CLASSIS TORONTO

CRC Chaplain shares words of comfort at Virginia Tech memorial

http://www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=8375

"In a solemn ceremony last Thursday, many in the York community gathered for a memorial service in Vari Hall to remember the 32 victims of the April 16 shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

It was a rainy day during exam time, but a large number of students, staff and faculty attended to pay their respects.

Hosted by York's Interfaith Council, the service featured words from representatives from different faiths, and student and community leaders.

Zac Kaye, executive director of Hillel of Greater Toronto, Fr. Roger Vandenakker, a Roman Catholic priest, and Shiao Chong, a chaplain with the Christian Reformed Church, offered words of wisdom and condolence.

"We cry out, out of that place where we feel helpless, alone and powerless, where we suffer from our inability to stop rampage of death in our world," said Chong. "We cry out and say ‘Why Lord, must any child of yours be hurt? Why must any of us suffer pain or sorrow?’" In a world where such pain is inevitable, he urged people to open their eyes to the sorrow of those around them embrace each other in solidarity and community, especially in tragic times. "

DISABLED TEEN CYCLING ACROSS CANADA FROM HOME

From http://www.crcna.org/seatosea/news/2005sep20_disabledteen.asp

"Fresh off their summer-long, sea to sea bike tour, 94 folks from the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) can attest that cycling across Canada is no small feat.

But it’s even more difficult for one young, courageous man who has greater challenges to deal with than climbing mountains, enduring rain and changing flat tires, and who is still getting on his bicycle every day." FULL STORY

CLASSIS TORONTO CATCHES RENEWAL WAVE
By Sophie Vandenberg

From Banner, June 2005

"As classis ministry coordinator, it’s Elizabeth Guillaume-Koene’s job to bring the 23 churches of Classis Toronto together for ministry. That’s no small feat, considering that the congregations together represent more than 7,000 members." For the FULL STORY see: http://www.thebanner.org/news/article.cfm?news_id=56

CLASSIS REPS VISIT FIRST CRC, TORONTO
By Gayla R. Postma

From Banner, May 2005

"In January, Classis Toronto heard from the representatives (known as "church visitors") it sent to the councl of First Christian Reformed Church, Toronto." For the FULL STORY see:
http://www.thebanner.org/news/article.cfm?news_id=34

ICS WINS RIGHT TO GRAND Ph.Ds
By Sophie Vandenberg

From The Banner, March 2005

"After a 25-year quest, the Institute for Christian Studies has received approval to grant its own doctoral and master's degrees in philosophy." FULL STORY