on her father’s knee. We then respond in praise and adoration.

 

We Are Renewed in God’s Grace

Now that we’ve reflected on what it means to gather in the presence of a holy, glorious, awesome God, our sinful nature stands in stark contrast to God’s perfect nature. It’s time to deal with our sin, and it’s also God’s turn to speak. Just as he did with the “Call to Worship”, he now “calls” us to confession. Before we utter a word of repentance, he reminds us that he will forgive. It’s with that confidence that we respond with a “Prayer of Confession,” often spoken, sometimes sung. God responds to us by “assuring” us of “pardon”. We respond again, often with a hymn of gratitude or praise for his grace. Then God speaks once more with a reading of the Law, reminding us how to live as his forgiven people.

 

We Respond in Faith and Thanks

As we noted last week, this section of the service is our fitting response to who God is and what he’s done for us. Since this entire section is our response, we do most of the speaking here. We speak by asking God to bless our offering, by giving our offering, by praying for his blessing in our life, and by singing our thanksgiving and commitment. In all of this, we offer not merely our money, but our whole selves to God. And God is not totally silent here. He speaks through the offertory music as well as the “Song of Thankfulness” that might include words of encouragement or scriptural truths on which we’re invited to reflect.

 

God Speaks Through His Word

As the last section was mostly us speaking, this section is mostly God speaking through the reading and proclamation of his Word. However, we open and close this section. We open with a “Prayer for Illumination” in which we ask God to speak to us through his Holy Spirit. We close with a “Song of Response” in which we praise God for the truth he’s revealed, or we dedicate ourselves to what he’s taught us.

 

We Go Out With Praise

God’s final word to us in the service is a word of blessing, a word that reminds us that he loves us, and he does not leave us as we leave the worship service. Our final word to God is a closing song that often includes themes of praise and dedication.

 

Did you realize all that happens every week in worship? Our hope is that the more we recognize the intentionality and purpose of each element of the service, the richer our experience will be, and the more our relationship with God will grow. May God fill us with a greater thirst, week after week, for this living, breathing back and forth with our Creator and Redeemer.

Pastor Craig Hoekema and Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart

 

From the Pastors’ Desk  November 20  2011

 

 

                To someone who hasn’t given it much thought, our worship services every week can seem like a random collection of songs, scripture reading, and prayers with an offering and a sermon thrown in to make it official. And maybe you imagine that the reason it follows the same pattern most weeks is simply because we’ve always done it that way. But have you ever noticed that our worship services are tremendously purposeful and intentional?

 

                For the next few weeks, in this part of the bulletin, we’re going to be taking a closer look at our worship services. The key for understanding why our worship follows the pattern it does is to recognize that worship is a conversation with God. Everything about our worship makes more sense when we think about it as a back and forth exchange in which God speaks, we respond, God speaks again, and we respond again. Get your morning order of worship out and have a look.

 

                Before we get into the specific elements in the coming weeks, this week we invite you to take a step back and notice the five main sections of our usual morning worship service and the logical pattern it follows.

 

                The opening section, quite naturally, is “We Gather in the Presence of God.” This section is primarily filled with songs and words of praise and adoration; a fitting way to come into the presence of our God.

 

                The next main section is “We Are Renewed in God’s Grace.” We’ve just exalted God’s righteousness, power, and goodness. It only makes sense then that our next step would be to recognize how unlike God we are. Our sin and rebellion stand in sharp contrast to all the things we’ve just said about God. So now it’s time to address our sin directly and remember that only by grace can we approach our God. This section is filled with songs and words of repentance, mercy, grace, and obedience.

 

                We then “Respond in Faith and Thanks.” When we consider both who God is and what he has done for us, our only fitting response is to commit our lives fully to him. We do this by sharing of our offering (in which we recognize that all we have belongs to God) as well as through the Prayers of God’s People (in which we entrust every area of our lives and our world to him). The song in this section will always touch on the themes of thanksgiving and commitment.

