Highlights

Of the September 11, 2004 meeting of Classis Chatham

 

• Opening devotions were led by Rev. Dirk Miedema, Pastor of the host church Maranatha Christian Reformed Church of Woodstock, with some inspiring singing by the delegates.
• Of the 26 organized churches in Classis Chatham 25 were present with Windsor Ambassador CRC being absent. Also present was Rev. Rob Hogendoorn pastor of the Forest City Community Church. 18 First-time delegates signed the Form of Subscription.
• Two deacon delegates were seated by motion.
• Chairman for the day was Rev. Dirk Miedema with Rev. Rich deLange as Vice-Chair.
• A special welcome was extended to Seminary Interns Karen Norris (Forest CRC), and Dan Brown (Sarnia Second CRC) also John Kok Director of the Sudanese Ministry Centre in London..
• Licenses to exhort were renewed for another year for all exhorters in Classis Chatham.
• The following were approved for a second term, Youth Coordinator-Steve VanMeekeren, Stated Clerk-Jack Herder, Regional Pastors-Revs. Dirk Miedema and Paul Stadt, Home Mission Committee-Michael Talsma, Diaconal Committee-Andrew Streutker. Nominations approved were: Church Visitor-Paul Nieman, CMC-MaryAnn Kingma, Board of World Missions-Martin Poelman.
• Finance Comm.: Classical Ministry Shares for 2005 will be 34.06 p/confessing member, 12% less than in 2004. Churches stand reminded of their obligations since some have not yet submitted any of their allotted amount for 2004, others however submitted 100%.
• A Mandate for the newly formed Classical Nominating Comm. (CCNC) was approved.
• A draft Classis Vision Statement was discussed and observations by the delegates will be used to develop a final proposal for this Vision Statement.
• Rev. Rob Hogendoorn informed the delegates that Forest City Community Church’s building project will be completed in another 4 to 5 months. Organizing efforts are on-going in cooperation with Bethel CRC, London.
• The many reports submitted were received with thanks and praise to God.
• Rev. Robert Haven and Mr. John Kok provided the delegates with an insight into the day to day events of the Sudanese Ministry. Churches are encouraged to consider sponsoring a refugee family from among the many needy displaced people in this world.
• Rev. John Postuma recounted the many blessings experienced by World Wide Christian Schools. Serving in 4 continents, 36 countries, developed 175 schools with more than 46,000 students. Plans are to build 2 new schools each year in the Dominican Republic.
• Needs continue to exist for sponsors and volunteers to help build these schools.
• Mr. Chris Berghuis presented the “Sea to Sea With the CRC” bike tour across Canada celebrating 100 years of CRC ministry in Canada. All proceeds will support the denominations’ church planting initiative. All able members please consider being part of this exiting event, 7,250 Kilometers; starting in Vancouver, ending in Halifax. We need one from each congregation
• A Vision Statement for the London Campus Ministry was approved, a Job Description for the Campus Pastor was returned to the CMC for additional consideration.
• Classis Chatham with the consensus of the Synodical Deputies approved a request from Rev. Derek Miedema to be released from ministry to the Dresden CRC under art.17-a of the Church Order. Rev. Richard VanderVaart was appointed counsellor to Dresden CRC.
• Vice Chairman, Rev. Rich deLange, leads in closing devotions and we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” and the meeting was adjourned. Next meeting of classis will be held D.V. on January 25, 2005