Highlights of the September 13, 2005 meeting of Classis Chatham

 

·        Classis Chatham’s meeting was held at the hospitable Westmount CRC, Strathroy.

·        Opening devotions were led by Rev. Fred VanderBerg, Pastor of Westmount; the songs we sang during the meeting came from the Red, Blue, Grey and Sanc songbooks celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the CRC in Canada. Some of these songs brought back quite a few memories for the (little) older delegates.

·        Chairman for the day was Rev. Fred Heslinga and Vice-Chair Rev. Norman Visser.

·        All of the 26 organized churches in classis were represented as well as Forest City Community Church. 7 First time delegates signed the Form of Subscription.

·        Recent additions to classis, Revs. Frank DeBoer, Peter Hogeterp, Wm. Koopmans and Robert Loerts were given a special welcome.

·        Rev. Norman Visser was appointed to the C.Y.M.T.  Machiel Talsma was approved as regional candidate for the Board of Home Missions. Mary Ennis was appointed to the Classis Chatham Home Mission Committee.

·        Grace Miedema was appointed to the Committee for Contact with the Government. 

·        Appreciation of the work of Ministry Developer, Rev. John Van Til, was acknowledged with classis’ endorsement to extend his appointment for an additional two years.

·        Financial support increases to Seminary Students from Classis Chatham were approved.

·        A Pastor’s Retreat will be held Nov. 1-3 at Canterbury Hills Retreat Center, Ancaster On.

·        Licenses to Exhort of Louis Bosma, Martin Bosveld, Tim Luimes, Richard Poortinga,

·        Jerry Roukema and Randy VanStempvoort were renewed for another year with thanks for their fine work.

·        Classical Ministry Shares for 2006 were discussed at length and approved.

·        Dr. Justin Cooper gave an update on Redeemer, 94 students from Classis Chatham attend.

·        Grace Miedema & Michael Wagenman reported on their work on London

            Campus.

·        During the “Ministry Joys” section of the agenda, “Sea to Sea” riders Peter Beerda and Gerry Huinink related their day by day experiences during the bike tour. Delegates showed their appreciation with a round of applause.

·        The examination of Candidate Paul Droogers was the highlight of the day and Candidate Droogers was admitted into the Ministry of Word in the CRCNA with the concurrence of the Synodical Deputies. Paul Droogers will serve the Wyoming C.R.C.

·        Appreciation was expressed for Chairman, Fred Heslinga’s proficient
leadership who then led the meeting in closing devotions.

           Note: Next meeting of Classis will be held January 24, 2006 at the Bethel CRC, London.