CLASSIS ONTARIO, INC. First Reformed Church, St Catharines, Ontario MINUTES OF THE FALL STATED SESSION OF CLASSIS OCTOBER 24, 2015 AT 8:30 A.M.

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1 CLASSIS ONTARIO, INC. First Reformed Church, St Catharines, Ontario MINUTES OF THE FALL STATED SESSION OF CLASSIS OCTOBER 24, 2015 AT 8:30 A.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The Classis was called to order by its chair, Elder Jim VandenBerg at 8:39 a.m. He invited the host pastor to come and lead us in worship. Worship Service was led by the Rev Art VanSlageren, the host pastor, the Praise Team and a reader. The reader, Dave Schonewille, began with a welcome from the congregation and consistory to the Classis, and read a poem. He led us in the responsive call to worship from Psalm 145, followed by the hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. He then opened with prayer. We then sang the song, Praise is Rising. Rev Van Slageren read the scriptures from Acts 17:16-31 where Paul is in the city of Athens. He spoke on the subject of the seasons of Life. Some thoughts were: Leaders need to convey confidence in God as the Sovereign over all, like Paul was in Athens. In times of distress, we need to have compassion without criticism to express the truth of the holy God. Paul had courage and clarity to proclaim the truth of Jesus. The church leaders need to understand our times as Paul did. Never under estimate the power of the Truth of God s Spirit. This is enough to change the nation. After his sermon, he opened the meeting with prayer for God s grace and guidance. We then sang the song, O Church Arise. 2. THE ROLL CALL: The following Churches were represented by: Brantford Rev Abram Blaak Elder Lyn Hallema Cambridge Without Installed Pastor Elder Bill Bonvanie Elder Chatham Rev. Barry Wynveen Elder John Geene Drayton Elder John Koobs Elder Arnold VanAnkum Exeter Rev Jim Vellenga Elder Grimsby Rev John DeGiovanni Elder Titus Villanueva Guelph Rev Henry dekorte Elder Carl Visser Hamilton Rev Stan Seagren Elder Richard Boesveld Kingsville Rev Ken Labbé Elder Connie Bradt Mississauga Ebenezer Without Installed Pastor Elder Reg Laws Elder Mississauga New Alliance Rev Ricardo Gouvea Elder St. Catharines Rev Art VanSlageren Elder Harry demol Stevensville Rev Michael Saville Elder Stoney Creek Rev David Vandervelde Elder Jerry Keunen Thorold, Grace Rev Les Boyd Elder Randy Barnes Classis of Ontario Page

2 Toronto LaSenda del Amor Elder Toronto, New Life Rev Ceny Tavares Elder Gildo Vieira Wainfleet Rev Bart Keefer Elder Neil VanLeeuwen Welland Rev Carson Culp Elder Bill Ballentyne Whitby Rev Don Waterhouse Elder Pat Pluister Elder Woodstock Emmanuel Rev Peter Burrill Elder Adrian Rodenburg Other Members of Classis Present were: Rev Hank Bylstra, Rev Janine Dekker, Rev José Garreton, Rev Greg Girard, Rev John Kapteyn (RSC), Rev Will Kroon, Rev Doug Nieuwstraten, Rev Gordon Ross, Rev John Strik, Rev Clifford Turkstra, Rev Dr Meine Veldman, Rev William Wensink,. Classis Parliamentarian: Mr Carl Visser 3. STATED CLERK'S REPORT ON EXCUSED AND UN-EXCUSED ABSENCES Absent With Permission: Rev John Arthur (work), Rev Humberto Lopes (on a five week training course), Rev Ken Lowe, Rev Samuel M Priestley Jr. (Recuperating from heart surgery), Rev Martyn Van Essen (needed rest), Rev Charles Webster (meetings in Halifax). Not present due to distance: Rev Karel Hanhart. Others Not Present: Rev Peter De Jong, Rev Dirk Jan Kramer, Rev Christiaan Platteel, Rev Alberto Salazar, Rev Pieter Schinkelshoek, Rev Duane Vanderlaan, Rev Art VanderMeulen, Rev Ronald Van Auken, Rev Jon Van Oostveen, Rev John VerHoog, Rev Art Zeilstra. The Candidates of Classis Present were: None of the Classis Candidates were present at this meeting. Not present were: Mrs Florence Dekker The Licensed Candidates of the Classis were: Mrs. Adriana Ostapenko Mr Bert Van Ittersum were not in attendance in this meeting. The Stated Clerk, Rev Abram Blaak, announced that a quorum was present, and the Chair declared Classis duly constituted. 4. APPOINTMENTS OF SESSION COMMITTEES Temporary Clerk: Rev José Garreton Consistorial Minute Books: Rev Duane VanderLaan and Elders from Drayton Reformed and Brantford congregations will do the following books: Cambridge, Chatham, Drayton, Exeter, Guelph, St Catharines, Thorold, Toronto LaSenda Del Amor, Toronto New Life. Classis of Ontario Page

3 PLEASE NOTE: if your church is underlined, it means you did not bring your books to the Spring meeting. Please do so this time. The task of this committee is to check the books for the following items in the Minutes of each Consistory: opening and closing prayers, the asking of the Constitutional Question, and signatures - as well as very noticeable irregularities. After the books are checked, the person doing the work needs to sign and date the book at the last set of minutes checked. IF you have questions, please ask the Stated Clerk. Accounts Committee: Rev David VanderVelde and Elders from Countryside Reformed Church in Cambridge. Resolutions: Rev David VanderVelde and Elder from Ebenezer Reformed Church in Stoney Creek. Leave of Absence: The Executive Committee -- see Stated Clerk. Delegates for the General Synod: Elders: Ministers: Bethel, Exeter Rev Les Boyd Westdale, Hamilton Rev Ken Labbé The 2016 General Synod will take place on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, June The Stated Clerks Meetings are being planned for June 6-9 at the college as well. 5. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS The Classis recognized the following visitors who will have the privilege of the floor: Mr Randy Bohl (Regional Coordinator of Development), Mrs Judith Drost Storey (RUC), Other visitors were: Terry de Young, Brad Goldrick, Christiana Labbé, Audrey Laws, Dave McAllister, Antonio Nasser, Tim Partridge, Dave Schonewille, Bill Sliedrecht, Jim VandenBerg, Deborah Waterhouse. 6. READING OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS STATED SESSIONS BY TITLE The Stated Clerk read by title the Minutes of the Spring Session of Classis which met at the New Alliance Church, Mississauga, ON. on March 7, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. (Pages to ). Motion that we accept these Minutes as distributed was supported and carried. 7. READING OF THE MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSIONS BY TITLES The Clerk also read by title the Minutes of the following Special Sessions of the Classis: The Minutes of the Classis Candidate Examinations held in Drayton Reformed Church, held Ontario on June 12, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. to examine Candidate Al Plat (Pages to ). Classis of Ontario Page

