CLASSIS ONTARIO First Reformed Church, Chatham MINUTES OF THE FALL SESSION OF CLASSIS OCTOBER 23, 2010 AT 8:30 A.M.

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1 CLASSIS ONTARIO First Reformed Church, Chatham MINUTES OF THE FALL SESSION OF CLASSIS OCTOBER 23, 2010 AT 8:30 A.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The Classis was called to order by its President, Rev Art VanderMeulen at 8:35 a.m. Worship Service The worship service was led by the Rev Art VanderMeulen, the President of the Classis. He opened the session with prayer. We sang together the songs, Jesus, Name Above All Names and Jesus, All for Jesus, led by the Rev Ken Labbé on guitar. Rev VanderMeulen read from Acts 17 and Ephesians 4: He asked the Classis the question, What is the object of the church? Is it to fill the place you have? since the assumption is that more equals better. He came to the conclusion that God s destination is to build up the body until we attain to the unity of the faith, which is the knowledge of the Son of God in maturity. And, we are to make disciples because we are the children of God. After another hymn and prayer, the classis was brought into the meeting as the minutes record. 2. THE ROLL CALL: The following Churches were represented by: Brantford Rev Abram Blaak Elder Bert Van Holst Cambridge Without Installed Pastor Elder Maria Wilts Elder Rita Vanden Berg Chatham Rev Peter Burrill Elder Herb Hystek Drayton Rev Dirk Jan Kramer Elder John Tinholt Rev Duane Vanderlaan Elder Al Plat Exeter Rev Jim Vellenga Elder Teo Van Steeg Grimsby Rev John DeGiovani Elder John De Hoog Guelph Rev Henry dekorte Elder Grace Eisen Hamilton Rev Stan Seagren Elder Klaas Slagter Kingsville Rev Ken Labbé Elder Cor Demeris London Rev Art VanderMeulen Elder Paul Massen Maitland Rev Janine Dekker Elder Cindy Hayes Mississauga Ebenezer Without Installed Pastor Elder Henny Kroon Elder Christine Woudenberg Mississauga New Alliance Rev Humberto Lopes Elder Springford Rev Adriaan de Groot Elder Dave Schonnewille St. Catharines Rev Art VanSlageren Elder David Zekveld Stevensville Rev Ken Ramsay Elder James Ramsay Stoney Creek Without Installed Pastor Elder Jerry Keunen Elder Classis of Ontario Page

2 Thorold, Grace Rev Les Boyd Elder Toronto LaSenda del Amor Elder Toronto, New Life Rev Ceny Tavares Elder Wainfleet Without Installed Pastor Elder Fred Leeuwenberg Elder Welland Elder Whitby Rev Don Waterhouse Elder Wane Sytsma Woodstock Emmanuel Without Installed Pastor Elder Henry Bruines Elder Al Dennis Other Members of Classis Present were: Rev Henk Bylstra, Rev John Drost, Rev John Kapteyn (RSC), Rev Will Kroon, Rev Gordon Ross, Emile Schmid (Commissioned Pastor), Rev Charles Webster, Rev Siebrand Wilts. Classis Parliamentarian Elder Carl Visser 3. STATED CLERK'S REPORT ON EXCUSED AND UN-EXCUSED ABSENCES Absent from the meeting: Absent With Permission: Rev Carson Culp (in Ottawa), Rev E.J. dewaard, Rev Greg Girrard (Armed Forces, Kingston), Rev Kenneth Lowe, Rev Thomas Meyer, Rev Samuel M Priestley Jr., Rev Clifford Turkstra,William VandenBerg, Rev Thomas VanderSchaaf, Rev Martyn Van Essen, Rev William Wensink, Rev Art Zeilstra. Not present due to distance: Rev Karel Hanhart. Others Not Present: Rev Peter DeJong, Rev Doug Nieuwstraten, Rev Chris Platteel, Rev Alberto Salazar, Rev Pieter Schinkelshoek, Rev John Strik, Rev Ronald Van Auken, Rev Jon Van Oostveen, Rev John Verhoog, The Students of Classis Present were: Mr. José Garreton, Ms. Joellen Poot. Absent from the meeting were: Mr. John Arthur, Mr Solomon Diaz-Gomez (work), Mr. Paul Menicanin, Ms. Olga Noordam, Mrs. Adriana Ostapenko, Mr. Carlos Rosa, Mrs. Meire Rosa, Ms. Marijke Strong, Mr. Stewart VanderVelden, Dr. Meine Veldman. The Classis Parliamentarian, Elder Carl Visser, announced that a quorum was present, and the President declared Classis duly constituted. 4. APPOINTMENTS OF SESSION COMMITTEES Temporary Clerk: Rev Janine Dekker of Maitland Classis of Ontario Page

