Alida van Dijk
I am born and raised in the Christian Reformed Church. Though I was baptized as an infant at a Reformed Church in London, England, I grew up in Covenant CRC, Sioux Center, Iowa, moved (with my family) to Immanuel CRC, Hamilton, Ontario when I was 12, and was the first person ever to publically profess my faith in Fellowship CRC, Ancaster (a newly-formed congregation) on October 15, 1989. I attended Sioux Center Christian Grade School, Hamilton District Christian High School, two years at Redeemer University College and completed my BA with majors in English and Psychology at Dordt College.
I matured in my faith at First CRC, London, Ontario, began at Calvin Theological Seminary in 1997 and left in 1999 with a Master of Arts degree in Educational Ministry. I served for nine years as Ministry Director at Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario. I became an ordained Ministry Associate from 2006-2008. I have completed two units of Specialized Pastoral Education—a Clinical Pastoral Education unit in 2007 and a Pastoral Counseling Education unit, Sept 2008-June 2009.
Summer 2005 brought a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I cycled across Canada with Sea to Sea with the CRC...all 7000 + km. I'm convinced it's the best way to see the country as you experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures without anything but your cycling jersey and your shorts separating you from the environment. The only problem is that when I returned back to my "real" life after that 10 1/2 week adventure, I wondered, "What do I do for an encore?" My answer came three years later...when I did it again!...with Sea to Sea 2008: Ending the Cycle of Poverty. I proudly (and a little ironically) drive my car with personalized license plates that say "BIKEDC2C".
I am a member of New Hope Church, a second site (church plant) of First Hamilton CRC, where our vision as a church is to reach out to our neighbours in East Hamilton with the love and good news of Christ.
Posted in: Retaining Records
Sheri, I just had a phone call from a gentleman who is looking for a record of his baptism from the 1960's. Do Christian Reformed Churches permanently keep records of all the people baptized in their church?
Posted in: Giving Support in Times of Depression
Thanks, Neil. A wonderfully helpful article. I was going to comment more, but when I got to the end of the article, I see that Angela has already said what I was going to say...affirming the wisdom to NOT try to fix, but just to walk alongside and to BE with the depressed person. And yes, it is for the long haul and help and care do diminish and dwindle over time because it appears that the caregiver's efforts are not helping or producing any tangible evidence of change and improved emotional health for the sufferer. Often, the depressed one does not have the capacity to express the effect of the care that is received. Strength and encouragement to all those who walk alongside sufferers and hang in there for the long term.
Posted in: What types of ministry are people doing as a Ministry Associate?
Hi there. Is there room in this discussion forum for an ex-Ministry Associate in the CRC? I was ordained as a Ministry Associate from 2006-2008, but when I resigned from my position as Ministry Director at Covenant CRC, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada as of June 20, 2008, on June 21, 2008 I ceased to be ordained as a Ministry Associate. This is one of the quirks of our denomination and the ordained office of Ministry Associate.
Posted in: What types of ministry are people doing as a Ministry Associate?
Don, I'm currently working as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Canadian Ministries in the Canada CRCNA office in Burlington, Ontario. I'm still seeking where God wants me to serve Him next in His Kingdom--whether that's in an official, formal ministry role, or doing ministry in an unofficial capacity.
Posted in: No Shoes, No Pants, No Service
Beth, thanks for naming so concretely what so frequently happens. I echoed "yes, yes, yes" through your whole article. A male parishioner greeted me after I had preached a sermon with the comment, "Your necklace sparkles in the light." My mind raced, "Okay...what does that mean? Did he hear anything that I said in the sermon at all, or was he completely distracted by the shiny, sparkling object around my neck?" I think that I did ask if it was too distracting and whether it detracted from his ability to listen. I can't remember what his response was.
Posted in: Does Your Website Contian Speling Errors?
Dave, your title is very clever! I like it.
Posted in: Creative Storage Solutions
What a great idea, Jolanda! I can see how the kids would love having their own pocket.
Posted in: Sniff a True Wit’s Bare Pit
I never would have figured that out on my own. Thanks for decoding the proverb.