4 The Minutes of the Special Session of Classis Celebrating the Ordination and Commissioning of Mr John Arthur held on Friday, June 15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Countryside Reformed Church of Cambridge, Ontario (Pages to ). The Minutes of the Special Session of Classis Celebrating the Ordination of Mr Albert Plat held on Friday, August 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Drayton Reformed Church of Drayton, Ontario (Pages to ). Motion that we accept these Minutes as distributed was supported and carried. 8. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA The motion was made by the Clerk that we accept the agenda which has been mailed to all the Classis members and congregations. The motion was supported and carried. 9. COMMUNICATIONS AND REFERRALS There were none for this meeting that have not been dealt with by Classis Committees or the Executive of the Classis. 10. ELECTIONS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS The report was given by Rev Clifford Turkstra. The Committee met at every Executive Committee meeting to discuss possibilities At the present time, we still need the following vacancies to be filled: Executive: 1 elder, Discipleship 1 women s ministry member, Finance Committee 1 member. The following nominations were made for elections to the committees of the Classis: Rev Carson Culp General Finance Rev John DeGiovanni CP&D nd 2 term Gildo Vieira CP&D st 1 term Rev Bart Keefer PRC nd 2 term Elder John Keunen PRC nd 2 Term Elder Harry Moes PRC st 1 term Rev David VanderVelde C.C.E.C nd 2 term Rev. Barry Wynveen C.C.E.C. st 1 term Rev. James Vellenga Discipleship nd 2 term Elder Carl Visser Executive st 1 Term If there is anyone in your congregation who would be willing and able to serve please contact the Executive. Motion to table the report until the results are given was supported and carried. There was a motion that we ask the Executive that when the Classis votes that there be a Classis of Ontario Page

5 little bit is of information about each of the candidates. This should includes what they bring to the table in the committee. The motion was supported and carried. 11. PRESENTATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no other unfinished to be presented. 12. REPORTS ON CLASSICAL REPRESENTATION: a. Fraternal Delegates There were no fraternal delegates at this meeting. b. General Synod Council Rev Dirk Kramer, author of the report, was not at the meeting to present it. The churches are encouraged to read this and the other reports that are included in the Minutes. GENERAL SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT TO CLASSIS ONTARIO October 24, 2015 th The General Synod of the Reformed Church met for its 209 regular session held June on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. Throughout the week, General Synod heard how churches are taking part in Transformed & Transforming, the strategic vision that s shaping RCA ministry through General secretary Tom De Vries challenged delegates to think different, act different, and stand faithful as we live and love like Jesus. He celebrated stories of transformation happening throughout the RCA as congregations begin to live into the ministry goals of Transformed & Transforming. At the same time, De Vries emphasized the importance of being pastorally sensitive, and scripturally and historically faithful, as delegates tackle potentially divisive issues within the church. Later, at a special plenary celebration of Transformed & Transforming, delegates were shown highlights of the ministry plan and heard stories of congregational transformation. Saying that it s time for the RCA to settle constitutional issues related to homosexuality, synod president Greg Alderman proposed a special council to develop a way forward for the RCA. Delegates approved the formation of the special council, which will convene in early 2016 and include 74 people from across the RCA. Synod also implored RCA congregations, office holders, and assemblies to exercise a season of restraint until the council reports back to General Synod. Delegates called for restraint in performing samesex marriages, ordaining practicing homosexuals, separating from the denomination, and initiating judicial actions related to homosexuality. After nearly two hours in judicial session, synod delegates affirmed the role of the classis in receiving ministers of Word and sacrament into membership. The ruling was in response to a complaint filed by three individuals from New Brunswick Classis who said the classis did not properly apply Scripture in the examination and reception of a minister from another denomination. Synod passed resolutions lamenting the Armenian Genocide 100 years ago and the ongoing persecution and violence today. Roughly 1.5 million Armenians were killed in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of Christians living and working alongside people from Classis of Ontario Page

6 other religions, synod voted to form an interfaith task force. Delegates celebrated the conclusion of RCA mission work in Chiapas, which over 90 years supported amazing growth of indigenous churches that are now fully self-supporting. Sixteen former missionaries shared stories from their years in Chiapas. Approval was given to a per-member assessment of $53.71, including the cost of the special council and support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other initiatives approved at synod. The 2016 Partner-in-Mission share was set at $6,300. In other business: In an update about efforts to address mass incarceration that were approved at last year s synod, delegates asked for the Commission on Christian Action to bring reports to General Synod each of the next three years. Future steps will focus on the consequences of mass incarceration and theological implications. Fifty congregations were recognized as Missional Impact Partners for their financial support of the mission and ministry of the RCA, having contributed at least $40,000 or 10 percent of their budget to support RCA mission and ministry. An ecumenical panel helped delegates listen to voices from the Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal traditions members of the Christian family that historically and theologically have been more distant from the Reformed tradition. Guest speaker Soong-Chan Rah challenged delegates to think about what it means to live together in an intentional landscape of diversity. Delegates elected Evan Vermeer the new General Synod president and an Gillett the new General Synod vice president. Vermeer, an elder at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa, has served as synod vice president for the past year. Gillett is lead pastor of First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. He has served as president of Holland Classis, as a General Synod Council member, and as adjunct professor at Western Theological Seminary. On a personal note, this report marks the end of my four-year tenure as a member of General Synod Council. I have valued the experience and remain grateful for the opportunity to have served. The Regional Synod of Canada will continue to be represented on GSC by Willie Si of the Fujian Evangelical Church in Richmond, British Columbia. Respectfully submitted, The Rev. D. J. Kramer (retired), outgoing General Synod Council representative Report on the 2015 Synod Meeting At Trinity Christian College. Dear Members of Classis Ontario: It was a privilege to attend this meeting as representatives of our Classis. Ken Peacock, Revs Janine Dekker and Hank Bylstra attended and participated in the meetings and discussions. It was good to meet people from across the Church as 269 voting delegates were in the sessions. We worshipped together, prayed and fellowshipped and struggled with the business of the Church. Trinity Christian College is a wonderful facility. We were well treated and afforded good hospitality. In the meetings we held I gained a new respect for the leaders of the RCA. Executive Secretary Tom DeVries, President Greg Alderman and our new President Evan Vermeer and vice president, Dan Gillett. We were also inspired by the Worship Services, and the many presentations given there and in our Plenary Sessions. One emphasis was the Transformed and Transforming program which is being headed up by Rev Eddy Alleman, Classis of Ontario Page