3 Consistorial Minute Books: Rev Dirk Jan Kramer Elders of the Drayton Reformed and Stoney Creek congregations 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 Ken Ramsay and Elders from Drayton and Woodstock Congregations Resolutions: Rev Les Boyd and the Elder from Thorold Congregation Leave of Absence: The Executive Committee -- see Stated Clerk. Delegates for the General Synod: Elders: Ministers: Chatham Rev Henry dekorte would like an alternate Kingsville Rev Dirk Jan Kramer The General Synod of 2011 will be meeting o June at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Stated Clerks Meetings will be held on June 14-16, 2010 at the College as well. 5. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS Eileen Boersma (Chatham), Jamie Bombardier (Kingsville), Beth Germs (Chatham), Dr Hubert Krygsman (RUC), Bill K (Drayton), John Krul (Drayton, CP&D), Christina Labbë (RSC Women), Jack Moerman (Chatham) Efraim Oppelt (Liaison Officer URCSA), Grace Slot (Treasurer), Arnold Van Aukum (RSC), Sieka Van Steeg (Exeter). 6. READING OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS STATED SESSIONS BY TITLE The Stated Clerk read the minutes by title of the Minutes of the Spring Session of Classis at the Countryside Reformed Church, Cambridge, March 6, (Pages through ). There was one change made to the Minutes which is reflected on page , which reads: That we approve the change in principle and refer the change to Finance and OJB for further study and consider the change as revised by committee for final approval at the Fall Session. That was the motion which was approved by the Classis in its meeting. The stated clerk made the Motion that the Classis accept the Minutes with its amendment, Classis of Ontario Page

4 of which the Classis was notified on March 24 by , The motion was supported and carried. 7. READING OF THE MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSIONS BY TITLES The Stated Clerk also read the minutes by titles of the Minutes of the Special Session: Minutes of the Classis Student Examination, held in Emmanuel Reformed Church, Whitby, Ontario on May 29, (Pages through ). Minutes of the Celebration of the Installation of the Rev Duane VanderLaan on Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Drayton Reformed Church in Drayton. (Pages through ) Motion that we accept these Minutes as distributed was supported and carried. 8. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Motion made that we accept the agenda as sent to the churches and the members of the Classis, and presented this morning to the Classis.. The motion to accept the agenda 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 OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS The report was given by Elder Carl Visser Officer: Vice-President Rev Ken Ramsay (Nominated by Committee) According to the Rules two names were to be submitted. The motion was made, supported and carried to set aside the Rules of Order to allow only one name to stand for the office of Vice-President. Committee Members: each are to be elected for a three year term: Church Planning and Development Minister Rev Alberto Salazar Second term expires Fall 2013 Elder Ben Van Hoeve Second term expires Fall 2013 Pastoral Relations Minister Rev Art Van Slageren First term expires Fall 2013 Minister Rev Stan Seagren First term expires Fall 2013 Elder Jerry Koobs First term expires Fall 2013 Candidate Care Elder First term expires Fall 2013 Classis of Ontario Page

