ASummer Summary

Trish Curry

Greetings from the Northern Churches of Classis Ontario! Summer has sure flown by! Just recently, many youth in this area have spent some time at Camp Shalom. This summer the SIT (servants in training) and the DID (disciples in development) programs were very successful. Shari Oosthoek was the leader of the SITS, and Jason Pluim was the leader with her for the DIDS. They worked with the youth, teaching them many new things about our Lord. All were able to grow in their faith and experience beautiful times with God and fellow youth. The youth who participated in these programs were just a part of the 750 youth that went to camp this summer.

The Drayton Reformed Church's summer youth pastor, Doug Nieuwstratten, has really been keeping the young people busy. A mission trip to Jackson County, campfires, and horseback riding are just a few events that they have enjoyed.

The children of the Guelph Reformed Church have also been keeping busy this summer, as Vacation Bible School was held. Fifty children were involved in the program. The theme was "Passport to the Holy Land." They were blessed to have a great team of volunteers, who made VBS a success.

Sheffield Reformed Church held Vacation Bible School, as well, this past summer. It was done at a nearby ball park. The youth from the church also went on a campout and enjoyed the time that they were able to have together there.

The youth from the Harriston Reformed Church had some fun together this past while. They had their annual Sunday School Wiener Roast/ Church Picnic on the first of September, to end off their summer holidays. They also enjoyed going on a hayride and being led in singing around a campfire that evening. Sunday School and cadets have also begun for the youth there.

Although it seems like only the youth have been keeping busy and having fun this past while, that is not true at all. The Harriston Reformed Church is starting up a Bible Study for adults. The Friendship Club of the Guelph Reformed Church had a very successful Garage Sale in June—so much that with some of the proceeds, they treated the congregation to a BBQ after church one Sunday.

Many churches in the area have been able to really feel the Lord working in and through their congregations as they worship Him and learn more about His Word. Sheffield Reformed Church has been receiving good biblical teaching from their pastor, Rev. Perry Braacken. They are going through the book of Genesis in their morning services and the book of Romans through their evening services. They are pleased to be able to have many new visitors (youth) in their congregations every Sunday and pray that God may build and increase His church.

The Guelph Reformed Church felt that it was informative to have Carolyn Frielink and Lee and Emma De Hoog share about their mission work overseas. One of the members from their church, Peter Allen Devries, will be participating in mission work for the next while. He will be leaving on September 16 for 10 months to work as an RCA volunteer in Escondido, California. He will be involved in Audio Scripture Ministry.

Jeff Krul, a member from the Drayton Reformed Church, was able to participate in mission work this past summer. He went with Noble States Construction to Sapporo, Japan, for the month of August. Together, they built a church.

The Guelph Reformed Church has experienced some building changes done in their church in the past while. Renovations have been done in the sanctuary stage at the front, with open concept and a new sound system.

Summer has come to a close, and as we look back, we can really see how God has been there to comfort us. May we continue dwelling in His comfort.