7 well known to many of us in Classis Ontario. The specifics of this program is to bring Church renewal and many ideas for connecting with our Church neighborhoods and communities are available on line, including several videos that have been prepared by the RCA. In one of our sessions Executive Secretary Tom DeVries shared his heart on how vital it is for the RCA to embrace the Transformed and Transforming model in our local ministries. His address is available on line but a summary if based on two main points: we need to think differently and we need to act differently in our interaction as Churches with our communities. Another highlight of the Synod was the Missions Celebration with focus on Chiapas, but also featuring about 30 of our retired missionaries who all joined together on stage to give the Lord glory for his work in and trough them in the places they had served. It was heartwarming. From our Classis we had Rev Chris and Hennie Platteel. The work of our leaders in presenting the daily business was also a testimony to God s grace at work in the governance of the RCA. The way the business was presented in the Plenary Sessions and the grace and patience, of the chair and the delegates in their interactions was God honoring. I was impressed with the level of listening and respect demonstrated for each delegate present. At no time did anyone leave the sessions in anger of frustration. We truly did the best possible to hear the concerns and perspectives of all who were present and of how they spoke for the Classes and Churches they represented. Much business was presented in the Plenary Sessions as is seen in the Workbook as found on the app. All the Minutes are online at rca.org/minutes. Frankly the Plenary Sessions were exhausting due to the level of emotion centering around the questions of sexual orientation and all the implications of that for our Church. President Greg Alderman introduced a report of the President which proposed that the RCA address the uncertainty of the Church s position on the same sex issue, as many across the Church are asking for clarity on the issue. The report first came to the Advisory Committee on Overtures and New Business that Hank Bylstra was appointed to. The idea was to get the RCA to convene a special meeting of 84 representatives from across the denomination to address the same sex issue in a constitutional way, so we could arrive at a position that brings real clarity. It was felt that our polity can be our friend and a constitutional process is an orderly way to approach this. Five past Presidents of Synod would convene this special meeting, along with a representative of each Classis, chosen by the Classis and 30 members at large from across the Church, picked by the Presidents in order to ensure representation and balance of opinion. The mandate of this Special Meeting, coming together once, or possibly twice was to submit a report to the Synod of 2016 for discussion there. This report was to include all the issues and questions involved in the same sex discussions across the Church. Cost per member in RCA assessments was an added $2.25 per member. All the reference material that has been collected in previous RCA documents and discussions was to be referenced as resource material in these discussions. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 serve as a model of how and why we could and should meet together across the Church. The discussions on this subject and the designing of a process everyone could accept were protracted and intense, but it did get approved. It was expressed that our desire is to continue in fellowship with all but to take a clear and Biblical stand on the same sex issue as clarity is needed and as there are those who are voicing concern that if clarity is not arrived at, many will vote with their feet. We have been struggling with the issue for far too long. The desire expressed by our President and Executive Secretary was to prayerfully seek to find some unity of thought and perspective that honors what the Scripture teaches and that we can go forward in faithful service together as members of the RCA across the Church. It was felt that a constitutional process was the best way to approach this. Classis of Ontario Page

8 An ecumenical panel helped delegates listen to voices from the Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal traditions members of the Christian family that historically and theologically have been more distant from the Reformed tradition. This ecumenical panel discussion was directed by Rev. Wesley Grandberg- Michaelson. We were reminded once again, that in the ecumenical world, Wes is considered a rock star. However, we were also told that at some point in the coming year most likely, Wes will retire from being our ecumenical representative as well. In that discussion, Roman Catholic Bishop Tod Brown of the Diocese of Orange in Southern California told General Synod delegates that he considers the 2011 acquisition of the former Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove to be a gift from God and a gift to our church. Again it was our honour to represent the Classis of Ontario at this high court meeting. We did our best to represent you well. In Christ, Rev. Hank Bylstra Rev. Janine Dekker Mr Randy Bohl gave the greetings to the Classis from the Reformed Church in America office in Grand Rapids. He thanked the Classis for being involved in the ministry of the RCA work both at home and abroad. He spoke a few minutes about the 15 year plan of the RCA - Transformed and Transforming. Mr Bohl encouraged the churches to use the RCA staff in their ministries. He also spoke about the four changes that are taking place in the way the Church ministers within the communities we serve. c. Words of Hope Rev Les Boyd of Thorold He reported on the Ministry of the Words of Hope which meant in Holland MI this past month. He encouraged us to think about our work of the ministry. Dr David Bast is thinking about retirement in the next coming year. d. Redeemer University College The College was represented by Mrs Judith Drost Storey. She gave the report along with some pictures, and encouraged the churches to think about the College as an option for our student members. Judith also gave a slide presentation about the ministry of RUC and its students. The Stated Clerk announced that all those who were nominated to be on the Classis committees were elected to these positions. The motion was made, supported and carried that the ballots be destroyed. The motion was made to receive the report was supported and carried. e. Regional Synod Report The Rev John Kapteyn gave the report. He spoke about the next steps that we can take as God s people to reach out to those who live around us and are outside of the faith. Classis of Ontario Page