5 Minister Rev Les Boyd First term expires Fall 2012 Executive Minister Rev Peter Burrill First Term Expires Fall 2013 Elder Carl K.Visser Second Term Expires Fall 2013 Overtures and Judicial Business Elder Carl K. Visser Second Term Expires Fall 2013 Minister Rev James Vellenga First Term Expires Fall 2013 Discipleship Minister Rev Janine Dekker Third term expires Fall 2011 The motion was made, supported and carried that the rules of order be set aside to allow Rev Dekker to serve her third term. Elder Jamie Bombardier First term expires Fall 2012 The Regional Synod of Canada Elder Teresa Dekker First term Elder Klaas Slagter Second term Redeemer University College Board of Directors Mrs. Janice Moddejonge Second term 11. PRESENTATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none to be presented. 12. REPORTS ON CLASSICAL REPRESENTATION: a. Fraternal Delegates There were no fraternal delegates at this meeting. b. General Synod Council Elder Arnold Van Ankum gave a report concerning the ministry of the GSC. Highlights were: the resignation of Dr Granberg-Michaelson who will step down next year. Mr Bart Strong is the Canadian representative on the nomination committee to seek another General Secretary. Rev Kapteyn invited the Classis to a meeting in early March 2011 where Dr Granberg-Michaelson will come to meet with the members of the Classis. c. Words of Hope Emile Schmid gave the report of his first meeting with the Words of Hope Board of Direction. He gave a challenge to the churches to raise monies so that Words of Hope can buy crank-up radios for those who live in the nations of the world. Classis of Ontario Page

6 d Redeemer University College Dr Hubert Krygsman is the new President of RUC. Motion to allow Rev Krygsman to speak when he arrives, and is fitted into the agenda of the Classis. e. Regional Synod Report Rev John Kapteyn gave the report. He encouraged the churches to be involved in the ministries of the Synod. A video was to be presented on the General Synod s idea of story telling. It could not be shown because of technical difficulties. Rev Kapteyn also the Missional Task Force Report. The main thought is how can we live out the missional call. Recommendation: 1. That the Classis endorse the Missional Task Force Report. The motion was made, supported and carried. 2. That the Classis allow the RSC to approach churches and individuals to participate in these initiatives. The motion was made, supported and carried. The Classis heard a report from Efraim Oppelt who outlined the work being done. The RSC is asking that churches to consider giving support to the HIV/AIDS work covered by agreement and for the expansion of the drop-in centre. The pictures he showed were about the project which is located in South Africa. Rev Burrill prayed for Mr Oppelt and the ministry in South Africa. Rev Kapteyn announced that more information will be forthcoming to the classis. At this point the technical difficulties for the video were resolved. The video was about God s Storytellers, and the workshop to help us to share our stories about Christ. A question was asked about the ministry in Athabasca. Due to personal reasons, Norm McCallum is now longer there. The ministry is continuing, and a new couple has been called to Athabasca. The support the RSC gives is $10,000, but more support from the churches is needed to make this budget. Motion was made, supported and carried to receive the report as a whole. f. Ecumenical Report There was no report. g. Western Theological Seminary Rev Abram Blaak gave the report. The meeting of the Seminary Board is going to take place on October 26 and 27. This will be his first meeting as a member of the board. So far there has been a lot of reading. One of the most exciting things so far is the list of 10 students he has received. These are to be his prayer partners over the next year. Olga Noordam and Joellen Poot are two of those on the list. After the meeting of the WTS Board, Rev Blaak will send the classis his report. h. Countryside Camp and Conference Centre Association. Klaas Slagter gave the report to the Classis. Elder Slagter spoke about the Stand in the Gap program which is designed to help fill the camp with children who cannot afford to Classis of Ontario Page

