Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/97

Contributor - Pat Pluister

Title - Looking Back and Moving Forward

Topic - Reformed Church In Canada

Exciting things are happening! Where? At Emmanuel Reformed Church in Whitby, Ont. We at Emmanuel were given a generous donation by Harriet Chepesiuk's parents, Rev. and Mrs. H. Schutte from South Carolina, to purchase two octaves of handbells. This gift was given in memory of Harriet's grandparents. The bells arrived on November 14, and starting November 20, 10 of us have had weekly practices learning how to "make a joyful noise." Harriet is our new choir director, so she is not only teaching us to 'Sing for the Lord" but to "Ring for the Lord" as well.

Then December 8 was another exciting day. It market the 40th anniversary of our church building. With thankfulness and gratitude to God, we look back at how much He has blessed us as individuals and families and as a congregation. Mr. Martin DeVos, who was a 'field man' with the Reformed Church had helped many immigrants find jobs and housing. He and his wife, Nellie, helped to start Emmanuel in Whitby. Martin shared some thoughts on his experiences. A key point he shared was based on Acts 17:26b and his wondering at times, 'Why did I leave m family and my home country to come to this strange land?' It was a land where the language was a BARRIER, where homes were not to the least of your expectations, and where job situations were at times unbearable. Martin turned his thoughts to the positive: God blessed YOU with much, and it's because of His goodness that you as individuals, as families, and as Emmanuel Reformed Church are where you are today. 'Praise Him!'

Emmanuel in Whitby became an official organized congregation on May 10, 1951. Of the charter members, Jake and Antje Groeneveld are still members today. Peter and Elizabeth Duivesteyn were members until their deaths (1982 and 1983 respectively). Kryn Duivesteyn, a member of Emmanuel and a son of Peter and Elizabeth, led us in a prayer of re-dedication, praising God for the past and asking His blessing for our future.

Excitement number three: a special offering was taken up for our new organ. Mike Post, vice-president of the consistory and chairman of the organ committee led us in prayer. With Mike we prayed in praise and thankfulness to God that we as a congregation are able to make the purchase of this new organ. It should be installed by April 1997.

Are we excited? Yes we are!

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