 

                The next section is the one we Reformed Christians tend to emphasize the most: “God Speaks Through His Word.” God has been speaking throughout the service, but it’s now that we take time to reflect more deeply on a particular passage of scripture. Everything in the service so far has been about renewing our relationship with God, and now in this section, God says, “Let me teach you more about what it means to be in relationship with me.” This section of the service will also impact the flavor and tone of all the other elements of the service. Our worship planners rightfully want to know the theme of the sermon before they begin planning so that every other section of the service will move our minds in the direction of what God will say to us here.

 

                Finally, “We Go Out With Praise.” How else could we leave worship except with renewed energy and encouragement to live as his people? It’s here that God blesses us, reminds us of his continuing presence with us, and we respond with a concluding hymn of praise and dedication for the things God has spoken to us this morning.

 

                In coming weeks we’ll take a closer look at the specific elements within these sections. Our encouragement to all of you is to appreciate that our worship services are not random collections of songs and prayers. Rather, they are a living, breathing give and take with God himself. Everything we do in a worship service is meant to facilitate that dynamic conversation and relationship.

 

Pastor Craig Hoekema and Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart

 

 

 

From the Pastors’ Desk    November 13 2011

 

Living Hope Christian Reformed Church is a gathering of people, drawn together by the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are very diverse and the Spirit of the Living God is shaping us and conforming us to the image of Christ. It is a challenging process. As individuals we are to grow up into Christ, our Head. We do so through prayer, Bible study, listening to sermons and attending worship and encouraging and being encouraged by other Christians in the various ministries and tasks of the church.

 

 

As believers empowered by this same Spirit we are together being conformed to the image of Christ. This is our great hope and goal, this is our joy and purpose: to be more like Christ. Collectively we pray, attend church, study scripture, teach and are taught, provide ministry opportunities so that each member is challenged to grow in our most precious faith. We keep our baptism vows and celebrate communion. Weddings are celebrated and those who are married are reminded to delight in God's gift of marriage. Married or single, we recognize all of us here are given to this body by the will of God Who elects us, by the blood of Christ which cleanses us and in the power of the Spirit Who sanctifies us.

 

 

We have committees and ministry teams to facilitate the smooth operations of our church. This same Spirit gives wonderful gifts so that as people prepare lessons, bake for potlucks, pray, distribute information, count money, pay bills, clean the building, prepare power points and music, make phone calls and send emails promoting events, update the website, make pastoral visits, and so much more--as all these tasks and activities are being done, we are administering God's grace in its various forms [see I Peter 4:9-11].

 

 

In the life of the church, ordinary people are given extraordinary duties and gifts by the Spirit. It is beyond our strength so that in every instance it is the light of Christ that shines through. We recognize sometimes things go very well, other times, well, things do not go as smoothly as we'd hoped it would. Or things fail to work out. There are many avenues for feedback. Church folks can always speak with a ministry leader in our particular programs. Or, anyone is welcome to contact an elder or a pastor if there are concerns. Sometimes a leader or elder can answer a question right on the spot. Sometimes it needs to go to council and then an answer is given. [By the way, if you do not receive a timely answer, follow up and ask, sometimes a person will mean to follow up but be juggling a few things and forget to answer. A gentle reminding prompt is helpful so that you receive the feedback you are seeking.]

 

 

Stresses occur in the life of the church when church people feel as if they are not being heard. Then members can feel as if they are not important in the life of the church. That is a terrible signal to receive. A wonderful avenue for feedback between the membership and the leadership is congregational meetings. We as Spirit-led people have the chance to celebrate what has gone well in the year and acknowledge what needs work. We hear the plans for the year ahead. We can consider our financial standing--given how tough the economic times have been--we have many reasons to give thanks to God for His abundant grace made evident to all.

 

 

In your mailbox you'll see the agenda for our congregational meeting. Make a point of praying about this meeting--giving thanks for all the LORD has done in this year. In this year He has showered us with blessings. He has poured out His Spirit. He has given us joys and times of sorrow--and through-out His promises have been "yes" and "amen".

