Sunday was a special service of ordination for Daniel J. Vos at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, where the sanctuary was filled with special guest speakers, friends, and relatives, as well as visiting pastors from other Christian Reformed churches.
The worship team led in the gathering song, “Here I Am Lord, Will You Come and Follow Me.”
The pastor of 1st CRC at Prinsburg, Mn. brought greetings, and led in the service of ordination and laying of hands. All ministers and currently serving elders present were invited to come forward and participate in this.
Rev. Peter Tuit, professor of Missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, gave the sermon, entitled “Gift and Expectation.”
“There are people who say we hired a new pastor,” said Rev. Tuit. “But actually, pastors are a gift from God and are called to His service with help through salvation and grace, which are also gifts from God.
“The moving of the Holy Spirit in us proclaiming Jesus Christ will bless both the pastor and congregation.”
The presentation of Ministry Symbols from members of the Emo CRC (Ed Dykstra, Harrold Boven, Aaron Heerema, Audrey Borger, Betty Esselink, and Terry Quibell) were given with the following address, “In all your work, you proclaim, explain, and apply Holy Scripture in order to gather in and build up the members of the church of Jesus Christ.
“For this work, devote yourself to the ministry of prayer, joining all Christians in confession, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.”
The soloist was Alicia Boven, who sang “Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil.” The instrumentalists were Marie-Ann DeGroot (organ), Dianne Heerema (piano), Diane Veldhuisen (flute), and Aaron Heerema (guitar).
Rev. Tim Van Lant, pastor of the Cedar, Iowa CRC and a friend and classmate of Pastor Vos, had intended to participate in this service but was unable to due to a slight injury.
The most touching part of the service was when Pastor Vos’ grandfather, Rev. Bert Den Herder, a retired pastor in the CRC, read the charge.
“Dear brother and fellow servant of God, we rejoice with you on this day that, after years of preparation, you have been ordained to the ministry of the Word.
“May you experience much joy in fulfilling your calling. As you exercise the authority of the office entrusted to you, may you always remain a humble servant.
“Look faithfully after the whole flock, the old and the young, the faithful and the unfaithful, the healthy and the sick, the strong and the weak. Rejoice with those who rejoice and suffer with those who suffer.
“Use all your talents to the utmost of your ability, and do not neglect any of your gifts. And one day, may our Chief Shepherd give you the crown of glory saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Others taking part in the ordination service were Jack Esselink, chairman of Em CRC council, Theo DeGroot, elder of the week, and Emo CRC deacon Dan Mack.
Following the service, everyone retired to the fellowship hall for refreshments.
Two large decorated layer cakes awaited everyone in attendance to celebrate the ordination of Pastor Vos and greet his wife, Lisa.
Fort Frances Times
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