Highlights Classis Chatham meeting of January 27, 2004.

 

·        22 Churches of Classis were represented with 4 churches absent due to adverse weather conditions.

·        Rev. John Koole led the delegates in opening devotions on behalf of host church Westmount CRC, Strathroy.

·        Five first-time delegates signed the Form of Subscription and one deacon was seated as regular delegate.

·        Rev. Fred VanderBerg was this meeting’s chairman and Rev. Richard VanderVaart Vice.

·        For the duration of the morning session, classis dealt with a judicial appeal during which time Rev. Vic VanderMolen chaired the meeting.

·        An Exhorters Evaluation proposal was approved by the delegates.

·        Elected as ministerial delegates to Synod 2004 were Revs. Vic VanderMolen and Ralph Wigboldus, as elders delegates Mr. Mike Talsma and Mr. Arnold Deelstra.

·         Ad Hoc Committee recommendations in regard to the completion of Campus Minister Rev. Michael Veenema were approved. Rev. Veenema has accepted a position with Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship in the Atlantic Provinces starting full time after the academic year 2003-2004. Chairman VanderBerg expressed appreciation for the work of Rev. Veenema on behalf of Classis Chatham.

·        Various written and verbal reports were received and approved with thanks.

·        Chairman thanks Grace Miedema for her faithful work during her two three year terms on the Board of Publications.

·        Elder Paul Nieman was appointed as church visitor for Team East-II and III.

·        The D.O.E. (Spring Day of Encouragement) will be held March 20th at Strathroy Community Christian School with the theme “Fanning the Flame”

·        Overture I, proposing changes to the Pulpit Supply eligibility of vacant churches was approved.

·        Overture II that the C.M.C. (Classical Ministries Committee) look into an alternate classis meeting schedule, was approved.

·        John DenHarder, Finance Committee, reports that application forms for a pre authorized payment plan to the Ministers Pension Fund will be forwarded to the churches.

·        Classical treasurer, Oscar DeBoer, reports 96% of Classical Ministry Shares received during 2003.

·        First Church, London announces the appointment of Willemina Zwart as their Pastor of Congregational Life.

·        Vice chairman, Rev. Richard VanderVaart, thanks Westmount CRC for their hospitality and the fine food prepared by the ladies of the church. He also thanks Rev. VanderBerg for his proficient leadership as chairman of this meeting.             

·        Closing devotions are led by the chairman, Rev. VanderBerg, after which the meeting stands adjourned.

Next regular meetings of Classis will be May, 11 and September 14, 2004.