7 go to the summer program. He also announced that in the Fall and early Spring there are reduced rates at the Camp for the church ministries. i. Others Hope Prayer Team A letter from the Hope Team was sent out with the Classis packet. It gave the sad news that HOPE as we know it has been disbanded. At this point there is nothing identified as to what the future will hold for another team. The Classis spent time in prayer for the ministries which are listed above, seeking God s blessing on their work within the Kingdom of Jesus. The Classis spent 15 minutes in coffee break. Redeemer University College Report: Dr Krygsman came and spoke to the Classis on behalf of Redeemer University College. He introduced Judith Drost-Story who is one of the advancement members of RUC. He announced that Dr Wesley Granberg-Michaelson will be speaking at the ministers conference in March. RUC is growing rapidly, and this year there are 950 students at the College. He spoke of the goals for the next while which includes a deep spirituality and commitment to Jesus Christ and his Lordship. Also there is the emphasis on the whole life education, as those who grow as a whole person in their faith and life. Another goal is the engagement with the community and hold to the Reformed faith and world-view. At this point, Rev John Drost was honoured for his 50 in ministry in the Classis and God s Church. The Classis gave thanks to the Lord God for his faithfulness in Rev Drost s live and ministry. Nomination Committee Report, continued: Report from the elections was made by President Art VanderMeulen, who announced that those nominated all received more than the 2/3 majority needed. The following people were elected to their ministry within the Classis: Officer: Vice-President Rev Ken Ramsay Church Planning and Development Minister Rev Alberto Salazar Second term expires Fall 2013 Elder Ben Van Hoeve Second term expires Fall 2013 Pastoral Relations Minister Rev Art Van Slageren First term expires Fall 2013 Minister Rev Stan Seagren First term expires Fall 2013 Elder Jerry Koobs First term expires Fall 2013 Classis of Ontario Page

8 Candidate Care Minister Rev Les Boyd First term expires Fall 2012 Executive Minister Rev Peter Burrill First Term Expires Fall 2013 Elder Carl K.Visser Second Term Expires Fall 2013 Overtures and Judicial Business Elder Carl K. Visser Second Term Expires Fall 2013 Minister Rev James Vellenga First Term Expires Fall 2013 Discipleship Minister Rev Janine Dekker Third term expires Fall 2011 Elder Jamie Bombardier First term expires Fall 2012 The Regional Synod of Canada Elder Teresa Dekker First term Elder Klaas Slagter Second term Redeemer University College Board of Directors Mrs. Janice Moddejonge Second term Motion to destroy the ballots was made, supported and carried. 13. REPORTS OF CLASSIS COMMITTEES: a. The General Finance Committee: Grace Slot, the Classis Treasurer, reported. The General Finance presented its proposed budget. There was no debate on the matter. The motion was made to table the report until after the committee reports was supported and carried. b. The Executive Committee: i. The Executive Report Rev Art VanderMeulen gave the report. There were no recommendations from the Executive Committee to the Classis. Motion was made to accept the report as a whole was supported and carried. There was a discussion regarding the issue of a minister chairing elder and consistory meetings and whether or not it was in compliance or against the rules of the Canadian Government and the BCO and if there is a conflict of interest between those two entities. The other question is then what is the pastor s role if the pastor does not chair the meeting. Can he vote in the meeting? It also raises a theological question as well. The motion that this issue be sent to the OJB for their assessment was supported. After some discussion the motion was carried. Classis of Ontario Page

9 The question was raised in the interim, until this issue is resolved, what do consistories do? It was encouraged that the OJB get on this issue as soon as possible. ii. Nominations Report The Classis was encouraged to read the nominations report and take note of the various vacancies that are left open so that those vacancies can be filled as soon as possible. If a person is found, please let them know so that executive can vote them in the interim. Motion was made to accept the nominations report. It was carried and supported. iii. The Ad-Hoc Committee Report Rev Art VanderMeulen gave the report on the Response to the President's State of Religion Report of the Spring Stated Session Reverends Art VanderMeulen, Art VanSlageren, and Peter Burrill served on the committee. Recommendation: That this evaluative tool be approved for use in the churches of the Classis of Ontario; and sent to them annually for such use. The recommendation was seconded and carried The motion was made and seconded to amend the value statement #1 by adding the word sacraments. The motion carried. The motion was made and seconded to disband the ad-hoc committee. The motion carried. President s report was given by Rev Art VanderMeulen Recommendation: 1. The recommendation was made that the classis convene an assembly of representatives of its member churches, for the purpose of receiving teaching, having discussion and offering prayer, about the biblical nature of the church and its ministry and giving direction to the classis about that ministry within one year; and that the executive committee appoint persons to carry this out. Motion was made and supported to approve this recommendation. The motion was made to table these recommendation, seconded and carried 2. The recommendation was made that the classis assign to the overtures and judicial business committee the task of formulating an overture, to be presented to the spring 2011 stated session of the Classis of Ontario (for te 2011 General Synod) requesting from the General Synod of the RCA t host an assembly of representatives from within the RCA, for the purpose of receiving biblical teach, having discussion, and spending time in prayer, about the biblical nature of the church and its ministry. Classis of Ontario Page