 

 

This particular meeting will be especially fun for us as pastors as our catechism class will offer the opening devotions, a very brief teaching on prayer. For the last 7 weeks they have been instructed in prayer and it is exciting for us as pastors that they are willing to share some of this with you. They have been encouraged to stay in the meeting and so learn more about the life of Living Hope. As pastors will be able to share our joy with you all at the start of our team ministry. Of course, together we will be discussing our budget. Even in this, the numbers point to something greater: God has provided. God has enabled us to do amazing things in His Name. As He has been faithful for these last 59 years, we do not face an uncertain future--we go forward in the strength of His love.

 

 

See you at the meeting.

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard and Pastor Craig

From the Pastor’s Desk   November 6,  2011

 

The jubilant Psalmist declared: “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1. Worship is one of those mysterious activities of Christians. We know we are supposed to worship. We are called to worship, but what is it really?

 

At its root meaning our word worship means “to recognize the weight or worth of”. In worship the people gather and begin to grapple with the inestimable worth of Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There are times the people lament and pour out their hearts. There are times the people shout for joy and sing for gladness. There are times for quiet reflection. Our real lives, true joys and sorrows, carried into the Presence of Him Who is mighty to save and loving enough to be willing to help us. Worship reorients our thinking, gives us divine perspective. Worship is holy conversation.

 

Worship requires a lot of planning. There are behind the scenes activities such as: preparing liturgies, power points, choosing songs, practice by choirs and musicians and preparing the worship space with banners appropriate to the season and occasion. Then there are obvious activities in the worship service involving the musicians, leaders, sound technicians and power point operators, and of course, the congregation itself. Sometimes, incorrectly, the people of God are called ‘the audience.’

 

Generally Reformed worship does not identify an audience. It is a dialogue: God speaks to His people and His people respond in word and song. Think of the whole liturgy: the call to worship is often a text – God speaking to His people drawing them away from the busy-times of their lives to hear Him. The people respond with prayer and song. God greets His people. The people respond with an expression of praise. [When you have some time, look through the rest of the liturgy—the white sheet that we use as a guide in our worship services—and you can see the whole service through this lens of dialogue.] This dialogue tunes us to hear from Him and shapes not only the Sunday, but the week ahead. The LORD of Heaven and Earth speaks and directs our lives and we respond in worship that is renewed on the Sunday and spills out over the whole week.

 

If we are honest, worship can be very difficult. We bring all kinds of concerns, anxieties and busy things to worship. It can be very tough to listen and hear the voice of God and respond to Him. Sometimes the start of worship can, itself, be part of the problem. Opening announcements can pull on us, diverting our attention from laying down our busy things and concentrating on Him. Sometimes announcements themselves add to our sense of busy-ness asking us to: do, consider, get, find and so on. Calling us away from the din of work and lists, internal monologues and frets, and undone projects the Lord of heaven and earth invites us to rest in Him.

 

Starting today the usual announcement time will not be a regular part of our worship services. The goal is to help people transition from many busy distractions of our lives and instead truly prepare for the great dialogue: the Living God speaking to His people and we, who are His, answering and renewing the conversation that may refresh our days.

 

Important ministries have sometimes been propped up at the announcement times. So the worship team and the council realize this will be a major change for many of us. One way in which we will be getting our message out will be via the bulletin. Other options are: notices in mailboxes. For those who are creative we have email addresses, text messaging and so on. Change is hard. So your worship team and council members will hear from you and we’ll evaluate how this is working out.

 

An old proverb reads: “If the people will listen, God speaks.” It is our prayer that already in the very first few minutes as the congregation gathers for worship, the worship leader’s direction will help people to transition from noise and busy-ness to preparing our minds and hearts to truly listen. Entering the sanctuary brings us closer to holy dialogue. Maybe as we gather in church, in those opening minutes before the service begins, it would be good to take time to be quiet. Pray. Expect to hear from the Lord. Clear mental distractions. There may be others in the sanctuary who appreciate the time of calm as well as they anticipate the renewal of this amazing dialogue between God and His people.

