Highlights

Of the January 25, 2005 meeting of Classis Chatham

• Opening devotions were led by Rev. Fred VanderBerg, Pastor of the host church, Westmount Christian Reformed Church of Strathroy, and 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. 14 First-time delegates signed the Form of Subscription.

• Chairman for the day was Rev. Rich deLange with Rev. Paul Stadt as Vice-Chair.

• The meeting commenced with 30 minutes of prayer time in which the delegates in small groups shared and prayed for items of praise and needs in their congregations.

• A special welcome was extended to Seminary Interns Karen Norris (Forest CRC), and Dan Brown (Second CRC, Sarnia).

• The following appointments were approved: Rev. Peter Pereboom as Student Fund coordinator, Mrs. Jane Adema as member at large on the Classical Ministries Committee, and Mr. John Kok Ayom to the Classical Home Mission Committee. Appointed to the Campus Ministry Committee were Mr. Art Tiesma, Mr. David Niezen, Rev. Michael Wagenman and Kiersten Eizenga.

• Classis decided to discuss the Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 80 at its May meeting.

• The retirement request of Rev. Paul Stadt from active ministerial service was approved effective May 29, 2005. Many reports were received with thanks and praise to God.

• Classical Treasurer, Oscar DeBoer reported 93% of the Classical Ministry shares were received during 2004.

• A draft Classical Vision Statement was approved following a lively discussion.

• Approved to represent Classis Chatham at the 2005 meeting of Synod were, For Elder delegate: John Eising (Aylmer CRC) and George Douma (Grace CRC, Chatham), for Minister delegate: Rev Rich deLange and Rev. Vic VanderMolen. Alternate Minister delegates are: Rev. Robert Hogendoorn and Rev. Tom Baird.

• Rev. Jim Poelman of Redeemer CRC, Sarnia was appointed counsellor to Calvary CRC.

• Rev. Jack DeVries brought greetings and news from the Calvin Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees.

• True highlights were the “Ministry Joy” reports received from the Aylmer CRC and Second CRC, Sarnia and Forest City Community Church.

• A “Job Description” for a campus minister was approved following discussion.

• Rev. Robert Hogendoorn informs the meeting that Forest City Community Church is about six weeks away from entering their new facilities. God has been good to them by providing opportunities and means for a growing congregation.

• A Spring Day of Encouragement conference will be held April 2^nd at East CRC, Strathroy

• Churches are urged to appoint a representative to the Classical Abuse Prevention Team if not already done so.

• Although a short meeting in time-span this meeting was not in any way short of praise and thankfulness. Prayers were offered by several delegates for the ministries in classis.

• Our final hymn was “Gift of Christ from God Our Father” from the “Sing! a new creation” songbook and the meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting of classis will be held D.V. on May 10, 2005.