10 The motion was made and supported to approve this recommendation The motion was made to table these recommendation was supported and carried. b. The Church Planning and Development Committee: Rev Humberto Lopes gave the report. The Classis heard a report from Jose Garreton about the ministry in One Body Ministries. Recommendations: 1. To approve the following budget for 2011: i. $ 6,000 to Welland Community Church. ii. 10,000 to be taken as a new fund for church assessment and revitalization rethinking initiative. iii. $ 20,000 for One Boy Ministries iv. $ 2,000 coaching for planters and training Total: $ 38, The above budget will be taken: i. $ 28, from assessments ii. $ 10, from reserve Discussion ensued regarding what was the assessment process they are envisioning. The motion was made and seconded to approve this recommendation. It was carried. 2. Recommend the approval of Maitland Community Reformed Church closure in accordance to the congregation desire and understanding and with a special closing service on November 27, Cindy Hayes read a report from the consistory about the decision to close the church in Maitland. 3. In this process, the CP&D recommends that Rev Janine Dekker severance package and use the parsonage be referred to the Classis Executive. The motion was supported and carried. The motion was made and seconded to approve this recommendation. It was carried. The elder of our host congregation, Herb Hystek, from First Reformed Church in Chatham read from the Proverbs, and read a short devotional on joy. He led the Classis in prayer for blessing on the lunch time. c. The Overtures and Judicial Business Committee: Mr Carl Visser gave the report to the Classis. Recommendations: 1) A request was received from the Executive committee to amend paragraph 76a of the Rules of Order to add, Aand recommend the inclusion of a new church start in the denominational plan. Classis of Ontario Page

11 The paragraph would then read: 76. As the Advisory Committee of the Classis in Church Planning and Development: a. Look for opportunities for starting new churches or re-organizing existing churches in cooperation with the Regional Synod's Program Secretary and recommend the inclusion of a new church start in the denominational plan. b. When asked, assist churches in assessing the prospects of relocation. c. Recommend the organization of an unorganized church, when, in its judgment, a church is ready to organize. This change clarifies a question and removes doubt of responsibility for the matter. Classis approved this change in principle at the Spring 2010 Stated session and we recommend second reading to change the rule. The motion was made, supported and carried. 2) The committee was also requested to consider the following change to paragraph 87 by the Executive for the Spring 2010 Session: 87.The committee shall authorize the treasurer to: a) Pay travel and other reasonable expenses to committee members upon written request of the committee chairperson, accompanied by all pertinent documentation to support the expenses. Reimbursement for public transportation shall be on the basis of the lowest fare available for the least expensive mode of transportation. The kilometre rate for reimbursement of motor vehicle travel shall be paid at the rate set by the Classis. b.) Reimburse one driver from each member church for kilometres travelled at half the rate set by Classis to and from a Stated Session of Classis. In addition, reimburse other members of Classis and the students of Classis who reside more than 15 kilometres from an organized church for kilometres travelled at half the rate set by Classis to and from a Stated Session of Classis to a maximum of $ Reimburse the students of Classis for actual travel expenses to the Student Examination Session of Classis to a maximum of $ per student. Reimburse actual expenses for members or students or other guests of Classis when authorized to do so by the Executive Committee. The Classis approved the change in principle and referred the change back to the Executive Committee, General Finance Committee and Overtures and Judicial Business Committee for further consideration and rewording for final approval at this session. All three committees studied the matter. The intent was to more fairly compensate those who are required to attend Classis sessions especially students, retired ministers and other members who do not reside near an established church without impacting the budget adversely. The final wording as presented below seeks to meet the criteria by reducing the rates paid in most cases but compensating the members who are required to attend Classis sessions. Your committee recommends second reading approval to change the rule. Classis of Ontario Page