9 Regional Synod of Canada Report to the 2015 Fall Classis Meetings "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.." (Galatians 5:6) 1. Transformed and Transforming and RCA Matters Two members of our Executive Committee and myself represent our Region at a new Regional Synod Leadership Community which is a two year process whereby Regions to consider how regional synods can better carry out their mandate and responsibilities. As Stan Seagren, Pete Burrill and myself have presented a manifesto to the RSC Executive which they approved and we will be sharing this with classis executives committees to see how we can engage them and their classes in that process. Our manifesto focussed on: Opening doors to authentic missional community We will work with Classis leadership to foster this community between Classis and Regional Synod leadership, to establish better community amongst the leadership. Having developed/restored this sense of trust we will develop some shared values in conjunction with the leadership of our Classes and develop a plan to create this within our Classes. Values will include: speaking the truth in love, integrity, collaboration, telling each other s stories (to inspire and encourage and even at times to lament with one another), authenticity and innovation in leadership development, and an atmosphere of dignity and respect. This is in response to our discontent with the fact that young people feel they are not being freed to lead or seen as valuable members of the community, our discontent with how we hold on to old hurts rather than seeking healing, our discontent with the adversarial atmosphere that is growing within the Classes. At this meeting and a subsequent Council of Synod Executives meeting, we discussed the matter of the Special Council. Four Regional Synods are discussing this challenging issue. Our region will be involved and/or informed. These regions have gifted process and polity persons and we are best served to follow their advice and work with them rather than formulate our own course of action 2. Ridder Two British Columbia and three Alberta churches will engage the 2 year process starting Fall In Ontario, four churches currently in Ridder will engage in Module 2 of the process starting this Fall. The Regional Synod will subsidize the costs for churches if they need that support, but do expect churches to cover at least $500 of the cost. 3. Vision Renewal We continue to offer Vision Renewal to our churches. The Athabasca Reformed Congregation completed this process this past spring. 4. Coordinator for Human Trafficking Outreach We are thankful to Jennifer Lucking for her work in this area. We remind churches of Jennifer's availability to speak to groups about this important issue. Jennifer collaborated with CRCPD (see below) to contribute to their election resource regarding Human Trafficking and other matter, Click here for online resource at Classis of Ontario Page

10 5. Committee for Public Dialogue We thank Hank Vrielink for being our representative on this committee. We encourage churches to make use of their resources regarding the important issues of our aboriginal community and the issues facing refugees, especially from the Mideast. Their website is Here is a short report from Hank: Here is the monthly report from the Center for public Dialog. It includes a post on the current Syrian Refugee crisis that might be of interest for some of our members as this in an election issue that is getting a lot of media attention. This has been a key area that the center has been working on for a long time now and attempting to promote greater awareness and action from our Government. Please share with the church distribution lists and welcome them to go through the website of the center for public justice for further resource information - Please look to the home page of the center for additional justice based issues and opportunities for how we as Christians can become a stronger voice for Justice within Canada and within our global community. There are some excellent resources that we can share with our friends and neighbors. I would also encourage you to sign up for the Do Justice social media website on the home page. These are the key tools the center uses to communicate. - Thanks for your support in this area. It remains a wonderful example of how through working together we can achieve more in furthering God s Kingdom on Earth. Hank Vrielink 6. Refugees We are including a letter sent to our churches in May regarding how we can help those who are suffering from the Middle East refugee crisis. Please again consider how we as churches and individuals can share Christ's with them. 7. Other We continue to use our Reformed Church Prays to enable all our churches to pray for a specific church each Sunday. Please participate as we need your prayers We ask for you to share with us stories - personal or church - of who God is working in you and through you. These will be published in RCA Today or on our website - We have unincorporated the RCA Foundation Canada and incorporated some of their activities with the Regional Synod of Canada. We are also in finalizing new by-laws and rules of order. We offer scholarships for students attending seminaries through the Jelle Van Kuiken Scholarship Fund. We will contact the Student Care committees of Classes to obtain the names of students under care of classis who are eligible to receive these. The Regional Synod has established a Search Committee to replace me when I retire at the end of February, 2016 (on Leap Day). The deadline for applications was September 30, God bless you! Rev. John Kapteyn, Executive Secretary f. Ecumenical Report There was no report. Classis of Ontario Page

11 g. Western Theological Seminary Rev Abram Blaak stated that he would be leaving Monday to attend the Board Meetings at Western. His report is an addendum to these minutes. There was a question as to why there is never a report from New Brunswick Seminary, and that will encouraged as well from now on. h. Countryside Camp and Conference Centre Association Mr Tim Partridge gave the report. He reported that the season of life at camp, and thanked the chaplains for the work that did this summer at the camp. He also encouraged the churches to keep sending their children who had an amazing summer at the camp. One of the new initiative for the camp is it alumni and to connect them to the camp, other alumnus. i. Others There were no other reports. The Chair called for a ten minutes coffee break, which the Classis gladly accepted. The Classis spent the next almost two hours speaking on the AODA law that each church needs to conform to. Terry de Young, the coordinator for Disability Concerns for the RCA, along with Corrinna Visser of the First Reformed Church in St Catharines, led this time of teaching. The Stated Clerk will send to the churches the information that Mr deyoung would send after the meeting. 13. REPORTS OF CLASSIS COMMITTEES: a. General Finance Committee Budget Presentation The report was given by David McAllister. He presented the budget to the Classis. There was no debate or discussion at this time. The motion was made, supported and carried that the motion be tabled. The chair asked the host church to lead in table devotions. Elder Harry demol read was from Job 1:1-12 and added a reading from a devotional. He led the Classis in a time of prayer. After the lunch time, the President led the Classis in a time of prayer. The Executive Committee: Executive Committee Report to the Fall Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario, October 24, MEMBERSHIP: The Executive Committee is Elder Jim VandenBerg (President), Rev Clifford Classis of Ontario Page

