|
|
|||||||
 |
|
||||||
Highlights
Highlights of the May 15, 2007 meeting of Classis Chatham
Rev. Richard VanderVaart, Pastor of the host church Wallaceburg CRC led the opening devotions and extended a welcome to the delegates present.
Rev. Robert Hogendoorn functioned as Chair and Rev. Tom Baird as Vice Chair.
Rev. Pieter Pereboom vice-chair of the CMC presented the following recommendations:
The appointment of Barry Wright to the position of Stated Clerk, replacing Jack Herder, approved. Barry was also approved by the CMC as Classis Chatham’s Ministry Developer, replacing Rev. John Van Til.
The appointment of Rev. Mike Wagenman and Roger Kuiken as members of the Classis Youth Ministry team (CYMT), approved.
The appointment of Jake Janssens [Grace Chatham] to the Finance Committee, approved.
The appointment of Bob Dieleman as Auditor of Classis Chatham for 2007, approved.
Also approved was a recommendation that the churches submit their classical credentials to the Stated Clerk two weeks prior to a classis meeting.
Delegates voted for a member on the board of the Back to God Hour.
Delegates agreed with the suggestion that the Stated Clerk not schedule classical pulpit supply appointments on holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
The speaker for the day was Rev. Mark Stephenson director of Disability Concerns of the CRCNA helping churches to include all of God’s people in their life and ministries.
Classis’ delegates held a lengthy discussion on the issues surrounding the Forest CRC.
A previously appointed classical committee investigated the Forest CRC’s council request to disband and a faction’s appeal of this request of council. The committee recommended the closure Forest CRC. Delegates concurred in this decision.
Delegates identifying with the remaining group of worshipers, agreed for the committee to renew their efforts of bringing reconciliation between the members of Forest CRC and the possibility of the group to continue their worship services in the existing church building. Chair ruled to table a motion to approve the request from Forest Council to disband.
Rev. Robert Loerts expressed the need for a World Mission Mobilizer in Classis Chat.
The Student Fund is still experiencing a shortfall of funding and the churches stand reminded of a previous request for additional funds.
Rev. Hogeterp, as counselor to Dresden CRC, reports that Rev. Richard VanderVaart has accepted a call to serve to this congregation.
Rev. Richard VanderVaart was also appointed to the Campus Ministry Committee.
Rev. Tom Baird thanked the host church for their hospitality and great food.
Rev. Robert Hogendoorn closed the meeting with a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.
Next regular meeting of Classis Chatham will be held, D.V. September 25, 2007 at the Tillsonburg Christian Reformed Church.
