This edition of The Alarm Clock, in the last week of Passion, is dedicated to suffering, dying and hope. An issue full of honest faith talk, recognisable struggles and hopeful perspectives.
Klaas Luinstra became a widower young and he still struggles with that, he tells In the interview series Generations in the Church. Despite “the worries in his own life and the injustices in the world, he has not lost his faith. “Jesus is my Support and Advocate. Where else do you go with your worries?
Dying worthily has everything to do with surrendering to Christ, writes Rev J.L. de Jong. “It is accomplished. That is what makes death and a deathbed so different for those who believe!” We don't talk about that enough with each other.
The second instalment of Wordwork on the names of God is about Abba, Father. A special form of address, expressing a deep connection. “It is the Father who inhabits heaven where evil has no place. And precisely in this He, as Father, wants us to share,” writes Rev J. Nutma.
Rev A. Hoekman, pioneer in north-east Groningen, tells of a special encounter. And in the Tweetal section, read why Ms Jeannet de Jong lovingly wishes us the nursing home.
Classis reports
The meeting of the Zwolle classis had an eventful run-up. The agenda included the functioning of the classis and the election of a limited number of delegates to the Private Synod of the North. The Amersfoort classis also discussed the functioning of the classis.
In the Groningen classis, time was taken to share sadness and concern about the situation of the church. Besides an open conversation about mutual differences and tensions, there also turned out to be much to be thankful for together, such as Bert Noteboom's missionary work in north-east Groningen and growth of a number of congregations.
The Haarlem classis also gratefully reflects on many blessings in the classis churches. A classicis internal trustee was appointed and delegates to the West private synod were elected. The meeting will continue later, to discuss opening the ministries to women.
At the Middelburg classis, not all churches were represented and a limited number of delegates to the private synod of the South were elected by necessity. The classis requested the PS to convene the general synod early.
