For January 17, 2006 sitting of Classis Hamilton we were warmly welcomed to Ebenezer CRC of Jarvis by Rev. Ken Benjamins, the chairperson for the meeting.  Ebenezer's facilities permitted meeting and lunching in their fellowship hall.  After reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Pastor Ken shared some of the blessings and challenges in the life of the Jarvis fellowship.
 

The Chaplaincy Committee put forward a proposal to approve funding for an intern position in the campus ministry.  The position will also receive

funding from CRHM and Calvin Seminary.  Classis' obligation for this position was for the amount of $6000, or $1.60 per member.  The Chaplaincy

Committee already had a candidate, Julia Vanderveen, who would be starting immediately.  Mrs. Vanderveen spoke to Classis and told the story of her journey and how God had led her to this ministry opportunity.
 

A request from First CRC of Hamilton to release Pastor Sririsack Saythavy from ministry via article 17c C.O. was approved.  The Synodical Deputies did not concur on the decision as Classis did not present documentation of a prior 17a C.O. decision.  It was later discovered that such action had beentaken, but by such time the deputies had since departed.
 

Delegates for Synod 2006 were elected.  The Elder delegates will be George Elzinga and Dick Kranendonk.    The Pastor delegates will be Rev. John Bouwers and Rev. Bill Veenstra.
 

Classis heard a number of reports, notably from Dr. Justin Cooper, President of Redeemer University College and Rev. George VanArragon, Chaplain to Shalom Manor.  Diaconal Ministries were given an hour for an extended presentation from Hans Kater of Diaconal Ministries of Canada emphasizing the value of conducting a Community Opportunity Scan as a way to reach out to the true need of the community.  First CRC, Hamilton was able to testify to the effectiveness of the opportunity scan.  In the same presentation Bethel Waterdown's Deaconate presented their very intentional approach at prioritizing their corporate giving.  Dick Veeneman, Classis' CRWRC board representative spoke on the CRWRC's hope that on March 6, 2006, congregations will honor the members of their fellowships who have engaged in relief work.  John Mantel of the Hamilton Deaconate Committee closed out the speakers.
 

Rev. Ken Benjamins led the article 41 C.O. discussion on the promotion of Christian education.  After summarizing some of the comments and

suggestions, he opened the floor up to comments.  A lively discussion including thoughts, suggestions and testimonials ensued.  The material will

be further refined by Rev. Benjamins before being re-presented to Classis again in May.
 

All of the churches of Classis Hamilton were invited to the Feb 5, 2006 official opening service at 3 pm for Meadowlands CRC.

 The overture from Fellowship CRC [soon to be Meadowlands CRC], in regards to the report on War and Peace to be discussed this summer at Synod 2006 was adopted.  The overture urges Synod 2006 to ensure a strong role for the Director of Canadian Ministries in Canadian interchurch and intergovernmental relations concerning the issues of War and Peace.
 

Action steps A-D of the final report from the Classical Renewal and Visioning Task Force were adopted and the initial general contours of action

steps F-J were also approved.  Item K was approved.  Councils were also urged to present names to make up the five members of the newly formed Classical Ministries Committee.  The Committee's main mandate will be to provide vision for the ministry work of Classis Hamilton.

In Christ,

Rev. Steve Baarda

Immanuel CRC, Simcoe

Reporter,

January 17, 2006 Session of Classis Hamilton