Classis Hamilton: meeting September 20, 2005
Report to the Churches

Rev. Jeff Janssen was well prepared to chair the meeting of Classis held at the Mount Hamilton CRC. Thanks to his leadership - with the help of Rev. Henry Kranenburg (vice chair) and Mr. Peter Zwart (clerk) - the day was completed in good order, good time - and in good spirits. What helped was that the delegates sat at tables in the church's fellowship hall.

Delegates heard reports from the various standing committees. It was noted, for example, that our Classical Student Fund Committee currently supports 4 students: Darryl DeKlerk, Sidney Ypma, Steve Kooy and Martin Boardman. We celebrate with Steve De Boer and Trevor Payton who were declared eligible for call at Synod 2005. Rev. George Van Arragon, in his annual report, spoke about the joys (and challenges) of chaplaincy at Shalom Manor - as Shalom undergoes major expansion and other changes.

Classis adopted a new set of guidelines for our Campus ministry at McMaster University. These guidelines clarify and detail the "goings on" of the ministry, our dedicated chaplain (Michael Fallon), and the committee. Classis hopes to approve a final copy of the guidelines for the Classis Hamilton rules of Procedure at our January meeting.

According to the agenda delegates were to discuss the question, "Does the diaconate faithfully lead and stimulate the congregation in obedient stewardship of its resources on behalf of the needy (one of the questions of accountability each church mush answer for Classis from Article 41 of The Church Order)?” There was confusion over who was to lead the discussion. After noting that proper procedure was not being followed - Classis decided not to consider the question. Classis will move on to the next question of article 41 at the January meeting - following proper procedure!

The most difficult time at Classis was in executive session when delegates discussed an abuse issue at New Life CRC. A public statement was adopted which reads: "Classis acknowledges that Mr. Nhai Khounvongsa's employment as an unordained pastoral worker was terminated for reasons of sexual misconduct. Because Mr. Khounvongsa was not an ordained office bearer in the CRC the process of suspension and deposition was not pursued. We inform the churches of Classis and the denomination of these facts in the hope of securing a safe environment within the body of Christ." Delegates spent time in prayer for all involved. May our heavenly Father provide His grace and healing hand.

Later in the afternoon the Classis Review and Visioning Team divided the delegates into 4 groups to brainstorm "possible action steps" for Classis Hamilton. Delegates were asked to consider the pros and cons of a number of ideas - including establishing a Classical Ministries Committee and/or a position of Ministry Coordinator. A proposal will be presented at the January meeting of Classis.

The next meeting of Classis is slated for Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at the Ebenezer CRC of Jarvis. The agenda deadline is December 6, 2005.

Humbly submitted,

Rev. Ken Benjamins  Reporter