12 87. The committee shall authorize the treasurer to: A.) Pay travel and other reasonable expenses to committee members upon written request of the committee chairperson, accompanied by all pertinent documentation to support the expenses. Reimbursement for public transportation shall be on the basis of the lowest fare available for the least expensive mode of transportation. The kilometer rate for reimbursement of motor vehicle travel shall be paid at three quarters of the rate set by the Classis based on the approved pastor's salary guidelines. B.) Reimburse one driver from each member church for kilometers travelled by motor vehicle at half the rate set by Classis based on the approved pastor's salary guidelines to and from a Stated Session of Classis. In addition reimburse other members of Classis who are not directly associated with an organized church of the Classis, who reside more than 15 kilometers from an organized church of the Classis and for whom carpooling is not possible for public transportation on the basis of the lowest fare available for the least expensive mode of transportation or kilometers travelled by motor vehicle at half the rate set by Classis based on the approved pastor's salary guidelines, to and from a Stated Session of Classis to a maximum of $ per member. C) Reimburse the students of Classis for public transportation on the basis of the lowest fare available for the least expensive mode of transportation or kilometers travelled by motor vehicle at the rate set by Classis based on the approved pastor's salary guidelines, to the Annual Student Examination Session of Classis to a maximum of $ per student. D) Reimburse actual expenses for members, students or guests of Classis when authorized to do so in writing by the Executive Committee of Classis. The motion was made and supported. The motion was carried. Motion was made that receive this report as a whole was supported and carried. d. The Pastoral Relations Committee: Rev Henry Dekorte gave the report on behalf of the committee. Recommendation: The motion to receive the report was supported and carried. As approved at the Fall 2010 Classis meeting, the following churches will be asked to present a report: Bethel Reformed Church, Brantford; First Reformed Church, Chatham; and, Bethel Reformed Church, Exeter. The following Churches will be asked to report at the 2011 Spring Stated Session of the Classis: Bethel Reformed Church, Exeter, Forestview Reformed Church in Grimsby, Faith Reformed Church in Kingsville, and Immanuel Reformed Church in London. Classis of Ontario Page

13 Motion was made that receive this report as a whole was supported and carried. e. The Student Care and Examinations Committee: Rev Ken Labbe gave the report to the Classis. The Recommendations: The Classis went into executive session for the next two motions: Motion to give Joellen Poot the privilege of the floor. She introduced herself to the Classis, and explained that she is in a dual track program of social work and M.Div. The motion was made, supported and carried to accept Joellen under the care of Classis. The motion that we accept the examination of Jose Garreton on the Adherence of the Standards of the RCA which was given. The motion was supported and carried. That this report be received by Classis as a whole was supported and carried. f. The Discipleship Committee: Rev Janine Dekker gave the report to the Classis. Rev Dekker gave an update on the retreat that was held a weekend ago. UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars for these upcoming events: a. Making Disciples Jesus Way: A Few at a Time. Greg Ogden is the speaker on Saturday November 6, The Classis will hear more about this retreat as time goes on, and plans are finalized. b. The Spring Break Youth Ministry in Kentucky is also open for our young people and churches are encouraged to make this known to the congregation. The RCWM were represented by Deb Van Hoeve and Christine Labbe. Deb gave a short report on their transitions that are taking place in their group. MOTION: To accept this report as received as a whole was supported and carried. g. The Christian Social Action Committee: The Committee has no report. h. Special and Ad-hoc Committees: Motion to take the President s report off the table was made, support and carried. Recommendations: 1. The recommendation was made that the classis convene an assembly of representatives of its member churches, for the purpose of receiving teaching, having discussion and offering prayer, about the biblical nature of the church and its ministry and giving direction to the classis about that ministry within one year; and that the executive committee appoint persons to carry this out. Motion was made to refer this matter to the Executive committee for further study and to Classis of Ontario Page