 

Speak, LORD, for Your servants are listening.        

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

 

October 23 2011

 

 

October 15 2011

@ From the Pastor’s Desk:

 

 

 

Ecumeni-what? Ecumenical relations. What a funny expression that is. ‘Ecumenical’ is an adjective that means: world-wide or large in scope. In the context of church life in Canada, ecumenical relations range from conversations between representatives of denominations to working partnerships.

 

 

 

Why are ecumenical relations important? Jesus prayed, in John 17, for the unity of all believers, so that the world would know the Father had sent the Son. As representatives from different denominations meet together areas of our shared faith can be explored. For the last 12 or so years the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America have been holding formal meetings about ways in which we can work together. The results of these meetings are: sharing our publishing house~FaithAlive Resources; allowing ministers of one denomination to receive a call from a church in the other denomination and this past summer there was a joint session of synod with both denominations participating.

 

 

 

The Canadian Council of Churches has a working group called: The Commission on Faith and Witness. This working group has representatives from about 15 different denominations, a group so diverse it includes representatives from the Roman Catholic Church and various Orthodox denominations as well as a Baptist denomination, the CRC and the Religious Society of Friends.

 

 

 

Why meet? The stated purpose of the Commission on Faith and Witness is to engage in theological study in order to foster greater understanding of the faith we hold in common and to provide a witness to the mission of Christ in the world. In the past the theological study has considered marriage, baptism, suffering and hope and many other topics.

 

 

 

An incredibly helpful document produced by this commission was: “Religious Ceremonies Involving More than One Faith Tradition.” When there is a public, inter-faith service how are Christians and members of other faith traditions to participate in it? In the past it has happened that people from other faiths have been allowed to read their holy books and Christians were instructed not to read the bible or pray in the Name of Jesus. The Commission on Faith and Witness met with representatives from different faith traditions and worked out a common understanding that at a public event, where various faith groups are present, each one should read from its own holy writings and pray according to its beliefs. In this context a Christian participant or clergyman would read the Bible and pray in the Name of Jesus. It is a significant document, endorsed by many denominations and faith groups.

 

 

 

Today Pastor Richard will begin his participation in the Commission on Faith and Witness at the meetings to be held at the Valley of the Mother of God Retreat Centre, near Orangeville, ON. This past summer the CRC’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee declared him to be their delegate to these meetings. The meetings take place twice a year and generally last two and a half days. Currently the topic under discussion is: “What is the goal or purpose of the Christian life?” Each denomination’s representative is given a chance to make a presentation on this topic. Pastor Richard will make his presentation on Sunday night.

 

 

 

Please keep all of our local church and our denominational ecumenical activities in your prayers. Shalom~Pastor Richard and Pastor Craig.

 

 

 

 

October 9 2011

 

@ From the Pastor’s Desk:  

 

A couple weeks ago we explained what a classis meeting is in light of the fact that Classis Chatham was soon to meet. Now that the meeting has been held, we thought we'd share a bit about what happened. There are three things that stick out as unique and interesting about this particular meeting, in addition to the standard business and administration that classis must address.

 

The first was something called the "Blanket Exercise". As a classis (which was around 80 people), we were given the opportunity to try and put ourselves in the place of the First Nations people. We were asked to act out some of the key historical developments from the time settlers first started coming to this land until today. What we were left with was an inside look at some of the deep injustice that has been done in this country. While it was easy to jump to the question, "so what do we do about it?", that question was left for us to ponder on our own as the real goal was to gain understanding.

 

The second unique item on this agenda was a debate and discussion on what we should do with the Belhar Confession. Two letters were presented to classis (officially called "overtures") each asking us to send a different message to Synod. Our council at Living Hope overtured Classis Chatham to tell Synod 2012 to adopt the Belhar as a testimony and not as a confession. One of our sister congregation’s overtured Classis Chatham to tell Synod 2012 to adopt the Belhar as a fourth confession. Pastor Craig and Pastor Mike Wagenman both presented 10-15 minute arguments for each side of the debate, and then each had a few moments to respond to the other's presentation. While both of the overtures were voted down, the discussion they generated was both respectful and thought-provoking.

