Highlights

Of the September 16, 2003 meeting of Classis Chatham

 

  • The meeting commenced with a welcome by Rev. Eric Groot-Nibbelink, Pastor of the host church, who led us in a prayer for God’s guidance upon the meeting

  • Opening devotions centered on Church Plants within the CRC denomination, Rev. Robert Hogendoorn led this part of the meeting and the showing of a video “Deep Roots New Branches”

  • 25 Churches of classis sent delegates among them 10 first time delegates. Wyoming CRC sent 2 observers.

  • Chairman for the day was Rev. Vic VanderMolen pastor of the Mt. Brydges CRC with Vice-Chairman Rev. Fred VanderBerg pastor of the Westmount CRC, Strathroy.

  • “License to Exhort” of Darrin Berg, Louis Bosma, Martin Bosveld, Tim Luimes, Richard Poortinga, Jerry Roukema, and Randy VanStempvoort were renewed for another year.

  • Position of Classical Ministry Developer, Rev. John Van Til, renewed for another year.

  • Rev. Jack Westerhof’s request for retirement was approved.

  • Several appointments to Classical Board and Committee positions were approved.

  • Church Visitors Rev. John Koole and Rev. Dirk Miedema were re-appointed.

  • Churches are reminded of their financial responsibilities re. Classical Ministry Shares and alerted to possible contribution payment changes to the Minister’s Pension Fund.

  • Overture I proposing changes to the Pulpit Supply Schedule was defeated.

  • Overture II proposing that a letter be sent to the Toronto Classis urging them to reconsider her decision of June 25th re First CRC, Toronto was approved. 

  • In addition to reports attached to the agenda, verbal reports were received from Church Counselors and Rev. Michael Veenema London Campus minister. Rev. Veenema will meet with an Ad Hoc committee to discuss his plans of leaving the Campus Ministry.

  • Examinations proved to be the true highlight of the meeting. Approved for a “License to Exhort” was Mr. Shawn Sandink, member of the Covenant CRC, Woodstock.  Approved for Ministry in the Christian Reformed Church in North America were

  • Mr. Andrew deGelder (Strathroy-East) and Mr. Michael Wagenman (St. Thomas-First).

  • Rev. Richard VanderVaart and Rev. John Van Til will represent Classis at their installation services on September 24th and 21st respectively.

  • Delegates are informed of a special Classis meeting to be held November 8 at East CRC,  Strathroy. This meeting will deal with ‘Church Discipline’, ALL office bearers are expected to attend.  

The following appointments were approved:

  • Church Counselor to Redeemer CRC, Sarnia - Rev. Dave Weemhoff

                                   Covenant CRC, Woodstock - Rev. Dirk Miedema

                                   Forest CRC, Rev. Fred VanderBerg

  • Miss Nancy Booy’s nomination to the Calvin College Board of Trustees was approved.

  • Ingersoll CRC invites classis to attend their 50th anniversary on Oct. 18th at 6 p.m.

  • Eventhough this classis meeting lasted a little longer than recent meetings, delegates were treated to a day of good discussions and great food.

  • Chairman for the day, Rev. Vic VanderMolen, leads in closing devotions.