Report to the Churches of the January 16, 2007 Classis Hamilton Meeting

Classis met in full session at Bethel CRC in Waterdown under the leadership of the Rev. Martin Dam. Devotions were conducted through out the day when required and appropriate. Our Stated Clerk, Peter Zwart, was absent for the day due to recent surgery. Steve VanHoffen filled in for him.

REPORTS:
Stated Clerk and Classis Interim Committee
o The Historical Committee of the CRC requests all of churches to regularly send records to the archives for duplication and safe keeping.
o Retirement request of Rev. George Arragon, effective August 31 2007, was approved
o Basis of Classis Appointment schedule was raised. The Classis Interim Committee will review the method of making appointments.

Safe Church Team: John Gilson.
o Our churches have policies in place and that the team is now helping other churches and denominations to get their policies in order.
o Pamphlets on the issue of safety are available.

Chaplain Search Committee for Shalom Manor: Dr. H. DeBolster
o A position description has been prepared.
o The search of a chaplain to replace Rev. Van Arragon is taking place.

Student Fund Committee: Paul Vandenbrink
o With the existence of a healthy financial balance the call goes out for theological students who will access these funds for their studies.

McMaster Chaplaincy Committee: Dr. Mike Fallon
o World Wide Campus will lead to hosting and leading mission trips. The first trip will be to Honduras
o Dr. Helen Sterk will be in this area as Calvin’s lecturer of the year. She will speak on “Gender Culture and Care” on January 25 at 7:30 pm in the Council Chamber Gilmour Hall at McMaster.

Church Counsellor:
o Rev. Henry Kranenburg reports on behalf of Simcoe. Rev. Ken Benjamins will take over as counsellor since Pastor Kranenburg is on sabbatical.

Classis Treasurer: Ruth Visser
o 91.96% of Classis Ministry Shares were received.
o Only Redeemer did not get 100% of Classis Funding. 92% was given which amounts to a shortfall of about $12,000.00.

Classis Ministry Team: Al Karsten
o Spoke on the 150th anniversary celebrations. Delegates to serve on the planning committee are required. The churches are all urged to appoint two persons to help in assisting the planning and celebration process.
o Various celebration options are being explored. Classis decided to instruct CMT to conduct a survey to help ascertain appropriate actions as part of the planning process.

SPEAKERS:

Calvin College: Peter Schuurman
o Pointed out that Calvin is the only Christian College with an Asian Studies component.
o There is now a Frederick Meijer Chair in Dutch Language and Culture.
o Nathan Bierma has written a book on World view entitled “Bringing Heaven Down to Earth”
o Calvin tied for first in the annual US News and World Report, rankings guide in the category of Comprehensive Bachelor Colleges.

CRWRC: Ida Mutoigo
o Expressed appreciation for the vast support given to CRWRC. Volunteer opportunities may be explored by contacting Service Link if you are interested.
o Pointed out the importance of being in support of the HIV/AIDS campaign. Many people suffer not because of their own choices but the choices of others.

Christian Education Assistance Foundation: Mr. Bruce Dykstra
o Christian Education Tuition assistance is being provided to a number of families.

Redeemer University College: Dr. Justin Cooper
o RUC is in its 25th academic year which will be celebrated in the fall.
o There is a record enrolment in this year representing 45 denominations. 47% are CRC.
o Capital campaign has been completed with good results visible on the campus.
o Dr. Syd Hielema is on staff as a full time chaplain.
o The long term goals are to get over a 1000 students and also to a Master level education program.

NOMINATIONS:

Board of Trustees: Rev. William Veenstra was recommended to Synod as the alternate delegate.

Back to God Hour: Mr. Jack Griffioen was nominated to serve on the BTGH board.
Classis Home Missions Committee: Mr. Theo Vanderputte was appointed as a delegate.

Synod 2007:
Elder Delegates:
o 1st delegate: Elder Al Martens of Immanuel CRC in Simcoe:
o 2nd delegate: Elder George Bergshoeff of New St. CRC of Burlington:
o Alternate: Elder Cor Visser of the Maranatha CRC in York:

Pastor Delegates:
o 1st delegate: Rev. Jeff Janssens of Calvary CRC of Flamborough
o 2nd delegate: Rev. Shawn Brix of New St CRC in Burlington
o 1st alternate: Rev. Paul Vandenbrink of Calvin CRC in Dundas
o 2nd alternate: Rev. Ken Benjamins of Ebenezer CRC in Jarvis

CLASSIS CREDENTIALS:
o A summary of responses from 6 churches regarding Church order Art 41 question 5, about passing on information concerning members living, even temporarily, in other areas was provided.
o The questions formerly asked under Article 41 of the Church Order have now been replaced with two questions:

• In what aspect of your ministry would you like the assistance of Classis?
• What aspect of your ministry would you like to discuss at classis?

o Future discussion of the old Article 41 questions was suspended.

DIACONAL MINISTRIES:
o David Fluit of Faith CRC spoke of the diaconal work in their congregation and community.
o John Mantel spoke on behalf of the Hamilton Diaconal Conference. He explained the work of the diaconal conference. On March 22, 2007 there will be an evening conference at Meadowlands on “Reaching Out to the Poor Amongst Us”.
o Hans Kater reported on Diaconal Ministries Canada. We learned that Operation Manna supports 22 ministries across Canada. Community Opportunity Scans are growing in number across the country.
o The issue of having each church send deacon delegates to Classis was briefly raised.

OVERTURE:
o Jarvis presented an overture asking to ask Synod 2007 not to ratify the decision of Synod 2006 to “allow for the admission of all baptized children to the Lord’s Supper”
o The committee of pre advice recommended that classis not accede to this overture.
o After a very good discussion classis decided not to support the overture from Jarvis.

MISCELLANEOUS:
o “Third Wave Pentecostalism” The Synodical study report will be discussed at Meadowlands Fellowship on Feb. 22 at 7:30 pm.
o True City Conference is taking place on February 23-24 at Philpott Memorial Church. See: www.truecity.ca
o Living Mosaic Church is holding its grand opening for its supporters on Sunday January 21, 2007 at 10 am at the facility of Trinity Christian School in Burlington
o The next meeting of Classis is at Maranatha CRC in York on May 15, 2007

William Veenstra: reporter