Report of the January 19, 20, 2004 Meeting of Classis Hamilton Held at Mount Hamilton Christian Reformed Church (Jan 19) and Calvin CRC, Dundas (Jan 20)

Classis began their session on Mon., Jan.19th at 7:30 p.m. in the Mount Hamilton Christian Reformed Church. With Ben Vandezande facilitating the evening, Classis began the process of trying to articulate more clearly its purpose and mission. The Classis Treasurer and the Chairs of each Classis committee were invited to join with delegates for this session. The Classical Review and Visioning Team will summarize the input from the evening and present a draft Classis Hamilton Purpose Statement to the next meeting of Classis.

Classis reconvened on Tues., Jan. 20th at 9 a.m. in the Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Dundas. Ed Schuringa, an elder in the host church, led in opening devotions giving God thanks for the way that his own congregation had been held together over the difficult past year by love. After the Stated Clerk invited the four first-time delegates to sign the Form of Subscription, Classis was declared constituted with Rev. Richard Grift as Chair, Rev. John Bouwers as Vice-Chair, and Rev. Shawn Brix as Reporter.

The Classical Interim Committee (CIC) report was presented. Classis approved the request to grant Rev. Al Dreise emeritus (retired) status as of May 1, 2004 at age 65. Rev. Dreise served five congregations in Ontario throughout his ministry. Since 1988, he has served as the Executive Director of the Salem Christian Mental Health Association in Hamilton. The Chair congratulated Rev. Dreise on his accomplishment, thanked him for his years of ministry to the Church, and wished him God's blessing in his next phase of service to the Lord.

Ruth Eigenbrood, Classical Treasurer, reported on the finances of Classis. The reports were encouraging but it was noted that at least one congregation sent their contributions directly to Redeemer University College instead of through the Treasurer. Congregations were urged to send all classical ministry shares through the Treasurer so that contributions can be correctly recorded.

Rev. Henry Katerberg spoke on behalf of the Classical Finance Committee. The request of the Finance Committee to have access to denominational records regarding the ministry share giving of churches within Classis Hamilton was approved. Hopefully, this will encourage greater accountability with regards to giving in Classis.

Rev. Kevin DeRaaf reported on behalf of the Classical Home Missions Committee. He noted that on Sunday, January 18th, the Faith CRC congregation voted overwhelmingly to extend a one-year term call to Leo Gatotos to serve as the Planter for the Burlington Church Plant. The Councils of Burlington CRC (New St.) and Bethel CRC also overwhelmingly endorsed the Search Committee's recommendation to extend the call. If Leo accepts, Classis will be asked to examine him for ordination as a Ministry Associate (Evangelist).

A number of additional reports were offered. Rev. Jeff Janssen reported on behalf of the McMaster Chaplaincy committee. Rev. Martin Dam reported on behalf of the Classical Youth Ministry committee. The Student Fund committee report was offered by Rev. John Bouwers. He noted that the rising Canadian dollar has been helpful to our students studying at Calvin. Karl Mantel reported on behalf of the Shalom Manor Chaplaincy Committee. Classis also had the privilege of hearing an extended report from the Diaconal Ministries Board. Henrietta Hunse, Hans Kater, Dave Vandermeulen, and John Mantel introduced us to the work of CRWRC, the Carpenteros Ministry at Calvary CRC (Flamborough), the role of Classical Ministry Developers, and the work of the Hamilton Diaconate Conference.

Dr. Justin Cooper was invited to speak on behalf of Redeemer University College. Dr. Cooper announced the appointment of Dr. Craig Bartholomew to the faculty. He also gave thanks to God for the accreditation of Redeemer's Teacher's Education program by the Ontario College of Teachers. Dr. Cooper stressed that this approval is a tremendous answer to prayer.

Calvin CRC, as the host church, led a discussion on the answers given by each Council for Question 2 of Article 41, "Is Church discipline faithfully exercised?" It was concluded that discipline is still exercised in our congregations, though most Councils struggle with how to effectively deal with members who are not "walking the walk." It was noted that grace demands we reach out to those erring with the love of Christ. Classis asked the CIC to allow further discussion on this topic at our May meeting.

An overture from Bethel CRC (Waterdown) raised concerns about the "Alternate Routes to the Ministry" Study Report being presented to Synod this June. The overture was tabled until the May meeting of Classis in order to provide time for each Council to carefully review the issues raised by the Overture.

Classis passed a motion to send the following to Synod: Classis Hamilton overtures Synod to change Article 36a to read "The Council, Consistory, and Deaconate shall meet regularly at a time and place announced to the congregation. Each body shall select its own president and other officers." The suggested change addresses the fact that, in many congregations, Council, Consistory, and Deaconates no longer meet monthly.

Voting throughout the day produced the following results: Arie VanEek as the alternate delegate on the Board of Trustees, Canada; Arie VanEek as the alternate delegate on the Board of Trustees, Calvin College; Colleen Laing, Tony Boer, and Brenda Hofland as members of the Classical Abuse Response Team; and Tim Zuidema as a member to the MacMaster Chaplaincy Committee. Delegates to the 2004 CRCNA Synod (June 12-19) are: Fred Reitsma (1st elder delegate), Ralph Luimes (2nd elder delegate), Bill VanStaalduinen (1st alt. elder delegate), Arie VanEek (2nd alt. elder delegate), Rev. Andrew Zantingh (1st minister delegate), Rev. Shawn Brix (2nd minister delegate), Rev. John Bouwers (1st alt. minister delegate), and Rev. Kevin DeRaaf (2nd alt. minister delegate).

The meeting was closed with prayers of thanks. The next meeting of Classis will be on Tuesday, May 18th at Faith CRC in Burlington.

......Humbly submitted by reporter Pastor Shawn Brix.