14 bring back to the Spring Session of the Classis was supported to approve this recommendation. 2. The recommendation was made that the classis assign to the overtures and judicial business committee the task of formulating an overture, to be presented to the spring 2011 stated session of the Classis of Ontario (for te 2011 General Synod) requesting from the General Synod of the RCA to host an assembly of representatives from within the RCA, for the purpose of receiving biblical teach, having discussion, and spending time in prayer, about the biblical nature of the church and its ministry. Motion was made to refer this matter to the Executive committee for further study and to bring back to the Spring Session of the Classis was supported to approve this recommendation. Motion was made that receive the full Executive Committee Report as a whole was supported and carried. i. General Finance Committee: Mr Jim VandenBerg gave the report on behalf of the committee. Recommendations: 1. To approve the proposed Ministers' Minimum Salary and Benefits Guidelines for 2011, as presented. The motion was made and supported and carried. 2. To approve the proposed budget for For the Budget, which totalled $301,374, $ 10, will be taken from the reserve for the CP&D budget. The motion was made and supported and carried. 3. To approve the funds from Harriston church property sale approximately $66,000 to CP&D reserves. The motion was made and supported and carried. 4. The appointment for auditors Diana Krull and Gordon Klassen was made as a motion. The motion was supported and carried. To receive this report as a whole. The recommendation was made that the Classis receives the report as a whole was supported and carried. 14. REPORTS OF CHURCHES WITHOUT A PASTOR: The following Churches made an oral report to the Classis: Cambridge Rita VanderBerg gave us the report on the church s behalf. Mississauga Christine Woudenberg gave an upbeat report. Stoney Creek Jerry Keunen reported things are going well. Wainfleet Fred Leeuwen had the pleasure of updating on the ministry at Maranatha Woodstock Henry Bruines gave the report about Emmanuel Reformed Church. Rev VanderMeulen gave his thanks to the churches who gave their written reports as attached to the agenda. The reports were: Brantford and Chatham. The President also encouraged us to read the reports sent in by minister in the Specialized Ministries of the Classis. Classis of Ontario Page

15 15. REPORT OF SESSION COMMITTEES: a. Consistorial Minutes and Board of Elders Minutes: Elder Henry Bruines gave the report. The following churches did not send Guelph, Toronto LaSenda Del Amor, Toronto New Life, Welland. The Clerk will ask these churches to submit their minutes Motion was made that this report for information. The motion was supported and carried. b. Leave of Absence: The Stated Clerk reported that several people had requested to leave early. Elder from Exeter, Teo Van Steeg, Rev John Kapteyn, and the Toronto Vida Nova delegation left after lunch. Also asking to leave early is Rev Art Van Slageren and elder from St Cahterines, as well as Elder Herb Hystek needed to leave early in the afternoon. c. Accounts: Rev Ken Ramsay gave the report. He reported that the Classis expense for this meeting is $ The motion was made, supported and carried that these expenses be approved. d. Resolutions: The following report was given by Rev Les Boyd of Thorold: Let it be resolved that with thanksgiving to God, the Ontario Classis gives thanks to the Pastor, consistory and congregation of the First Reformed Church in Chatham for their hosting our Stated Session; and that we are thankful for those who prepared and served us breakfast and lunch; the Classis of Ontario gives thanks to Rev John Drost for his fifty years of ministry among the people of God; and, the Classis of Ontario gives thanks to whose who have served on the various committees and whose terms are finishing today. The following resolution was added: Be it resolved that the Ontario Classis gives thanks and praise to God for the ministry of the Maitland Community Reformed Church and of her pastor, Rev Janine Dekker, for for God s blessing upon them for future directions. The motion was made, supported and carried to accept these resolutions. 16. CLOSING OF CLASSIS: The Spring Stated Session of the Classis of Ontario will take place at on March 5, 2011 at the Drayton Reformed Church in Drayton Ontario. Motion to adjourn was made. The closing the Classis meeting was entrusted to our President, Rev Art VanderMeulen, Classis of Ontario Page

16 who closed the meeting with prayer and the benediction of God s favour. Humbly Offered: Rev Abram Blaak Classis Stated Clerk Rev Art VanderMeulen Classis President (Chair) The following Churches will be asked to report at the 2011 Spring Stated Session of the Classis: Bethel Reformed Church, Exeter, Forestview Reformed Church in Grimsby, Faith Reformed Church in Kingsville, and Immanuel Reformed Church in London. Classis of Ontario Page