Keeping In Touch

by Pat Pluister

It is Thanksgiving (at the time of writing), a time to reflect on God’s blessings to us for another year. Seeing the Thanksgiving display in our sanctuary is but a small reminder of what we have in abundance but so often take for granted: our food, a place to worship and the freedom to do so, and the leadership of a dedicated and faithful pastor and his wife, Ron and Sue Cassie. Where many people have to hide their faith, where churches are suffering from "falling apart, or where con-gregations are searching for a leader, we experience none of these things. Let us ever be thankful and be an encouragement for and to our church family and pastor.

I am not quite sure when I last informed you of our "news from the congregations." Therefore, I will start with our Youth service on June 14. Rev. Art VanSlageren was the guest speaker, speaking to a church filled with young people from various Ontario con-gregations. His message was entitled "Stand Up For What You Believe In," something people of all ages can take to heart. The music was led by the Praise Band from Drayton Reformed Church, and the skit, "The Mustard Seed Café," was done by Whitby’s youth.

On July 6-10, our focus was again on the younger generation, bringing the message of God’s love through V.B.S. Thanks to Linda Wielinga and all the V.B.S. staff.

On September 28, Kid’s Klub started another season with 15 leaders teaching and reaching out to the neighbourhood’s children. Last year’s total attendance for several weeks was over 60.

We have been blessed with celebrations of many births, marriages, anniversaries, and special birthdays.

One more item worthy of mention is our new hymnbook: The Celebration Hymnal, which was dedicated in our service on October 4, 1998.

As you can see, we at Whitby can lift our praises to God for His bountiful gifts. I would like to close this write-up by quoting two lines from a very familiar hymn: "Let all things now living, unite in Thanksgiving; To God in the highest, Hosanna and Praise!"