 

The third noteworthy agenda item was the examination of Candidate John Moelker. Like all candidates for ministry in the CRC, John's examination involved three parts: sermon evaluation, practical ministry questions, and biblical/theological questions. After about two hours of examination and evaluation (the standard length for such exams), Classis Chatham agreed unanimously that John Moelker is well equipped for ministry. John's ordination is Friday, October 21^st at 7:30 p.m. at Dresden CRC and all are welcome to come and witness this celebration.

 

Much more was done in terms of approving budgets, nominations, policy revisions, and reports. These are simply things that we found particularly interesting.

 

Pastor Craig & Pastor Richard

 

September 25

  @   From the Pastors’ Desk: What’s Classis?

From time to time, in the congregational prayer and bulletin we hear about an upcoming “Classis Meeting”. Unless you’ve ever been to one, they’re probably a bit mysterious, even if you’ve grown up in the Christian Reformed Church.

 

First, what’s a classis? The Christian Reformed Church is made up of 1084 individual congregations. Those churches are then grouped into 47 classes (pronounced KLAS–eez not KLAS–ehz). Classes are formed primarily on the basis of geography (with a few exceptions). That’s why classes have names like “Classis Greater Los Angeles” or “Classis Eastern Canada” or—our classis—“Classis Chatham.”

 

Classis Chatham is made up of 29 congregations. Even though, on average, this makes us a bit bigger than most, we cover a comparatively small land mass. If you were to get out a map and draw a straight line between Sarnia and Woodstock, and then from Woodstock down to Lake Erie, that chunk of Ontario includes every church in Classis Chatham. Other classes are so spread out that some delegates have to book plane tickets to attend meetings.

 

The classis meeting itself is made up of three delegates from every congregation. Our council sends an elder delegate, a deacon delegate, and a pastor delegate. The delegates are the ones who speak to and vote on any given matter discussed at the meeting, however, the meeting itself is open to any who would like to attend (with occasional exceptions for certain agenda items).

 

But why does the CRC even bother having classes? In our denomination, we have long believed that we can do more (and better) together than we can as individual churches. One of the most well-known examples of this is with CRWRC and CRWM where our entire denomination pools its resources for having a much greater impact. The same is true on a smaller level at classis. Without Classis Chatham, there would be no CRC chaplains at Fanshawe College or the University of Western Ontario. Without classis, there would be no church plants in London and St. Thomas. Without classis, there would be no coordinated effort for enhancing diaconal ministries or the Safe Church ministry or lending resources and encouragement to sister churches engaged in similar joys and struggles, and the examples can go on.

 

If you want to know more about what Classis is and what it does, here are a few options. First, talk with one of our delegates. Pastor Craig, Gerry DeBoer and John DeJong are our delegates this week, and Pastor Richard will attend as an alternate. Second, keep your eyes open for “Classis Highlights” in an upcoming bulletin. This will give you a good summary of the types of issues discussed at the meeting. Finally, you could even mark your calendar for this Tuesday, September 27 from 9:00am and come to the meeting. You’re most welcome to be there. It happens to be at Redeemer CRC this time making it extremely convenient. (One agenda item that you may find very interesting is the examination of Candidate John Moelker for his ordination at Dresden CRC. That’s scheduled to begin around 1:15pm).

 

Remember to pray for Classis Chatham as we meet this week.

Pastors Craig Hoekema and Richard Vander Vaart

 

Sept. 18, 2011

 

@ From the desk of your pastoral team: reading Exodus

 

Some of the stories of Exodus jump right out at you. Moses at the burning bush. Frogs in the bedrooms of the Egyptians and hopping in the palace and so hyper abundant that they’re hopping into the ovens and even crowding into the troughs used for kneading bread. Yeech~frog bread?! Plagues. Crossing the Red Sea. Then the book gets a bit blurry for many of us. How does it go again? Oh yeah, something, something and the 10 Commandments. And after that it might be relatively unknown to us.

