Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/97

Title - Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor:

It has been stated many times that "A Formula of Agreement" is about "full communion" with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). If this is so, why has it become necessary to enter into urgent dialogue with the United Church of Christ (UCC) about their stand on homosexuality? It proves that it includes more than only 'full communion" with ELCA.

Furthermore, why is the dialogue with UCC held up as being such a beneficial and positive move? Why first push for a confirmation that this church "rightly preaches the Gospel and rightly administers the Sacraments according to the Word of God" and thereafter begin a dialogue with them about their unbiblical stand of homosexual ordination? Such things remind us of the following:

* the farmer who allowed the horses to break out of the barn and then got a crew together to try fix the door.

* the discussion held between western nations who benefit from trade with China while claiming this will enable them to turn the communists around on their dismal human rights records.

Does anyone think that because of this dialogue the UCC is about to close the doors of any of the nearly 100 homosexual congregations?

What the UCC says loud and clear is something which those pushing for the approval of the Formula of Agreement are not hearing:

* There is no Divine Lawgiver.

* There are no absolute morals and values.

* There are no Scriptures that are the only rules of faith and life.

* There is no Christ who came to set sinners free from the awesome powers of sin.

Not hearing such things says either (a) we think along the same lines as the UCC does, or (b) we are acting hypocritically.

There have always been situations in which people in authority overstepped their prerogatives, but God forbid the RCA takes a vote in June on what the Bible condemns.

Respectfully yours,

John Moerman (retired pastor)

Dear Tom:

Enclosed please find a brochure with details of a recent workshop entitled 'Becoming a Contagious Christian,' which was held at the Powell River Reformed Church. Along with members of the Reformed Church there was representation from Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal and Lund Community Churches. Conducting the workshop was Kyle Ward of Grace Community Church (Saanich, V. Is.). AR participants were enriched and plan on sharing the content with others.

We have also participated in such excellent 'Outreach" programs as Vacation Bible Study '96 and Friendship Bible Study (for mentally challenged Persons). Plans are now underway for Vacation Bible Study '97.

Members of our congregation participated in the March for Jesus on May 31.

Mildred McBride

Powell River Reformed Church.

Dear Tom:

In response to the many prayers that have been lifted up to God on behalf of my husband, Lu Ratmeyer, I wish to submit to The Pioneer a poem that Lu wrote to express his thanks for the many prayer warriors who have carried him to the throne of grace.

Lu started to write this poem while in the hospital and then finished it after he returned home. Both he and I have truly felt the power of God working in our lives, and we wish to say thank you for being remembered.

sincerely,

Jane Ratmeyer

"Carried--" by Pastor Lu Ratmeyer

I am being carried.

Carried by strong arms ...

strong faith ...

strong friends far and near.

I am carried because I am weak.

I do not have the strength

to do all I would like to do.

As one who came to Jesus one day on a stretcher,

carried by four loving friends

I am thankful to be carried.

I am blessed.

I am loved.

It is well with my soul.

Four strong hands carry me-

my beloved wife,

our children,

my sisters and family

These strong arms carry me.

My brothers and sisters in my church family ...

These strong hands carry me also.

Always faithful,

Always there,

Always believing,

Always loving.

My friends, far and near,

they too bring me to die Master.

Friendships that cannot be broken.

Not the crumbling kind that forsake

when the winds blow,

the skies darken,

the stream swells.

And my beloved medical team at Toronto Hospital,

they too have strong hands,

healing hands,

dedicated hands,

willing hands,

caring hands.

They too bring me to my Great Physician.

I of all people am blessed.

I have been left in the hands of God

by God's servants.

I have been carried to Him

and I have in Him all I need.

I am at peace.

All is well.

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