12 Turkstra (Vice-President), Rev. Abram Blaak (clerk), Elder Grace Slot (treasurer), Rev. Peter Burrill, Rev John Kapteyn and Elder Carl Visser. 2. DUTIES: The task of the Classis Executive shall have the general superintendence of the committees of Classis and shall make certain that the duties of the committees and the directives of Classis are carried out. The Executive Committee shall act in any Classis matter that is not the responsibility of any other person or committee. (Classis Rules of Order, 61, page 17, 2008.) 3. The Executive Committee has every month except for July over this past Spring and Summer. 4. In our March meeting, the Executive dealt with the findings that came from Rev Josh Bode s presentation to the Spring Session of the Classis. There was a list made up of all the responses, which was narrowed down and sent to the churches for information. The list has been sent to all the churches, ministers and Elders of which the Stated Clerk has addresses. As well, the classis has paid all the expenses that Rev Bode has sent us - a total of $ The Executive was made aware that the Rosa family were leaving Montreal Light for the Nations to go to Edmonton where they are beginning a new ministry. Pastor Antonio Carlos Nasser is a pastor the church is interested in, and has come to Canada to begin the ministry in Montreal. At this point, he still needs to be examined by the Classis. 6. The Executive made the decision that the ad-hoc committee has run its course. The executive committee used the Robert s Rules of Order and the committee should now be closed off. The motion was made that this committee be dissolved since its mandate has been reached. The Executive Committee will make this recommendation for the Fall Stated Session. The motion was supported and carried. 7. The issue of the letter from Western Theological Seminary, which had been handed out at the Spring Session of the Classis, was put on hold until after the 2015 General Synod Meeting. After the GS meeting, Rev John Kapteyn gave us a short report on the GS concerning the Jerusalem Council that was set up in order to discuss the homosexual issue in the RCA. The General Synod Council will be sending out a letter to the Classes of the RCA to explain what the process is, and deal with the issue at this point. The General Synod chose to bypass the issue of Dr Brownson. Instead the letter from Rev Greg Alderman concerning the Special Council was formed, and sent to the churches after the GS meeting. The Clerk was instructed that this letter be placed into the workbook for the Fall Classis Meeting. The Executive also decided to choose a delegate for the Council which is being set up. The motion was made and supported that the Classis choose a person from the classis who is open and has good listening skills. Several names were discussed, however the Executive chose Rev Peter Burrill was chosen since he has worked on this subject with the GS before. After the discussion, the motion was made that Peter Burrill represent us to the council. The motion was supported and carried 8. A letter from Terry DeYoung, RCA coordinator for disability concerns was received by the Clerk. Rev Kapteyn spoke with Mr DeYoung at the GS as to request that there be a presentation at the Classis. The motion was Terry deyoung to coordinate the presentation at the Fall Stated Session, including the AODA requirements. The motion was supported and carried. Classis of Ontario Page

13 9. The Stated Clerk was requested to be in touch with the office of General Secretary of the RCA to join us at one of our Stated Sessions. It looks like that he might be available for our Spring Session, 2016 in Stevensville. 10. The Executive discussed the fund raiser that is being held by Redeemer University College in Ancaster. The discussion centred on the that we consider a $ 5,000 donation for the budget towards the Redeemer University College s campaign. The motion was made, supported and carried. This will go to the Classis Fall meeting through the budget for next year. The motion was made that the Classis reimburse Rev Meine Veldman at the Classis rate of Committees, to the limit of $ per trip. The motion was supported and carried. 11. There was a discussion about the finances the Classis has paid this year for Dr Veldman s salary.. This matter will need to be dealt with at the Stated Fall Classis since the Classis had approved it for only this current year. 12. Note from the Consistory of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Woodstock, who are asking the question, What is the possibility of producing an Ontario Classis newsletter similar to The Pioneer which contains news from each church, pastors retiring/getting ordained/deceased etc.? We feel that there could be greater fellowship between the churched by such an endeavour and this idea comes out of our discussion of the Classis evaluation. The Executive instructed to have someone to gather the information and send out something to the churches quarterly. The funds should be made available for this project. The Clerk has someone in mind and is waiting for her answer. 13. In the Spring, the Executive was made aware of the fact that the Classis of Ontario, Inc. was named in a lawsuit against the congregation of the LaSenda Reformed Church. The matter was handed over to the Classis Insurance agency. As well, Revs Turkstra and Blaak were sent on behalf of the Executive to speak with both the consistory of LaSenda and the person who is bringing the suit. At the time of printing, we are waiting the outcome of that meeting as well as other times of connection with both parties by Rev Turkstra. 14. It was also decided that a request for financial help for Westdale s Bylaws would be sent to the Finance Committee of the Classis. 15. The Executive also decided to invite Mr Randy Bohl to speak at the Fall Stated Session of the Classis. Rev Blaak will be in touch with him and set up details for the meeting. 16. Elder Grace Slot, our Classis Treasurer, is resigning in March She has done a marvelous job in keeping the Executive and the Classis abreast of all the financial details. 17. CLASSIS COMMITTEE MINUTES: The Executive Committee has been concerned about the lack of minutes that have been forward to the Clerk s office. Each committee is to be reminded of their tasks at hand, and the need to meet at regular intervals. As well, the Stated Clerk is to receive the minutes of these meetings for his file and the Executive s perusal. 18. RECOMMENDATIONS: Classis of Ontario Page

14 A) To Receive this Report as a whole. The Stated Clerk for the Executive Committee The Stated Clerk did not report orally on the Article Seven: Article 7 Superintendence of the Churches Church a b c d e f g h i j k l m Brantford, Bethel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Cambridge, Countryside Chatham. First Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Drayton, Drayton Exeter, Bethel Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y Y Grimsby, Forestview Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Guelph, Riverside Community Hamilton, Westdale Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Kingsville, Faith Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Mississauga, Ebenezer Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Mississauga, New Alliance St. Catharines, First Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Stevensville, Faith Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Stoney Creek, Ebenezer Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Thorold, Grace Community Toronto, La Senda Del Amor Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Toronto, New Life Wainfleet, Maranatha Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Welland, Christ Community Whitby, Emmanuel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y Woodstock, Emmanuel Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y The motion was made to receive this report was supported and carried. Classis of Ontario Page