 

 

 

The book of Exodus unpacks the major biblical theme of God’s redemption in history. His covenant commitment and His LORDship over all the earth are displayed again and again throughout this book. The Psalms often refer to Exodus and the story of God’s deliverance of His people from slavery and bringing them to the Promised Land. Such reminders in the liturgy of the Psalms calls the people to faithful, joyful service to God their Deliverer. The New Testament uses the analogy of slavery to show how Christ frees us from our slavery to sin and through Christ’s accomplished work the Father names us beloved sons and daughters.

 

Pastors are often cautious about leading a longer series of sermons. Members of the congregation can get easily bored of a series. So, in our planning we have chosen to pick some key passages rather than preaching verse by verse all the way through the book.

 

 

 

For you who are listening, in order to receive the full benefit of this series, here are a few tips that might be helpful.

 

Ÿ      Read the whole book in one sitting. It is a story.

 

Ÿ      Pray for the pastors as we prepare and study and preach.

 

Ÿ      Use your study bible to see where Egypt lies, the desert and Mount Sinai             in relation to the Promised Land.

 

Ÿ      Expect God’s Spirit to use this series to teach you not only more bible   knowledge, but how to live in response to God’s great gift of setting us free.

 

Ÿ  Jot down questions. As you read along, study, pray and listen, record your questions and feel free to drop them off to either one of us or to email us or speak with us directly. If you have questions, likely others will as well. The fact that you have questions means you are engaging the material and learning. We may include the questions and answers in our preaching as well.

 

 

 

May the God of glory help us to see His mighty hand in history and so teach us to see His glorious works down through the generations to our times as well.

 

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

 

Sept. 11, 2011

 

 

From the desk of your pastoral team: Disciple one another

 

What is fascinating about the bible, with reference to this part of our Vision Statement, is that the various saints are so broken and in need of a Savior. Think about it for a minute. Wonderful King David, who is described as a man after God’s own heart, is an adulterer and a father who refuses to discipline his own children. Martha kept on cleaning and puttering in the kitchen rather than listening to Jesus; later she boldly accused Jesus saying Lazarus would not have died if only Jesus had been there. Paul, the great apostle and church planter, argues vehemently with Barnabas about Mark so that they finally part ways.

 

When we are perfectly honest with God and with ourselves, we must admit sin has deep roots in our lives. We can readily identify with the characters of the bible who love God and still sin. One hymn we have sung recently has this final refrain “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.”1 How are our hearts sealed in the love of God and kept from wandering? First and foremost it is the gracious work of the Spirit Who uses the written Word and the Word written on our hearts—the conscience.

 

The Spirit works through the people He has placed in our lives. A good friend is one who will lift you up when you struggle or help you up when you have fallen. A dear sister in the Lord is one who is bold enough to call you out and challenge you when they see you toying with sin. A dear brother in the Lord is one who will not let you treat the things of God lightly, but firmly point out your fault and encourage you on the path of purity. That is part of discipling one another.

 

Of course, God by His grace and kindness has given us many opportunities to disciple one another. Parents teach their children. We have Christian Schools. We have Christians involved in our public schools. There are youth education classes and adult education classes here as well. Elders make home visits and help us to renew our zeal for the things of God.

 

No one of us is without sin.

 

        -That is why Christ has come, to bring His healing forgiveness.

 

        -That is why in the light of His glory and grace we can sometimes snatch one another from the burning temptations.

 

        -That is why at other times we can speak these healing words to the penitent: “In Christ you are forgiven. Go and sin no more. I will stand with you as you fight temptation.”

 

And by His gift of fellowship we can ever and always encourage one another to excellence in our walk with Christ.

 

May the Spirit continually empower us to disciple one another so that we will extend and receive forgiveness one to another and grow in our faith together; and in all things give glory to our God and Father.

 

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema

 

1Hymn # 486 “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” stanza 4; FaithAlive Resources.

