SUNDAY 25 June 2000.

At our last Synod our denomination moved to change it’s name to “Christian Reformed Churches of Australia.” Some of the reasons behind this change are noted as follows. Outside of a small number of theologically well informed Christians, there are few in Australia who understand and appreciate the label by which our churches make themselves known. A question that sometimes arises on introducing the Reformed Churches is “reformed from what?” Most people however do not ask, but simply remain confused about this. The Reformation and our heritage as churches is rooted in the great confessions that expounded the biblical truths of Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone and Christ alone.

Synod 2000 endorsed the name change because

§ the addition of the word Christian clarifies that we are a Christian Church as opposed to a sect or church outside of the Christian faith. (eg church of scientology)

§ People with marginal church contacts are often confused by the plethora of church labels. In the confusion of names when looking for a church they will look for an identifier that is clear and trustworthy. The word “Christian” has this clarity and trustworthiness.

§ Where known, the name “Christian Reformed” generally has a positive image. As a rule we stand closer to overseas churches using the name “Christian Reformed” than those which use the name “Reformed” (with the exception of the New Zealand Reformed Church).

§ The change of name may encourage those who see a problem with the present name and wish to change it to something more community friendly may be persuaded to make this change so that locally we are all using the same name.

The legal and financial implications will be worked out over a period of time and the benefits were regarded to outweigh the costs. Now that the Synod has made the decision we will change our church name to Yangebup Christian Reformed Church.

This morning Joh Van Sant is flying out to the Netherlands for a holiday with her mother. And today we say farewell to Dirk and Rineke Plug as they leave on 30^th for the Netherlands as well. Joh will be returning on the 5 August and Dirk and Rineke hope to return on 3 October. Let’s pray for the Lord’s safe keeping for them and their families during their absence.

Pastor Peter.