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Welcome to the Classis Hamilton Website

The Christian Reformed Church in North America's Vision and Mission Statements

Classis Hamilton's Mission and Structure

Next Classis meeting: Tuesday October 19, 2010
Place:  Waterdown Bethel CRC, 616 Dundas St. E., Waterdown, ON (Corner of Highway 5 and Kerns Road, approximately 2 km east of Waterdown)
Agenda deadline:  September 9, 2010 (Please note that reports submitted after this date may not be included with the agenda). Please submit all materials to the Stated Clerk, Peter Zwart , by email via Word attachments. Peter's email address is classishamilton@cogeco.ca

Chairperson: Rev. Jeff Vandermeer
Vice Chairperson: Rev. Stephen Terpstra
Reporter: Rev. Jim Pot

Previous Classis Reports: February 16, 2010; October 20, 2009; May 19, 2009; January 20, 2009; September 16, 2008; May 20, 2008; January 15, 2008; September 18, 2007; May 15, 2007; January 16, 2007; September 19, 2006; May 16, 2006; January 17, 2006; September 20, 2005; May 17, 2005; January 25, 2005; January 18, 2005; September 21, 2004; May 18, 2004; January 19, 20, 2004; September 23, 2003;  May 20, 2003; January 21, 2003;
 

Report of Classis Hamilton meeting: May 25, 2010  at Immanuel CRC, Simcoe, ON

Greeting from Classis Hamilton:

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon/evening, Classis Hamilton gathered together for our annual May meeting. The great folks from Immanuel Simcoe treated the delegates and guests to gracious hospitality and a great meal, all served with that down-home country smile… Simply put, a stellar evening! (Admittedly, the reporter might be a little biased. Chairperson Dan Wilhelmus welcomed everyone, instructed us on relationships with a devotional from Ecclesiastes 4:12, and shared how God is working at Immanuel CRC.

Rev. Stephen Terpstra called Classis to order at 5:00. The Classical Interim Committee is thankful of Rev. Arie VanEek's willingness to serve on their committee, as Hans Vander Stoep is taking a step back. After this, Rev. Martin Dam reported on the successful All-Ontario Youth Convention, and challenged all church leaders to discuss this event with their respective youth. Classis Hamilton also welcomed Rev. Trevor Payton and Vicky Dykstra as new representatives for the Classical Home Missions Committee.

Classis Hamilton fulfilled our obligation to affirm the nomination of Dr. Wytse van Dijk for the Calvin College board to represent Classes Chatham, Hamilton, Huron, and Niagara. The results will be combined with the other three Classes and the representative will be reported at a later time.

Classis Hamilton also heard from Rev. Andrew Zantingh that he has taken a call to The Journey church plant in Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario. Rev. Zantingh was thanked for the time and effort that he has willingly given Classis Hamilton. Along with this, First Hamilton CRC is in the process of determining how to best move forward with the job description of their ministry associate Tim Sheridan.

Redeemer President Justin Cooper gave his annual report on Redeemer University College. Together, we praised the Lord for 50 denominations represented at Redeemer. Many of the programs are thriving, Redeemer is looking forward to graduating another 200+ students, and there is facility expansion happening as well. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Hubert Krygsman as the new president, and we are all asked to pray for a smooth transition as he takes over for President Cooper.

Rev. Derek Bouma gave an updated report to Classis on World Missions. We were encouraged to see World Missions as a ministry of the local church. The African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” was given as a theme for World Missions as World Missions is seeking to “go far” by partnering with other CRC agencies and other mission agencies from other denominations. We are encouraged to check out the CRWM website, www.crwm.org for more details.

Dr. Michael Fallon, our McMaster Chaplain, also shared some of the exciting things going on at McMaster and highlighted that Dr. James KA Smith from Calvin College is going to speak at McMaster this fall. The invitation was extended to everyone from Classis Hamilton to spend time with this world class philosopher on Thursday, Nov. 4th. More info to follow.

Classis Hamilton thanks Ruth Visser for her hard work looking after the classical finances and Bette Vander Giessen and Monica Heeg-Admiral for their report and Safe-Church Packet given on behalf of the Classis Safe Church Committee. The Safe Church Committee is looking forward to having a representative from every church in Classis on this Committee.

Classis Hamilton is also undergoing some structural changes and we heard a report from the Classis Leadership Team. Ed Witvoet, the Classical Ministries Coordinator, gave his report and between him and Rev. Kevin de Raaf, we were reminded that Classis role is to promote ministry at the local level. We looked at the working mandates of the Classical Ministry Team, Classical Leadership Team and the Classical Interim Committee. We look forward to a revamped Classis meeting in October, and were reminded that these changes are not about less work, but about better work.

Rev. Kevin de Raaf also gave a report on ECLDN. (Leadership Development Network). This is an opportunity for lay people to grow their character, biblical knowledge and ministry skills… For more information, check out www.ecldn.ca.

Lastly, Classis Hamilton is supporting the following five students in their journey toward ministry positions in the CRC: Joel Bootsma, Victor Laarman, John Reinink, Henry Veldboom, and Josiah Bokma.

The Classis meeting concluded around 10:00 with Rev. Terpstra reminding us from 2 Corinthians 5 of the reason for doing what we do – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, his incredible gift for us, and the mission and ministry of reconciliation that he has given to all. Until next time…

Respectfully, and on behalf of Classis
Rev. Jeff Vandermeer
Reporter and Pastor at Immanuel CRC in Simcoe.