 

 

Sept. 4, 2011

 

 

From the desk of your pastoral team: Seek the Lost

 

The phrase “seek the lost” sits in the very middle of our mission statement as one of our three central priorities as Living Hope Christian Reformed Church. This is a growth area for us. We recognize this in our council meetings, but it’s also a conviction that most of us carry around in our own hearts. For many, the word “evangelism” brings to mind anxious thoughts of standing on an unknown doorstep, ringing the bell, and then suddenly having to say something about Christ before the door is slammed in our face. Or perhaps even more frightening, they may not slam the door and then we have to figure out what else to say. If we limit our understanding of evangelism to these kinds of unnatural encounters, it will mean a lot less seeking the lost and a lot more staying home.

 

A couple of books that we’ve found helpful for making evangelism exciting, practical, and achievable are the following: Gentle Persuasion by Joseph C. Alderich and Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. Both authors do a great job of explaining that evangelism is far less difficult than we often imagine, and both give very practical insight for how to speak well about Christ. We recommend these resources to you with the expectation that you will find them empowering.

 

As we pray for God’s help to increase our faithfulness in seeking the lost, as well as for his work in making our efforts effective, God will change us as a congregation. Just as our families change through births, marriages, and friendships, so our church family changes as new brothers and sisters in Christ begin worshipping next to us and ministering beside us at Living Hope. Thanks be to God we’ve seen lots of these exciting changes in the last few years. Our joy is in knowing that as we change in these ways, it is Christ himself shaping Living Hope to be the congregation he wants us to be.

 

My God fill us with hope, expectation, and courage as we continue to “seek the lost.”

 

Pastor Craig Hoekema and Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart

 

 

 

August 28, 2011

 

 

 

From the desk of your pastoral team: Up-coming sermons:

 

“How do you decide what to preach on from week to week?”  It is a question that is sometimes posed to your pastors. Great question.  We have decided to be very intentional in our preaching series as we prepare for and enter the Fall.  In the morning we will have a three-part series that reminds us of our Vision~which we have agreed together is our guiding principle. We preach, disciple, reach out, serve, pour coffee, clear the sidewalks and beautify the building [everything we do, really] is done with this Vision in mind.  Both of us will be looking at the scriptural basis for this Vision. Of course, that explains why our wonderful Vision Banner is up front again. As we look at the Vision we are encouraged to review it and even memorize it. 

 

 

 

Then starting in early September there will be a series from the Book of Exodus. Recently a few members approached both of us and noted that some of the Old Testament stories are not really so familiar anymore and a review might be helpful. Exodus is a foundational book with redemption themes that trace through all of scripture: God’s love, His gift of freedom from slavery, His awesome power and might to save, His calling His people and forming them to be a kingdom of priests—His treasured possession, and so much more, are all found in Exodus. Some of the stories are familiar, some less so, but all of them build a fuller picture of our triune God and His gift of salvation.

 

 

 

In our evening services catechism preaching will resume once again. It is amazing to consider how much theological knowledge and how much richness is in the Heidelberg Catechism [H.C.].  The H.C. is a tremendously helpful resource for us when people ask us about our precious faith.  More than this, the H.C. is a book that speaks to the assurance that comes to us as we trust in Christ. Repeated frequently is the phrase:  “how does this benefit us?”  For example, we read: “How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?” [Question and Answer 36] or “How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?” [Question and Answer 45].  The Heidelberg Catechism is a wonderful tool that opens scriptures so that we are instructed in our faith, assured of all the vast benefits divine which are ours in Christ.  And being so equipped again, we are spurred on to reach the lost and disciple the found.

 

 

 

If you, as the people of the Lord, here in Living Hope ever have questions about a sermon or suggestions for a sermon [or even a series], do not hesitate to share that with either one of your pastors or with the elders who will pass these suggestions along to the pastoral team.

 

 

 

May the Lord build us up on our most precious faith as the Word is preached.

 

 

 

Shalom. Pastor Richard T. Vander Vaart and Pastor Craig Hoekema