15 b. The Church Planning and Development Committee: Rev John DeGiovanni presented the report to the Classis. To: Classis of Ontario Classis of Ontario Report from CP&D Fall 2015 Grace and peace to you, Classis of Ontario. The Church Planning and Development Committee continues its work with a willingness to assist our st churches in their missions. I believe that, as churches in the 21 century, we encourage you to explore how to engage neighbours around us and learn what is necessary to bear fruit, fruit that lasts as Jesus put it. We also encourage you to make room for dialogue on what that is about and how it really needs to happen. As a committee, we remind each one of our churches that we continue to be available and eager to partner with you. Hence we would like to: (1) Encourage ministerial initiatives focused on making disciples both new disciples and more mature disciples (2) be available to provide assistance for congregations in need, (3) to encourage congregational plans for new church starts or (4) congregational revitalization processes. Updates and recommendations regarding current church plants and ministries are: A. Church plants/ministries under current care. 1. Light for the Nations in Montreal continues its ministry under Vida Nova s direction and with some general oversight by CP&D. The congregation continues a period of steady growth in its membership and in maturity. Montreal continues to be a difficult area to work in. The congregation is in a state of transition as Carlos and Meire have left Montreal and reside in Edmonton now so they are no longer involved with Light for the Nations. Antonio Nasser has taken up the mantle of pastoral leadership and continues under the guidance of Vida Nova. Their goal continues to be to have a local leadership able to become the future LFN s elders and deacons. 2. Welland Christ Community Church has been seeking ways to become sustainable as it seeks ways to minister to the multiple, varied and numerous needs that it meets in its neighbourhood. We have partnered with the RSC in funding several expansions in this ministry by way of funding ministry, potential hiring of additional staff, and further exploration of meeting needs in the community. We have engaged and are part of increased oversight to encourage, learn, and help manage these expansions. Please continue to pray for this enlarging of the Welland work that we are trying to help. If you would like to know more or would like to see how this is working please do not hesitate to see how we can help with that. B. Other Work The Ministry expansion funds and the Church Visioning funds are set aside by CP&D for churches that require some funding to help them as they undertake ministries in their communities or go through a visioning process to help them set direction. CP&D would like to meet with churches to see how we can help you begin these processes and then also help you with actual funds as you put your plans in place. We continue to explore the work and the information that was begun at the Fall 2014 Classis meeting when Randy Weener from Michigan spoke on church health and Fresh Starts. We have the church health surveys that were filled out as part of that presentation and will be following up with individual churches Classis of Ontario Page

16 to see how we can continue that process of exploring church health and encouraging changes that will help churches become healthier. We ask all members of Classis Ontario to pray for these ministries and for the continuing work of CP&D. In Christ, This report is presented by: Ben Van Hoeve (Chair), Grace Slot, John Krul, John DiGiovanni, Jay Pluim, Don Waterhouse, Deborah Waterhouse and John Kapteyn (RSC advisor). Fall 2015 Classis Meeting CP&D Budget and Recommendations: To approve the following budget:: a. To be taken from assessments $ 15,000 for Welland Community Church b. To be taken from CP&D reserve funds i. $ 10,000 for Ministry expansion initiative fund ii. $ 10,000 for Church Visioning fund iii. $ 15,000 for Welland Community Church Total 15,000 Total 35,000 The motion was made that we accept the budget of the CP&D. The motion was supported and carried. The Ministry expansion funds and the Church Visioning funds are set aside by CP&D for churches that require some funding to help them as they undertake ministries in their communities or go through a visioning process to help them set direction. CP&D would like to meet with churches to see how we can help you begin these processes and then also help you with actual funds as you put your plans in place. The motion was made to accept the report as a whole was supported and carried. c. The Overtures and Judicial Business Committee: The Report of Overtures and Judicial Business Committee to Classis for the Fall Stated Session, October 24, 2015 The Overtures and Judicial Business Committee of Classis, constituted by Elder James Ramsay (chair), Rev. Doug Nieuwstraten and Rev. Jim Vellinga, met by conference call on September 23, 2015 and unanimously made the following recommendations. 1. Amendment to Rule 20, Classis Rules of Order Rule 20 of the Classis Rules of Order, which deals with stated sessions of Classis, reads as follows: 20. A written notice of a Stated Classis Session and of the agenda of that session including all committee reports shall be sent to the churches, ministers, committee members and corresponding delegates so that the information is received at least twenty-one days before the Stated Session. Classis executive requests that Rule 20 be amended to read: Classis of Ontario Page

17 20. A written notice of a Stated Classis Session and of the agenda of that session including all committee reports shall be sent to the churches, ministers, committee members and corresponding delegates so that the information is received at least twenty-one days before the Stated Session. Such notification may be given by electronic mail as long as receipt of the electronic message is verified by the Stated Clerk. If electronic mail cannot be verified or is not available notice shall be given in the usual manner as described above. The Stated Clerk shall provide printed copies of the above upon request. The proposed amendment would bring the rule in line with Rule 19, which permits electronic distribution of materials for special sessions of Classis. At the Spring stated session, Classis approved the amendment on first reading. Recommendation #1: The Overtures and Judicial Business Committee recommends approval of the amendment on second reading. The motion was made, supported and carried. 2. Change to procedure for electing consistory at Westdale Reformed The consistory of Westdale Reformed Church asks Classis to approve the following bylaw: 1.1 Election/Appointment of Elders and Deacons. All candidates for Elder or Deacon shall be persons who in the opinion of the Consistory are qualified as set out herein and who have successfully completed the process established by the Consistory from time to time under the Book of Church Order. The Nominating Committee, or if a Nominating Committee is not established then the Elders, shall propose a slate of candidates for office at the meeting of members prior to the meeting at which the election is held. If the number of candidates nominated is greater than the number of offices to be filled, then selection shall be by lot. BCO 1.I.2., section 14 (c) provides: 14(c) Elders and deacons in churches already organized shall be chosen by one of the following methods: (1) A double number of candidates shall be nominated by the consistory. (2) The confessing members of the congregation shall nominate and choose the whole number to be elected with or without advisory nominations by the consistory or other representatives of the congregation. (3) The method approved by the church s charter. (4) The method approved by the church s bylaws, subject to approval by the classis. The proposed bylaw would give no role to the congregation, apart from accepting or rejecting the candidates chosen by the elders or the nominating committee, as further chosen by lot. Methods (1) and (2) are designed to prevent consistory from perpetuating itself by choosing candidates without input from the congregation either at the nomination or election stages of the process. Classis could consider approving a method of election that involved casting lots, but the congregation must have some role in nominating the candidates. Recommendation #2: the Overtures and Judicial Business Committee recommends disapproval of the proposed bylaw. The motion was made, supported and carried. 3. Amendment to Rule 30 of the Classis Rules of Order. Rule 30 reads 30. The Officers of the Classis shall be the President, the Vice President, the Stated Clerk and Classis of Ontario Page

