Report of Classis Hamilton meeting: Tuesday May 20, 2008
Delegates to the May meeting of
Classis Hamilton converged on Burlington CRC at 4:30 pm on May 20, 2008.
Delegates were welcomed to the meeting by Chairperson, Kevin DeRaaf, after which
elder John Glasbergen of Burlington CRC shared some of the blessings and
challenges experienced by the host church over the past several years. Pastor
Shawn Brix then led us in devotions, reading from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and
sharing the sufficiency of God’s grace in the ministry of Burlington CRC and
Classis. After some administrative necessities, Classis was declared constituted
by our chair, with Shawn Brix serving ably as vice-chair alongside Peter Zwart
as stated clerk.
After various Classis committees were confirmed, Classis launched into its
second visioning session, led by our Classis Ministry Team of Kevin DeRaaf,
Andrew Zantingh and Al Karsten. We reviewed past discussions regarding the
purpose of Classis, then focussed our attention on how Classis could better
structure itself to reach the goal of serving the Greater Hamilton Region.
Discussion revolved around three particular areas:
Effective structure for Classis;
Effective staffing for a Ministry Coordinator;
Effective structure for Classis meetings. The Classis Ministry Team presented a bold conceptual draft for the delegates to consider, which led to some very fruitful deliberation on the floor of Classis. After a tasty dinner provided by the good members of Burlington CRC, Classis instructed the Classis Ministry Team to return to the September meeting of Classis with recommendations for moving forward in this process.
We then heard reports from various committees of Classis. Items of note are as follows:
Classical Interim Committee: Ken Benjamins was approved by Classis to serve as chairman for a third term while Classis undergoes its visioning process.
Student Fund Committee: three applications for tuition assistance were approved by Classis.
Youth Ministry Committee: monthly youth services are becoming increasingly well-received and plans are being made to continue them in the coming year. Churches who have not yet hosted a youth service and would like to will be given preference as the 2008-2009 schedule is made. Churches are encouraged to contact the Youth Ministry Committee to indicate their willingness to host a youth service.
Treasurer: Classis Treasurer Ruth
Visser reported on the state of our finances as a Classis. She indicated that
Classis has only received 22% of monies needed to date to fulfill its financial
obligations. She encouraged the churches to remember that various Classis
ministries incur expenses throughout the year and requests that churches submit
their Classis Ministry Shares quarterly in order to meet our financial
responsibilities.
Classis also entered a time of Executive Session in order to deal with a
pastoral matter. Afterwards, Kevin DeRaaf led Classis in a closing devotion,
reading from Acts 2 and exhorting Classis to live and work always in
resurrection hope as servants of the resurrected King, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Classis closed its meeting in prayer and the singing of “Jesus Shall Reign
Where’er the Sun”.
Paul Vanden Brink (reporter)