It is the current practice of Classis to meet during the evening hours for the May meeting of Classis.  This allows delegates who may not normally be available for day-long meetings to attend the gathering of the churches and ministries of Classis.  We were thankful York CRC made their facilities available to us.

            During this evening meeting (which actually began at 4:30) a spirit of unity, discernment, and mutual encouragement was obviously present.  We are thankful for how God blesses even the “regular” administrative work of his church: 

-  After a time of prayer, and with the concurrence of the Synodical Deputies, Pastor Sririsack Saythavy was released as a Minister of the Word in the CRC under Article 17c of the church order.  This was done as there were no weighty reasons to extend his eligibility for call.

-  Rev. George Van Arragon was thanked for 11 years of service as Chaplain to the Shalom Manor Community.  Rev. Van Arragon is retiring in the near future.

-  Rev. Fred Vandenberg was affirmed as the next Chaplain at Shalom Manor.

-  Rev. Gordon Pols was thanked for his time of service to the Ancaster CRC and to Classis Hamilton.  Rev. Pols is retiring from official ministry in June and is planning to return to Alberta.

-  Our World Missions representative reported on a new focus on “Partnering” with existing churches, ministries and missionaries in the countries traditionally visited by missionaries sent from North America.

-  After confirming that his position fit the definition, Tim Sheridan was examined for the position of “ministry associate”.  This recognition and designation of Tim’s training and gifting is helpful for him to carry out his calling as a church planter associated with the First Hamilton CRC.  His testimony of a “God on a mission” was both encouraging and edifying to Classis.  Classis concluded the “Exam” with a time of prayer over Tim, his family, and his calling.

-  The student fund committee requested and received approval to fund a Student who will attend McMaster’s M-DIV program.

-  The Credential Committee was instructed to give the comments and questions made by the churches of Classis on the back of the credentials to the Classical Interim Committee and the Classical Ministries Committee. 

Some Items of special interest to the churches of Classis:

-  Classis has approved a Celebration service on the afternoon of September 16.  Each church is encouraged to consider moving afternoon/evening services to this joint service.

-  Reports were circulated regarding the Giving of Denominational shares.  On Average, last year the churches of classes gave 75% of the amount we had covenanted to give.

-  Ministries that receive funding from Classis are reminded of the deadline for budget submissions.  Funding requests are to be given to the Classical Finance Committee by June 15.

-  The McMaster Chaplaincy Committee would like to encourage the churches of Classis to consider having a second collection for the ministry at McMaster.  These “second collection” funds are used for special ministry to the McMaster community (such as Fourth-day fellowship).

-  The next Classis meeting is to be held at September 19^th at Ancaster CRC.  The deadline for submissions is August 9^th. 

Reporter: Jeff Janssen