18 the Treasurer. They shall be enrolled minister members of the Classis or elders in the churches of the Classis. Elders need not presently be a member of a local board of elders to serve as an officer of the Classis. At least one of these officers shall be a minister and at least one of them shall be an elder. No person shall hold more than one office. The Executive Committee asks that the rule be amended by adding the following sentence after the fourth sentence: The Treasurer may be a deacon in one of the churches of the Classis but need not presently be a member of a local board of deacons to serve as the Treasurer of the Classis. All that the BCO requires is that classes have a president and a stated clerk [1.II.4] and that members of classis committees, commissions or boards be confessing members of the churches in the classis [1.II.6]. The proposed amendment would be constitutional. Recommendation #3: the Overtures and Judicial Business Committee recommends approval on first reading. The motion was made, supported and carried. Submitted by James Ramsay Recommendation: That this report be received as a whole. The motion was made, supported and carried. d. The Pastoral Relations Committee: Rev Art VanSlageren gave the report on behalf of the committee. PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT Fall Classis meeting October 23, 2015 Business Conducted: Approved a four month 30 hour per week Youth Director contract between Yolanda Koole and First Reformed Church, St. Catharines. Approved two contracts at Forestview Community Church: For 35 hours with Tracy Werner as Office Administrator For 30 hours with Rose Tamming as Ministries Director Met with representatives of Countryside and New Alliance and Rev. Gouvea to discuss and approve contracts for a one-year pastoral relationship between New Alliance Reformed Church and the Rev. Ricardo Quadros Gouvea, and Countryside Reformed Church and the Rev. Ricardo Quadros Gouvea. Accepted the retirement of Rev. Dirk Jan Kramer from Drayton Reformed Church that directly impacted the Pastoral Relations Committee. We will miss his wisdom and contribution to Classis and our committee but wish Dirk and Jean great joy, good health and continued usefulness in the Kingdom in their retirement. Approved a one-year pastoral contract between Vida Nova and the Rev. Nasser for ministry at Light for the Nations in Montreal. *he will need to be examined by Classis as he transfers in from the Presbyterian Church in Brazil. Classis of Ontario Page

19 Recommendation: to receive this report. Committee members: Bart Keefer, John Keunen, Jerry Koobs, (clerk), Harry Moes, Stan Seagren, Art Van Slageren (chair) Rev Van Slageren also spoke about Rev. Vellekoop who has a call from the Whitby congregation. He will need to be examined should he take the call. He also spoke about the support for Rev Meine Veldman and the lack of communications between the FFE and the Classis. The motion was made, supported and carried to accept the report. e. The Student Care and Examinations Committee: The Candidate Care and Examination Committee Report to the Fall Classis, 2015 The Candidate Care & Examination Committee organized a special meeting of Classis on September 24, 2015 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church of Woodstock for the purpose of examining Florence Dekker who is our current candidate. Mrs Dekker is in a five year track with Western Theological Seminary. Florence Dekker was examined in the exam called Perception of the Gospel. The exam were sustained by the committee, which is looking forward to Mrs Dekker maturing in her knowledge of the Good News. The current roster of licensed candidates is: Mrs. Adriana Ostapenko Mr. Bert Van Ittersum Recommendations: R1 That this report be received by the Classis. Current committee members: Rev. Abram Blaak (CE), Rev. David Vandervelde, Rev. Les Boyd (President), Mr. Henry Bruines, Mr. Gildo Vieira, Mrs. Annette Curry, Rev Barry Wynveen. The motion was made, supported and carried to accept the report as a whole. f. The Discipleship Committee: There was no report sent or given to the Classis. The Discipleship Committee Jamie Bombardier, Rob Kruizinga, Duane Vanderlaan, Debbie VanHoeve, Jim Vellenga, Bill Wensink. g. The Christian Social Action Committee: The Committee has no report. h. Special and Ad-hoc Committee: Report to the 2015 Fall Session of Classis Ontario Classis of Ontario Page

20 Ad Hoc Committee re Brownson and Western Theological Seminary History, Context, Mandate At the 2013 Spring Session of Classis, two motions were made and carried as follows (copied and pasted from the Minutes of Classis): The motion was made between this an the next Classis meeting, the Classis research, read and discuss what action the Classis might make, and bring this to the next Classis meeting in October. The motion was supported and carried. The matter will be brought to the next meeting of the Classis Executive. Another motion was made by Rev Martyn Van Essen that the Classis appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to study the book and formulate a report and response to guide the Classis in its Fall discussions. Volunteers for this should contact the Stated Clerk before the March 20 meeting the Executive... The motion above was supported and carried. One of the recommendations the Ad Hoc Committee brought forward to the Classis at the 2013 Fall Session of Classis was as follows (copied and pasted from the Minutes of Classis): Therefore: as The Classis of Ontario, we resolve to write to Western Theological Seminary to demand the removal of The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson from the faculty of Western Theological Seminary, and from any and all teaching responsibilities there. The Minutes show this recommendation was moved, seconded, and carried. The letter of response from WTS to this motion was handed out at the 2015 Spring Session of Classis. The Ad Hoc Committee gave the following oral report at that same meeting (copied and pasted from the Minutes of the 2015 Spring Session of Classis): Rev Martyn Van Essen gave a report from the ad-hoc committee concerning the Rev Dr Jim Brownson. The committee will begin working on further recommendations since now we have a response from the Seminary. The motion was made that this report be accepted The motion was supported and carried. The letter we received from The Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown, President of WTS, states: An important value that I as the President of the seminary along with the Board of Trustees must affirm is the principle of academic freedom in the pursuit of truth in the service of the Church. The RCA has committed itself to always be reforming according the Word of God, and academic freedom exists to serve this end. Dr. Brown goes on to say: As a board, we hold all members of our faculty, including Dr. Brownson, to full submission to these standards [i.e., the Constitution of the RCA]. And he concludes with: For these reasons we cannot accede to your request to have Dr. Brownson removed from the faculty of Western Theological Seminary. Classis of Ontario Page

