Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1978

The Year Of Jubilee
William Lensink

It will take some time to sort out in everyone's mind all the impressions of the events that marked the 350th Anniversary of our denomination.

Allow me to recall some of the highlights of the Heritage and Hope celebration in Hamilton, and also to share some of the comments and recommendations that were made afterwards:

THE CHURCH

There was a new meaning in the timelessness of the Church and a new thrill in belonging to the Church of all Ages and all Places. Many older people will recall worshipping in the church buildings in Europe that dated back to the middle ages. Especially children were easily impressed by a sense of eternity inside those sanctuaries as one walked in the aisles over the graves of the noblemen who had worshipped there several centuries before. Today, when the mainline denominations are being criticized, when age old doctrines are being questioned and new winds are blowing, it is easy to loose the everlasting aspect of the Church Triumphant. Commemorating 350 years of witness and service of our denomination restored that sense of awe for the Holy Catholic Church of Christ completely.

CELEBRATES

It was a time of great rejoicing when over 1000 people came together for worship and thanksgiving. The mass choir accompanied by several instruments led the joyful congregation in praise that i will long be remembered. There were expectations for great revival and commitment, and the suggestion was made that all the churches in Classis Ontario come together for large scale worship at least once every two years, 'in the biblical style, when all the people of Israel solemnly assembled before the Lord.

TOGETHER

Twelve areas from coast to coast celebrated at the same time when the 172nd General Synod was in session, so that the Unity within the denomination might be strengthened. For the congregations north of the border, where the sense of isolation is both real and imagined, these joint celebrations were most impressive. There was a new sense of belonging to the larger denomination that was very encouraging. There were several suggestions that these bonds with the churches south of the border be developed through more communication on all levels. That youth groups be encouraged to arrange exchange visits to meet R.C.A. youth elsewhere, that college choirs be asked to include more Canadian churches in their concert tours, and that more Exchange Sundays be arranged within the denomination.

FOR COMMITMENT

This 350th Anniversary year is the Sabbath of Jubilees for the R.C.A. It is the Year of the Lord with the challenge to proclaim Liberty throughout the land. Let us urge all former and inactive members to return to their Saviour and Lord. It is a year of great joy for salvation that must be shared with the communities around our churches, which involves all age groups. Is it any wonder that the commitment of this jubilee year focuses on church growth through individual spiritual growth and discipling ?

FOR APPRECIATION

There is a new appreciation this year for our common Reformed Heritage, to study again the doctrinal standards of our denomination and be strengthened in faith and knowledge. The special Church history books published for the occasion are still readily available. We are privileged indeed to have K. & D. Theo. bookstore in Dunnville which has a wide variety of literature by Reformed scholars available.

FOR REMEMBRANCE

Any anniversary has special memorabilia, so that the values of the occasion should not be forgotten, as Ebenezer signs along our way. These items did not receive the attention they deserved during the excitement of the celebration and are therefore mentioned here again:

1. The Anniversary plates.

The plates with the R.C.A. crest and a brief history description are still available. There are approx. 400 left, however, this means that only one in every four families will be able to purchase one. They are a beautiful gift item with increasing value as time goes on. These are now being sent to the churches on a prorated basis and can not be reordered again.

2. A special booklet on the history of the churches of Classis Ontario was compiled for the anniversary. This is a very attractive and informative booklet which is also being distributed to the local consistories so that every family may obtain one.

3. There is a special slide presentation available with Rev. P. Paulsen as commentator, which deals with the work and witness of the R.C.A. today. 175 slides are in the set which takes 20 minutes to show. This set is highly recommended for congregational meetings, youth groups,etc. Call Mrs. J. Drost to arrange a showing.

4. The entire telephone bookup celebration with the corresponding slide set is also available for similar occasions. A number of selected slides and highlights of the evening may also be purchased.

The year 1978 A.D. is a most exciting year for the denomination as a whole and for all the members, young and old. Through the printed word and through visual aids many of the highlights can be relived. There is still time to be impressed by the celebration of our Heritage and Hope.

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