Report on Meeting of Classis Hamilton, May 16, 2006, Immanuel CRC, Simcoe
Delegates from all 15 congregations of Classis Hamilton met at Immanuel CRC in Simcoe, Tuesday evening, May 16. Prayers were offered for Mr. Peter Zwart, Stated Clerk, unable to be present due to personal health concerns. Mr. Hans VanderStoep from Bethel, Waterdown, filled in ably on short notice. This report offers highlights of the meeting:
Host Church: Classis was well hosted by Immanuel CRC. Pastor Steve Baarda was Chair; many Immanuel volunteers served refreshments, a delicious meal, and offered technical support; and elder Ray Anema led in devotions, including a glimpse into the economy of Simcoe and a snapshot of how Immanuel members share God’s love locally and globally.
Living Mosaic: Reporting for the Classis Home Missions Committee (CHMC), Pastor Kevin DeRaaf highlighted Living Mosaic Church in Burlington. Living Mosaic recently began bi-weekly worship services, using space at Trinity Christian School for their services, with a Launch Service set for Fall 2006.
Multi-Site Church Planting Proposal: The CHMC also asked Classis to offer support for a “Multi-Site Church Planting Proposal” from First CRC, Hamilton. A video presentation of First CRC’s multi-site vision was presented by Pastor Andrew Zantingh and First CRC staff member Tim Sheridan. A request for financial support from Classis will be forwarded through the CHMC to the next meeting of Classis.
Campus Ministry: Julia Vanderveen gave a report to Classis on her recent internship with MacMaster University Campus Ministry. She spoke words of appreciation for financial, prayer, and other support during her internship and told us her time at MacMaster definitely confirmed her calling to campus ministry.
Shalom Manor: Chaplain George Van Arragon and Rev. Henry DeBolster both reported on some of the changes at Shalom Manor with the recent additions and renovations. In addition to meeting the needs of more residents, Shalom has a new auditorium which has already been dedicated for worship use.
Safe Church Team: Reporting for the Classis Abuse Response Team (CART), Mr. John Gilson reminded delegates of the services offered to churches, urged churches without Abuse Prevention Policies to work diligently toward that end, and announced that they are going ahead with the denominational office’s request to a name change to more accurately reflect their efforts: Safe Church Team.
World Missions: Mr. Al Karsten reported on the efforts of World Missions to work more cooperatively with other missions agencies around the globe. As part of that cooperation, World Missions is working together with Wycliffe Bible Translators to host Wycliffe’s Spread the Word Theatre in area CRC congregations.
Supporting Christian Education: As follow-up to a discussion at the previous meeting of classis, successes and challenges for support of Christian Education were reported on from various churches.
Classis Renewal and Visioning Team (CRV): Delegates were reminded of the need for visionary, pro-active, and capable people to serve on our new Classis Ministry Team (CMT). Five people are needed to lead this new initiative of Classis Hamilton which will also oversee the work of a part-time Classis Ministry Coordinator. The CRV was asked to meet again to help set this process in motion.
Supporting Seminary Students: Reporting for the Student Fund Committee, Pastor John Bouwers noted four students who have received financial support from Classis are eligible for candidacy this spring: Darryl DeKlerk, Steve Kooy, Trevor Payton and Sid Ypma. Classis prayed for God’s blessing on each of these people as they seek God’s call on their lives, continues support of Martin Boardman (Faith CRC), and has a new request from Nate Van Bentham (Meadowlands CRC).
Nominations: Classis gave thanks for a number of people willing to serve additional terms for various committees and ministries and also endorsed the following new people for service: Mr. Tim Sheridan(1st CRC, Ham.) on our Home Missions Committee, Derek Schuurman (Immanuel CRC, Ham.) on our Campus Ministry Committee; and Renee Dam (Calvary CRC, Flamb.) on the Finance Committee.
Release from Ministry: In concluding remarks, Pastor Steve Baarda informed Classis of a mutual conclusion reached between Immanuel CRC, himself and his family, and outside counselors that he be released from ministry in the CRC. Pastor Steve’s ministry at Immanuel will conclude this June and a special meeting will be called for Classis’ endorsement of this decision. Prayers for the Baarda family and Immanuel CRC are appreciated.
Reporter: Jim Pot, Pastor, Bethel CRC, Waterdown