21 Dr. Brown seems to imply that Dr. Brownson is in full compliance with the Constitution of the RCA, even though he is (in our opinion and in the opinion of the Classis see Minutes of the 2013 Fall Session of Classis) blatantly teaching and promoting what is contrary to Scripture. We bring all this forward to give context to what follows and the recommendations we are asking you to consider. Recommendations and Grounds Whereas: The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson is intentionally and actively promoting his book, Bible, Gender, Sexuality, and the teaching it contains, and Whereas: Bible, Gender, Sexuality reveals a teaching that is contrary to Scripture and to the position of the Reformed Church in America regarding same-sex sexual relationships, and Whereas: The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson is a professor at Western Theological Seminary of The Reformed Church in America and is responsible for teaching and training future Ministers of Word and Sacraments for The Reformed Church in Ameria, and Whereas: The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson is unlikely to teach at Western Theological Seminary contrary to his conscience concerning same-sex sexual relationships (as evidenced by his active promotion of his book), and Whereas: W estern Theological Seminary (WTS), through its President, The Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown, has denied The Classis of Ontario s request to dismiss The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson by invoking the principle of academic freedom for the pursuit of truth in the service of the church, and Whereas: within this so-called academic freedom The Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson is permitted to continue to teach what is blatantly contrary to Scripture concerning same-sex sexual relationships as explicitly stated and maintained by The Reformed Church in America since 1994, and Whereas: the Classis is responsible to satisfy itself that candidates for the ministry under its care have the requisite skills in interpretation and proclamation of Scripture (BCO 1.II.8.6) and are sound in doctrine (BCO 1.II.8.7), and Whereas: the need for such examination of students for the ministry is ultimately for the protection of, the benefit of, and the welfare of the churches under the care of the Classis, as well as the Church as a whole, and Whereas: The Classis of Ontario is deeply concerned for the churches under its care that they may remain faithful in doctrine and practice to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Word of God, and Whereas: The Classis of Ontario no longer has confidence in Western Theological Seminary to train such pastors who can preach, teach and lead congregations in faithfulness to Christ and his Word because it has chosen academic freedom over faithfulness to Scripture, Therefore: The Ad Hoc Committee of The Classis of Ontario re James V. Brownson recommends the following: 1) That The Classis of Ontario no longer recognize degrees or the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry granted to students who graduate from Western Theological Seminary. (Students currently under the care of Classis and studying at WTS will be exempt from this.) Classis of Ontario Page

22 2) That The Classis of Ontario withhold its denominational assessments in protest. (How can we support our seminaries in good conscience through yearly assessments when part of that support, given by faithful and sacrificing members and churches, goes for the support of the very persons who are supporting, allowing, and teaching the unscriptural teachings we need to protect our churches from?) 3) That The Classis of Ontario seek out another seminary, preferably in Canada, in which we can place our confidence to train the next generation of ministers for our churches. Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Greg Girard (convener) The Rev. Dr. Meine Veldman The Rev. H. Martyn Van Essen The motion was made that this be referred to the Executive until the end of the season of restraint and that this be brought back after the General Synod meetings of This was supported. After some discussion there was a call for the question was given which was seconded. The vote was made to refer and the motion was passed The motion was made that the ad-hoc committee be dissolved, supported and defeated. The discussion then circled around what now is the mandate of the ad-hoc committee. The motion that the ad-hoc committee report in the response to the special committee of the Reformed Church and any response to it by the Executive Committee. The motion was supported and The motion was withdrawn. The motion is made to instruct the Executive Committee to bring back the ad-hoc committee report in the Fall Stated Session of 2016 by way of the ad-hoc committee. The motion was supported and carried. i. General Finance Committee: Committee member David McAllister gave the report on behalf of the committee. Finance Committee Report October 24, 2015, Fall Classis meeting The General Finance committee corresponded via , and conducted one meeting to discuss financial business of the Classis, and submit the following recommendations for Classis approval: Recommendations: 1. Approve 2016 Budget of $250,743 as presented, showing a per member assessment for 2016 of $ , an increase from 2015 of $1.89 cents (1.66%) per member. The motion was made, supported and carried. 2. Approve 2016 Canadian Ministers Minimum Salary and Benefits Guidelines. Note the proposed changed to #5 Housing Allowance, which we propose mainly for clarification purposes. The motion was made that we accept these Guidelines as recommended by the Regional Classis of Ontario Page

23 Synod of Canada was supported and carried. 3. Approve Capital Loan Fund loan to Woodstock Emanuel of $ 144,250, for purchase of neighboring residential house & lot. Loan repayment terms: interest at Royal Bank Prime (presently 2.7%), repayment principal & interest monthly payments for maximum 10 years, and no restrictions or penalties on early repayments The motion was made, supported and carried. 4. Approve appointment of 2015 lay auditors: Dinah Holmes (Welland) and Ed Hettinga (Woodstock). No requirement yet for formal Review Engagement, or Auditors Report, by Ontario government. The motion was made, supported and carried. Submitted by Grace Slot, Treasurer On behalf of the Finance Committee: Rev Carson Culp, George Dekker, David McAllister 2016 Budget (Next Page) Classis of Ontario Page

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